Metzger's Dog: A Novel

Metzger's Dog is yet another triumph for Mr. Perry. I only know two authors who can effectively weave suspense and humor together: Mr. Perry and Tim Hallinan. Both have carved out unique niches for themselves. In this book Mr. Perry creates a whole raft of interesting new characters, he keeps us guessing and delighted throughout the book, and his humor is just sometimes LOL funny. At other times his humor can be rueful, sarcastic, warm, affectionate and anything else you can think of. All the guys like Nelson Demille, Tom Clancy and their peers approach the CIA in deadly earnest. I now would have a hard time going back to any of them. Mr. Perry creates a Keystone Kops aura around the CIA and makes vicious fun of the bureaucracy and the politics within. On the other side is a small group headed by Chinese Gordon and his soon-to-be-wife Margaret. Dr. Henry Metzger is Gordon's cat, and they adopt a gigantic and ludicrously ferocious dog during the caper. Mr. Perry could write a whole new series around these characters. His ingenuity and creativity are on show here, and one can only marvel at how far he pushes the envelope of this genre. The tricks they pull involving the crippling of Los Angeles and how they outwit the CIA over and over are such fun that I will listen to the book again in a year or so, just for the laughs. Mr. Kramer is perfect. He narrates with consistent skill and he deals with the humor with nuance. He is equally good at suspense and all forms of humor. Keep on truckin', gentlemen. We are listening.

I loved this book. Laugh out loud characters, plot, and great, funny lines. This is one to listen to again in a year or so, I'm sure it will make me laugh each time.

The very funny author Carl Hiassen wrote the introduction to this book, which is appropriate. Except that Carl Hiassen is predictable -- his villains are always polluters or property developers -- and Thomas Perry never is.

I've read enough of his novels to know that he never repeats himself. (At least the ones that don't feature Jane Whitefield; I haven't read those.) Perry's plots are always unique and ingenious. Audible now has many more of his books, and I look forward to every one.

I like the way Perry writes. I am not so in tune with his feminine side (Jane Whatshername), but the Butcher's Boy books we among the best I've found in the genre. Metzger's Dog petered out just a tad near the end, but until then I was bathed in some of the funniest ironic humor (just shy of sarcasm) in memory. The black, fearsome pall of the dog-beast is priceless! More, Mr. Perry, More!!!

It was okay. I wouldn't spend the time to read it again though. And I wouldn't pick up any more books by this author on the basis of this one. But I wouldn't turn away from another book from Perry just because of this either. The narration was okay as well.

The plot seemed rather complicated/convoluted... and is told from a chopped up perspective - sometimes it wasn't really clear that it was a different "event" going on until a few lines into the section. The story was also sorta political in nature... but not with any politics that I cared about (international espionage type stuff). I actually checked the publication date because it felt like a story written in the early '80s and/or as if it was abridged.

Oh well... it was a change of pace...

I got this book after hearing rave reviews about how hilarious it was. I love irony, wit, and humor in a good mystery, so went for it. The dry wit was clever, but it was few and far between. The premise was bizarre, and therefore could have been quite funny--but wasn't. It seemed very awkward and impossible to concentrate on--dullness sprinkled frugally with a modicum of humor. I would not read this author again based on this book, which I couldn't wait for it to end.

Very clever, witty and challenging plot. Perry has never received his due. Thank you Mr. Perry

This experience leads me to avoid this author in the future. Narrator was ok; it was the story that I didn't get.

Nope.

Nothing in particular.

I have skipped very few books among hundreds from Audible. This was one of them. If the book doesn't grab me in the first hour, I lose interest.

Never read the book, but Listen to the book frequently

Chinese Gorden, twisted genius

Porterfield The only sane person left in company

Closing down LA.

Perry's use of humor and vivid imagery made this book a joy.

My favorite scene was when Dr. Henry Metzger (the cat) showed that he was the "alpha cat" and tamed the 200 pound dog.

Michael Kramer brings the story to life, giving each character and voice a unique flavor.