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)

This series is great!

Would you listen to Dog on It again? Why?

I would definately listen to the book again. It was well written, I love the characters and being written from the dog's perspecitive is wonderful! So many good/funny insights on what a dog might be thinking!

Chet's doggie point of view, a real howl!

Delightful with adorable pup Chet accompanying his owner, the very likable and troubled detective Bernie as he investigates his cases. Making an amusing and loyal duo, the book kept my interest through giggles, curiosity and intrigue. Superb author Spencer Quinn writes of their adventures: Missing persons, mischief, kidnappera, dangerous people, drug dealers, dognappers, a motorcycle gang, keeping my attention, yearning for more. Throughout their escapades, this four-legged creature's points of view are excellently and joyfully narrated by Jim Frangione. I am looking forward to listening to more adventures in this charming and humorous series. This audiobook was a welcome change of pace for me. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! WOOF-WOOF!!

Good Story

Good book. Not for young kids due to profanity. Interesting story line. Loved hearing it from the dogs perspective.

Enjoyed this book

This is a book that is very enjoyable. I wasn't sure how is would be but went with what other reviews said. It is from the dog's view, and it is handled really well. The story is interesting and I kept wondering how they were going to solve the kidnapping because you do not know what the humans are thinking. Chet the dog knows so much that could help if only he could talk. I would say take a chance, but remember this is not a Tom Clancy novel.

Soft & Furry But Entertaining

Dog lovers will chuckle at Chet’s canine PoV and unconscious behaviors. Toward the end, these distract from the storyline like brown fur on black pants. Still, a fun & worthy listen.

Perfect Narrator for Chet

Loved the narrator who seems to embody Chet so completely that I fell in love with his voice. For any other character, who knows. But for Chet, perfect.

Bet on Chet!

Delightful and fun. Love the doggie nuances in the story bringing the book to life…

As dog and his man!

Would you listen to Dog on It again? Why?

I write about the whole series (so far) not just this book. My husband & I have fallen in love with Chet and Bernie. Four mysteries told from Chet the dog's point of view--we have listened to these on car trips--and found ourselves wanting to keep driving just to hear more. Stories are funny and kind of corny--and I mean that in a heart-warming way. Something like old fashioned good entertainment. Then, two more things besides. The author has a very clever insight into what (we humans may presume) a dog thinks--sometimes funny as the dickens, other times a little bit of a reminder of how much we probably mean to our pets. The other is, the narrator is tops! He does Chet the dog so well, that we doubt anyone could do it better. Really good series--cannot recommend it enough to anyone who wants something a little light, but completely engaging.

Fun listen with a new twist on mystery novels

Overall, this is a great listen and I was prompted to listen to this after listening to the Birdie and Bowser series first book by Spencer Quinn. FWIW - the Birdie and Bowser series is similar in that Bowser narrates the story but Birdie (11 year old girl) is the owner and very intrigued with life.

This book is geared toward an adult but if cussing (including "F" bombs) wasn't scattered throughout the book, I would recommend this to my elder grandkids.

Although I am not currently a dog owner but have owned a few fun dogs in the past, I laughed and enjoyed the humor that Chet demonstrated combined with his ability to get in and out of 'predicaments'. As others stated, this is a different twist on Lassie with an 'inside' view of how a dog thinks and 'forgets'.

I listened to this on a long drive from TN to PA and this made the trip go very 'quick'.

Again, if the language wasn't scattered with cussing, I would give it a highly recommend.

Clever and fun!

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

Told by the perspective of the dog, this series has proven a very entertaining listen. I can't look at my own dogs the same. I was actually a little hesitant to listen as I was afraid this would be almost stereotypical in the way it may handle the aspect of the dog as narrator, but I was pleasantly surprised. A few places this first book was a little slow, but rightly so for the character development and sped right up again. The narration is great. Jim Frangione indeed makes you want to meet Chet, or get a Chet of your own. There is alot of light good humor, despite a few profane words (mind you NEVER uttered by the dog) by the

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

Chet and his smeller.

What does Jim Frangione bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Brings Chet to life, his semi-frantic telling really lends itself to how me might see how a dogs mind shifts so quickly.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh! Smile! Wanna hug my dogs!