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Finn and Briar Cozy Mystery #1
A Guide to Solving A Murder
Tessa Windsor loves her peaceful life as a hiking guide in the stunning Colorado Rockies. But everything changes when she inherits a mysterious legacy from a great-aunt she never knew existed—and discovers that her inheritance is magic. Suddenly, Tessa can understand every word her loyal border collie, Finn, and mischievous cat, Briar, are saying—and they have a lot to say.
But Tessa’s new gift comes with a twist. She’s haunted by a vision of a woman being murdered, and when the details turn out to be chillingly real, she knows she can’t ignore it. With Finn’s boundless energy and Briar’s sharp wit, Tessa dives headfirst into the mystery, uncovering secrets that someone will go to deadly lengths to protect.
As the danger closes in, Tessa must master her newfound powers and trust her magical bond with her animal companions to solve the case before she becomes the next victim.
Fans of cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist will be enchanted by A Guide to Solving a Murder, where murder, magic, and an unforgettable cast of characters collide in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Perfect for readers who love clever animals, a touch of humor, and page-turning intrigue!
But Tessa’s new gift comes with a twist. She’s haunted by a vision of a woman being murdered, and when the details turn out to be chillingly real, she knows she can’t ignore it. With Finn’s boundless energy and Briar’s sharp wit, Tessa dives headfirst into the mystery, uncovering secrets that someone will go to deadly lengths to protect.
As the danger closes in, Tessa must master her newfound powers and trust her magical bond with her animal companions to solve the case before she becomes the next victim.
Fans of cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist will be enchanted by A Guide to Solving a Murder, where murder, magic, and an unforgettable cast of characters collide in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Perfect for readers who love clever animals, a touch of humor, and page-turning intrigue!
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2025
517 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Courtney McFarlin
132 books56 followersCourtney McFarlin currently lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her fiance and their two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 19, 2025
Tess is living the high life. She has her own business leading hikes in the Colorado Rockies, her faithful pets by her side, a brother whom she’s close to, and her BFF, Meggie. Her life is shaken up, however, when she and Paul are named as heirs to a woman they never knew—their great-aunt Euphemia. Paul inherits Euphemia’s home, but Tess inherits her magic. Now she can communicate with her cat and dog, which is amazing. Not so amazing is the very real nightmare Tess has of witnessing a woman’s murder. She recognizes the trail from her dream and travels there, only to find the woman’s body. Both Tess and Paul soon dig into the investigation, Tess by asking questions and Paul utilizing his skills and contacts as a journalist. Finn and Briar lend assistance where they can, and when Tessa gets too close to a killer, it will be up to her pets and her newfound magic to save the day.
Apparently, this series is a spinoff of the author’s “Razzy Cat” series. I have a few book in that series but have yet to read any. At least this one didn’t produce any overt spoilers. I loved Tessa’s ability to speak to Finn and Briar. Who among us wouldn’t want to talk to our pets? Characterizations were wonderful, including the pets. I liked how Paul and Meggie continued to dance around their attraction to one another. The plot moved quickly and held my attention.
Fun read, four stars
Apparently, this series is a spinoff of the author’s “Razzy Cat” series. I have a few book in that series but have yet to read any. At least this one didn’t produce any overt spoilers. I loved Tessa’s ability to speak to Finn and Briar. Who among us wouldn’t want to talk to our pets? Characterizations were wonderful, including the pets. I liked how Paul and Meggie continued to dance around their attraction to one another. The plot moved quickly and held my attention.
Fun read, four stars
January 28, 2025
enjoyed this book and the characters. Great mystery - even a but scary. the dog and the cat were the best characters.
Amazon synopsis:
Tessa Windsor loves her peaceful life as a hiking guide in the stunning Colorado Rockies. But everything changes when she inherits a mysterious legacy from a great-aunt she never knew existed—and discovers that her inheritance is magic. Suddenly, Tessa can understand every word her loyal border collie, Finn, and mischievous cat, Briar, are saying—and they have a lot to say.
But Tessa’s new gift comes with a twist. She’s haunted by a vision of a woman being murdered, and when the details turn out to be chillingly real, she knows she can’t ignore it. With Finn’s boundless energy and Briar’s sharp wit, Tessa dives headfirst into the mystery, uncovering secrets that someone will go to deadly lengths to protect.
As the danger closes in, Tessa must master her newfound powers and trust her magical bond with her animal companions to solve the case before she becomes the next victim.
Amazon synopsis:
Tessa Windsor loves her peaceful life as a hiking guide in the stunning Colorado Rockies. But everything changes when she inherits a mysterious legacy from a great-aunt she never knew existed—and discovers that her inheritance is magic. Suddenly, Tessa can understand every word her loyal border collie, Finn, and mischievous cat, Briar, are saying—and they have a lot to say.
But Tessa’s new gift comes with a twist. She’s haunted by a vision of a woman being murdered, and when the details turn out to be chillingly real, she knows she can’t ignore it. With Finn’s boundless energy and Briar’s sharp wit, Tessa dives headfirst into the mystery, uncovering secrets that someone will go to deadly lengths to protect.
As the danger closes in, Tessa must master her newfound powers and trust her magical bond with her animal companions to solve the case before she becomes the next victim.
January 25, 2025
Enjoyable
I've read the whole Razzy cat series and the more recent clowder series. This is a really nice addition. The characters are realistic and relatable, the dog, Finn, is a loyal, rambunctious Border Collie, and Briar is a sassy and smart cat. Tessa adopted both as a bonded pair from a shelter, and together, they lead scenic nature hikes in Colorado. Then Tessa and her brother,Paul, inherit some pretty impressive gifts from an aunt they never knew existed. Tessa's gift is the ability to understand everything that Finn and Briar say. It also comes with some gifts that Tessa isn't sure she wants. Like seeing a murder committed while she sleeps. I really enjoyed this book and I will look forward to the next one.
I've read the whole Razzy cat series and the more recent clowder series. This is a really nice addition. The characters are realistic and relatable, the dog, Finn, is a loyal, rambunctious Border Collie, and Briar is a sassy and smart cat. Tessa adopted both as a bonded pair from a shelter, and together, they lead scenic nature hikes in Colorado. Then Tessa and her brother,Paul, inherit some pretty impressive gifts from an aunt they never knew existed. Tessa's gift is the ability to understand everything that Finn and Briar say. It also comes with some gifts that Tessa isn't sure she wants. Like seeing a murder committed while she sleeps. I really enjoyed this book and I will look forward to the next one.
May 27, 2025
Book 1 in a new series. A consistently fun author. I enjoy other book series she has published. This is the first time the fmc has actual magic so it will be interesting to see where this goes. Usually, the cats are almost the main characters. This one has Tessa, a hiking guide, located in the area near where the Cloister Cat series is based. Tessa was introduced in a previous Razzy Cat book also. There is both a dog and a cat in this book and Tessa gains the ability to talk with them both - as well as other unknown (yet to be determined) powers. It seems like it will be an easy readying series with some mystery/murder twists. I'll definitely check out Book 2 to see how things are progressing.
September 16, 2025
Patience Required
If I hadn’t seen the long list of books that Ms. McFarlin has published, I would think this was her debut. The beginning of the book is so rushed, as if she’s trying to tell one story in the first chapter and get it over with. The pacing of the rest of the book is more natural, but I still had problems with the busyness. There’s too much unimportant description, but little character development and there are a couple of plot elements that just don’t track. I also found her writing style somewhat stiff and simplistic. I don’t think I’ll be back for more.
If I hadn’t seen the long list of books that Ms. McFarlin has published, I would think this was her debut. The beginning of the book is so rushed, as if she’s trying to tell one story in the first chapter and get it over with. The pacing of the rest of the book is more natural, but I still had problems with the busyness. There’s too much unimportant description, but little character development and there are a couple of plot elements that just don’t track. I also found her writing style somewhat stiff and simplistic. I don’t think I’ll be back for more.
April 7, 2025
It's a little more than most cozy mysteries.
I very much enjoyed the main characters, as well as the other characters. Their descriptions were well done so that the reader could easily picture each one. The storyline was exciting and more involved than cozy mysteries usually are, considering there was a possible serial killer. Of course, what animal lover doesn't wish to be able to understand and talk with their pets?! I will try other books by this author and do recommend her.
I very much enjoyed the main characters, as well as the other characters. Their descriptions were well done so that the reader could easily picture each one. The storyline was exciting and more involved than cozy mysteries usually are, considering there was a possible serial killer. Of course, what animal lover doesn't wish to be able to understand and talk with their pets?! I will try other books by this author and do recommend her.
August 24, 2025
A fantastic beginning to a new series!!
This is a phenomenal series! I'm sure I'm going to love it as much as I love the other 3 series by Courtney McFarlin that I'm reading. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters are so fascinating. I've always loved a series with a talking cat. Now we have a talking cat and a dog. Absolutely wonderful!!! I'm going to get right into the second book. I absolutely love Finn and Briar!!!
This is a phenomenal series! I'm sure I'm going to love it as much as I love the other 3 series by Courtney McFarlin that I'm reading. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters are so fascinating. I've always loved a series with a talking cat. Now we have a talking cat and a dog. Absolutely wonderful!!! I'm going to get right into the second book. I absolutely love Finn and Briar!!!
March 16, 2025
A Guide to Solving A Murder
When I started reading A Guide to Solving A Murder, I almost put it down. I am not a magic/psychic fan but I decided to give it a chance. It turned out to be quite enjoyable especially since I am an animal person as well. I often wonder what my dog would say if she could talk.
When I started reading A Guide to Solving A Murder, I almost put it down. I am not a magic/psychic fan but I decided to give it a chance. It turned out to be quite enjoyable especially since I am an animal person as well. I often wonder what my dog would say if she could talk.
August 18, 2025
This second spin off from Razzy Cat and first spin off from Clowder cats is off to a good start. I liked Tessa and her dog and cat when I met them in Pushing up Daisies. I hope in an upcoming book in one of those 3 series the women with special talents from all three series get to meet up and compare notes.
January 16, 2025
I love this first book in a new series. Tessa, Finn and Briar are such great characters! There is so much potential in upcoming books. What other abilities might Tessa discover? What about Paul? What about Paul and Meggie? Will we learn more about Euphemia? I can't wait!!!
January 25, 2025
it was magical
I think being able to talk to your pets is every pet owners dream. As always, Cortney McFarlin doesn’t disappoint! I can’t wait until the next one of this series and well as the other books she has written.
I think being able to talk to your pets is every pet owners dream. As always, Cortney McFarlin doesn’t disappoint! I can’t wait until the next one of this series and well as the other books she has written.
March 9, 2025
an easy entertaining read
I did enjoy reading this story, it’s a fairly quick read. It was a little hard to imagine what the characters and places looked like as details were slim. But it was fun with the dog and cat and the great aunt’s gifts.
I did enjoy reading this story, it’s a fairly quick read. It was a little hard to imagine what the characters and places looked like as details were slim. But it was fun with the dog and cat and the great aunt’s gifts.
March 13, 2025
Enjoyed this cozy
I’m one of those people who enjoy a little paranormal activity in a mystery. This book had it and I liked the characters except for the killer of course. Not a fantastic read, but enjoyable.
I’m one of those people who enjoy a little paranormal activity in a mystery. This book had it and I liked the characters except for the killer of course. Not a fantastic read, but enjoyable.
March 28, 2025
Fast, Fun Read
This fast fun read is a great first introduction to Tessa , Finn and Briar. A have to applauded the author for creating a strong smart female character, and for making her talking pets believable without making them silly.
This fast fun read is a great first introduction to Tessa , Finn and Briar. A have to applauded the author for creating a strong smart female character, and for making her talking pets believable without making them silly.
April 18, 2025
Excellent
This is an excellent example of a cozy mystery with just a touch of the paranormal. Tessa and her dog and cat find the killer.
I own a copy of this book. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
This is an excellent example of a cozy mystery with just a touch of the paranormal. Tessa and her dog and cat find the killer.
I own a copy of this book. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
September 2, 2025
purr delight
A thoroughly enjoyable read, until it hurtles through the last few loose ends. Overall lovely premise and easy to read. I will definitely look forward to more titles from this author!
A thoroughly enjoyable read, until it hurtles through the last few loose ends. Overall lovely premise and easy to read. I will definitely look forward to more titles from this author!
March 7, 2025
Intriguing story
Such a compelling story. Makes you continue reading when you finish one chapter. You have to continue to the next. Thoroughly enjoyable read!!
Such a compelling story. Makes you continue reading when you finish one chapter. You have to continue to the next. Thoroughly enjoyable read!!
March 10, 2025
so good
I loved this. I wish i could talk to my sweet Wilson dog. I am a fan of cozy mysteries and i would like to thank you for putting this out free on Bookbub
Thanks June
I loved this. I wish i could talk to my sweet Wilson dog. I am a fan of cozy mysteries and i would like to thank you for putting this out free on Bookbub
Thanks June
March 10, 2025
A Great Read
A body found on a trail leads Tessa on a strange adventure. Lots of suspense and a nail biting finish to this intriguing read.
A body found on a trail leads Tessa on a strange adventure. Lots of suspense and a nail biting finish to this intriguing read.
March 10, 2025
A guide to solving s murder
Liked all the people in this book. Briar the cat the best. Finn the dog is cool. Brother and sister work great together.
Liked all the people in this book. Briar the cat the best. Finn the dog is cool. Brother and sister work great together.
March 10, 2025
Entertaining story
Easy to read, fun to follow. Talking cat and dog. Lots of intriguing stuff. Sorry it ended. Left me wanting more.
Easy to read, fun to follow. Talking cat and dog. Lots of intriguing stuff. Sorry it ended. Left me wanting more.
March 13, 2025
Fun cozy mystery
Loved the characters
Who doesn't like a talking dog abd cat
Will read the next one
Loved the characters
Who doesn't like a talking dog abd cat
Will read the next one
March 14, 2025
A terrific story.
I loved it. Most stories advertising animals don't really involve them much. This Book was the exception to the rule.
I loved it. Most stories advertising animals don't really involve them much. This Book was the exception to the rule.
March 18, 2025
Great read
A great book but a little convoluted in spots. It won't stop me from trying the next one. I love books about people and their pets.
A great book but a little convoluted in spots. It won't stop me from trying the next one. I love books about people and their pets.
March 23, 2025
great book!
This is such a great book! I love how her dog and cat speak to her. You will love this book to!
This is such a great book! I love how her dog and cat speak to her. You will love this book to!
March 23, 2025
A fun and wonderful book. Great characters and overall writing. Well worth a read. I enjoyed it immensely, and you might, too.
March 30, 2025
good
Interesting story and unexpected ending
First time I read this author's books I I'll look for others as well And no sex involved which is a good thing
Interesting story and unexpected ending
First time I read this author's books I I'll look for others as well And no sex involved which is a good thing
April 17, 2025
LOVED this! Can't wait to continue the series, and I'm happy to see the author has written many other books as well.
June 23, 2025
My new favorite
I loved this book. I could not stop reading it. Excellent read ,highly recommend and really looking forward to reading more of this authors books
I loved this book. I could not stop reading it. Excellent read ,highly recommend and really looking forward to reading more of this authors books
August 3, 2025
Hiking trails
A comfortable read with magic as a nice surprise, it was constantly moving and kept you gu for quite a while
A comfortable read with magic as a nice surprise, it was constantly moving and kept you gu for quite a while
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews