Frolicking with dogs is Melanie Travis's idea of heaven. So when she's invited to be a "puppy wrangler" at a benefit for a local dog rescue, the last thing she expects is to be chasing after a tricky killer...

As a busy mom and pedigree Poodle owner, Melanie has little time to spare. Still, she doesn't mind helping out at Puppy Fest, an annual fundraiser to benefit Puppy Posse, a local dog rescue organization. Considering the venue--Belle Haven mansion, owned by wealthy philanthropist Leo Brody--it's shaping up to be the can't-miss charity event of the summer. Unfortunately, when Melanie's breeding background lands her in the doghouse with Jane, Leo's snappy daughter who runs the rescue, Melanie finds herself simultaneously managing Puppy Fest and the millionaire's hopelessly fractious family.

But once Puppy Fest kicks off, Leo is nowhere to be found--until Melanie discovers his current mistress crouching over his dead body. According to police, the father of nine's severe nut allergy went into overdrive after he accidentally consumed a contaminated cookie. However, Libby, one of Leo's children and a friend of Melanie's Aunt Peg, believes someone deliberately put him down for good. And now, she's begging a reluctant Melanie to unearth the secrets hidden by the Brody pack. But the closer Melanie gets to fetching answers, the higher the stakes become--and the more she realizes that she's chasing a criminal who's been groomed to win... ( )

This is an entertaining murder mystery with an uncomplicated plot and an over-abundance of suspects. It was a memory test for me to remember who is who.
The series's story-line about Melanie Travis, her extended family and dogs is the foundation for the book, For dog lovers there's insight into the dog show world and the hard work involved in showing a dog at the championship level. The usual friction between an amateur detective and the police is missing from this story, mainly because there's no police investigation! In this day of "lawyering up" it was surprising that all of the potential killers spoke freely to a self-appointed amateur detective.
In the end, it's a light and enjoyable read. ( )

Murder at the Puppy Fest by Laurien Berenson is the twentieth book in A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery series. Melanie Travis is driving her oldest son, Davey home from soccer practice when they see a car toss a puppy out. The pair stop and rescue the poor pooch who gets named Bud by the time they reach home (this little pup has a new home). The next day Melanie is off to help Claire Travis at the Third Annual Puppy Fest sponsored by millionaire Leo Brody. The money from the benefit goes help Puppy Posse, a dog rescue foundation (a very worthy cause). Melanie agreed to help wrangle the pups, but she did not count on finding Leo Brody on the floor in his study. Melanie immediately calls 911, but it is too late to save Leo Brody. The suspect list includes Leo's nine children and several of his grandchildren. The person who killed Brody knew his routine and about his nut allergy. Melanie had decided to not get involved in the investigation, until she speaks with Libby (thanks to Aunt Peg’s meddling). Libby Rothko, one of Leo Brody’s daughters, is confident that her father was murdered. Someone deliberately left him cookies spiked with nuts. Melanie agrees when she hears that Leo’s EpiPen was gone from his desk. Libby arranges for Melanie to talk to her siblings to help gather clues and find the culprit. Unfortunately, this does not help to narrow down the suspect list. Every single one of them had a motive to harm Leo. The killer, though, does not wish to be caught. What will the murderer due to avoid capture?

Murder at the Puppy Fest is well-written and has a good pace which makes for an easy to read (and engaging) cozy mystery. I thought the characters well-developed, relatable and entertaining. The only person I am not fond of is Aunt Peg (nosy, controlling busy body). Though, she does provide some humor. I like Melanie, Sam and her two kids. It is a nice change to have a married main character (instead of someone who is dating). While Murder at the Puppy Fest is the twentieth book in the series, it can be read alone (you might find it helpful to read A Pedigree to Die For). Readers are provided the necessary background details on Melanie and her family. I give Murder at the Puppy Fest 4.5 out of 5 stars. The mystery is slightly complicated, but avid cozy mystery readers should be able to resolve it before the reveal. Other readers will be surprised when the solution is revealed. The author provides good clues to help readers solve the whodunit. It is interesting to get an inside look at dog shows. I had no idea so much went into preparing the dog and the judging criteria. I look forward to reading Wagging through the Snow when it comes out. ( )