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lynguy1's review against another edition
4.0
BENDING THE PAW by Diane Kelly is the ninth book in the Paw Enforcement police procedural series. I have also seen it classified as a cozy animal mystery. Despite being ninth in the series, it worked fine as a standalone novel, but background information and experiences from books one through eight would likely add to a reader’s enjoyment of the book.
Fort Worth, Texas Patrol Officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner Brigit are called to assist at a crime scene. A woman had returned home to find blood all over her kitchen along with her husband’s phone and wallet, but no husband or body. In addition to helping Detective Jackson with the case, Megan has her usual patrol duties and cases that arise from that.
The unusual approach to this novel is that we get not only the point of view of Megan and the antagonist, but also Brigit’s take on each situation. Megan and Brigit are likeable characters with distinct voices and clear goals. Their motivations seem believable. The secondary characters were not quite as well developed, but they did enhance the story rather than overwhelm it. The internal and external conflicts were well defined and arose out of characterization and circumstance rather than feeling contrived or forced.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining police procedural with plenty of hard work, some action, a little humor and a bit of romance. If you are a fan of cozy animal mysteries or police procedural, then you may want to check this one out. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as reading the earlier books in the series.
St. Martin’s Press and Diane Kelly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
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Review to come around September 27, 2020.
Fort Worth, Texas Patrol Officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner Brigit are called to assist at a crime scene. A woman had returned home to find blood all over her kitchen along with her husband’s phone and wallet, but no husband or body. In addition to helping Detective Jackson with the case, Megan has her usual patrol duties and cases that arise from that.
The unusual approach to this novel is that we get not only the point of view of Megan and the antagonist, but also Brigit’s take on each situation. Megan and Brigit are likeable characters with distinct voices and clear goals. Their motivations seem believable. The secondary characters were not quite as well developed, but they did enhance the story rather than overwhelm it. The internal and external conflicts were well defined and arose out of characterization and circumstance rather than feeling contrived or forced.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining police procedural with plenty of hard work, some action, a little humor and a bit of romance. If you are a fan of cozy animal mysteries or police procedural, then you may want to check this one out. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as reading the earlier books in the series.
St. Martin’s Press and Diane Kelly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
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Review to come around September 27, 2020.
beastreader's review against another edition
4.0
Fans of cozy mystery books will enjoy this latest offering from author, Diane Kelly. Bending the Paw is the ninth book in this series. Which you can read these books as stand alone novels. I must admit that when I heard the title of this book by first instinct was to think if Game of Thornes. Maybe a little tongue in cheek reference to GOT with the title of this book.
Brigit is a huge part of what makes this series. She is an important part of these books. She is not just Megan's side kick but her partner. I enjoyed Brigit's voice though out the book but wished that her parts were a bit longer. Another aspect of this book that I liked was the "killer's voice. It kept the killer engaged as a character in this book and added to the intensity of the overall story. Fans of this series will not be disappointed with this book. I know if my dogs could speak they would give it two paws up as a recommendation.
Brigit is a huge part of what makes this series. She is an important part of these books. She is not just Megan's side kick but her partner. I enjoyed Brigit's voice though out the book but wished that her parts were a bit longer. Another aspect of this book that I liked was the "killer's voice. It kept the killer engaged as a character in this book and added to the intensity of the overall story. Fans of this series will not be disappointed with this book. I know if my dogs could speak they would give it two paws up as a recommendation.
inmyhumbleopinion's review against another edition
5.0
Megan and Brigit are back in two baffling cases. She has a lot of blood but no body and she has a roofing contractor who isn’t following through but is it a crime? With the help of her furry partner and an active imagination Megan proves once again that sometimes you have to think outside the box to solve a puzzle. This is a wonderful addition to the series.
cj_mo_2222's review against another edition
5.0
The majority of this book is told from the point of view of Megan Luz, a Fort Worth Police Department officer. There are also some parts told from the point of view of her K-9 partner Brigit, as well as an unknown person simply referred to as “The Slasher.” The first scene with Megan in the book also includes her firefighter boyfriend, Seth, in a sweet, romantic scene. Romance has to be put aside, however, when Megan and Brigit get the call to a horrendous crime scene. A woman comes home to find the kitchen covered in blood. Her husband isn’t home, but there is no body. The detectives on the case need Megan and Brigit’s help to trace whoever was at the scene of this horrible crime.
“Bending the Paw” is the ninth book in this series. I read the book immediately preceding this one, but not the others. I think the book works well as a standalone even if this is your first introduction to the series. The investigation stands on its own and Megan is an easy character to get to know. She is intelligent, dedicated, and ambitious. She wants to move up from officer to detective, but is putting in the hard work to get there. Her chapters give the reader a narrative of the investigation, as well as allowing us to get to know her, her co-workers, and Seth. I enjoy seeing how she and her canine partner work together to discover clues that help in the investigations, both the murder and a fraud case Brigit is assigned to.
If you’ve not read any of the prior books, you may be skeptical seeing there are chapters from Brigit the German Shepherd’s point of view. I am not a fan of whimsical talking animals that are in some cozies, but this is different. Brigit’s chapters are short and funny and describe what she is thinking during the investigation and give additional insight into the crime. Dog lovers will especially appreciate these chapters. Also interspersed throughout the book are short chapters from the point of view of “The Slasher” which give the reader more insight into the crime.
This book could be classified as a cozy mystery since it has both humor and romance mixed in with the murder and fraud cases. However, with all the details about the process of the investigation, I would call it a “light procedural.” There is more depth in the plot and the investigation than is found in many cozies. The humor and lighter moments, such as Brigit’s observations about her part in the investigation and about humans in general, lighten the mood and quicken the pace of the story. The way the story is told intrigued me from the beginning, and I remained invested in finding out more about the crime throughout the book. Clues to the solution are there, but it took awhile for me to begin to figure out the truth of the case. I like how things wrapped up and really enjoyed this book, which I would rate as 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of St. Martin’s Press. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
“Bending the Paw” is the ninth book in this series. I read the book immediately preceding this one, but not the others. I think the book works well as a standalone even if this is your first introduction to the series. The investigation stands on its own and Megan is an easy character to get to know. She is intelligent, dedicated, and ambitious. She wants to move up from officer to detective, but is putting in the hard work to get there. Her chapters give the reader a narrative of the investigation, as well as allowing us to get to know her, her co-workers, and Seth. I enjoy seeing how she and her canine partner work together to discover clues that help in the investigations, both the murder and a fraud case Brigit is assigned to.
If you’ve not read any of the prior books, you may be skeptical seeing there are chapters from Brigit the German Shepherd’s point of view. I am not a fan of whimsical talking animals that are in some cozies, but this is different. Brigit’s chapters are short and funny and describe what she is thinking during the investigation and give additional insight into the crime. Dog lovers will especially appreciate these chapters. Also interspersed throughout the book are short chapters from the point of view of “The Slasher” which give the reader more insight into the crime.
This book could be classified as a cozy mystery since it has both humor and romance mixed in with the murder and fraud cases. However, with all the details about the process of the investigation, I would call it a “light procedural.” There is more depth in the plot and the investigation than is found in many cozies. The humor and lighter moments, such as Brigit’s observations about her part in the investigation and about humans in general, lighten the mood and quicken the pace of the story. The way the story is told intrigued me from the beginning, and I remained invested in finding out more about the crime throughout the book. Clues to the solution are there, but it took awhile for me to begin to figure out the truth of the case. I like how things wrapped up and really enjoyed this book, which I would rate as 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of St. Martin’s Press. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
serena_w's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
suerae's review against another edition
5.0
Bending the Paw is the ninth book in the Paw Enforcement series by Diane Kelly. it worked fine as a standalone novel as it was the first I have read! During the story line you are given some background to help you out.
Patrol Officer Megan Luz gets a call from Detective Audrey Jackson to help with a bloody crime scene, so much for celebrating hers and Seths recent engagement. Megan and her k-9 partner, Brigit are off to help solve another crime. Upon arriving at the crime scene Megan finds out the kitchen is a blood bath with no body. Detective Audrey and Megan are working together to solve this mystery. Along comes another mystery with the Stormchaser Roofing Company with many of the neighbors in Mistletoe Heights not having their roofs replaced per their contracts. And Megan still has a wedding to think about.
I love this story! The best part is reading Brigit's point of view in this story along with the Slasher and Megan.. I wan't prepared for this but it was a great addition to the story. The characters were well developed, unpredictable, page-turner and action-packed!
Thanks to NetGallery for recommending this book to me and giving me a complimentary digital ARC of this novel. This is my honest review and the opinions are mine alone.
Patrol Officer Megan Luz gets a call from Detective Audrey Jackson to help with a bloody crime scene, so much for celebrating hers and Seths recent engagement. Megan and her k-9 partner, Brigit are off to help solve another crime. Upon arriving at the crime scene Megan finds out the kitchen is a blood bath with no body. Detective Audrey and Megan are working together to solve this mystery. Along comes another mystery with the Stormchaser Roofing Company with many of the neighbors in Mistletoe Heights not having their roofs replaced per their contracts. And Megan still has a wedding to think about.
I love this story! The best part is reading Brigit's point of view in this story along with the Slasher and Megan.. I wan't prepared for this but it was a great addition to the story. The characters were well developed, unpredictable, page-turner and action-packed!
Thanks to NetGallery for recommending this book to me and giving me a complimentary digital ARC of this novel. This is my honest review and the opinions are mine alone.
cgonya1's review against another edition
5.0
I was given this novel by Netgalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Bending the Paw is the ninth book in the Paw Enforcement series by Diane Kelly, and I am happy to say that I have read the first two novels in this series, so I know that I love the characters. In the ninth installment, Officer Megan Luz and her K-9 Brigit are called by mentor Detective Jackson to a bloody crime scene. And that's all that it is. Blood with no body. When the spouse of the victim appears to have a air-tight alibi and no motive, the case begins to go cold.
In addition to assisting Detective Jackson, the duo must continue their usual patrol. During this time, a hailstorm has hit Fort Worth which means roof problems. When a neighbor makes a complaint against a roofing company, Megan must search through records, and use her own judgement to determine if the suspect is a crook or the real deal. Oh, and did we mention she just got engaged and has to plan her wedding?
I love this series so much. Its a cozy mystery about a female officer and her female K-9 companion. I enjoy the female empowerment with Megan, not just in her professional life, but her personal life as well. Megan is striving to become a detective, and she isn't letting anything stop her. She found another female detective who agrees to mentor her, but also gives her the reality of the situation.
Another aspect I enjoy is the layout of the story. There is a chapter from Megan's point of view, as well as from the culprit. However, there is a third point of view from Brigit the K-9 that I believe lends a line of originality and humor to the story. I, also, find those chapters to be very spot on coming from a dog's perspective, because I have 3 of my own and they act very similar to Brigit.
The crimes I have read about so far have been plausible with no hints of stretching the imagination. Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars, and cannot wait for book 10.
Bending the Paw is the ninth book in the Paw Enforcement series by Diane Kelly, and I am happy to say that I have read the first two novels in this series, so I know that I love the characters. In the ninth installment, Officer Megan Luz and her K-9 Brigit are called by mentor Detective Jackson to a bloody crime scene. And that's all that it is. Blood with no body. When the spouse of the victim appears to have a air-tight alibi and no motive, the case begins to go cold.
In addition to assisting Detective Jackson, the duo must continue their usual patrol. During this time, a hailstorm has hit Fort Worth which means roof problems. When a neighbor makes a complaint against a roofing company, Megan must search through records, and use her own judgement to determine if the suspect is a crook or the real deal. Oh, and did we mention she just got engaged and has to plan her wedding?
I love this series so much. Its a cozy mystery about a female officer and her female K-9 companion. I enjoy the female empowerment with Megan, not just in her professional life, but her personal life as well. Megan is striving to become a detective, and she isn't letting anything stop her. She found another female detective who agrees to mentor her, but also gives her the reality of the situation.
Another aspect I enjoy is the layout of the story. There is a chapter from Megan's point of view, as well as from the culprit. However, there is a third point of view from Brigit the K-9 that I believe lends a line of originality and humor to the story. I, also, find those chapters to be very spot on coming from a dog's perspective, because I have 3 of my own and they act very similar to Brigit.
The crimes I have read about so far have been plausible with no hints of stretching the imagination. Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars, and cannot wait for book 10.
lpcoolgirl's review
5.0
Another great book in this series, loved the developments in her personal life and the 2 mysteries that Megan has on her hands! Can't wait for more from this series!
moondance120's review against another edition
He reached over to the wooden block of serrated steak knives on the kitchen counter and yanked one out, clutching it in his fist.
What a wonderful addition to the Paw Enforcement series! Megan and Brigit are called to a grisly scene covered in blood but with no body. Megan becomes back up for Detective Jackson as they try to find the victim.
This series gets better with every book. I love that Megan and Seth's relationship is solid and progressing towards marriage. Seth was a bit of a background character in this installment as it was all about Megan and Brigit. What a team they are! Both are bright, strong females that know their job and do it well.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love that the chapters are told from different points of view. Brigit's chapters tend to make me smile. It's always interesting to be inside the mind of the culprit.
The mystery was very well done. I started getting the same feelings Megan was about what truly happened just as she did. There are lots of twists and turns that keep you turning the page. (I read it in one sitting because I didn't want to put it down.) i like that Megan also has a side case she is investigating in addition to the main event.
Brigit is one of my favorite dog characters. I love that she wants to chase suspects and bring them down. She does an excellent job. Her love of treats is amusing. Her resourcefulness in getting treats is even better.
This is an excellent addition to the series. I have enjoyed watching Megan grow in confidence in each book. I highly recommend this book!
What a wonderful addition to the Paw Enforcement series! Megan and Brigit are called to a grisly scene covered in blood but with no body. Megan becomes back up for Detective Jackson as they try to find the victim.
This series gets better with every book. I love that Megan and Seth's relationship is solid and progressing towards marriage. Seth was a bit of a background character in this installment as it was all about Megan and Brigit. What a team they are! Both are bright, strong females that know their job and do it well.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love that the chapters are told from different points of view. Brigit's chapters tend to make me smile. It's always interesting to be inside the mind of the culprit.
The mystery was very well done. I started getting the same feelings Megan was about what truly happened just as she did. There are lots of twists and turns that keep you turning the page. (I read it in one sitting because I didn't want to put it down.) i like that Megan also has a side case she is investigating in addition to the main event.
Brigit is one of my favorite dog characters. I love that she wants to chase suspects and bring them down. She does an excellent job. Her love of treats is amusing. Her resourcefulness in getting treats is even better.
This is an excellent addition to the series. I have enjoyed watching Megan grow in confidence in each book. I highly recommend this book!
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