Left Fur Dead is the debut of the Jules & Bun Mystery series set in a small New Hampshire town and featuring Juliette "Jules" Bridge and her rabbit, Bun. Jules owns and operates Fur Bridge Farm, a rescue organization for abused, neglected and abandoned rabbits that she started while recuperating from a violent car accident.
Jules has a special connection with Bun, who she is able to communicate with telepathically. On an early morning walk the pair stumbles upon the frozen body of Arthur "Arty" Freeman, a popular mime who performs alongside Jules at birthday parties and special community events. Arty had been acting irrationally lately, ranting and raving at Jules that she needed to release all of the rabbits and unfortunately for Jules, Sheriff Jack Carver seems to think that she may have had a hand in his murder.
Jules and Bun set out to find a killer and their investigation soon brings about a rash of break ins and vandalism at the farm, with both Jules and her veterinary assistant, Jess Plain viciously attacked. The duo has a list of suspects including the driver who caused her car accident and left her for dead, the mysterious squatter who's set up camp on the far edge of her property and the nasty woman who had previously owned Bun.
A good plot and premise, but sometimes the flow of writing seems a little choppy and repetitive. I appreciate animal rescues but was left wondering why Jules doesn't seem to rehome any of the rabbits - she has a flourishing gift and yarn shop with visitors stopping in regularly but yet nobody ever adopts a bunny. A likable cast of characters and I'm hoping that we'll see more of Andrew Stone, decorated veteran in future installments.
Jules has a special connection with Bun, who she is able to communicate with telepathically. On an early morning walk the pair stumbles upon the frozen body of Arthur "Arty" Freeman, a popular mime who performs alongside Jules at birthday parties and special community events. Arty had been acting irrationally lately, ranting and raving at Jules that she needed to release all of the rabbits and unfortunately for Jules, Sheriff Jack Carver seems to think that she may have had a hand in his murder.
Jules and Bun set out to find a killer and their investigation soon brings about a rash of break ins and vandalism at the farm, with both Jules and her veterinary assistant, Jess Plain viciously attacked. The duo has a list of suspects including the driver who caused her car accident and left her for dead, the mysterious squatter who's set up camp on the far edge of her property and the nasty woman who had previously owned Bun.
A good plot and premise, but sometimes the flow of writing seems a little choppy and repetitive. I appreciate animal rescues but was left wondering why Jules doesn't seem to rehome any of the rabbits - she has a flourishing gift and yarn shop with visitors stopping in regularly but yet nobody ever adopts a bunny. A likable cast of characters and I'm hoping that we'll see more of Andrew Stone, decorated veteran in future installments.
Left Fur Dead is a cute cozy mystery. Jules Bridge is the caretaker of Fur Bridge Farm which takes injured and abused bunnies. She also breeds and raises rabbits as well as runs a store on the farm that sells yarn and rabbit related items. Bun is Jules bunny housemate that she rescued from Margery Shaw who called the little fellow the devil spawn. Margery just did not understand what Bun was trying to communicate. Oh, I may have forgotten to mention that Bun talks to Jules using mental telepathy and he is a very curious little bunny. When the pair find Arty the Mime dead in the snow, Bun is eager to investigate. He has a nose for sleuthing plus he has keen hearing. Jules is having trouble at the farm with someone breaking into the barn and opening the rabbit cages. The situation continues to escalate, and Jules is worried about her little rabbit charges. Left Fur Dead is nicely written and progresses at a steady pace. I like the main characters of Jules, Bun, Sheriff Jack Carver and Jess Plain. The mystery has a handful of suspects and there are clues to help readers identify the guilty party. I did feel that the case was a little drawn out. Weeks go by before this case is put to bed. Also, Jules was a little reckless. She put herself into danger more than once (and then what would happen to the rabbits). There are some clever aspects to the mystery with a good reveal and a nice wrap-up. Jules and Bun are cute together and I enjoyed their interactions. Jess is a good friend to Jules, and I look forward to getting to know her better in future books. Sheriff Jack Carver is a nice man with a sweet wife who loves to buy yarn. Jack frequently tells Jules to keep her nose and Bun's out of the case. I did wonder why Jack told her this right after she found the body. I have a feeling that Jules has tried to help Jack in the past. Left Fur Dead is an upbeat cozy mystery with a dead mime, an inquisitive rabbit, a cunning killer, and a worried rabbit rescuer determined to crack this whodunit.
