Christine's Reviews > Peg and Rose Solve a Murder

Peg and Rose Solve a Murder is the first in a new series which is a spin-off from the author’s Melanie Travis mysteries. Peg Turnbull is Melanie’s aunt and is an experienced dog breeder, dog handler, and dog show judge. She is smart and never hesitates to share her opinion which in Peg’s mind is always right. Rose Donovan is a former nun now married to a former priest who together run a women's shelter. Rose is the sister of Peg’s deceased husband and the two sisters-in-law have never gotten along. The book alternates between Peg and Rose’s point-of-view. Rose’s chapters allow us to get to know Rose’s husband Peter, too. Peter and Rose are a great couple and I really like that when Peter disagrees with his wife, he can make suggestions in a kind, loving way that are constructive instead of argumentative.

Peg is surprised when Rose asks her to join a bridge club with her and feeling lonely with Melanie and her family out of town, Peg is even more surprised to find herself agreeing. Peg and Rose are just getting used to playing together and are getting to know their fellow club members. When one of the members of the club is murdered in his own home, Peg and Rose decide to question the other club members to see how much information they can obtain. Peg and Rose are very different types of people but that makes them a good investigative team. They’re able to decide who will talk to different witnesses based on who will be able to get the most information out of that specific person. Through working on the investigation together, the women are able to find a way to get past their differences. Even when she’s at her most interfering and frustrating, Peg is an entertaining character. This book, more than the Melanie Travis series, shows a more vulnerable and likable side of Peg and I like that she brings out a more fun side of Rose as well.

As expected, there was plenty of insider information about dog shows and especially poodles. I enjoyed seeing Peg help a frightened rescue poodle that she comes across during the investigation. As much as I love all the information about dogs, I think some of the details about playing bridge were unnecessary. However, that is easily overlooked because the book is so good. I really hope this is only the beginning of a long partnership between Peg and Rose because this book was fantastic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing an advance copy of this ebook. The ebook was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.