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Melanie Travis #5
Watchdog
It's autumn in Connecticut. Melanie Travis has just started a new job, and with the added excitement of showing her standard poodle, Faith, in the fall shows, the last thing she wants is to become embroiled in yet another of her brother Frank's moneymaking schemes. His current brainstorm--remaking an old store in stylish suburban Fairfield County into a trendy coffee bar--already has the neighbors snarling. Worse, wealthy Marcus Rattigan, who's bankrolling the project, is found murdered on the premises, and the police think Frank did it.
Always the family watchdog, and faced with Frank's imminent arrest, Melanie has no choice but to take on the investigation. Drawing on her connections in the dog world, Melanie is soon successfully unmuzzling the dead man's nearest and dearest, including a bitter ex-wife, a spurned mistress, and an ambitious second in command. But Melanie is about to learn that being a watchdog can sometimes be dangerous--especially when every clue she uncovers leads her one step closer to a murderer who is desperate enough to kill again...
Always the family watchdog, and faced with Frank's imminent arrest, Melanie has no choice but to take on the investigation. Drawing on her connections in the dog world, Melanie is soon successfully unmuzzling the dead man's nearest and dearest, including a bitter ex-wife, a spurned mistress, and an ambitious second in command. But Melanie is about to learn that being a watchdog can sometimes be dangerous--especially when every clue she uncovers leads her one step closer to a murderer who is desperate enough to kill again...
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
71 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Laurien Berenson
57 books843 followersLaurien Berenson is the award-winning author of the long running Melanie Travis canine mystery series and the new Senior Sleuths series starring Peg Turnbull and Rose Donovan as a pair of seventyish sisters-in-law who are learning to put aside old grudges as they work together to solve mysteries. DIE ANOTHER DANE (#31 in the Melanie Travis series) is out now.
Laurien's work has appeared numerous magazines and the New York Times. She and her husband live on a farm in Kentucky, surrounded by horses and dogs.
Laurien's work has appeared numerous magazines and the New York Times. She and her husband live on a farm in Kentucky, surrounded by horses and dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 1, 2020
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed learning more about Frank and his relationship with Melanie. I feel that the previous books helped to set a background of what their relationship is like and the reasons why, so when reading this book I was able to focus on the story. I found it interesting to see how confused Frank was about what he wanted to do, and just how much he didn't know about the world of business. I also liked seeing how Melanie felt protective of him as her little brother, and how that protective nature was mixed with exasperation at his decisions sometimes.
I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. I liked reading about the people involved and the different motives people had for acting how they did. I also learned about some new concepts dealing with dog breeds and pedigrees that I found rather interesting.
In terms of romance, I felt Sam was a bit harsh with Melanie about her protectiveness toward Frank, but can understand where he was coming from in wishing Melanie would let Frank fail sometimes. That said, I'm so excited about their relationship and I can't wait to read more Melanie and Sam moments. I also enjoyed seeing Peg's relationship with Douglas and found it funny to see how the tides turned from Melanie being the one hounded for information to Peg being the one hounded.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book in the series and am excited to read on.
I really enjoyed learning more about Frank and his relationship with Melanie. I feel that the previous books helped to set a background of what their relationship is like and the reasons why, so when reading this book I was able to focus on the story. I found it interesting to see how confused Frank was about what he wanted to do, and just how much he didn't know about the world of business. I also liked seeing how Melanie felt protective of him as her little brother, and how that protective nature was mixed with exasperation at his decisions sometimes.
I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. I liked reading about the people involved and the different motives people had for acting how they did. I also learned about some new concepts dealing with dog breeds and pedigrees that I found rather interesting.
In terms of romance, I felt Sam was a bit harsh with Melanie about her protectiveness toward Frank, but can understand where he was coming from in wishing Melanie would let Frank fail sometimes. That said, I'm so excited about their relationship and I can't wait to read more Melanie and Sam moments. I also enjoyed seeing Peg's relationship with Douglas and found it funny to see how the tides turned from Melanie being the one hounded for information to Peg being the one hounded.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book in the series and am excited to read on.
September 15, 2018
While other readers have criticized the amount of information about dog shows and poodle grooming provided in the series, and this particular book, I find that an interesting addition. (Those who don't enjoy reading about such activities might be better served by seeking another cosy mystery series!) I like the threads of humor from Melanie, and I like the character development. A really enjoyable series!
February 18, 2018
Last time I read (recently) a Melanie Travis book, her son Davey was 5..now he is 6? Where does the time go. I adore this series while so many books sit on my shelves. The plots are different, from book to book but the subplots a intricately created all to crest to a fine end, with the threads of the next adventure.
This one finds a romance heating up, an Aunt being beat at her own 'game', her brother getting into more trouble, and introducing some new characters. Melanie is increasing both her teaching and skill sets - challenged at a new school, and clearing brother Frank(arrested development?) which I suppose will become a bigger issue as we continue into the series-some of us always have one sibling who will suck the oxygen out of the room, when well intended or not comes knocking at Melanie's door. Faith is now in the 12-18month group to be judged, and Sam has been given the opportunity by Aunt Peg to take on a new puppy which is named Tar.
Trouble ensues when Frank enters into a joint 'opportunity' to go into a business venture with a known 'manipulative' operator who seemed to be out of the business and open a coffee bar. Oh there are so many threads here...but I suggest you, the reader discover that on your own...
This one finds a romance heating up, an Aunt being beat at her own 'game', her brother getting into more trouble, and introducing some new characters. Melanie is increasing both her teaching and skill sets - challenged at a new school, and clearing brother Frank(arrested development?) which I suppose will become a bigger issue as we continue into the series-some of us always have one sibling who will suck the oxygen out of the room, when well intended or not comes knocking at Melanie's door. Faith is now in the 12-18month group to be judged, and Sam has been given the opportunity by Aunt Peg to take on a new puppy which is named Tar.
Trouble ensues when Frank enters into a joint 'opportunity' to go into a business venture with a known 'manipulative' operator who seemed to be out of the business and open a coffee bar. Oh there are so many threads here...but I suggest you, the reader discover that on your own...
November 11, 2013
Funny how we don't hear much from Melanie Travis's brother Frank in her previous mystery adventures. We know he exists, and we've seen him a few times during family get-togethers; all the same, I'm sure Melanie prefers not to have him around, for when he is he's either raiding her refrigerator or asking for money.
In Watchdog, Frank is asking for much more: he wants his sister to help clear his name when a business associate is murdered.
Frank's latest big venture in a string of failed jobs and prospects is a coffee bar in a nearby Connecticut township. Locals are protesting the business, and one would that was the worst of Frank's worries. Then his financial backer turns up dead on the construction site, and Melanie -- whose hands are full with dog shows, a new job, and a marriage proposal (finally!) from Sam -- must come to the rescue.
Berenson is always a delight to read, with fun characters and lessons in dog grooming. Watchdog is no exception; watch out for this one and for Melanie's future exploits.
In Watchdog, Frank is asking for much more: he wants his sister to help clear his name when a business associate is murdered.
Frank's latest big venture in a string of failed jobs and prospects is a coffee bar in a nearby Connecticut township. Locals are protesting the business, and one would that was the worst of Frank's worries. Then his financial backer turns up dead on the construction site, and Melanie -- whose hands are full with dog shows, a new job, and a marriage proposal (finally!) from Sam -- must come to the rescue.
Berenson is always a delight to read, with fun characters and lessons in dog grooming. Watchdog is no exception; watch out for this one and for Melanie's future exploits.
March 2, 2023
In this book, Melanie is asked by her brother, Frank, to help clear him of murder. His business partner, a well know business man but not well liked. It turns out it all is about a dog. The book was an easy read.
January 6, 2019
The 5th book in the Melanie Travis mystery series by Laurien Berenson. Melanie gets involved with another mystery when her brother is suspected of murder. Fun and entertaining cozy mystery. Especially good for dog lovers.
May 13, 2020
Love Dogs
I kiss love this series. The characters are fun, and the dogs and breed information makes me want to get another dog every time I pick up one of the books in the series. So happy I found it again after a decade or two.
I kiss love this series. The characters are fun, and the dogs and breed information makes me want to get another dog every time I pick up one of the books in the series. So happy I found it again after a decade or two.
July 7, 2017
Getting better and better. I'm kind of glad I waited so long to start this series so I have more to read :)
July 8, 2018
This fifth in the series is another light-hearted cozy mystery with well-developed characters and plenty to learn about dog handling and shows. The title of the book refers to Melanie's roll as watchdog and diligent big sister when her brother Frank approaches her with another moneymaking scheme.
School is back in session and single mom Melanie Travis has a new job. She is now an on-campus tutor at Howard Academy which is a private school near downtown Greenwich, Connecticut. One morning Frank shows up asking for money for his latest business adventure. He wants to renovate Haney's General Store in a housing development and turn it into a trendy coffee bar. His financial backer is wealthy and sleazy businessman, Marcus Rattigan. Rattigan is known for buying up tracts of land, then bending local zoning laws to the breaking point in order to accommodate the greatest possible housing density. Frank is running low on funds and wants Rattigan to think he can handle the renovation on his own. When Melanie refuses to help him, Frank approaches Aunt Peg who gives him the money.
Then things start happening at the coffee bar. Frank calls Melanie in a panic. He has found a sign that reads GO AWAY. WE DON'T WANT YOU HERE and the building is flooded in two inches of water from a supposedly burst pipe. The next frantic call from Frank reveals a gaping hole in the floor where a worker fell through to the basement and broke his leg. Were the support posts cut? Then Rattigan is found dead at the coffee bar where he has been pierced by a large, jagged piece of glass from a fallen skylight. It sure looks like murder. The police show up and Detective James Petrie considers Frank as a likely suspect. So Frank asks Melanie to help solve this murder because she has done so before. (No more mention of the police and their investigative progress throughout most of the book.)
Melanie begins interviewing possible suspects which include Rattigan's bitter ex-wife, his business partner, his secretary and spurned mistress, and John Monaghan who lead the protests against the coffee bar. It turns out Rattigan had once been a co-owner of a legendary Wire Fox Terrier show dog named Summer and John was his partner.
Sam Driver, Melanie's boyfriend, is not happy she is out sleuthing again. And Aunt Peg does nothing but encourage it. In the mean time, Faith who is Melanie's Black Standard Poodle has moved from the Puppy class to the 12-18 month Class. We get to experience some more dog show competition and are educated in all that involves, especially preparation, grooming, and handling.
Kate, one of Melanie's students, helps her ferret out the murderer. The murderer and his motives are a surprise with some convoluted plot twists. Sam has a proposal for Melanie on Halloween night that she readily says YES to. Looking forward to the next installment to find out further developments. And Davey, her son, and his friends are as cute and active as ever. A series well worth reading.
School is back in session and single mom Melanie Travis has a new job. She is now an on-campus tutor at Howard Academy which is a private school near downtown Greenwich, Connecticut. One morning Frank shows up asking for money for his latest business adventure. He wants to renovate Haney's General Store in a housing development and turn it into a trendy coffee bar. His financial backer is wealthy and sleazy businessman, Marcus Rattigan. Rattigan is known for buying up tracts of land, then bending local zoning laws to the breaking point in order to accommodate the greatest possible housing density. Frank is running low on funds and wants Rattigan to think he can handle the renovation on his own. When Melanie refuses to help him, Frank approaches Aunt Peg who gives him the money.
Then things start happening at the coffee bar. Frank calls Melanie in a panic. He has found a sign that reads GO AWAY. WE DON'T WANT YOU HERE and the building is flooded in two inches of water from a supposedly burst pipe. The next frantic call from Frank reveals a gaping hole in the floor where a worker fell through to the basement and broke his leg. Were the support posts cut? Then Rattigan is found dead at the coffee bar where he has been pierced by a large, jagged piece of glass from a fallen skylight. It sure looks like murder. The police show up and Detective James Petrie considers Frank as a likely suspect. So Frank asks Melanie to help solve this murder because she has done so before. (No more mention of the police and their investigative progress throughout most of the book.)
Melanie begins interviewing possible suspects which include Rattigan's bitter ex-wife, his business partner, his secretary and spurned mistress, and John Monaghan who lead the protests against the coffee bar. It turns out Rattigan had once been a co-owner of a legendary Wire Fox Terrier show dog named Summer and John was his partner.
Sam Driver, Melanie's boyfriend, is not happy she is out sleuthing again. And Aunt Peg does nothing but encourage it. In the mean time, Faith who is Melanie's Black Standard Poodle has moved from the Puppy class to the 12-18 month Class. We get to experience some more dog show competition and are educated in all that involves, especially preparation, grooming, and handling.
Kate, one of Melanie's students, helps her ferret out the murderer. The murderer and his motives are a surprise with some convoluted plot twists. Sam has a proposal for Melanie on Halloween night that she readily says YES to. Looking forward to the next installment to find out further developments. And Davey, her son, and his friends are as cute and active as ever. A series well worth reading.
December 6, 2013
It's only been a day or two since I finished this one and I don't know how to rate it because, frankly, I barely remember it. That's probably a bad sign, though whether about me or the book is questionable.
January 29, 2024
This series was on my to-read list for quite some time before I actually started to read it, probably because of the ridiculously cartoon-y cover art. That may have been the thing to do when the books were originally published, but it doesn't translate well to my current cover art standards. Thankfully, I enjoyed the first book enough to continue the series, covers be damned.
I like Mel, the MC, and appreciate how crazy her life must be - single mom to a 6 year old, full-time teacher, and show dog owner and handler. I do wish she'd exert more control over her son, but maybe it's the narrator of the audiobooks I've listened to that make it seem like Davey only communicates by yelling. That would not have lasted long in this house :) Then again, Frank, Mel's brother, also tends to yell a lot in this book, so maybe it *is the narrator? Frank needs to learn to stand on his own two feet, and to take responsibility for his actions without asking family/friends to bail him out.
The murder victim in this book was an overall nasty guy, so there were plenty of possible suspects to consider. Even more names were added to the list as the investigation progressed, but the police didn't seem to take Mel's information and theories very seriously. The killer's name was on my mental list, but not at the top. I didn't put the motive together until just before it was revealed in the book, but it made sense.
I have the next several books in this series in my Audible library, and I hope to listen to at least one more relatively soon.
I like Mel, the MC, and appreciate how crazy her life must be - single mom to a 6 year old, full-time teacher, and show dog owner and handler. I do wish she'd exert more control over her son, but maybe it's the narrator of the audiobooks I've listened to that make it seem like Davey only communicates by yelling. That would not have lasted long in this house :) Then again, Frank, Mel's brother, also tends to yell a lot in this book, so maybe it *is the narrator? Frank needs to learn to stand on his own two feet, and to take responsibility for his actions without asking family/friends to bail him out.
The murder victim in this book was an overall nasty guy, so there were plenty of possible suspects to consider. Even more names were added to the list as the investigation progressed, but the police didn't seem to take Mel's information and theories very seriously. The killer's name was on my mental list, but not at the top. I didn't put the motive together until just before it was revealed in the book, but it made sense.
I have the next several books in this series in my Audible library, and I hope to listen to at least one more relatively soon.
July 12, 2019
More like a 2.5 star read. Pleasant enough. Read in an afternoon sitting on my deck, getting some Sun and enjoying a cocktail...which is exactly the kind of book this is. As long as you don't expect much...you'll be content.
SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!! SPOILER!! SPOILER!! SPOILER!
I hope moving forward not EVERY murder is committed because of dog breeding/gene issues. Of the 5 I've read...at least 3 revolve around that.
I know they are dogcentric books....but seriously it makes it way too easy to solve for the reader. Who's the breeder....there's your murderer!!
Branch out on the motive...and I might stick around to read the next 20+ in the series.
Otherwise I'm moving on to one of the other 50 series I've got queued up to read.
SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!! SPOILER!! SPOILER!! SPOILER!
I hope moving forward not EVERY murder is committed because of dog breeding/gene issues. Of the 5 I've read...at least 3 revolve around that.
I know they are dogcentric books....but seriously it makes it way too easy to solve for the reader. Who's the breeder....there's your murderer!!
Branch out on the motive...and I might stick around to read the next 20+ in the series.
Otherwise I'm moving on to one of the other 50 series I've got queued up to read.
November 10, 2022
Following the reading the first book of Berenson's newest mystery series, called Senior Sleuths, I saw that it was an offshoot of her Melanie Travis series, so I thought I would give the older series a try. I had liked the pace and characterization in the Senior Sleuth book so I hoped I would see that style echoed in her previous series, and I did. I'm not really much of a dog person and have no particular interest in dog shows, but I'm always interested in learning something new, so that aspect of the mystery doesn't bother me. I'm doubt I will read the entire 29 volume series as I don't think I do the doggy talk for that long, but I will read several more, I'm sure.
September 22, 2023
I just discovered this series when I started reading another series by Laurien Berenson (the first book being Peg and Rose Solve a Murder.) As I read (and enjoyed) that book, I realized there was a lot of backstories I was missing, so I immediately started hunting for the Melanie Travis mysteries. (Bless you, interlibrary loan!!) I'm just finishing up #5 and delighted to know there's 29 installments to this series. I have a lot of fun ahead of me!!
If you like dogs, kids, and a touch of romance, you will love these books. Now on to search out #6, Hush Puppy!!
If you like dogs, kids, and a touch of romance, you will love these books. Now on to search out #6, Hush Puppy!!
November 6, 2021
3.5, rounded up because I will continue to read this series.
Another volume in the Melanie Travis series. Great characters, surprise ending, and lots of information about various dog breeds. Mel's brother Frank gets entangled with an unscrupulous developer who ends up being killed, and Frank is at the top of the suspect list. I think death by skylight is a first for me. I read one of the newer books in this series and it is fun to see how the ongoing characters evolve.
Another volume in the Melanie Travis series. Great characters, surprise ending, and lots of information about various dog breeds. Mel's brother Frank gets entangled with an unscrupulous developer who ends up being killed, and Frank is at the top of the suspect list. I think death by skylight is a first for me. I read one of the newer books in this series and it is fun to see how the ongoing characters evolve.
February 12, 2022
I love all of the books in this series! They are great fun with lots of humerous situations. I specially like the detailes of everything dog-breeding and dog-show related! Laurien Berenson really knows how it is to live this life with dogs, children (yes in that order) ;) and all people that are involved to make the wheeles spin around. I rate her book with 5 stars just because of her ability to give us an interesting and funny story with the dog-world knowledge.
November 19, 2020
Free book from Harper Woods library.
A good mystery about community development and environmental issues, dog shows and pure breds - especially standard poodles and wire haired terriers, and a school tutor, and family relationships, and $$$, etc.
A fun read while on vacation at Harbor Springs, MI.
A good mystery about community development and environmental issues, dog shows and pure breds - especially standard poodles and wire haired terriers, and a school tutor, and family relationships, and $$$, etc.
A fun read while on vacation at Harbor Springs, MI.
April 22, 2021
This is a typical cozy mystery series. Although each book can be read as a stand-alone, getting to know the background and characters makes the books better, and I definitely would encourage reading them in order.
This one had more of Frank, Melanie's little brother. As a big sister myself, I found his character a bit annoying (which is totally what I think the author intended).
This one had more of Frank, Melanie's little brother. As a big sister myself, I found his character a bit annoying (which is totally what I think the author intended).
July 7, 2022
I haven't read all of this series, and quite out of order but I do like it well enough. No problem following along even not having read them all. Interesting look at what goes on at dog shows and the process of showing. There was a part about halfway through the book that had me figuring out who did it and pretty much why but still a good story.
July 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. While I am a dog person, I am not a show dog person so those bits were less than exciting in my opinion. However, it was part of the story which was enjoyable. There was a correct amount of possible suspects which made things keep moving. I think I will be reading another installment.
September 4, 2023
So, maybe not the next great thriller. Maybe a story that's a bit hokie with goofy characters. But any book that makes me laugh out loud deserves at least 4 stars! Funny, clean, entertaining! Sometimes just what I need!
July 6, 2017
Enjoyable mystery romp in the dog show world
Another fun adventure featuring Melanie Travis. Recommend it highly for your beach reading list. A light read that wasn't lighting in.
Another fun adventure featuring Melanie Travis. Recommend it highly for your beach reading list. A light read that wasn't lighting in.
October 9, 2017
It is so much less the mystery and more the characters that I so dearly love about these books. Loving watching Melanie's life grow. On to the next one!
August 11, 2018
Love this series
March 8, 2019
I really liked this book. If you like dogs this series is for you.
April 7, 2019
Got boring towards the end! Don't like boring books.
June 11, 2019
Standard light plot. A pleasant interlude between more demanding reading.
February 5, 2020
Great book enjoyed very much
February 18, 2020
I am so into this author !!!! Who wouldn't like a read with dogs in it....poodles!!!!!!
A great mystery.
A great mystery.
July 7, 2020
Another good one except Frank got on my nerves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews