Emmie Lyn Presents A Fun Cozy Dog Mystery - Sprinkles And A Situation - Dogs and Donuts Book 1

 “Any idea why so many employees at the Inn left or were fired before it even opened for business?” I asked. There has to be a clue in there somewhere. 

“Monica didn’t get fired.”

“No, just murdered.”

“If she finds the killer,” I corrected. It was obvious Harry’s ego took a hit when Ruby removed him from the investigation. “But there’s credible evidence that puts you in the murdered victim’s room, and you admitted you were at the scene of the crime.” Carrie leaned back in her chair and jabbed her finger at Harry... Harry lowered his voice like he was ready to share a deep dark secret. “Ruby was checking into Monica’s background. I’m not sure who knew about this.” “Why?” I whispered. Nothing like being pulled into a cloak and dagger situation. Harry pulled his chair out and sat back down and leaned into our circle. We all pulled our chairs closer and waited. He glanced at Minnie. “Because of all the break-ins. She wanted to know if anyone working at Nana’s Inn could be connected to the thefts.” “What did Ruby find out?” I asked, becoming breathless from the tension. He leaned back and sighed. “There wasn’t much to find. It was like Monica arrived in Rock Bluff from outer space. If there’s a big story here, it could put Ruby in the spotlight, or,” he paused, “someone got to Ruby to shut down that part of the investigation.” “A cover-up?” Minnie asked. Her eyes wide with excitement. “Harry, don’t forget that Monica was holding one of my necklaces when Ellie discovered her body,” Minnie said. “How does that fit in?” Harry shrugged, showing frustration with this piece of the puzzle. “I don’t know. Until they find all the stolen items, we just don’t know.” “Maybe that’s why Monica’s room was ransacked,” Carrie suggested. “The murderer was looking for the rest of the stuff.” “That’s possible,” Harry agreed. “If Monica was involved in the thefts, I’m wondering if she got double-crossed. And now she’s dead. I know it sounds crazy. I know you probably think I’m crazy but…” “Wait,” I interrupted. “Minnie, you suspected Monica had a secret. Maybe she was hiding at the Inn with the loot and someone found her and took care of her before she could disappear with everything.” The air almost crackled with the back and forth of ideas. Minnie was the next to add a piece to the puzzle. “That does make sense now when I think about how secretive she was. But who?” Minnie asked the million dollar question. “This is one giant circle,” I said. My head was spinning with all the talk, all the possibilities, and all heading nowhere. “Remind me why we’re even talking about this? I’m not a detective.” 

Harry stood up so fast his chair tipped over backwards. “But I am and I need your help. All four of you. I’m trying to stay out of jail, but I understand if you don’t want to get involved.” I straightened the chair and pushed Harry back down into it. “Sit down and get your spurs out of your behind. “I didn’t say we wouldn’t help, but why us?” He lowered his voice to a quiet desperate plea. “There aren’t many people in town I’d trust with my future more than the four of you. You’re honest, you know this town inside and out, and by getting to the bottom of this, you’ll help Minnie and the Red Apple Inn.” That wasn’t fair. He stuck a knife in my weak spot. “Someone dangerous is out there,” Harry said. “We have to be careful. We shouldn’t trust anyone.” “Do you think the murderer is someone we don’t even have on our list yet?” I dreaded the answer before it was spoken. “Anything is possible,” he answered. “I’ve learned that you always need to be prepared for what you least expect.” I’d learned that lesson the hard way, too. The principal at my school handing me my walking papers was my most recent example. 

Minnie stood up and stretched. “I need to process all this information. Carrie, do you mind if I play your piano?” Both dogs looked at her expectantly. Everyone needed a change. “Of course not. We’d all enjoy some music.” While I contemplated the enormous task in front of us, my stomach clenched in a worrisome knot. Worry for myself, my sisters, and Minnie. Harry too, but if push came to shove, he could take care of himself. Beautiful music drifted into the kitchen. Then, the two dogs joined in. It was a cacophony of Mozart and howls; beautiful and hilarious at the same time. I took it as a sign—laugh when the going gets tough, and then get back to work. Chapter Thirteen While Minnie entertained us with her piano playing, three amateur sleuths along with one handsome detective, formed a plan in the kitchen.

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I highly advise if you choose to read this book, that you get a bag of doughnuts in advance, because lots of communication occurs in the book around the dining table...or with a bag of doughnuts! Actually after finishing the last book I had read, I was ready for a light and fun cozy! Doughnuts and dogs will keep you involved from the very first page, I promise!

This cozy is a little different than others in that, we have a small group conducting the amateur investigation... But let's set the stage to begin... I recommend you follow Ellie who has an interesting personality--she must have because she's just been fired as a teacher, while the children she taught loved her... What's up with that?! In any event, by the time she got to her sister's house where she is staying, her older sister already knows she's been fired and has a new job option for Ellie to consider! Yes, news does travel that fast in this small town!

Interestingly, the new job would be as a dog walker. Ellie was willing to at least check it out and when she learned, and saw, that she would get an apartment onsite, that quickly convinced her. She loved dogs, she enjoyed being outdoors and accepted the job. Actually, it turned out to include, also, being a companion to the owner of an Inn...

It didn't take long to gather her belongings and head for her new location. She was thrilled to finally have a place of her own... And, she could take her own dog with her...

Who, on the very first walk around the grounds of her new home, she saw him run toward rose bushes and, looking closer, it looked like legs were extended beyond the bushes... On her very first day, Ellie had discovered the body of the Inn's gardener!

And, without even getting to sleep one night in her home, she, as well as the owner of the Inn returned to the home of Ellie's sister, since the Inn was now the scene of a crime....

Actually, that soon turned out to be perfect because Ellie's older sister was a lawyer, Abby her other sister was the owner of the new donut shop that would soon be opening and was also an excellent cook and were both interested in helping Winnie the Inn owner who had to leave her home and close the Inn... It wasn't very long that Winnie had become excited and involved as they joined together to work to solve the murder!

And then there was Harry who was a detective with the local police, but his partner explained that, since he was also a relative of the Owner and had at one time been involved with the victim, that he should recuse himself... Harry was not pleased but decided not to fight it, especially since he joined the little group who was now diligently working to determine whodunit... Besides all of the delicious meals that he was being invited to share as they always had some type of refreshments as they discussed assignments and where they were headed in the investigation...

So while Carrie checked out the legal issues related to what had happened thus far and Abby was constantly cooking and baking to feed those doing the legwork, Ellie was the one who went out looking at the various locations of those who might have either been involved or might know something about Monica's life. And, of course, one of those issues was that there had already been a string of thefts happening... But the climax actually occurred, seemingly, quite by accident but Ellie was ready and watching as things began to be questionable...and...ultimately discovered!

Ahhhh, I think Abby has a new helper...

This new series is bound to delight anybody who enjoys having animal characters as part of a cozy mystery! Highly recommended!

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