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
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Another wonderful story. I love this family.
Mealanie brother buys a christmas tree farm, and she and aunt peg find a dead body,maltesesdog also involved . faith is the star this time@!a great read for the holiday season!!
If you love dogs and enjoy a good mystery this series is a fun way to spend time. The characters become old friends. And each book is like a visit to check in with what is happening in their lives.
I really enjoyed this story. When Melanie Travis ends up helping out with a Christmas tree farm business and then a murder, she struggles to find out the truth. What I liked about this book was the interesting assortment of characters and the lovely world Berenson created. This is a true cozy filled with Christmas merriment, cute dogs and plenty of suspects.
I obtained this book through Net Galley and have left an honest review.
Wagging Through the Snow by Laurien Berenson is A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery novella (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 Canine Mystery. This delightful cozy has engaging characters, good mystery, adorable dogs, humor, family, friends, and the spirit of Christmas.