When I first saw this book at my library, I was confused and intrigued at the same time. How could there be an entire cozy mystery series about a businesswoman who sells organic dog food in a small town? I'm glad my intrigue won out and that I picked up this book, because it was a very compelling read.

The protagonist, Stan, is grappling with two cases: a death in the present-day that was deemed suspicious and an unsolved murder from over fifty years ago. She believes that both cases are intertwined and sets out to uncover the truth behind them. This made for a very complex and layered mystery. It was probably my favourite thing about this book.

It's impressive that Mugavero inserts so much into the book - the present case, the cold case, celebrity ghost hunters, a doggy wedding, relationship problems, and more. To be honest, I think it was a bit too much for one book, though I can't say I didn't enjoy reading about each of these storylines.

I think the multitude of storylines worked well because the main characters, the side characters, and town were not perfect. It kind of bugs me how some other cozy mysteries present their small town settings as these idyllic utopias (aside from the occasional murder), but Frog Ledge and their citizens aren't like that at all. I thought this made for a more enjoyable and realistic read.

I should note, the title has nothing to do with the case (that I can tell). While animals are certainly important to Stan and her business, it's not an animal-themed mystery in case that's what you were looking for.

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I started this one certain it was going to end up in the big black box, but once I got into it, I mostly enjoyed it. I love the cat and dog angle, and the characters are well done and likeable.

The murder mystery took place in the present but is tied to an old cold case and I don't know what it is that I always find interesting about those. The solution wasn't obvious, but it was an odd setup too because there were never really any suspects and it's never really clear why the police arrested the person they did; an attempt at explanation is given towards the very end, but I didn't buy it.

I already have the next one in the series, so I'll read that but I don't know if I enjoy this series enough to stick with it. ( )

More Stan. She's a bit less annoying in this one. Still not a good listener, though. And totally insecure about her relationship with Jake. And his sister. I'm over their nonsense.

The mystery was a bit ridiculous, as you might expect. I mean, there is a dog wedding on the cover, so you shouldn't go in expecting War and Peace. But if you like animals, cozy mysteries, and don't mind ridiculous hi-jinks, you'll have fun with this series. ( )

We all know at least one person who would totally dress their dog up as a bride or groom and stage a wedding for them. That's exactly what organic dog food maker Stan Connor is charged with catering in this book. Before the doggie wedding can happen, though, Stan has to deal with the fallout of the Groundhog Day celebration that left the town historian dead. Apparently the organic doggie bakery can also make groundhog treats in a pinch. During the celebration Helga, the town historian, falls down the stairs of the local museum. Stan is convinced Helga was pushed. She goes looking for clues while contending with a pushy newcomer who is trying to take over the town historian job, and the crew of a ghost-hunting show that arrives to film local hauntings.

As is likely evident, this is all a bit nuts, but it more or less holds together. The book is full of eccentric characters, like Stan's overbearing mother and the greasy mayor. The animals get plenty of screen time, and there's a bit of romance, which thankfully doesn't overwhelm the plot. ( )

The Icing on the Corpse by Liz Mugavero is an enchanting cozy mystery. It is the third book in A Pawsitively Organic Mystery series. We get to return to Frog Ledge, Connecticut where Stan Connor has been living for the last year and has started her business Pawsitively Organic (making meals and treats for pets). It is Groundhog’s Day which is a big celebration for the town. Stan has been chosen as the Groundhog Gift-Giver and she has to give something special to Lilypad, the groundhog. Before the ceremony, Helga Oliver, the town historian, goes missing. The search finds Helga dead at the bottom of the stairs (puts a damper on the festivities). Betty Meany, the librarian, tells Stan that she is sure that Helga was murdered, but Betty makes Stan promise not to tell anyone.

Jake McGee, owns McSwigg’s, who is Stan’s boyfriend (at least she thinks he is her boyfriend) was very close to Helga and is upset over her passing. Jake is also having trouble with the work on the new bookstore. Jake co-owns the building with Izzy Sweet. The two just do not get along. Someone has reported the house as being haunted to Adrian Fox and his show Ghosts in Your Neighborhood. Izzy is excited and gives them permission to investigate (Jake is very disgruntled over the whole business). Stan thinks there is something else going on and looks into the history of the building.

Stan discovers that a murder occurred in Jake and Izzy’s building over 60 years ago (it used to the site of the original library) and it was never solved. Is there a link? Stan is going to keep digging until she gets answers. Stan is also busy planning a doggy wedding for a new client as well as the food and treats needed for the new clinic. Stan has a lot on her plate including an orange cat showing up on her doorstep (with a cute note), but she wants to get to the bottom of the murders. Will Stan be able to solve the murders without getting herself killed in the process? Will she be able to pull off an outdoor doggy wedding in February?

Read The Icing on the Corpse to see if Stan solves the murders and to find out more about the doggy wedding! The Icing on the Corpse is such a cute, cozy mystery. I give it 5 out of 5. It has two great mysteries, fun and quirky characters, romance, and lots of cute animals! I likes that the murders were not easy to solve and could not be work outed within the first 100 pages. The Icing on the Corpse is an entertaining and amusing book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )