Glamping, pampered pets and murder

Raiders of the Lost Bark By Sparkle Abbey Belle Books Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date: March 25, 2016 Review Sparkle Abbey's Pampered Pet Mysteries are always fun to read, particularly if you love dogs. She is great at depicting the quirky nature of pet lovers and the varied natures of their furry loves. When you add murder, more than a little comedy and a touch of romance - voilà the result is a great cozy. Mel's former pageant days seem to always come back to haunt her. Addison Rae, the daughter of the pageant judge who Mel's mother had an affair with, is blackmailing Mel. In exchange for her recommendation and a foreward to Addison's cookbook, Addison will give back Mel's mother's letters. In order to get the letters back, Mel joins Betty her employee and friend on a "glamping" expedition for pet owners and their pets. The trip promises luxurious accommodations and good food, but all Mel can think of are the letters. It doesn't come as much surprise when Addison is murdered. Unfortunately thanks to a few overheard arguments and Betty's enthusiastic "help" Mel becomes the chief suspect. Raiders of the Lost Bark is a light mystery that is big on laughs. Betty's over the top antics and cougarish ways make for plenty of groans, winces, and more than a few bursts of laughter. Mel is more down to earth, but doesn't always make the smartest decisions. Thankfully, she has a lot of help. If you are looking for a fast fun read that has plenty of cute pooches and quirky characters, look no further. 5/5 I received a copy of Raiders of the Lost Bark from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. --Crittermom Description Mel’s enemy may be barking up the wrong tree . . . But someone is about to become a killer. Melinda Langston, amateur sleuth and Bow Wow Boutique owner, finds herself “Glamping Under the Stars” with a blackmailer, Orange County’s hottest new gourmet pet chef, Addison Rae. But before Mel can put an end to Addison’s strong-arming, the chef is found dead. Mel is just one of many suspects who had motive to snuff out the demanding chef. Was it Redmond, the angry sous chef who detested working for Addison? What about rival chef, Pepper Maddox? The glamping chef gig was hers until Addison blackmailed her way into the job. And then there’s Asher, a charming fellow camper whose past relationship with Addison isn’t the only secret he’s guarding. Mel’s not one to tuck tail and run, even when it looks like she may be the next victim.