Case of the Shepherd's Pie

About This Audiobook

Erik Schubach’s *Case of the Shepherd’s Pie* is a masterclass in blending the absurd with the earnest—a romantic suspense novel where the stakes involve missing pets, a suspiciously delicious pie, and a protagonist who’s equal parts chaotic charm and sharp-witted sleuth. Finnegan McLeary-May isn’t your typical detective; she’s a dog walker with a knack for stumbling into trouble (and occasionally solving it), and her voice—both on the page and in Connie Shabshab’s narration—cracks with the energy of a golden retriever let off-leash. The audiobook thrives on its balance of levity and genuine tension, with Shabshab’s performance leaning hard into Finnegan’s breathless enthusiasm, making even the most mundane Manhattan misadventures feel like high-stakes capers.

What sets this apart from run-of-the-mill cozy mysteries is its unapologetic queerness and the way it weaves romance into the chaos without sacrificing the plot’s momentum. The suspense isn’t just about whodunit—it’s about whether Finnegan’s heart (and her business) can survive the fallout. The dialogue sparkles with wit, and the supporting cast—from a judgmental corgi to a love interest who’s *way* too competent for Finnegan’s level of disaster—adds layers of humor and warmth. If you’ve ever wanted a mystery that feels like a rom-com directed by a stand-up comedian, this is your audiobook."

"review": "I’ll admit, I side-eyed the premise at first: a dog-walking amateur sleuth tangled in a case involving a *shepherd’s pie*? But within 20 minutes, Connie Shabshab’s narration had me fully invested. She nails Finnegan’s manic, lovable energy—imagine if Leslie Knope and Jessica Fletcher had a chaotic queer baby, and you’re close. Shabshab’s pacing is impeccable, ratcheting up the tension during suspenseful scenes (like the *hilariously* botched stakeout) while letting the romantic beats breathe. Her character voices are distinct, especially for Finnegan’s love interest, whose dry delivery contrasts perfectly with the protagonist’s whirlwind personality.

The story itself is a delightful mess in the best way. Schubach’s strength lies in balancing absurdity with emotional stakes—yes, there’s a subplot about a missing poodle named Sir Barksalot, but there’s also real heart in Finnegan’s struggles with self-worth and her found family of clients. My only critique? The mystery’s resolution hinges on a few *too*-convenient coincidences, and a secondary character’s abrupt heel-turn felt underdeveloped. That said, the audiobook’s production is flawless—no jarring edits or volume spikes—and the chemistry between Finnegan and her love interest carries the latter half. If you love stories where the romance and the case feel equally vital (and where the narrator makes you snort-laugh on the subway), this is a winner. Just don’t listen on an empty stomach—the pie descriptions are *dangerously* vivid."

"tags": [
"queer cozy mystery audiobook