I loved this cozy mystery! It has delightful characters, two challenging mysteries, and is set in Brenham, Texas. This engaging group of pet lovers are involved with the Lone Star Veterinary Clinic and the Second Chance Dog Ranch. Each novel in this wonderful series focuses on a different person or couple with a mystery related to the clinic or dog rescue. I like the consistency of setting and characters in this series even as we get to know each person s perspective and how they fit into the group. They are people of faith, yet they live it out without overwhelming the plot or preaching to the reader.

Cassidy is the office manager at Lone Star and volunteers with Second Chance. I really like her and am glad to get to know her better. On Valentine s Day, she and the unattached ladies who work for the veterinary clinic watched the same movie at their respective homes and texted each other throughout. That night, in a downpour, Cassidy received a text for her first solo dog rescue.

The dog is in a place posted as no trespassing and she had to break a lock on the fence trapping him so she can get him out of the storm. She took the sweet, muddy pup home to bathe. Until his owner is found, she would call him Spot. She is startled to discover a letter Z painted on his side. Over the next few days, more incidents of painted pups come to light, most of which are or become associated with the clinic or rescue.

Soon after the rescue, Cassidy met Jason, a game warden and member of the state police. They hit it off within moments, and despite their differences, began to see each other. One of their challenges is that he does not want her to search for who is painting Zs on dogs. Also, a producer is filming Jason on and off his job for the reality show Texas Law: Real Life. They will continue to film him in his job only if Cassidy will agree to let them follow the two when on dates.

Cassidy put a deposit down on a loft that she is getting for an amazing deal and will rent-to-own until the sale closes. One of her friends is buying the storefront downstairs, also at a great price. At least until one of their suspects has a set of keys for the loft and the storefront that he claims he purchased.

I read many cozy mysteries, and having men and women of faith is an added attraction for me. The characters are genuine with the exception of a couple suspects. Jason was not one of my favorite people at first. To me, he was a little too overbearing and stern. He is, however, open and up front about his concerns. I appreciate that no humans or canines were killed in the making of this cozy, demonstrating that a murder does not have to occur for a mystery to be interesting and intriguing. Sorting through suspects for the real whodunit was not easy, as there were several potential suspects. I was surprised at whodunit and why! The ending was overall very satisfying, and I highly recommend it to people who enjoy well-written Southern cozy mysteries with dogs, veterinary clinics, dog rescues, and gently-presented spiritual principles.

From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

I love any story about dogs and rescues. This book kept interested wanting to know what would happen next.

When dogs start showing up with a strange marking painted on them, Cassidy is determined to get to the bottom of it.

A fast paced cozy mystery, with an engaging plot and wonderful characters. I loved seeing the familiar faces from previous books, as well as meeting Jason a game warden who helps Cassidy with the case. It was fun seeing Jason and Cassidy's chemistry in front of the camera, as well as how well they work together despite their differing opinions.

An enjoyable book from beginning to end, filled with action, mystery, and adventure. Such a fun read, with great characters, and a riveting plot that kept me guessing throughout. Definitely worth picking up!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Dog lovers of the reading world, come take a look at this fourth book in the Gone to the Dogs cozy series. I heartily recommend The Bark of Zorro by Kathleen Y*Barbo and its three predecessors! While Bark can read alone, it will give a few spoilers if the books are read out of sequence.

I was thrilled to be returning to the little town of Brenham, Texas, and the Lone Star Vet Clinic, plus the Second Chance Dog Rescue that keeps several of the clinic*s workers busy in their off-hours.

This time we are treated to Cassidy Carter*s story. She is the office manager for the vet clinic, as well as one of Mari*s volunteers at the dog rescue. The mayhem, hilarity, and whispers of romance start when Cassidy is called upon to rescue a dog by herself, in the dark, from an area that she grew up dreading.

Jason is the by-the-book new game warden, with a few secrets. He may have movie star looks, but he seems to have less-than-stellar regard for Cassidy and her ways, where a rescue justifies the means. As the two appear to become an item, can their romance survive their individual philosophies and commitments$

I loved that I was guessing about the perpetrator all throughout the book. Y*Barbo creates some unique and quirky characters that are memorable, even though they aren*t the main characters.

I had fun imagining with Cassidy and Nora what their new place would develop into. By now, I almost feel like I would like to try to draw a map of Brenham, as Y*Barbo and her series co-writer have made it seem so fun and appealing.

Y*Barbo throws some curve balls you won*t see coming which help muddle the mystery. There are a few loose ends in my mind, but they may be answered in the (yay)! remaining two books of the series.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

5 stars, Who did it?

THE BARK OF ZORRO

by Kathleen Y'Barbo

This cute mystery centers around a secretary in a veterinary clinic and her boyfriend, a game warden.

Someone has taken to spray painting on local dogs. They try to get to the bottom of the mystery. This series is stand-alone and can be read in any particular order or all together.

Highly recommend. #romance #mystery #inspirational #cozymystery

#GoneToTheDogsSeries

Book1: Off the Chain

Book2: Dog Days of Summer

Book3: Barking up the Wrong Tree

Book4: The Bark of Zorro

I thankfully received a complimentary copy of #TheBarkOfZorro from #BarbourFiction. I was under no obligation to post a review.