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Melanie Travis #25
Game of Dog Bones
Standard Poodle owner Melanie Travis is an excellent judge of dogs—and people. But what happens when an unnamed killer emerges at one of the fiercest all-breed competitions ever?
As Greenwich, Connecticut, slows down during a bitterly cold February, Melanie and her spunky Aunt Peg head to the city that never sleeps for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. Aunt Peg can’t wait to demonstrate her judging chops on national TV, even after being hounded by frustrating mishaps—all seemingly orchestrated by Victor Durbin, an ousted Paugussett Poodle Club member with a bone to pick. But the bright lights of the show ring grow dim when Victor is found murdered, and she’s the one topping the suspect list . . .
Driven to solve the crime on her aunt’s behalf, Melanie fetches hair-raising clues about the victim. Victor didn’t score many friends with his unethical breeding practices, sketchy puppy café, and penchant for mercilessly scamming others to get ahead. He burned so many bridges that his own business partner admits to being delighted by news of his death. It appears Victor finally toyed with the wrong person, and as Melanie digs up more chilling evidence, she realizes that exonerating Aunt Peg means confronting a murderer who’s in it to win it . . .
As Greenwich, Connecticut, slows down during a bitterly cold February, Melanie and her spunky Aunt Peg head to the city that never sleeps for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. Aunt Peg can’t wait to demonstrate her judging chops on national TV, even after being hounded by frustrating mishaps—all seemingly orchestrated by Victor Durbin, an ousted Paugussett Poodle Club member with a bone to pick. But the bright lights of the show ring grow dim when Victor is found murdered, and she’s the one topping the suspect list . . .
Driven to solve the crime on her aunt’s behalf, Melanie fetches hair-raising clues about the victim. Victor didn’t score many friends with his unethical breeding practices, sketchy puppy café, and penchant for mercilessly scamming others to get ahead. He burned so many bridges that his own business partner admits to being delighted by news of his death. It appears Victor finally toyed with the wrong person, and as Melanie digs up more chilling evidence, she realizes that exonerating Aunt Peg means confronting a murderer who’s in it to win it . . .
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2020
127 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Laurien Berenson
58 books846 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 110 reviews
May 8, 2020
I received an advance copy of this book from net galley and the publisher in return for an honest review. Release date for this book is 30 Jun 2020
I absolutely love the Melanie Travis mystery series. I have read every book in this series and love them all. In “ The Game of Dog Bones “ Laurien Berenson continues to provide interesting, fun and relevant stories that keeps the attention of the reader. She delivers wonderful characters that have developed throughout the series yet you can pick up any book and be able to follow along rather smoothly. I can’t wait to read her next story and I hope that there are many more to come
I absolutely love the Melanie Travis mystery series. I have read every book in this series and love them all. In “ The Game of Dog Bones “ Laurien Berenson continues to provide interesting, fun and relevant stories that keeps the attention of the reader. She delivers wonderful characters that have developed throughout the series yet you can pick up any book and be able to follow along rather smoothly. I can’t wait to read her next story and I hope that there are many more to come
May 8, 2020
I absolutely love the Melanie Travis mystery series. I have read every book in this series and love them all. In “ The Game of Dog Bones “ Laurien Berenson continues to provide interesting, fun and relevant stories that keeps the attention of the reader. She delivers wonderful characters that have developed throughout the series yet you can pick up any book and be able to follow along rather smoothly. I can’t wait to read her next story and I hope that there are many more to come.
August 6, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Aunt Peg gets to fulfill her dream when she is asked to judge for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden and be on television. She is even hosting a seminar before her judging. But a former member of her poodle club, Victor Durbin is doing his best to ruin her day by planning his own event at the same time as Peg’s. When the man is later found dead Peg finds herself on the shortlist of suspects. New York is taking its own sweet time with their investigation so Melanie dives into her investigation to clear her Aunt Peg’s name while putting herself in jeopardy.
Visiting the Travis family is always a good time. With a husband, 2 sons, 5 Standard Poodles, 1 spotted mutt, and Aunt Peg, there is never a dull moment. Going with them to the biggest dog show was a real treat. We get a behind the scenes look and see Aunt Peg’s judging techniques in full force. All the human and canine characters really shine within this story. This is the 25th book in this series and the characters all continue to evolve and remain fresh. The dialogues and all interactions are believable and ring true.
In addition to some awesome subplots, the mystery was very well written. The victim truly had his share of enemies and I really enjoyed tailing along with Melanie as she worked her way through all of them. The author’s descriptive writing style takes her readers right into the moments of her characters in a way that keeps the pages rapidly turning. A major event takes place and that was truly my favorite part of the story.
Game of Dog Bones is an excellent addition to this long-running series. Each story reads well as a stand-alone too. It is fun and entertaining and leaves readers panting for the next book.
Aunt Peg gets to fulfill her dream when she is asked to judge for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden and be on television. She is even hosting a seminar before her judging. But a former member of her poodle club, Victor Durbin is doing his best to ruin her day by planning his own event at the same time as Peg’s. When the man is later found dead Peg finds herself on the shortlist of suspects. New York is taking its own sweet time with their investigation so Melanie dives into her investigation to clear her Aunt Peg’s name while putting herself in jeopardy.
Visiting the Travis family is always a good time. With a husband, 2 sons, 5 Standard Poodles, 1 spotted mutt, and Aunt Peg, there is never a dull moment. Going with them to the biggest dog show was a real treat. We get a behind the scenes look and see Aunt Peg’s judging techniques in full force. All the human and canine characters really shine within this story. This is the 25th book in this series and the characters all continue to evolve and remain fresh. The dialogues and all interactions are believable and ring true.
In addition to some awesome subplots, the mystery was very well written. The victim truly had his share of enemies and I really enjoyed tailing along with Melanie as she worked her way through all of them. The author’s descriptive writing style takes her readers right into the moments of her characters in a way that keeps the pages rapidly turning. A major event takes place and that was truly my favorite part of the story.
Game of Dog Bones is an excellent addition to this long-running series. Each story reads well as a stand-alone too. It is fun and entertaining and leaves readers panting for the next book.
April 23, 2021
Meanie and her family and her beautiful standard poodle and a new fixture mutt are back. Book 25 is about Melanie Aunt Peg is going to be judging dogs in the Westminer Dog Show. They first gel Westminer in 1887 in Madison Square Garden in New York. It is a big thing for Aunt Peg to be judging she found out about it in a letter they sent her 2 years ago asking Peg to do it. A man Victor was got outed in a club for breeding poodles with cocker spaniel and shnuzers. In which was crowned lot On in Peg's Club. Well Victor was hosting his club that he founded in the same hotel that Peg was to do seminar. The police thought that Peg was a suspect of his death. I have read these book in series for a long time. I love how Laurien talk about the show dogs in every kind of dogs that are true bred. One of my mom' s friends Chris showed minpins. And I introduced her to these books and Chris said Larien describes the dog show business to a tee. Love these series
June 22, 2020
Game of Dogs Bones by Laurien Berenson is the 25th A Melanie Travis Mystery. I have enjoyed following Melanie Travis as she has solved mysteries since A Pedigree to Die For. Melanie has a happy home life with her husband, Sam and her two children, Davey and Kevin. Their household also has five poodles and one mixed breed who wreaks more havoc than all the poodles combined. I just love Faith, Melanie’s favorite poodle. It is delightful the way Melanie talks to Faith and how the poodle responds. This series contains great characters from Melanie down to little Kevin. I like that the characters continue to develop as the series progresses. Melanie received some advice from her sister-in-law, Bertie and I hope she acts upon it. In Melanie’s household, things are never dull which provides readers with laugh-out-louds moments. We get to visit the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in Game of Dog Bones. I had no clue so much went into dogs shows. All the work that goes into preparing a poodle for the ring is fascinating. Laurien Berenson explains the judging in an easy to understand manner which I appreciate. Laurien Berenson has a lovely writing style that makes each book a joy to read. Her books have a smooth flow, good dialogue, relatable and well-rounded characters, and descriptive sentences that makes the reader feel they are right there in the book. The mystery was thought it with a just the right number of suspects and misdirection. The clues were present, but not obvious. The way the crime was carried out was clever. I liked the reveal which included some unexpected action. Crawford and Terry get married on Valentine’s Day. Terry (who is sporting purple hair) is planning the nuptials. I was surprised that Crawford left it up to the flamboyant Terry. I love how the book ended. Game of Dog Bones can be read as a standalone for those new to A Melanie Travis Mystery series. I am looking forward to reading Howloween when it comes out. Game of Dogs Bones is an entertaining cozy mystery with precious poodles, a wonderful wedding, dog club drama, a vile victim, a clever crime, and an autocratic aunt.
August 2, 2020
I love these books but in this one there was two incidents where dogs weren’t properly cared for . I don’t like to read about that even though I know it’s fiction 🤷🏼♀️
May 15, 2020
Game of Bones
Melanie Travis, Book #25
Laurien Berenson
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Standard Poodle owner Melanie Travis is an excellent judge of dogs—and people. But what happens when an unnamed killer emerges at one of the fiercest all-breed competitions ever?
As Greenwich, Connecticut, slows down during a bitterly cold February, Melanie and her spunky Aunt Peg head to the city that never sleeps for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. Aunt Peg can’t wait to demonstrate her judging chops on national TV, even after being hounded by frustrating mishaps—all seemingly orchestrated by Victor Durbin, an ousted Paugussett Poodle Club member with a bone to pick. But the bright lights of the show ring grow dim when Victor is found murdered, and she’s the one topping the suspect list . . .
Driven to solve the crime on her aunt’s behalf, Melanie fetches hair-raising clues about the victim. Victor didn’t score many friends with his unethical breeding practices, sketchy puppy café, and penchant for mercilessly scamming others to get ahead. He burned so many bridges that his own business partner admits to being delighted by news of his death. It appears Victor finally toyed with the wrong person, and as Melanie digs up more chilling evidence, she realizes that exonerating Aunt Peg means confronting a murderer who’s in it to win it . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoy the fact that Melanie has a family, you get to see her as a mom and all of the things that go into being a mother and wife. Aunt Peg finally gets to be a judge at the Westminster Dog Show. I really enjoyed getting to learn more about the Granddaddy of all dog shows, that was very interesting.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions helped me to feel like I was right there at the dog show, watching all of the action taking place.
The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I thought I knew who the culprit was but I was wrong (which happens a lot).
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Melanie Travis, Book #25
Laurien Berenson
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Standard Poodle owner Melanie Travis is an excellent judge of dogs—and people. But what happens when an unnamed killer emerges at one of the fiercest all-breed competitions ever?
As Greenwich, Connecticut, slows down during a bitterly cold February, Melanie and her spunky Aunt Peg head to the city that never sleeps for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. Aunt Peg can’t wait to demonstrate her judging chops on national TV, even after being hounded by frustrating mishaps—all seemingly orchestrated by Victor Durbin, an ousted Paugussett Poodle Club member with a bone to pick. But the bright lights of the show ring grow dim when Victor is found murdered, and she’s the one topping the suspect list . . .
Driven to solve the crime on her aunt’s behalf, Melanie fetches hair-raising clues about the victim. Victor didn’t score many friends with his unethical breeding practices, sketchy puppy café, and penchant for mercilessly scamming others to get ahead. He burned so many bridges that his own business partner admits to being delighted by news of his death. It appears Victor finally toyed with the wrong person, and as Melanie digs up more chilling evidence, she realizes that exonerating Aunt Peg means confronting a murderer who’s in it to win it . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoy the fact that Melanie has a family, you get to see her as a mom and all of the things that go into being a mother and wife. Aunt Peg finally gets to be a judge at the Westminster Dog Show. I really enjoyed getting to learn more about the Granddaddy of all dog shows, that was very interesting.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions helped me to feel like I was right there at the dog show, watching all of the action taking place.
The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I thought I knew who the culprit was but I was wrong (which happens a lot).
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
August 2, 2020
Solid 4star read. This series keeps getting better and better. Extra star for the wedding
July 1, 2020
To begin with there is not one book in this series I haven’t liked. I have not read every book, but I have read and reviewed a lot of them. When you talk dogs and dog shows and Westminster, you already have me turning the pages. I will also say I have learned a lot about the workings of dog shows from these books. Sort of a behind the scenes view. Sounds all serious but what makes it fun is it’s a cozy too.
Berenson just keeps her characters growing and growing, maturing as they should in a series of 25 stories. She even keeps the dogs growing and aging. As you can imagine there is as much jealousy and politics in dog shows as there is in a beauty pageant. People would almost sneak in fleas to get the other dogs itching and twitching during their time in the ring. Anything to win that prized ribbon. This time Aunt Peg is judging at the BIG show.
Speaking of “this time”, Berenson’s focus on characters was a little different. I didn’t feel we saw or heard from Aunt Peg as much. If you’ve read any of these books, you’ll know Aunt Peg, though loved much, is a pretty commanding presence. I missed her a little but the jokes and asides about her somewhat overbearing, yet loving personality were still there, and Melanie had a new sidekick. Bernie, her sister-in-law. Expanding the family a little brought in a new interest or two, and it all seemed to fit quite well. This time Berenson covered a broad spectrum of life and personalities. It was great. Made the story even more full.
To put it concisely, these are just fun. There’s a new plot every time, and I’ll be glad when Book 26 comes out.
Berenson just keeps her characters growing and growing, maturing as they should in a series of 25 stories. She even keeps the dogs growing and aging. As you can imagine there is as much jealousy and politics in dog shows as there is in a beauty pageant. People would almost sneak in fleas to get the other dogs itching and twitching during their time in the ring. Anything to win that prized ribbon. This time Aunt Peg is judging at the BIG show.
Speaking of “this time”, Berenson’s focus on characters was a little different. I didn’t feel we saw or heard from Aunt Peg as much. If you’ve read any of these books, you’ll know Aunt Peg, though loved much, is a pretty commanding presence. I missed her a little but the jokes and asides about her somewhat overbearing, yet loving personality were still there, and Melanie had a new sidekick. Bernie, her sister-in-law. Expanding the family a little brought in a new interest or two, and it all seemed to fit quite well. This time Berenson covered a broad spectrum of life and personalities. It was great. Made the story even more full.
To put it concisely, these are just fun. There’s a new plot every time, and I’ll be glad when Book 26 comes out.
August 10, 2020
It's hard to believe that this is book 25 in the Melanie Travis Series. This can be read as a stand alone, but I've read most of them and they are all enjoyable, especially to dog loves. The series has progressed over the years and the cozy's are always fresh and exciting. Aunt Peg is going to be a judge at the Westminster Dog Show in New York city this year and the family is all attending her big night. When an obnoxious poodle club president is murdered, Peg becomes a suspect since she kicked him out of her club. Lots of tips on dog raising , especially poodles. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 7, 2020
I came across the Melanie Travis series after a tragedy in my life. Seeing a dog on the cover of one of the books was an easy sell for me as anything with a cute doggy on it wins my heart. As I went from book to book I could immerse myself in the story, the dogs, the mystery, Melanie and her family and friends.
Of course I could hardly wait for this title "Game of Dog Bones" #25! When I got the book I was so happy to read about Aunt Peg, the poodles and the rest of the familiar characters again! It felt like something wonderful and cozy to "put on."
I read these books as slowly as possible in order to enjoy them more, and to hopefully narrow the gap until the time that Berenson publishes the next book in the series.
If you are a fan of good cozy mysteries, and a big fan of dogs and the "dog world" I think you would love this, and any other book in this fabulous series!
Of course I could hardly wait for this title "Game of Dog Bones" #25! When I got the book I was so happy to read about Aunt Peg, the poodles and the rest of the familiar characters again! It felt like something wonderful and cozy to "put on."
I read these books as slowly as possible in order to enjoy them more, and to hopefully narrow the gap until the time that Berenson publishes the next book in the series.
If you are a fan of good cozy mysteries, and a big fan of dogs and the "dog world" I think you would love this, and any other book in this fabulous series!
July 2, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington books for providing the ARC
I have a special liking to books with dogs and I have been enjoying this series for some time now. This book involves the mystery about the murder of aunt peg’s rival. We are also treated to Westminster dog show as Aunt Peg is a judge for one of the events. I enjoyed reading this and I loved Kevin more than anything. He’s funny and adorable. I would love to have Sam being active part of a mystery in future books even though he has been secondary in lot of the later books in the series.
I have a special liking to books with dogs and I have been enjoying this series for some time now. This book involves the mystery about the murder of aunt peg’s rival. We are also treated to Westminster dog show as Aunt Peg is a judge for one of the events. I enjoyed reading this and I loved Kevin more than anything. He’s funny and adorable. I would love to have Sam being active part of a mystery in future books even though he has been secondary in lot of the later books in the series.
January 8, 2021
Way too much detail about dog shows for me.
October 2, 2022
I really enjoyed the plot, but found the narrator too annoying to justify a 5 star rating. Please get a different voice performer for the Audible versions of the books. The books deserve better!
June 30, 2020
I'm never disappointed when I read a book by the extremely talented Laurien Berenson.
Her characters are like my family, Aunt Peg, Sam, Melanie, and of course the boys and the poodles.
This book brought a smile to my face as I accompanied Aunt Peg to Madison Square Garden, where she will be a judge at the Westminster Kennel Dog Show.
Naturally, this book wouldn't be complete without a murder, so when it happens, we know Melanie has to get involved.I
I can't wait until I get my hands on her next book.
Her characters are like my family, Aunt Peg, Sam, Melanie, and of course the boys and the poodles.
This book brought a smile to my face as I accompanied Aunt Peg to Madison Square Garden, where she will be a judge at the Westminster Kennel Dog Show.
Naturally, this book wouldn't be complete without a murder, so when it happens, we know Melanie has to get involved.I
I can't wait until I get my hands on her next book.
July 10, 2020
Melanie Travis is back with poodles, mystery and murder. Aunt Peg is serving as a judge in the ultimate dog show, The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in NYC. Aunt Peg is being harrassed and accosted by Victor Durbin, an unscrupulous man who was ousted from her Paugusset Poodle Club. When he ends up murdered Aunt Peg is a prime suspect and Melanie is once again on the case.
December 18, 2020
Melanie, her family, and Aunt Peg are heading to New York City, where Peg is going to host a seminar on raising and caring for show dogs. Unfortunately, Victor Durbin, who hates Peg and blames her for getting him kicked out of the Paugussett Poodle Club for his unsavory practices with his dogs, has started his own Empire Poodle Club, and has slated his judging to be opposite Peg's seminar, hoping to lure away her guests to watch his judging. But his plans go awry when Peg's seminar is filled, and Melanie, who has slipped away to watch the judging, is confused when she notices that the judge seems 'off' a bit and seemingly giving awards to dogs who aren't, in Melanie's opinion, deserving of the ribbons.
Later on, Victor accosts Aunt Peg and demands that she has a drink with him, even though she asks him to let her go. Eventually Melanie, who can't take it anymore, forces Victor to release her aunt and they go on their way. But the next morning before they are to head to the show, Peg calls Melanieand tells her that Victor has been murdered. When Peg discovers that she's a suspect in the murder, she asks Melanie to sniff around and see if she can figure out who had a motive to kill him. But Melanie doesn't know what she's in for -- it seems everyone hated Victor and had a reason to kill him, including his own godmother...
This is the 25th book in the series, so it's been long-running. While I must admit that there were some earlier books that just couldn't hold my attention (mainly because most of the story was about dog shows and very little about finding a murderer), I am glad to say that this is not the case here. While we learn quite a bit about the show itself, the tale is still focused on the murder.
While Melanie is trying to discover who might be the killer, she learns much about Victor's life, and what she does is distasteful to her and everyone around her. His practices as far as dog breeding were compromising, as well as his relationships with women. Therefore, Melanie has her work cut out for her in trying to find the killer.
Meanwhile, she's still attending the Westminster with her family and watching Aunt Peg as she judges there for the first time. She's also dealing with the upcoming wedding of her friends Crawford and Terry, who are dog handlers, and the fact that Crawford is holding a grudge against Melanie for something she did in an earlier book, which is causing stress in their relationship. But still, this has to be put on the back burner in favor of finding the killer.
But when she asks questions, she might be hitting the wrong notes with some people, and she's trying not to burn her own bridges in the process. When Melanie does finally figure it all out, it's shortly after we've figured it out ourselves, which is not a problem; and finding the murderer's motive is very sad indeed. All in all, a good book that can be read in one evening and I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
Later on, Victor accosts Aunt Peg and demands that she has a drink with him, even though she asks him to let her go. Eventually Melanie, who can't take it anymore, forces Victor to release her aunt and they go on their way. But the next morning before they are to head to the show, Peg calls Melanieand tells her that Victor has been murdered. When Peg discovers that she's a suspect in the murder, she asks Melanie to sniff around and see if she can figure out who had a motive to kill him. But Melanie doesn't know what she's in for -- it seems everyone hated Victor and had a reason to kill him, including his own godmother...
This is the 25th book in the series, so it's been long-running. While I must admit that there were some earlier books that just couldn't hold my attention (mainly because most of the story was about dog shows and very little about finding a murderer), I am glad to say that this is not the case here. While we learn quite a bit about the show itself, the tale is still focused on the murder.
While Melanie is trying to discover who might be the killer, she learns much about Victor's life, and what she does is distasteful to her and everyone around her. His practices as far as dog breeding were compromising, as well as his relationships with women. Therefore, Melanie has her work cut out for her in trying to find the killer.
Meanwhile, she's still attending the Westminster with her family and watching Aunt Peg as she judges there for the first time. She's also dealing with the upcoming wedding of her friends Crawford and Terry, who are dog handlers, and the fact that Crawford is holding a grudge against Melanie for something she did in an earlier book, which is causing stress in their relationship. But still, this has to be put on the back burner in favor of finding the killer.
But when she asks questions, she might be hitting the wrong notes with some people, and she's trying not to burn her own bridges in the process. When Melanie does finally figure it all out, it's shortly after we've figured it out ourselves, which is not a problem; and finding the murderer's motive is very sad indeed. All in all, a good book that can be read in one evening and I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
June 20, 2020
If the title and cover of this book aren’t enough to get your attention, parts of the book take place at the Westminster Dog Show in New York City. Melanie Travis and her family raise and show poodles and Melanie’s Aunt Peg is a show judge. Peg is thrilled to have been asked to be a judge in the non-sporting group at Westminster. She is not going to allow Victor Durbin, a poodle breeder and businessman of questionable ethics ruin her debut as a judge at the prestigious show, even when he accosts her on her way to Madison Square Garden. When Victor is murdered, Peg becomes one of the prime suspects and Melanie can’t say no to launching her own investigation to find the real killer.
I have enjoyed many of the prior books in this long-running series but it’s definitely accessible to new readers. Dog lovers will enjoy the inside look at breeding and showing dogs. I’ve never been to a dog show, but have learned so much about that world through these books. I’ve gotten to know both the human and the canine main characters, but new readers can easily catch up. Melanie is a likable main character who is easy to relate to. She balances being a wife, mother, special needs tutor, dog show participant, and some-time sleuth. The author does a good job of letting the reader see Melanie in all her various roles without any one thing taking over the book.
One of Melanie’s strengths is her loyalty to her friends and family. However, Aunt Peg often gets Melanie mixed up with things she really doesn’t have time for or that are dangerous, like murder investigations! I was glad when Melanie’s sister-in-law calls Melanie out on letting Aunt Peg take advantage of her good nature and am curious to see if Melanie is brave enough to stand up to her bossy aunt in future books. Although she can sometimes be annoying, Aunt Peg is actually on her best behavior in this book. I was rooting for her, hoping her debut as a Westminster Dog show went well.
Throughout this book, we get to know Bertie, Melanie’s sister-in-law, a little better. She is a strong, easy to like character and I was glad to see the important role she played in the search for Victor’s killer. Victor was not a nice person and when the truth about his life and his death comes out, the resolution is surprising and in some ways bittersweet. The book is still a fast-paced fun book to read, but this installment does touch on some very serious subjects. I would rate the book 4.5 stars.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Kensington. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I have enjoyed many of the prior books in this long-running series but it’s definitely accessible to new readers. Dog lovers will enjoy the inside look at breeding and showing dogs. I’ve never been to a dog show, but have learned so much about that world through these books. I’ve gotten to know both the human and the canine main characters, but new readers can easily catch up. Melanie is a likable main character who is easy to relate to. She balances being a wife, mother, special needs tutor, dog show participant, and some-time sleuth. The author does a good job of letting the reader see Melanie in all her various roles without any one thing taking over the book.
One of Melanie’s strengths is her loyalty to her friends and family. However, Aunt Peg often gets Melanie mixed up with things she really doesn’t have time for or that are dangerous, like murder investigations! I was glad when Melanie’s sister-in-law calls Melanie out on letting Aunt Peg take advantage of her good nature and am curious to see if Melanie is brave enough to stand up to her bossy aunt in future books. Although she can sometimes be annoying, Aunt Peg is actually on her best behavior in this book. I was rooting for her, hoping her debut as a Westminster Dog show went well.
Throughout this book, we get to know Bertie, Melanie’s sister-in-law, a little better. She is a strong, easy to like character and I was glad to see the important role she played in the search for Victor’s killer. Victor was not a nice person and when the truth about his life and his death comes out, the resolution is surprising and in some ways bittersweet. The book is still a fast-paced fun book to read, but this installment does touch on some very serious subjects. I would rate the book 4.5 stars.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Kensington. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2020
I'm always ready for a visit with Melanie Travis and her two and four-legged family members! When a dog club president and "puppy cafe"owner, who is not the most popular person is murdered, Melanie takes a special interest in the case because her feisty Aunt Peg is a suspect.
I loved the backdrop of the Westminister Dog Show in New York City. The author has a gift of writing not only mysteries that keep you guessing, characters you grow to love but also the ability to bring the world of professional dog shows into the story without overshadowing the mystery. I feel like I'm right there with Melanie and the poodles! Having Bertie, Melanie's sister-in-law play a larger part in the story was fun- she's one of my favorite characters. Another reason I enjoy the series is that the supporting characters are well-written and relatable.
The mystery was fast-paced and all the pieces fell into place perfectly! If you haven't read the series, I would encourage you to start with the first book. You don't want to miss any of the mysteries that Melanie and the poodles have solved!
I'll be impatiently waiting for the next mystery!
I received a book as a gift from the author with no expectation of a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I loved the backdrop of the Westminister Dog Show in New York City. The author has a gift of writing not only mysteries that keep you guessing, characters you grow to love but also the ability to bring the world of professional dog shows into the story without overshadowing the mystery. I feel like I'm right there with Melanie and the poodles! Having Bertie, Melanie's sister-in-law play a larger part in the story was fun- she's one of my favorite characters. Another reason I enjoy the series is that the supporting characters are well-written and relatable.
The mystery was fast-paced and all the pieces fell into place perfectly! If you haven't read the series, I would encourage you to start with the first book. You don't want to miss any of the mysteries that Melanie and the poodles have solved!
I'll be impatiently waiting for the next mystery!
I received a book as a gift from the author with no expectation of a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
June 30, 2020
Has Melanie Travis put herself in mortal peril this time?
It looks like danger is closing in on Melanie as she takes on solving the murder of Victor Durbin when police put her Aunt Peg on their short list of suspects. Victor has crossed many people over the years, including her Aunt Peg, whose judging assignment at the famous Westminster Dog Show coincides with Victor’s murder at the show site.
As Melanie investigates, she discovers disturbing facts about Victor and his suspicious puppy café, unethical breeding practices and underhanded business dealings. She also finds out before he was expelled from their club, he was less than principled in his contact with women in Melanie and Peg’s beloved Paugussett Poodle Club. That behaviour continued in the new Poodle club Victor founded.
There’s a full litter of suspects for Victor’s murder from his business partner to breeders he’s cheated to women he’s cornered. But someone was willing to make him pay the ultimate price…and Melanie may just be standing between that person and freedom.
Game of Dog Bones delivers everything you expect from author, Laurien Berenson. It’s an engaging read that touches on some very modern issues twisted together with a solid whodunit. Don’t miss a great read in this 25th Melanie Travis mystery.
It looks like danger is closing in on Melanie as she takes on solving the murder of Victor Durbin when police put her Aunt Peg on their short list of suspects. Victor has crossed many people over the years, including her Aunt Peg, whose judging assignment at the famous Westminster Dog Show coincides with Victor’s murder at the show site.
As Melanie investigates, she discovers disturbing facts about Victor and his suspicious puppy café, unethical breeding practices and underhanded business dealings. She also finds out before he was expelled from their club, he was less than principled in his contact with women in Melanie and Peg’s beloved Paugussett Poodle Club. That behaviour continued in the new Poodle club Victor founded.
There’s a full litter of suspects for Victor’s murder from his business partner to breeders he’s cheated to women he’s cornered. But someone was willing to make him pay the ultimate price…and Melanie may just be standing between that person and freedom.
Game of Dog Bones delivers everything you expect from author, Laurien Berenson. It’s an engaging read that touches on some very modern issues twisted together with a solid whodunit. Don’t miss a great read in this 25th Melanie Travis mystery.
July 14, 2020
This is the 25th "Melanie Travis: Mystery by beloved cozy author Laurien Berenson. I have read the entire series and look forward to each new release. Over the decades that the author generously continued this series she has given her readers with love of dogs a great series with charcters we think of as friends in the dog show world. Melanie Travis is a smart savvy protagonist who not only solves mysteries but loves her dogs and her family. We have watched her grow over the years and every new book in this series is a delight.
In this next in series we find Melanie and her wonderful Aunt Peg going to New York City for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Aunt Peg is a experienced judge and will be judging on National TV. Aunt Peg has had a series of mishaps she believes caused by one disgruntled Poodle Club member Victor Durbin. He has been removed from the Poodle club and blames Aunt Peg. When he is found murdered Aunt Peg is the prime suspect and Melanie must put on her best sleuthing abilities to find the true suspect and clear her Aunt. She soon has clues abound and secrets discovered nefarious facts about the victim that may have lead to his murder.
This is a delightful next in series. I love that this book centers around such a prestigious dog show. Melanie and her Aunt Peg make a great team in both showing their poodles and solving crimes. The sleuth is very well crafted and the supporting charcters of the dog world are humorous and eclectic to read about. This is one of my long time cozy mystery favorite series and I wish it would continue forever. Very well done to the author and thank you for continuing this series.
In this next in series we find Melanie and her wonderful Aunt Peg going to New York City for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Aunt Peg is a experienced judge and will be judging on National TV. Aunt Peg has had a series of mishaps she believes caused by one disgruntled Poodle Club member Victor Durbin. He has been removed from the Poodle club and blames Aunt Peg. When he is found murdered Aunt Peg is the prime suspect and Melanie must put on her best sleuthing abilities to find the true suspect and clear her Aunt. She soon has clues abound and secrets discovered nefarious facts about the victim that may have lead to his murder.
This is a delightful next in series. I love that this book centers around such a prestigious dog show. Melanie and her Aunt Peg make a great team in both showing their poodles and solving crimes. The sleuth is very well crafted and the supporting charcters of the dog world are humorous and eclectic to read about. This is one of my long time cozy mystery favorite series and I wish it would continue forever. Very well done to the author and thank you for continuing this series.
July 7, 2020
Laurien Berensen has been writing cozy mysteries since 1995. I have always spending time with her protagonist Melanie, Melanie's son and, of course, Aunt Peg. The dogs also add to the series' charm.
I once went to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show so was intrigued to see that this was a setting in the novel. Of course, though, the show in the book was not like the one that I attended as there is murder. Who killed Victor? Why? Read the book to find out.
If you are a lover of cozies, I recommend the Melanie Travis titles. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
#GameofDogBones #NetGalley
I once went to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show so was intrigued to see that this was a setting in the novel. Of course, though, the show in the book was not like the one that I attended as there is murder. Who killed Victor? Why? Read the book to find out.
If you are a lover of cozies, I recommend the Melanie Travis titles. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
#GameofDogBones #NetGalley
July 7, 2020
I have read all 25 books in the Melanie Travis Mystery series and have thoroughly enjoyed every book!
I think anyone who picks up Laurien Berenson’s latest book will be hooked by her brief description of the Westminster Dog Show! It was as I have always imagined it as being!
I love the way in which her characters have progressed over the years- to her young teenage son and her 4 year old. Every character is just so real!
I truly love this series!
I think anyone who picks up Laurien Berenson’s latest book will be hooked by her brief description of the Westminster Dog Show! It was as I have always imagined it as being!
I love the way in which her characters have progressed over the years- to her young teenage son and her 4 year old. Every character is just so real!
I truly love this series!
June 30, 2020
Dog Show Based Cozy
I love dogs and I love cozy mysteries so I thought that this would be a great fit for me. I was absolutely right. There are more than a few dogs in the story as well as an inside look at dogs in the show ring. The mystery part was just excellent. The author kept me on pins and needles as she figured it all out. I will be looking to read more of this author's books. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
I love dogs and I love cozy mysteries so I thought that this would be a great fit for me. I was absolutely right. There are more than a few dogs in the story as well as an inside look at dogs in the show ring. The mystery part was just excellent. The author kept me on pins and needles as she figured it all out. I will be looking to read more of this author's books. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
July 1, 2020
I've been enjoying this series for years and this was a fun addition A trip to the Westminster dog show, something most of us is probably watched at one time or another was fun to read about. And it's always fun watching this family grow... Davey as a teenager is awesome and 5-year-old Kevin is always a hoot 😂 A light and fun cozy mystery is a good escape amidst these interesting and uncertain times ️😁
June 23, 2020
Aunt Peg is judging the non-sporting group at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! Yay! What a huge honor and it's something she well deserves for her long years of work with poodles. Melanie is thrilled for her. Then, as so often happens to these two- there's a murder, this time of Victor. Victor had a good rep with some poodle people but Aunt Peg felt differently, and they're argued, making her a suspect. As cozy readers can predict, Victor has a backstory and he's not nice, which is especially bad because it involves dogs. You know that Melanie and Aunt Peg will solve the case but you'll be kept guessing as to who did it. I love this series more for the info about dogs and dog shows (great atmospherics) and the family relationships, not only between Melanie and Peg but also with her kids and in this case her sister in law. If you haven't read it before, don't worry about hopping in now- it's completely accessible. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Looking forward to the next one!
November 12, 2024
The story at the beginning is set around the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York. While there a murder happens and Melanie and her Aunt Peg want to know who did it. The book was an easy read.
July 2, 2020
Game of Dogs
As always Laurien Berenson never fails to deliver a great story...she is always developing and ever changing her characters and storylines. I’m always waiting for the next book
As always Laurien Berenson never fails to deliver a great story...she is always developing and ever changing her characters and storylines. I’m always waiting for the next book
July 10, 2020
I'm not reading this series in order. I'm kind of reading it as I can get the books.
This one I think is one of the newer ones, or maybe the newest. I realized that I had a lot of catching up to do on the characters stories. It did not interfere with the story. It was another good mystery with lots of poodles and a few other breeds thrown in. I enjoyed the parts of the dog shows as it added to the story. I'm glad this murder was of someone I was not attached to in the series. A good read with some interesting twists.
This one I think is one of the newer ones, or maybe the newest. I realized that I had a lot of catching up to do on the characters stories. It did not interfere with the story. It was another good mystery with lots of poodles and a few other breeds thrown in. I enjoyed the parts of the dog shows as it added to the story. I'm glad this murder was of someone I was not attached to in the series. A good read with some interesting twists.
June 27, 2020
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I don't know how she does it but Laurien Berenson always writes an entertaining, humorous, "poodleful" book! Her characters are like old friends to me since I've read all of her books. The passion portrayed in Laurien's writing shows as she writes about the poodles, Melanie, Sam, Aunt Peg, Kevin, and Davey. This book will give you laughs and an adventure in murder. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!
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