Murder at the Puppy Fest

In Berenson’s intriguing 20th Melanie Travis mystery (after 2016’s Live and Let Growl), the Stamford, Conn., dog lover and breeder of standard poodles is looking forward to helping out at Puppy Fest, a dog rescue benefit sponsored by philanthropist Leo Brody. But when Melanie goes to visit Leo at his Greenwich office, she finds him lying dead on the floor with his latest paramour leaning over him. Leo, who suffered from a severe peanut allergy, died of anaphylactic shock after eating cookies containing ground-up peanuts delivered to his office. The authorities declare Leo’s death an accident, but one of his daughters, Libby Rothko, suspects murder and asks Melanie to find out who may have wanted Leo dead. Melanie soon discovers that Leo’s nine entitled children by three wives all had reasons of their own to hasten his demise. Berenson’s appealing picture of the dog-show world more than compensates for the straightforward investigation and the too-convenient solution. Cozy fans who love dogs are in for a treat. Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (July)