Melanie Travis thought her visit to a rustic Pocono Mountains resort would offer some well-earned relaxation even though it meant leaving her family and her beloved Poodle Faith behind. That was before she discovered the corpse in the inn's secluded hot tub. Now, she's sniffing out the trail of a killer as frightened guests and the police howl for swift justice.

As the dog days of summer turn to the playful nip of autumn's chill, Melanie Travis is ready for a little relaxation. Her Aunt Peg has the perfect solution--a five day symposium for dog show judges in Pennsylvania's idyllic Pocono Mountains. While Peg and Melanie's sister-in-law Bertie welcome the opportunity to socialize with the dog world's elite, pregnant Melanie embraces the chance to simply unwind. Aunt Peg also plans a little face time with her new online beau Richard Donner, but the rendezvous isn't smooth because Richard never travels without his mother, the redoubtable Florence Donner, who keeps a Chihuahua in her purse and her son on a very short leash.

When renowned judge, Charles Evans, delivers a keynote address that irritates many of the attendees, the symposium's agenda takes a deadly turn. Later that evening, the judge is found floating face-down in the outdoor hot tub.

With few clues to go on, the police are baffled. Melanie decides to take matters into her own hands, suspecting that a cold-blooded murderer may lurk among her fellow dog lovers. Now the guests' tongues are wagging anf Melanie must find someone whose bark is actually far worse than their bite. Melanie Travis #14 ( )

A fun, light read. Variety of characters make a nice mix along with multiple story lines. ( )

Good

Murder amongst the insane world of the pure bred dog show circuit. ( )