I've read all the Melanie Travis Canine mysteries, and they get better and better. They are readable, gentle cozy mysteries. In this, the 22nd installment, Melanie's son Davie is showing Augie to try to get a championship win while Melanie and her aunt track down dog thefts.

I recommend this book and all the books in the series. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I can't believe this is book 22 in the Melanie Travis Canine Mystery series. It seems like yesterday we met Melanie. Now She has a son that's old enough to be a junior handler for his poodle and another son ready for schools. I love the dog aspect of these books, you learn something new in every one and even though I'm not a poodle fan she includes great tips for many other breeds. The cast of characters mainly stays the same and it's good to catch up. This can be read as a stand alone. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Melanie Travis has done it again! I am a huge fan! Poodles were a big part of my childhood and that is how I found this series. 22 books later and each new book becomes my latest favorite. Thank you netgalley for the gift of the arc in exchange for an honest review

This is #22 in the series, however it is the first one I've read. Was very good and didn't feel at all lost in what might have happened in the past. Dog show setting with pet-sitting involvement.. I liked the characters some of which reminded me of the ones I knew when I was involved with dog shows.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review. - I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the others in the series.

Melanie Travis and her beautiful show poodles have filled twenty-one books effortlessly, as Melanie's little family expanded and her dog family expanded to match. Now comes the twenty-second book, RUFF JUSTICE. From Christmas tree farm capers and cat burglars of earlier books, Melanie is now back at the Connecticut show ring as she tries to gain a championship certificate for one of her dogs.
To be more specific, Davey, Melanie's young son, is showing his own dog, but so is Melanie's formidable Aunt Peg. After the ringside drama there's less welcome excitement, when an artist who painted dogs is found dead near her booth. Jasmine Crane made custom leashes and other goods, and was a popular figure at shows. But Aunt Peg finds the bohemian lady lying dead, strangled with one of her leashes. As before, Peg won't rest until she establishes the culprit. Melanie will hunt out the clues.
Abby Burke, who shows hounds, arrives and asks Peg if she knows where her twin sister Amanda is; Amanda is Peg's occasional dog-sitter. She lives in a flat above Jasmine's garage. This sparks a hunt for the missing young woman as well as for a killer. Melanie's caring side comes out more clearly while she works as a special assistant teacher. And Davey, only thirteen, is turning into a responsible, determined, brave young man.
I really admire the way this crime story is pieced together, both by author Laurien Berenson creating the story and by Melanie unraveling the mystery. Unlike police dogs and guard dogs, of course, poodles don't leap at criminals or sniff out explosives. That doesn't stop them recognizing when their owners are in danger. All the dogs in this book have individual personalities and dog-lovers will have a treat in store with RUFF JUSTICE. Highly recommended.

4.5 Stars - Top Pick!

The world of dog shows is a way of life for Melanie Travis and her family. Melanie is proud of her award-winning standard poodles and her aunt is a long-time dog breeder, dog show participant, and judge. Melanie’s teenaged son Davey is also getting into the act trying to help his own poodle become a champion. However, Melanie, Peg, and the rest of the dog show community is shocked when a show vendor is found murdered in her own concession booth. When Aunt Peg’s dog sitter, who is a tenant of the murdered woman, disappears the same day, Melanie is soon on the case to get to the truth of what really happened to both young women.

I have read a couple of the prior books in this series, but I don’t follow it regularly. I had no problem connecting with the characters, and I think new readers will enjoy the book just as much as long-time fans. Melanie is a relatable character, She works as a special needs tutor during the week and accompanies her son to dog shows on the weekends. All of the different settings in the book are equally interesting. I like the scenes with Melanie at work, especially when she is helping a new girl fit in to the school and put a stop to the bullying she is experiencing. In addition, the dog shows are just as exciting as the mystery. I was on the edge of my seat during some of the dog show judging scenes, rooting for Davey as he shows his poodle. I’ve never been to a dog show, but the author makes it sound very exciting.

The mystery is a good one and as Melanie looks into the murder, she learns the victim had many secrets and no shortage of people who may have had a motive to kill her. Melanie is a credible amateur sleuth who is easy to like. The same can’t be said about the no-nonsense Aunt Peg. Peg is blunt to the point of rudeness and is very pushy at times. She is often correct in her opinions, but the way she goes about expressing them is sometimes hard to take. I like the other main characters, such as Melanie’s husband and older son, so Peg is the only one that I often found to be annoying.

I like how the author ties the murder and the disappearance together, and I enjoyed how the book ends. I think dog-lovers and anyone else looking for a well-written cozy mystery with interesting characters and settings will enjoy Ruff Justice.

~ Christine

I never miss a book in this series. I wait with baited breath for a new one to come out. Now these are cozies so I am not saying they are deep, complex books but they are fun, somewhat complex, always entertaining and have lots of dogs in them. Let me tell you one thing...in order to enjoy these books you had better like dogs and you'd better like learning everything about how to show a dog. I happen to like this part of Berenson's books just as much as I enjoy Melanie Travis and her family.

Laurien Berenson has created a delightful family and over the years they have changed and grown right along with we readers. As an author, you cannot write 22 books covering a few characters in just a few years’ time without having the creative ability to keep those characters alive and interesting and a group of people your readers identify with. Otherwise, not a soul would read past Book 10. Berenson has obviously accomplished this.

This is Book 22 in the series titled "Melanie Davis Canine Mystery". Book 22 can definitely stand alone and be enjoyed without having read earlier books.

However…all of Berenson’s books have good reviews. Don’t miss any of them.


***This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Bookaholic
Kathy
ourtownbookreviews.com

Congratulations to author Laurien Berenson on her 22nd release in this wonderful series.
I have read all "22" and this was one of my favorites.
I look forward to returning to this series with each new release. The entire series is delightful . i love this series because they are the perfect mystery blend with dogs, great characters and lots of action. They are endearing and the perfect mystery for all of us that love dogs.

Thank you with gratitude to the publisher and Net Galley for the ARC for review. My happy opinion is my own.

As a fan of this series I have been anxiously awaiting when Melanie's son would win his dog show championship. This book the long awaited moment is here and with such well written suspense I was on the edge of my seat. As one who has showed dogs the tension was palatable and I found myself shedding a tear when he won after reading about how hard he has worked for this moment.
I always love the interaction with Melanie' and Aunt Peg. Its humor throughout as they embark on another murder mystery that involves the world of dog shows. This murder involves a vendor at a dog show and they are on the case having 22 cases behind them they are pro's at solving mysteries.

The author has written a outstanding mystery so well crafted the ending was a surprise to me. I love the house full of Poodles, the true to life details of the dog show world and how the author captures the moments that are so known and loved to dog people. Of course as a Poodle lover, this series is divine for this animal lover. Every detail of this mystery is exquisite from the mystery, to the interactions among the family and of course the competitive world of dog shows.
A excellent read and I look forward to the next in series.
Thank you for the opportunity to review.
Cross posted on Amazon and Good Reads.
Very well done to the author. I hope to see this series continue.

Ruff Justice by Laurien Berenson is the twenty-second (wow) novel in The Melanie Travis Canine Mystery series. Melanie Travis along with her husband, two sons, and Augie are at the Sedgefield dog show. Davey is hoping to complete Augie’s, his Standard Poodle, championship after two years. Augie does not get the win, but Aunt Peg discovers a dead body. Aunt Peg had ordered a special leash for Coral, her six-month-old Standard Poodle puppy, from artist Jasmine Crane. Jasmine was not at her booth and Aunt Peg (you know how she is) was determined to find the leash. Instead, Aunt Peg found Jasmine strangled behind her booth. The next day, Aunt Peg is visited by her dog sitter’s twin sister, Abby. It seems Amanda Burke has been missing for twenty-four hours and her sister is worried about her. It turns out that Amanda lived in the apartment over Jasmine Crane’s garage. It cannot be a coincidence that Amanda disappeared after Jasmine was murdered. Abby had heard about Aunt Peg and Melanie’s success with investigations in the past. She wants them to find her sister and, of course, they agree. Melanie will have to fit in questioning in between teaching, duties at home (laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning), the kids, the various dog shows, a student who is being bullied, taking care of the dogs, and spending time with her husband, Sam. Melanie has a busy life, but she would not have it any other way. Melanie soon finds herself ensnared in two perplexing mysteries.

Ruff Justice contains good writing and established characters. Melanie has grown over the course of the series. She has a happy home life with her two kids, loving husband and six dogs (five Standard Poodles and Bud). Aunt Peg, though, has not changed one iota. She is still headstrong and likes things done her way. Davey, Kevin and the dogs (especially Bud) provide levity. I had a good laugh over the finger paint and tomato incidents. Sam is the stabilizing influence and I love that he does not discourage Melanie’s investigating. The characters are likeable and relatable. The dog show judging is quite interesting (I did not realize how many dog breeds there were). There are many variables as we see in Ruff Justice as Davey and Augie work towards their goal of earning Augie his championship title. It is obvious that the author is well versed in the subject of dog competitions (it comes through in the book). Laurien Berenson explains dog show judging in a way that is easy to understand. One of Melanie’s tutoring students, Francesca is being bullied, and I like how Melanie addresses the situation. The mystery is well-crafted and multi-faceted. I do wish, though, that the author had included a twist. I was able to identify the culprit early in the story (my one complaint). Ruff Justice is not a standalone book. You cannot just pick up Ruff Justice and dive in. My rating for Ruff Justice is 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for an engaging cozy mystery with great characters and a complicated mystery, then pick up Ruff Justice.

Ruff Justice by Laurien Berenson is the 22nd book in the Melanie Travis mystery series. Reading this book made me feel like I was visiting good friends, and catching up on their latest adventure. Melanie and her Aunt Peg are busy with the dog show when Aunt Peg finds a body. I love this series, and this book! I love the well developed characters and plot of this story. Melanie is very likable, with a fun sense of humor and funny how she deals with her Aunt Peg. This book kept my interest, and was fast paced and all round fun . I strongly recommend this book and this whole series, for people who love cozy mystery book, dogs, and show dogs.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Murder and mayhem at a dog show. A charming family with big black poodles plus a mutt are the basis for the tale. Interesting dog show insights. Cleverly involved mystery.

Melanie has another mystery on her hands. Who killed the artist and what happened to the pet sitter? I have only read a couple of books in this series and not in order, but that doesn't make a difference. I am still able to keep up with the characters and who is who. I enjoy reading about the dog show experience and this author is easy to read. I like her characters and enjoy the dogs as well. The murderer was a bit of a surprise, but that is always a fun surprise.

The poodles are back! Melanie's son Davey is now in the show ring with his own dog, Augie (a wonderful addition to the pack) but there's a problem a paw. Melanie and Aunt Peg once again find themselves investigating a murder and a disappearance at a dog show (who knew these were so dangerous!). Who murdered Jasmine and why? Where has Amanda gone and why? This is the latest in a long string of delightful books but you'll be fine with it as a standalone. The mystery isn't too complicated but there are enough twists to keep you guessing. Even better is the info about poodles and dog shows- I learn something new with each installment. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A quick fun read!

Ruff Justice is a sweet and sassy cozy mystery and though it is part of a series it can be read stand alone. Melanie Travis is a multi-tasker, she is a wife and mom, she houses four standard poodles and a mutt, she is a tutor at a high class school and she is an amateur sleuth. This story lets us follow her trail while she juggles all her roles. I really enjoyed the ride. I did find myself googling various dog breeds to see what they looked like while reading this story.

A good cozy, highly recommended to dog lovers and people interested in dog shows.
I never read other instalments of this series but I had any problems in understanding who's who and what was happening.
The book is well written, with a lovely cast of characters.
Unfortunately I'm not interested it dog shows and sometimes the mystery takes a back seat to the competition part and it bored me a bit.
On general level a good cozy mystery.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC

4 stars

Melanie Travis has her hands full dealing with 5 purebred poodles, a mutt, a toddler, a teenager, her job as a tutor, her feisty Aunt Peg and her adorable husband Sam. Melanie gets sucked into yet another murder mystery. As she starts putting the pieces together, she realizes too late that she is in big trouble.

The latest book in the Melanie Travis poodle mysteries is fantastic! Laurien Berenson is a master storyteller. She has written 20 plus books in this series, yet she never fails in weaving a masterful tale of suspense, mystery and humor. I truly enjoyed Ruff Justice, just as I have all of the other books Berenson has written!

If you have never read any of the books in this series, do not let that stop you from picking this one up! Berenson has written this series in such a way, that a reader is able to pick up any book and not feel as if they have missed out on big portions of the storyline. I highly recommend this book! Ruff Justice is a fun, cozy mystery without foul language. I am so grateful for authors who are able to tell their stories without resorting to vulgar words and/or sex.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Ruff Justice is the newest installment in Laurien Berenson’s Melanie Travis series. The author provides great background information and the characters’ histories and relationships are easy to understand. The storyline is well plotted and flows at a steady yet relaxed pace, and the well-developed characters are relatable. I find Ms. Berenson’s writing style to be smooth and calming, with witty statements and she sends a strong message of caring and compassion in her books. There is no lack of suspects in this whodunit and the final reveal came as a surprise to me. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading a well-crafted cozy mystery.

Melanie Travis lives in Stamford, Connecticut with her husband, Sam, and two sons, thirteen-year-old Davey and four-year-old Kevin, five Standard Poodles, and one mutt. Melanie is a special needs tutor at Howard Academy, Sam is a software developer who works from home, and dog shows are a way of life for Melanie and her family. All but one of their Standard Poodles are retired show champions. After two years, they’ve decided it’s time for Davey’s Standard Poodle, Kirkwood’s Keep Away, a/k/a Augie, to finish his championship. Aunt Peg, who’d scaled back on breeding and exhibiting dogs to be a multi-group judge, is exhibiting her six-month-old Standard Poodle, Cedar Crest Coral, at the same show. She’d even splurged and ordered a handmade beaded show leash from Jasmine Crane, but she wasn’t in her booth when Aunt Peg went to pick it up. During a second trip to Jasmine’s concession booth, Aunt Peg discovered her body. Someone had strangled her with one of her custom-made leashes. In addition to wanting to discover who the murderer is, Aunt Peg and Melanie are approached by Abby Burke’s twin sister, Amanda, is missing and she asks Aunt Peg and to help find her. Amanda is Aunt Peg’s dog sitter and rents the small apartment over Jasmine’s garage. Melanie begins to suspect a connection between the murder and Amanda’s disappearance and her investigation reveals secrets and shady operations involving multiple people. Knowing she needs to bring everything she’s discovered to the authorities, Melanie decides to talk to Detective Raymond Young. While none of the multiple crimes she’s discovered happened in his jurisdiction, she’s confident he’ll be able to sort everything out and contact the proper people.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Melanie Travis is a wonderful, entertaining, funny character and an awesome mom in her books. I have read this series from the beginning and each book seems to be more entertaining than the last. Melanie always seems to get herself into trouble one way or another and Aunt Peg feeds into it. A murder at a dog show, discovered by Aunt Peg, leads to the disappearance of a dog sitter Aunt Peg has used in the past. The sitter's twin sister comes to ask Peg for help locating the lost girl and in turn Peg asks Melanie to help. Murder, robbery, affairs, manipulation, adventure, excitement, and laughs are all to be found in Ruff Justice! Enjoy reading!!

Melanie, as an amateur sleuth, gives the reader an in depth look inside of dog shows. Never been much of a fan of poodles, but she makes them sound fun too. I enjoyed the murder mystery too, and the twists that surrounded it all added a nice dimension. A little scary that the killer escapes, but perhaps sets up for another book in the series. Highly recommend this book.

I enjoy this series immensely and this book did not let me down. This book takes us back to the dog shows and we get to spend more time with Melanie and Aunt Peg doing what they love which is showing dogs. Although several writers try to write about the world of purebred dog shows, Ms. Berenson is the only one that I've found that gets it 'right'. She is able to provide nice descriptions without bogging down the story line.

The characters are like old friends that continue to grow and age just like the rest of us. I'd love to have some cake with Aunt Peg. The mystery is top-notch with twists and turns that kept me up very late reading!