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Melanie Travis #31
Die Another Dane
It’s June in Connecticut and Melanie Travis has her hands full with her family and her Standard Poodles, but when a breeder and exhibitor of Great Danes dies under suspicious circumstances, she also has a big mystery to solve . . .
After seeing a Great Dane at a dog show, Melanie’s younger son Kevin has become obsessed with the giant breed. Some kids get into dinosaurs—for Kevin it’s Great Danes. Aunt Peg introduces Melanie and her son to Audrey Kane, a charming older woman who breeds and shows the big dogs.
Aware of Melanie’s talent for sleuthing, Audrey asks for her help in finding a missing brooch. She suspects her stepsister Lara. Sam and Melanie are showing their Standard Poodle puppy, Plum, at a dog show where Lara will also be exhibiting her Great Dane. Melanie makes contact with Lara but gets no answers.
When Audrey is found dead in her home, Aunt Peg enlists the help of the local Great Dane Club to foster Audrey’s 10 dogs, one of whom Melanie takes on. To her surprise, Lara comes to her and asks her to solve her stepsister’s murder. From the president of the Great Dane Club to Audrey’s dependable dog-sitter—and not ruling out Lara herself—Melanie soon has more suspects than Audrey had Great Danes. With Aunt Peg’s assistance, she doggedly pursues the killer . . .
After seeing a Great Dane at a dog show, Melanie’s younger son Kevin has become obsessed with the giant breed. Some kids get into dinosaurs—for Kevin it’s Great Danes. Aunt Peg introduces Melanie and her son to Audrey Kane, a charming older woman who breeds and shows the big dogs.
Aware of Melanie’s talent for sleuthing, Audrey asks for her help in finding a missing brooch. She suspects her stepsister Lara. Sam and Melanie are showing their Standard Poodle puppy, Plum, at a dog show where Lara will also be exhibiting her Great Dane. Melanie makes contact with Lara but gets no answers.
When Audrey is found dead in her home, Aunt Peg enlists the help of the local Great Dane Club to foster Audrey’s 10 dogs, one of whom Melanie takes on. To her surprise, Lara comes to her and asks her to solve her stepsister’s murder. From the president of the Great Dane Club to Audrey’s dependable dog-sitter—and not ruling out Lara herself—Melanie soon has more suspects than Audrey had Great Danes. With Aunt Peg’s assistance, she doggedly pursues the killer . . .
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryDogs
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
38 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Laurien Berenson
58 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 19, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Melanie Travis gets an interesting request from her youngest son, Kevin, he wants another dog, and not a poodle. He wants a Great Dane, like he saw at a recent dog show. Melanie asks Aunt Peg to set her up with a breeder to hopefully convince Kevin that a Great Dane is more than he can handle. They are soon off to meet Audrey Kane, a friendly woman who shows the giant dogs.
Kevin is excited, but Melanie is surprised when the woman, who has apparently heard about sleuthing sidelines and hopes she can help her find who took a precious brooch. She suspects her sister, who also shows Great Danes. Melanie finds the sister at the next show, but was unable to pin the woman down about the brooch.
But now she has a bigger case to solve when Audrey Kane is killed in her home. Aunt Peg and Melanie work with the Great Dane Club to be sure Audrey’s 10 dogs are taken care of. Peg and Melanie each take 1 home, much to the delight of Kevin. Peg and Melanie soon focus on a group of suspects, including the victim’s sister, as they strive to determine who killed the popular breeder and why.
The latest Melanie Travis Canine Mystery features Great Danes, including a special one named Daisy, who stole my heart. My brother-in-law and his wife have a Great Dane, and I am amazed at how lovable and gentle these big dogs can be. They are truly a special breed.
I always enjoy catching up with Melanie and her family. They are always on the go. Her husband, Sam, is the one showing their new poodle puppy, Plum, and their son, Davey, is working this summer for Aunt Peg, much to Melanie’s surprise. I was disappointed but not surprised when Peg crossed what I felt was a huge red line. I was impressed by how Melanie and Sam handled it.
Solving a murder was not part of the family’s summer plans, but soon Melanie and Aunt Peg are following clues and questioning suspects. Ms. Berenson seamlessly blends the Travis family’s busy lives with another puzzling murder mystery. With Peg’s vast knowledge of people on the dog show circuit, no matter the breed, she is able to send Melanie off to speak to those in the victim’s sphere. Her neighbors, her sister, her assistant/dog sitter, and other Great Dane owners are all viable suspects. One of them could also be responsible for the missing brooch, too. I was very entertained following along as Melanie worked to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together. When she and Peg find themselves facing off with the killer, the tension was high, and they have to do some quick talking to keep themselves safe, but they also receive some strength from a surprising source.
This series continues to be strong and fresh with some of the most genuine characters in cozy mysteries. Die Another Dane is a great addition to the series. The gentle giant on the cover catches your interest before you even start reading. Then the author’s writing takes over with an intriguing mystery. I wonder which breed will grace the cover of book 32, and what Ms. Berenson has planned for her characters next? I can’t wait to find out!
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.
Melanie Travis gets an interesting request from her youngest son, Kevin, he wants another dog, and not a poodle. He wants a Great Dane, like he saw at a recent dog show. Melanie asks Aunt Peg to set her up with a breeder to hopefully convince Kevin that a Great Dane is more than he can handle. They are soon off to meet Audrey Kane, a friendly woman who shows the giant dogs.
Kevin is excited, but Melanie is surprised when the woman, who has apparently heard about sleuthing sidelines and hopes she can help her find who took a precious brooch. She suspects her sister, who also shows Great Danes. Melanie finds the sister at the next show, but was unable to pin the woman down about the brooch.
But now she has a bigger case to solve when Audrey Kane is killed in her home. Aunt Peg and Melanie work with the Great Dane Club to be sure Audrey’s 10 dogs are taken care of. Peg and Melanie each take 1 home, much to the delight of Kevin. Peg and Melanie soon focus on a group of suspects, including the victim’s sister, as they strive to determine who killed the popular breeder and why.
The latest Melanie Travis Canine Mystery features Great Danes, including a special one named Daisy, who stole my heart. My brother-in-law and his wife have a Great Dane, and I am amazed at how lovable and gentle these big dogs can be. They are truly a special breed.
I always enjoy catching up with Melanie and her family. They are always on the go. Her husband, Sam, is the one showing their new poodle puppy, Plum, and their son, Davey, is working this summer for Aunt Peg, much to Melanie’s surprise. I was disappointed but not surprised when Peg crossed what I felt was a huge red line. I was impressed by how Melanie and Sam handled it.
Solving a murder was not part of the family’s summer plans, but soon Melanie and Aunt Peg are following clues and questioning suspects. Ms. Berenson seamlessly blends the Travis family’s busy lives with another puzzling murder mystery. With Peg’s vast knowledge of people on the dog show circuit, no matter the breed, she is able to send Melanie off to speak to those in the victim’s sphere. Her neighbors, her sister, her assistant/dog sitter, and other Great Dane owners are all viable suspects. One of them could also be responsible for the missing brooch, too. I was very entertained following along as Melanie worked to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together. When she and Peg find themselves facing off with the killer, the tension was high, and they have to do some quick talking to keep themselves safe, but they also receive some strength from a surprising source.
This series continues to be strong and fresh with some of the most genuine characters in cozy mysteries. Die Another Dane is a great addition to the series. The gentle giant on the cover catches your interest before you even start reading. Then the author’s writing takes over with an intriguing mystery. I wonder which breed will grace the cover of book 32, and what Ms. Berenson has planned for her characters next? I can’t wait to find out!
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.
August 12, 2025
It all begins when Melanie's youngest son, Kevin, decides he wants a Great Dane. Never mind that the Travis Family already has a houseful of Standard Poodles. Kevin is feeling quite grown up and seems to want a dog to match his feelings of being grown up. In other words, a large Great Dane. From there on, Melanie finds herself caught up in investigating the murder of the woman they'd just met that introduced Kevin to her Danes. I probably don't have to tell long time readers that Aunt Peg is in the middle of the whole thing, including finding homes for the ten Great Danes Audrey Kane had had. One, Daisy, goes home with Melanie. Again, no surprise, I'm sure. Grin.
While Melanie always seems a bit of a push over where Aunt Peg is involved, she's also dealing with Kevin's unexpected request, oldest son Davey's desire to get his driver's license, and dashing about to ask question after question. Audrey's life was complicated with many secrets, not to mention the cast of suspects isn't eager to be seen that way. We also get to spend some time at dog shows, including learning a bit about the quirks of judging and the more mundane aspect of grooming the dogs for the show ring, much of that info provided by Crawford and/or Terry. Melanie is, as always, likable and trying to tread that fine line between her curiosity and family demands, including husband Sam's worries about her safety. Heck, we even learn a bit about real estate deals in the process.
Bottom line, an enjoyable, easy read with characters you'll come to like or, for long time fans, have grown to feel like part of your own family. And, of course, there is lots of dog talk. Having my own senior dog now, I definitely related to Melanie's determination to spend time with Faith, her original intro to poodles and the dog show world. Even rowdy Bud, Kevin's non-poodle "mutt" will probably give you a moment of warm fuzzies. Thanks #KensingtonPress for allowing me this early peek and letting me drop into Melanie's world of family and dogs, not to mention the all too frequent murder case. Let's just say, Melanie's reputation as an amateur sleuth definitely precedes her nowadays.
While Melanie always seems a bit of a push over where Aunt Peg is involved, she's also dealing with Kevin's unexpected request, oldest son Davey's desire to get his driver's license, and dashing about to ask question after question. Audrey's life was complicated with many secrets, not to mention the cast of suspects isn't eager to be seen that way. We also get to spend some time at dog shows, including learning a bit about the quirks of judging and the more mundane aspect of grooming the dogs for the show ring, much of that info provided by Crawford and/or Terry. Melanie is, as always, likable and trying to tread that fine line between her curiosity and family demands, including husband Sam's worries about her safety. Heck, we even learn a bit about real estate deals in the process.
Bottom line, an enjoyable, easy read with characters you'll come to like or, for long time fans, have grown to feel like part of your own family. And, of course, there is lots of dog talk. Having my own senior dog now, I definitely related to Melanie's determination to spend time with Faith, her original intro to poodles and the dog show world. Even rowdy Bud, Kevin's non-poodle "mutt" will probably give you a moment of warm fuzzies. Thanks #KensingtonPress for allowing me this early peek and letting me drop into Melanie's world of family and dogs, not to mention the all too frequent murder case. Let's just say, Melanie's reputation as an amateur sleuth definitely precedes her nowadays.
November 25, 2025
Like Melanie’s young son, Kevin, I am intrigued by Great Danes, so I was thrilled about the focus on them in this book, along with the Standard Poodles that are usually present; I wish I could have learned more about them in the show ring as I have with Poodles over the years but that’s OK, it’s a lot to cover in a mystery. The mystery itself was well-plotted and I enjoyed following along as Melanie’s pieced it all together, with the help of her Aunt Peg. There were some good lessons here about driving etiquette and letting your kids grow up as well. Another fun book added to the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #KensingtonPublishing for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #KensingtonPublishing for an honest review.
October 27, 2025
4.25 stars
In the newest Melanie Travis mystery, it's summertime, and Melanie is looking forward to fun activities with her family. Their family already has four standard poodles and a small mixed breed dog, but her young son becomes obsessed with Great Danes. Little Kevin is thrilled when Melanie is pressured into fostering one of these "gentle giants" when the owner is killed. The victim's step-sister also convinces Melanie to investigate the woman's death. With help from her Aunt Peg, Melanie is on the case.
I enjoy the characters in this series, but I think it would work fine as a standalone, too. There's a nice mix of sleuthing, family scenes, and information about dog breed and dog shows in these books. What's interesting is Melanie's Aunt Peg, though always intelligent and knowledgeable, comes off as so overbearing in this series, but is delightful in her spin-off series. Aunt Peg crosses a line in this book, but she plays an important part in a showdown she and Melanie have with the killer. This is another fun book in this series which is great for cozy mystery fans and dog lovers.
I received an advance copy of this ebook for review consideration from Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
In the newest Melanie Travis mystery, it's summertime, and Melanie is looking forward to fun activities with her family. Their family already has four standard poodles and a small mixed breed dog, but her young son becomes obsessed with Great Danes. Little Kevin is thrilled when Melanie is pressured into fostering one of these "gentle giants" when the owner is killed. The victim's step-sister also convinces Melanie to investigate the woman's death. With help from her Aunt Peg, Melanie is on the case.
I enjoy the characters in this series, but I think it would work fine as a standalone, too. There's a nice mix of sleuthing, family scenes, and information about dog breed and dog shows in these books. What's interesting is Melanie's Aunt Peg, though always intelligent and knowledgeable, comes off as so overbearing in this series, but is delightful in her spin-off series. Aunt Peg crosses a line in this book, but she plays an important part in a showdown she and Melanie have with the killer. This is another fun book in this series which is great for cozy mystery fans and dog lovers.
I received an advance copy of this ebook for review consideration from Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
October 22, 2025
I was excited to see that there was a new book in the Melanie Travis series as I appreciate the learning opportunities about different dog breeds and dog shows, even if some of it goes over my head.
This one in particular features a favorite large breed, Great Danes. Melanie's 7-year-old son has decided he wants one (on top of the six dogs they already have!) and so she decides to have him meet some to see if it is something he really wants (and hopes to discourage him). Melanie's powerhouse of the dog world, Aunt Peg, connects them with a local breeder. The breeder enlists Melanie's help to find a stolen brooch that has both great sentimental and monetary value. Unfortunately, she turns up dead shortly afterward and Melanie is investigating.
I am giving this book four stars because honestly the whodunit part was lacking for me. Melanie has little knowledge of the victim other than her cursory meeting and personally knows zero of the players involved. She starts randomly questioning people and gets called on the carpet for it but is undeterred. For this mystery series, I focus on the story around it rather than the amateur sleuthing because it is so far-fetched in today's society, especially given how volatile people are now and I highly doubt Melanie's questions would be received with only a dark look and vague answers.
I much enjoyed the surrounding plot with her family, the dog shows, the Poodles and the Danes. Given the short suspect list, the red herrings are few and the reasons for killing even fewer.
My thanks to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC.
This one in particular features a favorite large breed, Great Danes. Melanie's 7-year-old son has decided he wants one (on top of the six dogs they already have!) and so she decides to have him meet some to see if it is something he really wants (and hopes to discourage him). Melanie's powerhouse of the dog world, Aunt Peg, connects them with a local breeder. The breeder enlists Melanie's help to find a stolen brooch that has both great sentimental and monetary value. Unfortunately, she turns up dead shortly afterward and Melanie is investigating.
I am giving this book four stars because honestly the whodunit part was lacking for me. Melanie has little knowledge of the victim other than her cursory meeting and personally knows zero of the players involved. She starts randomly questioning people and gets called on the carpet for it but is undeterred. For this mystery series, I focus on the story around it rather than the amateur sleuthing because it is so far-fetched in today's society, especially given how volatile people are now and I highly doubt Melanie's questions would be received with only a dark look and vague answers.
I much enjoyed the surrounding plot with her family, the dog shows, the Poodles and the Danes. Given the short suspect list, the red herrings are few and the reasons for killing even fewer.
My thanks to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC.
July 18, 2025
I have been a fan of this series since I read the very first book.
This book definitely kept me guessing until the end, I was shocked by the reveal.
Melanie finds herself wrapped up in yet another murder investigation, which started by her precocious son Kevin asking for a Great Dane!
As Melanie not only investigates the murder, she finds herself fostering Daisy, a great Dane, as well as dealing with her Aunt Peg, who once again crosses the boundaries with her son Davey.
This is a fantastic summer read and I am always happy to recommend this series to other readers.
This book definitely kept me guessing until the end, I was shocked by the reveal.
Melanie finds herself wrapped up in yet another murder investigation, which started by her precocious son Kevin asking for a Great Dane!
As Melanie not only investigates the murder, she finds herself fostering Daisy, a great Dane, as well as dealing with her Aunt Peg, who once again crosses the boundaries with her son Davey.
This is a fantastic summer read and I am always happy to recommend this series to other readers.
September 6, 2025
Melanie has a husband, a teenager, a preschooler, a job, five standard poodles and a little mutt. Then they wind up fostering an older Great Dane after the breeder/owner is murdered. Melanie seems to have had a lot of experience as an amateur sleuth and much of the community are aware of her because of that. This time the victim is a contentious breeder of show dogs and the investigation is twisty but witty. The characters are very well described. Good for a mental workout.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Pub Date Oct 28, 2025 ****review #bookbub #goodreadssss
#DieAnotherDane by @laurien_berenson #MelanieTravisCanineMysteriesBk31 @kensingtonbooks
#dogshows #dogbreeders #family #relationships #cozymystery #parenting #netgalley
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Pub Date Oct 28, 2025 ****review #bookbub #goodreadssss
#DieAnotherDane by @laurien_berenson #MelanieTravisCanineMysteriesBk31 @kensingtonbooks
#dogshows #dogbreeders #family #relationships #cozymystery #parenting #netgalley
Read
November 3, 2025I audiobooked this title. Same reader as before I believe, but Aunt Peg sounded like she had just smoked a pack of cigarettes and downed a few drinks at the bar. What happened to our elegant and dignified Aunt Peg?
November 11, 2025
another wonderful Melanie mystery
Love this series and this book didn’t disappoint. I wasn’t sure who was the murderer till late in the book. Always ready for the next book in the series.
Love this series and this book didn’t disappoint. I wasn’t sure who was the murderer till late in the book. Always ready for the next book in the series.
October 11, 2025
Die Another Dane is a fun cozy mystery and a great continuation of the Melanie Travis Canine Mystery series by Laurien Berenson. Amateur detective Melanie, along with her Aunt Peg, are thrown into the middle of a murder mystery when fellow dog enthusiast Audrey Kane is found dead. Just days before, Melanie had visited Audrey and her champion Great Danes at her home after her son Kevin had shown an interest in the giant breed. Now Audrey has been murdered, and it’s up to Melanie to solve the case.
This is a quick and easy read, an enjoyable mystery that kept me guessing but was not too heavy. As a Great Dane owner myself, I loved the references to these gentle giants. I found Berenson’s description of the Danes and their personalities so accurate!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a quick and easy read, an enjoyable mystery that kept me guessing but was not too heavy. As a Great Dane owner myself, I loved the references to these gentle giants. I found Berenson’s description of the Danes and their personalities so accurate!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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November 4, 2025Another great book in this great series.
November 14, 2025
Die Another Dane
Another enjoyable Melanie Travis novel! It’s always fun to see Melanie and Aunt Peg at work and to see justice prevail.
Another enjoyable Melanie Travis novel! It’s always fun to see Melanie and Aunt Peg at work and to see justice prevail.
November 23, 2025
For the love of a dog
When Kevin decides he needs to meet a Great Dane, Melanie and Aunt Peg know just what to do, even when things get a bit dangerous.
When Kevin decides he needs to meet a Great Dane, Melanie and Aunt Peg know just what to do, even when things get a bit dangerous.
November 17, 2025
great series
August 27, 2025
Die Another Dane by Laurien Berenson
A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery #31
4.1⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.0/5
Cursing: slight (except bitch for female dog)
Format/Source: ebook ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing
Genres/Tropes: cozy mystery
Audience: YA
Setting: Connecticut
Characters: Melanie, Sam, Kevin, Davey, Peg, Audrey, Lara, Ralph, Crawford, Terry, Tasha, Bill, Miranda
👍 short chapters, Great Dane, cozy mystery, figuring out whodunit, family
👎 eating that much cake and staying fit
Description:
After seeing a Great Dane at a dog show, Melanie’s younger son Kevin has become obsessed with the giant breed. Aunt Peg introduces Melanie and her son to Audrey Kane, a charming older woman who breeds and shows the big dogs.
Aware of Melanie’s talent for sleuthing, Audrey asks for her help in finding a missing brooch. She suspects her stepsister Lara. Melanie makes contact with Lara but gets no answers.
When Audrey is found dead in her home, Aunt Peg enlists the help of the local Great Dane Club to foster Audrey’s 10 dogs, one of whom Melanie takes on. To her surprise, Lara comes to her and asks her to solve her stepsister’s murder. From the president of the Great Dane Club to Audrey’s dependable dog-sitter—and not ruling out Lara herself—Melanie soon has more suspects than Audrey had Great Danes. With Aunt Peg’s assistance, she doggedly pursues the killer.
My Opinion:
Laurien pens a cozy mystery with intriguing characters. I am learning that I really appreciate a well-written cozy mystery and this novel doesn't disappoint. The short chapters made for an easy/quick read. I was definitely surprised by whodunit in the novel. I have always had Great Danes, so I also enjoyed reading about all of them in the story. I appreciated that there was very little cursing to pollute the storyline. I was entertained by this novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery story.
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #cozymysterybooks #laurienberenson #booktok #twisty #netgalley
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery #31
4.1⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.0/5
Cursing: slight (except bitch for female dog)
Format/Source: ebook ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing
Genres/Tropes: cozy mystery
Audience: YA
Setting: Connecticut
Characters: Melanie, Sam, Kevin, Davey, Peg, Audrey, Lara, Ralph, Crawford, Terry, Tasha, Bill, Miranda
👍 short chapters, Great Dane, cozy mystery, figuring out whodunit, family
👎 eating that much cake and staying fit
Description:
After seeing a Great Dane at a dog show, Melanie’s younger son Kevin has become obsessed with the giant breed. Aunt Peg introduces Melanie and her son to Audrey Kane, a charming older woman who breeds and shows the big dogs.
Aware of Melanie’s talent for sleuthing, Audrey asks for her help in finding a missing brooch. She suspects her stepsister Lara. Melanie makes contact with Lara but gets no answers.
When Audrey is found dead in her home, Aunt Peg enlists the help of the local Great Dane Club to foster Audrey’s 10 dogs, one of whom Melanie takes on. To her surprise, Lara comes to her and asks her to solve her stepsister’s murder. From the president of the Great Dane Club to Audrey’s dependable dog-sitter—and not ruling out Lara herself—Melanie soon has more suspects than Audrey had Great Danes. With Aunt Peg’s assistance, she doggedly pursues the killer.
My Opinion:
Laurien pens a cozy mystery with intriguing characters. I am learning that I really appreciate a well-written cozy mystery and this novel doesn't disappoint. The short chapters made for an easy/quick read. I was definitely surprised by whodunit in the novel. I have always had Great Danes, so I also enjoyed reading about all of them in the story. I appreciated that there was very little cursing to pollute the storyline. I was entertained by this novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery story.
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #cozymysterybooks #laurienberenson #booktok #twisty #netgalley
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 22, 2025
Kevin wants a Great Dane. Melanie is not exactly on board with this idea but honestly, with 6 dogs, what's one more? She's about to find out!
When Kevin sees his first Great Dane it's love at first sight and (of course) Aunt Peg knows a Great Dane breeder who can introduce the boy to the best examples of the breed. But when breeder, Audrey Kane, asks Melanie to find her stolen brooch things take a turn very quickly and within days Melanie is investigating a lot more than some missing jewelry.
I remember when I first started reading this series. My job was really stressful, and needlessly so (the worst kind where it's difficult not because it's actually hard but because other people choose to make it harder than it needs to be). The highlight of my day was pulling out my phone and reading as I walked to the bathroom farthest away from my office, hiding out in a stall for a few minutes reading about Melanie and little Davey and the lovable little Faith until I had to go back to the real world.
Fortunately I don't work at that awful place anymore but I still love reading about Melanie's midadventures. It almost makes me cry to read about Faith's whitening muzzle and her slower pace. I don't know how Berenson will handle this as the series progresses but I hope she finds a way to make Faith live forever because I think I'll mourn her as much as my own beloved dog who was still energetic and sassy when I started this series but is now long since married and moved away (say what you want about denial). That's what makes this one of my favorite series, it's more than a good story, they're almost like family.
If you're a fan of cozies and a fan of dogs this series is one you can't miss and this book was a great addition to the series. Focusing on Great Danes instead of Poodles gave it a fun new twist and Melanie and Aunt Peg were as fun and quirky as ever. Davey is also turning out to be a pretty great young man.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
When Kevin sees his first Great Dane it's love at first sight and (of course) Aunt Peg knows a Great Dane breeder who can introduce the boy to the best examples of the breed. But when breeder, Audrey Kane, asks Melanie to find her stolen brooch things take a turn very quickly and within days Melanie is investigating a lot more than some missing jewelry.
I remember when I first started reading this series. My job was really stressful, and needlessly so (the worst kind where it's difficult not because it's actually hard but because other people choose to make it harder than it needs to be). The highlight of my day was pulling out my phone and reading as I walked to the bathroom farthest away from my office, hiding out in a stall for a few minutes reading about Melanie and little Davey and the lovable little Faith until I had to go back to the real world.
Fortunately I don't work at that awful place anymore but I still love reading about Melanie's midadventures. It almost makes me cry to read about Faith's whitening muzzle and her slower pace. I don't know how Berenson will handle this as the series progresses but I hope she finds a way to make Faith live forever because I think I'll mourn her as much as my own beloved dog who was still energetic and sassy when I started this series but is now long since married and moved away (say what you want about denial). That's what makes this one of my favorite series, it's more than a good story, they're almost like family.
If you're a fan of cozies and a fan of dogs this series is one you can't miss and this book was a great addition to the series. Focusing on Great Danes instead of Poodles gave it a fun new twist and Melanie and Aunt Peg were as fun and quirky as ever. Davey is also turning out to be a pretty great young man.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
October 12, 2025
Die Another Dane
Laurien Berenson
October 28, 2025
School is out. It’s June in Connecticut. Melanie Travis is at home with her boys Davey and Kevin. She and husband Sam will be at many dog shows on the weekends. Davey is planning on working at Aunt Peg’s house. At the latest dog show with a car load of poodles and equipment to trim and style them Kevin is introduced to a new breed of dog, a Great Dane. He is thrilled with how big these dogs are. He has decided that his folks should get him a Dane puppy. In a process to convince him that these dogs become too big for him to handle, Melanie takes him to a breeder so he can see how large these dogs will become. Frightened at first when he saw them out in the yard he became amazed at watching them run and play. He then went into Audrey’s house. She had just one dog living in the house. The rest of the ten dogs she owns and trains live in the kennel by her house. A tall, very quiet dog came to greet him. He held out his can so she could sniff, with that she came close and gave him a lick with her giant tongue. Kevin was delighted with getting to know Betty.
Die Another Dane will be published on October 28, 2025 by Kensington Cozies. I was able to read and review Berenson’s latest novel in her Melanie Travis Canine Mystery series via NetGalley. I was excited to read another one of her humorous and fun books with tales of kids and Poodles. This one was most exciting for me as it was about the breed of Great Dane. We were parents of an amazing Great Dane mix breed. He was all that Ms. Berenson described in her latest book. Fans will be thrilled with it. Dog lovers should pick up this one, it is a gem!
Laurien Berenson
October 28, 2025
School is out. It’s June in Connecticut. Melanie Travis is at home with her boys Davey and Kevin. She and husband Sam will be at many dog shows on the weekends. Davey is planning on working at Aunt Peg’s house. At the latest dog show with a car load of poodles and equipment to trim and style them Kevin is introduced to a new breed of dog, a Great Dane. He is thrilled with how big these dogs are. He has decided that his folks should get him a Dane puppy. In a process to convince him that these dogs become too big for him to handle, Melanie takes him to a breeder so he can see how large these dogs will become. Frightened at first when he saw them out in the yard he became amazed at watching them run and play. He then went into Audrey’s house. She had just one dog living in the house. The rest of the ten dogs she owns and trains live in the kennel by her house. A tall, very quiet dog came to greet him. He held out his can so she could sniff, with that she came close and gave him a lick with her giant tongue. Kevin was delighted with getting to know Betty.
Die Another Dane will be published on October 28, 2025 by Kensington Cozies. I was able to read and review Berenson’s latest novel in her Melanie Travis Canine Mystery series via NetGalley. I was excited to read another one of her humorous and fun books with tales of kids and Poodles. This one was most exciting for me as it was about the breed of Great Dane. We were parents of an amazing Great Dane mix breed. He was all that Ms. Berenson described in her latest book. Fans will be thrilled with it. Dog lovers should pick up this one, it is a gem!
November 16, 2025
Melanie's younger son Kevin has a new obsession, Great Danes. He saw one at a dog and now that is all he can think about. Her Aunt Peg takes them to meet Audrey Kane a woman who shows and breeds the dogs. While they are visiting Audrey asks for Melanie's help in finding a brooch that has gone missing, she thinks her step sister Lara might have taken it. Melanie will be showing her poodle Plum in an upcoming competition where Lara will be competing as well so maybe she will be able to find some answers. Things take a turn when Audrey is murdered and Lara asks for her help in figuring out who killed her. Melanie dives into investigate and learns that are more than enough suspects to go around. Follow along to see if she can solve the murder before something else bad happens.
August 5, 2025
Die Another Dane is a cute, cozy mystery by Laurien Berenson. This is book 31 in her Melanie Travis series. Melanie has a reputation for solving murder mysteries and this book is no exception. If it weren’t for her youngest son wanting a Great Dane, she might not have been in a position to get involved. But she did get involved when a Great Dane breeder was murdered. I enjoy all the dogs in her books, mostly Standard Poodles. Her two boys are fun with their spunky personalities. If you enjoy dogs and mysteries, I recommend this book as well as the entire series.
October 2, 2025
Extreme Dog Lovers cozy
Ms. Berenson's cozy tale of the life of a family heavily involved in pet show competition is enlightening. A curious mother of two sons, one of whom is special needs cares for their show poodles in their home, all five plus her younger son's mutt.
When another competitor dies, Melanie is drawn into investigating with her Aunt Peg. This tale contains strong family, humor, love, jealousy, spite and competition neatly packaged in an intriguing tale that is a fun read.
I requested and received a NetGalley Arc gratis and give my honest opinion in the same.
Ms. Berenson's cozy tale of the life of a family heavily involved in pet show competition is enlightening. A curious mother of two sons, one of whom is special needs cares for their show poodles in their home, all five plus her younger son's mutt.
When another competitor dies, Melanie is drawn into investigating with her Aunt Peg. This tale contains strong family, humor, love, jealousy, spite and competition neatly packaged in an intriguing tale that is a fun read.
I requested and received a NetGalley Arc gratis and give my honest opinion in the same.
November 25, 2025
A good read, as always
I have read this series since its inception and absolutely love it. Please keep them coming! I always appreciate the author's character building throughout the series. She just lets us get to see a little glimpses of their domestic lives which some books don't. This adds a lovely warmth to the story and gives me more affection for the characters.
What has hato Bernie, Bertie, Melanie's sister-in-law? Haven't seen her in quite a while in this series. She used to be at all the dog shows.
I have read this series since its inception and absolutely love it. Please keep them coming! I always appreciate the author's character building throughout the series. She just lets us get to see a little glimpses of their domestic lives which some books don't. This adds a lovely warmth to the story and gives me more affection for the characters.
What has hato Bernie, Bertie, Melanie's sister-in-law? Haven't seen her in quite a while in this series. She used to be at all the dog shows.
November 30, 2025
Once again Laurien Berenson brought out an engaging tale in the world of Melanie, her family, and Peg. Melanie's youngest son decided he wanted to have a Great Dane, which lead Melanie to have a visit with Audrey and her Great Danes. Sadly, Audrey was found deceased a few days later.
Becoming involved with the mystery, Melanie uncovered the story of Audrey's interactions with a host of characters, including those in the dog show world.
As usual, the ending which uncovered what happened was a bit of a surprise.
Becoming involved with the mystery, Melanie uncovered the story of Audrey's interactions with a host of characters, including those in the dog show world.
As usual, the ending which uncovered what happened was a bit of a surprise.
December 20, 2025
It's summer break for the Travis family and that should mean having a break, chill time, relaxing. But, that never happens in the Travis household and with the temporary addition of one more dog, a Great Dane the size of a small horse and, a murder of course, it's sure to be an eventful time. This one had some interesting connections, a suspect who you never will initially suspect, and how is it that Davey is almost 16 and getting ready to drive?! Yikes, I've been reading this series for a very long time 😁
December 19, 2025
I have been fascinated by Great Danes since seeing The Ugly Dachshund when I was a child. So, learning more about them was so fun. Thanks to Melanie and Aunt Peg for fostering one each! The mystery was good, too. Although I figured it out— motive was key. Loved the last page with Kevin and Bud. I really couldn’t imagine how Daisy would be written out and the end was perfect!
December 2, 2025
A cute, easy read with lots of dogs and kids!
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