Publishers Weekly
11/07/2022
Berenson’s frothy 29th Melanie Travis canine mystery (after 2022’s Show Me the Bunny) takes Stamford, Conn., dog lover and breeder Melanie, her husband, and other family members to the Berkshires for a Valentine’s Day getaway at the White Birch Inn. The group, which includes Faith, Melanie’s beloved standard poodle, arrive at the inn ready to embrace the romantic setting. Moonlit hayrides, ice skating, and other fun-filled events abound; Belinda Rush, the eager activities director, has something for everyone. One evening, Melanie comes across Belinda and a man embracing while walking Faith and Sammy, the Samoyed that belongs to the inn’s owner, Evelyn Barker. Melanie’s waking the following day to the sound of police sirens and discovering Belinda has died of exposure dampens the romantic atmosphere. Though Sheriff Anne Tinley doesn’t appreciate Melanie’s knack for uncovering clues, Evelyn begs Melanie to investigate the suspicious death. Appealing characters—including the canines—can’t fully make up for a mundane plot. This is not the place to start for newcomers. Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Jan.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Laurien Berenson and her Melanie Travis Canine Mysteries
“Toxic treats spell trouble for a school secretary at Halloween…once Melanie starts digging, she discovers a treasure trove of microaggressions and petty grievances in this quiet corner of Connecticut, with motives aplenty for murder. A quick and tasty tale of sabotage in the suburbs.” —Kirkus Reviews on Howloween Murder
“When a new book by Laurien Bereson comes out, I’m on it like a dog on a liver treat…not only do readers get a diverting story, they also get lots of behind-the-scenes intel on dog shows and the main character’s preferred breed.” —The Bark on Bite Club
“Anyone who has not read Berenson should venture into this cute and humorous mystery. The reader will feel they are a part of the story whether investigating the murder, playing with the darling puppies, or setting up holiday decorations.” —The Military Press on Here Comes Santa Paws
“Filled with more dogs, more fun, and more mystery, this cozy is the perfect summer read.” —Modern Dog on Bite Club
“Bite Club is another satisfying title in Berenson’s Canine Mystery series. Boomer, Lilly and I give it our highest rating—ten dog biscuits!” —Suspense Magazine
"Dog-loving mystery fans will welcome another Christmas caper featuring Melanie, Aunt Peg, and their Poodles."—Library Journal on Wagging Through the Snow
"Well-drawn characters, especially Melanie and her acerbic aunt, contribute to the appeal here, along with the warm, sometimes humorous scenes of family life. Melanie’s beloved six dogs are woven throughout the holiday-themed cozy, which will appeal to readers of Susan Conant’s Holly Winter mysteries and Barbara Allan’s Trash ’n’ Treasures series." —Booklist on Wagging Through the Snow
"This exciting Christmas whodunit is a great book to curl up with at any time of the year, and is one that is sure to keep you on your toes!" —Modern Dog
"Berenson weaves together mystery, humor, dogs (of course!) and the effects of homelessness and alcoholism on families to create a short but sweet holiday tale." —Philadelphia Daily News on Wagging Through the Snow
“Cozy mysteries may have cats galore to charm their readers, but dog lovers are well served by Berenson’s sweet series.”—Publishers Weekly on Ruff Justice
“This long-running series continues to appeal with its combination of an always sprightly pace, a realistically harried but quick-thinking heroine, and a wealth of fascinating details about the dog show world.” —Booklist on The Bark Before Christmas
“Melanie’s engaging narration, with its slightly sarcastic flair, makes her utterly relatable. Fans will roll over with joy, and new cozy readers will likely scoop up the rest of the series.” —Publishers Weekly on Death of a Dog Whisperer
"A tasty tale full of twisty turns and fun treats. Highly recommended." - Suspense Magazine on Howloween Murder
Kirkus Reviews
2022-11-29
A dog breeder with a nose for crime takes a break from her canine companions—but not from murder.
Life with two kids, five standard poodles, and one frisky mutt can get hectic. So Melanie Travis is thrilled when her Aunt Peg surprises her and her husband, Sam, with a romantic Valentine’s weekend getaway at the canine-friendly White Birch Inn in the Berkshires. Peg offers to take care of 5-year-old Kevin, teenage Davey, and five of the six dogs, knowing that Melanie would never leave Faith, her oldest poodle, behind. The first person Mel meets at the White Birch, as she and Sam and her brother, Frank, and sister-in-law, Bertie (invited to go along by Kevin and Davey), arrive, is owner Evelyn Barker, whose white Samoyed, Sammy, is an immediate hit with Faith. Unfortunately, that’s how the trouble starts. Mel takes Faith and Sammy for a late-night romp by the lake and sees events coordinator Belinda Rush locked in a tight embrace with an unknown man. The next morning Belinda’s body is found outdoors, and the police insist she died of exposure. The local sheriff isn’t impressed when Mel tells her about Belinda’s late-night assignation, but Evelyn, concerned with the inn’s reputation, asks Mel to investigate. Unmasking the killer proves to be fairly straightforward but somehow less fun without the poodle posse cavorting around and beneath Mel’s feet.
Romance is no substitute for poodles.
