Antony Johnston's "The Dog Sitter Detective Takes the Lead" is a delightful cozy mystery that blends humor, intrigue, and a love for our four-legged friends. The story follows Gwinny Tuffel, an amateur sleuth who stumbles into a mystery while dog sitting. As she juggles her new pet care business and an unexpected crime investigation, Gwinny's sharp instincts and love for dogs become key to unraveling the case.

Johnston's writing is engaging and light-hearted, with a cast of quirky characters that add charm and personality to the narrative. The plot is well-paced, filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. The dog-sitting element adds a unique and endearing touch, making this mystery stand out in the cozy genre.

"The Dog Sitter Detective Takes the Lead" is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries who enjoy a mix of humor, heart, and a bit of canine companionship. It's a fun, feel-good read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Gwinny's next adventure.

This is the second in a new-to-me series. Since I do a lot of pet sitting as my side hustle, I had to read this ARC when I can across it. And in general I liked it, but I had one big problem with the main character. At first, I though, finally, a main character who is 60, single, childless, but not an old maid, retired and depressed. Finally, a mature woman resuming her career after some years spent as a caregiver, who is not ashamed of her colorful past bu who has learned some very valuable lessons, who is still very much adventurous and eager for new experiences. I thought I'd love Gwinny. And I liked her, until she spend her first night dog sitting poking into her client's home, hacking into his computer on Avery flimsy pretense. Seriously, a need to film herself reciting her very few lines for the local play? Gwinny is a retired actress making a comeback; this should have been easy for her. And even if I by that excuse, her first instinct is not to film herself on her phone but to break into her client's computer and use his sophisticated recoding equipment? I know she undertakes that action because the author needed that plot device in the story, but I thought of a much better and more clever and natural way for that same information to come Ginny's way that did not involve her doing some very illegal hacking. As a dog and cat sitter myself, if I did that at a client's house, my career in pet sitting would be over. I hated the cavalier way that was treated. And unfortunately, that tainted my enjoyment of the book. I will read another, because I like the premise of the series a lot, but if Gwinny continues to engage in questionable behavior like this, I'll be sorely disappointed. Recommended but not as wholeheartedly as the other books this month.

Gwinny is preparing for her first acting role but she dog sits on the side. Rockstar Crash Double needs help with his Border Collie, she jumps at it. However, the rockstar’s body is found and the police think it’s an accident but Gwinny isn’t convinced.

I enjoyed this book more than the first book in the series. I liked getting to know Gwinny and Birch better as well as seeing the adorable Ronnie and meeting Ace, who was such a funny character. Speaking of characters, the police officers in the spook just seemed absolutely useless. I often questioned whether they were actually investigating the crime properly or not, because of how they were written because police officers aren’t even that incompetent in real life and wouldn’t just let two 60 year olds basically lead the investigation and find the culprit. Definitely a part where you have to suspend belief in order for the story to work. Although, I often find myself wanting to more from the characters as they don’t come across as multi faceted, which is a shame as they definitely have potential.

I also wish that racism and ableism didn’t make an appearance in this book because it was so unnecessary and should have been edited out. There is also language used about suicide that isn’t correct like “committed suicide”, which instead should be died by suicide or lost his life to suicide as “committed” implies suicide is a sin or crime. This language reinforces the stigma surrounding suicide so by changing the language used, it strips away the shame and blame element.

A lot of aspects of this book were predictable and some things often lacked logic because they didn’t make sense. Despite this, I definitely enjoyed the plot more than the first book and found myself genuinely curious about what was going to happen. Although, I feel like this curiosity was short lived when everything doesn’t get revealed until around the last 10%, which just felt rushed. Overall, I am glad that I decided to give this one a go instead of giving up the series. On the other hand, I don’t think I will be continuing this series if there are any further instalments.

⚠️ CWs: derogatory language, racism, vomit, cheating, drug use, ableism, murder, cursing; mentions death, sexual assault ⚠️

I read the first book of this series last year and reviewed it on my blog. I am glad I gave the next in the series a shot because I am starting to enjoy the author’s writing style and the lead protagonist more after this visit.

Gwinny found work at the end of the previous book in both her original field and as a dog-sitter. This time around, we get to see how she fares in both of those roles. In her professional acting life, she has more surprises in store than she would have liked. As a dog-sitter, she likes her charges and enjoys keeping them active, so when she gets a call from a musician to care for his dog when he goes on tour, Gwinny accepts.

As expected in books like this, someone does turn up dead shortly once all the extra characters are introduced. Gwinny is openly curious and meddles without even giving much of a reason as to why she does it. Her romantic life is handled delicately and simply, making it interesting to watch unfold.

I guessed the culprit quite early in the investigation because of what the author mentions. This did not affect my overall reading experience since I enjoyed the writing more than the plot itself.

I would recommend this series to fans of the genre who like the idea of a more mature and reasonably steady protagonist.

I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

The story, set in Little Venice, follows the MFC Gwinny who joins forces with a border collie called Ace to solve the mysterious murder of the Irish rockstar, Crash.

I love that this book actually is mainly about a dog and is not misleading in the title, and I loved how Gwinny and Ace built a bond and worked together to solve this cute crime story.

I found this a light easy read, which was enjoyable and had me laughing in parts. I didn't realise it was one in a series of books so I will definitely be reading the others, but it worked really well as a standalone too.

I received a review copy of this book from Allison & Busby via NetGalley for which my thanks.

Recent years have seen several mysteries (among other titles) with older characters among which the Dog Sitter Detective series is one, but from the (few) I’ve read so far, what stood out in this book was how these characters weren’t all retired or living in retirement communities or isolated lives—some were continuing with or turning to new careers, while our main character Gwinny was returning to hers, in a sense starting afresh.

Gwinny Tuffel is sixty years old and returning to her acting career after a 10-year hiatus when she was taking care of her father who was ill. Now after his death and money becoming tight, despite her still having the family home in affluent Chelsea, she must return to work. While she has secured a part in a play (which doesn’t quite turn out as promised), to make ends meet, she is also taking up dog-sitting jobs. In this book, the second in the series (which I hadn’t realised when requesting, though it wasn’t a problem at all) Gwinny is called by a former Irish rock star Crash Double who lives on a narrow boat in Little Venice to look after his dog Ace, a border collie, while he is away for an annual weekend gig with former bandmate Johnny Roulette in Dublin.

But while Gwinny goes to the boat and takes over Ace’s care as discussed, not long after, Crash’s body surfaces in the canal, right in the middle of the annual carnival, which Gwinny has been roped into joining. Her friend/love interest, retired police detective Birch and his dog Ronnie are close at hand. But though the case is being handled by Birch’s old boss, she isn’t inclined to accept that the incident is anything more than a suicide. Gwinny, needless to say, thinks otherwise and dives right into the investigation, digging into everyone and everything connected with Crash. Secrets are revealed and Gwinny’s suspicions deepened and it is up to her (and Birch) to get to the bottom of things.

This was a fun cosy read with an interesting mystery (with a fair few suspects and possibilities), quirky characters and the dogs adding to one’s enjoyment. I also enjoyed returning to the Little Vencie setting which I explored in another cosy read last year.

There are two dogs in the book, Ace whom Gwinny is looking after and Ronnie who belongs to Birch and we get to know them all through—Ace’s border collie characteristics are brought out well in the things he does and his reactions to situations (including herding just about anyone—human or animal) as are Ronnie lab traits, showing us that the author does know his dogs. Ace is also highly energetic and must have cardboard boxes to tear, and Crash has taught him to dance with him to Irish songs as well. While the dogs have their individual personalities and are very much a part of the book, they aren’t as such part of the investigations, even if always with Gwinny and Birch (and they’re absolutely safe all the way through). I very much liked how the title worked in two meanings, both Gwinny taking the ‘lead’ in the investigation as well as getting Ace to go on a lead, something he isn’t used to.

The mystery was nicely done with a range of suspects all of whom had reasons to do away with Crash. As Gwinny looks into things, plenty of secrets are revealed, some more unsavoury than others leaving readers (and indeed Gwinny) with plenty of possibilities. The solution that was revealed was not the kind one could have guessed at but a satisfying one nonetheless.

Besides the mystery and dogs, we also get an idea of Gwinny’s life and work (especially trouble getting work because of her age, but also some interesting consequences that the modern-day world ends up having for her), as well as her friendship with Birch who is quite conventional and formal, addressing Gwinny as ‘Maam’ at all times and their ‘dates’ so far simply friendly meetings, though there is deeper interest. Gwinny also has to have her house repaired (despite lacking the funds) and must deal with her next-door neighbour, Lady Ragley, more or less breathing down her neck to have it done. I liked that Gwinny also does jigsaws which I enjoy as well.

Overall, a book that I enjoyed reading and a series I’d like to explore more of (also interestingly my second ‘tail wagging’ book of the year already)!

Gwinny is how I'd like to be when I'm older. Fun, independent and not caring about what anyone thinks, she's the perfect detective. With her canine companion and a retired policeman, Gwinny navigates the houseboat community of Little Venice. The cast of characters is diverse and each has a motive and the book will leave you guessing until the end. The setting is unique but still feels like the typical closed-room murder mystery. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of this series.

The Dog Sitter Detective Takes the Lead is book 2 of the cozy Dog Sitter Detective Series. Antony Johnston, author, is a former vice chair of the Crime Writers’ Association and a member of the International Thriller Writers. My anticipation for this book increased when I read his dedication “for rescue workers and foster carers everywhere.” This is a man with a heart.
Gwinny Tuffel, an amateur dog sitter, finds herself with a client named Ace. She is dog-sitting for an elderly Irish rockstar named Crash Double, who was found floating in the canal instead of performing in Dublin as planned. The story revolves around the dynamic between Crash and Ace, who dance to music. I adored the exuberant nature of Chance and Ace dancing together. See this in Johnston’s words. DCI Alan Birch, a retired senior detective, is also a part of the action. He controls his dog as it playfully tries to dunk Gwinny. The mystery is satisfying, with the pacing at which material is revealed and the substantial nature of the mystery. The story is filled with cryptic clues that Gwinny recognizes later. It’s recommended for dog walkers, actors, and readers interested in self-producing and selling records. Certainly, fans of amateur sleuth mysteries and cozy animal mysteries. Thanks to NetGalley and publishers Allison & Busby for the arc I used to write my voluntary and honest evaluation.

The second in this cozy series. I hadn’t read the first, but this didn't really matter so can be read as a standalone. The setting was interesting as I'm not familiar with Little Venice and I'm always up for a dog involved in the mystery. The suspects are the usual lot of quirky character's often found in Cozies. The mystery is well written and full of twists and turns. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Gwinny Tuffel is back in this brilliant sequel.
This time Gwinny is houseboat sitting, looking after a border collie called Ace, whose owner, Crash Double, an ageing rock star is away on tour.
When his bandmate rings, asking Gwinny to hurry Crash along, she is confused as she’d received a text message that morning saying he was on the way to the airport.
Unfortunately Crash never even made it out of London, as a body is found in the canal late that day.
Gwinny suspects murder rather than an accident and is determined to solve this curious murder.
What follows is a whole host of suspects and some far fetched motives, that if I’m being honest were a bit repetitive, but it’s still a cosy enough, lighted hearted mystery.
Thanks @antonyjohnston, @allisonandbusby & @netgalley for the fabulous read.

I was very happy to catch up with Gwinny, her detective friend, Rufus and Ace (the canine part).
It's a twisty and highly entertaining mystery that made me discovery a part of London I never see and have a lot of fun.
Well plotted, entertaining, it kept me guessing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Johnston's second Dog Sitter Detective brings back Gwinny but introduces a new dog.

Set in Little Venice, among the boating community of London, Gwinny is dog-sitting for an ageing Irish rockstar, suppose to be off playing a gig in Dublin but actually found floating in the canal.

Gwinny and ace detective er Ace, a border collie take on the mystery over, paws ahead of the local detectives and running rings around the characters living on the canal.

Good fun, nice and comfortably cosy and importantly no dogs are harmed!

The Dog Sitter Detective is back and better than ever before! I thoroughly enjoyed Gwinny’s first outing, but “Takes the Lead” is an even more brilliant and entertaining second entry in the series.

The second in this cozy series. I hadn’t read the first, but this seems to work well as a standalone.
Our protagonist, Gwinny wants to recharge her acting career on the stage. She needs the work as her house is falling into disrepair and she needs the funds. Unfortunately, after landing a part and starting to learn her lines, she is bumped from playing the part she wanted to a lesser part. This unfortunate turn of events leads to Gwinny taking on a dog-sitting job. The client is an excitable border collie, Ace whose owner is an aging rock star. Crash Double. Crash lives in a bohemian community on a houseboat in Little Venice, but is off to Dublin to play in a gig to celebrate his band’s anniversary. When he doesn’t turn up in Dublin, but does turn up dead in the canal, the police’s first instinct is accident, but Gwinny doesn’t think so.
This is a reasonable enough cosy mystery. Not badly written, but a little bit long-winded and repetitive in places. I couldn’t quite take to Gwinny, the lead. I found her entitled and a little too full of herself. The book seemed to centre around her rather than around the crime. Plus, I didn’t think her aging romance with retired detective inspector Alan Birch worked that well either.
In summary, a pleasant enough read, but nothing too striking.
My thanks to Netgalley, Antony Johnston, and Allison & Busby for the ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

A new case, and most importantly a new dog - Ace, a typically 'must be doing something' Border Collie, complete with asymmetric ears. I had never before encountered the description "eine poppen, eine floppen" before, and don't know whether it's a pre-existing phrase or a Johnston invention like the various garbled sayings of the sceptical copper who gets in the way of the investigation here, but either way I love it, even if/especially because it does sound a bit Neil Patrick Harris Toymaker. And while I obviously approve of the dogs always being the cover stars, I note with mild dismay the zwei poppen in this depiction. No, autocorrect, not Zweig poppen, that would be much worse.

But because this isn't wholly a dog ears book (DYSWIDT? Also, yes, I probably would read that): I did wonder if the timeframe might be a bit too convenient in terms of minimising interference from the subplot, wherein Gwinny's attempts to restart her acting career take a blow after she belatedly gets bumped from playing the mum to the grandma in a new play. I was expecting more interplay, but bar a brief appearance by her annoying replacement, the investigation all takes place over a bank holiday between rehearsals. That aside, the mystery is satisfying, in particular the rate at which information is teased out, and for me felt more solid, less of a subgenre formality than in the first book. In place of an (updated, admittedly) country house killing, this time it's a floating body among the bourgeois bohemian boaters of Little Venice, which while still very much cosy, feels a little more recognisable and real a world. Even the occasional silly names of the debut outing are gone (well, except for a couple of semi-retired rock stars, where daft stage names are entirely plausible). Plus, after a while reading Campion and Wimsey, their cards always kept so close to the chest, it's a refreshing contrast how Gwinny can go off half-cocked when she has some but it turns out not all of the story - probably a lot closer to how most of us would fare as amateur sleuths. And did I mention that Ace is a very good dog?

(Netgalley ARC)

Gwinny taks on the job of dog sitting the border collie of Crash Double, a member of the band Bad Dice. He is off to Dublin for the weekend for a gig to mark their anniversary.

When his bandmate rings and asks her to hurry him along, she is baffled as he had sent her a text message at 6am saying he was on the say to the airport. When his body emerges in the canal the next day it seems things are as simple as they seem. However the Police seem convinced it was an accident, Gwinny and Birch are unsure and decide to investigate themselves.

A nice cozy tale.