Book Review: Once Bitten

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Once Bitten     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Laurien Berenson
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Dogs   Cozy   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Melanie Travis # 8
Kensington, Sept 2001, $22.00, 288 pp.

Life is finally come together for dog show owner Melanie Travis. Even though she was supposed to be getting married during Christmas, she has come to grip that this is not going to happen. Her fiancé left for an unspecified time to find himself. She is delighted that her brother is getting married to Bertie, another person involved dog shows, in six weeks but she is horrified that her ex husband is going to be around for the same month and a half trying to win her back.

When Bertie’s wedding planner Sara disappears leaving behind an ominous note, she asks Melanie for help in tracking down the missing woman. Before they can get very far in their inquiries, Sara’s cottage burns down, which leaves behind the remains of a skeleton that can only be identified by dental records. When Melanie and company learn that arson caused the fire and that Sara remains alive though still out of sight, the group increases their efforts to find answers.

ONCE BITTEN, like the rest of the Melanie Travis mysteries, takes readers into the colorful and exciting world of dog competitions. Long time fans of this amateur sleuth series will be ecstatic that Faith finally won enough shows to be considered Champion by the AKC. Laurien Berenson has written another fine work in this delightful mystery series.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

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