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Melanie Travis #14
Hounded to Death
Melanie Travis thought her visit to a rustic Pocono Mountains resort would offer some well-earned relaxation even though it meant leaving her family and her beloved Poodle Faith behind. That was before she discovered the corpse in the inn's secluded hot tub. Now, she's sniffing out the trail of a killer as frightened guests and the police howl for swift justice.
As the dog days of summer turn to the playful nip of autumn's chill, Melanie Travis is ready for a little relaxation. Her Aunt Peg has the perfect solution--a five day symposium for dog show judges in Pennsylvania's idyllic Pocono Mountains. While Peg and Melanie's sister-in-law Bertie welcome the opportunity to socialize with the dog world's elite, pregnant Melanie embraces the chance to simply unwind. Aunt Peg also plans a little face time with her new online beau Richard Donner, but the rendezvous isn't smooth because Richard never travels without his mother, the redoubtable Florence Donner, who keeps a Chihuahua in her purse and her son on a very short leash.
When renowned judge, Charles Evans, delivers a keynote address that irritates many of the attendees, the symposium's agenda takes a deadly turn. Later that evening, the judge is found floating face-down in the outdoor hot tub.
With few clues to go on, the police are baffled. Melanie decides to take matters into her own hands, suspecting that a cold-blooded murderer may lurk among her fellow dog lovers. Now the guests' tongues are wagging anf Melanie must find someone whose bark is actually far worse than their bite.
As the dog days of summer turn to the playful nip of autumn's chill, Melanie Travis is ready for a little relaxation. Her Aunt Peg has the perfect solution--a five day symposium for dog show judges in Pennsylvania's idyllic Pocono Mountains. While Peg and Melanie's sister-in-law Bertie welcome the opportunity to socialize with the dog world's elite, pregnant Melanie embraces the chance to simply unwind. Aunt Peg also plans a little face time with her new online beau Richard Donner, but the rendezvous isn't smooth because Richard never travels without his mother, the redoubtable Florence Donner, who keeps a Chihuahua in her purse and her son on a very short leash.
When renowned judge, Charles Evans, delivers a keynote address that irritates many of the attendees, the symposium's agenda takes a deadly turn. Later that evening, the judge is found floating face-down in the outdoor hot tub.
With few clues to go on, the police are baffled. Melanie decides to take matters into her own hands, suspecting that a cold-blooded murderer may lurk among her fellow dog lovers. Now the guests' tongues are wagging anf Melanie must find someone whose bark is actually far worse than their bite.
295 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
207 people are currently reading
541 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 67 reviews
September 21, 2013
I have enjoyed every Melanie Travis Mystery by Laurien Berenson. Melanie, her sister-n-law Bertie and Aunt Peg go to the Pocono Mountains for a five-day symposium for dog show judges. Aunt Peg is the only dog show judge but the other two decided to go along to hear other speeches. In this book Melanie is pregnant and it brought a different element into the storyline. I was surprised the standard poodles were not in this book only when Melanie called husband Sam. I love standard poodles but was not disappointed. I love all dogs and Aunt Peg managed to rescue a stray German Shepard she named Walter. There was one character in Hounded To Death that I disliked in the beginning but as the story went on I loved her tough interior. Florence was an elderly woman whose son was to meet Aunt Peg in person for some dates at the symposium. Florence was very protective and a bit odd to be so protective over her grown son. As the story went on she became my hero and a delightful lady. I did not figure out who the killer was until the author let me know.
September 12, 2016
This is the fourteenth book in this series. Melanie Travis is a full time Special Education teacher and a part time sleuth. She shows Standard Poodles with her Aunt Peg in the local dog show circuit. She has married her long time boyfriend and is expecting a baby. With time off for fall break, she accompanies her Aunt Peg and her sister in law Bertie for a dog show conference. Melanie is looking forward to a week of relaxation. The conference has barely started when the keynote speaker is found dead after he gives a contraversial speech. Everyone's feathers are ruffled but who was angry enough to kill him? Melanie has another mystery on her hands to figure out and solve.
May 13, 2020
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This book was spicy! It was juicy, full of gossip, mysterious, and quite thrilling at times. The book was paced absolutely perfectly and I couldn't ask for a better mix of action, dog information, gossip, and sweet moments. I would have to say that this is one of my favorites in the series.
Melanie is pregnant in this book and so takes her fall break (I wish I had fall break in elementary and middle school) to go to a judges conference in the Poconos with her aunt Peg and Bertie! I always enjoy reading about the relationship between these three strong ladies and was really happy that this whole book centered around them. Aunt Peg's character as always is strong and oppinionated, and this isn't showcased better than when she talks about her online boyfriend Richard, whom she plans on meeting at the conference. Bertie is along for the ride to get away from the pressures of motherhood as well as to gain valuable information about judging, meet new people, and spend time with Melanie.
The plot was really interesting because of Peg's venture into online dating, Melanie's struggles with pregnancy, and of course the very juicy mystery. The keynote speaker at the conference turns up dead, but the most interesting part about it is that he's found naked in a hottub. It's up to Melanie to sort out who killed the judge and to find out why they did it. The mystery is not lacking in suspects, intrigue, and twists. There are many motives and suspects and there are quite a few turns. Adding a pregnant Melanie to the mix only added to the suspense for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery in this book and thought it was the best out of the mysteries so far as it was extremely well-written and all aspects were interesting.
Overall, I think this book was one of the best in the series and I loved everything about it from the mystery to the characters to the politics.
This book was spicy! It was juicy, full of gossip, mysterious, and quite thrilling at times. The book was paced absolutely perfectly and I couldn't ask for a better mix of action, dog information, gossip, and sweet moments. I would have to say that this is one of my favorites in the series.
Melanie is pregnant in this book and so takes her fall break (I wish I had fall break in elementary and middle school) to go to a judges conference in the Poconos with her aunt Peg and Bertie! I always enjoy reading about the relationship between these three strong ladies and was really happy that this whole book centered around them. Aunt Peg's character as always is strong and oppinionated, and this isn't showcased better than when she talks about her online boyfriend Richard, whom she plans on meeting at the conference. Bertie is along for the ride to get away from the pressures of motherhood as well as to gain valuable information about judging, meet new people, and spend time with Melanie.
The plot was really interesting because of Peg's venture into online dating, Melanie's struggles with pregnancy, and of course the very juicy mystery. The keynote speaker at the conference turns up dead, but the most interesting part about it is that he's found naked in a hottub. It's up to Melanie to sort out who killed the judge and to find out why they did it. The mystery is not lacking in suspects, intrigue, and twists. There are many motives and suspects and there are quite a few turns. Adding a pregnant Melanie to the mix only added to the suspense for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery in this book and thought it was the best out of the mysteries so far as it was extremely well-written and all aspects were interesting.
Overall, I think this book was one of the best in the series and I loved everything about it from the mystery to the characters to the politics.
May 16, 2022
I find pet mysteries are hit or miss, but I rather enjoyed this one. I did find her constant refrain regarding her pregnancy to be annoying, but I just pushed those to the back of my brain. A dog show judge is offed after making a controversial speech at a symposium and the question is why. Is it because of his speech? Is it because he may be unfaithful? An interesting whodunit without a complete menagerie of animals (and thank god none of them talk!)
February 12, 2017
My commitment to myself is to wrangle control of my series in progress books. Even being gone from this series for a few years it felt like coming back home They are centered in the dog world of training, raising and showing breeds across mostly the east coast. In this installment the dogd stay home and the girls ( Melanie, Bertie and Aunt Peg) head to the Poconos for a dogless convention. It is suppose to be relaxng and educational. After Charles gives a speech that turns this dog world upside down and has people taking sides you know a murder is around the corner. I have learned with cozies that a murder will occur offscene and everyday people will solve it. Even with that this is an enjoyable series just to read enjoy and learn a little about dogs.
May 9, 2017
Melanie Travis, Aunt Peg and Melanie's sister-in-law are heading for a canine symposium and also hoping to get a little R & R thrown in, but when the key address speaker winds up dead in a hot tub Melanie has to forego the comfort. I really enjoy the "Melanie Travis Canine Mystery" series. Always good stories and characters and I like that Melanie goes through life changes as the series moves forward. I recommend starting from the first book, "A Pedigree to Die For".
January 9, 2021
This takes place in Pennsylvania. The story is about a dog symposium, an animal rights activist, murder, and an abandoned dog. There is also a doomed romance. I found that a bit funny. I didn't think it would end the way it did, though. The abandoned dog part of the story was interesting, but I wanted more than was in the story. The rest of the story was okay. I thought that would end differently, too.
February 12, 2018
Really didn't like this one as much as the others in the series. Even the most recent book (Doggie Day Care Murder?) was more enjoyable. I don't think the main and recurring characters are really acting as we've come to expect them to behave. The motivations seem a bit muddy and indistinct.
February 28, 2019
This book is typical of this series: easy and quick read, decent mystery, probably counts as a cozy, relatable characters, dog show and dogs setting. Great for lovers of dogs and mystery stories. The author writes well, creating believable characters, story lines, settings and mysteries.
November 20, 2017
I really liked the departure from their day-to-day life. Very interesting and very nice setting.
June 18, 2021
I liked this one. It was fun seeing the girls go away together. Of course, my favorite part was Walter!
November 10, 2023
I am really enjoying this entertaining series. It's a "cozy" and a quick light-hearted read. There is always character growth and development and story advancement. And with this book, we step away from the dog show focus and have Melanie taking a much-needed vacation, AND it is Fall Break at school! Her poodles have to stay home too - no dogs allowed. And her boys need some bonding time together without her - she is four months pregnant, and the hormones are in full bloom.
Melanie's Aunt Peg has suggested a trip to an inn in the Poconos in Pennsylvania to attend the 1st annual Rockwell Mountain Symposium for five days. Along for the ride is Melanie's best friend and sister-in-law, Bertie. At the symposium there will be lectures, panels, and a wealth of knowledge for dog show judges and aspiring judges. The renowned judge and keynote speaker will be Charles Evans (Terriers). He will speak on the future of dog shows and there are rumors that it will be controversial. Aunt Peg is also excited because she has a new boyfriend that she met and corresponds with on the internet, and she will meet him for the first time at the event!
At a reception the first night, Aunt Peg finally meets Richard Donner who is accompanied by his mother Florence. They travel together everywhere. Melanie discovers early on that Florence is breaking the rules about no dogs allowed by carrying her pet Chihuahua, Buttons, in her large purse. She turns out to be a helicopter mom and keeps Richard on a short leash. She's also manipulative and tries to come between Peg and Richard and break up their friendship.
At the keynote speech, Charles sides with the animal activists who feel purebred show dogs are now genetically bred for human entertainment and are far removed from their original functions and usefulness as working dogs. He angers the audience by basically calling for the abolishment of dog shows. His wife, Caroline, walks out on the speech. Later, Melanie and Aunt Peg, are taking a walk trying to find a stray German Shepherd that Melanie had spotted earlier on a walk, when they come upon Charles Evans floating naked and face-down in an outdoor hot tub. The police are baffled, of course, so several people ask Melanie to investigate, because they have heard of her reputation for sleuthing. Caroline demands she search for who killed her husband; and Margo, the symposium organizer wants immediate answers, so her event won't be ruined. Melanie, herself, "doesn't like talking to police because they tend to take the most innocent assertions, turn them around, and make them sound like something incriminating or stupid".
Subplots include:
- There is a rumor that an esteemed judge is taking bribes in exchange for wins. Is he at the symposium?
- Out on a walk, Melanie encounters a stray German Shepherd who is scared and thin-looking. He runs away as she approaches. Aunt Peg is all for rescuing him. When she finds him, she coaxes him to her room, and they begin to bond. She names him Walter.
There is a plethora of suspects which include:
- Alana Bennett is blond, beautiful, and a bit of a flit and a friend of Bertie's who distorts everything to make herself look good. Was she having an affair with Charles?
- Margo Deline - she was angry at Charles for turning her symposium into a platform for his own unpopular views. She wants answers so she can rectify the damage he did in his speech.
- Derek Ryan (Beagles) - did he have some unfinished business with Charles?
- Tubby Mathis (Hounds) - did Charles know something about Tubby and his judging that got him killed? Why is he at the symposium?
- Rosalyn Arnold - Charles rejected her membership application in the Bedminster Kennel Club. Why? Is she out for revenge?
- Carolyn (Sporting Dogs), Charles wife, did she know of his affair?
- Florence Donner - She wanted to be the keynote speaker instead of Charles. She later gets hit over the head, but Buttons unknowingly saves the day. She starts rumors that Peg did it to her.
- Marshall Beckham (Bichons) - because of his hero worship, he felt let down at Charles speech. Was it enough to kill him?
The climax has Melanie and Bertie in danger of losing their lives. It's very suspenseful and, in the back of my mind, I kept thinking about Melanie's pregnancy - will this affect the baby? This book has humor supplied through Melanie's thoughts and reactions, but the best comic relief comes from her phone calls home. Davey is coming up with names for the new baby and some of them are doozies. What are Sam and Davey doing to surprise her when she comes home? This series is a highly recommended read.
Melanie's Aunt Peg has suggested a trip to an inn in the Poconos in Pennsylvania to attend the 1st annual Rockwell Mountain Symposium for five days. Along for the ride is Melanie's best friend and sister-in-law, Bertie. At the symposium there will be lectures, panels, and a wealth of knowledge for dog show judges and aspiring judges. The renowned judge and keynote speaker will be Charles Evans (Terriers). He will speak on the future of dog shows and there are rumors that it will be controversial. Aunt Peg is also excited because she has a new boyfriend that she met and corresponds with on the internet, and she will meet him for the first time at the event!
At a reception the first night, Aunt Peg finally meets Richard Donner who is accompanied by his mother Florence. They travel together everywhere. Melanie discovers early on that Florence is breaking the rules about no dogs allowed by carrying her pet Chihuahua, Buttons, in her large purse. She turns out to be a helicopter mom and keeps Richard on a short leash. She's also manipulative and tries to come between Peg and Richard and break up their friendship.
At the keynote speech, Charles sides with the animal activists who feel purebred show dogs are now genetically bred for human entertainment and are far removed from their original functions and usefulness as working dogs. He angers the audience by basically calling for the abolishment of dog shows. His wife, Caroline, walks out on the speech. Later, Melanie and Aunt Peg, are taking a walk trying to find a stray German Shepherd that Melanie had spotted earlier on a walk, when they come upon Charles Evans floating naked and face-down in an outdoor hot tub. The police are baffled, of course, so several people ask Melanie to investigate, because they have heard of her reputation for sleuthing. Caroline demands she search for who killed her husband; and Margo, the symposium organizer wants immediate answers, so her event won't be ruined. Melanie, herself, "doesn't like talking to police because they tend to take the most innocent assertions, turn them around, and make them sound like something incriminating or stupid".
Subplots include:
- There is a rumor that an esteemed judge is taking bribes in exchange for wins. Is he at the symposium?
- Out on a walk, Melanie encounters a stray German Shepherd who is scared and thin-looking. He runs away as she approaches. Aunt Peg is all for rescuing him. When she finds him, she coaxes him to her room, and they begin to bond. She names him Walter.
There is a plethora of suspects which include:
- Alana Bennett is blond, beautiful, and a bit of a flit and a friend of Bertie's who distorts everything to make herself look good. Was she having an affair with Charles?
- Margo Deline - she was angry at Charles for turning her symposium into a platform for his own unpopular views. She wants answers so she can rectify the damage he did in his speech.
- Derek Ryan (Beagles) - did he have some unfinished business with Charles?
- Tubby Mathis (Hounds) - did Charles know something about Tubby and his judging that got him killed? Why is he at the symposium?
- Rosalyn Arnold - Charles rejected her membership application in the Bedminster Kennel Club. Why? Is she out for revenge?
- Carolyn (Sporting Dogs), Charles wife, did she know of his affair?
- Florence Donner - She wanted to be the keynote speaker instead of Charles. She later gets hit over the head, but Buttons unknowingly saves the day. She starts rumors that Peg did it to her.
- Marshall Beckham (Bichons) - because of his hero worship, he felt let down at Charles speech. Was it enough to kill him?
The climax has Melanie and Bertie in danger of losing their lives. It's very suspenseful and, in the back of my mind, I kept thinking about Melanie's pregnancy - will this affect the baby? This book has humor supplied through Melanie's thoughts and reactions, but the best comic relief comes from her phone calls home. Davey is coming up with names for the new baby and some of them are doozies. What are Sam and Davey doing to surprise her when she comes home? This series is a highly recommended read.
May 26, 2025
Here we are again with our favorite dog breeders/handlers, Melanie, Peg, and Bertie. Only this time instead of heading to a dog show, they're on the way to a judging symposium in the Poconos.
Also, Peg is planning to finally meet the (younger) man she's been corresponding with on the internet. She does in fact meet him....and his mother. The mother is NOT PLEASED with this budding relationship and tries to persuade Melanie to ask her Aunt Peg to "leave Richard alone." Obviously, Florence doesn't know Aunt Peg.
As if this wasn't enough, Melanie finds a stray dog who runs away when Melanie tries to approach him. When she discloses this to Peg, nothing will do but that Melanie, Peg, and Bertie go out and try to find this dog. They don't find the dog, but they do find a dead body. Melanie has every intention of STAYING OUT OF THIS. She's four months' pregnant and has no desire to get involved this time. However, her reputation has preceded her and several people ask/demand that she try to solve the case. And so, it begins. This was a very enjoyable read, but I missed Faith and Eve being involved.
Can't wait for the next edition.
Also, Peg is planning to finally meet the (younger) man she's been corresponding with on the internet. She does in fact meet him....and his mother. The mother is NOT PLEASED with this budding relationship and tries to persuade Melanie to ask her Aunt Peg to "leave Richard alone." Obviously, Florence doesn't know Aunt Peg.
As if this wasn't enough, Melanie finds a stray dog who runs away when Melanie tries to approach him. When she discloses this to Peg, nothing will do but that Melanie, Peg, and Bertie go out and try to find this dog. They don't find the dog, but they do find a dead body. Melanie has every intention of STAYING OUT OF THIS. She's four months' pregnant and has no desire to get involved this time. However, her reputation has preceded her and several people ask/demand that she try to solve the case. And so, it begins. This was a very enjoyable read, but I missed Faith and Eve being involved.
Can't wait for the next edition.
January 4, 2019
Another win in a fun setting. How does the author keep this up and not lose me? I'm hooked. These mysteries are fun and so well crafted.
I feel like this series is different than most series I've read. I feel like I'm along for the ride - in the backseat in the car, at an extra chair in the kitchen sharing coffee, walking in the group of friends at the show - in the life of Melanie. I can now see that the books I have left are fewer than the ones I've already read and that makes me a little sad. However, I don't see any signs of Laurien Berenson letting up on her adventures. I hope Melanie's adventures continue for many, many years to come.
I feel like this series is different than most series I've read. I feel like I'm along for the ride - in the backseat in the car, at an extra chair in the kitchen sharing coffee, walking in the group of friends at the show - in the life of Melanie. I can now see that the books I have left are fewer than the ones I've already read and that makes me a little sad. However, I don't see any signs of Laurien Berenson letting up on her adventures. I hope Melanie's adventures continue for many, many years to come.
March 28, 2019
Melanie, dog owner/wife/mother, is pregnant. Her husband Sam suggests she go way with Aunt Peg and Bertie, her sister-in-law to a conference for dog owners and judges. It is meant to be a relaxing mini-vacation.
The first full day, one of the prominent judges if found naked in the hot tub -dead. Melanie and group find the victim. While trying to attend sessions and rest, Melanie asks questions and tries to figure out who the killer is.
There are lots of books in this series, but they are always enjoyable and fun to read.
The first full day, one of the prominent judges if found naked in the hot tub -dead. Melanie and group find the victim. While trying to attend sessions and rest, Melanie asks questions and tries to figure out who the killer is.
There are lots of books in this series, but they are always enjoyable and fun to read.
August 24, 2018
I think my lack of satisfaction with this book reflects more on me than on the author--I like my amateur sleuths to work a bit harder, and for there to be more clues. For the mystery to unravel because of gossip and a conversation being overheard feels cheap--but this is par for the course in the cozy mystery genre. My favourite character was Button the chihuahua.
June 14, 2017
This one felt more slight even than most of these, which is okay with me right now. I'm enjoying the competent fluff! The mystery is pretty lackluster, so this is all about hanging out with old friends.
March 30, 2019
Kind of meandered. I always enjoy the dog focus of this series - in particular, the training and training tips, and dog show insights. There were far fewer of these in this book. Still, character development continued and I look forward to reading the next book in this very enjoyable series.
May 28, 2020
For a cat lover, I'm definitely enjoying this author's dog showing series. But it's a mystery. And I do love mysteries. Did not have the culprit pegged, but that's okay. Writing is good, story line is good, maybe I'm just not good at solving the problem of following all the interwoven lines!
January 31, 2021
Melanie and Bertie go to a symposium with Aunt Peg thinking they will have a nice relaxing vacation. You know they have to solve a murder while they are there!!! This book series has great characters and always good stories!!
March 8, 2017
Review to come
June 5, 2017
Not my favorite in the series. However, I still enjoyed it.
November 11, 2017
Another good one!
Being a dog show person myself I always enjoy Laurien Berenson's books. This one did not disappoint! Not a lot of meat but a fun read!
Being a dog show person myself I always enjoy Laurien Berenson's books. This one did not disappoint! Not a lot of meat but a fun read!
November 12, 2017
Fun with other breeds at a conference center. Pregnancy becomes a great excuse.
February 8, 2019
Walter!
February 20, 2019
What fun!
I felt like I knew the people in the book. The storyline kept me turning the pages. High spirited book.
I felt like I knew the people in the book. The storyline kept me turning the pages. High spirited book.
February 21, 2019
Enjoyable book
This book was full of information about dog shows. I enjoyed the plot of this mystery. I would like to read more from this author
This book was full of information about dog shows. I enjoyed the plot of this mystery. I would like to read more from this author
April 2, 2019
Dog lovers special
Really good book and interesting characters both human and canine
I'd like to read the rest of this
Well written.
Really good book and interesting characters both human and canine
I'd like to read the rest of this
Well written.
November 10, 2019
What a cute story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews