Peg Turnbull first appeared in A Pedigree To Die For and one of the best ways to learn about a person is by asking questions, so let’s get to know Aunt Peg.
What is your name?
Margaret Wentworth Turnbull. Most people call me Peg or Aunt Peg.
How old are you?
I would like to say “old enough to know better” but anyone who knows me knows that’s not true. I recently turned 70.
What is your profession?
I am a dog show judge, specializing in Poodles. I am currently approved for all the breeds in the Non-Sporting and Toy Groups.
Do you have a significant other?
I was married to my dear husband, Max, for many years. He unfortunately died of a heart attack while engaging in a highly questionable transaction over a dog. I am currently single.
Any children?
No, but I do have five Standard Poodles, who are as smart as children and much more fun to live with.
Do you have any sibling(s)?
No.
Who is your best friend?
I suppose my best friend is my niece, Melanie Travis. But don’t tell her I said that, she already thinks highly enough of herself.
Cats, dogs or other pets?
For many years, I bred and showed Standard Poodles, and my Cedar Crest Kennel was renowned for the quality of its dogs. Now I live with just five Poodles. Occasionally a dog in need of rescuing passes through.
What town do you live in?
Greenwich, CT.
House or building complex? Own or Rent?
I live in an old farmhouse that I’ve owned for many years.
What is your favorite spot in your house?
Wherever my dogs are.
Favorite meal?
Dessert.
Favorite dessert?
Cake. Any kind as long as it comes from the St. Moritz Bakery.
Favorite hobby?
Anything one can do with dogs: breed competition, agility, obedience, field trials.
Favorite color?
Purple (the color of a Winners ribbon).
Favorite author?
Amor Towles.
Favorite vacation spot?
New York City for the Westminster Dog Show.
Favorite sports team?
New York Knicks.
Movies or Broadway?
Broadway.
Are you a morning or a night person?
Morning.
Amateur sleuth or professional?
I’m not really a sleuth at all. I leave that job to Melanie. I do enjoy dabbling in other people’s problems, however, and I’m very good at giving advice.
Whom do you work with when sleuthing?
When a sharp brain is called for, Melanie often consults with me about what she should do next. She and I make quite a good team.
In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
I’m a busy person so I’m always up early. While the Poodles eat breakfast, I drink a cup of Earl Grey tea. The first of many. If I have a judging assignment, I will be on the road to a dog show before the sun rises. If not, the Poodles and I will take a long, leisurely walk. After that, I’ll catch up on all the latest dog news with my friends. Melanie often drops by with some problem or other that she needs my assistance to solve. The Poodles and I will pitch in and do what we can. Melanie tends to attract trouble and someone has to prepared to lend her a hand. She’s lucky that the job usually falls to me.
Laurien is giving away one (1) print copy of Here Comes Santa Paws. Leave a comment below for your chance to win. Giveaway ends September 23, 2019 and US entries only. Good luck everyone!
You can read about Aunt Peg in Here Comes Santa Paws, the 24th book in the “Melanie Travis” canine mystery series, coming September 24, 2019.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Connecticut, but Melanie Travis finds surviving this December may take a real Christmas miracle when a yuletide murderer comes to town . . .
As Melanie attempts to deck the halls in a house overrun by pampered Poodles, her event planner friend, Claire, is busy playing Santa—beard and belly not included—for the wealthiest clientele on Connecticut’s Gold Coast. A personal shopper gig in the affluent town of New Canaan seems like business as usual. Except Claire’s stylish stint comes at a higher price than she bargains for when she stumbles over her newest customer’s dead body on the job. Named a prime suspect for murder, she begs for Melanie’s help, then vanishes like cookies and milk on Christmas Eve . . .
Determined to track down Claire, Melanie and her nosy Aunt Peg dash into a dizzying investigation that leads to even more questions. Why was homicide victim Lila Moran, a secretive woman with an untraceable past, permitted to live on a well-known socialite-turned-recluse’s private estate, and is Claire keeping her own incriminating secrets under wraps? Now, with a grinchy New Canaan detective on their case and disturbing clues piling up like presents beneath the tree, the crime-solving duo must rein in a sinister Kris Kringle before they’re the next ones on someone’s deadly wish list . . .
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About the author
Laurien Berenson is the bestselling author of the Melanie Travis canine mystery series. Her books revolve around the world of dog shows, a milieu she knows well as her family has been involved in the sport of dogs for three generations. There are currently twenty-four Melanie Travis mysteries including the newest book, Here Comes Santa Paws.
Berenson is a four-time winner of the Maxwell Award for Fiction from the Dog Writers Assoc. of America and a winner of the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She is also an Agatha and Macavity nominee. Her work has appeared in The New York Times as well as numerous magazines. She is a graduate of Vassar College, and she and her husband live on a farm in Kentucky, surrounded by horses and dogs.
Connect with Laurien at laurienberenson.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Goodreads, and on BookBub.
All comments are welcomed.
I read the first book in this series and would like to read another. My book club always chooses a Christmas book for December.
Sharon, I hope your book club will give this Christmas book a try. Thank you for considering it!
I’ve read the whole series twice. My favorite is still Best in Show. I took it with me to PCA Regional Specialty In 2007. Your books are one of the reasons I switched from Shelties to Poodles. Keep them coming.
Wow, amazing. I really enjoyed writing a book that was set at PCA, and I hope to keep the series going for a long time.
This sounds like a great read. I always enjoy reading your books.
Nancy, I loved writing a book that was set at PCA. And I hope to keep the series going for a long time.
I love Aunt Peg she reminds of my grand mother some. Love all your books. Hope I win so I can pass it around to all the ladies at church. Thank you for the chance
Sharon, good luck! I wish everyone could win.
I made same switch for same reason!!
The Poodle people are lucky to have you both. 🙂
only two more days until we find out what is going on with Melanie and Aunt Peg. this is a series that i have come to really enjoy, no matter how many times i reread it (more than 10!). i can’t wait until the next adventure!
I would like to read it. I’m new to you and glad I saw this. Thank you for the chance
Aunt Peg is my favorite character!
Mine too. (well, and Terry) But there wouldn’t be a series without Aunt Peg.
I don’t remember how I found out about this series but I’ve read every one and I eagerly await each new title.
I love this series and I’m looking forward to the newest release. Aunt Peg is the perfect counterpoint to Melanie.
I agree. And they work very well together (sometimes, LOL)
I love all of Laurien’s books…have read everyone of them, and can hardly wait for this new one to come out. I especially love Aunt Peg because she reminds me of my own aunt and a close breeder friend of mine.
Have read them all. When each new one comes out, I give it to myself as my birthday gift. Have already preordered this new one, if I win will share with a friend
I love interviews with characters!
Amber, I do too. And that was so much fun to write!
Thanks for the chance!
I have read most of the books and enjoy the series a lot😀❣️
Thank you! I’m happy to hear that.
I just swapped a bunch of books at a dog show with friends. I was so excited to get a couple of these I missed reading. I can’t wait to read the next one!
There are 24 in the series now. I hope you get to read them all eventually,
Enjoyed the Aunt Peg interview. I’m looking forward to the newest book. Two Melanie books in one year is a treat
I’m glad you think so. It’s a treat for me too.
Eagerly awaiting the arrival of my copy! Thank you, Laurien for this wonderful mystery series!
Joyce, you are very welcome. Thank you for reading them!
I absolutely LOVE Aunt Peg. So hard to wait between books. Looking forward to this new one!!
Thank you, Betsy! I’m glad you like Aunt Peg too.
I have read every one of your books! I read them in order because I love the way your characters develop through the series. Your bio for Aunt Peg is such a hoot! I feel like I know all your characters very well.
Barb, I’m sure you do know them well by now. And that makes me feel kind of great. So thank you.
Love these books. You’re a wonderful writer!
Thank you, Beverly! What a lovely thing to say.
I absolutely love this series! I have read every book, and I am eagerly awaiting the newest book. I told my twin sister about these books, and now she enjoys reading them as well. I grew up with a black standard poodle, and now I have a black standard poodle puppy. Not sure she could help me solve a mystery, but I sure love the breed. Thank you so much for the wonderful books!! I always look forward to reading them!
Lauren, thank you so much. I’m delighted to know that you and your sister are both enjoying the series. For what it’s worth, none of my Poodles ever helped me solve and mystery either–but they were still great dogs. 😉
I read a lot of cozy mysteries and this is my favorite series. It is so well-written and I love this family. Thanks for the contest.
Thank you Carol! I’m thrilled this is your favorite series.
I love Aunt Peg. This interview made me smile. So typical.
Nanci, the idea of an interview with Aunt Peg really made me laugh. It was a lot of fun to do.
awww this sounds great! would love to read in my book club
I’ve read a couple of these and enjoyed them. Cute cover!
kozo8989@hotmail.com
Thanks for this wonderful giveaway. A delightful series.
Thank you Ruth!
The cover is a knockout. I’ve read Laurien Berenson’s Melanie Travis Canine mystery series prior and loved it. Aunt Peg is a real hoot and keeps Melanie on her toes. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway.
Robin, I get the best covers. Kensington’s Art Director always does a fantastic job. I’m glad you like the books!
Can’t wait to read it. I have read the entire series and every new book is eagerly anticipated. Very engaging characters and, of course, lots of Poodles!
Perfect!
Reading this next book in your series will be like a reunion with family close to the Christmas tree. I will be thinking of the shelties who brought good companionship and cheer. Great cover!
And, I am eager to see what Aunt Peg, Melanie, and the rest of the family are pawing around.
I hope you enjoy reading it. 🙂
I have read and live all of your books- I get to go to dog shows vicariously through your books
We share that in common, Charlene, because at the moment, so do I. 🙂
How AWESOME! Thank you Laurien Berenson..its nice to get an insight about Aunt Peg..got to know her much better now!☺ she is definitely my favorite character in the series!! Thanks for all the great books I love them all and always looking forward to the next one..the characters feel like family!
Thank you, Kay, and good luck!
I’m two books behind in the series, but have them on my kindle waiting for me. This is one of the best series ever! Interesting mysteries with no gore, loving, well rounded family members, and Melanie and/or Aunt Peg are sometimes really funny without even trying! Oh, and I absolutely love ‘watching’ Melanie’s family life and her children grow up!
Mary, thank you for your lovely reply. I’m so glad you like me books and my characters!
I love Aunt Peg and of course Mel. I can’t wait to read this next book in this series that I have loved from book one. This series will make you laugh out loud and cry too and keep you turning the page and waiting for the next book. Thank you for writing this wonderful series
Kathy, you are so welcome! And thank you for reading it.
Love this series and have all the books.
I love aunt Peg as we all know her and have one of her that has crossed our path.
Your books can’t be put down if you love dogs and especially standard poodles and mystery you love this series .ive read them all and cant wait for the new ones
Thank you, Cindy!
LOve this series. Love all dogs but my fur babies of choice are Chihuahuas. But I have never met a fur baby that I did not love. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Chihuahuas are great dogs! Of course, I totally agree with you–there are no bad dogs. I hope you like the new book.
I love this cozy mystery series and the entire family. I have been a fan since book one. ❤❤
You are a new author to me, you have a very interesting and busy life , in sounds like you live it to the fullest! Are you surrounded by dog lovers too? Or are you the odd man out?
Patricia, I have a somewhat crazy–but also wonderful–life, for which I am grateful every day. And yes, everyone I’m friends with loves dogs just as much as I do.
Aunt Peg is still my favorite character! She definitely takes the cake and the purple ribbon. Thanks for the contest.
Lynn, I have so much faun writing Aunt Peg–her character is based on a wonderful mentor of fine. As far as I’, concerned, everyone should have an Aunt Peg.
Love Peg and this series
I love this series and I have from book one I cant wait to read this one. Aunt Peg cracks me up
Aunt Peg cracks me up too. She is one of the best things about being able to write these books.
One of my favorite series – thanks for the chance!
You’re welcome. Good luck!
Loved the first book
Can’t wait to read this book
I want to win!! pretty please!!
And are you sure Aunt Peg’s favorite vacation spot isn’t the PCA show? Or is that second favorite?
You know, you may be right about that. But I’ve been working on next year’s book–which is partially set at Westminster–and I had that show on the brain. How about if they are co-favorites? 🙂
I have read almost all of your books . Some more than once. I just love them, I always learn something about Poodles that I didn’t know. Keep the books coming they are a delight.
Melody, I hope to be able to keep them coming for a long time. 🙂
Love reading books featuring dogs. Sounds like a great holiday read.
I hope so!
I have read all of the Melanie Travis books and enjoy them thoroughly. I am surprised that Aunt Peg listed a basketball team instead of a dog team as her favorite! I also think that as athletic as Aunt Peg is, she ought to dabble in the AKC tracking venue. I could see Buddy or Hope finding a mortality on a track….
Aunt Peg has to have a few other interests. 😉
Well, I know she plays bridge and she stays in touch with college friends, but you’re right, she has opinions on a plethora of topics!!!
I love the interviews with the books characters. And I would love to win a copy of Here Comes Santa Paws!
Aunt Peg, What was your most notable win with one of your pooeles?
It must have been when she won the Non-Sporting Group at Westminster, with a homebred Standard Poodle she was handling herself.
Sorry that was supposed to say Poodles.
Ahhh…..Aunt Peg. The character of a lifetime! She’s definitely my favorite in the series! I can’t wait to read this new book…the 24th in the series?! That’s amazing! I’ve loved them all!
Ginnie, she has definitely been the character of my lifetime. 🙂
Would also like an update on the young lady whom Aunt Peg sponsored at the private school several books back…:=}
I have read all of the previous books in the series. The characters grow in all the
books which I enjoy. Thanks for writing another book in this series Lauren.
Debbie
Debbie, you’re so welcome! Thank you for reading them.
Boy do I love this series. One of the first cozy series that got me hooked on them and never let me go! So much fun getting to know Aunt Peg. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!! I have mine already pre-ordered
Aunt Peg sounds like quite a character. I would love to read more about her and her niece.
What a cute cover. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book.
wfnren at aol dot com
Your newest would be perfect for our upcoming specialty (GSSSC) ‘s Silent Auction-Nov2,3. I always see to it that the latest book is featured and it is always a money maker. Keep them coming! Loved the interview!
Thank you, Martha!
I love when the actual main character is the one being interviewed. Thank you for the opportunity to win this wonderful giveaway!
Great interview! Love books with animals and this book has a great cover.
Thank you!
This sounds so good!
Legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
I love Aunt Peg and I love this series! Can’t wait for the next book!
I love the series and I’d love to win!!
Love this interview with Aunt Peg. 🤣
SOOOOOO ADORABLE, that dog! Peg/Megs of the world are always great. ;-D
I had to look up Amor Towles! Why is he Aunt Peg’s favorite? Love the Melanie Travis books!
Because she loves to read and appreciates when someone has real skills, and he writes astoundingly good books.
Aunt Peg never lacks confidence! Wish we could all be so sure of ourselves. When watching my miniature poodles in the ring with my handler, I’ve often wondered who would Aunt Peg put up. I’ve read all the books & enjoyed each one. Hope to see Melanie & Aunt Peg at PCA & Purina Farms…
I wish we could watch Aunt Peg judge! I’m sure it would be a hoot (perhaps unless you were showing under her–I say that as someone who was yelled at in the ring by Frank Sabella because he liked my Mini and didn’t think I was showing her well enough!)
This is my favorite dog-based mystery series. I loved them all, and this one sounds like it is going to be another winner! Thanks for giving us an early Christmas present! Now…if a smooth collie would just appear in one of your books, I’d be in heaven!
Sue, I would love to feature a smooth Collie in the books. The only thing that stops me is that I did an earlier book that had Shelties in it (Once Bitten) and it ended up with a Collie on the cover. Aside from Poodles, I try not to repeat the breed that will be on the cover of each book. I’m glad you like the series!
I love Aunt Peg. She is all bark and no bite. (Pun intended.) She tries to be a loner but is really great being part of the pack. That applies to dogs and her family. She is there for all of them. Smart, supportive, well-trained.
What a great description, Lisa! Except I think she has at least a little bite. 😉
Love the interview with Aunt Peg! The Westminster show is one of my favorite vacation spots too!
Love Aunt Peg!
Love Aunt Peg. I could be Aunt Peg with shelties instead of poodles. Working on my judging license while going to shows with my daughter and granddaughters. My son helps haul. LOL
You must do a wonderful job with your Shelties. Good for you for having three generation of your family involved in the sport.
The book cover is so cute.
**** WINNER ****
Here Comes Santa Paws is Cindy Wallace
Congratulations!
Congratulations Cindy Wallace!