In Berenson's delightful holiday romp, the 11th entry in her popular canine cozy series (Best in Show
, etc.), trainer Melanie Travis investigates the suspicious death of her eight-year-old son's school-bus driver, the personable and reliable Henry Pruitt. Melanie rescues the victim's two golden retrievers and takes them to the kennel run by her bossy Aunt Peg, who's keen to learn what really happened to Henry. As Melanie delves into Henry's background, his two disagreeable and greedy daughters arrive on the scene with the outrageous idea of selling the pair of aging dogs on eBay. Preparing for an important dog show, trying to find time for her fiancé and dealing with her ex-husband further complicate Melanie's busy life. Oh, and then there's Christmas. Despite all the demands, Melanie manages to hang the wreath, decorate the tree, finish the shopping and collar a murderer. As ever, the author provides a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the world of show dogs. Agent, Meg Ruley at the Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Sept. 7)
