Pup Fiction was my first read by Laurien Berenson and i loved it!! I cannot wait to read another book by Laurien.

Hey folks, daddy Steve here with another doggiebook report. This time it’s Pup Fiction by author Laurien Berenson. It’s the 27th book in her Melanie Travis Mystery series. Yeah, yeah, #27!! 😲

I did feel at times like I could gain a little perspective on the cast of characters by reading the first 26 books in the series but it read easy enough on its own. There a pretty big emphasis on the world of dogshows, especially poddle dogshowing. The language is precise enough to make it very believable and seeing the teenager now showing dogs at shows, I get the feeling that you probably would see him grow up over the previous 26 books.

The book really falls into the cozy mystery kind. Not bad per se but I kind of look for a little more in my doggiebook mysteries, like more search and rescue or real working dogs, police K9 or the likes.

It’s still a recommended read for dog lovers as they remain central to the story. And of course, no dog dies in this book…

Huge thanks to NetGalley who provided a free eBook advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. This is as honest as it gets...

This book is available for sale right now.


#Malcolmstories #doggiebooks
#NetGalley #PupFiction

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Summer in Greenwich, Connecticut means summer camp at the Graceland School. This year Kevin will be a camper and Davey will be a counselor. Emily Grace, the owner of the school is a good friend of Melanie’s but she didn’t know her friend had been gifted 3 Dalmatian puppies. Puppies who somehow escaped from their outdoor enclosure and were running free. It is clear to Melanie that Emily doesn’t understand the training and care needed for the pups but Melanie is willing to help her learn.

As the first week of camp continues some strange things happen. Things that could have been quite dangerous. Then a neighbor makes a ghastly discovery in the woods near the school. A dead body that is quickly identified at Emily’s ex-husband. Could he have been responsible for the strange series of events? Of course, the police immediately cast Emily as the killer much to Melanie’s dismay. She knows she needs to help her friend and Aunt Peg feels she can help especially where the pups are concerned. They all just need to be careful not to become the killer’s next targets.

I love checking in with the Travis family. There is always a lot going on in their lives well before the dead body makes an appearance. I was so pleased to see that the poodle that Davey has been showing continues to do well and that his confidence has grown enough for him to stand up for his abilities to Aunt Peg and do it in a respectable way. I would expect no less from this young man that has grown up before our eyes. Melanie and Sam have done an excellent job raising their boys and the passel of loveable dogs in their care. Melanie has to juggle a lot as she tries to help Emily and Sam is a wonderful husband ready to pick up whatever slack that arises. The author has created a fantastic family unit. I always enjoy dropping by to see what they are up to.

Ms. Berenson has also penned an excellent mystery. Melanie’s life gets very entangled in her investigation even reaching into the dog show world. I loved all the twists and turns so much especially as we got closer to the big reveal. There were several viable suspects to work through. I had a little inkling toward the real guilty party but was still taken aback when everything was all spelled out.

Of course, again the settings were beautiful even though some were a little damp due to rain. The school grounds sounded idyllic and a great place for summer camp. It rained during a dog show and it was fun to see how much exhibitors went through to keep the dogs show-ready under those conditions. There was a funny moment when one dog wanted nothing to do with that rain at all. There were many other humorous passages as well.

One part that I love about every book in this series is Melanie’s relationship with her poodle Faith. She talks to her dog and Faith seems to understand. The dog’s feelings are portrayed so beautifully when she is left behind at home or when Melanie takes her along or on a walk. It sets each story in a delightfully believable way. Any true animal lover talks to their pets and is able to read their pet’s thoughts and wishes. The pure joy emitted by Faith when Melanie enters the house matches the joy all our dogs feel when they welcome us home. She is so lucky to be able to take Faith to so many places with her. She truly is a special pup.

Pup Fiction is a marvelous addition to this series. I just can’t get enough of Melanie and her family. I am now all caught up on the series and ready for Show Me the Bunny releasing later this month.

This is the latest entry in the poodle centered, cozy mystery series by Laurien Berenson. Those who like their mysteries with good characters, a body but not a lot of gore, and animals may well enjoy this one. As a bonus, in addition to poodles, there are dalmatians this time.

Our amateur sleuth, Melanie Travis, has enrolled her children in day camp. What could go wrong? Well, has the camp director committed murder? Read the book to find out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Welcome to the latest Melanie Travis adventure! This time, she’s helping her friend Emily Grace figure out who killed her ex-husband. Melanie’s two boys are at the Graceland School’s summer camp run by Emily, one as a counselor and one as a camper. All is going smoothly, but after the surprise arrival of three Dalmation puppies, gifted to Emily by her ex, strange things begin to happen. And then Emily’s ex-husband is murdered and she’s the number one suspect. Of course, Melanie steps up to help her friend.

It’s always great reading to open the covers of a Melanie Travis mystery. You know there’ll be an interesting mystery to solve, but even more, the author has created a group of characters who feel like our friends, so when their friends (even when they’re new to the reader) are in trouble, we’re really cheering for Melanie to help them out of their predicament.

Pup Fiction doesn’t disappoint with enough mystery, lots of dog info and including—of course!—a dog show. And this one features Melanie’s oldest son trying to take a major to finish the championship on the Poodle he’s showing.

Grab a warm beverage and curl up with this latest highly readable and most enjoyable addition to the Melanie Travis series.

Melanie Travis is enjoying summer break and her children, Davey and Kevin, are looking forward to attending the Graceland Summer Camp. However, when the camp director's sketchy ex-husband drops off a trio of adorable and rowdy Dalmation puppies and then he is found murdered on school grounds, Melanie decides to investigate. Keeping her children safe, solving a mystery and dealing with Aunt Peg keep Melanie busy this summer.

This mystery was filled with so many twists, turns and red herrings and I loved it! I was suspicious of everybody and when I did guess "whodunit", I was wrong. Melanie is a character that has grown over the series and now she's mom to a fifteen and five year old. She's a relatable character who reasons out a crime rather than heading into danger. The supporting characters such as Aunt Peg and the adorable Bud and the poodles make for a lighthearted touch.

If you enjoy well-written mysteries that keep you guessing with a "down to earth" main character you can relate to, the Melanie Travis Mysteries are for you!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Princess Fuzzypants here: There have been a series of disturbing occurrences at Graceland where Melanie’s two boys are involved in their summer camp. Melanie’s friend, Emily, who runs the school, is beset with a raft of problems already, including three adorable Dalmatian puppies that her ex-husband “gifted” her. Her problems really get serious when said ex is found murdered near her property. To say theirs had been a rocky parting would be an understatement. Emily is a serious suspect which is why Melanie gets involved.

The deceased was a con man whose list of marks include almost everyone he met. And when Melanie learns that he was hiding from someone he feared, she knows if she finds that person, she will find the killer. So she and Aunt Peg try to unravel that mystery and the mystery of the Dalmatian puppies too. It is a good story that holds the readers interest. I’ve become fond of the cast of characters both two and four legged. I like Melanie’s companion Faith and the sweet way they communicate with each other. I’ve learned a lot about Poodles and Dog Shows in general by reading this series.

The bad guy gets his comeuppance and there is a happy ending which makes this a good summer read. Four purrs and two paws up.

Readers who are familiar with other books in the series by Laurien Berenson will probably enjoy this newest addition. The plot revolves around Emily, the leader of a local and highly-respected private school. Mysterious accidents keep occurring in and around the school, and Emily enlists the help of Melanie Travis to try to figure things out. When Emily's ex-husband is found dead in the woods behind the school, Emily becomes a prime suspect. Melanie continues to work on the case, along with her contacts in local law enforcement, and of course the formidable Aunt Peg. As usual, adorable dogs are a key part of the plot!

Although part of a series, this book can be read as a stand alone novel. Readers who enjoy detailed cozy mystery novels will find this a fun read and an education about dogs and dog shows. While the plot seemed well-developed and the characters realistic, the novel seemed to drag in places and I just wanted to get on with the solving the mystery. Having read others in the series, this was not my favorite one.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Emily Grace runs Graceland School’s summer camp. This year, Davey, now fifteen, is a counselor and Kevin, age five, a camper. Emily is more than careful with her charges so Melanie isn’t worried—until weird things happen, like a truck rolling downhill by itself, a kitchen fire in a stove that’s never used, and more.

Emily’s ex-husband dropped by, unannounced of course, and dropped off three Dalmatian puppies. Untrained. Emily is not a dog person like Melanie is. After all, Melanie has a whole herd of standard Poodles at her house—and Bud, a mixed breed eating machine.

When Emily’s ex is found dead in the state forest behind the school, the neighbors who are annoyed at the sound of children playing and laughing, are quick to point the finger at Emily as the killer. They hope the school will have to close, and they can go back to their quiet beige lives in their look-alike subdivision houses.

Melanie thinks Emily is being set up and sets out to prove it, as always, with the help of Aunt Peg. It seems Emily’s ex is the kind of guy who’s always on the lookout for a fast dollar and his deals don’t have to be legal. Has his past caught up with him or has a current deal turned murderous? Melanie would have said Emily wasn’t capable of murder but with the lies Emily’s telling, who can be sure?

With a new litter of Poodles on the way, Melanie’s life won’t lack for excitement in the next book. How she remains calm in the midst of everyday chaos, Bud’s escapades, and Aunt Peg’s volunteering her, plus dog shows, is as much a mystery as the murder itself. To follow the series from when Davey was Kevin’s age, start at the beginning. Intrigued by this storyline? Jump right in and catch up later. This is a series I always look forward to—dogs and crime, what more could a reader ask for?

I am so thankful the author is continuing this wonderful series. Aunt Peg and Melanie are some of my favorite cozy sleuths. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.

I have read this entire series and its always charming and a fun view of the dog show world and the people that love to show their dogs. This was a fun addition with a new breed, Dalmations and a mystery around a summer camp. The sleuth as always was well crafted and our duo smart and savvy as they piece together clues. . I highly recommend this next in series for your reading enjoyment. This series is a delight for animal lovers .

This is book 27 in the Melanie Travis series. It's great to see Melanie and Faith back on the case with the boys at summer camp. When a dead body is discovered at the camp the police are looking hard at camp director and Melanie's friend, Emily. A little bonus is the adorable Dalmatian puppies that Emily is babysitting. I've read this series from the beginning and it's fun to see the kids and dogs growing up. This book can be read as a stand alone . I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

“Pup Fiction” by Laurien Berenson

It’s summer and Melanie Travis is looking forward to time off from her job as a special needs teacher at a private school in Greenwich, Connecticut. But as a mom of two very active boys, Davey and Kevin, “time off” doesn’t mean she gets the chance to rest, relax and pamper herself. When five purebred champion poodles, plus another canine of uncertain lineage, are added to the mix, plus the pressure Davey’s under to bring Coral, a gorgeous poodle owned by Melanie’s irascible Aunt Peg, to grand championship status during the summer dog shows, Melanie is one busy mom. Fortunately, both Davey and Kevin will be occupied during the week at a local summer camp run by Melanie’s friend, Emily Grace. Davey’s been hired as a counselor, and Kevin will be a camper. Melanie remains hopeful that she can carve out a few minutes every day for herself, but fate, of course, has other plans.
When Melanie and the boys arrive for the camp’s opening day, she sees three beautiful Dalmatian puppies running loose on the grounds. Concerned about the puppies’ safety, she helps Emily corral the dogs and return them to their pen. Emily assures Melanie that the pen was securely locked when she left. The escape of the three puppies is only the first of several mysterious “accidents” at the camp, culminating in a fire in the camp’s kitchen. Melanie becomes increasingly concerned about the safety of the young campers there, especially her boys. Nothing, however, prepares her for the shocking discovery of a murdered man in the woods behind the camp, who turns out to be Emily’s long-divorced ex-husband. Melanie’s hopes for a little “me” time during the summer vanish as Emily is suspected of the crime and begs Melanie to find the true culprit.
“Pup Fiction” is another terrific addition to the Melanie Travis mystery series. Boomer, Lilly and I give it 10 dog biscuits—our highest rating!
Reviewed by Susan Santangelo, author of “Politics Can be Murder,” published by Suspense Publishing, an imprint of Suspense Magazine

Okay, first of all, how adorable is this cover?! One look at those adorable Dalmatian puppy faces, and I knew I had to read this book. And I'm happy to report that Pup Fiction lived up to its promise!

This is the 27th instalment in the Melanie Travis cozy mystery series, but as a total newbie myself to the series, I can attest that you don't need to read the first 26 volumes to enjoy this mystery. Series lead Melanie raises show dogs for competition, and solves mysteries with her indomitable Aunt Peg, a dog breeder and dog show judge. 

In Pup Fiction, Melanie drops off her sons at her friend Emily Grace's summer camp, only to learn that Emily is being plagued by a mysterious run of mishaps. Fortunately, no one has been hurt so far, but with events like her Dalmatian puppies running into traffic, a truck rolling into a lake, and a kitchen fire, it's only a matter of time before someone does. And indeed, the body of Emily's ex-husband -- her "biggest mistake" -- is soon found in the woods close to camp. Emily is a suspect, and enlists Melanie's help to prove her innocence.

This was such a fun book to read, and I'm excited about checking out more titles in this series. I love animals, and I absolutely adore mysteries starring animal lovers, so when Emily comments that Melanie talks more to her dog than most people talk to their spouses, I was immediately hooked. I also love how the Dalmatians featured in the mystery -- their arrival at Emily's doorstep a few months ago accompanied her ex-husband's re-entry into her life, and while the central mystery didn't revolve around them, they turned out to be a valuable clue.

I also absolutely adore Melanie's Aunt Peg. She's hilarious! She gets involved in this story purportedly to help Emily with her money problems, but really, she's much more interested in Emily's Dalmatians, which I can totally relate to. There's also a fun subplot about Melanie's older son Davey showing one of Aunt Peg's dogs at competition, where we get a bit of an inside glimpse into the world of dog competitions. I imagine the other books in the series take us even deeper into that world, which makes me even more excited to dive in.

The mystery itself was interesting. Berenson did a good job in setting up a handful of side characters who may have been involved in the murder, and while I guessed the murderer before Melanie did, I admit the book kept me guessing almost all the way through. The ending of the mystery made me a bit sad, because I'd grown to like one of the characters who I think won't appear in future books.

Overall, this is a fun book, and fantastic introduction to the series! 

+

Thank you to Kensington Books for an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

I always enjoy this author and mean to read past books, but have yet to catch up completely. Loved the mystery and it kept me guessing. I love reading about the dog shows having been a part of them for years in my childhood.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Pup Fiction
Melanie Travis, Book #27
Laurien Berenson
5 Stars

Synopsis:

While usually protective, Melanie feels comfortable sending her sons to the Graceland School’s summer camp for two reasons: The institution is well-regarded and proprietor Emily Grace is a trusted friend. But Emily has been acting strange since three rambunctious Dalmatian puppies suddenly appeared on her doorstep. The unusual arrival marks the first of several mysterious happenings at camp, each more intense than the last. Emily’s rough streak takes a frightening turn with a discovery in the nearby woods—the body of her estranged ex-husband.

As suspicions rush in, proving that Emily didn’t murder her biggest mistake will be about as easy as raising prize-winning show dogs. Realizing she’s the only one who can prove her friend’s innocence and keep the Graceland School from shutting down, Melanie dives into an investigation on the victim’s whereabouts leading up to his demise. With a few spotty clues and Aunt Peg’s growing curiosity about the Dalmatian pups’ origins, Melanie must name the culprit before good intentions come back to bite! (Amazon)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Melanie and her family have got a lot going on, as usual. Davey is going to be a camp counselor and Kevin is going to be a camper at the same camp. The camp director is a friend of Melanie’s so she feels comfortable leaving the kids at the camp. But then accidents start happening and a body is found. Melanie will have to do her sleuthing and figure out who the killer is to try and save her friend.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and this allowed me to create pictures in my mind of what was happening. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. It is so much fun getting to spend time with Melanie, her family and even Aunt Peg. Give yourself a treat and spend some time with them.

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

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review Pup Fiction by Laurien Berenson.

If you are a dog lover, you will absolutely adore this book! I know, I sure did. There are six black standard poodles, a Jack Russell Terrier and three adorable unruly Dalmatian puppies in the book. These canines are absolutely characters in the book, not just props to move the plot along. I really enjoyed how the protagonist Melanie held conversations with her dogs, particularly her black poodle Faith.

The novel is a mystery, mostly set in a country day preschool in Connecticut. Emily the proprietor of the school suddenly experiences strange accidents and ultimately a serious crime is committed near her property. Melanie's sons go to the school, so she is often there to drop off and pick up. When Emily asks for her assistance, Melanie actively and effectively investigates, much to the chagrin of many characters in the book. It is a very entertaining mystery.

Additionally, there is a mystery surrounding the three Dalmatian puppies which Melanie and her Aunt Peg begin sleuthing to solve. Aunt Peg has a magnificent black standard poodle named Coral, and we are lucky enough to visit two dog shows where she competes. I found the dog show prep and pomp highly interesting and entertaining.

This is the first book that I have read by Laurien Berenson. I can assure you, it won't be the last! I highly recommend this book for mystery and dog lovers.

Pup Fiction by Laurien Berenson is the 27th book in the Melanie Travis mystery series, and another great addition. Reading this book made me feel like I was visiting good friends, and catching up on their latest adventure. This adventure takes place around Melanie's sons summer camp. After the director's ex husband is found dead near the camp, Melanie is on the case. I love this series, and this book! I love the well developed characters and plot of this story. 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 and dogs.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Lauren Berenson keeps pumping out these fantastic mysteries that include several standard black poodles and one tenacious female protagonist. This is a fabulous long running series which, if you want the entire background, should be read from book #1 but each can be enjoyed as a standalone. Melanie and her sons, husband, and dogs (& we can't forget Aunt Peg!), are on board to solve any "mystery", even the murder kind. Superbly written with outstanding characters and fantastic entertainment value. Very enjoyable.

I received an ebook ARC from Netgalley and this is my voluntary, honest review.

Pub Fiction by Laurien Berenson is the 27th book in the Melanie Travis series. Although it is the 27th in the series, it is the first book I have read. It was easy to “meet” the family, including Aunt Peg who is a delight. Melanie’s boys, Davey and Kevin, are going to summer camp at Graceland School, owned by Melanie’s friend, Emily Grace. Davey is a teenager and camp counselor Kevin, who is five, is a camper. Melanie knows her boys will be safe because they both went to school there, at least until strange things start happening during the day. Emily’s ex-husband gives her three rambunctious Dalmatian puppies who cause chaos on the first day of camp. Other mysterious things start happening. So far, nothing real serious has happened where anyone was hurt, until her ex-husband is found murdered on the edge of her property and Emily becomes the prime suspect. Melanie jumps in to help investigate; positive her friend is innocent. Along with the Dalmatian puppies, the Travis family’s own Standard Poodles, you have a wonderful cozy mystery, complete with a little suspense, surprises, and of course dogs! This was a fun story which I recommend! It is told in first person with Melanie’s fun sense of humor.

Netgalley and Kensington Publishing provided the digital ARC for me to give an honest review of my own opinion. Thank you!

This was one of the cutest and sweetest books in the Melanie Travis mystery series. I got the biggest kick out of Melanie, her husband, her boys, her poodles, and of course her Aunt Peg. The storyline left me on the edge of my seat and made me wonder who is the culprit was that did the murder. Highly recommend to all dog pants, cozy mystery fans, etc.