Birds, Puppies, and Murder

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Looking for a cozy mystery that combines charm, laughs, and a little intrigue? Birds, Puppies, and Murder by Joyce Proell & Brenda Whiteside promises just that! Part of the Chocolate Martini Sisters series, here’s book 4. Maybe grab your favorite cup of cocoa (or chocolate martini 😉), and settle in for a spotlight and book excerpts.

Birds, Puppies, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery) By Joyce Proell & Brenda Whiteside

Birds, Puppies, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery) by Joyce Proell & Brenda Whiteside

About Birds, Puppies, and Murder

Birds, Puppies, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery) Cozy Mystery 4th in Series Setting – Arizona Publisher : Independently Published Publication date : September 23, 2025 Print length : 327 pages ISBN-13 : 979-8294753788 Digital ASIN : B0FK3P31T5

Lost puppies, endangered birds… The sisters are birddogs on a murder most fowl.

The sisters are thriving like mountain sage in an Arizona autumn. Nicole’s yoga business is gaining a foothold in Wyatt. Emma’s first mystery novel is scheduled for release. But a proposed, expansive building project in the pristine area of the bird sanctuary has the community in an uproar. It’s Environmentalists versus Big Business, and the sisters are caught in the cross-fire.

When one of Nic’s yoga students is found dead near the planned resort, the amateur sleuths are back on the trail of a killer. Who has the most to gain from her death—the morally challenged developer, the money-grubbing boyfriend, her jealous brother, a nasty neighbor, or a co-worker with dark secrets? And where has Skittles, the dog, gone?

While the Chocolate Martini Sisters sort through the litany of villains, they’re leaving no mystery unsolved. The stakes are escalating, throwing the sisters on divergent paths that all come together at a dangerous intersection. As they unsnarl the tangled mysteries, will they expose the murderer before the killer finds a way to silence them?

About the Authors

After hearing countless stories as a mental health professional, Joyce Proell retired to create her own tales. An award-winning author, she writes historical romance and cozy mystery where all endings are guaranteed happy. She shares her home on the prairie with a husband and a little dog with a big personality. When she isn’t reading or writing, she likes to swim and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa.

Website: https://joyceproell.com/

Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, cozy mystery, and romance. She’s a born and bred Arizona native who sets fictional stories in imaginary, but recognizable, Arizona locations. She and her husband live in Central Arizona. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes.

“Yeah. On the other hand, maybe the sanctuary money is going to a public relations firm and not huge gambling debts. Although, I’m inclined to side with Lenny on his facial injuries being a result of a fist whomping from loan sharks.” Nic slipped her phone from the pocket of her sweater jacket. “Maybe there’s a way to find out.”

“Who you calling?”

“Rodney.”

Her sister tapped phone buttons, Emma’s curiosity mounting as the call, set on speaker, rang nosily.

“He’s got the pulse on all the illegal stuff happening in Wyatt.”

“Such a cutie,” Lydia enthused. “Cowboy boots notwithstanding.”

A male voice answered in a comfortable tone like the warmth of rustling sheets after a restful sleep. “Nic! Sunday night, a football game on, and a call from my favorite gal. Could my evening get any better?”

Nic rolled her eyes, delight evident in the sudden flush in her cheeks. “Hey, hope I’m not disturbing you, but Em and I could use your help.”

“I aim to serve. What’s up?”

“This is related to Maggie Alcott. It’s assumed her boss, Josiah Falconer, has a gambling problem. Word is, he might be stealing money from the bird sanctuary to cover his debt.”

Emma sipped her tea, captivated with the direction of Nic’s train of thought, content to remain silent.

“Recently, somebody beat him up. We’re thinking the person who loaned him money is responsible. Are you familiar with any loan sharks or thugs who do collections?”

A noise, like a semi-truck growling with a gear change rumbled in his throat. “These are not the sort of people you want to fool around with.”

“Not my intention. Just a quick verification the man owes money.”

Emma’s gut twisted the longer Rodney remained silent.

“I don’t know, Nic.”

“C’mon Rod. This could help us narrow down who might have killed Maggie. It’s possible motivation. If not, it could explain where some of the sanctuary funds have gone. We won’t be in danger.”

A silent pause ensued, no doubt Rodney parsing the risks of assisting somebody he cared about on such a dubious path. “I can sit with that. If they don’t want to answer, which they probably won’t, they’ll tell you to take a hike, and not in a nice way. Promise me you’ll play it safe. Don’t go all Calamity Jane on me.”

Again, the eye roll. “Of course.”

A jolt of excitement fissured along Emma’s spine. This was really happening.

“There are a couple of dudes, enforcers if you want to get precise, who hang out at a dive bar called Shots.”

“We know it well.”

“You do?” Shock ratcheted up his voice.

“Long story. Anyway…names?”

“Ask for Tuffy and Scruggs.” He barked a laugh. “Gotta love the names, right?”

“Thanks, Rodney. I owe you. Oh, there’s one more thing. Can you tell me whether a guy named Lenny Moffat”—she spelled the name—“has ever been arrested? Does he have any criminal baggage?”

“Sure, I can ask around, but it won’t be until tomorrow.”

“Stellar. Talk to you then. And Rod. Thanks, big time.” Nic disconnected, shooting a victory fist into the air. “Yes!”

“Good thinking on the Lenny bit, Nic. I’m proud of you.” Emma beamed at her sibling.

“A lawyer can access police records?” A questioning brow buckled in Lydia’s forehead.

“Some records are public knowledge. Besides, Rodney’s dated at least three of the courthouse clerks.” Nic smiled. “He’ll get the goods—a persuasive guy like him.”

Emma glanced at her watch. “The night is young. How about we mosey over to Shots and knock back a few. Care to join us, Auntie?”

“I think not. Never liked dives.” She jolted forward in her seat, blue eyes widening with alarm. “Unless you need my help.” She stroked her throat, worry etched in her face. “Three might be safer than two.”

“We’ll be fine.” Emma rose from the table, appreciating the woman’s protectiveness, and setting her empty cup on the counter. “Just a quick in and out.” With Trixie and Gus bouncing at her heels, she snatched her crossbody bag and car keys from the kitchen counter, then patted each on their heads. “We’ll be back in an hour or so. If not, call the hospital.” She laughed and grabbed a jacket from a hook in the back entryway, stuffing her arms into the sleeves. “See you soon.”

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✨ Cozy mystery lovers, don’t stop here! Take a look around; there are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. You never know when you’ll stumble upon your next favorite story, a new favorite author, or a cozy adventure you won’t want to put down. Curl up, explore, and enjoy the mystery!

As always, thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations!