"Saddled with Murder" By Eileen Brady: Review/Giveaway

Review by Cynthia Chow

 Details at the end of this post on how to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it.

Secret Santa gifts are one of the highlights of the Oak Falls Animal Hospital's Christmas party, but it's the spontaneous, and untraditional, "secret selfish holiday wish" that gets Dr. Kate Turner into so much holiday trouble. While the veterinarian's kennel helper and assistant share dreams of rose-scented self-cleaning poops and private parking spaces, a rather grumpy and frustrated expresses a less-innocent wish. Already something of a Grinch due to the holiday being an anniversary of the deaths of her mother and brother, cranky customers have Kate proclaiming her desire for two of her dissatisfied customers to just disappear. Although Kate isn't the one who shouts out the names of the clients, her unbridled release of frustration is captured on camera and posted on social media. As bad as that might be for the vet client's image, it's far worse when Kate and her technician Mari find one of the wish-to-be-disappeared dead in his home.


➡ switch to KingsRiverLife.com for more articles ⬅

Image Source Poisoned Pen Press

The late Frank Martindale had accrued more than his share of enemies through lawsuits, money schemes, and general ruthlessness in getting out of paying bills, but it's Kate who's racking up hits on YouTube for her wishlist to want him gone. For some reason the Police Chief is blocking Mari from taking down her post, and as a result, Kate is continuing to garner unwanted attention and blame. When the other names on her "deathwish" begin to suffer similar fates, Kate can't help but feel as though a malicious Santa is using her as a scapegoat to eliminate their naughty list. Trying to discover the identity of the ultimate Christmas Grinch is at least a distraction from deciding whether or not to join her grandfather on a visit to her father, whom she hasn't spoken to in twelve years and has since gained a new family. The additional coal in her stocking is Oak Falls police officer and law student Luke, who is at least back in town but also accompanied by his manipulative ex.  

This fifth mystery featuring the Hudson Valley veterinarian is actually a rebooted new series, as Dr. Kate Turner now has her own veterinary clinic with its growing list of human and non-human clients. Animal lovers will love seeing Kate attend to her patients, which include a wild mustang along with pampered pooches. Kate's patience with her staff is impressive, especially when they seem to get her into as much trouble as they help her get out of it. Her friends are more invested than Kate herself in her love life, which only makes sense considering how much easier it is to love non-human companions. Plot twists and a breezy pace will keep readers glued to the page until it’s surprising reveal. Led by an irresistible and admirable heroine and showcasing goodwill to all man and animal-kind, this new start of the series is the perfect read for the holidays.  

To enter to win a copy of Saddled with Murder, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "saddled,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen January 9, 2021. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. BE AWARE THAT DUE TO THE CURRENT CRISIS THERE MAY BE A DELAY IN SHIPPING THE WINNING BOOK. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! A new episode went up this week.

You can use these links to purchase the book. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:




Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).
 Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.

Comments

  1. You always have to monitor your comments and
    be cognizant of who is around you - they make sure
    they get wide exposure. Sounds like a good read.
    thanks for sharing. txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  2. New author for me, sounds good! tWarner419(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the chance to win! It sounds intriguing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the chance to win! It sounds intriguing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I wasn't familiar with this series before but I'll have to check it out!
    kozo8989@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sounds like a great new series. Looking forward to reading.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for the chance! JL_Minter(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  8. This looks like a jolly book that would be fun to read!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment