I don't remember reading anything from Laurien Berenson before and now I wonder why. This book was really good and that mad it hard to put down.

Wagging through the Snow was the first book in this set and I loved Melanie but I also loved Aunt Peg, she seemed feisty and seemed like a woman who always speaks her mind. And her love for dogs made her priceless. She knew her breeds of dogs well and you could tell she was an animal lover.

I loved how they took Pete's accident death and realized things seemed a little off. Check out the book I think you will enjoy it too

The other books in this set were really good too. I

I have been a big fan of this serious since the first book. Whether or not you have an interest in dog shows or poodles, which both play a big part in the series, Berenson writes such three-dimensional characters that you can't help but love them all.

This Christmas-themed book is a bit on the short side, but still provides plenty of intrigue, allowing the reader to piece together the puzzle pieces of another mystery. Quick read. Great holiday gift for fans of the series and a nice way to introduce dog lovers to Berenson's books.

Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of this book.

I have loved Laurien Berenson's books ever since I found two in my local library (they can be rather difficult to get hold of in Australia). To find these two little beauties on Netgalley and be approved to read them has just been an absolute joy, the language, the dogs, the characters, the settings being one year apart was just perfect. In Wagging Through the Snow, the murderer was not who I expected it to be, and goes to show that not everything is as it seems. Here Comes Santa Paws, who can resist those puppies (I would have had all three in a heartbeat) and to have it inspired by a true story is fabulous. To top it all off, we get two chapters for Aunt Peg's book (I hope this will become a series as well) in these two chapters the characters seem well rounded, the language suits Aunt Peg and where else would be a better start than a dog show? I hope I get the opportunity to read the full version of Peg and Rose Solve a Murder as well. I'm trying to get the full series of Melanie Travis just to be able to start at the beginning of the series. Thank you so much to #Laurien Berenson for writing such fantastic books, thank you to #Kensington Books and #Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read Laurien Berenson's books when I don't have a lot of a social media presence as well.

I will review this book in the Pet Connection feature in November 2023 as part of an annual holiday gift guide.

Two previously published novellas brought together for the first time.
In “Wagging Through the Snow” first published in 2017, Melanie’s brother purchases a wreck of Christmas tree farm. While touring the place Melanie, Aunt Peg hear a whimpering noise. As they follow the sound out into the trees they find a dead man. First discounted as the sad accidental death of a homeless alcoholic, Melanie takes time out of her busy holiday schedule to search for the man’s family and discover what really happened to him.
In “Here Comes Santa Paws” first published in 2019, Melanie is called by her friend Claire to come and help her. Upon arriving, she discovers that Claire has found the dead body of one of her clients. Of course, Melanie can’t let Claire be railroaded for the murder and investigates with help from Aunt Peg.
Both stories are short, entertaining and the mysteries are well done. The characters and always evolving and the first novella shows a big step in Frank’s character. We learn more about Claire in the second novella as well. I read for character development and enjoyed both stories.

This book was an enjoyable read. Melanie, the main character, is relatable, but I found myself waiting for the parts with Aunt Peg. Perhaps this is because I've read a previous book featuring Aunt Peg without Melanie. Aunt Peg and the poodles have lots more personality, while Melanie kind of fades into the woodwork for me. Both novella were pretty satisfying. Basically, there's nothing wrong with this book, but I wanted it to be a bit more memorable.

Been a fan of the author for years and love her books since they are quick reads. Never disappoints me.

I've been a huge fan of the Melanie Travis series since I first started reading it several years ago. These shorter Christmas novels are a great addition to the series, quick reads that'll keep you up late at night to read just one more chapter (and then maybe one more).

Wagging Through the Snow
Of the two stories, this one was my favorite. Melanie's brother and her ex buy an old Christmas tree farm but things get complicated when they discover the former resident dead. I've never actually been to a real Christmas tree farm but I love tree farm settings in novels.

Here Comes Santa Paws
Melanie's friend Claire finds one of her customers dead and then Claire vanishes. There are so many questions, why was the customer there? Who was she really? And where did Claire run off to and why did she feel the need to leave? I loved the story but I was a bit disappointed with the length. I think there was a lot more story to be told and I felt like it didn't get developed like it could have. It was still a really good story but it could have been even better.

If you're a fan of cozies or of Poodles this series is a must read!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

This is the first time I have read something from this author and I didn't realize what I was missing.

This is a collection of two short stories from Ms. Berenson. You immediately feel like Melanie and Aunt Peg are family when you start reading these two short Christmas mysteries. I love the spunky Aunt and that Melanie is a special education teacher turned super sleuth.

As a dog lover, it is a real treat to get to know the poodles (especially Faith). They are standard poodles which reminded me so much of a poodle that I do pet care visits for and she is like part of the family so it was love at first read here.

These stories can stand alone. However, if you want more of these characters like I did afterward, this is part of a series of novels which I'm so looking forward to reading in the near future. I'm hooked!

4.5 stars

Meg has her hands full with two little boys, 6 dogs and tutoring part time at a school.
Her brother buys a Christmas tree farm, but it's not all gifts and candy, there's a murder!
Will Meg's investigating solve the murder or get her killed? You'll have to read it to find out.
Aunt Peg cracks me up. I like a little humor in my mysteries.
Fast paced, great writing and easy to read. Indeed a real page turner, I read this in one day.

No swearing
No sex
No graphic violence

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

A Furry Little Christmas combines my love of dogs AND Christmas. A light hearted cozy mystery, this book is perfect for a break from all of your holiday chores

A furry little Christmas contains two christmas themed mysteries by Laurien Berenson. Murder, mayhem, poodles, kids, and bossy Aunt Peg. This was a quick fun read with plenty of twists and turns and red herrings galore, As usual, Melanie can't help herself from trying to solve each murder. This book would make a great gift or stocking stuffer for any cozy mystery lover.

A delightful 2fur1!!!! This series is a fan favorite and I adore it! Melanie, Aunt Peg and family are like family to me. The mysteries are excellent and solid. They flow smoothly. Curl up and enjoy! Thanks#netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

A Furry Little Christmas consists of two holiday mysteries featuring Melanie Travis and her family including her husband, children, and dogs. And, of course, Aunt Peg.

WAGGING THROUGH THE SNOW

Between her teaching job, raising two children, and a house full of dogs, Melanie Travis has plenty to do at Christmas without her brother deciding to buy a Christmas Tree Farm. Getting the farm up and running in time for Christmas will be a challenge – as will discovering whether or not the man found dead on the farm died by accident or was murdered.

This was an enjoyable mystery. I always like my visits with Melanie and crew and I love the idea of her brother buying the Christmas Tree Farm – even if Melanie herself didn’t like the idea at all! The mystery was well done with just the right amount of suspects to keep readers guessing whodunit – I did find it to be a bit sad however.

HERE COMES SANTA PAWS

Melanie is busy with Christmas preparations but she drops everything when her friend Claire calls her saying she has discovered a dead body. Once again she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation but this time her snooping may put both her and Claire in real danger.

This is another nice Christmas mystery. I love reading as Melanie and her family prepare for Christmas – especially young Kevin who is all about everything Christmas. I also like Melanie’s relationship with Claire who just happens to be married to Melanie’s ex-husband. The mystery is good with quite a few surprises – I was totally surprised when the killer was revealed.

A Furry Little Christmas features two enjoyable holiday mysteries.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley..

I adore Laurien Berenson’s cozy mystery series and this Christmas themed twofer is a real gift! Melanie and Aunt Peg are a great combination. Add in the pups and mystery and you have al little slice of cozy heaven. I’m so glad to see this book come out, it’ll be a great cozy loving friends.

Ms. Berenson pens a wonderful pair of dog/Christmas cozies with great characters of descriptions of the scenes. Her character Melanie Travis is remarried and maintains a good relationship with her ex.
She also gives a realistic family dynamic, but, gee, five dogs. Melanie has smarts and lots of patience….and leads the detective to the murderer….after more than a couple wrong turns.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC and am delighted with the tale and recommend it.

This is a combination of two short Xmas stories from the author. I enjoyed this trip into Xmas time and re visiting Melanie, Peggy and all the poodles. This is a long running popular cozy series that all animal lovers enjoy. Melanie has increased her investigative skills over the years and in this first book she really takes on danger .
A fun read.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley . My review opinion is my own.

I enjoyed the two stories in this book. I love the dogs especially. Aunt Peg is a hoot. The mysteries are interesting and solved quickly. #AFurryLittleChristmas #NetGalley

Two great Christmas mysteries to get you into the holiday spirit. Lots of festivities, dogs, and murder in this book. Loved it.

This book is a compilation of two earlier Christmas tales by the author, gathered together in this one book for those who haven't read them (as I haven't) or even for those who are fond of the series and want to re-read them (or even give this as a Christmas gift to your favorite book lover).

In the first book, Melanie's brother Frank has realized a new business opportunity, and bought some land that he thinks can make himself and his business partner -- Melanie's ex-husband -- a nice profit. But it's not very nice when Melanie's son Davey discovers a body. Melanie, along with her determined Aunt Peg, of course, decide to figure out who the dead man is and how he got into the woods. When Melanie starts asking questions, she finds out that he had quite a history, and not a good one. But with all the suspects having motive, how can she figure out which person killed him?...

In the second book, Melanie answered a frantic call from her friend Claire, who is an event planner and personal shopper. When she arrives at the location Claire directs her to, there's a dead body in the house. Claire insists she doesn't know the killer, and, as it turns out, doesn't really know the dead woman, either. An investigation ensues, with the police telling Melanie to butt out, and Melanie paying no attention to them (naturally). When she discovers more about the dead woman, she's sure there's a mystery there besides murder. But who wanted her dead, and why?

I have not read either of these books before this, so they were new to me, which is very nice. I was pleasantly involved in Melanie's trials as both a sleuth and a mother, and the backstory of her home life was woven easily into both stories. They fall in succession, so there's no having to go back into time; and I must say she's married to the most patient man in the universe. My husband, wonderful as he is, would be hanging onto my shirt collar and saying 'no'. (Ha). Her investigation is done well, with asking questions easily, and not pushing people for answers. She instinctively knows when to pull back.

I love Melanie, being smart and inquisitive, but also the love she has for not only her own small family, but the extended one as well. We should all be so lucky. When Melanie finally begins to put everything together (in both books) it brings us to a climax that's definitely worth waiting for. Finding the murderer isn't as easy as one would think, but it leaves a satisfying ending to two tales, and wanting us to fall into Christmas once more. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley, but this in no way influenced my review.