Oak Falls veterinarian Dr Kate and her assistant Mari were returning to the hospital from a call out when a man flagged them down. It was freezing with the snow and ice surrounding them all, but when they were told he'd discovered a body, Kate and Mari walked through the snow to check it out. After siting the body, they then came across a young woman dead in the frozen lake, just below the surface. The young couple were engaged to be married, and at first it seemed a murder suicide, but when the Chief of Police declared both deaths murder, the small town was in shock. Within days, Dr Kate and Mari returned to the hospital, only to discover their temporary receptionist deceased inside. What was going on? Were the three deaths connected?

In between Kate rescuing a crow that flew into her door, and treating a sweet little pup she named Bella, plus the many other treatments and surgeries, Kate investigated the deaths, digging deeply. Her new friend, Dr Mike, a large animal vet, encouraged her in her endeavours - but would they discover who had murdered the three people? And was Kate putting herself in danger?

Murders of a Feather is the 3rd in the Dr. Kate Vet Mysteries by Eileen Brady and I loved it! Filled to the brim with many animals, both small and large, with some weird and wonderful diagnoses, the three main characters - Dr Kate, Mari and Cindy - were exceptional. I realised I'd read #2 before this one, but not #1, so I purchased that one today. Looking forward to it - and #4 later on down the track. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.2023-release 3500-2023 arc ...more31 s2 comments Ivonne Rovira2,056 212

When José Florez is found dead in the snow with a gunshot wound in the chest while his fiancée Alicia Ramsey is found drowned in a nearby frozen lake in New York’s Hudson Valley, the presumption is that it was a murder-suicide. Readers know that can’t be right, or there wouldn’t be a novel in the first place. Veterinarian Dr. Kate Turner,

Murders of a Feather is the third book in the Dr. Kate Vet series, not to be confused with author Eileen Brady’s other series, Kate Turner, DVM. Why split the novels into two series? It’s just one more odd aspect of Brady’s writing.

Dr. Kate can be pretty whiny. She bemoans the lack of a boyfriend in the runup to Valentine’s Day at least four times in the first chapter. Yikes! Desperate much? But, all in all, Dr. Kate is kind of a cipher in her own book. Brady also has a hard time providing background info for readers approaching this book without having read the previous books. That makes for quite a bit of clunky prose, especially in the first few chapters.

As I read, I realized that I didn’t care about the investigation, the questionable death of their temp receptionist, and especially Dr. Kate and her pals. Brady’s prose meanders with little sense of suspense or even interest. Finally, when I was at nearly the 40 percent mark, I remembered how short life is — too short to have to force one’s self to finish lousy books.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.quest-for-excellence-summer-202310 s LORI CASWELL2,577 294

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Winter is still going strong in the Hudson Valley and Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. Mari and Dr. Kate are out doing house calls when they see a man waving his arms on the side of the road. When they stop to help the man tells them he found a dead body in the woods. After notifying the police they ask the man to take them to the body to be sure he is beyond help. He was, but he wasn’t the only dead body in the woods. Kate and Mari discover a woman under the frozen water of the lake not far away. They turn out to be a young engaged couple getting ready to start their lives together. Was it a murder/suicide? or were they both murdered?

A couple of days later Dr. Kate and Mari are clearly sent to the wrong address by the temporary receptionist but she isn’t answering their calls. They head back to the office to find the receptionist dead from a sedative sometimes used on their animal patients. Again, was it suicide? maybe an accidental overdose? or was she murdered?

The police determined all three were homicides. Are the deaths connected or coincidence? Are there one or two killers on the loose? Kate is having a hard time dealing with the deaths and she needs some answers.

Kate also has met a large animal vet she would to get to know better and she has an injured wild crow she helped that now checks in with her every day and brings his friends. She is not sure if either of these things is good or bad.

Kate, Mari, and Cindy have become true friends and work together a well-oiled machine. Cindy is taking some time off so Babs Fields comes in to take her place. She has her own way of doing things and Kate and Mari quickly adjust never dreaming that Babs would be killed. The banter between all the characters is genuine and they do get to know Babs well enough to know she would have left clues to help them pinpoint her killer, they just have to find them.

I really enjoyed the introduction of Mike, the large animal vet, and the bit of confusion about his status. Who can identify the life of a vet better than another vet? He and Kate have a lot in common, I just hope the author lets the relationship evolve in a realistic way.

My favorite character though is Kate’s Gramps. Just a phone call away with advice or a little story to make Kate smile. He is also close enough for a quick visit when she needs a real hug and some face-to-face time. I can almost smell his pasta sauce from here.

While I feel I am getting to know Kate, Mari, and Cindy better, in this story we learn a huge piece of Mari’s history and it is heartbreaking. I am so happy that she has such strong friends in Kate and Cindy.

The mystery was very intriguing from the get-go. Who was this man on the side of the road? Did he have anything to do with the murders? Were the three deaths connected? Who would want these people dead? Digging into their lives reveals some secrets and leads to quite a few suspects. There are also several twists and so many clues. It was hard to determine what was really relevant and what to cast aside, only to find after casting out it was actually pretty important. Ms. Brady plotted this one out so well. I finally decided to just read and enjoy the ride rather than trying to solve the mystery myself. That was the right choice because I was totally caught by surprise when all was revealed. I was impressed by the way Kate could think on her feet. The showdown was so exciting. My heart was racing as the drama played out.

Part of the fun of this series is all the animals that Kate takes care of. This time there was a pot-bellied pig named Porky, a litter of puppies, some barn kittens, named Tootsie, Tommy, Taffy, and Tiny, the birth of some baby goats, a couple of horses, and an injured crow and his friends. She had other patients too and her own dog Buddy. I love the way the animals are worked in throughout the story and that we see a little bit of each of their personalities.

Kate receives some news at the end of the story that is going to force her to make a big decision. I think I know what she will decide and I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see if I am right.

Murders of a Feather is a marvelous addition to this series. It is my favorite of the three. An intriguing mystery, with great characters, set in a small New York town, with animals galore. A Perfect Escape!read-20233 s Lisa~Ilovemypug~ Currier1,884 69

Murders of a Feather is a great book, it's full of twists and turns, secrets, and animals.
Dr. Kate is covering a small town veterinary hospital in the Hudson Valley, and she always finds herself wrapped in the middle of a murder investigation.
The discovery of two dead bodies sets the scene for this book, and Dr. Kate and her assistant Mari, are the ones who discovered them.
This is a well scripted story, the characters are fantastic and the mystery itself kept me guessing until the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.cats cozy-mystery cozy-mystery-top-100 ...more3 s Kim188 1 follower

Dr Kate and her assistant Mari are flagged down on their way back to the veterinarian clinic after a call where they are shown a dead male face first in the snow. They also discover a woman dead under the ice in the lake. It turns out both have been murdered! Dr Kate cannot rest until she can solve who committed the crime but then things take a turn for the worst! This was a fast twisty read! 2 s Anne590 23

Loved this one! It’s the third book in this series but there is also another older 4 book series about the main character- I’m not sure why but all the books are by the same author and well written. I recommend reading the older series in full and then this series. All of the characters are thoroughly described and you begin to feel you really know and love them! Highly recommend for cozy lovers!2 s Jeanne567

This was the first I have read in the series but I enjoyed it thoroughly. The protagonist is a no-nonsense vet who treats animals as she solves the mystery. I call it a cozy but it is more grounded than many. Kate can't just decide to run off from the surgery to follow a clue, for example. Her interest in the case goes way beyond the general "I found a body so I need to solve it" scenario and makes it all more believable. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next in the series. cozy-mystery1 Alice LiuAuthor 4 books18

Another great installment in the Dr. Kate Vet mysteries. Murders of a Feather emphasizes relationships, the good and bad, the new and old, and even the Corvus. Besides a fascinating look into the lives of veterinarians, Eileen Brady is adept at creating fully earned relationships...all interwoven into a compelling murder mystery.1 Sarah69

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press (Sourcebooks) for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reading Copy for free. I am providing my feedback voluntarily.

My impression was this novel tried to be many things at the same time which lessened the impact of each individual aspect. It began with a lot of emphasis on romance, Valentine’s Day and a dog named Cupid. It seemed to try to educate the reader on veterinary medicine, the things that can be encountered, the people met, the decision to work in various fields as a vet. Lastly, there is a murder mystery which the vet tries to solve because apparently the police are having trouble. As a result, I thought this book was just ok. I didn’t feel a connection to it.

This is the third in a series of Dr Kate so I’m not sure if my opinion would be different if I had read the first two and had more of a connection to the characters.netgalley-arc1 The Sassy Bookworm3,596 2,766

Book Review: A Cozy Mystery Delight: Murders of a Feather by Eileen Brady

????/5 Stars

Murders of a Feather by Eileen Brady is a delightful cozy mystery that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the Hudson Valley winter. Dr. Kate, an Oak Falls veterinarian, finds herself knee-deep in not only snow but also a string of homicides that will keep readers captivated from start to finish. With its engaging writing, charming setting, and unique protagonist, this standalone novel is a solid read for any cozy mystery lover.

One of the first things that caught my attention was the captivating writing style of Eileen Brady. The author effortlessly weaves together a story that keeps readers hooked from the very beginning. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for an immersive experience without feeling rushed. Brady's ability to maintain suspense throughout the book is praiseworthy, making it difficult to put down.

Set in the beautiful Hudson Valley town of Oak Falls, Brady expertly captures the essence of the winter season. The vivid descriptions of the snowy landscapes and cozy small-town atmosphere create an immersive reading experience. The setting becomes almost another character in the story, adding depth and charm to the overall narrative.

Dr. Kate, a veterinarian, brings a refreshing twist to the typical cozy mystery genre. Her profession adds a unique layer of interest and allows readers to explore the world of animal care alongside solving crimes. Kate's determination and intelligence make her a likable character, and her interactions with animals add an endearing touch to the story.

The central mystery in Murders of a Feather is expertly crafted, keeping readers guessing until the very end. As Kate delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers surprising connections between the victims. The twists and turns are skillfully executed, ensuring that readers remain engaged and invested throughout the book. Brady carefully plants clues along the way, allowing astute readers to try and solve the puzzle alongside Kate.

The characters in this cozy mystery are well-developed and likable. Dr. Kate's interactions with other townspeople, including the handsome large animal vet she meets on a house call, add depth and warmth to the story.

Murders of a Feather is a solid read that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries. Eileen Brady's engaging writing style, charming setting, unique protagonist, and well-plotted mystery come together to create an enjoyable reading experience. Whether you are new to cozy mysteries or a seasoned fan, this book is sure to entertain you from start to finish. So grab a cup of tea, snuggle up in a warm blanket, and get ready to dive into this captivating tale set in the beautiful Hudson Valley.

??This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary??fiction mystery6 s Missi Martin (Stockwell)898 21

Murders of a Feather is the third book in the Dr. Kate Vet Mystery series by Eileen Brady and I sure hope that you are a fan ..... if not, I hope you will be soon !!! There is a lot in this series for readers to fall in love with !!

In Murders of a Feather Dr. Kate and her assistant Mari are getting ready to work a whole week without their rock of an office manager, Cindy. Cindy and her family which included Police Chief Bobby Garcia who is her brother-in-law are heading to Florida for a week. Luckily Cindy has secured help from a friend. Babs has worked in the animal hospital before as well as others so she was use to the way things worked.

Unfortunately while Dr. Kate and Mari were out on a house call, they noticed a man on the side of the road looking for help ..... he claimed to find a body in the woods. So Dr. Kate and Mari, with their medical knowledge went to see if they could help the person. Unfortunately the man was dead and when they looked around, they found another body trapped under the water on the nearby lake.

Then to make matters worst, when Dr. Kat and Mari return from being out on a house call they could not find, they find Babs dead in the surgery room ..... and it was not suicide some thought.

Dr. Kate being the person that she is starts asking about the couple and Babs. She learns that Alicia and Jose were engaged to be married soon. Alicia and Jose did not deserve to die in the manner that they did and when Cindy and family returned from vacation, her brother-in-law deemed that they were murdered. However it took a bit of convincing before Chief Garcia would agree about Babs.

Cindy is left mourning a close friend as well as seeing to Babs estate while a living relative is located. Dr. Kate offers to help but also wants to find out who killed these three individuals. So Dr. Kate talks to anyone willing to discuss the deceased as well as dives into their online presence .... sadly it is not getting her anywhere.

Readers cannot help but feel pulled by this series. You will love the characters, the town, the businesses and everything else involved. You begin to feel you belong there just Dr. Kate and when you get to the end and hear the NEWS and bombshell that Brady gives readers, you will fall in love all over again !!!!

June PriceAuthor 7 books67

If you've ever had a pet, it's quite ly you've made a few trips to your local veterinarian clinic. Very few of us, however, have any real clue what vets do on a daily basis when they aren't explaining the selected treatment for your own pet. This book will go a long way toward giving you a better understanding of what goes on besides the receptionist making appointments as they field calls or the vet tech holding your squirming pet for the vet exam. Author Eileen Brady was a practicing vet for some thirty years, so it's no wonder these interactions we rarely see ring true.

I realized at some point how comfortable I felt with these characters, not to mention the menagerie of critters. All felt someone or some animal you have met and/or could be friends with. Heck, I even found myself warming up to Babs. That was impressive because I wasn't too fond of her initially. The addition of a romantic interest this go-round was another plus, especially since he is a big-animal vet as opposed to main character Kate's largely small animal focus. It was also a clever use of a feathered friend, so to speak, in the title and to help move the plot along. In other words, I was thoroughly enjoying my read.

The murder? Who'd kill engaged couple Jose and Alicia? Who's this Bruce character and why does he lie about Kate and Mari to the press? And, hey, why is Mari, usually so cool and controlled under such a situation, suddenly obviously uneasy when they discover a second body? Is Babs involved? She does seem to know the female victim after all. Will Kate ever find time to really get to know the intriguing new vet? Or, wait, is he married? Uh, oh. Well, that's assuming she even lives long enough.

And, hey, who....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. This series is proving addictive for me and it's one I definitely recommend if you're into small towns, animals of all kinds, friends and family, and, hmm, maybe romance. The third in the series, it works well as a standalone, even resolving a lingering issue, but you'd enjoy the first two, too, I'm betting. Thanks #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for inviting me along to ride along with Kate and Mari. I'm already looking forward to seeing what happens next. 3 s Mary Brown1,259 69

Murders Of A Feather
A Veterinarian Cozy Mystery
Eileen Brady
5 Stars

Synopsis:


It's February in the Hudson Valley and Oak Falls veterinarian Dr. Kate is once again up to her galoshes in corpses
Hudson Valley winters can be brutal…and deadly! Dr. Kate is once again on the case (not to mention thin ice) after discovering a young engaged couple frozen to death in the lake. To make matters worse, her temporary receptionist appears to have overdosed from a recreational sedative used at the animal hospital. Kate barely has time to dread Valentine's Day (and the fact that she's alone on this holiday, once again) as the police investigation shows that all three fatalities are in fact homicides.
But who would want the young couple dead, just as they were embarking on a new life together? And who pumped the temp employee full of enough animal tranquilizers to drop an ox? Kate doesn't know where to begin until she stumbles upon a connection between the three victims and decides she needs to investigate further. But will her investigation leave her any time to get to know the handsome large animal vet she's just met on a house call? And is the injured wild crow she's taken under her wing in fact an omen of more bad things to come? (Amazon)


Review:


The characters are well developed and well rounded. Kate does not have a date for Valentine’s Day and no prospects of getting one. Things get even worse for her when she finds a young couple murdered. She feels she has to find out the killer. And when she finds another dead body, she knows she must find the culprit before more people are murdered.


The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The mystery is well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider.


I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written cozy mystery. And if you animals, that is a plus.


I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.










1 Annie3,886 71 Read

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Murders of a Feather is the 3rd cozy featuring veterinarian Dr. Kate written by Dr. Eileen Brady. Released 3rd Oct 2023 by Poisoned Pen Press, it's 384 pages and is available in mass market paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

I had read the previous books in the series and had really enjoyed the gentle pace of these cozies along with the quirky secondary characters (and all their pets). It's also cool that that the author slips in the occasional good suggestion for responsible pet ownership without being strident or snarky.

The plot develops gradually, the dialogue is smooth and not clunky. The denouement was a bit over the top, but that's why most cozy fans are reading the amateur sleuth genre anyhow. It's refreshing that Dr. Kate can take care of herself and readers will be cheering and *high fiving* at the end. There's a strong romance subplot, but it doesn't take over the story (too much). It's a Valentine's day themed story, so there's a fair bit of holiday romance included, but nothing too spicy.

The language is clean and there is no graphic on-page violence. The author has 4 books in an earlier series with the same main character, but the continuity is a trifle iffy between the 7 books, so readers should treat them as 2 separate series and proceed accordingly.

Four stars. This book (and the series) are well written and comfortably fun cozy reads. It would make a good selection for public library acquisition, binge/buddy read, or for fans of animal cozies.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposesnetgalley Madelene81 1 follower

I gave Murders of a Feather by Eileen Brady 4 stars.

It's February in the Hudson Valley and Oak Falls veterinarian Dr. Kate is once again up to her galoshes in corpses Hudson Valley winters can be brutal…and deadly!

Dr. Kate is once again on the case (not to mention thin ice) after discovering a young engaged couple frozen to death in the lake. To make matters worse, her temporary receptionist appears to have overdosed from a recreational sedative used at the animal hospital.

Kate barely has time to dread Valentine's Day (and the fact that she's alone on this holiday, once again) as the police investigation shows that all three fatalities are in fact homicides. But who would want the young couple dead, just as they were embarking on a new life together? And who pumped the temp employee full of enough animal tranquilizers to drop an ox?

-------- REVIEW --------

The third installment in Dr. Kate Vet Mystery series. As with the previous books, this was a fun read with many great characters, both furry and not furry. I love reading about all the different patients at the animal hospital. You can really tell the author knows what she is writing about.

The mystery was interesting, but it felt a bit darker than previous books. Even the cover look ominous to me. It is supposed to be Valentine's Day but feel more Halloween, haha.

I really missed Kate's grandpa in this book. He was such a big part of her sleuthing in the two previous books, but he was only present via the phone in this one. I don't know why that changed. Hope he will be back more in the next book. Can't wait to read it!

This book comes out 03 Oct.

Thank you, Net Galley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Whatshereads727153 3

I enjoyed this cozy mystery.. This author has written many books, all of them cozy mysteries. This is my first one of hers This story is about Dr. Kate, who is a veterinarian in the Hudson valley, She discovers a young couple, frozen to death in the lake and murdered. And to make matters worse, Her temporary receptionist at the clinic appears to have overdosed from a sedative used at the animal hospital. So the police are trying to investigate these three homicides and Kate decides that things aren’t right and she needs to get involved and try to figure out what’s going on. She s very close with her Grandfather and he gives her advice and tips from his past experiences to get Kate moving in the right direction towards figuring who is involved. This dead couple was just getting ready to be married, so why would he kill her then Himself? Also, the temporary employee who was filled with animal tranquilizers, they think she committed suicide. Kate doesn’t believe that is true The employee has a lot of experience and history working in veterinarian clinics for decades and was very satisfied and looking towards retirement and travel. Kate also meets another veterinarian who is working close by and he helps Kate take care of large animals and farm animals and she becomes enamored with him. So the story continues about how she delved into this mystery and tries to figure out what’s going on. it’s written very well, the story flows seamlessly. I think it ended a little quickly though in my opinion. All of a sudden in one paragraph here’s the murderer! it was not a great surprise but it was still fun and I enjoyed reading it. The characters were developed very well and I got to know them, and enjoyed them. I was rooting for them throughout. I would recommend this book. Animals throughout which is a win! I would give this 3.75 stars . Linda "Lilybug's Library"197

I received an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Eileen Brady for the opportunity to review it. This is my honest review of the book.

I had never read Dr. Kate Vet Mysteries before, although this is the 3rd one in the series. It was wonderful to read a cozy mystery where the main character has a unique job. I was fascinated learning about the ins and outs of a vet practice and the quirkiness of pet owners.

The characters in the book are fleshed out well and I really enjoyed getting to know them. I didn't feel lost because I hadn't read the first two books, which was nice. I will be going back to read them now though.

Dr. Kate is filling in at the vet practice while the owner is away on a cruise. Her receptionist Cindy and her assistant Mari have been there a long time and know all the people in the small town. Cindy is the police chief's sister in law so she also has the inside track on any information. So when someone is murdered, Dr. Kate often goes to her for information on what the police think. She also has a close relationship with her Gramps and he is great for coming up with new ideas that she hasn't thought of.

I thought the mystery was interesting and not easily solved, the characters were fun and engaging and I now have a whole new respect for my vet. I can't wait to read more from Eileen Brady.cozy Debbie Lacey240 8

Setting the Scene: "It's February in the Hudson Valley and Oak Falls veterinarian Dr. Kate is once again up to her galoshes in corpses

Hudson Valley winters can be brutal…and deadly! Dr. Kate is once again on the case (not to mention thin ice) after discovering a young engaged couple frozen to death in the lake." An additional murder pulls Dr. Kate further into things, and spending Valentine's Day alone may no longer be her biggest concern.

What I Thought: This was a welcome installment in the Dr. Kate series. I enjoy interactions between Kate, Maury, and the all-knowing Cindy, and there are some new personalities in the mix. The mystery(ies?) was well written and plotted with more than enough suspects that kept me guessing to the very end. Not to worry, there are plenty of animals in the mix, as well, as a potential new romance, assuming he isn't a killer. Kate hasn't been luck in love. Either way, this book opens lots of doors and bodes well for more books in this series. [If you have not read this series, as always, I recommend you begin with the first book. However, it could get confusing, so be aware that the series was first published as the Kate Turner, DVM series with 3 books: Muzzled, Unleashed, and Chained. The series name was changed to Dr. Kate Vet series with two books preceding this one: Saddled With Murder and Last But Not Leashed. So, I recommend you begin with Muzzled and proceed from there.] amateur-sleuth animals finished ...more Tari2,706 83

This was absolutely awesome and I really love these key characters! Kate has an amazing team of ladies at her vet clinic that’re more than just coworkers. They’re friends outside if work and they sleuth together sometimes as well.

After three deaths that were connected by various ways, Kate was determined to get some answers especially since the temp employee had cleverly done something hoping to point to her killer just Kate herself did during a super exciting showdown. I think I was most excited to see just when she’d get to use the pepper spray she kept on her at all times as per her promise to Gramps. (I just love her Gramps!). Kate didn’t disappoint and neither did some furry and feathered friends of hers who did a real number on that killer!

I was so happy for Kate meeting that sweet fellow vet named Dr. Mike too. He was sure a keeper and even helped in the showdown, although he paid a price that slowed him a little but not enough to keep from making some post-Valentine’s Day plans with Kate. Her actual Valentine’s Day date was her favorite man in the entire world.
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