Book Review: Murder Always Barks Twice

Murder Always Barks Twice has everything a good mystery novel needs. An amateur sleuth, a body or two, beautiful settings, intrigue and a talking dog, named Oliver. Wait, did you say a talking dog? Yes, I did.

From the moment I met the main character, Emma, a baker/amateur sleuth and her talking dog, Oliver, I was hooked. The pair reminded me of Holmes and Watson, in a talking Corgi-ish sort of way. Delicious!

The story takes place in Cornwall, UK. Emma has recently opened a bakery inside a B&B belonging to her friends, Angelique and Pearl. Her dog, Oliver, is allowed to come to work with her, so she is able to be with him all day. Oliver and Emma have a special relationship: Emma can hear Oliver talk.

Oliver’s barks and yips come out as plain speech to her. It appears that all of Emma’s family has this gift. Unfortunately, the gift doesn’t extend to all dogs, just hers.

This can make for some very interesting scenarios, considering Oliver is always by her side, and they have apparently solved a murder in the past in the first book of The Chatty Corgi Series, To Fetch A Felon. I will definitely be reading this book in the near future!

As Emma is getting her big break to cater a posh event for the du Maurier Literary and Appreciation Society, disaster strikes the family hosting the event. Emma and Oliver are asked by a member of the victim’s family to investigate the situation on the sly. 

This gives the duo a chance to investigate the mansion, grounds, and the family – and Oliver will leave no stone un-sniffed.

Murder Always Barks Twice is a sinister but beautiful mystery. Not only are Emma and Oliver likable characters, but author Jennifer Hawkins offers such descriptions of the manor and Cornwall that you feel like you’re right there with the dynamic duo in this breathtaking location.

I fell absolutely in love with Oliver. He’s wise, funny, adorable, and very much the huggable Corgi I would hope for.

This book is an absolute delight for mystery buffs. If you like all things British, a puzzle of a plot line with as many twists and turns as a country manor, you will enjoy this book. Dog lovers, especially Corgi enthusiasts, will enjoy the read for Oliver’s antics alone.

It’s a quick read and the plot unfolds at a fabulous pace without giving too many details to keep the reader in the dark until the reveal. Murder Always Barks Twice is a definite must read mystery. I eagerly look forward to reading more books in the series.

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Sue Cook

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Sue Cook lives in Freeport, Illinois with her husband Randy and two dogs. Her passions include assistance dogs, rescue dogs, music, acting, theater, poetry, and Doctor Who. She’s been in both film and theater and is a regular cast member of the podcast Doctor Who’s Line is it….Anyway? Sue is an advocate for the use of Service Dogs to assist their disabled handlers to maintain their independence. Quigley’s Quest, her first children’s book, addresses how a dog becomes a Service Dog.

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