Melanie and Faith sign up for a dog handling class led by Rick and Jenny Maguire and Jenny's sister Angie. They seem like an amiable trio, but when Jenny has supper at Melanie's the next night, Melanie gets the distinct feeling that Jenny is unhappy. By the weekend Jenny is dead, a death most people are calling a suicide.

Melanie isn't convinced, and a trip to the police station confirms her suspicions: the police are investigating Jenny's death as a homicide. Thinking that the police don't have the inside scoop to the dog show world the way she does, Melanie begins to ask a few questions on her own, the answers to which make her realize this dog show business is more serious and competitive than she realized.

Underdog is a re-release of one of the earlier Melanie Travis mysteries, but can easily be read out of sequence. Melanie is a very appealing heroine as she tries to be the best mother she can, yet she allows her doubts and insecurities to show from time to time, making her a very likable and believable character. Melanie is very new to the world of showing dogs and the terms and practices are carefully explained within the context of the book, so nothing is lost. Melanie's relationships with her son, Aunt Peg and new boyfriend Sam each show a different side of her. Aunt Peg is a very demanding dog breeder, but she has a soft spot for her niece and allows it to show from time to time.

While they mystery is well laid out and engrossing, the characters and the well-drawn setting steal center stage. Laurien Berenson has drawn a charming portrait of autumn in New England and has described the dog show scene in such detail that no one need feel left out. A solid foundation is laid here for the long and inviting series that follows.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry