Dog on It

A Chet and Bernie Mystery

By: Spencer Quinn

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Meet Chet, the wise and lovable canine narrator of Dog on It, who works alongside Bernie, a down-on-his-luck private investigator. Chet might have flunked out of police school ("I'd been the best leaper in K-9 class, which had led to all the trouble in a way I couldn't remember exactly, although blood was involved"), but he's a detective through and through.

In this, their first adventure, Chet and Bernie investigate the disappearance of Madison, a teenage girl who may or may not have been kidnapped, but who has definitely gotten mixed up with some very unsavory characters. A well-behaved, gifted student, she didn't arrive home after school and her divorced mother is frantic. Bernie is quick to take the case -- something about a cash flow problem that Chet's not all that clear about -- and he's relieved, if vaguely suspicious, when Madison turns up unharmed with a story that doesn't add up. But when she disappears for a second time in a week, Bernie and Chet aren't taking any chances; they launch a full-blown investigation. Without a ransom demand, they're not convinced it's a kidnapping, but they are sure of one thing: something smells funny.

Their search for clues takes them into the desert to biker bars and other exotic locals, with Chet's highly trained nose leading the way. Both Chet and Bernie bring their own special skills to the hunt, one that puts each of them in peril. But even as the bad guys try to turn the tables, this duo is nothing if not resourceful, and the result is an uncommonly satisfying adventure.

With his doggy ways and his endearingly hardboiled voice, Chet is full of heart and occasionally prone to mischief. He is intensely loyal to Bernie, who, though distracted by issues that Chet has difficulty understanding -- like divorce, child custody, and other peculiar human concerns -- is enormously likable himself, in his flawed, all-too-human way.

©2009 Spencer Quinn (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Dog on It has got more going for it than 50 of those cat cozies ... My sincere advice to you is to rush to your nearest bookstore and put your paws on this enchanting, one-of-a-kind novel." (Stephen King)

A Dog's Perspective

Not a bad story, I just had a hard time with it being written from a dog's perspective.

I'm a sucker for any story with a dog...

Would you consider the audio edition of Dog on It to be better than the print version?

I do not now. I only purchased the audio edition. Why would there be a difference?

Any additional comments?

Fun story. I like any story with dogs in them, especially smart pups.

Detective work from a dog's point of view?

What did you like best about Dog on It? What did you like least?

It's certainly an interesting concept to have a mystery story written in the first person from a dog's point of view. However, I can't imagine basing a series of books on the concept, and I doubt I would bother with others.

Any additional comments?

This might make a great book to start with for young adults, or maybe kids.

Fun and fantastic story

Would you consider the audio edition of Dog on It to be better than the print version?

I went back and forth between the print version and the audio version of this story. The narrator really breathed life into that dog and has the perfect voice for it. I completely enjoyed the narrated version!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dog on It?

I loved every moment that Chet lost focus on an important task because he caught sight or wind of a tasty morsel. The author also gave Chet such free-flowing thoughts that I laughed thinking that I can see any 3 of my dogs thinking just like Chet.

Have you listened to any of Jim Frangione’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I'm currently listening to Jim Frangione narrate the next book in the series, 'Thereby Hangs a Tail.' He really nails the narration in both books.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

While I can read for hours and hours at a stretch, I cannot listen to a book that long. I would have read the book in one sitting, but I listened to the narration as I intended to - when driving, getting ready for work in the morning, running. I don't seem to have enough time to sit and read lately. Narrated books give me the opportunity to 'read' books without actually having to sit down to do it. I don't really watch TV and prefer reading. Since I can't read as much as I want to, listening is still better than TV!

What is that wind?

What made the experience of listening to Dog on It the most enjoyable?

Humor was great! I LOVED Chet's consternation over his involuntary movements, like his tail wagging. Surprised him every time.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I was kept awake for hours hoping that everything would turn out OK.

A bit too tense for me - not "cozy" mystery level

The story is narrated by the dog - and the author is very good with understanding and expressing a dog. This is a detective story, and told with all the tenseness of a traditional detective story, but with the additional strain of an animal in danger and in bad situations.

I finished the book, but am more in the mood for a cozy mystery or humor as an escape from chaotic times.

Perhaps I didn't come across this book at the right time.

Awesome

Loved every minute. Loved the fact that dog was telling his story. Good job Chet. So good that I wish it had been longer.

Arizona Sunshine

I enjoy how the author depicts how a dog would think. Good mystery. The narrator was excellent. He was clear and used a variety of voices for the characters and circumstances. Highly recommend.

I expected more

A typical detective story about a kidnapped teen, a shallow no-brainer with a quickly obvious plot and cast of villians. Because it was told from the detective's dog/partner's perspective, I was expecting something more innovative. The dog character Chet was anthropomorphized and frankly, based on heavily cliqued traits. The detective character Bernie was like so many in the genre: likable but screwed over by an ex, broke, regretful and missing his kid. Oh yeah, let's not forget the required cop friend and reporter friend/possible love interest of the genre, too. The story was written in short simple sentences that seemed aimed for an eighth grade reading level. The writing style made the narration choppy and the many pregnant pauses made me think I was experiencing wifi glitches. This book could've been great, but was just an all around disappointment.

5 woofs!!!

Loved this book. Chet is the coolest pup ever! Great idea to tell the story from his point of view. Good boy Chet!