Lia Anderson Dog Park Mysteries: Books 1-4

By: C. A. Newsome

Narrated by: Jane Boyer

Length: 34 hrs

Publisher's summary

Murder. Romance. Dog slobber. 

Join starving artist Lia Anderson and her friends at Cincinnati’s Mount Airy Dog Park as they unravel mysteries in a series that “continues to deliver for readers who enjoy thoughtfully crafted mysteries that combine elegant plot twists with characters, both human and canine, you'd love to have as friends”. (Stephen Campbell, CrimeFiction.FM)

This bundle contains the first four Lia Anderson Dog Park Mysteries, authored by C. A. Newsome, hailed by Kirkus Reviews as “a true talent of the genre”.

Audiobook one: A Shot in the Bark

Detective Peter Dourson is convinced the suicide of Lia’s deadbeat boyfriend is not what it seems.

Audiobook two: Drool Baby

Peter’s search for the truth behind Luthor's death brings Lia into the crosshairs of a killer increasingly out of control.

Audiobook three: Maximum Security

Lia’s loyalties are tested when Peter arrests the wrong woman for murder.

Audiobook four: Sneak Thief

Lia’s kindness to an orphaned beagle draws the attention of an obsessed admirer.

©2018 Carol Ann Newsome (P)2018 Carol Ann Newsome

A little disappointed.

I received this audio book in exchange for an honest review. I love cozy mysteries and I love dogs. This series was a little lackluster for me though. Part of it was that I didn't love the narration but for mysteries that are headlined as dog park mysteries, I expected a little bit more dog storyline. The characters had dogs but other than that, they didn't play much of a role. Also, well into book 3, I really wasn't that in love with the characters either - good or bad. I wasn't really routing for anyone. Like a good Netflix marathon, I want a series that when it ends, I miss it, and for me this series didn't cut it.

Great Listen and Great Value

First off, you get four great mysteries for the price of one! It is a steal!

The mysteries themselves were a nice and hardy. Great substance to them. I was not sure whether these would be more cozy because of the dogs or more involved. I would say they were a nice balance. Perfect, actually. You had a more intricate plot with the comfort that dogs bring to our lives. Leah and Peter are very endearing characters. I can also relate to Jose in the fact that someone nicknamed by brother Jose, and it has stuck with him ever since. We are not hispanic and again not knowing there this came from is just an odd coincidence.

I have already recommend this to several of my friends and family.

The narration was great as well. Very clear voices.

It is interesting to listen to the Author's notes as well.

I received this audiobook at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Perfect narration makes a great series even better

Lia Anderson Dog Park Murders is a four book set featuring a struggling but talent artist, Lia Anderson, and her adventures with her two dogs and her friends at the local dog walking park. A fantastic bargain at one credit for 34 hours of listening, I would be willing to pay all four credits for this great series. Book one introduces Lia and her eclectic group of friends, all of whom chat daily while allowing their dogs to roam the local dog park. These friends are not only an integral part of Lia's life, they are also the driving force behind all the murders that must be solved in this series. The police detective investigating the first murder not only adopts the victim's dog and becomes a part of the dog park group, Lia and he begin a romantic relationship. All four books contain the perfect mix of police procedural, action, and drama among the characters. Not only were the mysteries challenging, the romantic push and pull between Lia and Peter kept me glued to my iPod. Lia is such a strong woman, always fighting to stay independent and self-sufficient while opening herself up to the possibility of love and commitment. Watching Peter, who only wanted to be Lia's everything, try to maneuver through the mine-field that was Lia held my attention every bit as much as the intriguing mystery in each book. Overall, this is a fantastic series, and I hope to continue with the next books in the series soon.

Jane Boyer's narration is superb. She has a smooth, even delivery, her performance is flawless, and she differentiates well between male and female characters. Her light southern drawl for Peter and her slightly heavier southern twang for Peter's detective partner are delightful. Boyer's narration makes this wonderful series even better as an audiobook production.

I received a copy of this audiobook at my request in exchange for this honest review.

Leah Anderson dog park mystery box it

These books were really good. The mysteries were mentally stimulating. The characters were unique and funny. Although I did notice inconsistencies in the story such as the age of Bailey Leah‘s friend and one book I think it said she’s 42 and then another book at 7:55. I don’t really like that I feel like authors should keep track of what they written and be consistent. Other than that these books were great.

Stuck with a Stinker

This book was the most annoying book I have ever listened to. The narrator's faux concept of what a brain's thinking "voice" should be is flat, barely above a monotonous droning tone and just annoying. I really don't want to "listen" into the thoughts of someone who regards murder as an interesting diversion so I tried to return this but because I had found other audiobooks annoying I was denied this right. Don't buy this audiobook unless you want to delve into the depravity of someone who enjoys ,murder as a hobby.

Love The Dogs

I enjoyed listening to all four stories about Lia Anderson's adventures in the Dog Park getting in the middle of a lot of murders and suspense. I love dogs and this is one of the reasons why I selected this audiobooks box set.

Dog Park Mysteries

I loved reading these 4 books! I can't wait to read more from this author. If you are crazy about dogs like I am, you will not be disappointed!

Love it

I received a free copy of this in exchange for an unbiased review. If you like dogs and love mystery, strap in. This is a four book collection, and while I didn't love every second of it, I was pulled into the universe.

Love the Dog Park Mysteries!

Very entertaining and I really enjoyed the audible version. Besides the characters, the dogs, the romance and the mysteries, there is always some interesting information that is passed along in the course of the stories.

Fun mysteries

I have read a few of these books but wanted to listen to them too. I have to say I enjoyed the books more by reading them. I was not impressed with the narration. Jane Boyer just didn't do it for me. Maybe if I had not already read book 1 and 2 I would have not already have a voice in my head.
Okay that said the writing of C.A. Newsome is amazing. I love the stories. Mystery, dogs and fun who would not like this.

A great value boxset of excellent books, brilliantly brought to life as amazing audiobooks

The Lia Anderson Dog Park Mysteries are a great set of cozy murder mysteries (ie no excessive swearing, sex, violence etc) that revolve around an artist called Lia, her boyfriend Peter who is a police detective, and their friends at the dog park. Brilliantly narrated by Jane Boyer, this audiobook box set really brings the first four stories to life,and is fantastic value too! Highly recommended for all fans of the cozy-style mystery, with some lovely dogs included in every story too!
Individual books:
A shot in the bark (5*) 31/1-1/2
This first story is a great introduction to Lia and her friends at the dog park. You really get to know them all while Peter (the Detective) tries to solve the murders and accidents surrounding their group. A brilliant story for mystery lovers.
Drool Baby (5*) 3-4/2
This second story is kind of a part two of the first really, and is full of so many twists it's like riding a rollercoaster! I did find Lia a bit annoying at times as she was so blase and ignoring everything that was going on, but that wasn't enough to spoil my enjoyment of the story. A fabulous conclusion to the story!
Maximum Security (5*) 12-13/2
I liked this story, and the complexity of the mystery that was presented. The variety of characters and their personalities made for interesting listening, and it was an excellent book.
Sneak Thief (5*) 14-15/2
This story was a brilliant conclusion to the boxset. It had moments that made me laugh out loud - like the image of Desiree chasing her beagle around as she ran off with her bra, or she and Lia getting in a fight in the dog park and Lia ripping Desiree's top and punching Desiree so she fell into the paddling pool! - and some that made me feel so sad. But the rich imagery, great characterisation and fantastic mystery all wound together to make this an excellent story which winds up the box set in style.

Loved them

Not what I was expecting but funny and full of mystery and tension at times

Great stories

I really liked this box-set. So much so that I have already purchased the next Audible instalment, Muddy Mouth.
Loved the interaction between Lia & Bailey and Peter & Brent.
Great work Carol. I hope you write many more.