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Melanie Travis #30
Pumpkin Spice Puppy
Melanie Travis and her pedigree poodles are back on the case in an adorably giftable, fall time-themed hardcover by award-winning author Laurien Berenson!
It’s autumn in Connecticut and there’s a chill in the air, the fall leaves are a riot of color, and pumpkin spice is the flavor of the season. Melanie Travis is perennially busy, of course—but when the owner of a local pet supply shop is found murdered, sleuthing tops her To Do list . . .
Between taking care of her family and assorted Standard Poodles, Melanie is also working as a special needs tutor for Howard Academy, a private school in Greenwich, where her younger son attends kindergarten. This year, the headmaster has come up with an idea for a school fundraiser. All students will participate in a town-wide treasure hunt, with grades competing against each other.
Tokens shaped like pumpkin spice muffins have been hidden in downtown stores. Students will scramble to collect as many as they can in exchange for prizes. At first all goes smoothly, and the uptick in foot traffic to the stores is a win-win. . . . . Until the pet supply shop owner lodges a complaint. When Melanie stops by to smooth things over, she instead finds the man dead, a knife in his back, and his loyal, ever-vigilant Chow Chow locked in the storeroom.
Over the headmaster's objections, Melanie is once again drawn into an investigation. It doesn't take her long to gather a list of suspects, from neighbors balking about the number of rescue Chows the man was fostering in his home, to the landlord who’d filed an eviction notice against him, to the bitter ex-wife who is happy he's gone. With the fundraiser soon drawing to a close and celebrations imminent, Melanie will have to follow every clue—before the biggest prize is staying alive . . .
It’s autumn in Connecticut and there’s a chill in the air, the fall leaves are a riot of color, and pumpkin spice is the flavor of the season. Melanie Travis is perennially busy, of course—but when the owner of a local pet supply shop is found murdered, sleuthing tops her To Do list . . .
Between taking care of her family and assorted Standard Poodles, Melanie is also working as a special needs tutor for Howard Academy, a private school in Greenwich, where her younger son attends kindergarten. This year, the headmaster has come up with an idea for a school fundraiser. All students will participate in a town-wide treasure hunt, with grades competing against each other.
Tokens shaped like pumpkin spice muffins have been hidden in downtown stores. Students will scramble to collect as many as they can in exchange for prizes. At first all goes smoothly, and the uptick in foot traffic to the stores is a win-win. . . . . Until the pet supply shop owner lodges a complaint. When Melanie stops by to smooth things over, she instead finds the man dead, a knife in his back, and his loyal, ever-vigilant Chow Chow locked in the storeroom.
Over the headmaster's objections, Melanie is once again drawn into an investigation. It doesn't take her long to gather a list of suspects, from neighbors balking about the number of rescue Chows the man was fostering in his home, to the landlord who’d filed an eviction notice against him, to the bitter ex-wife who is happy he's gone. With the fundraiser soon drawing to a close and celebrations imminent, Melanie will have to follow every clue—before the biggest prize is staying alive . . .
192 pages, Hardcover
Published August 20, 2024
71 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Laurien Berenson
60 books845 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 121 reviews
November 17, 2024
Predictable and fun and a great mystery overall !! 🎃 I have read this entire series and enjoyed all of them.
August 18, 2024
I have read most of the Melanie Travis mysteries and they are always a treat. This one is on the short side, but all the elements I love about this series are in the book - lots of dogs, a dog show, scenes of Melanie at work, at home with her husband and kids (and visits from Aunt Peg), and of course an intriguing mystery. This time Melanie discovers the dead body of a pet store owner and starts her own investigation with one of her standard poodles by her side. I was surprised when the identity of the killer was revealed, but like Melanie's Aunt Peg, who always knows best, said - the clues were there. I like the way the story wrapped and enjoyed this quick, fun read.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Kensington Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Kensington Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
August 4, 2024
I received a free copy of, Pumpkin Spice Puppy, by Laurien Berenson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 30 in the Melanie Travis Canine Mystery series. It's pumpkin season, the best smelling season. Melanie does not plan to solve a mystery, but when a shopkeeper is murdered, Melanie has to catch the murderer. Pumpkins, dogs, treasure hunts, crisp autumn weather, nothing could be better, except a murder. I devoured this nice mystery.
September 8, 2024
There’s something so beautiful about starting a series on book 30. 😂 Does Melanie come across a body in every book? What is Aunt Peg’s energy throughout the series? Why is a private school tutor investigating a murder? Why is everyone so willing to talk to a private school tutor?
Incredible. Truly.
I feel like this author is living my dream life and I need to figure out how to get on her level.
PSP entered my life by way of a Facebook group. A user in the group posted a photo of this alongside All the Colors of the Dark asking which she should read next. The juxtaposition between the two books side by side was so funny to me. I can’t explain it. So I checked our library, placed a hold, and acquired PSP.
It has a lot of nostalgia for me in terms of how checking out a Mary Higgins Clark or Cat Who book made me feel in my youth.
I have no idea why this story opened with a dog show. Maybe the prior 29 stories can fill me in one day.
The private school is hosting a fundraiser with local businesses participating (imagine Chilton getting Luke to participate in something). They receive a message from the pet store owner with a complaint about the fundraiser. Once the team receives the call the next day, the tutor heads with her standard poodle into town to check in with the man. When they get there-they find his body and the investigation starts.
Perfect for fans of Nancy Drew or Harriet the Spy who are looking for an easy read that ties up nicely.
Incredible. Truly.
I feel like this author is living my dream life and I need to figure out how to get on her level.
PSP entered my life by way of a Facebook group. A user in the group posted a photo of this alongside All the Colors of the Dark asking which she should read next. The juxtaposition between the two books side by side was so funny to me. I can’t explain it. So I checked our library, placed a hold, and acquired PSP.
It has a lot of nostalgia for me in terms of how checking out a Mary Higgins Clark or Cat Who book made me feel in my youth.
I have no idea why this story opened with a dog show. Maybe the prior 29 stories can fill me in one day.
The private school is hosting a fundraiser with local businesses participating (imagine Chilton getting Luke to participate in something). They receive a message from the pet store owner with a complaint about the fundraiser. Once the team receives the call the next day, the tutor heads with her standard poodle into town to check in with the man. When they get there-they find his body and the investigation starts.
Perfect for fans of Nancy Drew or Harriet the Spy who are looking for an easy read that ties up nicely.
October 12, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
It's pumpkin spice season and Melanie Travis has her hands full. In addition to taking care of her family including their Standard Poodles and Bud, and her work as a special needs tutor at Howard Academy she and the headmaster's assistant, Harriet Bloom are in charge of the Thanks for Giving fundraiser. With tokens shaped like pumpkin spice muffins hidden in the stores downtown, each grade will compete against each other as the students take part in a treasure hunt to find and collect them. The tokens can then be turned in for prizes.
The event appears to be going well until one shop owner has a complaint. Harriet decides Melanie must meet with the pet shop owner, Mr. Willet in person to address his concerns. When she arrives at the shop she finds Mr. Willet dead, stabbed in the back and his faithful Chow Chow Cider locked in a storeroom causing quite a ruckus.
So now in addition to everything else on her plate, she finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation. Can she carve out the killer or will she be too late?
_____
Isn't that cover adorable? Chow Chows are so cute and so loyal to their families.
It was great to catch up with Melanie and her family. Melanie and Sam have such a comfortable relationship while raising two awesome sons. Much of their lives revolve around their Standard Poodles or Melanie's Aunt Peg's poodles. Sam just seems to take everything in stride including Melanie getting involved in all these murder investigations. I enjoy how the author shows a strong family unit despite all of the craziness in their lives.
Ms. Berenson plotted out an intriguing mystery with several suspects. The victim clearly cared about Chows but not about most of the people in his life. Melanie knew any connection between the academy and a murder could hurt its reputation so it was important to get to the truth as quickly as possible. She followed where each clue led and she asked the hard questions and wasn't afraid to go back again to ask more. She gets people to tell her things they don't tell detectives. I had the guilty party on the top of my list almost from the start so I was happy to see Melanie and Detective Young concur. What was unexpected was the way the showdown occurred, however, I was delighted by the way it played out.
While autumn is just starting to drop the temperatures and change the color of the leaves here in Wisconsin it was nice to read the author's detailed descriptions of the season. I am more of a summer girl, but I enjoy autumn until it gets too darn chilly. As for pumpkin spice that seems to become the go-to flavor earlier and earlier every year.
I can't believe Pumpkin Spice Puppy is the 30th Melanie Travis Canine Mystery. I continue to look forward to each new installment to see what Melanie, Sam, Davey, Kevin, Aunt Peg, and all their pooches are up to. I know their antics and adventures will keep me entertained from the first page to the last. If you are new to this series, each story can be read totally on its own and these characters are too good to pass by.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
It's pumpkin spice season and Melanie Travis has her hands full. In addition to taking care of her family including their Standard Poodles and Bud, and her work as a special needs tutor at Howard Academy she and the headmaster's assistant, Harriet Bloom are in charge of the Thanks for Giving fundraiser. With tokens shaped like pumpkin spice muffins hidden in the stores downtown, each grade will compete against each other as the students take part in a treasure hunt to find and collect them. The tokens can then be turned in for prizes.
The event appears to be going well until one shop owner has a complaint. Harriet decides Melanie must meet with the pet shop owner, Mr. Willet in person to address his concerns. When she arrives at the shop she finds Mr. Willet dead, stabbed in the back and his faithful Chow Chow Cider locked in a storeroom causing quite a ruckus.
So now in addition to everything else on her plate, she finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation. Can she carve out the killer or will she be too late?
_____
Isn't that cover adorable? Chow Chows are so cute and so loyal to their families.
It was great to catch up with Melanie and her family. Melanie and Sam have such a comfortable relationship while raising two awesome sons. Much of their lives revolve around their Standard Poodles or Melanie's Aunt Peg's poodles. Sam just seems to take everything in stride including Melanie getting involved in all these murder investigations. I enjoy how the author shows a strong family unit despite all of the craziness in their lives.
Ms. Berenson plotted out an intriguing mystery with several suspects. The victim clearly cared about Chows but not about most of the people in his life. Melanie knew any connection between the academy and a murder could hurt its reputation so it was important to get to the truth as quickly as possible. She followed where each clue led and she asked the hard questions and wasn't afraid to go back again to ask more. She gets people to tell her things they don't tell detectives. I had the guilty party on the top of my list almost from the start so I was happy to see Melanie and Detective Young concur. What was unexpected was the way the showdown occurred, however, I was delighted by the way it played out.
While autumn is just starting to drop the temperatures and change the color of the leaves here in Wisconsin it was nice to read the author's detailed descriptions of the season. I am more of a summer girl, but I enjoy autumn until it gets too darn chilly. As for pumpkin spice that seems to become the go-to flavor earlier and earlier every year.
I can't believe Pumpkin Spice Puppy is the 30th Melanie Travis Canine Mystery. I continue to look forward to each new installment to see what Melanie, Sam, Davey, Kevin, Aunt Peg, and all their pooches are up to. I know their antics and adventures will keep me entertained from the first page to the last. If you are new to this series, each story can be read totally on its own and these characters are too good to pass by.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
September 21, 2024
Set in Greenwich this was a cute murder mystery with figs.
August 20, 2025
Cute little mystery.
September 11, 2024
I LOVED THIS, need to read more cozy mystery books!
September 8, 2024
Siobhan made me read this. Will I read another? I have Howloween Murder currently on hold at the library, so yes?
August 20, 2024
"Pumpkin Spice Puppy (Melanie Travis Mysteries #30)" by Laurien Berenson is a touch Thanksgiving themed with numerous pumpkin spice and fall items mentioned. The school Melanie works at is having a Thanks for Giving fundraiser that involves a scavenger hunt around various businesses for the kids. While trying to follow up with one of the business owners, Melanie gets wrapped up in yet another mystery.
The victim had numerous Chow puppies that he would care for. He did a lot of fostering and it seemed to drive his neighbors crazy. He wasn't on the best terms with his ex-wife and adult daughter as well. It took some twists and turns. In the end I wasn't totally surprised by the culprit because it made sense that it was them.
The victim had numerous Chow puppies that he would care for. He did a lot of fostering and it seemed to drive his neighbors crazy. He wasn't on the best terms with his ex-wife and adult daughter as well. It took some twists and turns. In the end I wasn't totally surprised by the culprit because it made sense that it was them.
August 20, 2024
Laurien Berenson’s 30th book in the Melanie Travis Mysteries series, Pumpkin Spice Puppy, is such a delightful read! This adorable story perfectly combines mystery, charm, and a bit of canine intuition, making it a must-read for any cozy mystery lover.
In this latest adventure, our favorite amateur sleuth, Melanie Travis, and her faithful poodle, Faith, find themselves at the center of another puzzling crime: a local pet store vendor is discovered dead with a knife in his back, and his loyal Chow, Cider, is locked away in a room in an anxious frenzy. With Cider as the only witness, it’s up to Melanie and Faith to solve the mystery behind this tragic event.
Berenson’s storytelling is just wonderful. She’s created a captivating whodunit that’s full of suspense but also has a warmth that keeps you hooked. The relationship between Melanie and Faith is as endearing as ever, and having Cider play a crucial role in the mystery adds such a fun twist. The plot is well-paced, keeping you on your toes until the very end, with plenty of smile-worthy moments along the way.
This book is a perfect example of why Berenson is so great at writing engaging, cozy mysteries. This is my first time reading a Melanie Travis book after receiving an ARC of Pumpkin Spice Puppy from Kensington Books, and I’ve completely fallen in love with it! Now, I’m determined to read the entire series. If you love adorable dogs, clever sleuthing, and heartwarming stories, Pumpkin Spice Puppy, and the rest of the Melanie Travis Mysteries definitely deserves a spot on your shelf.
(Thank you, Kensington Books, for entrusting me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!)
In this latest adventure, our favorite amateur sleuth, Melanie Travis, and her faithful poodle, Faith, find themselves at the center of another puzzling crime: a local pet store vendor is discovered dead with a knife in his back, and his loyal Chow, Cider, is locked away in a room in an anxious frenzy. With Cider as the only witness, it’s up to Melanie and Faith to solve the mystery behind this tragic event.
Berenson’s storytelling is just wonderful. She’s created a captivating whodunit that’s full of suspense but also has a warmth that keeps you hooked. The relationship between Melanie and Faith is as endearing as ever, and having Cider play a crucial role in the mystery adds such a fun twist. The plot is well-paced, keeping you on your toes until the very end, with plenty of smile-worthy moments along the way.
This book is a perfect example of why Berenson is so great at writing engaging, cozy mysteries. This is my first time reading a Melanie Travis book after receiving an ARC of Pumpkin Spice Puppy from Kensington Books, and I’ve completely fallen in love with it! Now, I’m determined to read the entire series. If you love adorable dogs, clever sleuthing, and heartwarming stories, Pumpkin Spice Puppy, and the rest of the Melanie Travis Mysteries definitely deserves a spot on your shelf.
(Thank you, Kensington Books, for entrusting me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!)
July 25, 2024
Pumpkin Spice Puppy
Laurien Berenson
August 20, 2024
We find ourselves immersed in another dog show with Berenson’s latest Melanie Travis novel. In this competition Davey is handler for Coral, Aunt Peg’s standard poodle. At fifteen, he is learning the ropes but will be up against their friend, Crawford’s champion. While working on getting ready to show, Aunt Peg questions Melanie about the school fundraiser she is chairperson of at Howard Academy. She is a special needs teacher at the school. This year they are having the students earn ‘pumpkin coins’ as they raise money via local sponsors while people shop in their businesses.
It seems to be going well until Mel is asked to deal with the pet store owner who is having problems. After calling with no answer she decides to walk with Faith, her poodle that spends time in the classroom. She is a special dog that students read to during classes. Not thrilled about the visit, she felt at least the walk would be a pleasant time spent in the autumn weather. Of course the dilemma happens when the store is open, the lights on yet no one seems to be in the building.
Pumpkin Spice Puppy will be published by Kensington Publishing on August 20, 2024. I was able to read and review Laurien Berenson’s latest Melanie Travis Canine Mystery via NetGalley. It is book #30 in the series and is true to the family fun and canine suspense. Readers will enjoy this one as she tries to solve the latest homicide. Included are some recipes that fans will enjoy. It is truly delightful and will prove to be an afternoon adventure for readers.
Laurien Berenson
August 20, 2024
We find ourselves immersed in another dog show with Berenson’s latest Melanie Travis novel. In this competition Davey is handler for Coral, Aunt Peg’s standard poodle. At fifteen, he is learning the ropes but will be up against their friend, Crawford’s champion. While working on getting ready to show, Aunt Peg questions Melanie about the school fundraiser she is chairperson of at Howard Academy. She is a special needs teacher at the school. This year they are having the students earn ‘pumpkin coins’ as they raise money via local sponsors while people shop in their businesses.
It seems to be going well until Mel is asked to deal with the pet store owner who is having problems. After calling with no answer she decides to walk with Faith, her poodle that spends time in the classroom. She is a special dog that students read to during classes. Not thrilled about the visit, she felt at least the walk would be a pleasant time spent in the autumn weather. Of course the dilemma happens when the store is open, the lights on yet no one seems to be in the building.
Pumpkin Spice Puppy will be published by Kensington Publishing on August 20, 2024. I was able to read and review Laurien Berenson’s latest Melanie Travis Canine Mystery via NetGalley. It is book #30 in the series and is true to the family fun and canine suspense. Readers will enjoy this one as she tries to solve the latest homicide. Included are some recipes that fans will enjoy. It is truly delightful and will prove to be an afternoon adventure for readers.
November 16, 2024
November
This story has a lot of dogs, a dog show, a festival, bad relationships, and murder. It all ends with Thanksgiving dinner. The mystery was fun and interesting. I was hoping it would end a bit more positively. I am glad the killer wasn't who I thought it would be.
This story has a lot of dogs, a dog show, a festival, bad relationships, and murder. It all ends with Thanksgiving dinner. The mystery was fun and interesting. I was hoping it would end a bit more positively. I am glad the killer wasn't who I thought it would be.
April 23, 2024
#PumpkinSpicePuppy #NetGalley has us reuniting with Melanie Travis and her faithful sidekick, standard poodle Faith, in another whirlwind murder investigation.
It's Fall and everyone is gearing up for the festival, which includes a scavenger type event that sounds really fun.
After several complaints about a business owner, Melanie stops by to speak with him, but instead she finds his dead body, and so the investigation begins.
These books are a fun, light read, the dogs definitely add a lot of fun to each story, as well as Melanie's boys. It's always fun to read a book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
It's Fall and everyone is gearing up for the festival, which includes a scavenger type event that sounds really fun.
After several complaints about a business owner, Melanie stops by to speak with him, but instead she finds his dead body, and so the investigation begins.
These books are a fun, light read, the dogs definitely add a lot of fun to each story, as well as Melanie's boys. It's always fun to read a book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
July 26, 2025
Another good cozy mystery from the series involving standard poodles. This series influenced me to start having standard poodles as pets which turned out to be a great decision!
December 10, 2025
Delightful, quick mystery involving chow chow and poodles.
August 28, 2024
Good quick reading
I always like the Melanie Travis stories. This one was short but interesting enough. It always surprises me that people will tell Melanie anything. She is definitely a nosy one.
I always like the Melanie Travis stories. This one was short but interesting enough. It always surprises me that people will tell Melanie anything. She is definitely a nosy one.
August 28, 2024
Loved the poodle talk, and really enjoyed the length. It was so nice to read about Melanie, her family, and of course Aunt Peg!
A perfect cozy autumn read.
A perfect cozy autumn read.
July 29, 2024
Short and twisty.
Melanie goes to the pet store to see the owner about a problem with the school fundraiser but finds the owner stabbed to death and his devoted Chow distressed. Now is the time that she gets the investigation into high gear! Good quick read.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected e-book proof from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley. Thanks!
#MelanieTravisCanineMysteriesBk30 #BookTwitter
Melanie goes to the pet store to see the owner about a problem with the school fundraiser but finds the owner stabbed to death and his devoted Chow distressed. Now is the time that she gets the investigation into high gear! Good quick read.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected e-book proof from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley. Thanks!
#MelanieTravisCanineMysteriesBk30 #BookTwitter
September 19, 2024
Fun reading with great characters
September 19, 2024
Very good, as usual. The not sure why though that Faith was given a rawhide bone. I am looking forward to making the pumpkin cookie recipe.
September 16, 2024
Perfect cozy fall mystery! I’ve never read any of this series but was drawn to the autumnal cover. I was able to follow the mystery without any confusion. I’m sure there was a lot of backstory I was unaware of but it didn’t effect the story or my enjoyment of it.
August 22, 2024
Another winning Melanie Travis mystery
The only thing I didn't like about the book was that it seemed much shorter than her other books. Her characters have always kept my interest but I missed some of her regulars. Her entire series is well worth reading.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was that it seemed much shorter than her other books. Her characters have always kept my interest but I missed some of her regulars. Her entire series is well worth reading.
September 11, 2024
Cute and adorable cozy mystery set around the pumpkin spice season of early November. Howard Academy is having a town wide scavenger hunt fundraiser. Melanie is again involved in a murder in Greenwich, CT and her family, friends and co-workers and dogs are there in the cast of characters as she investigates the murder of a pet store owner who is participating in the school event. Bonus points: including min pins (miniature pinschers) at a dog show. Very quick read.
September 14, 2024
This is a great series, highly recommend it.
September 14, 2024
A quick, enjoyable read. And I figured out who dunnit, which is always a treat.
August 20, 2024
This was a very short book, so there wasn't much time for character development .
August 31, 2024
I always enjoy reading about Melanie and family and all the dogs.
September 1, 2024
This book made me hungry for pumpkin spice muffins.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews