Review: If you have ever owned a dog you begin to develop a theory of how their mind works. Chet, partner with Bernie in the Little detective agency, is the perfect representation of all dogs I have ever met. He is a blend of innocence, curiosity, ADHD, optimism, and blind loyalty. All these traits and more come out in his narration of the Chet and Bernie mysteries.
With Chet leading us through the investigation we are led through a whole lot of tangents and shifting of thought gears (without the clutch), often humorously, as they close in on the culprit. Each little side story and link to the events Chet encounters often provide little clues that allow you the reader to move right along with investigation without giving it all away. Typically Chet has moved on to thinking about something else when the full story comes out, so we must persevere to get the big picture.
For example, at one point Bernie is questioning someone when they say a suspect is a piss poor person. So we find out the suspect has problems but before we hear the rest of the interview Chet’s brain is off. Piss poor? I like that. I must be a piss rich guy, I can always go. Speaking of which; Chet the Jet! They don’t call me that for nothing. And then he works himself back over to Bernie to start listening again.
It is so different to have such a positive and optimistic character in a mystery story; no dark and brooding detective here. It is these exact traits that make the book delightful. Chet makes me feel good and more hopeful, but thank goodness dogs can’t talk because I think it would wear me out in real life. Kind of like the Matrix were they added negativity to stop all the batteries from dying. But in control doses, like this book, it is wonderful.
If you want a fun mystery told through the eyes of every dog you have ever met, and will make you laugh, then the Bernie and Chet mysteries are for you. There are four books in the series so far and I know I am going to be reading all of them.
With Chet leading us through the investigation we are led through a whole lot of tangents and shifting of thought gears (without the clutch), often humorously, as they close in on the culprit. Each little side story and link to the events Chet encounters often provide little clues that allow you the reader to move right along with investigation without giving it all away. Typically Chet has moved on to thinking about something else when the full story comes out, so we must persevere to get the big picture.
For example, at one point Bernie is questioning someone when they say a suspect is a piss poor person. So we find out the suspect has problems but before we hear the rest of the interview Chet’s brain is off. Piss poor? I like that. I must be a piss rich guy, I can always go. Speaking of which; Chet the Jet! They don’t call me that for nothing. And then he works himself back over to Bernie to start listening again.
It is so different to have such a positive and optimistic character in a mystery story; no dark and brooding detective here. It is these exact traits that make the book delightful. Chet makes me feel good and more hopeful, but thank goodness dogs can’t talk because I think it would wear me out in real life. Kind of like the Matrix were they added negativity to stop all the batteries from dying. But in control doses, like this book, it is wonderful.
If you want a fun mystery told through the eyes of every dog you have ever met, and will make you laugh, then the Bernie and Chet mysteries are for you. There are four books in the series so far and I know I am going to be reading all of them.
Publisher: Atria Books
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 308
ISBN: 978-1-4391-5709-1
Quick Review: 4 Stars out of 5.
Why I Read it: Love mysteries
Where I Obtained the Book: The publisher sent it to me for review
Synopsis: The fourth entry in the irresistible New York Times bestselling mystery series featuring canine narrator Chet and his human companion Bernie—“the coolest human/pooch duo this side of Wallace and Gromit” (Kirkus Reviews).Combining suspense and intrigue with a wonderfully humorous take on the link between man and beast, Spencer Quinn’s exceptional mystery series has captured widespread praise since its New York Times bestselling debut, Dog on It. The Dog Who Knew Too Much marks the duo’s triumphant return in a tale that’s full of surprises.Bernie is invited to give the keynote speech at the Great Western Private Eye Convention, but it’s Chet that the bigshot P.I. in charge has secret plans for. Meanwhile Chet and Bernie are hired to find a kid who has gone missing from a wilderness camp in the high country. The boy’s mother thinks the boy’s father—her ex—has snatched the boy, but Chet makes a find that sends the case in a new and dangerous direction. As if that weren’t enough, matters get complicated at home when a stray puppy that looks suspiciously like Chet shows up. Affairs of the heart collide with a job that’s never been tougher, requiring our two intrepid sleuths to depend on each other as never before. The Dog Who Knew Too Much is classic Spencer Quinn, offering page-turning entertainment that’s not just for dog-lovers.
Author Biography: Spencer Quinn lives on Cape Cod with his dog Audrey, and is hard at work on the next Chet and Bernie adventure. Spencer Quinn is a pseudonym of author Peter Abrahams.
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Wasn't this a great book? Can't wait till the next one!
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