A Senior Sleuths Mystery Series

Sisters-in-law Peg and Rose are preparing for Christmas in Connecticut, with the annual dog-show fundraiser as a highlight. But when the jingle bell tolls for a party guest, a murder investigation breeds trouble in the latest Senior Sleuths Mystery from bestselling author Laurien Berenson.

Peg has always been the alpha dog when it comes to the Cherry Valley Kennel Club’s annual Christmas fundraiser—so she isn’t thrilled that Jonabell Goff has been chosen to run it this year. Especially since she’s had run-ins with the abrasive and rather incompetent board member. Still, she tries to be a pleasant hostess when Jonabell attends her holiday open house. But the two have no chance to work out their differences after Jonabell drops dead . . .

Rose, a former nun with the patience of a saint, may have her squabbles with her grumpy sister-in-law, but she knows Peg is no murderer. Rose is busy trying to provide a festive Christmas for the residents at the women’s shelter, but now that Peg is in a vulnerable position too—with the police suspecting her and locals giving her the cold shoulder—she jumps into the investigation. Had the kennel club treasurer been dipping her snout in the funds? What secrets were the victim’s friends and family hiding? Or did her domineering personality just drive someone to finally unleash their rage?

It’s a good thing Peg and Rose have become amateur sleuths, because this killer needs to be stopped before causing even more mayhem . . .

Rival sisters-in-law Peg Turnbull and Rose Donovan spent their summer doing the unthinkable: sleuthing for dangerous suspects and becoming (almost) friends. But when a September trip leads to more murder, it’ll be a miracle if the dysfunctional duo is still a team—and alive—by autumn . . .

From the moment Peg arrives in Kentucky, dragging level-headed Rose along for the week-long excursion proves a smart move. Because after she brings her canine expertise to prestigious conformation shows, next on the agenda is selling her Thoroughbred broodmare’s offspring at a high-stakes yearling sale. And when the ladies arrive to meet the young horse at Six Oaks farm, something seems off about the place—especially Jim Grable, the yearling manager with serious anger issues . . .

While Peg feels comfortable again judging pedigree pups over Labor Day weekend, Rose judges a shocking new turn of events. Jim has been found dead on the farm and a young employee needs help convincing police she didn’t kill him. As disjointed clues lead to a list of misdeeds swirling around Six Oaks, everyone connected to Jim agrees on one thing—he had it coming . . .

It isn’t until Peg guides her colt’s journey to the auction ring that she grasps how much Jim had been manipulating the process behind the scenes. Now, unable to rely on her instincts alone, Peg must also trust in Rose’s talents to expose the real culprit. But the two need to have each other’s backs before tangling with a killer—a deadly criminal set on halting their dog and pony show for good!

From the award-winning author of the Melanie Travis Canine Mysteries, senior sisters-in-law Peg Turnbull and Rose Donovan get along about as well as stray cats and pedigree pooches. But aside from being Melanie Travis’s beloved aunts, outspoken Peg and even-keeled Rose do have something in common—a knack for solving murders . . .

When Peg attempts online dating at Rose’s strong urging, the experience plays out like an embarrassing mistake. At least, until she matches with Nolan Abercrombie—intelligent, attractive, and a self-proclaimed dog lover. The two share an instant connection that has Peg cautiously excited to finally bring someone special into her busy world of Standard Poodles and conformation shows.

But before Peg can admit that Rose was right, a terrible accident claims Nolan’s life. As details about his background and tragic death come to light, Peg has a serious hunch that someone successfully plotted to kill her first real date in decades . . .

With suspects galore and a slew of puzzling clues to peel through, Peg and Rose team up to solve a dangerous mystery unfolding before their eyes. The question is: Can the unlikely duo turn their radically different personalities into an advantage as they scramble to ID the culprit—or will they manage to work against each other and find themselves precisely where a meticulous murderer wants them to be?

Murder, She Wrote meets The Golden Girls in the award-winning author’s brand-new series! Two cantankerous septuagenarians, opposites in every way, put aside their differences to stop a killer… if they don’t throttle each other first!

Rose Donovan looks for the good in everyone. With her sister-in-law, Peg, that sometimes requires a lot of searching. Even a sixty-something former nun like Rose has her limits, and gruff Peg Turnbull sure knows how to push them. But after forty years of bickering, they’re attempting to start over, partnering up to join the local bridge club.

Peg and Rose barely have a chance to celebrate their first win before one of the club’s most accomplished players is killed in his home. As the newest members, the sisters-in-law come under scrutiny and decide to start some digging of their own. Bridge is typically seen as a wholesome pastime, yet this group of senior citizens harbors a wealth of vices, including gambling, cheating, and adultery . . .

By comparison, Peg and Rose’s fractious relationship is starting to feel almost functional. But as their suspect list narrows, they’re unaware that their logic has a dangerous flaw. And they’ll have to hope that their teamwork holds steady when they’re confronted by a killer who’s through with playing games . . .

“Lots of canine fun . . . Anyone who loves dogs, especially poodles, dog shows, and silver-haired sleuths, will enjoy this new cozy mystery series.” —San Francisco Book Review