Wagging Through the Snow

At the start of Berenson’s agreeable 21st mystery featuring Stamford, Conn., dog lover Melanie Travis (after Murder at the Puppy Fest), Melanie’s brother, Frank, asks for her help in refurbishing a dilapidated Christmas tree farm he just bought in nearby Wilton. This isn’t the first harebrained thing he’s ever done, so assorted family and friends head out to Wilton to check it out. Within minutes of arriving, Melanie’s two young sons lead the rest of the group through the woods to a dead man, later identified as Pete Dempsey, a homeless drunk. The police believe an accident befell Pete, but Melanie and her dog-loving aunt, Peg Turnbull, aren’t so sure. When Pete’s sponsor says that Pete had not been drinking, Melanie and Aunt Peg look to Pete’s past for the truth, finding plenty of people with motive to kill. Melanie and Aunt Peg have little reason to get involved in the case, especially once the police know Pete was on the wagon, but series fans will enjoy spending time with these appealing folks and their dogs. Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Oct.)