Game of Bones
Melanie Travis, Book #25
Laurien Berenson
5 Stars 
Synopsis:
Standard Poodle owner Melanie Travis is an excellent judge of dogs—and people. But what happens when an unnamed killer emerges at one of the fiercest all-breed competitions ever?
As Greenwich, Connecticut, slows down during a bitterly cold February, Melanie and her spunky Aunt Peg head to the city that never sleeps for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. Aunt Peg can’t wait to demonstrate her judging chops on national TV, even after being hounded by frustrating mishaps—all seemingly orchestrated by Victor Durbin, an ousted Paugussett Poodle Club member with a bone to pick. But the bright lights of the show ring grow dim when Victor is found murdered, and she’s the one topping the suspect list . . .
Driven to solve the crime on her aunt’s behalf, Melanie fetches hair-raising clues about the victim. Victor didn’t score many friends with his unethical breeding practices, sketchy puppy café, and penchant for mercilessly scamming others to get ahead. He burned so many bridges that his own business partner admits to being delighted by news of his death. It appears Victor finally toyed with the wrong person, and as Melanie digs up more chilling evidence, she realizes that exonerating Aunt Peg means confronting a murderer who’s in it to win it . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoy the fact that Melanie has a family, you get to see her as a mom and all of the things that go into being a mother and wife. Aunt Peg finally gets to be a judge at the Westminster Dog Show. I really enjoyed getting to learn more about the Granddaddy of all dog shows, that was very interesting.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions helped me to feel like I was right there at the dog show, watching all of the action taking place.
The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I thought I knew who the culprit was but I was wrong (which happens a lot).
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
mjbreviewers 