Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #280807 in Books
• Published on: 2001-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 313 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781575666808
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
In this workman-like and winning cozy, the seventh in the series featuring teacher and dog-lover Melanie Travis (Underdog; Hush Puppy; etc.), Berenson takes readers deep into the dog-show subculture. A busy schedule is all that is keeping Melanie and her fianc?, software designer Sam Driver, from setting a wedding date. Happily shepherding her six-year-old to soccer camp and preparing for her poodle's first litter, Melanie is alarmed when Sam's ex-wife, Sheila Vaughn, moves to the area. Vaughn has teamed up with an old college buddy of Sam's to launch a new magazine, Woof!, which promises to inject a little National Enquirer-style gossip into the standard, dull dog-show reporting. The inaugural issue does indeed sully the reputation of one prominent handlerAand more nasty stories are in the pipelineAbut Sheila misses all the excitement because someone strangles her the night before the magazine is due to make its debut at a dog show. The murder not only stirs up the dog pack, it also throws an emotional monkey wrench into Melanie's love life, for she must face the fact that Sam still harbors deep feelings for Sheila. In the course of her sniffing about, Melanie meets a range of personalities on the dog-show circuit, from the breeders to the photographers, but it's the milieu that stands out rather than the scantily drawn characters. There are some tender moments here, however, and the ending is a surprise on more than one front. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Series sleuth Melanie Travis (Hush Puppy), a special ed teacher who masquerades as a poodle breeder, hunts for the murderer of her boyfriend's ex-wife. A dependably well-written work especially appropriate for dog-mystery fans.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
Life's a bitch for Melanie Travis (Hush Puppy, 1999, etc.), schoolteacher and novice trainer of canine champions. Even her Standard Poodle's love life is better than hers. While Faith is happily awaiting her first litter, Melanie's main squeeze, hunky Sam Driver, is mooning over his ex-wife Sheila, who came east with her prize-winning Pugs for six months and stayed on to try to rock Sam's world-not to mention the high-class world of show dogs and their equally inbred owners. As co-publishers of Woof!, Sheila and her pre-Sam boyfriend Brian Endicott want to make a splash exposing shady breeders and sketchy owners. But just as their first issue's coming out, someone halts their press run by wrapping a leash around Sheila's pretty neck and leaving her dead on the floor of her rented North Salem cottage. Knowing that Sam won't be hers again until Sheila's murderer is caught, Melanie begins to sniff out the killer. At Woof!'s editorial office, managing editor Aubrey Jones gives her the cold shoulder, but her assistant, Tim Golonka, tells Melanie whose fur Sheila was about to ruffle: hot-tempered trainer Kenny Boyle and blue-blooded breeder Alida Trent. And sleazy staff photographer Marlon Dickie suggests that as surviving partner, Brian has as good a motive as any outsider. Melanie even gets a tip from Sheila's neighbor Nancy Benning, whose twins overheard a "mean man" yelling at Sheila. The most dramatic remaining question: Will Faith whelp her litter before Melanie brings her seventh case to an equally predictable outcome?Strictly run-of-the-puppy-mill. -- Copyright © 2000 Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

The Best One Yet
I thought this Melanie Travis story was the best one yet. Berenson keeps getting better and better. It's hard to review this and not give away the things that are revealed in this edition--Sam's past, to be exact. There was less "dog show" in this book, but the detailed account of the birth of Faith's puppies was wonderful and satisfied the dog lover in me. You suspect that Melanie and Sam's relationship is coming to a climax, but I'll have to admit that the ending surprised me. I was prepared for a predictable ending. It was very touching and thoughtful--leaving me eager for the next in the series. Ms. Berenson, please don't wait too long.

Berenson's best work yet!!
Laurien Berenson has done it again by delivering us this absolutely delightful book. This fast paced and suspensful novel is full of twists and turns that will keep everyone guessing. Her down-to-earth writing style will also make you feel right at home. This is the seventh installment in the series,and her writing just keeps getting better and better. This book is a real winner and you won't regret reading it. Enjoy!

Another Success for Laurien Berenson
Once again, Ms. Berenson delivers a delightful read. Not only are these great mysteries...but informative books as well. This series is a MUST for any canine-sport enthusiast.

UNLEASHED kept me awake with a desire to "finish" it. How the book ends leaves all fans yearning for the next installment.

I learn more and more about the world of canine conformation with each and every book. This series is great for all ages as well!