Review - Furbidden Fatality

I have read other books by Deborah Blake.  Her Veiled Magic series (click here) and her Baba Yaga series (click here).  This is her first foray into the cozy mystery realm and I jumped at the chance to read and review it. 

Author: Deborah Blake

Copyright: Feb 2021 (Berkley) 288 pgs

Series: 1st in Catskills Pet Rescue Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery

Main Character: Kari Stuart, lottery winner and new owner of  pet shelter

Setting: Modern day, Lakeview New York

Obtained Through: Publisher (Netgalley) for honest review

Book Blurb:  "A lottery winner uses her good fortune to save a local pet sanctuary, but when a body is discovered on the property, she just might be in the doghouse in this first book in a new, charming cozy mystery series from author Deborah Blake.

Kari Stuart's life is going nowhere—until she unexpectedly wins the lottery. The twenty-nine-year-old instant multimillionaire is still mulling plans for her winnings when rescuing a bossy black kitten leads her to a semi-abandoned animal shelter. They need the cash—Kari needs a purpose.

But the dilapidated rescue is literally going to the dogs with a pending lawsuit, hard to adopt animals, and too much unwanted attention from the town's dog warden. When the warden turns up dead outside the shelter's dog kennels, Kari finds herself up a creek without a pooper-scooper.

With the help of some dedicated volunteers, a cute vet, and a kitten who mysteriously shows up just when she needs it, Kari must prove her innocence all while trying to save a dog on death row. Now she just needs to hope that her string of unexpected luck isn't about to run out."

Kari Stuart won the lottery, but still worked as a waitress and lived in her little apartment, until she found her purpose in buying and fixing up the beleaguered pet shelter.  her BFF, Suzanne, is a dog groomer and supportive friend with lavender colored hair who lends her time and talent to the shelter effort.  Volunteer Sara Hanover is a retired ninth-grade English teacher who is somewhat a mother figure.  Bryn, a younger volunteer training to be a Vet-Tech, takes time to warm up to people.  Daisy, the original owner, stays on to train Kari on owning a shelter for a smooth transition.  Angus McCoy is a local veterinarian who volunteers his time to the shelter and is the potential love interest.  Georgia Travis is a disabled former police officer who helps solve the mystery.  Kari's brother Mickey, a drunken but charming mess, makes an appearance.    A little black kitten, Queenie, is the star of the show with personality and a sixth sense. 

Lakeview is a typical small town with plenty of drama, the shelter is in a rural setting that works for providing some atmosphere.  The climax was when all the pieces slip into place and the murderer confronts Kari for a few gripping moments.  The wrap-up is very satisfying and enjoyable to put a smile on your face and have you looking forward to the next book.

I found this debut novel of this new series full of everything that I love in a cozy.  It centers around a solid and hearty mystery, relatable heroine, interesting supporting characters, a love interest that I am cheering for, and a delightful writing style.  The icing and cherry on top are all the heartwarming animals throughout the book.  This is cozy mystery gold.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.