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)

loved the book. looking forward to a sequel

loved the book told from a dogs point of view. would recommend. how their is a sequel

Chet and Bernie are The Best!

Great from start to finish. A wonderful debut of a crack crime fighting team. Highly recommend.

this book is nothing like I have ever read

ok so this was recommended by a friend. it is absolutely nothing like the kind of books I normally read but it was really great. being a dog guy myself, l could really connect with Chet's inner monologue. Love that dog!

Chet is Amazing

If you love dogs, you will love author Quinn's portrayal of the dog's point of view. Hilarious, and right on! The narrator does a great job vocalizing Chet's thoughts. HOWEVER, for the mystery or crime fiction lover, the stories are weak. They don't make much sense, and they sort of meander. I still recommend the books because of Chet's hilarity. Example, "In my experience, most humans look better with their clothes on." "What is that breeze? Oh yes ... it's my tail."

Fun read!

Fun read from the dog perspective! Funny and good story. Narrator was very good !

Loved the point of view narration

If you could sum up Dog on It in three words, what would they be?

Hilarious, Intriguing, Fun

What did you like best about this story?

I loved that the story is from the point of view of Chet, the dog.

Dogs view

The narrator was great especially speaking as the dog of the story. Makes u see things from a dogs perspective and is quite funny,
Glad I listened to this book. Would not mean as much if I read it myself.

Cheerful, clueless Chet

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

Yes, the narrator adds to the fun... he IS Chet

What did you like best about this story?

Chet is so cheerfully clueless. Half the time he doesn't really know what's going on, but just trusts Bernie and follows his lead. As a long time dog lover I'm pretty sure this is close to how a dog's mind really works. Wait, is that a squirrel??? Gotta go!

Which character – as performed by Jim Frangione – was your favorite?

Chet of course, though Bernie and Suzie aren't bad either

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

Nope, just fun -- a decent mystery and a good dog story rolled into one.

Any additional comments?

A lot of dog first person protagonists are really smart or philosophical. Chet just does the best he can and hopes someone will drop a steak.

Travel time flew...

Edge of my seat, gritting my teeth down highway 77 through the mountains... And it wasn't the mountains; it was the story line... Told by the dog. "I barked. he barked. I barked. He barked....she barked." Funny. Witty. Creative. And ready for the next one...

Love Chet and Bernie

I love the way Chet thinks and solves problems using his dog loyalty and courage. The story is entertaining although there is always a component of violence that might or not be necessary but certainly the adventure never stops. Even when Chet is amused by the most unlikely thoughts and intuitions, the excitement doesn't quit.