One of my favorite things about cozy mysteries is the fictional communities that authors create. Murder, She Barked by Krista Davis is the first book in the Paws and Claws mystery series. The story is set in Wagtail, Virginia, which is my ideal town, where pets are the center of attention. Pets are allowed in all of the shops, restaurants, and hotels. They are pampered to the fullest with delicious food, hiking trails for recreation, spa services for grooming, and luxurious lodging.

Holly Miller is unexpectedly called to visit her grandmother in Wagtail. She quickly borrows her boyfriend’s car and picks up a stray Jack Russell Terrier on her way to her grandmother’s inn. Holly has recently lost her job so she is eager to spend time with her grandmother and get to the bottom of her grandmother’s emergency.

An employee of her grandmother’s inn is dead and it’s uncertain if it was an accident or intentional. Holly gets reacquainted with the town of Wagtail and its residents as she jumps into solving the mystery.

This is such a cute, well-told story with all of the cozy mystery characteristics. I enjoyed the characters, the twists and turns of the mystery, and the ending was satisfying. I will definitely continue the Paws and Claws mystery series in the future.

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