Latest Books The Big Thrill Recommends: PUMPKIN SPICE PUPPY by Laurien Berenson

The Big Thrill Recommends: PUMPKIN SPICE PUPPY by Laurien Berenson

Recommended by Susan Santangelo

Melanie Travis, the protagonist of Laurien Berenson’s Canine Mystery series, is a very busy person. But when the mom of two—who’s also a special needs tutor at Howard Academy in Greenwich, Connecticut—is asked to co-chair a Thanks For Giving fundraiser for the school, she immediately agrees. Melanie’s confident she can manage the extra work and make the fundraiser a success despite also wrangling five dogs, one husband, and one nosy and interfering aunt.

Thanks For Giving involves the entire student body in a town-wide treasure hunt, with grades competing against each other. Tokens have been hidden in downtown stores, and the students collect them in exchange for prizes. The merchants are happy to be involved because it means more foot traffic—and potential paying customers—for them. Howard Academy headmaster Russell Hanover II hopes the fundraiser will not only raise money but also more closely involve the local business community with the school.

Melanie’s co-chair for the fundraiser is Harriet Bloom, the headmaster’s assistant. Harriet receives a voicemail complaint from one of the participating merchants, the owner of Willet’s Pet Supplies, and asks Melanie to check it out. When Melanie and Faith, her favorite Standard Poodle, drop by the store to smooth things over, they find Mr. Willet’s murdered body.

There’s no shortage of suspects for the crime. Willet has managed to alienate all his neighbors by running his home as a private chow dog rescue, with animals constantly barking and disturbing the peace. His ex-wife has nothing good to say about him, either. Speaking of neighbors, Willet was also involved in an ongoing battle with the owner of the hair salon next door about parking spaces.

With pressure mounting from the headmaster to solve the “problem” immediately, Melanie is determined to unmask the real murderer and ends up risking her own life in the process.

PUMPKIN SPICE PUPPY is a delightful addition to an always entertaining series with likable characters, a fast-moving plot, and an intelligent ending.

The Big Thrill Recommends: PUMPKIN SPICE PUPPY by Laurien Berenson