In A Fatal Twist by Tracy Weber, Kate must prove one of her yoga students innocent of murder. The puppies and the clues are wild. I do recommend this for all cozy fans.

It was a pleasant reading, fast with many twists, the end surprised me very much. The protagonist is intelligent, very nice and friend of all, really adorable. I also really enjoyed the set, a cruise to the Caribbean. Fiath is on a cruise with her boyfriend Ted, his ex-wife and his daughter, a not very pleasant company. To complicate the situation there is a theft of jewelry and some suspicious deaths.
It can be read as a standalone, even if it is the fifth in the series, there is a lot of information to understand the previous installments.

I love Tracy Weber's books! Her human characters read like people from my own neighborhood, and of course, I love the dogs. The everyday things Kate goes through (dog with medical issues, showing her dog how to use the doggy door, assisting her pregnant friend, taking care of puppies her boyfriend brings home) are the perfect balance to her sleuthing skills. Although this book is part of a series, you can easily read it as a standalone. This is one of my favorite cozy series of all time.

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to download this title before it was archived

I have never attempted Yoga and I don't currently have a dog but I do like a good mystery series. This series fits the bill nicely. This entry is as good as the previous books, maybe even better. I would advice reading them in order to get the most out of the relationships but, if reading a series out of order works for you, you will still get a very well written and well plotted mystery. I know I will have the next in this series on my must read list.

Copy kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm going to DNF this because I put it aside earlier and it has been so long since then that I doubt I will pick it back up. I remember thinking this was a bit weird and was the reason I put it down. I have alot of other ARC's and books to get through and this wasn't interesting enough for me to want to continue, unfortunately.

A Fatal Twist
A Downward Dog Mystery #4
Tracy Weber
Midnight Ink, January 2017
ISBN 978-0-7387-4878-9
Trade Paperback

From the publisher—

Yoga instructor Kate Davidson’s life takes a chaotic turn once she agrees to not only be the doula for her pregnant best friend, but also play foster mother to two puppies. The chaos only gets worse when Kate finds the dead body of a philandering fertility doctor and Rachel, one of her yoga students, fleeing the scene.

Kate is convinced her student is innocent, and she sets out to find the real killer before her testimony condemns Rachel to a life behind bars. But her hands are full with caring for three dogs, teaching yoga classes, and gaining an unexpected crime-solving partner. If she’s not careful, Kate’s next yoga pose may be a fatal one.

Babies! They’re springing up everywhere, both humans and puppies, and Kate has her hands full learning to be a doula for her best friend, Rene, as she and her husband Sam await twins. In the meantime, Kate’s boyfriend, Michael, has brought home a pair of six-week-old abandoned labradoodles, Mutt and Jeff, and Kate agrees to foster them for a short while as long as Bella, her anxious German Shepherd with special needs, doesn’t get a chance to kill them.

First to get killed, though, is a doctor Kate knows superficially, a man who appears to have been as low as a man can be. His wife is a student of Kate’s and the killing happened in a birthing center where Rene plans to go so Kate has reasons to snoop among a plethora of girlfriends (current and ex), nurses and other doctors, not to mention prospective parents who might have had reasons to hate the fertility doc. She really needs to step in because all clues seem to nail the wife, Rachel, and the police don’t want to look further.

With each murder Kate encounters, she becomes more adept at investigating and at least one of the homicide detectives doesn’t really object so much because Kate frequently has something useful to offer. Humor abounds as does a cracking good sleuthfest, not to mention reminders of the perils of puppiedom and the joys and heartbreaks of animal rescue. Tracy Weber never lets me down.

This time, Rene would have been justified—and I would have approved—if she killed Sam who’s incredibly obnoxious and obsessed with what Rene eats. On the positive side, Bella and the puppies are delightful and I’m more enchanted with her than I was before, especially since she reminds me of my beloved granddog who also suffers from social anxiety around people and other dogs. All the characters I’ve come to enjoy are back, even the somewhat annoying ones, and I felt right at home with old friends.

On a personal note, I’ve been taking warm water Yogilates classes and have become more interested in the ins and outs of yoga. I actually paid more attention this time to Ms. Weber‘s pointers and got more out of it; I won’t say I’m ready for land yoga but I love the water kind and can’t help thinking how my instructors compare to Kate (other than running around looking for killers). I just need to figure out how to listen to these books on my iPod when I’m in the pool 😉

Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, April 2017.

A Fatal Twist is the fourth book in Tracy Weber's Downward Dog Mystery series and is truly a stand-alone read. One of the reasons I love this series is because one of the star characters is Bella, a rescued German Shepherd. And because Bella’s human Kate is a person working on bettering herself.

Why, why, why must Bella the dog always be left in the car? This should totally be illegal! I don't care that Kate parks in a parking garage and gives the dog water. You should never leave your dog in a car!!! Okay, now that I have gotten that off my chest.

A Fatal Twist finds Kate’s best friend Rene preparing to have her babies. Kate is going to be her doula and has been training under the watchful eye of a more experienced doula. At the grand opening of the new birthing wing of the hospital, Kate discovers the body of Dr. Richard Jones. Richard happens to be the husband of one of Kate’s yoga clients. However, Kate also knows him to be an adulterer and in the middle of several lawsuits. Kate tells the police she saw her client run past her and then discovered the body. This among other things leads the police to arrest her client. Now, Kate can't live with herself because she feels she pointed the police towards her client. She sets off to learn more about Richard, and clear her client’s name.

Tracy has written a wonderful mystery. Several people had reasons to want Richard dead. She did a wonderful job with her many red herrings. I love the way she has progressed this series. Tracy portrays Kate Davidson as a real person with real character flaws. What has really impressed me is that Tracy has taken Tiffany, a character that I loath and turned her into someone I actually find myself liking.

I can't wait for the next book in this series to see how much further Tracy takes all her characters and what new mystery Kate will find herself in.

The beginning of the book gives you general information, within the story, about who is who in Kate's life. It is a fun cozy mystery read and a wonderful page turner. For me, this novel is both a yoga and dog lover theme cozy I think each new book in this series gets better and better, and that is saying a lot, because they are all fantastic.

This is the fourth book in Tracy Weber's Downward Dog Mystery series. Each book is a delight to read! This is the definitive cozy mystery series This book does read as a stand alone however I highly recommend you start reading from first book in the series as they are all excellent reading. and each reader will love getting to know the protagonist and the supporting characters.
Fatal Twist is the perfect escape reading and I look forward to each in the series.. The protagonist is a smart, independent strong character that is both likable and believable. She is someone we all would like to know as a friend. She is a Yoga instructor who rescues pets, is a midwife and has many quality friends that all work within the story very well. The mystery is always well developed and crafted to entertain the most avid mystery reader. I was surprised pleasantly at the end after a excellent sleuth of twist and turns throughout the story. I love the smart writing, fast pace and wit of the authors writing. All in all I highly recommend this fine cozy series for all mystery fans. Thank you for the advance reading copy that did not influence my review. Cross posted to Amazon. A excellent read ! I look forward to the next in the series.

What a super cosy murder mystery book this is! Although this is the fourth book in the series and I hadn’t read any of the others, I felt very at home reading it. The beginning of the book gives you general information, within the story, about who is who in Kate Davidson’s life, the super sleuth when things take a turn for the worse. Kate leads a very busy life trying to fit in her yoga business, live in boyfriend, he is so sweet, and her gorgeous dog Bella. Have I mentioned her love of animals, especially dogs and more especially Bella  who is a most unsocial dog ever where other dogs are concerned, and some humans well most humans.
Kate not only runs classes for her yoga business she also works in hospital with pregnant women to help them reduce high blood pressure and the other conditions related to pregnancy besides supporting them as a Doula  when they are in labour. It is when a new wing of the hospital is being opened that that Kate discovers the body of a dead man, the husband of one of her ladies in the yoga classes she runs.
What a cracking story this is, well two mysteries that Kate has to solve really, one the murder of the lying cheating douchebag and the other the mystery of who left the two very mischievous puppies outside her boyfriend’s work place. It all makes for one thoroughly funny and entertaining reads. What a gem!
I wish to thank Netgalley and Midnight Ink for the opportunity to read and review this book

A FATAL TWIST by Tracy Weber
The Fourth Downward Dog Mystery

While training to be a doula, Kate witnesses an ugly scene involving a cheating doctor, his mistress, and a nurse. The ugly scene replays when Kate accompanies Rene and Sam to the opening of a new birthing center, where Rene will be giving birth. This time, however, the nurse in question isn't a co-worker, but his wife! Afterward, Kate nearly collides with said wife, who is also her yoga student, running from the employee break room. As Kate enters in an attempt to clean up after a culinary dispute between her friends, she discovers the murdered body of the philandering doctor.

Murder isn't the only mayhem in Kate's life, however. Michael has brought two rescued puppies into their household. Cute as anything, but just as rambunctious and destructive, the two are bent on wreaking havoc. Will Kate survive being involved in yet another murder as Michael attempts to be a puppy foster father?

Tracy Weber has once again delivered a smart, funny mystery with some down to earth realism. Animals are wonderful companions, but in reality, everything is not sunshine and roses. Issues evolve and hard, unhappy decisions must be faced. Tracy Weber does not shy away from these harsh realities while she also shines a light on the horror of backyard breeders.

I find the development of the characters fascinating, especially Tiffany and her relationship with Kate. While I would have happily called the police and had Tiffany hauled to jail in KARMA'S A KILLER, it seems Kate's actions may have been more appropriate. All of the characters are growing and I enjoy seeing the happy progression.

The mystery itself is complex with a dastardly victim and lots of suspects with plenty of motives. In addition to the murder, there is a second crime, which at first seems a totally separate issue, but eventually has readers wondering if they may be connected after all. The mystery, the characters, the humor, and the important dog and rescue knowledge imparted combine to make A FATAL TWIST a mystery not to be missed.

I was excited to read another installment in this series again. I previously read the first installment and thoroughly enjoyed it!! This book was no different. I thoroughly enjoy books whose setting is in the Seattle area.

The author has created characters that are fun and entertaining. I enjoy their interaction with one another, along with the side story away from the crime. These elements to me make it a more enjoyable book. I also thought the doula aspect was interesting. Not something I would ever entertain myself, but enjoyed learning about it and its purpose.

Kate and Tiffany’s relationship really grows in this book. Since I missed the prior two books, I’m interested to learn exactly what their relationship was before this book. There is mention of how Tiffany came to be working for her so you’re not completely lost.

I highly recommend this book (and series) to all readers!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Kate’s new role as a friend’s doula for her the birth of her child takes her into new territory, a local medical center. Unfortunately, she still finds a dead body. A doctor she knows is having an affair AND she witnesses one of her yoga students leaving the scene of the crime. She is also dealing with Michael bringing home 2 abandoned puppies. Bella handles the dogs better than Kate expected at first but with her medical issues these extra roommates may not be a good idea long term. So dogs, doula, murder investigation, and oh yeah her full time job teaching yoga. It is going to take more than meditation to get Kate through all this.

I am always excited when a new book comes out in this series.

In A Fatal Twist, all my favorite characters are back and two that could barely stand to be in the same room with the other form a bond and a surprising friendship. Both characters have truly evolved and as a reader that is so important as a series continues. It is the key that keeps us coming back for each new story. I also loved pregnant Rene, she is just priceless, she had me laughing out loud so many times I lost count.

We also learn what it means to be a doula. Kate learns it is much more detailed that she thought and readers gain insight as well. I wish I would have had one for my children’s births.

The author clearly know her subject being a yoga teacher herself. She has a keen insight to take her passion and craft mystery stories around it. She has done this now 4 times and I hope she continues for quite some time. In this installment, she twists things around and around making extremely unexpected connections that propel readers through the story at a pretty rapid pace. There is always something happening, never a lull, hence not a good stopping point, making it very hard to put down even though it is way past bedtime.

I have several reasons for loving these stories, there is always a great mystery, the characters are genuine and continue to grow, relationships are fluid, there is humor in all the right places and I always learn something new.

Years ago, after the accident that left my right side paralyzed, I had a doctor suggest I try yoga. I could never imagine how I could do yoga when I can’t move one side of my body or even get down and up off the floor without help. But in this story Kate has a class, South Bath, where people lie on their mats in a comfortable position, such a Corpse Pose, covered with a blanket while a concert of drums, chimes, bamboo sticks and vocalizations happens around them in a candlelit room. It is said to have a soothing effect and helps to center the person. Now that is something I could do, as long as there was someone to help me get to the floor and off it when class ended. 🙂 It is something I would love to try.

This light mystery set in Seattle delivers on the promise of the cover. A bright and smoothly written story, A yoga teacher training to be a doula stumbles across a body, and as she has met most of the suspects, starts investigating. Mix in a loving boyfriend, one rescue dog and two crazed puppies and a couple hours diversion is set. Good quality of writing/editing and depth to characters - fun if you've always wondered what the yoga instructor is thinking!
Although this is book 4 in the series, but I had no problem diving in.

Kate is the main character in this cozy mystery. She has a great sense of empathy for others and I loved how she was determined to make sure the right killer was charged. She has one of these keen senses that lets her know when something is not right. I loved how the author talked about Kate learning to be a doula. I found it very interesting and learned something new. The yoga was so well described I think I could easily do some after reading the techniques that Kate does.

Kate is attending an open house at Lake Washington Medical Center where the new birthing facility is opening. It is a grand place with modern technology and all the comforts to make the parents feel relaxed. I can say when I had my kids I just remember a sterile room with boring ceilings and nurses bothering me constantly. As Kate excuses herself from the party after a mishap with a cake , she stumbles upon the body of a doctor. I will say this doctor was not well liked and the suspects are numerous.

I really like Kate's boyfriend Michael. He is such an easy going person and is quite the catch for Kate. When he brings home two cute little abandoned puppies starving for attention, Kate knows she is going to have to break the news to Bella her dog. Mutt and Jeff as Michael calls them will turn out to be a handful. I laughed at their shenanigans and loved reading about how they tried so hard to be good. I have to say reading about them was one of the highlights of the book. It brought a little fun to the story and made readers aware of puppy mills.

The story has some serious moments that I thought were well placed in the story such as fertility issues, losing a child and the mistreatment of animals. Kate never gives up on trying to shuffle through potential suspects to get answers. I liked how she was able to question people without being to obvious. Well there is one or two that get upset with her, but she keeps going . Will she figure out who the killer is? The book does slow in some areas as it seems the murder is not the focal point of the story at times. I did enjoy the book but honestly I think it was a bit off balance between the murder, the puppies, affairs and relationship and fertility issues. Sometimes there can be too much going on that the main theme in the book gets lost.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my honest opinion.

In this fourth installment of the Downward Dog Mysteries series, yoga instructor Kate Davidson’s life takes yet another turn toward complete chaos. First, she agrees to play doula to her close friend who is expecting twins any minute, when her partner decides to foster two adorable but endlessly destructive pups who stress Kate’s digestively-challenged German Shepherd, Bella. To make matters worse, Kate’s friend is charged with the murder of her husband, a rather obnoxious, unfaithful fertility doctor.

Award-winning author Tracy Weber writes a solid mystery that will keep the reader guessing until the end. However, what makes Weber’s books so enjoyable is her humor. Kate is not your stereotypical yogini. Instead, she’s trying to find patience just like the rest of us, and she often describes her situation in terms that will have readers chuckling out loud. Furthermore, Kate’s interactions with other characters such as Tiffany, her edgy crime-solving partner with questionable taste in yoga attire, and her pregnant friend, Rene, who has an endless appetite and a subversive desire to avoid anything nutritious, will leave readers smiling while they puzzle through the mystery. A Fatal Twist is a strong addition to an already great mystery series.

This book follows Kate Davidson who has been helping out as Doula for her best friend Rene whose having twins. Kate also ends up with her boyfriend Michael acquiring two puppies and helping them figure out what to do as they are malnutritioned and needing shots. During Doula duty Kate witnesses a scene between Dr. Richard Jones also called Dr. Dick and a women who Kate knows isn't Dr. Dick's wife. Not long after that Dr. Dick winds up dead and all clues lead to his wife Rachel. Kate knows she didn't kill Dr. Dick but is she covering for someone who did? Dr. Dick has many alteractions with people while he was alive. He was subject to a lawsuit by a former lover of his, add that to not getting along with his stepdaughter and the questions really rise who killed the Dr. and why?

I loved this book going on the adventure with Kate, Michael and everyone else as Kate tries to figure out who killed the Dr. just so she can clear her friend Rachel. Will Kate figure it out in time and who mistreated the puppies Michael brought home? As we travel through the story we learn more about lengths Kate will go through to help her friends and learn what she can about Dr. Dick. Definitely a great series for those who love yoga, babies, and puppies. I found myself unable to put this book down and don't think you will either!

There’s never a dull moment for yoga instructor, Kate Davidson. She is preparing to be the doula for her best friend who is having twins when she stumbles upon the murdered body of a noted fertility doctor. The doctor happens to be the husband of one of her students, who had a huge fight with her husband in front of Kate. Kate’s complete belief in her student sends her on a chase for the real killer.

In the meantime, her boyfriend brings home two rambunctious puppies. The puppies, plus Kate’s own special needs dog Bella, is taking up all their time as well as adding much friction in their relationship.

As Kate investigates the murder, she discovers much more than she bargained for – not only for her student but for three unsuspecting dogs.

I love this series. I read the first two books and enjoyed them. I still have to read the third book, which is on my Kindle. This one is the fourth and is actually my favorite of the series so far. It's fast-paced with all the ingredients to keep you guessing to the end.

The characters are all well-written and have depth to them. The plot is captivating with so many different possible outcomes. The author gives us so many clues to solve the mystery and I still missed all the signs of the real culprit. A Fatal Twist has a captivating storyline with an interesting cast of characters. I was up until late at night reading this one, but it was worth it.

This is a great book; this is the fourth book in the Downward Dog Mystery series written by Tracy Weber. Yoga instructor Kate Davidson’s life takes a chaotic turn once she agrees to not only be the doula for her pregnant best friend, but also play foster mother to two puppies. The chaos gets worse when Kate finds the dead body of a philandering fertility doctor and sees Rachel, one of her yoga students, fleeing the scene. Kate is convinced her student is innocent, and she sets out to find the real killer before her testimony condemns Rachel to a life behind bars. But her hands are full with caring for three dogs, teaching yoga classes, and gaining an unexpected crime-solving partner. If she’s not careful, Kate’s next yoga pose may be a fatal one.This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.