by Cynthia Chow
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book & a special tote, along with a link to purchase the book from Amazon.
Buy the Book bookshop in Quindicott, Rhode Island, is preparing for Pet Mystery Week, a promotional event celebrating humans’ worthy animal companions. For the seven days and nights of programming Penelope McClure has partnered with the Pawsome Pals reading group to feature a town pet-adoption day, discount vet care, Pet Blessing, competitive pet show, and even a Pet Parade. One of the highlights for the bookstore owner will be an event by bestselling mystery author Amber Breen, whose Kennel Club Mysteries have even been developed into a streaming series.
It’s the dog owned by Pawsome Pals head Jane Cunningham who proves to be the real-life hero, though, as Sparky leads Penelope to his beloved human’s wounded body. With the dedicated deputy chief Eddie Franzetti out of town at a Rhode Island police chief conference, the far less competent Officer Bull McCoy immediately declares Jane’s shooting to be a hunting accident. Unwilling to allow her Pet Mystery Week to be overshadowed by an unsolved crime, Pen doesn’t hesitate to investigate further. It, of course, doesn’t hurt that she has her own private investigator at her side in the form of Jack Shepard, a detective murdered in the 1940s and whose ghost has taken her on as his trainee. His ability to take Penelope back into his memories and essentially “relive” his past cases lend a surprising amount of information and clues to help them in their present-day investigations, with their most recent journey having them tackle a case that becomes their form of the Maltese Terrier.
Chapters of their adventures with mobsters from the past alternate with their case in the present, allowing for delightful contrasts sure to please noir and cozy mystery readers. In her dreams, Penelope and Jack follow a written puzzle and question shady dames, but when awake they also deal with Jane Cunningham’s combative neighbors and a sinister scheme of corporate espionage and greed. Penelope and Jack’s flirtation continues throughout with their light banter, but otherwise they avoid having a serious discussion over their actual future together. Pet lovers will relish Quindicott’s celebration of their animal companions, and savvy readers shouldn’t be surprised how it proves the final clue helping Penelope to solve the crime.
The talented duo Alice Alfonsi and Marc Cerasini, who write under the name Cleo Coyle, continue to deliver clever, light-hearted, extremely satisfying reads in a mystery that crosses many genres. This blend of noir, paranormal, cozy, and a dash of romance sizzles with sparkling dialogue and unique plots. This is the ninth of a series that began in 2004 and still shows no sign of slowing down or losing any of its appeal.
To enter to win a copy of The Ghost Goes to the Dogs and a special tote from the author comment on this article. A winner will be chosen June 3, 2023. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.
Check out the Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast episode that features an excerpt of the first book in this series by clicking here or on the player below:
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. Also listen to our new mystery podcast where mystery short stories and first chapters are read by actors! They are also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify. A new episode went up this week.
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This book sounds amazing! And I have a weakness when books have animals in them too! Thank you for the chance!
I am not sure if this is where I reply for the contest . But I just want you to know I have turned a few friends on to your books and they are loved by all!?
Love this series and hope it continues
Hope I win
Can’t wait to see what Jack does next@
Interesting
Wonderful author duo with great mystery series. This is a delight to read and would be so enjoyed. Very creative and talented.
This is such a great series. Love it and always have. Thanks for the giveaway.
Sounds interesting! Count me in!
Love your books! This book sounds so good. Thanks for the chance!
I have to say, these types of books always catch my attention and my heart strings. This entire series is wonderful and such a treat to anyone who reads them?? thank you for the chance!
Such a wonderful series! Thank you for the chance!
A great series. Always glad when Jack is back. Fingers crossed I win!!
Greetings, everyone ~ Just dropping in to say hello and send big thanks to librarian (and branch manager) Cynthia Chow for this beautiful review of our new Haunted Bookshop Mystery. Marc and I are thrilled to know you enjoyed it. THE GHOST GOES TO THE DOGS was lots of fun to write, and the story was close to our hearts, as readers will see from our book’s dedication. Marc and I are now writing the next entry in our “Jack and Pen” series. (We have no choice. Jack won’t stop haunting us. :)) In the meantime, Marc and I (and Jack) hope everyone gets a chance to read and enjoy this one.
We also want to applaud Kings River Life magazine and editor-in-chief Lorie Lewis Ham for all you do for cozy mystery authors and readers. We treasure your dedication in covering this beloved mystery category. Good luck to all in the “Jack is back!” giveaway…
Wishing everyone high spirits and happy reading!
~ Cleo
This is a really neat and unique series with the ghost and almost like a dual timeline. I love the Jack character. I’ve got some catching up to do.
This is on my tbr list! tammihoneycutt71@gmail.com
Thank you! BTW, Your Marc and my Marc spell their names the same way!
This sounds like so much fun! Thank you for the chance to win!
Love, love, love this series. Can’t wait to read “The Ghost Goes To The Dogs”.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
I adore this series! Delightful premise, adorable pets, and beautiful, enticing cover art!
Sounds like a great book, thanks for the drawing
Sounds like a fun read. Thanks for the chance.
Adding to my TBR!
I am just about to read this and I am very excited!
Sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for the chance.
This book sounds so good! I would love to read it!
Love this series. Getting ready to start book 8.
Great series! Thanks for the chance to win! Luvs2read4fun (at) gmail (dot) com
Would love to win thank you for the chance
One of my favorite series is Margaret Dumas Movie Palace Mystery. There is the ghost of a murdered usherette from the 30s that helps the theatre manager solve crimes. So, this is right up my alley. What is not to like about the ghost of a murdered 1940s detective helping and pets…… I would love to win this book, but I will go and order the first one and get reading.
Looks to be an awesome read!!
I love Cleo Coyle! This books sounds amazing.
This sounds so good and the cover is so cute.
I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure with Pen and Jack. Am I the only one that wishes that they were an actual couple? ?
The pet mystery week sounds like a fun idea! As does a ghostly detective helping solve present day crimes. Thanks for the chance to win!
I really enjoyed reading your review of this excellent addition to this series.
I’m a big fan of Cleo Coyle, and this new book sounds great! I love the idea of the pet events in this community, and the role the dog(s) play in the story. I’d love to win the book and tote!
This is a delightful series. I always enjoy Penelope and Jack’s adventures. I love the way Jack flirts with her. I am looking forward to their latest whodunit.
These books sound great! I cant wait to read them. Also I would be honored to read and give reviews of them.
How fun! I enjoy stories that incorporate ghosts, and it’s always intriguing when they help solve a case. Thank you for the chance!
These characters sound intriguing!
I am a longtime fan of Cleo Coyle. I have all the books and I loved reading each and every one. Never stop writing.
Loved the book and really want to win the tote! Is there a place to purchase a tote if I don’t win? Jack and Penny are my favorite sleuthing couple! Thank you for the chance to win!
Can’t wait to see if I win one of these fab prizes! Love all your books! Cozy mysteries is my favorite genre of books to read ?
Love the cover.
sounds like a good book. I also like books where the pets share a bit of spotlight.
I’ve never heard of this series, but I’m looking forward to starting them.
This is a new to me author…can’t wait to read it!
I have enjoyed every Cleo Coyle book I have read (and I’ve read most of them). Looking forward to this one as well.
The cover alone makes me want to read your book. It also sounds like a fun read. Thank you for the chance to read your book.
I have read all of the Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series up to this newest novel, it is in my need to purchase next to continue the adventures of Penny and Jack. I love the fact that they are including pet lovers and shelters, so many of our four footed love’s need loving caring parents and safe homes. Thanks Cleo for a chance to win your novel and really cute tote. Rosemarie- roseb2007@verizon.net
Your book looks amazing! I love when animals are involved in cozy mysteries! Thank you for the chance to win your wonderful giveaway!!!
I can’t wait to read this, but I am saving it for my long overseas flight in June. Something to look forward to. This just made me more impatient to read it.
Penelope and Jack sound like they will become quite famous and one of my new favorites. Thank you for writing such fun stories.
Love this series. So pleased that it is continuing. Thank you for the opportunity.
This is a perfect addition to all of the books you have written as it sounds so good. I would love to read and review on amazon and goodreads and so glad that you are giving away a print copy. Am battling RSD and my hands are deformed so tech is out of the question for me but thank you for the chance!
I love Cleo’s books! Such great characters
Absolutely! Love Jack ??. His vintage swagger and mannerisms make me swoon.
What a fun read! Thank you for the giveaway.
I love cozies featuring animals! Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Looks like fun! I love animals in cozies! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of the book.
Congrats on your new release.
Looks like a good read
Everything I love in a cozy is in this book! Thanks for the chance to win it & the tote! I would buy a bag if you sell them! ???????
Everything I love in a cozy is in this book! Thanks for the chance to win it & the tote! I would buy a bag if you sell them! ???????
This sounds like a perfect book: dogs & ghosts together in a cozy mystery! Yes, please!
First, I love the cute book cover with a cat, a dog, a book, plus a little mouse, and (I guess) the hat of the ghost of Jack! The synopsis has piqued my curiosity, and I would love to read how Pen and Jack solve mystery murders! I am a big fan of thrillers, and I definitely love this cozy mystery of noir, paranormal, cozy, and a dash of romance!
Great cover, excerpt, title. Would love to read and review in print format and love the tote bag too. Hope I Win
Sounds like a very good read and I love the cute animals on the cover
Have loved Jack and Pen for years! Glad they are back
Love to read about Jack and his adventures!
I love this series. Thank you for this chance. Happy Memorial Day.
This is my favorite paranormal cozy series! Love Jack and Pen and their cohorts.
Thank you for the chance to win the book & amazing tote.
I read all Cleo Coyle’s Cafe mystery books. Each year, I can’t wait to read their new one. It keeps me excited every time, hard to put down such an adventure. Thank you. I love ?? you !
Love the Penn and Jack mysteries. I have all of them, and can’t wait until I have the next one. lwallin@gmail.com
Looking forward to reading this new book. Thanks for the giveaway!
Love Alice and Marc’s work! My high school English and Theatre students have become sucked into their work! Yippee!!!
These two authors write such fun, interesting books. I hope their home life is as in sync as their writing. Sorry – not sorry you will be working this summer. We need our book fix you know!
I love Jack and Pen. Together they are magic. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. The newest dynamic duo.
I have been hooked on the Coffeehouse series from the beginning. I’m eager to get started with Jack and Pen now.
These authors are my favorite! The books are fresh and the series never feel like they are written by the same couple!
Look forward to every book. Best cozies.
Have enjoyed all available Jack’s adventures and look forward to more.
Love reading the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. I finally got caught up on them. Can’t wait to read the next case Pen & Jack take on. Thanks for continuing the series and also for the Coffeehouse Mysteries! ~ Josh
I’m addicted to Cleo Coyle’s books – all of 5gem so how have I missed these?
You summed it up perfectly when you wrote, “This blend of noir, paranormal, cozy, and a dash of romance sizzles with sparkling dialogue and unique plots.” I couldn’t say it any better!
So happy to see a new “Ghost” mystery from Cleo Coyle. Athough not a true paranormal cozy reader these stories remind me of early TV series and novels. I never miss a new Cleo book.
Great post for a wonderful author!
Love the coffeehouse series and I would love to try this one! Thanks for the chance.
Can’t wait to read “The Ghost Goes To The Dogs.” The cover looks awesome!!!!
nice cover
Love all your books. Cant wait to read more about Jack!
Looking forward to more stories of Jack and Penelope!
Oh, what spirited fun! I would love to read this book!
This is going to be as good as the rest.
Cbliss3049@yahoo.com
Love both of these series and can’t wait to read the new ones
Cleo/Alice/Marc have provided me many hours of enjoyment through their work over the years! I own the entire Coffeehouse Mystery series, and recently picked up the first Haunted Bookshop mystery. Alice and Marc, if you are reading this…write faster! May the dice always be good to you. ??
Sounds like a great read!
I look forward to reading The Ghost has gone to the dogs. Jack is a keeper.
I’d love to read this!
I enjoy reading your books. Love the covers
Love Cleo Coyle and both of the series. Jack is an interesting character since he is really only interacting with one person in the entire series. Love all of the back story of the area makes me feel like I’m up in that idyllic countryside. Can’t wait to read this next installment.
Absolutely love this series. Thanks for the chance.
I like the summary. Sounds like a very good read!
Loving the latest Jack n Pen. Thank you for both great series and memorable characters.
Love all the Cleo books. I think Jack is becoming my favorite though.
I enjoy the Haunted Bookshop series SO much because I love bookshops & the thought of a benevolent ghost being present in those bookshops.
Can’t wait to read about Jack’s latest adventures. Please enter me.
My Mom and I have loved your Haunted Bookshop series for years. It is great to see more of them out. And of course also love the Coffeehouse series. Can’t wait for the next ones!! Thank you both for all your hard work.
Your books are always enjoyable. I have everyone of them and I am always looking forward to the next book.
Read this already and loved it.
Hope Jack continues to haunt the
bookshop. Would love the tote.
I’ll keep the book for a souvenir.
thanks txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Absolutely love these books!
I am a fan of your books! I would love to be the lucky winner!
Woof woof.
Always a good read!
Really enjoy this series.
I really enjoy these books. Thank you for sharing!
Love this series and the coffeehouse ones as well.
Didn’t see my comment so trying again. But certainly looking forward to the new book
Love your mysteries! They are so well written and engaging!
This sounds wonderful. I love the cover
Your writing is amazing! I look forward to each new book when I hear it’s coming out! Thank you for giving us such great series!!
So glad you two created Cleo Coyle. Love her cozy mysteries.
I love reading about Pru and Jack. I enjoy books with pets in them, prefer cats but dogs can be fun too. Thank you for this chance on your giveaway. pgenest57@aol.com
Would love to try this series. Another great cover. Your artist(s) are great. Thanks for the chance. Pat L.
Would love to try this series. Another great cover. Your artist(s) are great. Thanks for the chance.
I am so looking forward to the latest Haunted Bookshop mystery! I love Jack and Penelope and I love the way he helps Pen detect!
I really am enjoying all of her books. I can’t wait for the next one to appear — but not just in my dreams!!!
I also love the Coffee House series!!
Love your books, Claire and Mike in the coffeehouse series and Jack and Penn in the haunted bookshop, have read them all.
Wonderfully entertaining. Please keep writing.
I love both of Cleo’s series! I’m looking forward to reading the next two books.
I enjoy a great mystery. This looks like another fun series to try!
I am not familiar with the Haunted Bookshop series. I do love cozies that include animals. I look forward to finding and reading this series. Thank you for the opportunity to win this prize.
I love this series and am excited to read the next installment. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
A fun and intelligent series..enjoying the new one now.
Jack is such a great character and through is voice you are really transported back to his time. I’m excited there is a dog in the book too. Love what a pet brings to a story.
I’d love to start reading this series. It sounds like one I would really enjoy! Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
Would like to get into this other series by Cleo Coyle. Have enjoyed the Coffee House series.
I love this series a lot. Jack and Penelope are such great characters. I would love to visit Pen’s bookstore.
Always look forward to the books they write. Fun easy reading.
So looking forward to Jack and Pen’s latest adventure,
Thank you for a chance to win a book. The book sounds like a fun read. Can’t go wrong with a ghost and pets.
II very much like the characters in the Coffee House series especially Matt’s mother. Jack and Penny from the bookstore are my favorites though and I could hardly wait for his return. I was finally happy!
Loved this series. All ready waiting for the next new book
Love. The Coffee House series. Waiting for the next book to come out as a mass market paper back book
Would love to win – my mom and I love these books
A guilty pleasure about which I do not feel guilty.
While I have read numerous cozy series, I can honestly say that Cleo’s are my absolute favorites. Have read them all, and look forward to more. The recipes in the Coffeehouse series are a lovely bonus. (I think there should be a cookbook in the works!)
I love all your books and look forward to each new one.
Love both of your series! To own an autographed copy would be amazing! And I love tote bags, too!
Hi, Jennifer – By now you know that you’ve won the random draw for our “Jack is back!” Haunted Bookshop giveaway. Happy congrats to you! Marc and I (and Jack) hope you enjoy your prizes.
Cheers to everyone who took the time to stop by and leave such kind comments. We wish that we could give you all a prize package (maybe someday!). In the meantime, we hope you’ll keep in touch with us and this fine publication.
Big thanks to Kings River Life Magazine and Editor-in-Chief Lorie Lewis Ham for your efforts in generously hosting this giveaway, and our special thanks to librarian (and branch manager) Cynthia Chow for her beautiful review of THE GHOST GOES TO THE DOGS. We were thrilled to know you enjoyed it, and we hope you all get a chance to read it. Have a great summer, everyone…
Wishing you high spirits and happy reading!
Cleo Coyle
Hi! So happy for more awesome reading! I love both of your series.
I really need to catch up on this series, Jack is so awesome!
Can’t wait to read another installment of Jack and Penny’s adventures. emmasmom69 AT gmail DOT com
I really enjoy this series and love when Jack and Pen have their little alone moments in her dreams. All of the characters are so much fun!
Can’t wait to read this book! I’ve just discovered the Ghost series and am looking forward to getting as hooked on them as the Coffeehouse Mysteries!
This series makes me want to put on some old torch songs and curl up with Jack and Pen – it only takes one book to get hooked, just like the coffeehouse series. I have a hard time finding the ghost series. What could be better than dogs, coffee, mystery and Cleo?? Can’t wait to see what comes next for these sleuths.
Looking forward to reading this book soon! I love the Cleo Coyle writing team and both of their mystery series….please continue writing!
?? The Coffee House Mysteries. I was hooked by the first one. I have the entire set, though there is always room to expand. The recipes are amazing. This series inspired me to build a Coffee Bar into my little home. There is a shelf above my Coffeepot that holds a place of honor for my special collection of your fun and exciting books that brings joy to me. Also, some of my visitors are now collecting this series too. Thanks so much for sharing your gift of writing with us.
Hoping to win – the book sounds great. Have a wonderful summer!
I have read all their coffeehouse mysteries so this series would be great to read. Thanks for the chance!
The book sounds so good!
Absolutely love the CoffeeHouse Mysteries as well as the Jack Shephard books. Would love a fun win.
Absolutely loved the Coffeehouse series! I’m very excited to read this one! Thank you!
Love them all. Looking forward to the new one. Hoping for more on her getting back with her x.