Blog Archives
The Dog Ladies
Julie Titterington’s The Dog Ladies is a genre-bending story that blends cozy mystery, small-town gossip, and quirky dark humor into a wild narrative full of twists and unexpected heart. The book follows a group of people—eccentric, nosy, and fiercely loyal—who orbit around a central murder mystery while diving into everything from call transcripts to livestreams, etiquette lessons, soap operas, and the existential dread of insomnia. It’s structured with sharp shifts in tone and form, creating a layered and chaotic tapestry of voices, moments, and digressions that somehow all loop back into the odd little universe of these unforgettable dog-loving people.
Reading this book was like falling down a rabbit hole laced with sarcasm and sentiment. Titterington’s writing is whip-smart, often hilarious, and occasionally moving in a way that catches you off guard. One moment I’d be laughing at a bizarre conversation between characters I wasn’t sure I trusted, and the next, I’d feel a sudden emotional punch, like I’d just been reminded of the ache of growing old or losing a friend. The experimental structure, scenes flip between transcripts, interviews, and dialogue-driven chaos, can be disorienting, but it adds to the charm. This book doesn’t spoon-feed you. You piece it together like you’re one of the nosy ladies yourself, eavesdropping and speculating.
Sometimes the plot meanders. Characters talk over each other. There’s a lot of inside-joke energy that made me feel like I missed a memo. But somewhere along the way, I realized that was the point. The Dog Ladies isn’t about clean resolutions or linear storytelling. It’s about the mess of community, the kind that gossips and schemes and watches out for each other, even when it’s wildly dysfunctional. It’s an ode to oddballs, to late-night phone calls, to memories that come back in snippets and smells and weird phrases.
I’d recommend The Dog Ladies to readers who enjoy voice-driven stories, especially fans of authors like Maria Semple, Shirley Jackson (on a whimsy bender), or even absurdist podcasts. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re the kind of reader who likes a challenge, laughs at dry wit, and doesn’t mind feeling a little lost now and then, this book will win you over. It’s a messy, funny, bittersweet ride—and I’m glad I stuck around until the end.
Pages: 403 | ASIN: B0F4L66CV5
A Tricky Dance
Trouble Afoot at the Three Hounds Bakery follows a mystery writer who inherits her aunt’s home and three dogs, where she finds herself in the middle of trouble in a town that is unwelcoming to her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I grew up around dachshunds. They are extremely unique dogs, with definite ideas and temperaments of their own, and I wondered what it would be like to be plopped down in the middle of dachshund territory with no prior experience or warning. Setting up a character who is already a bit moorless and dropping her without warning into a nest of wiener dogs and a tricky mystery seemed like a very fun premise.
I found Willa Lattner to be an intriguing character. What was your inspiration for this character?
Willa sort of wrote herself. I planned on a plucky heroine who happened to write mystery stories, and she just showed up–every messy bit of her, from her crazy hair to her self-deprecating writing style. I liked her, so I let her stay awhile to see what would happen. I find I do my best work when I just let the characters show up and introduce themselves. Then my only job is to stay out of the way as much as possible.
What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story, where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
I usually have to write a dozen versions of the same story before I’m satisfied with the pace at which the mystery is being delivered. Sometimes I say too much too quickly, and other times I get to the end and think I haven’t earned any of it! It’s always a tricky dance. Often, when I’m stuck, I bring in a reader to help me out. They haven’t been staring at the same story for months, and they can read with a fresh mind and let me know who they suspected, why, and what point, and help me really refine the ultimate clues and reveals.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book two, Death Pays A Call To The Three Hounds Bakery, will be out on Kindle on January 31st. We’ll be seeing a lot more of Willa and the dogs, and may even meet a few more human (and canine) friends. Willa’s past life plays a huge role in this mystery, and we get a lot more insight into who she was before she came to Humboldt Cove.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
When mystery novelist Willa Lattner inherits her great-aunt Mina’s charming bakery in the coastal town of Humboldt Cove, she expects to find solace in new friends, fresh air, and all the pastries she can eat. Instead, she’s met with a trio of heartbroken dachshunds and an unsettling mystery surrounding Mina’s sudden death.
As Willa digs into her aunt’s legacy, she uncovers a web of old grudges and hidden agendas lurking beneath the bakery’s warm facade. With each clue, the stakes rise, and she realizes that someone is desperate to keep the past buried—at any cost.
With her clever canines by her side, Willa must navigate quirky neighbors, mend a tattered reputation, and uncover dark secrets. Can she piece together the puzzle before the killer strikes again, or will her first adventure be her last?
Trouble Afoot at The Three Hounds Bakery is a deliciously twisty mystery full of memorable characters, cozy peril, and non-stop dachshund fun.
Trouble Afoot At The Three Hounds Bakery
Julie Titterington’s Trouble Afoot at the Three Hounds Bakery is an intriguing, heartwarming, and suspenseful tale of inheritance, mystery, and small-town secrets. At its center is Wilhelmina “Willa” Lattner, a mystery writer thrown into an adventure that’s as puzzling as the stories she pens. Inheriting a house and three quirky dogs, Willa finds herself in a town where not everyone welcomes her arrival. A cryptic note hints at life-changing revelations, while unanswered questions about her aunt’s death spark a deeper mystery. Was it murder? And if so, why? The town’s residents may be keeping more secrets than they’re willing to admit.
Willa is instantly captivating. Her mix of charm, vulnerability, and determination pulls you in from the start. The depth of her character keeps you invested as she navigates her strange new life. One of the highlights is Mr. Pilkington, affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Peanut” by Willa. This elderly, steadfast attorney is as endearing as he is principled, adding warmth and a touch of gravitas to the story. Other characters stir emotions in unexpected ways. Lucy’s enigmatic presence raises suspicion, Jake’s likability doesn’t completely mask his mystery, and Brian’s secrets as the bakery’s chef linger just out of reach. The trio of dogs is a delight as well. As they settle into Willa’s life, they manage to settle into the reader’s heart as well.
The story’s pace is excellent. It moves with purpose while allowing moments of tension and tenderness to land fully. The upbeat yet edgy tone creates an enjoyable balance, while the setting complements the characters and the unfolding drama. Titterington expertly introduces Willa to the town’s colorful cast, making each interaction a standout. The scenes with the sheriff sizzle with tension, while “Mr. Peanut” provides much-needed sweetness. And the central mystery, layered with danger, hidden truths, and Willa’s personal growth, delivers on every level.
Trouble Afoot at the Three Hounds Bakery is a delightful mix of suspense, charm, and heart. Mystery fans will devour it, but its engaging characters and entertaining twists make it a fantastic choice for anyone who loves stories about new beginnings and hidden depths. If you’re looking for an entertaining read that keeps you guessing, this book is a must.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0DJBCLL2T
Rapid Death
Rapid Death by Julie Titterington centers on the investigation into the deaths of Jessica and Megan Kinneman. A detective named Joe and Jane, a doctor and businesswoman, team up to investigate if the deaths are accidental or if there is a murder on the loose. Jessica and Megan’s bodies were recovered from the river on different days, with each having a different cause of death: one was strangled, and the other drowned. Initially, the drowning was ruled an accident, but further investigation revealed both girls were murdered. During the course of the investigation, two more deaths occur with no arrests made because three of the perpetrators are dead, and one is protected by a powerful individual.
Set in Desert Pines, Rapid Death is the second installment in this compelling, cozy mystery novel series. The author takes readers deep into the theme of emotional control. The plot uncovers that most deaths in the story are driven by anger. Megan, a thief in debt, is not killed by the mobster she stole from or the business owners she owed money to; instead, her killer is provoked by her unapologetic attitude and perceived lack of remorse. Similarly, Jessica’s killer is driven by feelings of betrayal and anger. Both perpetrators allow their emotions to dictate their actions, leading them to murder instead of rationally addressing the situation. Titterington skillfully explores the destructive power of unchecked emotions. However, there are moments in the narrative where the “show, don’t tell” technique could have been better utilized to allow readers a deeper connection to the character’s motives. This is a minor drawback to the well-organized and executed plot surrounding the mystery.
Rapid Death by Julie Titterington is a gripping mystery that keeps readers engaged with its intricate plot and exploration of emotional turmoil. Titterington’s storytelling prowess is evident, and the character-building is well done. This cozy mystery novel is a captivating and engaging read for mystery enthusiasts.
Pages: 346 | ASIN : B0CD7J42BH
A Dangerous Combination
Death By Association follows a woman living in a small resort village who tries to solve a murder mystery that all started with a scandal in the HOA. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Let’s be honest: HOA Boards tend to attract the power-hungry and bored, always a dangerous combination. HOAs also wield a surprising amount of genuine legal power. When you mix that power with a few individuals who have too much time, nothing better to do, and a taste for snooping on their neighbors, you get a hot mess. Hating the HOA is a universal, shared human experience, and it’s surprising more meetings don’t end in open murder! The inspiration for the book came directly from an internal fracas at the homeowners association in my own neighborhood, which was precipitated by a series of vicious letters and emails. Nobody died, of course, but it felt like it might easily have come to that.
Desert Pines seems like the perfect place to go when you want to just escape the fast-paced life. Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
The city of Desert Pines is based loosely on the small resort town of Sunriver, Oregon. I spent most of my summers there growing up and still try to get out there several times a year. The nice thing about a Resort setting is that there is great fuel for the imagination and even better sources of material. Some of the population is settled, but much of it is transient, providing a great opportunity for steady characters and new faces alike. I’m also fascinated by the idea that human drama will happen wherever there are humans. Crime and heartbreak aren’t confined to the big city, and the most interesting dramas can play out in the smallest of settings
Is there anything about Jane that came from yourself or your life experiences?
Jane often speaks with my voice, but I have also enjoyed giving her opinions and feelings that I don’t share as well. Writing is a very cathartic exercise, a perfect way to inhabit personalities, emotions, and thoughts that are much different from your own. Jane shares my sense of the ridiculous, for sure, but I’m much less reserved than she is.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book in the series, called Rapid Death, continues the adventures of Jane, Joe, and Howard and was released in July of 2023. The third book in the series, Death Benefit, will be released in early summer of 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook
Jane McLaren is happy living and working in the sleepy resort village of Desert Pines, Oregon – or so she tells herself. She has a home with her feisty grandfather for as long as she wants it, a steady job as a barista, and no questions asked.
Boredom may be a small price to pay for privacy, but Jane quickly discovers that when nothing has meaning, you might start to care about anything. Even the HOA.
After a minor town scandal escalates into something more sinister, neighbor turns on neighbor and the annual meeting of the homeowners association ends in open murder.
Can this unwilling amateur sleuth solve the mystery before it’s too late, or will the murderer strike again?
Death By Association
Death By Association by Julie Titterington is set in the tranquil town of Desert Pines—a setting that protagonist Jane McLaren appreciates for its unhurried pace. Recently relocated to live with her grandfather, Dr. Howard McLaren, Jane starts anew, working as a barista and forming a close friendship with her employer, Timothy. Her routine life takes a sharp turn when a distraught local, Chad, warns her of a brewing “HOA crisis.” Jane’s curiosity is piqued, but she soon realizes that this local drama is about to escalate into a murder investigation, pulling her into the midst of it due to her unique past skills.
The novel thrives on its dynamic ensemble. The HOA board, a mosaic of philanthropists, doctors, and real estate agents, not only harbors personal secrets but also a collective animosity toward their controversial president, Chad Perenna. The introduction of a determined and charming detective, Joe Conner, adds another layer to the narrative as he seeks Jane’s assistance in solving the crime. Titterington excels in crafting deep, multifaceted characters, particularly in detailing Jane’s relationships with Timothy, Detective Conner, and her grandfather. The tensions among the spouses of the board members and the looming threat of wildfires bring additional depth and urgency to the story. Engaging and filled with intrigue, Death By Association is a compelling start to what promises to be an absorbing series. The book’s rich character development and clever plot twists make it a recommended read for those who enjoy thrillers with strong female leads and complex interpersonal dynamics.
Death By Association serves as a captivating introduction to Julie Titterington’s new series, expertly weaving suspense and rich character development. The story invites readers to delve into the deceptively quiet world of Desert Pines, where every character conceals layers yet to be uncovered. This novel is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a thriller that balances intrigue with deep personal connections.
Pages: 330 | ASIN : B0BR8JJ3K7
LITERARY TITAN 