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)

Any dog lover will love this one

Where does Dog on It rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's a good, easy, fun listen. This book ranks above the middle of the pack.

What other book might you compare Dog on It to and why?

The books by David Rosenfelt are similar in that they involve a very special dog as well. Although Rosenfelt does not write from the dog's perspective.

What does Jim Frangione bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think this narrator managed to bring Chet to life without being too cute or silly.

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

No, but it did make me smile several times.

Funny and a good story to boot!

I just love these books, Chet reminds me of every dog I have ever known. Or what I image they are like. The story is in the first person from the dog, Chets point of view. His partner, Bernie is a private investigator. I say partner because that is what Chet calls himself, and Bernie really does bring chet along during all his adventures. It is hard to discribe why these books are so charming and funny. Chet is just a great character, but he is a dog... so something important might be going on and Chet might get distracted by an old french fry lying on the floor.

Ok- don't let my not so well written review deter you from this book, it is a true original and worth your credit.

Can't wait for the next installment!

I have read the whole series and loved them all! I am a dog lover and really enjoy the book being told from Chet the dogs point of view! All the books in the series are easy reads. The plot and characters keep you interested and make you laugh ! If your're looking for a sophisticated and challenging read this is not the book or series for you. I really loved this series and can't wait for the next one to come out! The narrarator does a great job with all the characters- especially Chet!

Canine point of view detective story

Any dog lover would love this story...I enjoyed every minute of it from beginning to end.

Hilarious Series!

If you've ever owned a dog you will love this book and all the Chet and Bernie series! The "from the dogs point of view" comments made by Chet (the jet) are hilarious and entertaining. The narrator is terrific and I can't wait for the next story to come out on Audible. This book appeals to all age groups....my 11 year old grandson, my husband and I (69 and 73) and my 89 year old aunt as well.

Loved it

Adorable story. Great performance. Getting the next book in the series right now! Love Chet!

Enjoyable

First book I have listened to as told through the dog. Very enjoyable. it made me want to hug my dogs as I listened.

Have li;stened to this series 3 times through

I believe that other writers try to create great dog characters and stories, but only Spencer Quinn does it write. The funniest, the most irresistable. Bernie is cool also.

Smart mysteries, smart humor. in his own way, smarter dog. Not to mention LAUGH OUT LOUD hilarious.

love Chets narration!

will definitely listen to another one. totally believe dogs can think! little drawn out in parts and could use a little more ooomf on voice for exciting parts. nothing to deter from listening to another of the series. liked that it had an end and not make you go to next book.

Two dewclaws up!

A fun listen with an interesting twist on the typical detective novel. OK, it's no Arthur Conan Doyle, but there are some twists and turns that keep it interesting. But what makes the story is the narrator, Chet. I share my home with a pack of "his guys", as Chet would say, and he seems like one of my big goofy ones ("Oops, was that me barking?") I wish I knew what my dogs were thinking sometimes, and with Chet's stream-of-consciousness thought process and memories that come and go, he seems like a pretty good approximation. A good "tail" for long drives and long distance running.