Thanks so much to BookSirens and author Ella Duke for the chance to read Something Dead the Cat Dragged In, book one in the Dixie French cozy mystery series. Fans of small town mysteries should snatch up this series for the perfect cozy escape. Book two is also available: Deader Than a Wet Hen, so readers don’t even have to wait for the next installment. 

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2024 by Mountain Leaf Publishing

Widowed and recently retired, Dixie French from Kansas decides now is the time to write her mystery novel. She rents a cozy house in the charming town of Loblolly Falls, South Carolina and envisions long, peaceful days writing. 

On her first day in town, Dixie meets her landlady Miriam for coffee and witnesses a man collapse and die at the table next to them. Soon it becomes clear that this was murder, and gossip flows freely in this small town. Miriam is distraught because the victim’s wife is a friend. 

With her curious nature and mystery author brain, Dixie can’t help but work with Miriam to sort the real clues from the gossip to uncover the true culprit. 

Clocking in at 180 pages, this was such a fun cozy mystery! I loved the blend of humor and mystery. That’s always tricky to do, and Ella handled it wonderfully. I loved the small town and cozy elements. Getting a glimpse at how Dixie writes her mystery while also solving a murder made Dixie an interesting and complex character. I can’t wait to read more into this series!

Up next, book two: Deader Than a Wet Hen