Wagging through the Snow

Laurien Berenson

Sep 2017 · A Melanie Travis Mystery Book 21 · Kensington Cozies

About this ebook

A holiday murder mystery from the Agatha Award finalist: “Series fans will enjoy spending time with these appealing folks and their dogs.”—Publishers Weekly
 
With a demanding teaching job and five poodles scampering around the house, Melanie Travis barely has energy for the upcoming Christmas rush. But she unwraps an unexpected challenge when her brother and ex-husband make a spontaneous bid on a dilapidated pine tree farm. Although the ten-acre lot had been a popular seasonal destination while the original owner was still alive, it’ll take a small miracle or two before the neglected place is in shape for December.
 
But the business venture goes cold when the group discovers a purebred Maltese whimpering in the snow-covered grove—right beside a dead body. Pete, a squatter who camped out on the land, apparently met his end after a fallen fir tree branch fell on his head. But as Melanie and Aunt Peg investigate Pete’s complicated history, it’s clear his death was no accident. Now, Melanie must run through a flurry of likely suspects and muzzle a dogged murderer in time—or she’ll be next on someone’s deadly list.
 
“Well-drawn characters contribute to the appeal here, along with the warm, sometimes humorous scenes of family life.”—Booklist
 
“Another terrific mystery from Laurien Berenson.”—Suspense Magazine
 
“[A] sweet series.”—Publishers Weekly

Ratings and reviews

Wagging Through the Snow by Laurien Berenson is A Melanie Travis novella (technically it is the twenty-first book in the series). Melanie Travis is enjoying a quiet Saturday when her brother, Frank visits. It turns out that he made an impulsive purchase of Haney’s Holiday Home (a Christmas tree lot) in Wilton, Connecticut without the knowledge of his business partner, Bob (Melanie’s ex-husband). The family troops out to examine the property and finds the buildings are dilapidated. Everyone will need to work quickly to get it up and running for the Christmas season. Davey and Kevin come running inside. They heard a strange whimpering noise in among the trees. The noise is coming from a cute little Maltese hidden under a dead body. The victim is a local homeless man named Pete who had trouble with alcohol. It looks like Pete was killed by a falling tree limb but appearances can be deceiving. Melanie with Aunt Peg’s assistance (of course) sets out to discover more about Pete and who could have wished him harm. Can Melanie wrap up this case before Santa comes sliding down the chimney or will she find herself stuffed in a body bag? Wagging Through the Snow is well-written, engaging and has a good pace (which makes for an easy to read story). I like the characters and most especially the lively dogs. There is just the right amount and type of humor in this delightful tale. There were some definite laugh out loud moments. My rating for Wagging Through the Snow is 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). It is short, but packed full of action. The mystery was compelling and the elements are revealed as the story progresses. One clue gave away the identity of the killer to me. I think many readers will be surprised when the culprit is revealed. I was glad that the story was not rushed (it happens frequently in short stories). The ending was heartwarming. Wagging Through the Snow is my favorite A Melanie Travis Mystery. This delightful cozy has engaging characters, good mystery, adorable dogs, humor, family, friends, and the spirit of Christmas.

One of the best books I ever read. Have read it 2 times.

About the author

Laurien Berenson is the award-winning author of the long running Melanie Travis mystery series and the new Senior Sleuths series starring Peg Turnbull and Rose Donovan. Her work has appeared in numerous magazines and the New York Times. She and her husband live on a farm in Kentucky surrounded by dogs and horses. Visit her online at www.laurienberenson.com.