Bite Club (Melanie Travis Mystery)

Bite Club is the twenty-third novel in A Melanie Travis Mystery series. While the book can be read as a standalone, you will be missing out on a great series. The author provides everything a reader needs to know about Melanie, her family, her dogs, and friends. Bite Club is well-written and progresses at a steady trot. Melanie Travis is married to Sam and has two kids: Davey and Kevin. Davey is thirteen and is acting as a handler for Aunt Peg's latest poodle puppy, Coral. Kevin is an inquisitive and active four year old boy. Aunt Peg (she reminds me of one of my aunts) is an intimidating woman and dog show judge who frequently ropes Melanie into her schemes. When Evan Major is killed and Melanie is at the top of the suspect list, she sets out to learn more about the quiet man. The mystery was well-plotted with unexpected disclosures and a jaw dropping reveal. As an avid cozy mystery reader, I enjoy a complex whodunit. I enjoy the family interactions and how Melanie talks to Faith, her oldest poodle (and looks for a response). I like that it is not a picture perfect family. Melanie's household is always lively with four people and six dogs. Dinner may not be served on time, groceries run low and there are messes from kids and animals, but the house is filled with love. This is what adds to the appeal of this charming series. The dog show information is told in a way for a layman to understand (which I appreciate). I was unaware of the intricacies of dog shows and all that goes into maintaining a Standard Poodles fur for competition. There is humor sprinkled throughout the story along with the antics of the adorable canines, the kids and Aunt Peg. Bite Club is an engaging cozy mystery with a friendly sleuth, energetic book discussions, loving husband, sweet kids, endearing dogs, one dead guy with an unexpected past, and bossy Aunt Peg.