An absolutely fantastic book which far exceeded my expectations. I think a superb narration by Jim Frangione enhanced an already compelling story. Frangione had me in stitches. We have a PI case involving the hunt for a missing girl, told to us by Chet. Chet is the canine half of our double act, along with his owner, Bernie.
Fresh, exciting, interesting and absolutely hilarious as Chet, our unreliable narrator often gets sidetracked and somewhat distracted.... burgers, biscuits, interesting smells. Hey, if you had a nose like his, who wouldn't? I don't think you need to be a dog lover to enjoy the book, but maybe you 'get it' a little bit more if you are. It's interesting to see what the thought processes are of our owners. Loyalty, bravery, love, adoration and companionship are definitely at the forefront of the relationship between Bernie and Chet.
We have a missing girl case, our unusual double act, several broken marriages, back story, a journalist, mild drug use, a gang banger, an investigation, the police, a distracted parent, money troubles, secrets, property development, dog-napping, Russian villains, a disused mine, the desert, a gang of bikers, a taste for beer, a pet shelter with a close shave, a lot more besides and eventually answers.
I think if the story had been told in a more traditional fashion, it perhaps wouldn't have been quite as addictive. I kind of guessed who was up to mischief and why, but it was a fun outing, especially when Chet knew stuff that Bernie didn't.
A brilliant opener to a dozen long series (maybe more). Spencer Quinn is a pseudonym for author, Peter Abrahams. I'll definitely be reading more in this series (I already have) and some of Mr Abrahams slightly more serious offerings.
