A mom goes undercover to locate a purloined poodle—and a killer—in this series debut with "a solution that packs a surprising amount of surprise" (Kirkus Reviews).
The apparent heart attack that killed kennel owner Max Turnbull has left seven pups in mourning, and his wife Peg suspecting foul play. But the only evidence is their missing prize pooch—a pedigreed poodle named Beau.
Enter Melanie Travis....

Summer means two things to Melanie Travis: a break from her teaching duties at Connecticut's elite Howard Academy, and a chance to plan the perfect wedding to her fiancé, Sam. What she doesn't need is an unwelcome arrival of a dinner invitation from Sam's ex-wife Sheila. To make matters worse, Sheila has announced that her temporary stay in town is now permanent -- she's accepted a job as co-publisher of Woof!, a new gossip rag for the dog show world....

Despite Melanie's domestic demands - a toddler and a house full of Standard Poodles - helping Edward March pen his life story is an opportunity she can't pass up. Of course Edward turns out to be a growly old man who wants his book - "Puppy Love"--To consist mainly of his amorous encounters with women from the dog show community. It's juicy gossip, but not dangerous ... until Andrew, Edward's son, pays Melanie an angry visit to stop her from working...

When her Aunt Peg lands a gig as judge at a Kentucky dog show, Melanie Travis welcomes the opportunity for a road trip. Too bad a killer has planned a deadly detour. Within three days of her arrival, Ellie Gates has been found dead. Though the police and the family believe the death to be an accident, Aunt Peg is sure they are wrong. Melanie discovers that Miss Ellie was a woman of many secrets. And she must quickly determine which one was fatal before...

Melanie Travis needs a little peace from her busy life this Christmas. But the usual holiday hubbub is a joy compared to the killer surprise she finds tucked underneath the tree ... With a demanding teaching job at Connecticut's elite Howard Academy and five poodles scampering around the house, Melanie barely has energy for the upcoming Christmas rush. But she unwraps an unexpected challenge when her brother and ex-husband, elated by the recent success...