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BIG LITTLE SPIES, the seventh book in the Paws & Claws Mysteries by Krista Davis, is another fun romp through the charming town of Wagtail! The protagonist, Holly Miller, co-owns pet-friendly Sugar Maple Inn with her grandmother, Oma. I love the close relationship they have. Their furry sidekicks, Trixie, Twinkletoes, and Gingersnap, add appeal with their delightful antics. Trixie especially, with her penchant for finding dead bodies and dragging Holly into investigations. One of the many strengths of this series are the characters, both human and pet alike, whether they be the core characters or visitors enjoying all that Wagtail has to offer. As the story progresses, there are a lot of people to remember. However, there is a handy character list at the beginning of the book for referencing. In addition to the pet-centric town setting, the author always manages to set up a memorable event to capture the reader’s attention. In this newest release, visitors are flocking to the town to participate in the ‘There’s No Place Like Home’ pet adoption charity ball. With vivid descriptions, I felt like I was right there, enjoying all the tastes, smells, and delights that the town has to offer.
Ms. Davis is quick to set up the scenario for a crime to happen, and keeps a strong pace as the story unfolds. When Trixie finds the body of a visiting pet detective, Holly becomes involved. Could it be one of her guests who did the dastardly deed? As the clues are revealed, Holly finds lots of viable suspects including connections to residents in Wagtail. With a dash or two of romance, a glamorous pet and human ball, and secrets galore, this solid cozy mystery kept me turning pages until I’d read the very last word.
Running the Inn with her grandmother, Holly’s chef serves up plenty of mouthwatering food and treats for human and pet guests alike. There are several recipes at the back of the book and I was happy to see that there are several delectable recipes for people and a few safe options for dogs. I was drawn to the author’s recipe for Salted Brownie Picnic Cake (definitely for people and NOT for dogs!) because, well, chocolate! The rich, melt-in-your-mouth cake, doesn’t need frosting. However, a simple garnish of some whipped cream and summer berries makes this even more scrumptious.
Amazon Synopsis
The ladies of the Wagtail Animal Guardians, WAG for short, are in town for a pet adoption charity ball, and Holly is making sure to roll out the red carpet for her special guests. She and her furry best friend Trixie are busy keeping the WAG ladies happy and preparing for the ball when they learn that a retired judge has lost his prized pup.
The venerable citizen has hired a pet detective who has some personal ties to Holly’s new guests. His presence ruffles some feathers, and when the PI is found DOA not long before the ball, Holly wonders if one of the WAG ladies had a motive for murder. To make matters worse, some pet-loving guests of the ball nearly suffer the same deadly fate. Holly and Trixie will have to sniff out the clues and leash a callous killer before they strike again….
A special thanks to Krista Davis for providing a winner with a print copy of BIG LITTLE SPIES plus her famous dog bandana! Contest ends Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for sprinkling
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- 3 large eggs
- 1-1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Flaked salt like Maldon
- Summer berries (optional)
- Sweetened Whipped Cream (optional: see recipe below)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).
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Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate in the microwave at half power in 30-second increments, stirring when the mixture begins to melt. Stir until smooth. Set aside to cool.
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Beat the eggs and sugar until thick and light yellow. Add the vanilla and continue beating. Add the 1/3 cup flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt and mix. Add the chocolate mixture and mix until combined.
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Pour into the pan, sprinkle with 2 generous pinches of flaked salt, and bake 20 - 25 minutes, or until the center is just set.
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Cool completely in the pan before turning onto a serving plate and peeling off the parchment paper.
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Serve plain or with Sweetened Whipped Cream and summer berries.
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Beat the cream until it begins to take a shape. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until it holds a peak.
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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Yes, I have attended several festivals where pets were welcome. The recipe for the cake looks delicious!! And the book sounds great!
When my grandson was younger, he had a birthday party where people could bring their dogs. He had a dog cake with cupcakes to match. The dogs there got along well and had fun. Even his friendly cat was at the top of the fence watching and probably looking for food.
Yes, I’ve attended a festival where pets were welcome.
This cake looks delicious!
We have several events in our little town that have pet events. Since we are a tourist town, and more and more folks travel with their pets, it only makes sense to include them as well. I’m happy that we can take our furbaby with us as well.
Can’t wait to try the recipe for Salted Brownie Picnic Cake, which sounds heavenly.
Love Krista Davis’ books and can’t wait for the opportunity to read “BIG LITTLE SPIES”! As with all her books, fabulous cover!
When we lived in Colorado, we could take our dogs just about anywhere – a very pet-friendly place ~
Thanks for the yummy recipe and giveaway!
Boy, that cake looks good! I love the pet friendly events here. Especially, when my lab mix was still alive. She loved things like that.
I probably have but I’ve never taken a pet to an event.
That cake sounds delish! Thank you for the chance to win.
Our church hosts a blessing of the pets once a year and I have attended. I have had several dog family members but only one, BJ, liked to socialize. The others went into protective mode.
I am going to try making this cake. It looks delicious. My Mom was the baker of the family. I am hit or miss. Lol. Its either really good or really bad.
We always had cats so never took them to events with us!
The Renaissance Faire is pet friendly but that’s about it. Nothing local, which is too bad although I doubt my cat would enjoy something like that anyway.
I have attended some festivals where pets are welcome.
I haven’t attended a community event where pets are welcome, but my office is dog friendly. It’s really wonderful working around the dogs. Thanks for the great giveaway!
This looks so easy to make and looks really delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
Yes I have attended and took my 2 chihuahuas Daisy and D.O.G. and they were great people wanted to take d.o.g. home as he is so outwardly friendly and loving of course he came home with us and now with all going on they are staying home with us for a long time.
The cake looks so delicious.
I love this book series. The cake looks delicious.
Yes I have attended these events. Thanks for the chance!
Yes, I have. Each year we have gone to the Susan Komen Relay for life each year and there are dogs there. The most cutest dogs!
The Brownie recipe looks delicious!
Thank you for the recipe and the giveaway!
I’ve attended a pet blessing at my church. The cake looks yummy! Thanks for the chance to win.
When we lived in Celebration, FL we attended a Fall Festival, and during the event they did a blessing for all animals. I had my dogs Lucky and Bear there, and the priest blessed them both, and gave them a St. Francis Charm.
Do farm shows or county fairs count? There’s always someone (or more) with pets at those events. And that cake looks amazing.
That looks like a wicked good cake.
Got an advanced copy of the book and it is a fine read!
I’ve been to a number of events where pets were allowed.
Yes, I have.
I have been to flea markets and outdoor sales where people brought their dogs, but don’t remember being at any events that specifically included pets.
I have not. Thanks for the chance.
No I don’t think so.
We’ve taken out dog to several fall festivals over the years.
That cake looks delicious!
I love these books! This recipe looks yummy!
I been in a couple of stores that allows pet but that is all. Thank you for a chance to win a print copy of Big Little Spies.
If a carnival counts as a community event, then yes, I have.
I have not attended a community event that has pets. Thanks for the chance!
No, I havenent attended any events where animals were welcomed.
We don’t have any local events for pets but we do have several dog parks for residents.
People bring their pets to flea markets walking around. Does that count? Thank you for this chance!
I don’t have any pets. But yes the farmer market has all kinds of dogs even though signs say do not bring your dog in. there have been some dog fights in the past.
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to find too many events where pets are allowed.
Yes I have and thanks for the recipe!
No, I haven’t but I think that would be pretty cool. I love animals. Krista Davis is an amazing writer. Thanks for the chance!
I love Krista Davis books! I look forward to this new book. I thank Author Deborah Garner for introducing her to me on Deborah’s FB page during a party?. Thanks for the chance! Happy Easter❤️
That looks so yummy! Who wants to make it for me?
Yes I have, as long as the pet is on a leash.
No, I have not. But, I have been to places where people bring their dogs and they shouldn’t.
No, I have not.
I have attended events where pets have been welcome. Usually outdoors of course.
I haven’t attended a community event where pets are welcome. Probably a good thing, though. I love dogs and cats, but I’m allergic to both.
The only event I’ve been to that allowed dogs was “Bark in the Park” day at the local minor league baseball stadium. I love dogs and would love to have them everywhere!! But I do realize that definitely isn’t possible due to people’s allergies as well as fear.
I have attended pet friendly functions before but, because my rescue baby is skittish and not very friendly, it’s been quite a while since I have. Thank you for the giveaway and that cake looks scrumptious!
Yes several festivals and a restaurant that allows you to bring your dogs,
My granddaughter has a service dog and she’s the
only one I’ve seen at any public events. Haven’t
been to any open to humans and their dogs otherwise.
thanks txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
No, but I have hosted pet friendly gatherings in my home!
Not a specific pet event, but once I attended a free ice cream social at a metropark. A woman ahead of me had her Maltese with her.
There’s a local bar where dogs are welcome but no events that I am aware of.
I think concerts in the park would be about it.
A lot of our outdoor festivals allow pets on a leash. I often saw one woman with her exotic bird riding around on her shoulder!
I’ve been to dog and cat expos. There was one that I went to that did allow people to bring their pets, but my cats would not go for that! I love this series and can’t wait to read the new book! Happy book birthday!
Yes, when they blessed animals at the Catholic Church!
this recipe looks yummy~ thanks for the chance to win!
I have attended many events that were for animals and their rights, I would do anything for the love of animals
Sounds very good love the recipe also. You can’t take your dog/pets to any festivals around here.
Penney
I haven’t yet, but would love to bring my dog to the Krewe Des Chiens. It’s a Mardi Gras parade for dogs.