Even though it’s Christmastime, this book made me wish it was Valentine’s. I love the cover! I would love to go on a romantic getaway like these characters. Minus the Murder though. Can’t wait for more in the series.

Killer Cupid
Laurien Berenson
December 27, 2022

The holidays are over and January is well on its way. Melanie and Sam’s house is full of poodles and one sweet mutt belonging to the youngest, Kevin. He is the first one up this Saturday morning so she thinks it best that she too gets out of bed. Once the coffee is started Kevin starts dancing and singing - he knows a secret and is bound to share it with the entire house. Upon hearing this Davey bounds out of bed and begins to tell his little brother to stop from the upstairs hallway. Shortly thereafter Aunt Peg is the first guest of the day. It’s a secret that she and the boys share. A pleasant surprise for their parents, Peg has made reservations for a Valentine’s Weekend at a resort so the duo can spend some alone time. She will be at the house to keep track of the boys and get them off to school. True, all of her poodles will come with. To those of us who are followers of Melanie Travis, we know that there will be suspense in the future. From this novel’s title it is forecast to be a murder.
Laurien Berenson’s next Melanie Travis Mystery, Killer Cupid will be published by Kensington Books on December 27, 2022. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review her latest spoof of the Travis/Driver clan via NetGalley. It’s a fun romp where Bertie and husband (brother of Melanie)Frank come along. A short piece, almost a novella, it is well worth the read; perfect for a snowy weekend’s read. Do enjoy!

This was a cute quick Valentine-themed cozy. I have read most of the Melanie Travis series and I always enjoy her poodles. I was disappointed this one took part away from Connecticut and so Aunt Peg was only in small parts. Her character always makes me crack a smile. Plus she always has cake, what's not to like?

I thought given the short nature of these holiday mysteries that the plot was tidy, well thought out and made a lot of sense when it wrapped up quickly.

I look forward to more in this series.

Hah! It was meant to be a romantic and fun weekend way for Melanie, her husband Sam, her brother Frank, and Frank's wife (and Melanoe's BFF) Bertie but of course there's a murder! The Inn is filled with people for Valentines so there are plenty of suspects which Melanie must, of course, work through. Don't worry that this is the 29th (wow!) in the series as it will be perfectly enjoyable as a standalone. Fan of the series will be looking for the Poodles and should know that while Faith is along for the weekend, the others are at home with Aunt Peg. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a classic cozy from an expert at the genre.

Killer Cupid by Laurien Berenson is the 29th in the Melanie Travis mystery series, yet the author manages to keep each book as fresh and interesting as the first. In the installment, Melanie, her husband Sam and her dearest poodle Faith are off for a fun and romantic weekend at a New England inn , along with Melanie’s brother Frank and his wife Bertie. Of course, a murder occurs shortly after their arrival and the inn’s owner asks Melanie to investigate.

I loved this deviation from the dog show circuit into a fresh new setting. The description of the inn and activities in the snow-covered landscape had me reaching for a cozy cup of hot chocolate and lighting up the fireplace. It’s always fun to follow Melanie on one of her investigations and to have a peek into her more personal relationships. One slight criticism is that Frank came across is immature and self-centered in this book. I enjoyed his character much more when he was just quirky and charismatic. (I reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.). All in all a truly enjoyable and “cozy” read.

Killer Cupid by Laurien Berenson is book #29 in the Melanie Travis Mystery series. This was a really fun whodunit to read! The story takes place at an inn located in the Berkshire Mountains. The main character, amateur sleuth Melanie Travis and her husband Sam, along with Melanie's brother Frank and his wife Bertie are staying at White Birch Inn for a Valentine's Day Weekend getaway. There are lots of fun and romantic events planned for the weekend. But Melanie gets caught up in investigating a suspicious death. I liked the characters and enjoyed following along to the investigation's successful conclusion.

Melanie, her husband Sam, her brother, and her sister-in-law head to the Berkshires for a special Valentine's Day trip. There's a hayride, skating, skiing, spa treatments -- and murder. Faith, the faithful poodle, is along for the trip and the whole thing is cozy, romantic, and wholesome...as much as it can be with crime in the background.

It's a light, fun read with lots of appealing details.

Hearing sirens on a romantic getaway can't be a good sign.

By sheer serendipity, I heard sirens in the distance here at home just as Sam and Melanie hear them at the White Birch Inn. I was already so into the story at that point that I actually shivered at the sound, thinking I'd somehow magically created it. In any case, that's the power of this series and this book. You are immediately drawn in and care about the characters, especially when there are sirens. So much for Melanie's Valentine's Day vacation, huh? You just know she'd be drawn into the investigation.

It was great fun to spend some time with Melanie and Sam, who usually isn't as visible in the series, not to mention brother, Frank, and her SIL, Bertie. All are likable and people you'd surely enjoy hanging out with, especially if lucky enough to be able to do so at a winter wonderland style fairy tale resort. I was glad to see that Mel didn't let the murder totally distract her and I loved the ambiance of the hayride and such, even if Sam made a note not to ask Frank to partner him in any future athletic contests after one archery tournament. It did rather give me pause as Mel made frequent references to her beloved dog Fern's advancing age. While I fully understand that unlike most, this series allows its cast to age, I hope it isn't preparing us for a sad goodbye to sweet, faithful Fern. The dogs are always an important aspect of this series, let's face it, and that is what drew many readers.

As for the murder, like most, it's complicated. Initially, it's thought the victim simply died of exposure to the bitter cold. But, why would someone from upstate New York, where bitter cold is a given, not be aware of the dangers of prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures. Why was Belinda outside anyway? Why is Cliff so nasty to Melanie? Even Fern growls at him. Why is Melanie getting involved anyway? Will her not too oblique questioning get her in trouble? She seems to immediately put Harley in a defensive mode on the hayride. How does Jill prove helpful? Or, is she really helping? Who....oh, more than enough teasers. It's a fun, quick read with interesting characters in what appears to be a fairy tale setting....with snow.... and Faith is there for us dog lovers. Who did it? Not telling. As I said. It's complicated. Read the book. You won't regret it and if this is your first meeting with Melanie, you'll probably be rushing to read earlier stories. This series is that good.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for allowing me to tag along on Mel's Valentine's holiday. Always fun to see regulars in a new setting.

This book is a wonderful read to get into the Valentine's day mood. Pet and dog lovers will enjoy reading this book. The characters were fun to read. I also found the story a great, casual read.

My thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGallery for a digital copy of this book for my review!

This is the 30th book in this well loved long running cozy series. Congratulations to the author. I have always enjoyed this series for its wonderful charcters, lovely settings and of course the Poodles. Thank you to the author and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own. This is a great series for dog lovers as it features standard poodles, dog shows and much love for dogs.

Melanie and her husband Sam have been gifted a Valentines weekend at a picturesque B&B by Aunt Peg who is staying with her son and the dogs. Melanie takes Faith her oldest and closest companion dog with her. Sam and Melanie have not had a weekend away in a long time and are planning a weekend full of romance and activities. Upon arrival Melanie sees an argument between the events director and another person which seems heated. Soon a murder occurs of the event director. The manager asks Melanie to investigate as her reputation for solving crimes is well known.

This was a fun addition to the series and a enjoyable read during the summer. The setting is very picturesque and pleasing to read. Melanie and Sam have a chemisty together and he assist her in solving this crime. It was a enjoyable sleuth to conclusion. I look forward to the next in series.

Valentine's Day wasn't on my radar ,in the grueling August heat, but once I started reading Killer Cupid, I was transported to a snowy mountain landscape and a luxurious B&B. Oh, and did I mention there was a murder? Unfortunately for Melanie, she's in the middle of an investigation into an employee's death and a race to find the murderer before they strike again.

It's fun to read about a cozy sleuth taken out of their normal routine and the B&B setting was so much fun. Add Melanie's husband, Sam, her brother and her sister -in-law and the ever sweet and loyal poodle, Faith and you have a mystery with twists and turns, humor, family and a lovable furbaby in a gorgeous mountain setting. The mystery kept me guessing and reading - just when I thought I had it solved there was another clue that led me in a different direction. In the end, I guessed wrong but the pieces fit together beautifully and I closed the book with a smile but then a frown because I had read too fast! The Melanie Travis series is always wonderfully written with characters who grow and become book "friends" and mysteries that are believable and well-written.

I'm looking forward to the next adventure!

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

Melanie and Sam take a much needed romantic weekend, but we all know murder is involved.
Melanie's brother Frank and his wife Bertie join them, and Melanie's faithful poodle Faith joins them.
I really loved that the author included Faith in this adventure. It was a lot of fun to read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

Aunt Peg has given Sam and Melanie a weekend at a resort for a Valentine's Day gift. Letting her old dog Faith out for one last potty break, she sees the activities director having and intimate moment out by the pond. When Belinda is found dead in the same area Melanie wonders if she saw Belinda with her killer.
Even though Melanie vows not to get involved the Inn's owner asks her to help solve the murder. So she begins to ask questions.
I thought Ms. Berenson did a fantastic job with this book. The dogs were part of the story, but not the main focus. The developing characters and focus on Sam's and Melanie's relationship was great. The mystery was well done, with the suspects not overly stereotypical. Overall, I was really impressed with the book.

Davey and Kevin (with assistance from Aunt Peg) surprise Melanie and Sam with a romantic Valentine's weekend getaway at the White Birch Inn in the Berkshires. Though Melanie is a bit apprehensive about leaving Aunt Peg in charge of her children - both two- and four-legged - she and Sam haven't had a day to themselves in longer than they can remember and when they find out they'll be joined by Melanie's brother Frank and his wife, Melanie's BFF Bertie, they can't say no.

In typical Melanie fashion, she just happens to be in the right (wrong) place at the right (wrong) time to witness what appears to be a romantic tryst between a mysterious man and a young woman who turns up dead the following morning. The owner of the White Birch Inn finds out about Melanie's hobby of solving crime she immediately seeks her out for help getting to the bottom of what's going on.

I absolutely love it when the main characters in a series go on vacation. It's fun to see them inhabiting a new world, shedding the responsibilities of their ordinary lives and investigating new people in new places under unique circumstances. This book is particularly fun, a private inn in the mountains with spectacular views, fun activities, shopping, and lots of adult beverages to warm them up. Melanie and Sam also got to enjoy some alone time with just the two of them and Faith, Melanie's heart dog. While the kids are sweet and the other dogs are adorable (especially little Bud), this book was a fun change of pace. Melanie is one of my all-time favorite cozy characters and it's been fun watching her go from a lonely single woman raising her young son on her own to the woman she is now, married to a wonderful man and surrounded by family and friends and, of course, Poodles. This series is a definite must read!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Another of my favorite series! Melanie and Sam go away for a romantic weekend with her brother and sister-in-law. While there, a resort. employee is murdered. Melanie is asked by the owner to investigate. So, between tobogganing and snowmobiling she begins asking questions and eavesdropping. While a good addition to the series, I do have a few quibbles. One, I missed Aunt Peg! She didn’t have as large a role as usual. Two, the book was too short. I really enjoy these characters, so two hundred pages is just not enough. As always, I can’t wait for the next book!

Another great installment in one of my favorite series. This time Melanie and her husband are taking a much needed vacation. But murder always seems to follow

Sam and Melanie Travis with standard poodle, Faith, are having a Valentine’s Day getaway at the romantic White Birch Inn. A surprise present from the family who have also organized their friends, brother Frank and SIL Bertie, to go as well.

A lighthearted fun mystery story that keeps you turning the pages. Excellent read.

I recieved an eARC of this book so I could review it. Thank you for the opportunity. Please be aware that changes may occur before the final edition.

Laurien Berenson is one of a handful of authors that I pre-order every book from, because they are uniformly good. I have enjoyed Melanie's mysteries and have enjoyed my regular visits with her and her poodles.

This one is no exception. It's an enjoyable mystery, as Melanie, her husband, Sam, her brother Frank, and her SIL, Bernie go to spend a romantic weekend at a resort, as Peg maintains the home front with the boys, a houseful of dogs, and a turtle. Like the other mysteries in the series, it progresses at a steady pace, with enough details to keep the reader guessing.

If I were to make one change, I kind of missed the dogs-the dog world has provided a backdrop for the series, and while I understand that Melanie has more in her life than dogs, having them sidelined felt a little less like Melanie to me, and more like any other mystery. I also admit to some trepidation, as Melanie references Faith's increasing age-there was a part of me which really feared for her survival, because I have been following her from puppyhood, and the first book on. I know dogs don't live forever, but I rather hope Faith does.

All in all. an enjoyable mystery, and one which would be appropriate for teen readers who enjoy the genre-the content is lighter, and less explicit, than many YA books. Well done!

Such a fun, cozy mystery read! I enjoyed the story and the cute characters make it a fun book. Cant wait to read more in the series.

I absolutely love a great cozy mystery and this one hit the nail on the head. Another wonderful addition to the genre.