Kristina A. reviewed To Catch a Treat (Barkery & Biscuits Mystery, Bk 2) on + 1528 more book reviews
To Catch a Treat by Linda O. Johnston is the second book in A Barkery and Biscuits Mystery series. Carrie Kennersley owns the Bakery and Biscuits bake shop in Knobcone Heights, California. One side caters to humans and the other to four legged creatures (what a neat idea). Her brother, Neal has invited her to participate in one of his hikes (he gives hikes of the area) in order to meet his new love interest, Janelle Blaystone. Janelle is upset over the loss of her black Labrador, GO (for Goliath). This is not the first dog napping. There have been a rash of them lately. Janelle is from Los Angeles and is visiting the area (does not bode well for Neal's romance) with her friend, Delma Corning. Carrie feels bad for Janelle and decides to help her. She takes her to Billi Matlock's Mountaintop Rescue Animal Shelter and introduce her to their latest guest (a friendly black Labrador who was left in the alley behind the shelter). The rescue dog turns out to be Janelle's dog, Go. Janelle is so excited at getting her baby returned to her. Go was chipped, but it was unable to be read with the scanner (odd). Janelle confronts Ada Arnist and accuses her of stealing her dog. Unfortunately, Ada soon turns up dead with (guess who) Janelle as the lead suspect. Carrie does some sleuthing to find the real killer and, hopefully, the dog nappers.
To Cath a Treat was kind of blah. The beginning is very slow and this reader was not drawn into the story. I was also not taken with the main character. I think Carrie has some major issues and needs some help. Carrie believes all men are attracted and interested in her (it is in her head). The one man who does like her, she keeps pushing away (he should run while he has the chance). The book talked more about the animals, than about the murder. The dog napping seemed to take precedence of the murder (the only people concerned with Ada's death seem to be her parents). We get many details on the scenery while hiking, dog descriptions, the bakery, people, etc. There are a lot of people and animals. It is hard to keep them all straight (so focus on the main ones). The mystery was fairly easy to solve, but there was a little twist (most people will probably not see it coming). The writer just did not bring this novel to life for me. Some books you read and good novels you live. I give To Catch a Treat 3 out of 5 stars. This is the second book in the series, but I believe it can be read without having enjoyed the first book (though it may help to keep all the characters straight). Will I read the next book in the series? Unfortunately, no. This was just not the right book for me. One thing I did like was the cover of To Catch a Treat. It is just adorable.
I received a complimentary copy of To Catch a Treat from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the novel.
To Cath a Treat was kind of blah. The beginning is very slow and this reader was not drawn into the story. I was also not taken with the main character. I think Carrie has some major issues and needs some help. Carrie believes all men are attracted and interested in her (it is in her head). The one man who does like her, she keeps pushing away (he should run while he has the chance). The book talked more about the animals, than about the murder. The dog napping seemed to take precedence of the murder (the only people concerned with Ada's death seem to be her parents). We get many details on the scenery while hiking, dog descriptions, the bakery, people, etc. There are a lot of people and animals. It is hard to keep them all straight (so focus on the main ones). The mystery was fairly easy to solve, but there was a little twist (most people will probably not see it coming). The writer just did not bring this novel to life for me. Some books you read and good novels you live. I give To Catch a Treat 3 out of 5 stars. This is the second book in the series, but I believe it can be read without having enjoyed the first book (though it may help to keep all the characters straight). Will I read the next book in the series? Unfortunately, no. This was just not the right book for me. One thing I did like was the cover of To Catch a Treat. It is just adorable.
I received a complimentary copy of To Catch a Treat from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the novel.
