Killer Cupid - (A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery) by Laurien Berenson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Melanie Travis is taking a much-needed break from the dog show circuit for a romantic Valentine's trip with her husband Sam, but when someone at their cozy Berkshires inn has an unexpected date with death, Melanie must slip into something sleuthier for the weekend . . .

Melanie is delighted at the prospect of three uninterrupted days alone with Sam (and, of course, her prize-winning Standard Poodle, Faith). They're booked at the White Birch Inn, a picturesque New England resort nestled at the foot of a snow-covered mountain. The inn has a full slate of couples activities planned for the busy Valentine's weekend, but the first night of festivities feature an event that isn't on the program: murder.

As a person of interest in the case, Melanie tries to sneak a little detective work into her romantic getaway. But with the resort nearly sold out for the holiday weekend, there's no shortage of suspects, and Melanie's secret sleuthing is already attracting the wrong kind of attention. Her Valentine's trip is heating up faster than the chocolate fondue . . . just not in the way Melanie hoped. But if she doesn't catch the cold-hearted killer soon, another innocent victim will get the kiss of death . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for Laurien Berenson and her Melanie Travis Canine Mysteries

"Toxic treats spell trouble for a school secretary at Halloween...once Melanie starts digging, she discovers a treasure trove of microaggressions and petty grievances in this quiet corner of Connecticut, with motives aplenty for murder. A quick and tasty tale of sabotage in the suburbs." --Kirkus Reviews on Howloween Murder

"When a new book by Laurien Bereson comes out, I'm on it like a dog on a liver treat...not only do readers get a diverting story, they also get lots of behind-the-scenes intel on dog shows and the main character's preferred breed." --The Bark on Bite Club

"Anyone who has not read Berenson should venture into this cute and humorous mystery. The reader will feel they are a part of the story whether investigating the murder, playing with the darling puppies, or setting up holiday decorations." --The Military Press on Here Comes Santa Paws

"Filled with more dogs, more fun, and more mystery, this cozy is the perfect summer read." --Modern Dog on Bite Club

"Bite Club is another satisfying title in Berenson's Canine Mystery series. Boomer, Lilly and I give it our highest rating--ten dog biscuits!" --Suspense Magazine

"Dog-loving mystery fans will welcome another Christmas caper featuring Melanie, Aunt Peg, and their Poodles."--Library Journal on Wagging Through the Snow

"Well-drawn characters, especially Melanie and her acerbic aunt, contribute to the appeal here, along with the warm, sometimes humorous scenes of family life. Melanie's beloved six dogs are woven throughout the holiday-themed cozy, which will appeal to readers of Susan Conant's Holly Winter mysteries and Barbara Allan's Trash 'n' Treasures series." --Booklist on Wagging Through the Snow

"This exciting Christmas whodunit is a great book to curl up with at any time of the year, and is one that is sure to keep you on your toes!" --Modern Dog

"Berenson weaves together mystery, humor, dogs (of course!) and the effects of homelessness and alcoholism on families to create a short but sweet holiday tale." --Philadelphia Daily News on Wagging Through the Snow

"Cozy mysteries may have cats galore to charm their readers, but dog lovers are well served by Berenson's sweet series."--Publishers Weekly on Ruff Justice

"This long-running series continues to appeal with its combination of an always sprightly pace, a realistically harried but quick-thinking heroine, and a wealth of fascinating details about the dog show world." --Booklist on The Bark Before Christmas

"Melanie's engaging narration, with its slightly sarcastic flair, makes her utterly relatable. Fans will roll over with joy, and new cozy readers will likely scoop up the rest of the series." --Publishers Weekly on Death of a Dog Whisperer

"A tasty tale full of twisty turns and fun treats. Highly recommended." - Suspense Magazine on Howloween Murder

About the Author

Laurien Berenson is the bestselling author of the Melanie Travis Canine Mysteries and the Senior Sleuths Mystery Series. An Agatha and Macavity finalist, she's a four-time winner of the Maxwell Award, presented by the Dog Writers Association of America. She and her husband live on a farm in Kentucky surrounded by dogs and horses. Visit her online at LaurienBerenson.com.