Download or read book Murder at the Puppy Fest written by Laurien Berenson and published by Kensington Cozies. This book was released on 2017-06-27 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A mystery from the Agatha Award finalist: “[An] appealing picture of the dog-show world… Cozy fans who love dogs are in for a treat.”—Publishers Weekly Busy mom and pedigree Standard Poodle owner, Melanie Travis doesn’t mind helping out at Puppy Fest, an annual fundraiser to benefit a local dog rescue. Considering the venue—Belle Haven mansion, owned by wealthy philanthropist Leo Brody—it’s shaping up to be the can’t-miss charity event of the summer. Unfortunately, when Melanie’s breeding background lands her in the doghouse with Jane, Leo’s snappy daughter who runs the rescue, Melanie finds herself simultaneously managing Puppy Fest and the millionaire’s hopelessly fractious family. But once Puppy Fest kicks off, Leo is nowhere to be found—until Melanie discovers his current mistress crouching over his dead body. According to police, the father’s severe nut allergy went into overdrive after he accidentally consumed a contaminated cookie. However, Libby, one of Leo’s children and a friend of Melanie’s Aunt Peg, believes someone deliberately put him down for good… From a four-time winner of the Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, this witty novel is an entertaining read for fans of canines and cozy mysteries. “It’s mutts vs. purebreds as Melanie Travis investigates the death of a dog-loving philanthropist…Worth the price of admission.”—Kirkus Reviews “If you like dogs, you’ll love Laurien Berenson’s Melanie Travis mysteries!”—Joanne Fluke, New York Times-bestselling author of the Hannah Swensen series

Download or read book Death of a Dog Whisperer written by Laurien Berenson and published by Kensington Books. This book was released on 2014-07-30 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A howling good mystery by the Agatha Award finalist: “Fans will roll over with joy.”—Publishers Weekly It’s summer in Connecticut, and Melanie Travis’s life has become an endless string of dog shows, soccer camp, and the antics of her energetic toddler. She hardly has time to pay much attention to her Aunt Peg's new protégé, Nick Walden, a self-proclaimed “dog whisperer” with an uncanny gift for decoding dog-speak. The well-heeled dog owners of Fairfield County are lapping up his alleged talents, anxious to discover exactly what their pampered pets are thinking—that is until the pooches start spilling their secrets. When Nick is found dead, his sister enlists Melanie to track down the killer. Now, as she juggles the demands of marriage and motherhood—not to mention her six beloved Poodles—Melanie can scarcely even begin to nose through the growing list of suspects. But just when she thinks she's barking up the wrong tree, she'll find herself face to face with a purebred murderer… “Melanie’s engaging narration, with its slightly sarcastic flair, makes her utterly relatable.”—Publishers Weekly “Berenson cleverly weaves in interesting details about different breeds and showmanship.”—Booklist

Download or read book Pup Fiction written by Laurien Berenson and published by Kensington Cozies. This book was released on 2021-06-29 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Agatha and Macavity nominee Laurien Berenson’s latest escapade in her long-running Melanie Travis Canine Mystery series finds a killer showing up in summer camp. With a new litter of Standard Poodles on the way, it’s shaping up to be a vibrant July in Greenwich, Connecticut, for Melanie Travis. Too bad there’s a killer in town who would love to drain the life out of her summer . . . While usually protective, Melanie feels comfortable sending her sons to the Graceland School’s summer camp for two reasons: the institution is well-regarded and proprietor Emily Grace is a trusted friend. But Emily has been acting strange since three rambunctious Dalmatian puppies suddenly appeared on her doorstep. The unusual arrival marks the first of several mysterious happenings at camp, each more intense than the last. It’s a rough streak that takes a frightening turn with a discovery in the nearby woods—the body of Emily’s estranged ex-husband. Proving that Emily didn’t murder her biggest mistake will be about as easy as raising prize-winning show dogs. But Melanie dives into an investigation on the victim’s whereabouts leading up to his demise. With a few spotty clues and Aunt Peg’s growing curiosity about the Dalmatian pups’ origins, Melanie must name the culprit before good intentions come back to bite!

Download or read book Hush Puppy written by Laurien Berenson and published by Kensington Books. This book was released on 2000 with total page 324 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When the caretaker at Howard Academy turns up dead after being spotted arguing with a girl young enough to be his daughter, teacher Melanie Travis is on the case, but her romantic rival complicates matters as she tries to solve the mystery.

Download or read book Howloween Murder written by Laurien Berenson and published by Melanie Travis Mystery. This book was released on 2021-08-24 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "With just a few days left before Halloween, everyone at Howard Academy is anticipating the guaranteed sugar high they'll experience from gorging on Harriet Bloom's famous marshmallow puffs. The private school's annual costume party revolves around the headmaster's assistant and her seemingly supernatural batches of gooey goodies. So, it's a shock when Harriet's elderly neighbor is suddenly found dead with the beloved dessert in his hand. In a snap, police start questioning whether Harriet modified her top-secret recipe to include a hefty dose of lethal poison... Melanie knows her tenured colleague would never intentionally serve cyanide-laced puffs to a defenseless old man. But as explosive neighborhood gossip reveals a potential culprit, it also brings her closer to sealing her own doom"--

Download or read book A Pedigree To Die For written by Laurien Berenson and published by Kensington Books . This book was released on 2012-06-06 with total page 263 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A mom goes undercover to locate a purloined poodle—and a killer—in this series debut with “a solution that packs a surprising amount of surprise” (Kirkus Reviews). The apparent heart attack that killed kennel owner Max Turnbull has left seven pups in mourning, and his wife Peg suspecting foul play. But the only evidence is their missing prize pooch—a pedigreed poodle named Beau. Enter Melanie Travis. With her young son happily ensconced in day camp, the thirty-something teacher and single mother is talked into investigating her uncle’s death—unofficially, of course. Posing as a poodle breeder in search of the perfect stud, Melanie hounds Connecticut’s elite canine competitions, and finds an ally in fellow breeder Sam Driver. But her affection cools when she's put on the scent of Sam’s questionable past…and hot on the trail of a poodle-hating neighbor and one elusive murderer who isn't ready to come to heel. For, as Melanie soon discovers, in a championship dog-eat-dog world, the instinct for survival, and winning, can prove fatal. “Naturally flowing prose, extended suspense, and an infectiously upbeat single mother as protagonist make this a special treat.”—Library Journal “A bonanza for ardent dog fanciers and for others, a likable heroine in a smoothly paced romantic mystery.”—Publishers Weekly

Download or read book Peg and Rose Solve a Murder written by Laurien Berenson and published by Kensington Cozies. This book was released on 2023-06-27 with total page 354 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Murder, She Wrote meets The Golden Girls in the award-winning author’s brand-new series! Two cantankerous septuagenarians, opposites in every way, put aside their differences to stop a killer… if they don’t throttle each other first! Rose Donovan looks for the good in everyone. With her sister-in-law, Peg, that sometimes requires a lot of searching. Even a sixty-something former nun like Rose has her limits, and gruff Peg Turnbull sure knows how to push them. But after forty years of bickering, they’re attempting to start over, partnering up to join the local bridge club. Peg and Rose barely have a chance to celebrate their first win before one of the club’s most accomplished players is killed in his home. As the newest members, the sisters-in-law come under scrutiny and decide to start some digging of their own. Bridge is typically seen as a wholesome pastime, yet this group of senior citizens harbors a wealth of vices, including gambling, cheating, and adultery . . . By comparison, Peg and Rose’s fractious relationship is starting to feel almost functional. But as their suspect list narrows, they’re unaware that their logic has a dangerous flaw. And they’ll have to hope that their teamwork holds steady when they’re confronted by a killer who’s through with playing games . . . “Engaging…[Peg and Rose] stand on their own as capable, witty women who are more than up to the task of crime-solving.” –Bookpage

Download or read book Death of a Dog Whisperer written by Laurien Berenson and published by Kensington. This book was released on 2015-05-26 with total page 333 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Between her boisterous sons and a house full of Poodles, there's never a dull moment for Melanie Travis. But no matter how hectic life gets, she can always pick up the scent of a howling good mystery--and she'll stop at nothing to dig up the truth. . . It's summer in Connecticut, and Melanie's life has become an endless string of dog shows, soccer camp, and the antics of her energetic toddler. She hardly has time to pay much attention to her Aunt Peg's new protégé, Nick Walden, a self-proclaimed "dog whisperer" with an uncanny gift for decoding dog-speak. The well-heeled dog owners of Fairfield County are lapping up his alleged talents, anxious to discover exactly what their pampered pets are thinking--that is until the pooches start spilling their secrets. When Nick is discovered dead in his home, his sister Claire enlists Melanie to help track down the killer. Now, as she juggles the demands of marriage and motherhood--not to mention her six beloved Poodles--Melanie can scarcely even begin to nose through the growing list of suspects. But just when she thinks she's barking up the wrong tree, she'll find herself face to face with a purebred murderer. . .

Download or read book Doggie Day Care Murder written by Laurien Berenson and published by Kensington Books . This book was released on 2012-08-15 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “A pleasant mystery and a loving tribute to poodles. Fetching in every way.”—Booklist Melanie Travis thought her sleuthing days were behind her. She has a new baby to take care of—not to mention five Standard Poodles. These days, the closest Melanie gets to detective work is scoping out the scene at the local doggie day care center for her friend Alice Brickman. As Melanie learns, it’s a dog’s life at the Pine Ridge Canine Care Center—and life is good. Everyone seems blissfully happy. Everyone canine, that is. As Melanie soon discovers, there are some simmering resentments among the Pine Ridge staff. And when Steve Pine, the center’s charming, good-looking co-owner, is found shot to death on the floor of his office, there’s no shortage of suspects. With the police at a loss for leads, it’s now up to Melanie to go undercover and sniff out a killer whose secrets lie buried in a dog’s paradise that’s proving to be anything but… From an Agatha and Macavity Award finalist, this is “another cute tail-wagging puzzler” (Publishers Weekly). “Delightful…Four paws for this one.”—Carolyn Hart, New York Times-bestselling author of the Death on Demand series “If you like dogs, you’ll love Laurien Berenson’s Melanie Travis mysteries!”—Joanne Fluke, New York Times-bestselling author of the Hannah Swensen series

Download or read book Pumpkin Spice Puppy written by Laurien Berenson and published by Kensington Cozies. This book was released on 2024-08-20 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It’s autumn in Connecticut and there’s a chill in the air, the fall leaves are a riot of color, and pumpkin spice is the flavor of the season. Melanie Travis is perennially busy, of course—but when the owner of a local pet supply shop is found murdered, sleuthing tops her To Do list . . . Between taking care of her family and assorted Standard Poodles, Melanie is also working as a special needs tutor for Howard Academy, a private school in Greenwich, where her younger son attends kindergarten. This year, the headmaster has come up with an idea for a school fundraiser. All students will participate in a town-wide treasure hunt, with grades competing against each other. Tokens shaped like pumpkin spice muffins have been hidden in downtown stores. Students will scramble to collect as many as they can in exchange for prizes. At first all goes smoothly, and the uptick in foot traffic to the stores is a win-win. . . . . Until the pet supply shop owner lodges a complaint. When Melanie stops by to smooth things over, she instead finds the man dead, a knife in his back, and his loyal, ever-vigilant Chow Chow locked in the storeroom. Over the headmaster's objections, Melanie is once again drawn into an investigation. It doesn't take her long to gather a list of suspects, from neighbors balking about the number of rescue Chows the man was fostering in his home, to the landlord who’d filed an eviction notice against him, to the bitter ex-wife who is happy he's gone. With the fundraiser soon drawing to a close and celebrations imminent, Melanie will have to follow every clue—before the biggest prize is staying alive . . .

Download or read book Pup Fiction written by Laurien Berenson and published by Kensington. This book was released on 2022-05-24 with total page 353 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With a new litter of Standard Poodles on the way, it’s shaping up to be a vibrant July in Greenwich, Connecticut, for Melanie Travis. Too bad there’s a killer in town who would love to drain the life out of her summer… While usually protective, Melanie feels comfortable sending her sons to the Graceland School’s summer camp for two reasons: the institution is well-regarded and proprietor Emily Grace is a trusted friend. But Emily has been acting strange since three rambunctious Dalmatian puppies suddenly appeared on her doorstep. The unusual arrival marks the first of several mysterious happenings at camp, each more intense than the last. It’s a rough streak that takes a frightening turn with a discovery in the nearby woods—the body of Emily’s estranged ex-husband. Proving that Emily didn’t murder her biggest mistake will be about as easy as raising prize-winning show dogs. But Melanie dives into an investigation on the victim’s whereabouts leading up to his demise. With a few spotty clues and Aunt Peg’s growing curiosity about the Dalmatian pups’ origins, Melanie must name the culprit before good intentions come back to bite!

Download or read book Game of Dog Bones written by L. Berenson and published by Kensington Publishing Corporation. This book was released on 2021-04-27 with total page 321 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "As Greenwich, Connecticut, slows down during a bitterly cold February, Melanie and her spunky Aunt Peg head to the city that never sleeps for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. Aunt Peg can't wait to demonstrate her judging chops on national TV, even after being hounded by frustrating mishaps - all seemingly orchestrated by Victor Durbin, an ousted Paugussett Poodle Club member with a bone to pick. But the bright lights of the show ring grow dim when Victor is found murdered, and she's the one topping the suspect list ... Driven to solve the crime on her aunt's behalf, Melanie fetches hair-raising clues about the victim. Victor didn't score many friends with his unethical breeding practices, sketchy puppy cafe, and penchant for mercilessly scamming others to get ahead. He burned so many bridges that his own business partner admits to being delighted by news of his death. It appears Victor finally toyed with the wrong person, and as Melanie digs up more chilling evidence, she realizes that exonerating Aunt Peg means confronting a murderer who's in it to win it . . ."--Publisher

Download or read book Killer Cupid written by Laurien Berenson and published by Kensington Cozies. This book was released on 2023-12-26 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Melanie Travis is taking a much-needed break from the dog show circuit for a romantic Valentine's trip with her husband Sam, but when someone at their cozy Berkshires inn has an unexpected date with death, Melanie must slip into something sleuthier for the weekend . . . Melanie is delighted at the prospect of three uninterrupted days alone with Sam (and, of course, her prize-winning Standard Poodle, Faith). They're booked at the White Birch Inn, a picturesque New England resort nestled at the foot of a snow-covered mountain. The inn has a full slate of couples activities planned for the busy Valentine's weekend, but the first night of festivities feature an event that isn't on the program: murder. As a person of interest in the case, Melanie tries to sneak a little detective work into her romantic getaway. But with the resort nearly sold out for the holiday weekend, there's no shortage of suspects, and Melanie's secret sleuthing is already attracting the wrong kind of attention. Her Valentine's trip is heating up faster than the chocolate fondue . . . just not in the way Melanie hoped. But if she doesn't catch the cold-hearted killer soon, another innocent victim will get the kiss of death . . .

Download or read book Show Me the Bunny written by Laurien Berenson and published by Kensington Cozies. This book was released on 2023-02-21 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When Beatrice Gallagher, the well-respected benefactor of a new women's shelter, is murdered, Melanie Travis discovers that Beatrice wasn't the warm and generous philanthropist she appeared to be and must expose her true nature to identify a vengeful killer.

Download or read book A Furry Little Christmas written by Laurien Berenson and published by Kensington Cozies. This book was released on 2023-09-26 with total page 321 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It's the most wonderful time of the year in Connecticut, but Melanie Travis and her brood of Standard poodles finds surviving the holiday season deadlier than expected in these two cozy mystery holiday romps bundled together for your yuletide pleasure . . . The perfect stocking stuffer for mystery lovers and fans of dog mysteries by David Rosenfelt and Spencer Quinn! WAGGING THROUGH THE SNOW With a demanding teaching job and five poodles scampering around the house, Melanie Travis barely has energy for the upcoming Christmas rush. When an unexpected business venture leads to a dead body, Melanie must run through a flurry of likely suspects and muzzle a dogged murderer in time--or she'll be next on someone's deadly list. HERE COMES SANTA PAWS As Melanie attempts to deck the halls in a house overrun by pampered Poodles, her event planner friend, Claire, is busy playing Santa for the wealthiest clientele on Connecticut's Gold Coast. But when Claire's stylish stint uncovers a dead body, Melanie and her nosy Aunt Peg dash into a dizzying investigation to rein in a sinister Kris Kringle before they're the next ones on someone's deadly wish list . . .

Download or read book Peg and Rose Stir Up Trouble written by Laurien Berenson and published by Kensington Cozies. This book was released on 2024-05-21 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the award-winning author of the Melanie Travis Canine Mysteries, senior sisters-in-law Peg Turnbull and Rose Donovan get along about as well as stray cats and pedigree pooches. But aside from being Melanie Travis’s beloved aunts, outspoken Peg and even-keeled Rose do have something in common—a knack for solving murders . . . When Peg attempts online dating at Rose’s strong urging, the experience plays out like an embarrassing mistake. At least, until she matches with Nolan Abercrombie—intelligent, attractive, and a self-proclaimed dog lover. The two share an instant connection that has Peg cautiously excited to finally bring someone special into her busy world of Standard Poodles and conformation shows. But before Peg can admit that Rose was right, a terrible accident claims Nolan’s life. As details about his background and tragic death come to light, Peg has a serious hunch that someone successfully plotted to kill her first real date in decades . . . With suspects galore and a slew of puzzling clues to peel through, Peg and Rose team up to solve a dangerous mystery unfolding before their eyes. The question is: Can the unlikely duo turn their radically different personalities into an advantage as they scramble to ID the culprit—or will they manage to work against each other and find themselves precisely where a meticulous murderer wants them to be?

Download or read book Fatal Festival Days written by Jamie Blair and published by . This book was released on 2019-11-05 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It's winter in Metamora, so naturally, Cameron Cripps-Hayman finds a body on ice!The whole town has turned up for the Winter Festival, and Cameron has even managed to get television coverage and an Olympian to host the inaugural games. But the local Native American Council isn't happy about the ski course set up on the earth mounds built by their ancestors and pickets the downhill skiing event. Just when Cameron thinks things couldn't get worse, a night of hot cocoa and an ice carving competition turns deadly. Ice picks make good murder weapons, and the festival's Olympian host won't be going out for any more medal wins. With a national icon dead, the Native American community up in arms, and the whole debacle televised, the only way for Cameron to save face with her festival is to find the murderer and make amends on behalf of the entire town.