Rose Donovan and Peg Turnbull could hardly be more different. Rose is a former nun who runs a women’s shelter with her husband. She has no pets and always tries to find the good side of people. Peg, her sister-in-law, is brusque and completely devoted to her Poodles, judging dog shows and generally running whatever she’s involved with at the moment. Rose and Peg have bickered for over forty years…from the time when Peg met, then married Rose’s brother Max, the love of Peg’s life.

When Rose and her husband move back to the area, she attempts to find a way to reconnect with widowed Peg. And the two end up teaming up to join a local bridge club. They are starting to find ways to get along a bit more smoothly when one of the club members is murdered. Since Rose and Peg are the newest members, suspicion falls on them. Peg, of course, is hot on the trail to find the killer, dragging Rose along with her. As the two work together, they find out a lot more about the people with whom they’ve been playing bridge. And they draw the attention of the murderer as well.

I wasn’t sure how it would work to have the least appealing character (for me) in the Melanie Travis mystery series have her own spin-off. We’ve all known or have a Peg in our lives who bosses everyone around, expecting everyone else to follow their lead, jump to do their bidding and who wants to make the decisions. But Ms. Berenson did a good job by balancing Peg’s abrasiveness with Rose’s genuine kindness and regard for others. And they end up making a very good team.

It’s lovely to see two sixty-plus women portrayed as active, contributing, energetic members of their community, improving the situation for others.

Well done, Ms. Berenson.

When Peg Turnbull had to take a break from her job judging dogs in the local dog show, she was irritated. Not so much for the break, but for the person waiting to talk to her. It was her sister-in-law Rose, someone she’d had a long and contentious relationship with. Peg had been married to Rose’s brother, and the two women had never gotten along well, not since Peg had first met Rose at the convent.

Now Rose was sitting in the small audience section at the dog show, waiting on Peg, while Peg has a busy day of judging that’s only half over. During her short lunch break, Peg goes to find out what Rose wants and is surprised when Rose asks her to be her partner in a local bridge club. Peg hadn’t played bridge in years, but she was curious about why Rose had chosen her. She thought she’d give it a try.

After decades of service as a nun, Rose had left the convent and married. She and her husband had traveled for awhile, helping where they could, and now they’re back in Connecticut, running a home for women who were in transition from dangerous relationships to a better life. But when Rose had been asked to join a bridge club, she wanted to say yes. She just needed to find a partner. She knew that Peg had played back in college, and while they had their problems through the years, Rose thought that maybe it was time to make peace. And maybe this was her opportunity. So she asked her.

Their first afternoon at the bridge club had not gone well. Everyone was friendly, and there were lovely snacks. But Peg was rustier than she thought, and she and Rose just couldn’t seem to get on the same page. Their second attempt was better, and they even managed to win against the first team they were matched against. (It helped that Rose had figured out that they were cheating and came up with a way to thwart them.) But they lost their second match, to longtime friends Stan and Mick.

Before they can try for a third meeting with the bridge club, Stan is shot in his home.

Peg has never been one to let things go, and this situation is no exception. Rose, too, is concerned about the people in the bridge club and wants to know who could have done such a thing. The two women, despite being in their 70s, decide to ask some questions of their fellow competitors. It seems innocent enough, just asking questions of new friends, until someone shoots out the window of Peg’s kitchen. Clearly, someone is not happy about these women investigating the murder. But will that be enough to stop them from finding the truth? Or will they keep putting themselves in the path of danger until it’s too late?

Peg and Rose Solve a Murder is a charming new cozy mystery from Laurien Berenson, who writes the popular Melanie Travis Canine Mysteries. Peg and Rose are both characters who have appeared in the Melanie Travis series, as Peg is Melanie’s aunt, so this book is written into a universe that has already existed for almost 30 novels and is completely at ease with the setting and the characters.

I enjoyed Peg and Rose Solve a Murder not only for the characters but for the friction that always seems to be fizzing between them. They are very different women, with very different backgrounds, and watching them try to work together first as bridge partners and then trying to solve a murder together was lots of fun. The murder mystery was interesting and smartly plotted, but in this book, Peg and Rose are very much the stars. There are poodles, there is cake, there is a little gardening. But mostly, there is Peg and there is Rose, and I think that’s about all you need to create an entertaining story.

Egalleys for Peg and Rose Solve a Murder were provided by Kensington Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.

Love, love, love this clever book!
Peg Turnbull is a dog show judge, lover of poodles and a no-nonsense woman. When her sister-in-law Rose Donovan surprisingly asks Peg to join a bridge club, Peg wonders about Rose's ulterior motive. The two get off on a rocky start thanks to years of animosity and hurt feelings, but soon, they find themselves working together to solve the murder of one of the bridge club members. As the women build a partnership, they just might learn to like each other. Now if only Rose would begin to like dogs, all would be well.
I like the humor and clever one-liners in this book. It's funny!
And Peg and Rose and real women. They have strengths, worries and imperfections but are also likable. I want to be Peg and Rose!
I like the inclusion of pets - I even learned something about dog shows and poodles. I appreciated the social justice aspect, too.
While the mystery is fairly obvious, it was still pleasurable to read as Peg and Rose solved the challenge.
I can't wait for more Peg and Rose antics!

In the spin-off from the Melanie Travis mystery series, Peg and Rose Solve a Murder by Laurien Berenson delves deeper the personality and background of Melanie’s Aunt Peg, who is a dog breeder and dog show judge. We also get to know Rose, Peg’s sister-in-law and a former nun.
Peg and Rose, both strong minded females, have had a contentious relationship from the very beginning. Rose talks Peg into joining a bridge group with her so that they can work on improving their relationship. Of course, a murder occurs soon after which they team up to solve.
I loved getting to know Peg and Rose, and their back stories. What a fun cozy series this will be, creating a fresh new voice and reminding us that older protagonists are quick witted and resourceful. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.) Can’t wait for the next book in this series!

Where have Peg and Rose been all my life? This is exactly the kind of cozy mystery I've been craving!

For that matter, why have I never read Laurien Bernstein before? She's brilliant!

Let's start with Peg, and the fact that she judges dog shows! Honestly, one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is the televised dog show. So obviously, I already had a soft spot for this character.

And Rose? Her naivete as a former nun makes her such an interesting character! (And I can't help but compare her to another famous Rose, played by the inimitable Betty White.)

Add in a quirky murder mystery, and it's the perfect combination! I love how the two are learning how to get along - maybe even like each other? Such a great odd-couple combination.

Princess Fuzzypants here: Peg and Rose are sister-in-laws and two more dissimilar people you would be hard pressed to find. Since they first met, their relationship has been testy at best but when Rose reaches out to invite Peg to be her Bridge partner, the ice may be broken. And when one of the members of the Bridge Club is murdered, the two feisty ladies join forces much to the chagrin of the police detective who has locked horns with Peg and her niece, Melanie, before. In fact, this is a spin off from the Melanie Travis series and if this first one is any indication, we have another winner.

The mystery is good and keeps the reader involved but at the heart of the story is the wonderful and tentative steps of the two senior ladies as they slowly and carefully move towards friendship. The characters, both the regulars and the ones for this book alone, are wonderful as are the dogs. In the midst of the story Peg, who is something of a dog whisperer, helps a very frightened miniature poodle learn to trust. That in itself was a lovely uplifting bit.

Our two heroines are both strong, determined and certain they are right-always. It is a treat as each begins to see things from the other’s perspective and in turn learn more about themselves. Highly enjoyable and fun read. Five purrs and two paws up.

Peg and Rose Solve a Murder is the début instalment in Laurien Berenson's mystery series featuring Peg Turnbull and Rose Donovan. Peg, seventy-odd, is a Standard Poodle breeder and owner as well as a dog show judge. Rose, in her late sixties, is a former nun and she is Peg's sister-in-law. The pair have never got on very well but Rose has decided she would like to change that so she invites Peg to join a bridge club with her. Peg was married to Max, Rose's older brother but he had a heart attack a few years ago, leaving Peg a widow. Rose is married to Peter, a former priest who likes to play chess. Two weeks after joining the bridge club a long-time member is killed, shot dead. Peg and Rose get involved against the instructions of Detective Sturgill who advises the pair not to meddle.

A fun and immensely compelling read that ensures I'll be looking out for book two. Set in Connecticut, the characters are interesting, colourful, and well constructed. Peg is deeply fond of her niece, Melanie who is away on holiday with her husband and children. Both the octogenarians, Peg and Rose are opinionated but loyal. The tale has twists and turns to hold my interest, a good wodge of humour and the storyline moves along swiftly. This is definitely a story for dog-lovers and I look forward to getting to know everyone better in the upcoming books.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

It's about time Peg and Rose have their own series. First off I must admit I have no interest in the game of Bridge (much to the dismay of my family) It bores me...but Peg and Rose sure don't. The pace was, therefore, a bit too slow for me so I did skim some bits here and there. The dogs are always a big draw for me (I grew up with Standard Poodles and I adore them) and I have read of the Melanie Travis series. Hence my eagerness to see what Peg and Rose are up to in their own series. Aside from the lack of interest I have for Bridge, this promises to be a winning series.
When they decide to join a Bridge Club they never imagined that the would be a murder involved. That's bad enough but when they are put on the suspect list, Peg and Rose will have none of that and set out to track down the killer. Can a pair of 70-something ladies decide to solve a murder without coming to blows themselves? This pair of seniors are certainly giving it a try. I look forward to what is in store for in their next investigation.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Peg and Rose are sisters-in-law who have never really gotten along. Now in their 60’s Rose has decided they need to make amends and try and bury their past displeasures with each other. Unfortunately, Peg, who is stubborn, is a bit unwilling to let it go.

Rose is a former nun who is married to a former priest. She was very young when she took her vows and at the time believed she knew it all about life and love. But of course, with age comes wisdom and sometimes regret. She and her husband Peter have traveled the world helping people in need. Rose is quiet and subdued.

Peg is an inquisitive curmudgeon who owns poodles and works at dog shows as well as shows her own animals. She lost her beloved husband Max years ago and misses him terribly but has her animals to keep her company and is quite content.

Rose asks Peg to join a bridge club with her. Peg says absolutely not. Rose tells her they are family, and it is about time they try and find a way to get along. The usually stubborn Peg finally relents.

But if Rose thought playing as partners in a bridge club with Peg would be a bonding experience, she was seriously wrong! Their squabbling was quite the entertainment for the rest of the players! Peg, who in the past has helped solve a few murders was not too happy with the cast of characters they were playing with. It seems some were cheating, while others were gambling. But Rose convinces Peg to try one more week and lucky for them they did because it would be the last week of the bridge club.

One of the players is shot dead in his home. He was the quiet type and seemed to have no enemies. But of course, this piqued Peg’s interest, and she convinces a very reluctant Rose to help her look into the murder.

As they begin to interview the other players, they find out sometimes bridge partners could think they have deep hidden secrets but in reality, everyone else knows. And the list of suspects seems to only grow when Peg is shot at while in her house. While the two investigate, they begin to get comfortable with each other and actually “gasp” start to like each other! Could this 40-year feud be over?

Now all they both need to do to have a real friendship is not get killed as the murderer seems bent on never being caught even if that means shutting down Peg and Rose’s investigation.

Peg And Rose Solve A Muder is a funny, wholesome cozy for any age as well as for anybody who enjoys great mysteries and loves dogs.

Thankyou #NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #PegAndRoseSolveAMurder #LaurienBerenson for the advanced copy.

I have been thinking that Peg Turnbull, AKA Aunt Peg, from the author's Melanie Travis mysteries should get her own series for a few books now, so I am delighted to see that it has finally materialized. If you haven't read the books in the Melanie Travis series, you definitely should, especially if you love dogs. However, it is not necessary to enjoy this book, although you will want to see more of Peg. She is a force to be reckoned with. Her sister Rose is a fairly new character introduced in the prior Travis book. She is a former nun with a kind soul. She and Peg couldn't be more different. Seeing Peg as a sleuth is easy. I do look forward to more books in both the Melanie Travis and hopefully more of Peg's own series!!

PEG AND ROSE SOLVE A MURDER by Laurien Berensen is delightful. There are no spoilers here . . . the title says it all. However, how Peg and Rose end up solving the murder is amusing. First, the two sisters-in-law have not liked each other since they met many years ago when Peg was engaged to Rose’s brother. Second, Peg and Rose barely agreed to join a bridge club as partners (what were they thinking?) when a bridge club member is murdered and they promptly decide to investigate (really). This fun senior citizen story is set in rural Connecticut and reads like a Miss Marple mystery with eccentric characters and well-trained dogs. I hope there will soon be another novel about Peg and Rose because this is the first book in Ms. Berensen’s new Senior Sleuths Mystery Series.

Oh my goodness, these two ladies are a real hoot and so much fun to read all their bickering and banter, which actually did get better from the original kinda-hatred state for each other they'd been in. This is a spin-off series from the Melanie Travis Mysteries by the same author, only I hadn't really read enough of that series to know a whole lot about Aunt Peg except she was no-nonsense, stern and very into her dog shows and poodles. It was cool to see her be the star and comment on how Melanie probably would be jealous of all this action they were seeing, lol.

I hadn't really suspected whodunit, but I sure loved what cute little creature got to help at the showdown! And Peg's heart seemed to grow a size or two throughout the book because she did something super sweet at the end for Rose. (Just don't tell Peg I said she was being sweet LOL!)

Gotta admit I wasn't really into the bridge playing aspect of the story at all but luckily it was fairly short-lived as far as actual bridge scenes. Wonder what these two will get up to now that the murder's solved? I guess the next book might tell us that! This one releases tomorrow, August 30, 2022.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Although I am giving Peg and Rose Solve a Murder by Laurien Berenson a three star review, I still think this new (spin-0ff) series has a lot of potential and would give the second book in the series a read.

Normally I start with the good and get to the not so good, but for this review I’m going to do the opposite since that’s how this book started for me.

The first 30 percent of the book was very slow going for me. There was so much talk about bridge that I was seriously thinking of not finishing this one. I’ve mentioned numerous times that I enjoy learning new things in cozies (and I did enjoy learning about dog breeds and how dog shows are run), but with the bridge games it felt like Berenson was giving us a play by play of what the characters were doing (like watching a poker tournament on ESPN), and I did not find it interesting at all… perhaps if I played…

Then there’s the animosity between Peg and Rose, who are sisters-in-law. Their relationship started off badly years ago and it just kept getting worse. At times it was a bit much for me, but this is one of the things that did get better by the end of the book. I think in future books it’ll be interesting to see their personalities still conflict from time to time, but what they can do to overcome it.

I know Berenson has other series where these characters are a part of, but if a reader didn’t know that I think they may be wondering about some of the previous references. It felt like Berenson had written this for fans of her other series, and not for a reader who had just found her books. Most other cozy series will make references to previous crimes that they have solved and it flows just fine, but this didn’t have the same feeling.

The above are just my observations and opinions though, so don’t let that stop you from trying this series. I did love that she had older characters and that Peg helps a rescue dog and Rose and her husband had opened a women’s shelter.
There is a lot to love about this series, I just think it still needs to find its footing before I am able to rave about it.

Peg and Rose are two formidable ladies and I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery that starts a new cozy series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, loved the two cantankerous ladies and the evolution of their relationship.
The characters are well developed and interesting, Peg and Rose are two great senior sleut.
The plot is gripping, well told, and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
I can't wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Never underestimate the powers of seniors, they’re smart as a whip and tenacious in pursuit. I loved the grit of Peg and Rose as they use their wiles and wisdom to solve the murder of an acquaintance from their Bridge group. Although sisters-in-law, they are not friends but adversaries. Peg Turnbull, a widow, is an overly curious women, stubborn and forthright in her approach to others. She relates more easily to her three large black champion poodles than to humans. Rose, a former nun, is soft in her manner and seen as a compassionate soul who does good for others. The exception is Peg, as Rose is unforgiving about events of the past that were caused by Peg. But for some reason, Rose extends an olive branch to Peg to get her to become her Bridge partner in a local group. Begrudgingly, Peg agrees. Then a murder occurs. However, working together to solve the murder, they come to deal with their past so they can move forward as develop a close bond. Together they plan, to the chagrin of the local detective, to find the answers of who killed their friend Stan. Will Peg and Rose find not only the killer but a friendship and family as well? The characters are delightful and well developed. So many secrets and some twists and turns. The plot keeps on chugging along as it unfolds into a cozy little mystery that was a delight. I hope there are more adventures for Peg and Rose. Great cover too!

Many thanks to #netgalley #pegandrosesolveamurder #laurienberenson for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I love how the author paired these two sleuths, who did not like each other, but their joint effort in finding the murderer brings them a bit closer to a friendship. A strong plot, a few red herrings and suspects kept this whodunit enticingly engaging and I couldn’t put it down until all was said and done. Several of the characters had a pivotal role that pointed to a person or two, but it was when the pieces started falling into place was when the murder was solved. It was fun following along with the senior sleuths and I enjoyed the humor and the pacing that was on par with how well this story was being told. Overall, a terrific beginning to a debut cozy series.

Peg and Rose Solve a Murder by Laurien Berenson is the debut of A Senior Sleuths Mysteries. I enjoyed reading this entertaining cozy mystery. We get to know Peg and Rose. We learn what caused a rift between them over forty years ago. The author sets the stage before she begins the mystery. The whodunit commences about a third of the way into the book. Both women are curious about the crime. When they learn that Detective Sturgill is asking questions about Peg, the women decide to do some sleuthing of their own. I like that each woman has her own investigative style. Rose is more laid back, casual, and indirect while Peg is like Sherman marching to the sea. There are several suspects, a red herring or two, and subtle clues. This was a fun mystery to solve. The clues were well-done. The mystery had an enjoyable reveal and good wrap up. I laughed often while reading this tale. Peg and Rose are entertaining. They are delightful characters. I also liked Rose’s husband, Peter. The Standard Poodles (Hope, Coral, and Joker) are a delight. They each have their own personality. The ending is sweet. I like how we received updates on Melanie and her family. I am looking forward to Rose and Peg’s next adventure. Peg and Rose Solve a Murder is a witty whodunit with an unpredicted phone call, bridge club blunders, delightful dog show days, a card player killed, sinful sweets, suspicious suspects, and two senior sleuths.

It’s very easy to sell me on any book that has the premise of older women joining forces to solve crimes, and this series debut lives up to its potential in spades! Which is fitting, since our heroines – long-time nemeses who first appeared in Laurien Berenson’s Melanie Travis mystery series – originally team up because former nun Rose Donovan needs a partner for the bridge club she wants to join. She remembers that her sister-in-law has previously mentioned playing the card game, and decides that there’s no one better to invite than a woman whom she knows also enjoys playing to win.

Peg Turnbull is understandably hesitant at first. To say that she and Rose don’t get along is an understatement. Rose was not the most welcoming family member back when Peg and Max, Rose’s older brother, announced their engagement over four decades ago. Rose was, in fact, a breathtakingly awful young woman when Max first introduced them. But as Rose has gotten older, she’s mellowed considerably. Trouble is, repairing a relationship as poor as hers with Peg seems a formidable task at best, as Rose laments to her husband Peter:

QUOTE
“Peg and I are both grown women,” she said. “Adults in every sense of the word except when it comes to our relationship. Why is it so hard for us to move past something that happened more than forty years ago?”

“Because up until now, neither of you has really tried, have you?” Peter pointed out. “Sometimes there’s comfort in maintaining the status quo. Remaking your connection with Peg will involve throwing out old prejudices and preconceived notions. Change, even when it’s welcome, can be a complicated process.”
END QUOTE

The women’s attempts at reconciling are sorely tested after their first visit to bridge club. While Peg can be overly assertive, Rose can be passive-aggressive, leading the two to butt heads as they discover that they’re not as good at cards as they thought. But when one of their new clubmates is shot to death in his own home after an evening of bridge, the unlikely duo find themselves drawn together to solve the mystery of his murder. Peg’s directness and Rose’s milder, if no less determined, ways mesh beautifully when it comes to snooping around the surprisingly scandalous members of their new social circle. As the women slowly gain an appreciation for each other’s strengths, they begin to home in on what really happened to their dead acquaintance. Will their newly found teamwork come to a premature and grisly end, however, when a killer decides that they’re getting too close to the truth?

This was a wonderfully written cozy mystery, with punchy dialogue and excellent characterizations. The prickly relationship between our leads was both realistic and easy to root for as they slowly overcame decades of mutual disdain in the service not only of solving a murder but also in connecting with what little family they have left:

QUOTE
<i>Family</i>. This was the second time Rose had referenced that relationship. As if things were really that simple. Unfortunately, where the Turnbull family was concerned, complications had always been a way of life.

Peg’s heart squeezed painfully in her chest. Rose did have a point about losing loved ones, however. Peg hadn’t needed to reach the age of seventy-two before realizing that.

Still, she hated having to admit that Rose might be right about something.
END QUOTE

In addition to being a terrific character study, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves dogs. Peg raises Standard Poodles and is a judge on the dog show circuit, and there’s an important subplot here involving a puppy who needs to be lovingly retrained following an abusive upbringing. It’s also refreshing to read a cozy mystery where romantic angst doesn’t take center stage. While I do enjoy a romance subplot – and very much enjoyed the depiction of Rose’s relationship with her husband – I do like it when the realistic development of a friendship is given the attention it rightfully deserves.

Peg And Rose Solve A Murder really does have the sass of The Golden Girls mixed with the shenanigans of Murder, She Wrote, though with a lot more animal friends than either. I’m greatly looking forward to being charmed by more of Peg and Rose’s adventures together as this warm, witty series continues.

Peg and Rose Solve a Murder
Laurien Berenson
August 30, 2022

The family of Poodle lovers goes on vacation leaving Aunt Peg home on her own. This story involves her antics while judging dog shows as well as showing her youngest Poodle, Joker. Aside from Peg becoming bored without her great nephews, niece, Melanie and her hubby she is occupied with a full schedule of dog shows. Just when she is certain all would be quiet in Greenwich, Connecticut she receives a phone call from her sister-in-law, Rose Donovan. She wants to meet with Peg to see about her becoming a bridge partner in a local group. There is no love lost between these two senior women. Rose dislikes dogs, is a quiet ex-nun running a sheltered home for battered women. She and her husband,.Peter are either fixing up the old home or helping the women who live there. Peg minds just about anyone’s business but her own and enjoys doing it.
After having coffee and breakfast with Rose she decides to try joining the group for just one time. If all does not go well she will drop. Rose accepts the proposal promising Peter not to quibble with Peg. Marking the date on the calendar, each dropped other items on their schedule to try something new.
Berenson’s crazy tale of these women attempting to challenge their usual tide in life is a fun, comforting mystery tale. Her readers will be surprised to see that this does not involve the usual family of characters in her Poodle series. In fact this is number one in her new Seniors series. Peg and Rose Solve a Murder will be published by Kensington Publishers on August 30, 2022. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review Laurien Berenson’s latest novel via NetGalley. Her books have always been a pleasant, entertaining read. Pick this one and do enjoy!

I had high hopes for this book since I love the cozy mystery genre and because the cover is SO GOOD! I was a bit disappointed but will still continue the series. I think this book suffered a bit from trying to cram in the backstory of the characters but also failed to adequately explain why these characters could solve a murder aside from painting them as nosy old women. I think there is more depth to the characters and hope it can be harness in the next book!

Peg and Rose Solve A Murder comes out next week on August 30, 2022 and you can purchase HERE.

Peg Turnbull was standing in the hot sun on a plot of hard-packed grass, starting at a row of Standard Poodles that was lined up along one side of her show ring. She'd been hired to judge a dozen breeds at the Rowayton Kennel Club Dog Show, and she couldn't imagine a better way to spend a clear summer day. Judging dogs involved three of her favorite things: telling people what to do; airing her own opinions; and of course, interacting the dogs themselves.