Another fun title by Laurien Berenson! This time she doesn't come upon the body, but murder still manages to find her! Murder by sweets, but these are sweets that go out to practically the entire town! Did the maker commit murder? Or did someone want them framed?

3.5 - 4 stars
Howloween Murder by Laurien Berenson
The newest book in this very long-running series features another mystery, the beloved poodles and Hanover Academy. One excellent feature from this series is they can all be read as a stand-alone book. I enjoyed this truly cozy mystery with its light-hearted yet intriguing characters. Although there was a murder at the front of the book, the story wrapped up a bit to tidy. There is not much of a mystery to who the kiler was or why. But, overall, Berenson has written another winner with her tradmark good nature and wit.
I did miss Bernie, Frank and Terry and the lack of a dog show. It does seem this series is moving away from what made it so popular; such as dog shows and the behind the scenes look at dog shows.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own.

I didn’t want this book to end. I am a huge fan of the Melanie Travis series and this new installment was brilliant. The author really knows how to bring out the best in her characters and that is definitely seen in the Howloween Murder. I get great comfort from reading this series. Some people have comfort food, I have comfort authors and Ms. Berenson is definitely one of them. Since I recently lost my father I was looking for a very light, fun and comfortable read and she definitely provided that for me. I hope the Melanie Travis series goes on for many many more years.

This short novel centers around Howard Academy when the school's secretary is accused of murder. I really enjoyed the Halloween theme. Melanie as usual is in the middle of things, asking questions. I also enjoyed the family interactions. This was another successful entry in the Melanie Travis mystery series. I can't wait to see what she does next.

Apparently the Howard Academy has a new resident in their attic. Newbie teacher Cheryl approches Melanie Travis, our favorite canine loving heroine with the news that there is a ghost shimmering about. At first I wasn't a fan of Cheryl after her freak attack when she saw Melanie's beautiful standard poodle Faith. She behaved as if the gentle and intelligent dog was a paranormal creature ready to rip her apart. However, Cheryl did calm and mellow towards Faith when she saw a student interacting with her and understood the importance of having a dog provide emotional support. You can find out about the ghost on your own as I don't want to give away any spoilers.
Murder follows Melanie like an obedient dog and once again she is ensnared in solving another killing. The headmaster's secretary Harriet is the prime suspect of her neighbor's death. Harry sampled some Halloween treats baked by Harriet that somehow got laced with poison.
If you love mysteries and tons of canine antics, you will love this wonderful story. It is always nice to catch up with Melanie's family both human and furry. Aunt Peg never disappoints and I loved the dynamics between the harried neice and the strong willed woman. Halloween, murder and poodles are definitely an interesting combination and Ms. Berenson delivers another fun and fast paced tale. This book can be read as a stand alone but consider treating yourself to her previous works. Happy Reading!

This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I love revisiting the characters. This was the perfect book to read for halloween.

I loved this short story by one of my favorite authors, Laurien Berenson.
Melanie has her hands full with her poodles, her children, her husband, job, and Aunt Peg. Murder never takes a break, not even on Halloween, so it’s no surprise that Melanie finds herself involved in another investigation.

In Howloween Murder, the 26th in the Melanie Travis series, Laurien Berenson lets Melanie shine relegating Aunt Peg to supporting cast member. This mystery centers around Halloween festivities at Howard Academy and the allegations that Harriett Bloom poisoned her neighbor with her famous marshmallow puffs.

Ms. Berenson captured the essence and intimacy of small town neighborhoods while treating us to another captivating mystery. This book kept my interest from the first page to the last.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.

Fun, quick read packed with a mystery that must be solved. So many suspects to choose from. To me this is more novella than novel
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for allowing me this arc

I loved this quick read from Laurien Berenson. Set at Halloween time, it was a perfect time for a murder. As always, the twists and turns in the plot kept me on my toes, guessing who done it and of course, reading! The character development and further clues into their motives was great. I had a feeling as to who did it and Laurie was able to put a wrench into whether it was true or not.

I'm glad I found the series again and can't wait for the next book in the series!

This is only the second book in this series I’ve read but I throughly enjoy them. Melanie is a great main character, the mystery was great, and I loved the setting.