Dog on It

A Chet and Bernie Mystery

By: Spencer Quinn

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

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)

Chet Is Awesome

As a pet lover who has owned dogs for a long time, I decided to pick up this mystery as a way to try something outside of SciFi, which is what I listen to the most.

I found myself enthralled by Chet. He's just an awesome dog. As a dog lover, I was taken on a ride with Chet's adventure. He's a loyal, cool dog who, like any dog, can get distracted, but he's a good boy always.

There were a couple of times during the story that I had to pull to the side of the road and listen while gripping the steering wheel tightly because of the suspense, but that only attests to Spencer Quinn's narrative style.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book and any other in the series. It's a great read.

This Dog Will Definitely Hunt

Chet and Bernie are detectives at their agency Little Investigations; Little because that's Bernie's last name. Chet is Bernie's partner, his best friend and companion. By the way Chet's a dog; kindly put he's a mixed breed, but he's also one hell of a detective.
The partners take on a missing persons case in the person of 14 year old Madison who everyone but her mother thinks is a runaway. Certainly the girl's father doesn't feel any type of particular urgency concerning his daughter's disappearance. But that's alright because as Chet informs us, they specialize in missing persons cases. Our heroes travel from The Valley to the desert; eventually all the way to New Mexico. Chet is dognapped but makes a daring getaway, narrowly avoiding death. He meets and becomes friendly with a biker gang and enjoys a beer. When the bikers drop him off he narrowly avoids death once again. In the end the bad guys get their comeuppance; the girl gets to go home and all is well with the world; very briefly anyway. A very enjoyable, good time listening experience; even if you're not a dog lover.

I think the author really does understand the dog.

What about Jim Frangione???s performance did you like?

yes! GREAT

Any additional comments?

The relationship of Chet and Bernie includes that faith that as a child I had in my dog.

Stuck in Traffic but got a good laugh

What did you love best about Dog on It?

I wasn't sure about what to expect when I started to play the story but was I surprised. Written from the perspective of the dog. I got some pretty good laughs while stuck in traffic. It made the traffic jam worth it. I didn't want to stop listening.

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

One of the things that I loved best about Chet was when he would refer to flunking out of Canine School on the last day. Something to do with a cat and possibly blood.

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

I love the way Jim Frangione speaks as Chet. He puts some great emphasis on the emotions the dog is feeling. He was very enjoyable to listen to.

Any additional comments?

If you are looking for something fairly light and just enjoyable to listen to I would highly recommend the Chet and Bernie Series.
When I finally got home I just had to get the entire series and listen to them. Chet is guaranteed to entertain.

Fantastic fun--especially for dog-lovers!

What did you love best about Dog on It?

The story, as told by the dog, Chet. Insights into dog behavior and thoughts. Too funny.

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

Chet!