Killer Cupid

November 7, 2022
Berenson’s frothy 29th Melanie Travis canine mystery (after 2022’s Show Me the Bunny) takes Stamford, Conn., dog lover and breeder Melanie, her husband, and other family members to the Berkshires for a Valentine’s Day getaway at the White Birch Inn. The group, which includes Faith, Melanie’s beloved standard poodle, arrive at the inn ready to embrace the romantic setting. Moonlit hayrides, ice skating, and other fun-filled events abound; Belinda Rush, the eager activities director, has something for everyone. One evening, Melanie comes across Belinda and a man embracing while walking Faith and Sammy, the Samoyed that belongs to the inn’s owner, Evelyn Barker. Melanie’s waking the following day to the sound of police sirens and discovering Belinda has died of exposure dampens the romantic atmosphere. Though Sheriff Anne Tinley doesn’t appreciate Melanie’s knack for uncovering clues, Evelyn begs Melanie to investigate the suspicious death. Appealing characters—including the canines—can’t fully make up for a mundane plot. This is not the place to start for newcomers. Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency.

December 15, 2022
A dog breeder with a nose for crime takes a break from her canine companions--but not from murder. Life with two kids, five standard poodles, and one frisky mutt can get hectic. So Melanie Travis is thrilled when her Aunt Peg surprises her and her husband, Sam, with a romantic Valentine's weekend getaway at the canine-friendly White Birch Inn in the Berkshires. Peg offers to take care of 5-year-old Kevin, teenage Davey, and five of the six dogs, knowing that Melanie would never leave Faith, her oldest poodle, behind. The first person Mel meets at the White Birch, as she and Sam and her brother, Frank, and sister-in-law, Bertie (invited to go along by Kevin and Davey), arrive, is owner Evelyn Barker, whose white Samoyed, Sammy, is an immediate hit with Faith. Unfortunately, that's how the trouble starts. Mel takes Faith and Sammy for a late-night romp by the lake and sees events coordinator Belinda Rush locked in a tight embrace with an unknown man. The next morning Belinda's body is found outdoors, and the police insist she died of exposure. The local sheriff isn't impressed when Mel tells her about Belinda's late-night assignation, but Evelyn, concerned with the inn's reputation, asks Mel to investigate. Unmasking the killer proves to be fairly straightforward but somehow less fun without the poodle posse cavorting around and beneath Mel's feet. Romance is no substitute for poodles.

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January 1, 2023
Melanie Travis and her husband, Sam Driver, are surprised by their children and Melanie's aunt with a romantic trip to a resort in Massachusetts for Valentine's Day weekend. Soon after the two arrive, along with their travel companions--Melanie's brother, Frank, and his wife, Bertie--event coordinator Belinda Rush is found dead, presumed to have died from exposure. Melanie is not so sure Belinda died of natural causes as she saw Belinda outside embracing an unidentified man late on the night she died. Melanie becomes involved when the resort manager asks for her help after Bertie talks up her previous detective work. Melanie interviews Belinda's friends and coworkers and is threatened by two of them. It turns out there is criminal activity occurring at the resort, and Melanie and Bertie become part of a sting to catch the culprits. This Valentine's Day treat is framed by romance and the beautifully described, snowy surroundings at the luxury resort. Fans of the long-running series will also enjoy details of Melanie's interactions with her standard poodle.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.