Here is our first 'bone to pick,' A Pedigree To Die For - first in a series of murder mysteries. We are introduced to Melanie Travis:
young mother of Davy an active four-year-old,
divorcee' from Bob that has never looked back or provided any financial help,
special education school teacher,
sister of a brother, Frank, who loves Davy and takes him out for 'manly adventures'
niece of Aunt Rose, who in her own right may have a juicy story line to follow,
niece of Uncle Max and Aunt Peg that have award winning AKC Championed Standard Poodles
murder investigator.
After her Uncle Max's death, Beau, his prize winning AKC Championed Standard Poodle is discovered missing. They start their adventure together, when Melanie volunteers to help her aunt solve the mysteries behind the disappearance of Beau and her uncle's death.

In addition to the storyline, readers are introduced to the basic concepts of show-dog conformation show rules and regulations. They are also given a few suggestions about breeding and obedience.

The book gets more interesting as other 'lively characters' are introduced and another murder occurs. I can see spin offs from this first book with all the wonderful characters Berenson introduces, each one a possible murder suspect. As the saying goes, "The plot thickens."

One of the characters Melanie suspects is Sam Driver. But to the contrary, Aunt Peg does not suspect him at all. Aunt Peg tries her best to get Sam and Melanie together. I can not wait for the next book to see what happens with that!

Berenson did a good job at keeping the murderer unknown - with the 'why,' 'how' and 'when' saved for the surprise ending.

As a conformation show-dog exhibitor and obedience trainer myself, I really enjoyed reading Melanie's adventures. I could identify with the people and appreciate the events, connected to dog show competitions.

I know other people in the 'Dog Fancy' will enjoy reading this book; and I can see how the Novice dog person would enjoy learning about show dogs in-general: The rules, breeding standards, and more.

Where will Berenson go next? What adventures will Melanie Travis take on in her next book? How will Melanie's relationships grow? I can not wait to read it!

'Pick my bones' and tell me what you liked and-or disliked about this book I look forward to hearing from you.

Contact DEBRA MAXWELL at amaxdog@aol.com or visit www.petclub.com