Metzger's Dog

A Novel

By: Thomas Perry

Narrated by: Michael Kramer

Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

When Leroy "Chinese" Gordon breaks into a professor's lab at the University of Los Angeles, he's after some pharmaceutical cocaine, worth plenty of money. Instead, he finds the papers the professor has compiled for the CIA, which include a blueprint for throwing a large city into chaos. But how is the CIA to be persuaded to pay a suitable ransom, unless of course someone actually uses the plan to throw a large city into chaos - Los Angeles, for instance?

Assigned to cope with the crisis and restore the peace, veteran agent Ben Porterfield steps onto the scene to remind us that the CIA's middle name is, after all, Intelligence. Enlivening the mix are Gordon's beautiful girlfriend, Margaret, his temperamental cat, Dr. Henry Metzger, and Metzger's friend, an enormous half-wild dog with huge teeth.

©2008 Thomas Perry (P)2009 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Very sharp, very funny...should not be missed." ( The New York Times Book Review)
"In a word - wonderful!" ( Chicago Tribune)

Unusually Cool - CLASSIC. A Must Listen!

This is different. And isn't that what mystery zealots want? This is a laugh out loud caper thing full up with bad people who you can't help loving. Yep, everyone's so flawed that you're left free to decide who you want to root for, hell, I think I finally rooted for almost everyone.

Did I say "laugh out loud" … Uh-huh, Perry has the power to cloud your mind with giggles. And yet he manages it with throw-away lines while still cranking out a plot with twists that leave a veteran mystery reader satisfied. And we're a hard-to-satisfy bunch, right?

Michael Kramer has the genius ability to become invisible as a reader-actor creating vivid characters that are about the plot, not him.

This book must he a classic. If it isn't, I'm declaring it to be. Yep.. this is a classic caper that you'll smile all the way through.

Oh, one tiny gripe, the very… very.. end was oddly dumb. I wonder why Perry appended those few paragraphs. Oh well, no matter… It's just a fine piece of writing overall.

Draw out

The storyline seemed drawn out and laborious. I do enjoy T. Perry though, as well as M. Kramer.

Wild and fun

Set around 1980, Metzger’s Dog combines government secrets, ambitious ex soldiers, and a bit of academia to rouse us with humor and suspense.

Great book

This book was something different. I really enjoyed the story line. The humor was unexpected.

loved it !

Terrific performance great romp! Thomas Perry doesn't disappoint, witty and textured writing. A definite must listen or read!

Cute vignettes glued together with a minimal plot

Improbable, surreal, goofy. Was he trying to write comedy? It managed to be neither hip nor funny. I first read this decades ago and thought it was ok. Perhaps ky tastes have moved since then.

Great Story!!!!!

One of the best books I’ve read in years, and most certainly the funniest. I loved every moment of it.

Just Great, nothing else needs to be said.

This is Thomas Perry at his best. No one spins a tale better. And, Michael Kramer brings it to life. Several times I just burst out laughing. Perry and Kramer, great combination. Often when I am searching for a new audiobook, I just put in Michael Kramer as narrator, pick from the selection and have never been dissappointed. Same goes for Thomas Perry.

15 Stars

Odd wonderful book. Written in 1983 but really had no affect on my enjoyment of the novel. Goofy fun characters. Enjoy!

Highly entertaining listen.

I'm pretty well hooked on Thomas Perry's books so far, but this is the first one narrated by Michael Kramer. I almost didn't buy this after listening to the sample, but found I warmed to Kramer's voice and style enough as the book progressed to become absorbed.

Otherwise, the story and writing are first rate. I found the plot intriguing, and I particularly enjoyed the interwoven humor throughout. The book is also populated with interesting characters. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who likes the genre.