Death by Chocolate Lab
by Bethany Blake
I realize there are a lot of cozy mysteries that feature dogs or cats, but I had never even picked one up. Death by Chocolate Lab caught my eye because I am a sucker for basset hounds, and there was one soulfully staring at me from the cover of this book. How could I resist? Right from the start I knew I would enjoy this book as it humorously begins with Daphne, a petsitter with a PhD. in philosophy, walking her charges, three Rottweilers. These huge dogs are being corralled by a tiny somewhat mangled Chihuahua, a foster dog who is really just scheming to be picked up. They are accompanied by Daphne’s personal “sidekick,” a wise basset hound named Socrates.
Although there is a serious murder, with the victim discovered by Daphne, that starts a series of investigations led by handsome detective Jonathan Black, there is an undercurrent of humor throughout the book. Daphne is a semi-hippie vegetarian with a “vintage” pink VW van who lives on a farm with her type A personality veterinarian sister. Other interesting characters include her girlfriend, hair stylist Moxie, and her sister’s vet assistant Dylan, an equally laid back former surfer with whom Daphne has a nebulous relationship.
Death by Chocolate Lab is a mystery with lots of twists and turns, interesting characters, and a good dose of humor throughout. I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series, Dial Meow for Murder which is due for publication in September of 2017.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Mystery
Notes: Book #1 in the new Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery series
Publication: February 28, 2017–Kensington Books
Memorable Lines:
Was it odd that one of the things that brought us together was knowing we could be apart?
She was walking with my basset hound sidekick, Socrates, who considered himself above group walks and never hurried. He shambled along at Piper’s side, his droopy, solemn eyes fixed on something in the distance. He might’ve been interested in the dark clouds gathering ahead–a storm was definitely brewing–but I suspected that his real focus was inward. Socrates wasn’t the type of dog who obsessed about where his next treat was coming from. I was convinced that he dealt with more profound issues.
Was there such a thing as mal de vivre?
education pathways 
Bassetts, chocolates and mysteries…all your favorites rolled into one. 🙂
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No wonder I liked it so much!
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Same as Tara! Tell me, do you think this book would be a good one to read aloud to one’s husband ?
P-S: Even if I don’t always take the time to read your reviews, I need to tell you I am very happy to have subscribed to your blog. Life is busy! Thank you for sharing all your reads.
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Hard question. It really depends on your husband. Does he have a tolerance for things that lean towards chick lit? If so, he might enjoy it–especially if he likes dogs. If he likes things with more suspense and action, you might check out some Louis L’amour. The Haunted Mesa and The Last of the Breed are good to read aloud (and are not typical L’amour cowboy books). As to reading my blog, thanks for stopping by as often as you do. I too am juggling how to do it all in the blogging world. I love dropping into your blog for some “foodspiration.”
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I really enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next one.
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I will surely going to read this book SOON
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I hope you enjoy it.
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Just ordered the book, thank you for the suggestion!
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Great! It is a fun read.
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Hi Linda! I finished this mystery about ten days ago and truly enjoyed it. It was pleasurable bedtime reading. Thank you for all the reviews. They definitely help me select what I will be reading next! “Mothers’ Day, Muffins and Murder” is one of them. It will be a while though, as I have just started Anna Karenina… Unless I end up putting it back on the shelf like Doctor Zhivago. I have a hard time with Russian novels, the characters’ many names can get me so confused…
Again, thank you 🙂.
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Joëlle, I’m glad my reviews have been helpful. Not every book is right for every person for sure. I understand about the Russian books. As a former reading teacher, one tip I picked up along the way was to just see the long name and call it by the first letter or the first few letters as a nickname and let the rest go. (There will be no test 😀.) I hope that helps!
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Bonjour mon Amie ou Ami du Net IGHI
Un petit coup de pouce pour l’avenir
Un petit mot que l’on dis régulièrement tous les jours.
Bonjour comment vas-tu , moi ça vas , merci
Ce sont des petits mots qui font plaisir à entendre et d’une belle sincérité
Une grande marque de confiance
C’est du soleil en abondance
Si tu leur donnes un sens
On ressent que ceux-ci viennent du cœur
Avec un clin d’œil moi je te les adresse
C’est la recette du bonheur accepte les moi je les prends en régal pour ce jour
Belle journée , gros bisous plein de douceur
Bernard
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So true. A word or two of kindness can change a person’s day.
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cute book… I’ve read a few and posted some reviews too. Need to get to this one. Gonna check out more and follow your site. Thx.
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Thanks for the follow. I am so behind with “digital affairs” right now. I’ll make it a point to go by today to see your reviews.
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