Melanie Travis returns for a harrowing Halloween adventure. Her co-worker Harriet Bloom at Howard Academy is suspected of murder in this short novel continuing the ‘Melanie Travis’ series, HOWLOWEEN MURDER. The howl, by the way, does not refer to werewolves but large black-coated Poodles.

Halloween in Greenwich, Connecticut, is a fun-filled affair, normally. All the usual pumpkin carving, trick or treating and costume parties will be found in the mystery. But one little part of the tradition is missing. Harriet is suspected of poisoning a neighbour, an elderly man whose tendency to behave strangely worried half the neighbourhood. Her locally famous marshmallow baked treats seem to have been the vehicle for the toxin. The main way Melanie can help her friend is by visiting the other homes on the street and recovering trays of marshmallows from people’s deep freezes. They might be good to eat, or they might not. For sure, they won’t be distributed to trick or treaters, nor on the school party table.  

Accompanied by her Poodle, Faith, and when at home, by her loyal husband Sam and kids and more dogs, Melanie makes enquiries. If you have previously read books in this series you’ll have a picture of Aunt Peg the dog breeder and show judge, who is an impelling force in Melanie’s involvement, on the basis that Peg believes women and colleagues should stick together.

A murder required malice, a motive, and maybe more than one perpetrator. Melanie puts herself at risk every time she helps someone, and it’s not as though Poodles are attack dogs. These dogs are wonderful family pets, as we see. You’ll want one for yourself. Or six. Well, maybe not six. Enjoy this dog-packed cosy mystery by Laurien Berenson, which will put you nicely in the mood for a family Halloween. HOWLOWEEN MURDER is brimming with character and bitterness, sweetness and strength.