Author: Laurien Berenson
Genre: Mystery
Hardcover: Digital Book
ISBN #: 9781496741035
Kensington Cozies
208 Pages
$20.53; $8.97 Amazon
December 27, 2022
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The sheriff quickly launches an investigation, but at the innkeeper's urging -- and because she suddenly finds herself a person of interest in the case -- Melanie tries to sneak a little detective work into her romantic getaway. But with the resort nearly sold out for the holiday weekend, there's no shortage of suspects, and Melanie's secret sleuthing is already attracting the wrong kind of attention. Her Valentine's trip is heating up faster than the chocolate fondue...just not in the way Melanie hoped. But if she doesn't catch the cold-hearted killer soon, another innocent victim will get the kiss of death...
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Melanie Travis and her husband, Sam Driver, are surprised by Melanie's Aunt Peg with a Valentine's Day getaway for the two of them. No kids, no dogs -- except, of course, Melanie's beloved Standard Poodle Faith. Along with them for the weekend is Mel's best friend Bertie and her husband Frank, who is Mel's brother. While the first part of the first evening goes smoothly, Mel takes Faith and the inn's dog, Sammy, out for an evening run.
While out there, she sees a couple apparently in a tryst. But when the woman is found dead the next morning, she wonders if it is murder. When the innkeeper asks her to look around and see if she can find any suspects, Mel reluctantly agrees. Unfortunately, the inn is almost full and anyone could be the killer. Mel is convinced it must be an employee, or someone that the dead person knew very well. Whatever she learns, the police chief isn't buying, so Mel is on her own.
In between enjoying what the inn offers for the weekend, and spending time alone with Sam, Mel is asking questions. But is she questioning the wrong people? Before long, she finds that she might be on the right trail...with the killer right behind her...
This is the 29th book in the series, and the first one that I have read that wasn't dog-centric. Not that I mind reading about dogs, or I wouldn't read the series at all. But there are no descriptions of dog shows or grooming practices, etc. It shows what a talented writer Ms. Berenson is; bringing us into the mystery with her, and wanting to know who killed the person and why. I had a hard time putting this one down for a few hours, and when I started again it was as if I never left.
The descriptions of the surrounding areas and the events that Mel and Sam were involved with were quite fun, and the dialogue was done quite well. It was difficult at first to decide who the murderer might be, but as the book progressed, we were given clues, and it was only a matter of time, as with Melanie herself, that we figured it out and all came together. I have to say that I enjoyed this book quite a bit and look forward to the next. Recommended.
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
More on Laurien Berenson's Books: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/b/laurien-berenson/
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