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Melanie Travis #8
Once Bitten
With her former fiance off finding himself, Melanie Travis figures the only ring she'll be seeing in the near future is one where she's showing her prized poodles. But love is still in the air for her brother Frank, who is about to tie the knot with his sweetheart, Bertie Kennedy. With scant knowledge of tulle, favors, or cocktail hors d'oeuvres, Melanie happily leaves the nuptial arrangements to Sara Bentley, a fellow dog handler moonlighting as a wedding coordinator. But when Sara suddenly vanishes, a panicked Bertie gives Melanie a either pinch-hit for Sara--or find out where she is.Opting for the latter, Melanie begins sniffing around into Sara's past--and unearths big trouble when Sara's cottage burns to the ground and a woman's body is found in the rubble. There are plenty of people with grudges against Sara--from Maris Kincaid, a disgruntled dog groomer;to Debra Silver, a competitor whose dog had been poisoned a decade ago;to Josh Bennett, her embittered ex-boyfriend. Even Sara's own family seems oddly unconcerned about her disappearance. . .but are the blue-blooded Bentleys cold-blooded enough to kill one of their own?
Melanie soon realizes that despite the best-laid plans, anything can happen. And when it comes to Sara Bentley, nothing is certain--except that it's up to Melanie to stop a murderer in his--or her--tracks. . .
"An entertaining mystery."--"Publishers Weekly"
"Totally satisfying."--"I Love A Mystery"
Melanie soon realizes that despite the best-laid plans, anything can happen. And when it comes to Sara Bentley, nothing is certain--except that it's up to Melanie to stop a murderer in his--or her--tracks. . .
"An entertaining mystery."--"Publishers Weekly"
"Totally satisfying."--"I Love A Mystery"
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
58 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Laurien Berenson
57 books843 followersLaurien Berenson is the award-winning author of the long running Melanie Travis canine mystery series and the new Senior Sleuths series starring Peg Turnbull and Rose Donovan as a pair of seventyish sisters-in-law who are learning to put aside old grudges as they work together to solve mysteries. DIE ANOTHER DANE (#31 in the Melanie Travis series) is out now.
Laurien's work has appeared numerous magazines and the New York Times. She and her husband live on a farm in Kentucky, surrounded by horses and dogs.
Laurien's work has appeared numerous magazines and the New York Times. She and her husband live on a farm in Kentucky, surrounded by horses and dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 4, 2022
My sister and I are 99% certain that the dog on the cover is a Rough Coat Collie not a Sheltie. We are also convinced the picture is of one my sister's service dogs. Loved that dog, he died in 2017.
Another fine entry in the series. Sadly, this is the last the books in the series I had on Audible.
Another fine entry in the series. Sadly, this is the last the books in the series I had on Audible.
January 2, 2018
This is a comfortable cozy series to just read and let the story play out. It is like catching up at a family reunion once a year. Only I got sidetracked with this series and read somewhat out of order so I back up to catch up in Melanie's life. She is still showing dogs, trying to sort out her relationship with Sam, deal with Davy's absent father coming back into their lives and a missing person.
This time it is more mystery less murder. Bertie is planning her wedding when her wedding planner goes missing. And her family doesn't seem concerned she is missing, old friends are very vague on commenting about her and even her current friends don't seem to concern she is nowhere to be found.
Things get sorted out in the end and I am caught up enough to move on to the next book
This time it is more mystery less murder. Bertie is planning her wedding when her wedding planner goes missing. And her family doesn't seem concerned she is missing, old friends are very vague on commenting about her and even her current friends don't seem to concern she is nowhere to be found.
Things get sorted out in the end and I am caught up enough to move on to the next book
April 21, 2018
Melanie's future sister-in-law Bertie, a dog handler, asks that she investigate the disappearance of her wedding planner, Sara, another dog handler. But Sara's cottage is set on fire and a dead body is found inside. Melanie tries to find the answers as to why Sara disappeared and who wished to kill her. Another great entry to this series. Luckily, the love triangle has been resolved!
October 28, 2025
A beleagured poodle handler is in a bad spot as her fiance left, and her ex-husband is back "visiting." Her brother is getting married, and the wedding planner simply disappears. Our sleuth tries to find her, and then a cottage burns with a woman's body inside. Is it the planner?
Someone was watching too much Jerry Springer, I think.
Someone was watching too much Jerry Springer, I think.
May 7, 2020
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Let's start with the pros:
I liked how fast-paced this book was. I felt that the writing was perfect to keep me engaged, informed but not overwhelmed, and had a nice mix of mystery and reality. I liked the introduction of the new characters and the development of Frank's relationship! I especially like that Melanie and her brother seem to be getting closer. As always, Davie is freaking adorable and I have really enjoyed seeing him grow. I was once again surprised by the ending of the story and was pleased about that.
Now for the cons:
I'm pissed with Sam! I'm mad at Melanie! I'm not pleased with Bob. I understand that Sam left Melanie at the end of the last book, but I was really surprised by the lack of communication between them. I was definitely not pleased that Bob has returned, but I suppose it will be good for Davie to have his father around more.
Overall, I was not too pleased with the relationships and characters in this book, but will continue with the series to see what happens.
Let's start with the pros:
I liked how fast-paced this book was. I felt that the writing was perfect to keep me engaged, informed but not overwhelmed, and had a nice mix of mystery and reality. I liked the introduction of the new characters and the development of Frank's relationship! I especially like that Melanie and her brother seem to be getting closer. As always, Davie is freaking adorable and I have really enjoyed seeing him grow. I was once again surprised by the ending of the story and was pleased about that.
Now for the cons:
I'm pissed with Sam! I'm mad at Melanie! I'm not pleased with Bob. I understand that Sam left Melanie at the end of the last book, but I was really surprised by the lack of communication between them. I was definitely not pleased that Bob has returned, but I suppose it will be good for Davie to have his father around more.
Overall, I was not too pleased with the relationships and characters in this book, but will continue with the series to see what happens.
December 5, 2016
I'm getting sucked into this series!
April 26, 2013
This was a fun mystery to read at bedtime. No scary things that go "bump in the night", no knives plunging out of the depths (and therefore giving me nightmares when I finally do turn out the lights) but a good "who done it" with the added attraction of dogs (Poodles! And the Standard version at that) figuring heavily in the plot. It's nice to see a story where one breed figures predominantly without making snide comments about other breeds and/or their owners (the Shelties were portrayed - in my knowledge - accurately as well. This story had me jumping all over the place convinced that it was first one person and then another totally different person who was the culprit. While the romantic encounters between the main character and her ex (and her current BF) didn't matter here or there to me, it also didn't detract from the story line for me either.
In dog speak, it wasn't Best of Show but it would maybe take Best in Breed.
In dog speak, it wasn't Best of Show but it would maybe take Best in Breed.
December 10, 2016
I almost gave this book 5 stars. If you like dog shows & poodles then this is a series for you! I've always wanted a big poodle. I had a mid sized poodle that I rescued from the cold one winter when I was a teenager & took her home to the ranch ~ everybody loved her!!!!! We have Australian Shepherds.
February 11, 2019
I liked the “murder” portion of this book. As for Melanie and her personal life....yikes! What is she thinking? As always I love the threads about the dogs and dog shows.
March 30, 2025
This is another series I enjoy, and only in part because of the dogs :) I've never really spent time with/around poodles, although I know that even though their show cuts make them look silly to some people, they're supposed to be really smart dogs.
I like Mel, who has a great group of friends and family around her, which she needs as a single mother to an eight year old boy. She even seems to be repairing the relationship with her ex, but only to the point of friendship. Her Aunt Peg is more than a bit overbearing, but this book shows a bit of her vulnerable side, which made me like her more.
The murder victim seemed flighty and impetuous, and a few characters became obvious suspects from the start. The story was really complex and twisted, so it was hard to narrow it down to just one or two people. I wasn't surprised at the reveal, though the motive was not at all what I expected.
I have most of the remaining books from this series in my audio library, and I want to listen to the next one soon(ish), if only to learn what happens next after the way this book ended.
I like Mel, who has a great group of friends and family around her, which she needs as a single mother to an eight year old boy. She even seems to be repairing the relationship with her ex, but only to the point of friendship. Her Aunt Peg is more than a bit overbearing, but this book shows a bit of her vulnerable side, which made me like her more.
The murder victim seemed flighty and impetuous, and a few characters became obvious suspects from the start. The story was really complex and twisted, so it was hard to narrow it down to just one or two people. I wasn't surprised at the reveal, though the motive was not at all what I expected.
I have most of the remaining books from this series in my audio library, and I want to listen to the next one soon(ish), if only to learn what happens next after the way this book ended.
June 15, 2023
This book is about Melanie's about to be new sister in law and her missing friend, Sara Bentley who is charge of the wedding preparations. It takes Melanie some time to speak to everyone who might know something. Matters on the personal front for Melanie have become complicated when her ex husband shows up. The book was an easy read.
January 26, 2020
Mystery okay...though not very challenging and frankly a bit too reliant on unfortunate "coincidences"
Getting bored with poodles and dog shows...and sadly most of the characters as well.
And arrrrrrgh!!!!!!!! That ending!!!!!!!
Enough already. I'm over that storyline. Time for Melanie (and us)to be allowed to move on.
I've clearly read too many of these in a row. And what once mildly amused me is now causing clenched tooth, rolled eyes, deep boredom, and growing dislike. Think it's time to switch to a different series for awhile.
Maybe I'll forget how dull everyone is and rediscover an affinity for this series after I take a looong hiatus.
Getting bored with poodles and dog shows...and sadly most of the characters as well.
And arrrrrrgh!!!!!!!! That ending!!!!!!!
Enough already. I'm over that storyline. Time for Melanie (and us)to be allowed to move on.
I've clearly read too many of these in a row. And what once mildly amused me is now causing clenched tooth, rolled eyes, deep boredom, and growing dislike. Think it's time to switch to a different series for awhile.
Maybe I'll forget how dull everyone is and rediscover an affinity for this series after I take a looong hiatus.
May 14, 2019
Disappearances, death, and mystery! Imagine! Melanie Travis doing it all again! This time her ex (Bob) seems to want to be back in her life. Don’t do it, Melanie!! He’s and ex for a reason!
I really like this series because of the mysteries that Melanie gets herself into. This time she is helping her brother’s fiancé find her missing wedding planner, Sara Bentley. I can’t wait to see where Sam (Melanie’s fiancé) has been though and why he took off on her.
I really like this series because of the mysteries that Melanie gets herself into. This time she is helping her brother’s fiancé find her missing wedding planner, Sara Bentley. I can’t wait to see where Sam (Melanie’s fiancé) has been though and why he took off on her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2021
Love this series. Surprise, it might be all about dogs (standard poodles in particular) and the dog show world, but I just found someone has a cat too. What can I say, cat person here. Like dogs, just not being slobbered on. And since most dogs do slobber, well .... Course I know of a few cats who slobber too.
Anyway, another great mystery. Did not see the ending coming. But I did pick up on one thing a lot sooner than Melanie did! Chalk one up for me. Read and enjoy.
Anyway, another great mystery. Did not see the ending coming. But I did pick up on one thing a lot sooner than Melanie did! Chalk one up for me. Read and enjoy.
September 4, 2018
The more of this series I read, the less amused I am. The mysteries are solid, but I have increasingly less patience for Aunt Peg, and Sam, and the amount of shit piled on Melanie for no real reason. Sam is absent this entire book, and given his reasons for leaving in the previous book, and how long he's been gone, I'm really not that interested in him sticking around.
August 3, 2020
This series is light easy reading in the genre of cozy mystery. It is well written and well plotted, but is somewhat formulaic, at times, although the plot always seems fresh. What helps is the twist at the end of each book including a surprise ending and a cliffhanger. All the story lines - murder, dog show competitions, investigation, etc. - weave together seamlessly. In each book the reader visits the world of dog breeding, handling, and competitions, but the information isn't overwhelming.
In the last book of this series, Melanie Travis was planning her wedding to Sam Driver. But after the murder of his ex-wife, he said he needed to "find himself" and left town. Sam has not contacted Melanie once (although he has contacted Aunt Peg several times), and Melanie is trying to recover from a broken heart. But, there is a wedding in sight. Her brother Frank has asked the beautiful red-haired dog handler Bertie Kennedy to marry him in six weeks just before Christmas. He is also becoming a responsible businessman and seems more conscientious and happy. Bertie has asked a fellow dog handler/groomer friend named Sara, who is also moonlighting as a wedding coordinator, to plan her wedding. Sara is kind of flakey, the daughter of wealthy parents, her mother can't find anything nice to say about her, and Sara can't decide what her life is supposed to look like.
Then Sara vanishes leaving behind an ominous note for Bertie. Bertie gives Melanie the choice of taking over as wedding coordinator or finding Sara. Melanie picks the latter and begins investigating Sara's disappearance. Not long after searching Sara's cottage located on her mother and stepfather's estate, Melanie discovers that the cottage has burned down and a woman's body is found in the ashes. Then, guess who calls up Bertie later on the phone? After confronting Sara on her disappearance, she won't divulge where she's been or what she's been doing. Now the focus of Melanie's investigation changes and she must figure out who wanted to murder Sara in the fire, and who and why was the woman in the cottage when the fire was set? Suspects include:
- Maris Kincaid is a disgruntled dog groomer who very reluctantly took over a whole week's worth of Sara's clients without getting paid for doing so. Maris wants her money NOW.
- Debra Silver who hates Sara with a passion. Several years previously, Sara was accused of poisoning Debra's dog so she would win a competition. Debra is still holding a grudge.
- Josh Bennett is an embittered ex-boyfriend of Sara's and a cousin of Bertie's. He is also at the mansion to see Sara about a secret she has that he found out about on the night another tragedy takes place.
- Sara's harsh mother Delilah and her stepfather Grant don't seem concerned by Sara's disappearance. Grant is discovered shot and killed on the night Josh visits. Grant and Sara had been arguing over an important secret. Delilah bred and raised Shelties for competition in the past, hence the cover on the book. Sara had a Sheltie named Titus she left behind when she disappeared. Out of character for her.
Subplots include:
-Faith, Melanie's standard poodle show dog, has finally finished her championship status and can retire from competition. Melanie is waiting for confirmation of the title before cutting off Faith's show hair. Eve, one of Faith's puppies, has joined the household and is being groomed to be the next show dog.
- Melanie's ex-husband Bob has shown up a few weeks early to participate in the wedding. He has just divorced his new 20 year old wife and is executing plans to get Melanie back. Will she succumb to his charms?
- Aunt Peg tries her first provisional judging assignment at the Tuxedo Park Poodle Specialty. By the way, whatever happened to her boyfriend, Douglas Brannigan? He is no where to be found in this book.
The police are also no where to be found in this book. Melanie is on her own investigating while they are off-stage, so to speak, doing their own thing. They don't even run into each other! A series well worth reading - highly recommended.
In the last book of this series, Melanie Travis was planning her wedding to Sam Driver. But after the murder of his ex-wife, he said he needed to "find himself" and left town. Sam has not contacted Melanie once (although he has contacted Aunt Peg several times), and Melanie is trying to recover from a broken heart. But, there is a wedding in sight. Her brother Frank has asked the beautiful red-haired dog handler Bertie Kennedy to marry him in six weeks just before Christmas. He is also becoming a responsible businessman and seems more conscientious and happy. Bertie has asked a fellow dog handler/groomer friend named Sara, who is also moonlighting as a wedding coordinator, to plan her wedding. Sara is kind of flakey, the daughter of wealthy parents, her mother can't find anything nice to say about her, and Sara can't decide what her life is supposed to look like.
Then Sara vanishes leaving behind an ominous note for Bertie. Bertie gives Melanie the choice of taking over as wedding coordinator or finding Sara. Melanie picks the latter and begins investigating Sara's disappearance. Not long after searching Sara's cottage located on her mother and stepfather's estate, Melanie discovers that the cottage has burned down and a woman's body is found in the ashes. Then, guess who calls up Bertie later on the phone? After confronting Sara on her disappearance, she won't divulge where she's been or what she's been doing. Now the focus of Melanie's investigation changes and she must figure out who wanted to murder Sara in the fire, and who and why was the woman in the cottage when the fire was set? Suspects include:
- Maris Kincaid is a disgruntled dog groomer who very reluctantly took over a whole week's worth of Sara's clients without getting paid for doing so. Maris wants her money NOW.
- Debra Silver who hates Sara with a passion. Several years previously, Sara was accused of poisoning Debra's dog so she would win a competition. Debra is still holding a grudge.
- Josh Bennett is an embittered ex-boyfriend of Sara's and a cousin of Bertie's. He is also at the mansion to see Sara about a secret she has that he found out about on the night another tragedy takes place.
- Sara's harsh mother Delilah and her stepfather Grant don't seem concerned by Sara's disappearance. Grant is discovered shot and killed on the night Josh visits. Grant and Sara had been arguing over an important secret. Delilah bred and raised Shelties for competition in the past, hence the cover on the book. Sara had a Sheltie named Titus she left behind when she disappeared. Out of character for her.
Subplots include:
-Faith, Melanie's standard poodle show dog, has finally finished her championship status and can retire from competition. Melanie is waiting for confirmation of the title before cutting off Faith's show hair. Eve, one of Faith's puppies, has joined the household and is being groomed to be the next show dog.
- Melanie's ex-husband Bob has shown up a few weeks early to participate in the wedding. He has just divorced his new 20 year old wife and is executing plans to get Melanie back. Will she succumb to his charms?
- Aunt Peg tries her first provisional judging assignment at the Tuxedo Park Poodle Specialty. By the way, whatever happened to her boyfriend, Douglas Brannigan? He is no where to be found in this book.
The police are also no where to be found in this book. Melanie is on her own investigating while they are off-stage, so to speak, doing their own thing. They don't even run into each other! A series well worth reading - highly recommended.
February 12, 2022
I love all of the books in this series! They are great fun with lots of humerous situations. I specially like the detailes of everything dog-breeding and dog-show related! Laurien Berenson really knows how it is to live this life with dogs, children (yes in that order) ;) and all people that are involved to make the wheeles spin around. I rate her book with 5 stars just because of her ability to give us an interesting and funny story with the dog-world knowledge.
February 22, 2022
Love and dogs!
This book was sad in most parts. Not one I liked best. I did not like Sara. I do not imagine I was supposed to like her. I enjoyed Pegs experience as a judge, mainly because she enjoyed it so much! I was happy that Melanie was free when Sam came back. One other thought, what happened to Peg's beau? Did I miss something in an earlier book?
This book was sad in most parts. Not one I liked best. I did not like Sara. I do not imagine I was supposed to like her. I enjoyed Pegs experience as a judge, mainly because she enjoyed it so much! I was happy that Melanie was free when Sam came back. One other thought, what happened to Peg's beau? Did I miss something in an earlier book?
August 12, 2025
An amazing story by Laurie Berenson. Her brother is getting married and her poodle is earning her championship Then Frank's fiancee, Bertie introduces her wedding planner. The planner disappears and Melanie finds herself trying to find her and save her brother's wedding. The sad thing is she is missing her own love, Sam, who left to find himself..
July 30, 2018
As always. LOVED IT. And I will just say that I am VERY grateful I was not reading this real time when I had to wait months or years for the next one. When I finally get caught up with this series, I'm going to need to become more patient!!!!
June 2, 2019
Growing on me
I am beginning to enjoy this light series more and more. It will never be confused with great literature, but as a breezy read full of flawed but likeable characters it is better than most. And there are plenty more to enjoy.
I am beginning to enjoy this light series more and more. It will never be confused with great literature, but as a breezy read full of flawed but likeable characters it is better than most. And there are plenty more to enjoy.
February 12, 2020
Always a delight
These are great cosy mystery books. Love this series. Started reading them years ago & somehow lost track but I started again and I'm so happy I did. Loved this ending!
These are great cosy mystery books. Love this series. Started reading them years ago & somehow lost track but I started again and I'm so happy I did. Loved this ending!
April 28, 2021
The mystery in this one was okay. Bob bugs me, and what the heck does Sam think he's doing? After the way he left and why, he should consider himself lucky if Melanie decides to ever give him another chance.
May 8, 2023
We have all met a Sara
Enjoyed the change in the usual murder mystery formula. I also like the character development and depth that seems to depict quite realistic personalities. A fun read that stayed interesting throughout.
Enjoyed the change in the usual murder mystery formula. I also like the character development and depth that seems to depict quite realistic personalities. A fun read that stayed interesting throughout.
August 15, 2017
Good variety of mysteries in this series. They're not all just a murder and it's solving, there's always a unique twist.
February 8, 2020
Enjoyable book
I am enjoying the series and liked that ending of the mystery surprised me. Wish I had been able to read in book format and not on a tablet.
I am enjoying the series and liked that ending of the mystery surprised me. Wish I had been able to read in book format and not on a tablet.
March 6, 2020
Another murder mystery worth your time. And of course, dogs and dog shows.
And in the end, a wedding, but, not the one you think....
And in the end, a wedding, but, not the one you think....
Read
March 20, 2020Fun light read
April 8, 2020
I didn’t enjoy this as much the others.
May 28, 2020
One of Berenson's better efforts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews