Dog Themed Mystery Series

Lets talk Dog Themed Mystery Series! I recently read both of the latest installments of author Spencer Quinn’s “Chet and Bernie” mysteries: The Dog Who Knew Too Much, and A Fistful of Collars, books 4 and 5 in the series, respectively. The Dog Who Knew Too Much seems to be a more entertaining read than the first 3 books in the series. While not without it’s off-putting moments, and retaining the tendency to drag in a place or two, the story is, as usual, mainly told from Chet’s perspective. Even more so than the previous three tales. Chet’s perspective is always more lively and entertaining. I appreciate the way the author wove the different aspects of this book’s case together, and having Bernie’s girlfriend, Suzie, participate as an active role in solving the puzzle this time was a nice change of pace. Chet has great chemistry with her-

just like Bernie! As usual, Chet gets into some pretty nail-biting situations, which I don’t even like to think about, but he comes out on top. Just like always.

A Fistful of Collars is my favorite Chet and Bernie mystery thus far. I really enjoyed reading it- it didn’t seem to have the lag-time that the other books have had. Chet’s involvement in each tale becomes more and more so with each installment, and his narrative is increasingly entertaining. I like how he’s taken the lead, stepped to the forefront of these stories. Chet makes for a great character- witty, humorous, intelligent, and so much like what a dog’s mind must surely be like! The mystery, puzzle and “whodunit” plot in this one was excellent, too!
While we’re on the topic of dog-themed mystery series, I’d like to briefly discuss a few more that I enjoy: author Virginia Lanier has written an excellent series where the main character, Jo Beth Sidden, is a single woman living on her own, running a kennel of bloodhounds that she trains for manhunting and search and rescue. These books are not only gripping and compelling, but the author is very well-versed in dog training, tracking, search and rescue, and the books are very realistic and educational. I blazed through the entire series a couple of summers ago, and it is one of my favorites. Death in Bloodhound Red, is the first installment. Pick them up- you won’t be disappointed!
My other top favorite dog-mystery series is Susan Conant’s “A Dog Lover’s Mystery” series. A New Leash on Death is the first book in the series, led by main character Holly Winter, daughter of a family who used to breed golden retrievers, and her pair (later trio) of Alaskan Malamutes and, occasionally, some of their canine friends. Holly is not only a dog writer with a column in a popular dog magazine, she’s an active member in her local dog club, as well as getting herself in trouble sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong. The titles of each book are increasingly clever and I think readers will enjoy this series as much as I do.
Laurien Berenson is another write of dog mysteries. Her main character, Melanie Travis, is a single mom/show dog handler specializing in standard poodles, while stumbling upon (and solving) mysteries on the side, along with the help of an aging aunt and mentor. Lots of dog show detail and some very zany characters in this one. Check out A Pedigree to Die For today!
-Thank you to Jennifer Casula for our Book of the Month. Jennifer  is currently fostering her second litter of Australian Cattle Dog puppies for Texas Cattle Dog Rescue. Just two of this time, Knox (male) and Chesnee (female). The puppies were found by the side of the highway in Waco, TX by a good Samaritan, and taken to a local humane society, who then called TDCR, who then contacted Jennifer. Chesnee was found to have a foxtail lodged in her eye and has been recovering from a very badly scratched cornea. She may never be able to see very well, but it sure doesn’t seem to slow her down any! She is a real pistol and is wearing everyone out- especially since her brother was adopted two weeks ago!

Thanks to Jennifer Casula for our book reviews!

Jennifer Casula is currently fostering her second litter of Australian Cattle Dog puppies for Texas Cattle Dog Rescue. Just two of this time, Knox (male) and Chesnee (female). The puppies were found by the side of the highway in Waco, TX by a good Samaritan, and taken to a local humane society, who then called TDCR, who then contacted Jennifer. Chesnee was found to have a foxtail lodged in her eye and has been recovering from a very badly scratched cornea. She may never be able to see very well, but it sure doesn’t seem to slow her down any! She is a real pistol and is wearing everyone out- especially since her brother was adopted two weeks ago!