Not having read much in this series, I had no trouble keeping up with this installment. A fast paced read that you won't want to put down, with plenty of appearances by the poodles. Wonderful, realistic characters and a fun setting with a holiday them. Very enjoyable..

Melanie Travis is getting ready for Christmas, but it's her Aunt Peg who gets an early gift when she finds newborn puppies in a stocking she had used to decorate her mailbox. While Melanie is visiting the puppies at her aunt's house, she gets an urgent call from her ex-husband's new wife who Melanie now considers a friend. Claire calls Melanie when she makes a delivery to the home of one of her clients and finds her dead. Melanie becomes interested in the case and puts her own preparations for Christmas on hold to do a little sleuthing.

I enjoy this series featuring Melanie Travis, her Aunt Peg, and their standard poodles. This book doesn't have the usual tie-in to the dog-show world but still has plenty of appearances by the poodles and the newborn Australian Shepherds that her aunt is fostering. Melanie is a likable character who takes care of her family, her dogs, and still finds time to solve cases. Aunt Peg loves her family, but can be too overbearing. In this book, she is on her best behavior and I enjoyed her interactions with Melanie and the help she gives in solving the murder.

Longtime readers of the series will enjoy the holiday-themed mystery, but it's a good introduction for new readers, too. The book is on the short side, but I enjoy the fast pace of this entertaining story. I also like the interesting author's note about the inspiration for one of the characters in this book. "Here Comes Santa Paws" is a great book for fans of the series and other dog lovers who want to start getting into the spirit of the holidays.

I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Kensington Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.