Pumpkin Spice Puppy by Laurien Berenson

 Pumpkin Spice Puppy

Book Summary

It’s autumn in Connecticut and there’s a chill in the air, the fall leaves are a riot of color, and pumpkin spice is the flavor of the season. Melanie Travis is perennially busy, of course—but when the owner of a local pet supply shop is found murdered, sleuthing tops her To Do list . . .

Between taking care of her family and assorted Standard Poodles, Melanie is also working as a special needs tutor for Howard Academy, a private school in Greenwich, where her younger son attends kindergarten. This year, the headmaster has come up with an idea for a school fundraiser. All students will participate in a town-wide treasure hunt, with grades competing against each other.

Tokens shaped like pumpkin spice muffins have been hidden in downtown stores. Students will scramble to collect as many as they can in exchange for prizes. At first all goes smoothly, and the uptick in foot traffic to the stores is a win-win. . . . . Until the pet supply shop owner lodges a complaint. When Melanie stops by to smooth things over, she instead finds the man dead, a knife in his back, and his loyal, ever-vigilant Chow Chow locked in the storeroom.

Over the headmaster's objections, Melanie is once again drawn into an investigation. It doesn't take her long to gather a list of suspects, from neighbors balking about the number of rescue Chows the man was fostering in his home, to the landlord who’d filed an eviction notice against him, to the bitter ex-wife who is happy he's gone. With the fundraiser soon drawing to a close and celebrations imminent, Melanie will have to follow every clue—before the biggest prize is staying alive . . .

My Thoughts

Pumpkin Spice Puppy by Laurien Berenson is a cute cozy mystery.  Melanie Travis and her standard poodle sidekick, Faith discover a shopkeeper dead and, naturally, she finds herself drawn into the investigation. Pumpkin Spice Puppy is easy to read with steady pacing.  The author captured fall in New England (makes me eager for fall to arrive which will be November in Florida).  I was able to identify the killer from the moment of their introduction (I have read a number of mysteries over the years, so it is not often that I am stymied), but I did not know their motive (and I want to know why they did it).  There are clues to help readers solve the whodunit (if you pay attention).  I like Melanie’s straightforward method of questioning.  Melanie and Faith have a great relationship (it’s like they know what each other is thinking).  

Melanie has a very busy life with her job, husband, the two boys, the dogs, and dog shows.  And let us not forget the formidable Aunt Peg.  I do not know how she fits in sleuthing.  It helps that she has Sam who is an understanding and helpful husband. The story has a good ending.  I am looking forward to Melanie’s next sleuthing adventure. Pumpkin Spice Puppy is the thirtieth A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery, but it can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  Pumpkin Spice Puppy is a fun fall whodunit with treasure hunt troubles, a Chow called Cider, pumpkin spice cookies, falling leaves, dog show season, and a happily hectic home.

Pumpkin Spice Puppy can be purchased from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Melanie Travis Canine Mysteries here (many of the Kindle versions are on sale).  If you follow Laurien Berenson on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, September 3 with A Lancaster Amish Christmas by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard, and Mindy Steele. It is hard to believe that August is almost over.  The month whizzed by so quickly that I almost got whiplash.  I hope that you have a relaxing and happy Labor Day weekend.  It is  a great weekend to cook on the grill and spend time at the pool or the beach (a great way to beat the heat and humidity). Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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