As a sucker for anything dog, I'm pretty sure I've been reading this series from the beginning. True, I've maybe missed a book here and there but I remember Mel back in her pre-dog days, which were also pre-Sam and the kids. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is Aunt Peg. She is a force. It's because she's never quite mastered the art of saying no to Aunt Peg that Melanie finds herself in charge of putting together an Easter celebration for the children at a new woman's shelter, Gallagher House under the equally watchful eye of her Aunt Rose. The Aunts are not fond of each other but Melanie discovers that, in actuality, they are very much alike, not to mention hard to say no to. Aunt Rose is a former nun, btw,who also isn't fond of dogs. Then, just to complicate things, we discover Rose's husband is ill and, oh, yes, there's a murder. The victim is the main financial supporter of the shelter.
That's the basic plot. It's interspersed with cute kids and dogs as well as Melania dealing with the fact her youngest is probably going to be celebrating his last Easter where he believes in the Easter Bunny. Mel loves her kids and is a wonderful mother but at times feels quite inadequate that questions from her youngest about the reality of the Easter Bunny seem to leave her flailing. Fortunately, not only is husband Sam around but her oldest son provides some adorable answers to his younger brother, ensuring Melanie one last Easter with a child who still believes in the Easter Bunny. Something tells me most mothers will relate well to this feeling. They are surrounded by dogs during all this, of course, the pedigreed poodles so beloved by her Aunt Peg and now Mel's family. The adopted stray of unknown pedigree, Bud, also provides some humorous moments as he darts about and indulges in his not quite "civilized" self with glee.
As for the murder, although it wasn't too hard to figure out, there was always doubt as the red herrings pop up. Was it the family? Could a family member actually kill their own mother? How about the jilted boyfriend? Why is the son so adamant about selling the woman's shelter house and forcing everyone out? Could it be the daughter's former "love of her life"? And, why is he hanging out with her brother? Will the dogs play a role in this investigation? After all, they have protected Mel in the past. Also, while I'm talking about dogs, will puppy Plum ever learn to quit gawking around and pay attention to the training sessions? I mean, one has to admit that rowdy Bud is a bit of a distraction. Will Aunt Rose and Peg ever slow down their walking pace to match Mel's shorter legged one? So many questions, some vital, some not. Which is which? Not telling. You're going to have to read this fun, relatively quick read to find out. If you like dogs, interesting, true-to-life characters that could be neighbors or family, and watching Melanie navigate it all on what she thought was going to be a relaxing holiday break, this is the book for you.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the company of Mel and her family.... and the dogs .... again. I love this series.
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