Dashing Through the Show: A Wiggle Butt Manor Mystery

273 pages Publication date June 16, 2026 Publisher ‏ : ‎ Level Best Books

Murder is under the mistletoe in the peaceful island community of Orca Cove. Holiday plans are put on hold to give attention to the grand opening of the Wiggle Butt Manor Agility Course. Special guest, Bently, is supposed to dazzle on the stage, but the locals have had enough of his snooty trainer, Miles Collins. So has his killer. When Charlie Calderbank finds Miles’ body in the back of her moving van, it becomes the season of giving…alibis, that is. Her hopes for a Christmas romance are dashed when the local hot cop is forced to pay more attention to the clues leading to her door than the chemistry that simmers between them.

Tainted treats, a widow who raises a toast along with a few eyebrows, a groomer with a grudge, an angry Santa Claus, a nosey reporter, and a canine custody hearing have Charlie spinning in every direction, juggling clues, dogs, and blizzards. She must identify the killer, or she’ll spend her Christmas behind bars.

MY THOUGHTS

This is a new to me author and series. I’m always on the lookout for a new cozy mystery series and one about dogs drew me right in. I couldn’t resist the cute cover either.
Orca Cove is set for the holidays, but any celebrations are put on hold with the opening of the Wiggle Butt Manor Agility Course.
Show dog Bently is a fabulous pup and highly trained, his owner Miles Collins, not so much. Unlikeable and argumentative towards everyone he’s made enemies everywhere he goes. Not surprisingly someone has had enough of his nonsense, and he’s found dead in the back of a moving van.
So many suspects, he’s made enemies with everyone.
I really enjoyed the dogs in the story; it added such a welcoming touch.
The story wasn’t overly Christmassy at all, but I did enjoy it a lot and now I’ll be looking for more to read in this series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Cindy Goyette is a former probation officer who had a front row seat to the criminal justice system. Her experiences helped her create fiction that mirrors real life situations. She is the author of the LEFTY and SILVER FALCHION AWARD nominated and PSWA AWARD WINNING Probation Case Files Mysteries and the Wiggle Butt Manor cozy mystery series. Cindy lives in Washington state with her husband and two Cocker Spaniels.