Aunt Peg is judging the non-sporting group at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! Yay! What a huge honor and it's something she well deserves for her long years of work with poodles. Melanie is thrilled for her. Then, as so often happens to these two- there's a murder, this time of Victor. Victor had a good rep with some poodle people but Aunt Peg felt differently, and they're argued, making her a suspect. As cozy readers can predict, Victor has a backstory and he's not nice, which is especially bad because it involves dogs. You know that Melanie and Aunt Peg will solve the case but you'll be kept guessing as to who did it. I love this series more for the info about dogs and dog shows (great atmospherics) and the family relationships, not only between Melanie and Peg but also with her kids and in this case her sister in law. If you haven't read it before, don't worry about hopping in now- it's completely accessible. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Looking forward to the next one!

To begin with there is not one book in this series I haven’t liked. I have not read every book, but I have read and reviewed a lot of them. When you talk dogs and dog shows and Westminster, you already have me turning the pages. I will also say I have learned a lot about the workings of dog shows from these books. Sort of a behind the scenes view. Sounds all serious but what makes it fun is it’s a cozy too.

Berenson just keeps her characters growing and growing, maturing as they should in a series of 25 stories. She even keeps the dogs growing and aging. As you can imagine there is as much jealousy and politics in dog shows as there is in a beauty pageant. People would almost sneak in fleas to get the other dogs itching and twitching during their time in the ring. Anything to win that prized ribbon. This time Aunt Peg is judging at the BIG show.

Speaking of “this time”, Berenson’s focus on characters was a little different. I didn’t feel we saw or heard from Aunt Peg as much. If you’ve read any of these books, you’ll know Aunt Peg, though loved much, is a pretty commanding presence. I missed her a little but the jokes and asides about her somewhat overbearing, yet loving personality were still there, and Melanie had a new sidekick. Bernie, her sister-in-law. Expanding the family, a little brought in a new interest or two, and it all seemed to fit quite well. This time Berenson covered a broad spectrum of life and personalities. It was great. Made the story even more full.

To put it concisely, these are just fun. There’s a new plot every time, and I’ll be glad when Book 26 comes out.

If the title and cover of this book aren’t enough to get your attention, parts of the book take place at the Westminster Dog Show in New York City. Melanie Travis and her family raise and show poodles and Melanie’s Aunt Peg is a show judge. Peg is thrilled to have been asked to be a judge in the non-sporting group at Westminster. She is not going to allow Victor Durbin, a poodle breeder and businessman of questionable ethics ruin her debut as a judge at the prestigious show, even when he accosts her on her way to Madison Square Garden. When Victor is murdered, Peg becomes one of the prime suspects and Melanie can’t say no to launching her own investigation to find the real killer.

I have enjoyed many of the prior books in this long-running series but it’s definitely accessible to new readers. Dog lovers will enjoy the inside look at breeding and showing dogs. I’ve never been to a dog show, but have learned so much about that world through these books. I’ve gotten to know both the human and the canine main characters, but new readers can easily catch up. Melanie is a likable main character who is easy to relate to. She balances being a wife, mother, special needs tutor, dog show participant, and some-time sleuth. The author does a good job of letting the reader see Melanie in all her various roles without any one thing taking over the book.

One of Melanie’s strengths is her loyalty to her friends and family. However, Aunt Peg often gets Melanie mixed up with things she really doesn’t have time for or that are dangerous, like murder investigations! I was glad when Melanie’s sister-in-law calls Melanie out on letting Aunt Peg take advantage of her good nature and am curious to see if Melanie is brave enough to stand up to her bossy aunt in future books. Although she can sometimes be annoying, Aunt Peg is actually on her best behavior in this book. I was rooting for her, hoping her debut as a Westminster Dog show went well.

Throughout this book, we get to know Bertie, Melanie’s sister-in-law, a little better. She is a strong, easy to like character and I was glad to see the important role she played in the search for Victor’s killer. Victor was not a nice person and when the truth about his life and his death comes out, the resolution is surprising and in some ways bittersweet. The book is still a fast-paced fun book to read, but this installment does touch on some very serious subjects. I would rate the book 4.5 stars.

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

If you love dogs and cozy mysteries, Laurien Berenson’s Melanie Travis series is for you! Game of Dog Bones, the 25th book in the series, brings us to the Westminster Dog Show. Melanie’s Aunt Peg has the honor of being a judge at this prestigious competition. Of course, the whole family attends the show in New York City. However, someone is murdered and Aunt Peg is one of many suspects. Melanie must find the killer and clear her aunt’s name!

Melanie and her family raise champion poodles and are very active in dog show competitions. Details from the professional dog show world are sprinkled seamlessly throughout Berenson’s books. As someone who knows very little of this world, I am fascinated with these details – especially the behind-the-scenes look at the Westminster Dog Show

This is an enjoyable whodunit with likable characters and a quickly-moving plot. This is only the second book that I have read in this series and I found that both could be enjoyed as stand-alones. However, I have come to love the characters and their dogs in these books and would like to go back and read the series from the beginning. I highly recommend this series and this latest installment to all cozy mystery readers.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

This book is an entertaining and well written cozy mystery. A fast paced plot and quirky characters. Fans of mysteries will enjoy this book. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook.

This is a wonderful cozy mystery that is full of dogs! It was an absolute joy to read and I read it in one sitting. If you like dogs and a good fun mystery to solve, you will love this book. Wonderful way to escape the world for a little while. Thank you Kensington Books via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoy this series, a mystery with lots of dogs what’s not to love! In this instalment Melanie is excited about attending Westminster where Aunt Peg is judging. An old acquaintance who was once a member of Melanie's dog club is murdered & Aunt Peg is one of the suspects. This of course means Melanie must find the killer. Unfortunately the victim left enemies wherever he went.

Game of Dog Bones
Laurien Berenson
June 30, 2020


It’s Greenwich, Connecticut where Melanie Travis and family are excited about attending the Westminster Dog Show. This year however Aunt Peg has been selected to provide a pre-show judges seminar and then judge the Non-Sporting Group at the show. It will be held in the hotel across the street from Madison Square Garden. Melanie’s family are thrilled with being able to attend the show. She and Aunt Peg will be leaving early to get Peg settled in the hotel venue and check in with theWestminster team. They must also set up for the sold out conference Peg will present for 4 hours. Many attending will be Poodle groupies from their hometown breeder family. One breeder who was dismissed from the organization decided he would hold his new Poodle assemble dog show at the same time. Victor Durbin presumed that he would make it impossible to enjoy her workshop and enroll their dogs for show.. Participants chose accordingly and both had a full house. Melanie attended the events of the dog show she wanted to explore then went off to sit in on Aunt Peg’s final 2 hours. They headed home, a short distance from New York City. The next morning Peg would pick up Melanie to keep her company while she would get hair, makeup and dressed for the competition on TV.
Game of Dog Bones is the 25th in Berenson’s Poodle series. Most of her books provide a story in Travis’s family life as well as a mystery that she and Peg will work on solving much to the chagrin of the local police department. Her writing is relaxing, amusing and is a typical cozy ‘whodunit’ to solve. I always enjoy reading the next book in the series. Over the years I have read all 25 of her Poodle novels. Although a bit of a farce most of the time, I wouldn’t miss picking up the next in her series.
If you have read a few, all or none of her books don’t hesitate to relish in this most recent book, Game of Bones. The Laurien Berenson book will be published on June 30, 2020 by Kensington Books.

Game of Dog Bones
Melanie Travis, Book #25
Laurien Berenson
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Standard Poodle owner Melanie Travis is an excellent judge of dogs—and people. But what happens when an unnamed killer emerges at one of the fiercest all-breed competitions ever?

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 café, 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 . . . (Goodreads)


Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoy the fact that Melanie has a family, you get to see her as a mom and all of the things that go into being a mother and wife. Aunt Peg finally gets to be a judge at the Westminster Dog Show. I really enjoyed getting to learn more about the Granddaddy of all dog shows, that was very interesting.

The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions helped me to feel like I was right there at the dog show, watching all of the action taking place.

The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I thought I knew who the culprit was but I was wrong (which happens a lot).

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

I love dogs and have spent many years showing dogs. So it is always a pleasure to read one of Ms. Berenson's books. She 'understands' dog shows and gives a very accurate picture of shows as well as owners that show. This book highlighted the ultimate dog show Westminster Kennel Club in NYC. I've been fortunate to attend and she captured the magic of the show.

The characters feel like old friends that I can imagine seeing at a dog show and spending time talking while grooming for the ring.

The mystery was well-crafted and had me guessing until the end. It's an easy read that I didn't want to put down. I'm already looking forward to the next one!

4 stars
Game of Dog Bones by Laurien Berenson
Melanie Travis #25
I have been a long time reader of this series. A few books ago, the writing and plot were just bad so I decided to give up on Melanie Travis. I saw the description of this book and it looked promising so I decided to give it a go. I am so glad I did as it was an utterly absorbing read. The characters were well written and easy to feel compassion for even when they make bad decisions, This book makes me excited for book 26 in this series.
This is a good book and I do recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own.

I absolutely love the Melanie Travis mystery series. I have read every book in this series and love them all. In “ The Game of Dog Bones “ Laurien Berenson continues to provide interesting, fun and relevant stories that keeps the attention of the reader. She delivers wonderful characters that have developed throughout the series yet you can pick up any book and be able to follow along rather smoothly. I can’t wait to read her next story and I hope that there are many more to come.

I have read every book in this series, but this is the first time I've gotten to read one prior to publication date. I received this early review copy from Net Galley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

I have loved every book in this series and this one is no exception. It has all of the elements I enjoy -- Melanie and her hectic family and her dogs, and of course, Aunt Peg. (I can't imagine one of these books without Aunt Peg). In this book Aunt Peg has been invited to judge at the Westminster Dog Show, which is super exciting!! I know she's a fictional character but I was still excited for her. LOL. The judging goes off without a hitch but unfortunately someone that Peg and Melanie know is murdered at the show. Peg is a suspect because 1) she was there and 2) she had a history with this person. As usual, Melanie must investigate the murder to help clear Peg's name. (But also, let's face it, Melanie is just a nosy person. She's going to look into it even if none of her friends or family are involved. We all know and accept that, right?) The resolution of this book is actually quite different than the others which I really enjoyed. That's part of the reason I really like these books -- even though the characters are very familiar, each book is different in its own way and no two are alike. And as I always say when I review these books -- you do not need to be a dog-lover or even a dog owner (I'm not one) to enjoy these. They are just really fun cozies!

It's the Westminister Dog Show! The gold standard and the most coveted prize for all dog breeders, handlers, owners and enthusiasts. Margaret Turnbull aka Aunt Peg has been invited to be this year's coveted judge in the non sporting group. This is such an honor and Peg who knows everthing possible about poodles and their class is thrilled with the opportunity.
The week before the great show is a flurry of excitement to pick the dogs that will be representing the Westminister grand event. On the day of the judging, Peg is in her element and displays all the professionalism one would expect. Her ever suffering niece Melanie is there to cheer her on.
The only small problem, another murder on their turf. A despised unethical breeder with a very stained reputation is found stabbed. Victor Durbin was ousted from a very respected Poodle club when it was found out about his sub standard breeding values. Yes he was a slimeball but unfortunately Peg and Victor had a rocky past and now she is a suspect.
Poor Melanie is once again resigned to track down a killer. The list of suspects grows as Victor was far from beloved and there are multiple reasons for his untimely death.
Melanie is determined as ever to get to the truth while being nudged along by her alpha aunt.
If you love mysteries, dogs and yes romantic moments this book will be an absolute delight. For follower of the series Crawford and Terry finally get their HEA and it is wonderful how inclusive Ms. Berenson is by choosing these amazing men as Melanie's best friends. Happy Reading and thanks to Netgalley and the publisher by providing me with a copy. A review was not a requirement.

In Game of Dog Bones, Laurien Berenson continues her Melanie Travis series with a visit to the Westminster Dog Show in Manhattan. Aunt Peg has been invited to judge and Melanie is at her side, determined to prevent any mishaps. When Victor Durbin attempts to waylay Peg, Melanie deflects his maneuver. They learn the next morning that Victor was murdered at the dog show and that Peg is a suspect. And Melanie is off on another investigation.

This installment was one of my favorites, capturing the essence of the Westminster Dog Show while losing none of Ms. Berenson’s trademark charm and intimacy. This might be the 25th in the series but the dialog and relationships are as fresh and interesting as in the first book. I can’t wait to read about Melanie’s next adventure.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy..

On Aunt Peg! Another interesting, well turned adventure with the characters I've come to love. The author does a deft job describing the workings of professional dog breeding and showing without boring the reader. The varied relationships make me smile.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc

I was introduced to this series long ago when it first started. I hwve lost my way bur are glad I found the series aga8n. It was like visiting with 9kd dear friends. The setting of my home state of Connecticut was perfect. The mystery abd plot kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing nesrly until the end. But for me, was it premeditated or self-defense, not for our murderer but for others? I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I love this cozy mystery series, especially all the dogs. I really enjoyed visiting these characters again and this was a great mystery, where I didn't guess the ending.

Aunt Peg gets invited to judge the Nonsporting group at Westminster. When a man Peg has clashed with in the past ends up stabbed at Madison Square Gardens, Aunt Peg becomes a suspect. Melanie falls in line and begins talking to her contacts in the dog show world to find out who had it in for Victor and of the many suspects, who killed him. Berenson's books are character driven and delve deeply into the dog show world. You don't have to be a Poodle owner to love the books, but you better be a dog lover. Her mysteries aren't deep, but they do keep the cozy mystery lover entertained. The author keeps the series fresh and the characters (including her children) change with the times. Overall another good book. #netgalley #gameofdogbones