Heart of Barkness

Chet and Bernie Mysteries, Book 9

By: Spencer Quinn

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Spencer Quinn's Heart of Barkness is the latest in the New York Times best-selling series that the Los Angeles Times called "nothing short of masterful".

Chet the dog, “the most lovable narrator in all of crime fiction” (Boston Globe) and P.I. Bernie encounter heartache and much worse in the world of country music. They’re both music lovers, so when Lotty Pilgrim, a country singer from long ago, turns up at a local bar, they drive out to catch her act. Bernie’s surprised to see someone who was once so big performing in such a dive, and drops a C-note the Little Detective Agency can’t afford to part with into the tip jar. The C-note is stolen right from under their noses - even from under Chet’s, the nose that misses nothing - and before the night is over, it’s stolen again.

Soon they’re working the most puzzling case of their career, a case that takes them back in time in search of old border-town secrets, and into present-day danger where powerful people want those secrets to stay hidden. Chet and Bernie find themselves sucked into a real-life murder ballad where there is no one to trust but each other.

©2019 Spencer Quinn (P)2019 Recorded Books

Finally! An entertaining departure from the usual story line

Especially enjoyable to listen to bc there was a huge reduction in the amount of profanity used! Thank you Mr. Q!!

I’m certain Jim Frangione is an actor with many talents. Yet, to me, he is Chet! Chet is a fictitious character, & a canine at that, but many people would do well to adopt his positive attitude. I absolutely adore the way Mr. Frangione gives life to our quirky, beloved Chet. Yes, there really is all kinds of beauty in this life!

It was nice that Bernie was different in that he wasn’t so angry.

I feel like I missed the joke. Why did Leeta suddenly become Letuh? Just wondering.

I really missed Chet so I’m very thankful this book became available. Without all the anger and unnecessary profanity, it’s a keeper. And, you can take that to the bank, Amigo!

BERNIE LIVES! THANK YOU SPENCER QUINN!!!!!!!

Just when you thought you would never be amazed by Bernie and Chet!!! Oh How Happy and Amazed I am! My broken heart is beating again. The best stories ever written in my book. No one has ever written anything to compare the feelings and understanding of a dogs view of life. The talent of a story told from a dogs view is beyond anything ever written! I fell in love with Chet and Bernie the first book written. Jim Frangione Is Chet!! What an amazing voice and characters you are!! Please...Never take Chet and Bernie away again. Thank you, Thank You!!!!!

Wow, I needed that

What can I say? The plot of a Chet and Bernie book is always fun, but it’s Chet’s narrated view of the world and his beloved Bernie that keeps me coming back for more. So refreshing to spend time in his lovely doggie head, like a mental vacation. Hilarious, clever, and touching as always. Another gem.

Howling Good Fun!!

I have missed Chet and Bernie so much these past few years! Mostly Chet. No, mostly Bernie. What was I saying again, I lost track. Did it have something to do with a Slim Jim? I just love being in Chet's head and seeing the human world from his wise and exuberant perspective. After leaving Bernie on death's door in 2015, I checked regularly to see if another book was coming out or if -- perish the thought!-- the series would end. There was no news for so long that I gave up and stopped checking. Then I discovered that Heart of Barkness had actually been out for three months without my knowing. What a delightful surprise! The book was as good as any of the others in the series. It kept me alternately laughing out loud and tearing up. And of course, Jim Frangione is just about the best narrator out there. He brings both a depth and liveliness to the story that adds very much to the experience. As Chet would tell us, it's important to stop for the treats that come our way. Give yourself a treat and give this book a listen.

Happy to get my Chet and Bernie fix

It's been a while since there was a new book in this series, as the author has written other things. In a way the books are predictable but that's just fine. I adored a scene where Chet saves Bernie's life (more than once) and also when he (gasp!) has to grab Bernie by the pant leg! Jim Frangione makes this series. There is a country song in the book dedicated to Chet and you can find it on Youtube.

Never fails

The Chet & Bernie stories never fail to make me feel better about life. The dog's viewpoint on life is, of course, the key to their appeal, but the strong moral code embodied in the detective, Bernie, is an equally uplifting component. The narrator, Jim Frangione, gives perfect voicing to the characters, both human and animal. I think I'd probably enjoy the books even if the plotting was mediocre, because I so enjoy Chet, but the mystery is complex and satisfying on its own. Now, I start hoping Spencer Quinn will write another.

continues to be a favorite

Chet & Bernie (& Quinn) are the best. Easy, comfortable, fun, More please - soon.

Heart of Barkness is Wonderful!

I love Chet and Bernie and this book didn't disappoint. I love the narration. Can't wait for the next Chet and Bernie!

Chet the jet

always love Chet and Bernie. this one did not disappoint. Jim Frangione is excellent narrator. He is Chet

my least favorite

i love chet and bernie and love this series, but i had no idea what was going on throughout this story. i didnt even understand why they started investigating before a murder was even committed. definitely my least favorite.