Let’s give C.B. a very warm welcome to the blog! I love how she shares about her unique journey in finding her author voice. And the dog pics are too adorable!!
Finding Your Voice: An unexpected journey
Early in my writing career, a mentor shared wisdom that puzzled me at the time: “To find your voice, you must write what moves you.” I thought I had it figured out—I was writing romance novels, and honestly, who doesn’t want more love in their life? Problem solved, right?
Not exactly. While my manuscripts were technically sound, my writing lacked the spark that transformed words on a page into something that resonated with readers.
My breakthrough came from an unexpected source: my mother’s impulsive decision to adopt a Jack Russell Terrier. Anyone familiar with this breed is probably already wincing—these dogs are bundles of pure energy wrapped in attitude. My mother, who proudly described herself as a couch potato, had unknowingly signed up for a canine tornado.
For years, this dog literally ran circles around our entire family. The obvious mismatch led me to question the entire concept of pet ownership. But here’s the thing—the Jack Russell wasn’t a “bad” dog. He was simply the wrong dog for someone who considered walking to the mailbox a workout.
This realization led me down a research rabbit hole, where I discovered a staggering statistic: approximately 40% of dogs surrendered to shelters are given up because their owners chose breeds incompatible with their lifestyles. This wasn’t just my family’s problem—it was a widespread issue affecting thousands of animals.
My call to action became the Barkview Mysteries, my debut cozy mystery series. The nine books follow Cat (yes, that’s her name, and yes, she’s initially a cat person) as she navigates the question that had been dogging me: Is there a right dog for everyone?
Each book in the series spotlights a different dog breed, weaving the breed’s distinctive traits into the mystery itself. These characteristics don’t just add flavor to the story—they become essential tools that help Cat solve the case. Readers get an entertaining mystery while gaining genuine insight into what life would be like with that particular breed.
The irony wasn’t lost on me. I had to step away from writing about what I thought people wanted (romance) to discover what I was truly passionate about (helping people find their perfect canine companions). Only then did my writing catch fire.
My mentor had been right. When you write what inspires you—whether it’s preventing animal abandonment, exploring social justice, or celebrating small-town quirks—that passion becomes the secret ingredient that transforms good writing into compelling storytelling.
Sometimes finding your voice means uncovering the real story hiding in plain sight, waiting for you to be inspired to tell it.
Are you a cat or dog person? Why? Comment for a chance to win a signed copy of the first book in the Barkview Mysteries series: Cavaliered to Death.
BIO: Award-winning author C.B. Wilson’s writing journey began with a childhood rebellion—after reading a Nancy Drew mystery, she decided she could write a better ending.
A passionate animal advocate, C.B. created the beloved Barkview Mysteries series, which combines her love of puzzles and pups. This popular ten-book series follows Cat Wright, a feline-loving former investigative reporter on a mission to find her perfect canine companion. Each mystery showcases a different dog breed while exploring the question: is there really an ideal dog for every person? C.B.’s commitment to finding every animal a forever home drives this heartwarming series—and you’ll likely discover adoptable dogs at her book events. Take a stroll through Barkview and help Cat decide if there’s truly a perfect match waiting for this dedicated cat person.
Her new series, Gem Hunters, debuts in October 2025 and sparkles with adventure. Drawing on her Gemology degree from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America and her fascination with all things that glitter, this series features Taylor Hunter and her extraordinary Diamond Dog—a sassy Dachshund named Glitter who can detect diamonds buried fifty feet underground. (Yes, this is a real profession!) Join Hunter as she recovers stolen gems across exotic international destinations, where glittering treasures hide deadly secrets.
C.B.’s most ingenious plot twists strike while she’s horseback riding through the Arizona desert. When not crafting mysteries, she’s an avid pickleball player and self-proclaimed chocoholic who believes the best stories—like the best chocolate—should be savored slowly.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
www.facebook.com/cbwilsonauthor
www.instagram.com@cbwilsonauthor
https://www.tiktok.com/@author.cb.wilson
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A CAT’S CRADLE OF CRIME, A DOODLE TO DIE FOR, AND A GEM OF A COZY…
In Barkview, the dog-friendliest city in America, TV producer Cat Wright faces her worst nightmare—becoming the temporary guardian to a mischievous Golden Doodle. A confirmed cat person, Cat reluctantly takes in the victim’s dog while investigating two intertwined mysteries: anonymous accusations against an aviation pioneer from the 1920s and the suspicious drowning of her sister’s professor boyfriend.
As earthquakes rattle the coastal town, Cat discovers the charismatic canine might be her best ally in uncovering century-old family rivalries, hidden speakeasies, and the legend of a missing diamond. With treasure hunters closing in and her sister as the prime murder suspect, Cat must solve both puzzles before another death occurs.
Through underground tunnels, beachside dives, and encounters with eccentric locals, Cat’s reluctant partnership with her four-legged companion teaches her unexpected lessons about loyalty, intuition, and opening her heart—even as she races to catch a killer hiding in plain sight.
A cozy mystery where historical intrigue meets canine charm, “Doodled to Death” chronicles one cat person’s surprising journey into the world of dogs, detection, and devotion.
Fans of animal cozies will love the mix of humor and intricate plotting—and they’ll go nuts for G-Paw.
Chicks on the Case 
The Barkview mystery series books sound like ones I’d enjoy reading. I’m a cat person from a young age – when I accidentally knocked out both my 2 top middle teeth at age 5 or 6, my gift (not from the Tooth Fairy) was a pair of cats, Piedmont and Esmerelda.
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What great gifts to help you through the teeth trauma!
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Hi Mary: Love your story. I’m thinking you’ll see it in a book someday.
CB
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Despite my allergies, I’m a cat person simply because I’m too lazy to walk a dog.
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I totally get this, Dru. 🙂
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:). My mom agrees.
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Dru, you’re the winner of the giveaway! CB will contact you with details!
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Thanks Jennifer!
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I am a cat person. They are just so cute and entertaining with their shenanigans. Also I am unable to walk and clean up after a dog. I enjoy reading in bed with a cat or 2 keeping me company. Thank you for this chance at your giveaway.
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LOL. Puppied to Death includes a cat that takes over the book.
Funny how that works.
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I’m a cat person, in fact, my nickname is Kat for Krazy Kat. When I was 9 years old, my Dad brought home a young female German Shepherd named Duchess, and we kids loved her. We willingly took her on long afternoon walks and played with her in our fenced backyard. And Duchess defended me when I was 13 years old and an older teenage bully in the neighborhood threatened me with his very big and mean dog. Duchess took down that dog and had him by the throat as soon as he made a move toward me. We had to give her up when my Dad was transferred from Washington state to Georgia. In my adult life, we’ve had cats. My sons never knew life without cats. I love mysteries that include dogs and cats, and I’m looking forward to your series!
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Love that nickname!
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Love your story. I enjoyed writing about the German Shepherd. I normally “pet sit” for the breed I’m writing about. I enjoyed my time with Captain. They are incredibly loyal. I’ll never forget being cornered and instructed to stay put. First time a dog did that to me…
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Kudos on finding your niche, C.B., and such a fun storytelling world, too! I was a dog person until a cat walked into my wife’s life. My spouse loved little Rusty, so I adapted. That’s when I discovered cats could learn tricks, such as sit for a treat. Now Rusty is my morning writing cat, and we both love the routine.
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A morning writing cat? That has possiblilties…
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I like both. I always thought I’d have a dog, but the cat distribution system intervened. It’s been 9 years now so she’s stuck with me.
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😂
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Both of these series sound wonderful! I love both cats and dogs. I had 2 Siamese cats, bonded littermates for almost 20 years, and firmly believe that Siamese are not cats, they are dogs in disguise. They were great companions to have while we were both working, and a stress relief when we came home. But I do adore dogs as well. In my senior years, my hobby is photography and the dogs that live in my community are fabulous subjects. It gives me great joy and the owners enjoy the end result as well.
I will definitely read both series. I better get reading! Thank you for sharing your books with us! Carol
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Thank you. So, I LOVE to invite ALL animals to become honorary Barkview Residents. If you or your anilmal loving friend/clients, would like to join, please send a photo and email address to cbwilson@cbwilsonauthor.com. I will feature the pet on my facebook page and post the pictue on my website. Oh, there an adorable cetificate too.
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What a fun idea!
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C.B., your post is such a joy. Thank you for sharing your journey to find your writer’s voice and those fabulous photos! Oh, my word! Those dogs are so precious.
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It’s a joy. Do what inspires you is so fulfilling.
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Sounds like a fun read. Thank you Deborah
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I hope you’ll check it out! It was a fun one to write.
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I enjoy your books! I have always been a cat person. I have never owned a dog.
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Cat agrees…. She’s still on fence after 11 books.
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Congratulations on the book, C.B! Love the dog pics.
That statistic about dog surrendering does not surprise me. A certain breed wins Best of Show at Westminster, there’s a huge spike in adoption from people who just think the dog is cute, they find out they aren’t suited to deal with an energetic Jack Russell, Lab, Huskie, etc., and the poor dog gets surrendered.
I adopted a retired racing greyhound back in 2019 because I loved one that a friend had. I researched the heck out of the breed: how much exercise they need, potential health issues, etc. So much so that when my new vet told me, “His creatine is high; we need to retest in October” I was able to say, “No it’s not, not for a greyhound. He’s fine.” Koda fits my life perfectly: calm, low maintenance, sleeps 20 hours a day. LOL
I’ve always been a dog person mostly because I’d never run into a cat I connected with. But there was a very lovable stray with our house in Ligonier that followed us around like a dog. If I could find a cat like that, I’d be in. Except for The Hubby’s allergies and the fact my dog is not cat-safe.
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Thank you for adopting a greyhound. They are special dogs for special people.
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Dog person here. And we have, yes, a Jack Russell mix. We got her as a puppy and at 8 weeks old, she would growl fiercely at us–we thought we’d adopted the devil. But she’s been the perfect dog for us, because we’re active folks–and we have spots in the yard where she’s allowed to dig. (I think it’s cruel to adopt a terrier–which name means “earth,” as in “dirt”–if you don’t give them a place to dig). She’s been the best dog we’ve ever had.
Thanks so much for visiting the Chicks today, C.B., and congrats on the new book!
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I’m so happy to be here! Thank you!
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Sounds like the perfect fit Leslie.
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I’m team #both. I feel like dogs are always so happy and energetic. With cats, it’s been hit and miss on how I’ve been treated. We’ve had both in our extended family, but since we have cat allergies in our immediate circle, it;d most likely be a dog in the future.
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Dog person, Allergic to cats.
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I’m a cat person — but those pictures make a compelling case for dogs!
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Cheryl, I love this post! I’m a hundred percent a dog person. In fact, when my husband and I started dating, I told him that if he wasn’t interested in eventually have dogs, the relationship was a nonstarter. He hadn’t grown up with pets, but he agreed and is the best dog dad ever!
BTW, someone once told me the nickname for Jack Russell Terriers: Jack Russell Terrorists!
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I love it! And it isn’t inaccurate 😂
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We had a Siberian Husky. One thing we learned that despite all the training, it was not a good idea to let him off the leash – he’d take off running and not listen to commands to return.
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I think there are a lot of pet owners who have had the same experience!
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I don’t have any pets and at my age probably won’t get any. I love reading about them and when people share pictures on Facebook. Thanks for the chance.
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Hi Cheryl, thanks for visiting Chicks today and sharing this fun post–it’s great to “meet” you! Your books sound amazing. I am Team CatDog, currently mom to a senior golden retriever named Farley (after Chris Farley–similar looks and personalities) and a black, longhaired princess named Aloha. I grew up with both a dog and cat at a time, so I’m used to the combo. The dog is always a golden and the cat is always black.
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It’s nice to “meet” you, too! I’m so happy to be here. And I love the names!
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What a wonderful story, C.B.! I’m a cat guy through and through, though I do like doggos. I’ve lived with cats my whole life, so felines are in my blood. Cheers!
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Cat is coming around to dogs, but I think she is still in the cat category with you!
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Sounds like a great story. Our family is currently owned by a cat overlord but we have had dogs in the past as well so we love both.
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I feel like there are a lot of cat overlords 😂
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Sounds like a delightful series.
I’m allergic to dogs and cats, so I’m not a fan of either, unfortunately.
(If I’m not too late, please enter me in the giveaway.)
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Oh my gosh, there’s so much delightful information here! I love the “energy wrapped in attitude” description, and I’m so intrigued by the Diamond Dog job! Congratulations on your writing journey, and thanks so much for visiting us. 🙂
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Thank you! I’m so glad I could visit this week!
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I love the inspiration behind your Barkview Dog Mystery series! I would say that you and Jack Russell were brought together by a twisted fate!
I think I am a dog and cat person, although I haven’t had dogs as pets.. yet. I married hubby 20 years ago and had adopted two cats. I realized that they brought me so much love and fun, and precious memories.. They both have crossed over the rainbow bridge but they have left their paw prints in my heart. – Emily
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They were lucky to be so loved, and I’m sure they brought you so much joy. Those memories stay with us forever.
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