"With a new litter of Standard Poodles on the way and her sons enrolled at the Graceland School's summer camp, it's shaping up to be a vibrant July in Greenwich, Connecticut for dog show champ and amateur sleuth Melanie Travis. But Melanie's busy life shows no signs of slowing down for the dog days of summer--especially when the arrival of three rambunctious Dalmatian puppies sets off a series of mysterious events ... While usually protective, Melanie feels comfortable sending her sons to the Graceland School's summer camp ...
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"With a new litter of Standard Poodles on the way and her sons enrolled at the Graceland School's summer camp, it's shaping up to be a vibrant July in Greenwich, Connecticut for dog show champ and amateur sleuth Melanie Travis. But Melanie's busy life shows no signs of slowing down for the dog days of summer--especially when the arrival of three rambunctious Dalmatian puppies sets off a series of mysterious events ... While usually protective, Melanie feels comfortable sending her sons to the Graceland School's summer camp for two reasons: The institution is well-regarded and proprietor Emily Grace is a trusted friend. But Emily has been acting strange since three rambunctious Dalmatian puppies suddenly appeared on her doorstep. The unusual arrival marks the first of several mysterious happenings at camp, each more intense than the last. Emily's rough streak takes a frightening turn with a discovery in the nearby woods--the body of her estranged ex-husband"--
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Summer in Greenwich, Connecticut means summer camp at the Graceland School. This year Kevin will be a camper and Davey will be a counselor. Emily Grace, the owner of the school is a good friend of Melanie's but she didn't know her friend had been gifted 3 Dalmatian puppies. Puppies who somehow escaped from their outdoor enclosure and were running free. It is clear to Melanie that Emily doesn't understand the training and care needed for the pups but Melanie is willing to help her learn.
As the first week of camp continues some strange things happen. Things that could have been quite dangerous. Then a neighbor makes a ghastly discovery in the woods near the school. A dead body that is quickly identified at Emily's ex-husband. Could he have been responsible for the strange series of events? Of course, the police immediately cast Emily as the killer much to Melanie's dismay. She knows she needs to help her friend and Aunt Peg feels she can help especially where the pups are concerned. They all just need to be careful not to become the killer's next targets.
I love checking in with the Travis family. There is always a lot going on in their lives well before the dead body makes an appearance. I was so pleased to see that the poodle that Davey has been showing continues to do well and that his confidence has grown enough for him to stand up for his abilities to Aunt Peg and do it in a respectable way. I would expect no less from this young man that has grown up before our eyes. Melanie and Sam have done an excellent job raising their boys and the passel of loveable dogs in their care. Melanie has to juggle a lot as she tries to help Emily and Sam is a wonderful husband ready to pick up whatever slack that arises. The author has created a fantastic family unit. I always enjoy dropping by to see what they are up to.
Ms. Berenson has also penned an excellent mystery. Melanie's life gets very entangled in her investigation even reaching into the dog show world. I loved all the twists and turns so much especially as we got closer to the big reveal. There were several viable suspects to work through. I had a little inkling toward the real guilty party but was still taken aback when everything was all spelled out.
Of course, again the settings were beautiful even though some were a little damp due to rain. The school grounds sounded idyllic and a great place for summer camp. It rained during a dog show and it was fun to see how much exhibitors went through to keep the dogs show-ready under those conditions. There was a funny moment when one dog wanted nothing to do with that rain at all. There were many other humorous passages as well.
One part that I love about every book in this series is Melanie's relationship with her poodle Faith. She talks to her dog and Faith seems to understand. The dog's feelings are portrayed so beautifully when she is left behind at home or when Melanie takes her along or on a walk. It sets each story in a delightfully believable way. Any true animal lover talks to their pets and is able to read their pet's thoughts and wishes. The pure joy emitted by Faith when Melanie enters the house matches the joy all our dogs feel when they welcome us home. She is so lucky to be able to take Faith to so many places with her. She truly is a special pup.
Pup Fiction is a marvelous addition to this series. I just can't get enough of Melanie and her family. I am now all caught up on the series and ready for Show Me the Bunny releasing later this month.
Kristina
Aug 9, 2021
A boisterous cozy mystery!
Pup Fiction by Laurien Berenson is the 27th A Melanie Travis Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to this engaging cozy mystery series. I could not wait to get my hands on Pup Fiction. I enjoy following the harried Melanie Travis on her adventures. Melanie Travis is a busy wife and mother with a summer free of work. Melanie is hoping for a relaxing summer, but it does not take long to discover that will not be happening. In addition to incidents happening at the school camp, Davey is busy trying to get the final points for Aunt Pegââ?¬â?¢s Standard Poodle, Coral whom he is handling. He needs two ââ?¬Å"majorsââ?¬Â? to finish off Coralââ?¬â?¢s competition days. I like the characters in this series which include Melanieââ?¬â?¢s kind husband Sam, Kevin, Davey, Faith (Melanieââ?¬â?¢s faithful companion), and the formidable Aunt Peg. I wish I had a fifth of Aunt Pegââ?¬â?¢s energy. The whodunit was crafty and thought out. It was clever how the Dalmatians were interlaced into the mystery. There are several suspects, subtle clues, and misdirection. I had fun solving this whodunit. I loved all the action which kept the story rapidly moving toward the conclusion. The family sections are some of my favorites. This is a character driven story with Melanieââ?¬â?¢s family at the heart of it. There are great family interactions that include their dogs. Faith is such a sweetheart while Bud is so mischievous. You never know what is going to happen next in their home. I enjoyed reading this entertaining cozy mystery and I cannot wait for the next tale. Pup Fiction is a boisterous cozy mystery with adorable Dalmatians, pushy Aunt Peg, a faithful friend, a close competition, a towering topknot, camp chaos, and one prying parent.
