How to Read the Melanie Travis Mystery Series
Laurien Berenson’s long-running Melanie Travis Canine Mystery series is one of the most beloved fixtures of the cozy mystery genre. Blending canine charm, amateur sleuthing, and the high-stakes drama of American Kennel Club (AKC) dog shows, the series has kept readers entertained since 1995. While each book features a self-contained murder mystery, the characters’ personal lives, relationships, and canine companions evolve significantly over time. For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the series in publication order.
Reading the books in order allows you to watch Melanie grow from a grieving niece and single mother into a confident poodle handler, wife, and seasoned investigator. You will also see her son, Davey, grow up, and witness the introduction and aging of Melanie's iconic Standard Poodles, including Faith and Hope. Additionally, her relationships with her formidable, dog-show-judge Aunt Peg and her love interest Marcus Barlow develop step-by-step throughout the series.
Melanie Travis Books in Publication Order
The mainline Melanie Travis series spans over thirty novels and a prequel short story. Note that there was a notable five-year publication hiatus between 2008 and 2013, during which Melanie’s world remained paused before resuming with its signature charm.
- A Pedigree to Die For (1995) – The book that started it all. Melanie investigates her uncle's suspicious death and searches for his missing champion Standard Poodle, bringing her into the dog show world for the first time.
- Underdog (1996) – Melanie takes an assistant job at a local kennel club and stumbles into a murder mystery involving a wealthy breeder.
- Dog Eat Dog (1996) – A dog trainer is found dead, and Melanie must untangle a web of rivalries in the local obedience school scene.
- Hair of the Dog (1997) – When a prominent handler is murdered at a prestigious show, Melanie goes undercover to find the killer.
- Watchdog (1998) – Aunt Peg drags Melanie into an investigation when a controversial dog judge is murdered.
- Hush Puppy (1999) – Melanie balances her teaching job with a search for a killer when a fellow teacher is found dead at a local dog shelter.
- Unleashed (2000) – A trip to a canine camp in the Adirondacks turns deadly, forcing Melanie to sniff out a killer among the campers.
- Once Bitten (2001) – Melanie investigates a suspicious death at a historic Connecticut inn hosting a dog show event.
- Hot Dog (2002) – A hot summer brings hot tempers, leading to a murder at a local outdoor dog show circuit.
- Best in Show (2003) – Melanie travels to the Poodle Club of America National Specialty, where a raffle committee dispute ends in homicide.
- Jingle Bell Bark (2004) – The first Christmas-themed entry. Melanie must solve the murder of a local pet store owner during the holiday rush.
- Raining Cats and Dogs (2005) – Melanie helps a friend accused of killing a controversial cat breeder.
- Chow Down (2006) – A wealthy pet food tycoon is murdered, and Melanie is drawn into a battle over his estate and assets.
- Hounded to Death (2007) – A weekend dog show in upstate New York turns fatal when a dog handler is found drowned.
- Doggie Day Care Murder (2008) – Melanie investigates the death of a co-owner of a local doggie day care facility.
- Gone with the Woof (2013) – Following a five-year hiatus, Melanie returns to investigate a mystery involving an elderly ex-show judge.
- Death of a Dog Whisperer (2014) – Melanie handles a case involving a self-proclaimed canine behaviorist who met a violent end.
- The Bark Before Christmas (2015) – A holiday fundraiser turns tragic when a Santa Claus impersonator is killed.
- A Christmas Howl (2015) – A short story prequel that explores a festive canine mystery from Melanie's earlier years.
- Live and Let Growl (2016) – Melanie deals with competitive pressure and murder at a local pet expo.
- Murder at the Puppy Fest (2017) – A canine festival turns chaotic when a prominent sponsor is murdered.
- Wagging Through the Snow (2017) – A festive mystery involving a missing local decorator and holiday dog parade drama.
- Ruff Justice (2018) – Melanie must clear Aunt Peg's name when Peg becomes the prime suspect in a dog judge's murder.
- Bite Club (2019) – Melanie joins a local book club, only to find herself investigating a neighbor’s suspicious death.
- Here Comes Santa Paws (2019) – Holiday cheer is disrupted when a local volunteer is killed at a Christmas dog show event.
- Game of Dog Bones (2020) – Melanie navigates a complex family mystery when a game designer is murdered at an estate.
- Howloween Murder (2020) – A spooky autumn mystery surrounding a local pumpkin patch and a mysterious death.
- Pup Fiction (2021) – Melanie investigates the murder of a local dog trainer who specialized in film and commercial work.
- Show Me the Bunny (2022) – An Easter-themed mystery where a spring celebration leads to a body in the garden.
- Killer Cupid (2022) – A Valentine’s Day themed mystery featuring romantic tension and a killer on the loose.
- Pumpkin Spice Puppy (2024) – Autumn brings pumpkin spice and a new puzzle for Melanie to solve in her Connecticut neighborhood.
- Die Another Dane (2025) – When Melanie’s son Davey wants a Great Dane, their visit to a breeder leads to a suspicious death in the Great Dane community.
The Peg and Rose Senior Sleuths Spin-Off Series
For readers who cannot get enough of Melanie’s family, Laurien Berenson launched a spin-off series focusing on the older generation: A Senior Sleuths Mystery. This series stars sisters-in-law Peg Turnbull (Melanie's formidable, opinionated aunt) and Rose Donovan (a quiet, patient former nun). Despite their wildly different personalities and a history of bickering, the duo teams up to solve crimes in their community. Reading this spin-off alongside the main series adds wonderful depth to the overall universe.
- Peg and Rose Solve a Murder (2022) – Peg and Rose must put aside their differences to solve the murder of a local bridge club member.
- Peg and Rose Stir Up Trouble (2023) – The sleuthing duo investigates a murder at a local community garden.
- Peg and Rose Play the Ponies (2024) – A trip to the local racetrack turns deadly, drawing Peg and Rose into the equestrian world.
- Peg and Rose Deck the Halls (Scheduled for September 2026) – A festive holiday mystery involving a murder at a Christmas party.
What to Know Before You Start
Laurien Berenson’s books are celebrated for their authentic portrayal of the dog show world. Berenson herself is an experienced Standard Poodle owner and handler, and her real-life expertise shines through in every chapter. You will learn about the strict grooming standards, handling techniques, AKC rules, and the passionate subculture of dog breeders and exhibitors.
Despite the presence of murder, these are classic cozy mysteries. They feature no graphic violence or explicit language, focusing instead on clever clues, quirky characters, family dynamics, and a deep appreciation for our canine friends. They are perfect reads for dog lovers, cozy enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a comforting, lighthearted mystery escape.