*No Major Spoilers*
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.
I love a good mystery involving a dog or cat. So, when I stumbled upon this mystery series I knew I had to check it out. So let’s dive into Dog On It.
I thought it was a really cool idea to tell the story through Chet’s point of view. The things us humans focus on and think about vs what our canine companions must think about is so funny and heartwarming. Chet sees his best friend as the smartest guy he’s ever met and that he knows “money trouble” is a constant worry. Chet has no concept of such human things, but he is there to support Bernie through thick and thin.
“A wild-goose chase! I’d heard that expression so many times but never been on one. It sounded like the most exciting thing in the whole world. Yes, I wanted to go on a wild-goose chase, and if that meant Vegas, so be it.”
Spencer Quinn, Dog On It
One negative I have is how much Chet repeats himself. By the time I got halfway through the book it seemed like the case was in the same standstill as we were in several chapters ago. Once Bernie finally figured out a “big clue” I was yelling at my phone in joy that the mystery was finally progressing and we were going to nab the bad guys.
Overall, I liked this novel. I think if you’re a fan of David Rosenfelt then you would enjoy this series. The focus isn’t so much on the mystery in this series as it is the bond between a PI and his dog. However, I think it’s worth the read.
Elisha's Book Reviews 
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