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)

The original - start here!

I listened to this book some years back on cassette and have heard every one of the series since. This was the rare instance where I chose to purchase a book I had already heard because I enjoy it so much and want others to hear it. The mystery is perfectly ok, but what makes the book is the great relationship between the not-so-successful detective Bernie and his canine partner Chet. Jim Frangione is perfect as the voice of Chet, who has a wonderful doggy attitude toward life. I will never even consider reading the books on paper because I would miss that terrific narration. I was never a dog lover in general but Chet has changed my mind!

Chet and Berine make me happy!

Would you recommend Dog on It to your friends? Why or why not?

I really enjoyed these books, all of them. I live with a brilliant, loyal, lovable Australian Shepherd who is very much a part of my family. So I really enjoyed Chet's look at things. He knows more than most dogs would but he knows it in a very dog way.

If you love dogs and an alternate take on a story? This is great. It's really fun. It made me happy.

But if you don't love animals? There really isn't that much story here.

Everyone wants a dog like Chet! (and a Porsche)

I read a lot of black ops, special forces, Marines, space opera, but I also like other things too. I came to this book for a little light relief from the heavy seriousness of my norm. For just a moment I thought this would be too slap-stick, but it passed quickly and I found a new series to love!

Chet is the dog half of the Little Private Investigators partnership; he narrates the story, and there is plenty of humor from the dog's perspective. There is a great balance here of levity, canine POV, and true danger, action, and mystery. There is a lot of sensitivity also written into the humans' relationships that the dog doesn't get, but you do.

There is also tension, scary moments, and even a tear perhaps, even if you do know it's coming, and the humor is just on point, never too much.

Jim Frangione does the dog's voice perfectly without hamming. You can feel the loyalty, the enjoyment of food and the chase, the lack of clear long-term memory, even the instinctive behaviors the dog doesn't even know he is exhibiting. Outstanding.

I think even cat lovers would enjoy this series. Me? I am getting the next one!

It Rings True!

Okay, so maybe the mystery wasn't so mysterious -- it was still good. But the true pleasure of the book was hearing it through the voice of the faithful dog! Chet comes across as a dog, through and through, and dog lovers will recognize him and see so much of their own faithful companions in him that they will be as charmed as I was. Yeah, it was a little bit disappointing that Bernie didn't get the mystery quicker, but he did keep at it -- dare I say -- doggedly! And if things depended a little too much on luck, these things do happen! I look forward to the next Bernie & Chet mystery!

Hope there are more books to follow

I listened to this audio to and from work and it really made a tedious drive go more quickly. The dog's perspective and difficulties getting what he knew across to the detective were great fun. More please!

Fun listen!

Chet and Bernie are a great team, according to Chet. Chet tells the story and he tells it like it is - if you are a dog. It has mysterious twists, danger, and enough action to keep it moving along. Enjoyed it and recommend it for "easy listening".

Loved it

I can see my dogs seeing these things through Chet's eyes... Funny and endearing, the author catches the spirit of the dog and a dog's devotion to their human through this very captivating novel.

Love this series!

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

Great narrator. Jim Frangione does a great job of distinguishing voices and the dog's perspecitve is perfect for audio books. Can't wait to listen to the rest of the series!

Meet Chet and Bernie

This is a great introductory story of the partnership of Chet the dog and Bernie the human as they solve mysteries, in this case a missing person, financial corruption and international bad guys. Enjoy!

An All American story:Man, Dog, and an ex wofe

World according to Chet, A TRAINING CLASS WASHOUT, Chet's private eye master provider is constantly on the edge of bankruptcy and if he didn't have the dog bankruptcy would be a no brainier.
This is the world through the eyes, and psyche of a dog, in truth the dog is most likely blessed with w higher IQ than his master, but Chet has two problems his memory and thought process is only good for short term and he cannot verbally respond. Barking isn't the same as the spoken word.
All in all this I'd a fun book lots of humor, and now think like a dog!
Have fun!