The Dog Park Murders by Angela Barker - Now Released

Now Released - August 25, 2026

The Dog Park Murders is a pretty fun mystery if you like lighter crime stories. It’s set in a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, and the main character, Juliette, is a dog groomer who ends up becoming the prime suspect when a guy is found murdered in the local dog park—using one of her dog leashes.

What I liked most is the vibe. It’s not super dark or violent like a lot of crime novels. Instead, it has that cozy mystery feel where you’re following along trying to figure out who did it while dealing with small-town gossip, awkward encounters, and a bunch of dogs running around.

There’s also this dynamic between Juliette and Joel, a café owner who claims he hates dogs. Their back-and-forth adds some humor and a bit of romance while they try to solve the case.

The mystery itself is interesting, though the real appeal is the characters and the small-town setting. If you like stories that mix murder, humor, and a little romance, it’s a pretty enjoyable read.

It’s the kind of book you’d pick up when you want a mystery that’s entertaining, light and cozy rather than intense. A perfect palate cleanser. 

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

★★★½

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