Off the Chain by Janice Thompson is the debut of Gone to the Dogs Mysteries. Off the Chain is a lighthearted cozy mystery. We meet Mari Evans who has a dream of starting a non-profit dog rescue called Second Chance Ranch. We follow Mari as she goes about her day-to-day activities. She is also working with her adorable rescue pup, Beau Jangles and trying to figure out who is behind the break in at the vet clinic where she works. I did feel that the characters lacked development. Beau Jangles is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Mari's grandmother, Grandma Peach is a quirky character. She is lively and dispenses advice (whether you want it or not). There is plenty of activity going on in the story which makes it lively. The mystery was straightforward. There are a couple of suspects and red herring or two. I wish the solution had not been so obvious. I like how the group arrived at the answer. I would have liked a stronger mystery (and for it to be the focus of the story). Off the Chain is a Christian cozy mystery. The faith element is woven throughout the story. There is talk about faith, church, and God as well as prayer and scripture. Mari has a crush on her boss, Tyler. Tyler, though, seems to be getting cozy with the new veterinarian. There may be someone else who is meant for Mari. I was not a fan of all the romance and ogling (every cute guy was eyed). I like how the community rallies to help Mari with her dog rescue. I enjoyed the Southern references (they will have you chuckling). I just loved all the dogs in the story (real cutie pies). Off the Chain has humor, faith, mystery, and romance. Off the Chain is a quirky Southern tale with drainage pipe rescue, a dancing dog, beautiful blue eyes, wrecked windows, suspicious suspects, a dog dilemma, and an unforeseen find.

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