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Melanie Travis Series by Laurien Berenson (books 1-16)
Requirements: ePub Reader / Mobi Reader. 34mb
Overview: Laurien Berenson is an American mystery writer. She writes the Melanie Travis mysteries, and is also the proprietor of Ashlyn Miniature Poodles in Kentucky.
Genre: Mystery
1. A Pedigree to Die For
Win, Place...Or Die.
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 damp, 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.
2. Underdog
BEING AN UNDERDOG CAN BE MURDER.
Amateur sleuth, single mother, and pedigreed poodle owner Melanie Travis returns to Connecticut's elite canine circles -- and unmasks a murderer lurking among the handlers and their prize-winning pets...
When Melanie's education in breed-handling at Connecticut's classiest obedience school is cut short by sudden death, she smells a murder. So, with her rambunctious puppy, five-year-old son, and sexy fellow breeder Sam Driver in tow, she hits the championship circuit. In this dog-eat-dog world where winning is everything, Melanie discovers that more than one suspect had a bone to pick with the victim, including a kennel owner whose secret recipe for dog biscuits isn't the only thing she's guarding.
Between laps around the show ring, Melanie learns some tricks of her own. But will she learn fast enough to collar an unleashed killer who's begging for the dogged detective to play dead?
3. Dog Eat Dog
Welcome to an elite Connecticut kennel club where shocking secrets gnaw at the best of the breed and competition has a sharp—and deadly—bite. As if raising her son Davey, training her rambunctious Poodle Faith for the show ring, and grooming fellow handler Sam Driver for romance aren't enough, Melanie Travis's entrée into the exclusive Belle Haven Kennel Club has been met with a grisly murder. Unfortunately, the only witnesses to the crime were the victim's startled pair of Beagles. And they aren't talking. . .
Melanie hadn't intended to do any serious snooping, what with coping with the unexpected arrival of an ex-husband out to get joint custody of the son he's never known. In need of some serious distraction, she's off to sniff out dangerous secrets. . .only to discover that everyone at Belle Haven has something damning to hide. As the shocking truth slowly comes to light—and her own domestic drama moves center stage—Melanie finds herself eager...
4. Hair of the Dog
"A well-paced and well-organized story, a surprise ending, and an ability to capture the great bond between dogs and people." -"Booklist"The dog days of summer have just begun, and Melanie Travis is looking forward to savoring each lazy afternoon. And where better to enjoy herself than at her Aunt Peg's Fourth of July barbeque? It sounds ideal, until an uninvited guest proves that even the laziest dog day of the year can suddenly turn vicious. . ."Abundant with dog lore, this lighthearted adventure will charm dog fanciers and cozy fans." -"-Publishers Weekly"Melanie knew someone should have kept Barry Turk on a short leash. The star Poodle handler and lady killer had a habit of chicanery that bred contempt in the dog show circuit. But when Barry is shot dead in his own driveway, even Melanie is stunned at how unsporting the competition can get. Now, as Melanie digs for clues deep under Connecticut's well-groomed surface, she finds herself sniffing around in the killer's own backyard, and counts herself lucky to have the animal instincts to keep herself alive. . ."Ms. Berenson's characters are likeable. Her plots twist and turn, and her stories are filled with surprises." --"The Lufkin Daily News "
5. Watchdog
It's autumn in Connecticut. Melanie Travis has just started a new job, and with the added excitement of showing her standard poodle, Faith, in the fall shows, the last thing she wants is to become embroiled in yet another of her brother Frank's moneymaking schemes. His current brainstorm--remaking an old store in stylish suburban Fairfield County into a trendy coffee bar--already has the neighbors snarling. Worse, wealthy Marcus Rattigan, who's bankrolling the project, is found murdered on the premises, and the police think Frank did it.
Always the family watchdog, and faced with Frank's imminent arrest, Melanie has no choice but to take on the investigation. Drawing on her connections in the dog world, Melanie is soon successfully unmuzzling the dead man's nearest and dearest, including a bitter ex-wife, a spurned mistress, and an ambitious second in command. But Melanie is about to learn that being a watchdog can sometimes be dangerous--especially when every clue she uncovers leads her one step closer to a murderer who is desperate enough to kill again...
6. Hush Puppy
"With this sixth Melanie Travis mystery, Berenson becomes top dog in the pack of mysteries featuring canines."—Booklist
Melanie Travis loves her teaching job at Connecticut's elite Howard Academy, where plans are underway for a Spring Pageant to honor the school's fiftieth anniversary. Immersed in the preparations, Melanie is hurrying to retrieve a painting of one of the illustrious co-founders when she comes upon a disturbing scene: Eugene Krebbs, the Academy's elderly caretaker is arguing loudly with a girl half his size. Before Melanie can learn more than the girl's first name—Jane—she disappears.
It's clear that Jane isn't a student at Howard Academy, so what is she doing there? Melanie doesn't have a chance to answer that question before more problems arise. Two days later, Krebbs is discovered stabbed to death right on the school grounds. Now Melanie is embroiled in a full-fledged homicide investigation as she tries to find out who's added...
7. Unleashed
Summer means two things to Melanie Travis: a break from her teaching duties at Connecticut's elite Howard Academy, and a chance to plan the perfect wedding to her fiance, Sam. What she doesn't need is an unwelcome arrival of a dinner invitation from Sam's ex-wife Sheila. To make matters worse, Sheila has announced that her temporary stay in town is now permanent - she's accepted a job as co-publisher of Woof!, a new gossip rag for the dog show world. But before the first issue is out, a hotter story breaks when Sheila is found strangled with a dog leash! As far as Melanie - and plenty of others - are concerned, the woman should have been on a leash long ago. It will take the instincts of a bloodhound to sniff out a killer who will do whatever it takes to put an end to Melanie's sleuthing.
8. Once Bitten
"Beware! Pick up "Once Bitten" and it will sink its fangs into your imagination. You'll read straight through to the end." --Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown "An entertaining mystery."--"Publishers Weekly"With her former fiance off finding himself, Melanie Travis figures the only ring she'll be seeing is one where she's showing her prized poodles. Meanwhile, her brother Frank is about to tie the knot with his sweetheart, Bertie Kennedy. But when Sara Bentley, a dog handler moonlighting as a wedding planner, suddenly vanishes, a panicked Bertie gives Melanie a choice: either pinch-hit for Sara--or find her."Totally satisfying."--"I Love A Mystery"Opting for the latter, Melanie unearths big trouble when Sara's cottage burns to the ground and a woman's body is found in the rubble. Plenty of people held grudges against Sara, including a disgruntled groomer, a past dog show competitor, and an embittered ex-boyfriend. Even Sara's own family seems oddly unconcerned about her. Are the blue-blooded Bentleys cold-blooded enough to kill one of their own? The only thing that's certain is that it's up to Melanie to stop a murderer in his--or her--tracks. . .
9. Hot Dog
In an effort to escape tail-chasing males--namely her ex-husband Bob and boyfriend Sam--Melanie Travis opts to track down the elusive owner of an adorable Dachshund puppy that's about to be put on the block at a charity auction. She, her son Davey, and her prizewinning poodles are more than willing to take little Dox in as a boarder. But the more Melanie discovers about the pup's background, the messier the case gets.
It seems the wiener dog is part of a divorced couple's emotional tug-o-war. As if tiptoeing through the minefield of a broken marriage isn't nerve-wracking enough, there's also Melanie's new stalker--or stalkers--to deal with. The obvious pair is pesky local television reporter Jill Prescott and her cameraman, Rich, who figure that Melanie's nose for trouble will lead them to the next Big Story.They're annoying, but what's truly frightening is the presence of someone stealthier--and far more sinister. Someone who's gotten into her house at night; someone who's stolen her wallet, and let her dogs loose in the neighborhood. Someone who's dognapped Dox.
With the doggy abduction and her son's safety on her mind, Melanie's determination grows. Because as things grow more desperate--and dangerous--it's beginning to look like her life may be the next thing up for auction...
10. Best in Show
Murder's on the ticket when intrepid poodle breeder Melanie Travis travels to Maryland for a world-famous dog show where the competition isn't the only thing that's cutthroat...
There are dog shows. And then there's The Poodle Club of America National Specialty Dog Show. For poodle purists, it's the pinnacle of the season, drawing competitors and spectators from all over the world.
Once in Maryland, Melanie is put to work selling raffle tickets by the co-chairs of the raffle committee, Betty Jean and Edith Jean Boone. Sixty-ish steel magnolias from the South, the reclusive sisters make few appearances. But this year, they have a silver Toy puppy that has already caused quite a buzz on the show circuit.
While the poodles remain well behaved, it's their owners and handlers who start acting up. And when Betty Jean is found dead at the host hotel, murder takes center stage. But this is the PCA--and the show must go on. As Edith Jean staunchly resumes her duties, Melanie starts searching for clues, and comes up with a compelling cast of suspects whose actions prove that in the dog-eat-dog world of showing, a life can be as easily lost as a blue ribbon. And that unlike cats, dogs--and their owners--have only one to risk...
11. Jingle Bell Bark
It's Christmas again, and Melanie Travis barely has time to pencil in some holiday festivities. Especially once she finds herself making a list of murder suspects--and checking it twice...
This year, all Melanie wants for Christmas is a dull moment. Between her son Davey, her teaching job, and showing her Standard Poodle puppy, Eve, there just aren't enough hours in the day. But when Davey's usual bus driver, Henry Pruitt, disappears and is replaced by a surly, pierced, twentysomething, Melanie is concerned. The elderly, amiable Henry was a friend to all in the neighborhood, so she decides to check on him...only to find that he died two days earlier, under suspicious circumstances.
As if that weren't bad enough, Henry's two Golden Retrievers are now bereft of both master and home. Melanie can't just abandon them, so she brings them to her Aunt Peg, the most stubborn woman on the planet, who's now determined to find out the truth about Henry's death, no matter what it takes. Soon, the indomitable Aunt Peg has Melanie leashed to another murder investigation. And unless she sniffs out this Scrooge of a killer fast, a lump of coal in her stocking may not be the worst thing Melanie gets this Christmas...
12. Raining Cats & Dogs
It's an all-new case for Melanie: a husband, an eight-year-old son and, count them, five poodles. Finding a new, bigger house is at the top of her agenda. To add to the mayhem. Melanie has got the task of keeping an eye on her disconcertingly beautiful new neighbor, whose absent husband is nearly as worrisome as her seven wander outdoor cats. Melanie's poodles are constantly being provoked by the frisky felines. Melanie is not going to let all of the chaos in her life deter her from enrolling her dog Faith in obedience school. The South Avenue Obedience Club to be exact, which seems to be a fun challenge. Melanie is especially eager to bring faith to the group's program at the Winston Pumpernill Nursing Home. Obedience club member Paul Lennox initiated the outings to please his Great Aunt Mary and the other dog lovers at Winston Pumpernill. All is nice and good at Pumpernill, that is until Aunt Mary is tragically found suffocated during Melanie's first visit. Melanie's investigative pedigree quickly comes to light and the club members urge her to track the killer. Suspects, motives and opportunities are plentiful. Melanie simply has to sniff out the culprit -- and watch her back.
13. Chow Down
If Melanie Travis was planning on a quiet family summer with her Standard Poodle Faith, son Davey, and new husband Sam, her plans are about to turn upside down. An unexpected competition, a trip to New York, and--oh yes, a murder--later, Melanie finds herself in a choke collar of deceit and corruption.
When she receives the letter from the Champions Dog Food Company informing her that Faith has been selected as a finalist in the "All Dogs Are Champions" contest, Melanie is mystified--until she discovers it was Davey who entered Faith in the contest.
At the reception where they meet the other finalists, Melanie immediately picks up the scent that this pack is a bone's throw away from a major dog fight. And when Larry Kim, one of the finalists, dies in a suspicious fall, something smells rotten to Melanie. With the final decision for a winner drawing near and the competition getting downright ferocious, Melanie and Faith will have to watch their backs--because Melanie's digging may well unearth a barking-mad killer who'll do anything to win.
14. Hounded To Death
As the dog days of summer turn to the playful nip of autumn's chill, Melanie Travis is ready for a little relaxation. Her Aunt Peg has the perfect solution--a five-day symposium for dog show judges in Pennsylvania's idyllic Pocono Mountains. While Peg and Melanie's sister-in-law Bertie welcome the opportunity to socialize with the dog world's elite, the very pregnant Melanie embraces the chance to simply unwind.
But when renowned judge Charles Evans delivers a keynote address that irritates many of the attendees, the symposium's agenda takes a deadly turn. For later that evening, Charles is found floating face-down in the outdoor hot tub.
With few clues to go on, the police are baffled. But Melanie decides to take matters into her own hands, suspecting that a cold-blooded murderer may lurk among her fellow dog- lovers...
15. Doggie Day Care Murder
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 centre for her friend Alice Brickman. As Melanie learns, it's a dog's life at the Pine Ridge Canine Care Centre - 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 centre'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.
16. Gone With the Woof
After a short break from crime solving, stay-at-home mom Melanie Travis has not become boring -- no matter what her alarmingly opinionated Aunt Peg says. She still has a nose for sniffing up a good mystery, especially when it involves the life of a legendary dog breeder…
Despite Melanie’s domestic demands -- a toddler and a house full of Standard Poodles -- helping Edward March pen his life story is an opportunity she can’t pass up. Of course Edward turns out to be a growly old man who wants his book -- “Puppy Love” -- to consist mainly of his amorous encounters with women from the dog show community. It’s juicy gossip, but not dangerous…until Andrew, Edward’s son, pays Melanie an angry visit to stop her from working on the book.
When Andrew suddenly turns up very dead, the victim of a seemingly intentional hit-and-run, the police are looking at Edward as Suspect #1. There was lots of bad blood between Andrew and his father, but Melanie is looking at the bigger picture. Would some of Edwards’ ex-trysts have gone after Andrew to shut Edward up? How about all of those husbands and boyfriends with bones to pick? And who is that woman who everyone is avoiding at the funeral?
Between getting caught up in the bafflingly dysfunctional March family, sorting out two generations of disgruntled ex-lovers, and uncovering a shocking case of secret hoarding, Melanie’s running into dead ends almost as fast as she’s running out of time. The longer the killer stays unleashed, the sooner she may end up in the dog house for good.
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Requirements: ePub Reader / Mobi Reader. 34mb
Overview: Laurien Berenson is an American mystery writer. She writes the Melanie Travis mysteries, and is also the proprietor of Ashlyn Miniature Poodles in Kentucky.
Genre: Mystery
1. A Pedigree to Die For
Win, Place...Or Die.
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 damp, 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.
2. Underdog
BEING AN UNDERDOG CAN BE MURDER.
Amateur sleuth, single mother, and pedigreed poodle owner Melanie Travis returns to Connecticut's elite canine circles -- and unmasks a murderer lurking among the handlers and their prize-winning pets...
When Melanie's education in breed-handling at Connecticut's classiest obedience school is cut short by sudden death, she smells a murder. So, with her rambunctious puppy, five-year-old son, and sexy fellow breeder Sam Driver in tow, she hits the championship circuit. In this dog-eat-dog world where winning is everything, Melanie discovers that more than one suspect had a bone to pick with the victim, including a kennel owner whose secret recipe for dog biscuits isn't the only thing she's guarding.
Between laps around the show ring, Melanie learns some tricks of her own. But will she learn fast enough to collar an unleashed killer who's begging for the dogged detective to play dead?
3. Dog Eat Dog
Welcome to an elite Connecticut kennel club where shocking secrets gnaw at the best of the breed and competition has a sharp—and deadly—bite. As if raising her son Davey, training her rambunctious Poodle Faith for the show ring, and grooming fellow handler Sam Driver for romance aren't enough, Melanie Travis's entrée into the exclusive Belle Haven Kennel Club has been met with a grisly murder. Unfortunately, the only witnesses to the crime were the victim's startled pair of Beagles. And they aren't talking. . .
Melanie hadn't intended to do any serious snooping, what with coping with the unexpected arrival of an ex-husband out to get joint custody of the son he's never known. In need of some serious distraction, she's off to sniff out dangerous secrets. . .only to discover that everyone at Belle Haven has something damning to hide. As the shocking truth slowly comes to light—and her own domestic drama moves center stage—Melanie finds herself eager...
4. Hair of the Dog
"A well-paced and well-organized story, a surprise ending, and an ability to capture the great bond between dogs and people." -"Booklist"The dog days of summer have just begun, and Melanie Travis is looking forward to savoring each lazy afternoon. And where better to enjoy herself than at her Aunt Peg's Fourth of July barbeque? It sounds ideal, until an uninvited guest proves that even the laziest dog day of the year can suddenly turn vicious. . ."Abundant with dog lore, this lighthearted adventure will charm dog fanciers and cozy fans." -"-Publishers Weekly"Melanie knew someone should have kept Barry Turk on a short leash. The star Poodle handler and lady killer had a habit of chicanery that bred contempt in the dog show circuit. But when Barry is shot dead in his own driveway, even Melanie is stunned at how unsporting the competition can get. Now, as Melanie digs for clues deep under Connecticut's well-groomed surface, she finds herself sniffing around in the killer's own backyard, and counts herself lucky to have the animal instincts to keep herself alive. . ."Ms. Berenson's characters are likeable. Her plots twist and turn, and her stories are filled with surprises." --"The Lufkin Daily News "
5. Watchdog
It's autumn in Connecticut. Melanie Travis has just started a new job, and with the added excitement of showing her standard poodle, Faith, in the fall shows, the last thing she wants is to become embroiled in yet another of her brother Frank's moneymaking schemes. His current brainstorm--remaking an old store in stylish suburban Fairfield County into a trendy coffee bar--already has the neighbors snarling. Worse, wealthy Marcus Rattigan, who's bankrolling the project, is found murdered on the premises, and the police think Frank did it.
Always the family watchdog, and faced with Frank's imminent arrest, Melanie has no choice but to take on the investigation. Drawing on her connections in the dog world, Melanie is soon successfully unmuzzling the dead man's nearest and dearest, including a bitter ex-wife, a spurned mistress, and an ambitious second in command. But Melanie is about to learn that being a watchdog can sometimes be dangerous--especially when every clue she uncovers leads her one step closer to a murderer who is desperate enough to kill again...
6. Hush Puppy
"With this sixth Melanie Travis mystery, Berenson becomes top dog in the pack of mysteries featuring canines."—Booklist
Melanie Travis loves her teaching job at Connecticut's elite Howard Academy, where plans are underway for a Spring Pageant to honor the school's fiftieth anniversary. Immersed in the preparations, Melanie is hurrying to retrieve a painting of one of the illustrious co-founders when she comes upon a disturbing scene: Eugene Krebbs, the Academy's elderly caretaker is arguing loudly with a girl half his size. Before Melanie can learn more than the girl's first name—Jane—she disappears.
It's clear that Jane isn't a student at Howard Academy, so what is she doing there? Melanie doesn't have a chance to answer that question before more problems arise. Two days later, Krebbs is discovered stabbed to death right on the school grounds. Now Melanie is embroiled in a full-fledged homicide investigation as she tries to find out who's added...
7. Unleashed
Summer means two things to Melanie Travis: a break from her teaching duties at Connecticut's elite Howard Academy, and a chance to plan the perfect wedding to her fiance, Sam. What she doesn't need is an unwelcome arrival of a dinner invitation from Sam's ex-wife Sheila. To make matters worse, Sheila has announced that her temporary stay in town is now permanent - she's accepted a job as co-publisher of Woof!, a new gossip rag for the dog show world. But before the first issue is out, a hotter story breaks when Sheila is found strangled with a dog leash! As far as Melanie - and plenty of others - are concerned, the woman should have been on a leash long ago. It will take the instincts of a bloodhound to sniff out a killer who will do whatever it takes to put an end to Melanie's sleuthing.
8. Once Bitten
"Beware! Pick up "Once Bitten" and it will sink its fangs into your imagination. You'll read straight through to the end." --Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown "An entertaining mystery."--"Publishers Weekly"With her former fiance off finding himself, Melanie Travis figures the only ring she'll be seeing is one where she's showing her prized poodles. Meanwhile, her brother Frank is about to tie the knot with his sweetheart, Bertie Kennedy. But when Sara Bentley, a dog handler moonlighting as a wedding planner, suddenly vanishes, a panicked Bertie gives Melanie a choice: either pinch-hit for Sara--or find her."Totally satisfying."--"I Love A Mystery"Opting for the latter, Melanie unearths big trouble when Sara's cottage burns to the ground and a woman's body is found in the rubble. Plenty of people held grudges against Sara, including a disgruntled groomer, a past dog show competitor, and an embittered ex-boyfriend. Even Sara's own family seems oddly unconcerned about her. Are the blue-blooded Bentleys cold-blooded enough to kill one of their own? The only thing that's certain is that it's up to Melanie to stop a murderer in his--or her--tracks. . .
9. Hot Dog
In an effort to escape tail-chasing males--namely her ex-husband Bob and boyfriend Sam--Melanie Travis opts to track down the elusive owner of an adorable Dachshund puppy that's about to be put on the block at a charity auction. She, her son Davey, and her prizewinning poodles are more than willing to take little Dox in as a boarder. But the more Melanie discovers about the pup's background, the messier the case gets.
It seems the wiener dog is part of a divorced couple's emotional tug-o-war. As if tiptoeing through the minefield of a broken marriage isn't nerve-wracking enough, there's also Melanie's new stalker--or stalkers--to deal with. The obvious pair is pesky local television reporter Jill Prescott and her cameraman, Rich, who figure that Melanie's nose for trouble will lead them to the next Big Story.They're annoying, but what's truly frightening is the presence of someone stealthier--and far more sinister. Someone who's gotten into her house at night; someone who's stolen her wallet, and let her dogs loose in the neighborhood. Someone who's dognapped Dox.
With the doggy abduction and her son's safety on her mind, Melanie's determination grows. Because as things grow more desperate--and dangerous--it's beginning to look like her life may be the next thing up for auction...
10. Best in Show
Murder's on the ticket when intrepid poodle breeder Melanie Travis travels to Maryland for a world-famous dog show where the competition isn't the only thing that's cutthroat...
There are dog shows. And then there's The Poodle Club of America National Specialty Dog Show. For poodle purists, it's the pinnacle of the season, drawing competitors and spectators from all over the world.
Once in Maryland, Melanie is put to work selling raffle tickets by the co-chairs of the raffle committee, Betty Jean and Edith Jean Boone. Sixty-ish steel magnolias from the South, the reclusive sisters make few appearances. But this year, they have a silver Toy puppy that has already caused quite a buzz on the show circuit.
While the poodles remain well behaved, it's their owners and handlers who start acting up. And when Betty Jean is found dead at the host hotel, murder takes center stage. But this is the PCA--and the show must go on. As Edith Jean staunchly resumes her duties, Melanie starts searching for clues, and comes up with a compelling cast of suspects whose actions prove that in the dog-eat-dog world of showing, a life can be as easily lost as a blue ribbon. And that unlike cats, dogs--and their owners--have only one to risk...
11. Jingle Bell Bark
It's Christmas again, and Melanie Travis barely has time to pencil in some holiday festivities. Especially once she finds herself making a list of murder suspects--and checking it twice...
This year, all Melanie wants for Christmas is a dull moment. Between her son Davey, her teaching job, and showing her Standard Poodle puppy, Eve, there just aren't enough hours in the day. But when Davey's usual bus driver, Henry Pruitt, disappears and is replaced by a surly, pierced, twentysomething, Melanie is concerned. The elderly, amiable Henry was a friend to all in the neighborhood, so she decides to check on him...only to find that he died two days earlier, under suspicious circumstances.
As if that weren't bad enough, Henry's two Golden Retrievers are now bereft of both master and home. Melanie can't just abandon them, so she brings them to her Aunt Peg, the most stubborn woman on the planet, who's now determined to find out the truth about Henry's death, no matter what it takes. Soon, the indomitable Aunt Peg has Melanie leashed to another murder investigation. And unless she sniffs out this Scrooge of a killer fast, a lump of coal in her stocking may not be the worst thing Melanie gets this Christmas...
12. Raining Cats & Dogs
It's an all-new case for Melanie: a husband, an eight-year-old son and, count them, five poodles. Finding a new, bigger house is at the top of her agenda. To add to the mayhem. Melanie has got the task of keeping an eye on her disconcertingly beautiful new neighbor, whose absent husband is nearly as worrisome as her seven wander outdoor cats. Melanie's poodles are constantly being provoked by the frisky felines. Melanie is not going to let all of the chaos in her life deter her from enrolling her dog Faith in obedience school. The South Avenue Obedience Club to be exact, which seems to be a fun challenge. Melanie is especially eager to bring faith to the group's program at the Winston Pumpernill Nursing Home. Obedience club member Paul Lennox initiated the outings to please his Great Aunt Mary and the other dog lovers at Winston Pumpernill. All is nice and good at Pumpernill, that is until Aunt Mary is tragically found suffocated during Melanie's first visit. Melanie's investigative pedigree quickly comes to light and the club members urge her to track the killer. Suspects, motives and opportunities are plentiful. Melanie simply has to sniff out the culprit -- and watch her back.
13. Chow Down
If Melanie Travis was planning on a quiet family summer with her Standard Poodle Faith, son Davey, and new husband Sam, her plans are about to turn upside down. An unexpected competition, a trip to New York, and--oh yes, a murder--later, Melanie finds herself in a choke collar of deceit and corruption.
When she receives the letter from the Champions Dog Food Company informing her that Faith has been selected as a finalist in the "All Dogs Are Champions" contest, Melanie is mystified--until she discovers it was Davey who entered Faith in the contest.
At the reception where they meet the other finalists, Melanie immediately picks up the scent that this pack is a bone's throw away from a major dog fight. And when Larry Kim, one of the finalists, dies in a suspicious fall, something smells rotten to Melanie. With the final decision for a winner drawing near and the competition getting downright ferocious, Melanie and Faith will have to watch their backs--because Melanie's digging may well unearth a barking-mad killer who'll do anything to win.
14. Hounded To Death
As the dog days of summer turn to the playful nip of autumn's chill, Melanie Travis is ready for a little relaxation. Her Aunt Peg has the perfect solution--a five-day symposium for dog show judges in Pennsylvania's idyllic Pocono Mountains. While Peg and Melanie's sister-in-law Bertie welcome the opportunity to socialize with the dog world's elite, the very pregnant Melanie embraces the chance to simply unwind.
But when renowned judge Charles Evans delivers a keynote address that irritates many of the attendees, the symposium's agenda takes a deadly turn. For later that evening, Charles is found floating face-down in the outdoor hot tub.
With few clues to go on, the police are baffled. But Melanie decides to take matters into her own hands, suspecting that a cold-blooded murderer may lurk among her fellow dog- lovers...
15. Doggie Day Care Murder
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 centre for her friend Alice Brickman. As Melanie learns, it's a dog's life at the Pine Ridge Canine Care Centre - 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 centre'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.
16. Gone With the Woof
After a short break from crime solving, stay-at-home mom Melanie Travis has not become boring -- no matter what her alarmingly opinionated Aunt Peg says. She still has a nose for sniffing up a good mystery, especially when it involves the life of a legendary dog breeder…
Despite Melanie’s domestic demands -- a toddler and a house full of Standard Poodles -- helping Edward March pen his life story is an opportunity she can’t pass up. Of course Edward turns out to be a growly old man who wants his book -- “Puppy Love” -- to consist mainly of his amorous encounters with women from the dog show community. It’s juicy gossip, but not dangerous…until Andrew, Edward’s son, pays Melanie an angry visit to stop her from working on the book.
When Andrew suddenly turns up very dead, the victim of a seemingly intentional hit-and-run, the police are looking at Edward as Suspect #1. There was lots of bad blood between Andrew and his father, but Melanie is looking at the bigger picture. Would some of Edwards’ ex-trysts have gone after Andrew to shut Edward up? How about all of those husbands and boyfriends with bones to pick? And who is that woman who everyone is avoiding at the funeral?
Between getting caught up in the bafflingly dysfunctional March family, sorting out two generations of disgruntled ex-lovers, and uncovering a shocking case of secret hoarding, Melanie’s running into dead ends almost as fast as she’s running out of time. The longer the killer stays unleashed, the sooner she may end up in the dog house for good.
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