Category: Dogs Page 4 of 11

BIRTHDAY REPOST: Noodle and the No Bones Day by Jonathan Graziano, Dan Tavis (Illustrator): A Great Dose of Adorableness to Pick Up Your Day

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On July 4, 2022

In (Auto)Biography, Dogs, Non-Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

Noodle turns 14 today, and while I can’t give him anything, I thought maybe I’d spread the word about the book about him once again. Be sure to watch the video his human posted on Instagram about the birthday, too. And if yu have a furry one in your house, give them the gift he encourages there.

Noodle and the No Bones DayNoodle and the No Bones Day

by Jonathan Graziano, Dan Tavis (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: June 6, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 32 pgs.
Read Date: June 8, 2022
Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

What’s Noodle and the No Bones Day About?

I’m going to assume you, dear reader, are like the 74.3% of humanity and are aware of Noodle (and, as an afterthought, Graziano). Last year Noodle took over the Internet—magazines, websites, TV news shows, social media, etc., etc., etc. People all over the world checked-in daily to see if that day was going to be a Bones Day (where Noodle, an elderly pug, wanted to get up and go for a walk) or a No Bones Day (where Noodle just wanted to stay in bed and relax all day).

This little book tells their story. It starts off describing their life—and then focuses on the first No Bones Day. Noodle isn’t sick, he isn’t depressed or anything. He just needs to spend a day getting pampered—bonus belly rubs, bonus snuggle time, and bonus snacks. Who can’t relate to that?

What About the Illustrations?

I skipped over half the words the first time I opened the book to pour over the illustrations—and I’m telling you, that never happens with me. Even in picture books, words are my priority. Typically, anyway.

These are simple drawings—there’s not a lot of clutter on the page, or background details. Just a man and his pug and their emotions. The picture where you can’t see Noodle’s face, only the rest of his body (tail end sticking up in the air) as he burrows into his bed is asymptotically close to Aristotelian perfection. The rest of them ain’t bad, either.

Dan Tavis is a gem. I have bookmarked his site to shop from in case I have to activate Grandpa Mode and need to equip my home and have picked out a couple of things from his Etsy shop that would look good on my walls)

So, what did I think about Noodle and the No Bones Day?

Is this the most adorable book that I’ve read this year? Hands down. Will something come along and usurp it? Doubtful (but, please, suggest contenders—I’m sure I could use the pick-me-ups in the months to come).

There’s a good reminder—especially for the grown-up reading this book to a child—that there are times when someone needs a day (or even a few minutes) to step back from their normal activities to show someone some extra attention and affection. Or be shown that. Even just taking the few minutes necessary to read this book to a child would be a good start.

This is a cute book. It is sweet. Nigh-unto-irresistible. The illustrations made (and make) me smile. It is perfect to use to cuddle up and read to a child and/or beloved pet. If you’re a fan of Noodle (and, I suppose, Graziano), you’re going to enjoy it. If you’re not a fan of either of them, buy this and improve your life.

It’s also a reminder that the dog in your life probably wants and deserves a snack right now. Best get on that.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, any opinions expressed are my own.

PUB DAY REPOST: The Lost by Jeffrey B. Burton: Mace and Vira Race the Clock to Find a Kidnapped Girl

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On June 28, 2022

In Dogs, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

I was interrupted more than usual while writing this post by one of my dogs seeking attention. “Could I give you scritches later, girl? I’m trying to talk about fictional dogs,” is a strange mind space to be in.

The LostThe Lost

by Jeffrey B. Burton

DETAILS:
Series: Mace Reid K-9 Mystery, Volume 3
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: June 27, 2022
Format: eARC
Length: 288 pg.
Read Date: June 16-17, 2022
Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

What’s The Lost About?

Mace and his dogs are moving in different circles after the events of The Keepers, and get called to help the FBI look for a missing mother and daughter—they were kidnapped after a home invasion went wrong. Their husband/father, financier Kenneth J. Druckman, was beaten and left behind. It’s up to Mace and Vira to give them a lead.

Sadly, it doesn’t take long for Vira to find the mother’s body on Druckman’s land, or for her to act like Druckman did the killing. It’s not like Mace can just point at the billionaire and shout, “J’accuse!” He’s going to need to find more than the word of his young dog—he also needs to help the FBI (if he can) to find the five-year-old girl before it’s too late.

Kippy Gimm (now a detective) and the rest of Mace’s dogs are, of course, in on this, too.

Non-Mace Perspectives

Typically, I’m not a fan of a first-person narrated book frequently switching to the third person—usually the killer. It doesn’t turn me off of a book, but I really don’t enjoy it. Burton, however, has done a better job of it in this series than most authors. I don’t know that I can say that I’ve enjoyed every instance of it—but, unlike most, in the previous two books in this series, those sections have added to the novel.

That really doesn’t sound like a compliment, but it was one.

In The Lost, most of those scenes/chapters are essential. The way this novel is set up—and the crimes perpetrated by the various criminals involved (and there are a handful)—necessitates that we see things from several perspectives that aren’t Mace’s. There’s just no way that he can find this information (he doesn’t require it, but the reader is going to demand to know what’s going on)—and it’d take months of investigation after these events for the FBI to figure some of this out (assuming they’d try).

The later in the book we get, the better these non-Mace portions get. Particularly those from the daughter’s point of view, they brought a lot to the table and got me really invested in these characters.

I still think I’d prefer more Mace and less of everyone else in future books in the series—but The Lost really shows that this approach can work. It also underlines how good at it Burton is.

So, what did I think about The Lost?

I’m not sure how the space is given to the non-Mace perspectives in this book compares to the previous novels, but it’s significantly more—that alone makes this novel feel different. The fact that many/most of those sections of the book take place prior to Mace’s involvement with the Druckman family also contributes to that feeling. I appreciate the fact that Burton’s doing things in Book 3 to make sure the series doesn’t get in a rut.

Sure, it’d be a fine rut to get stuck in and I’d have gladly read more books that were structurally similar to The Finders and The Keepers.* But I’m glad Burton made the step now and didn’t wait until he needed to shake things up.

* I read The Keepers a year ago and didn’t get the title until right this moment. I’m not too proud to admit that.

I’m not sure that we needed to learn about Kippy’s job woes at this point—it didn’t have an impact on this book, as FBI-centric as it was. It might have been better to talk about her difficulties with her new assignment when it’d have a bearing on the plot, and wouldn’t risk feeling like a repeat when it does come up. It’s not a good position for her to be in—I don’t want to minimize that—I’m just not sure the reader needed to get that information now, I don’t know what we’re supposed to do with it. As complaints go (and I think it’s the only one I had with this book), that’s a pretty minor one.

The pacing on this is strong—we hit the ground running with Mace and Vira at the beginning and we really don’t stop. There isn’t a lot of time here for contemplation and rumination—it’s not a breakneck speed, but it’s a steady jog. Again, it shows that Burton’s doing something different in this book.

I feel like I’m spending too much time talking about how different The Lost is from the other books—and I don’t mean to harp on it, I’m just commenting on the various ways it is. I don’t know that readers who aren’t writing about the book are going to spend that much time thinking about it—I think they’ll note the freshness of it, they’ll feel the overall effect, though. I’m not saying it’s better or worse than the other two, just appreciatively different. And that’s a nice thing.

As always, any time spent with Sue, Maggie May, Delta Dawn, Vira, and Billie Joe is a boon. They’re a fun pack of animals to read about—and I’m already looking forward to their next adventure. Mace and Kippy are good, too—but we all know who the stars are here.

This would be an okay jumping-on point to the series, I’m not sure you’d get the full idea of Vira’s special talents—but that’s okay, it’s not required to appreciate the books. The important thing is that mystery readers—particularly the dog-loving kind—jump on to the series at some point.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions expressed are my own.

The Lost by Jeffrey B. Burton: Mace and Vira Race the Clock to Find a Kidnapped Girl

By

On June 20, 2022

In Dogs, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

I was interrupted more than usual while writing this post by one of my dogs seeking attention. “Could I give you scritches later, girl? I’m trying to talk about fictional dogs,” is a strange mind space to be in.

The LostThe Lost

by Jeffrey B. Burton

DETAILS:
Series: Mace Reid K-9 Mystery, Volume 3
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: June 27, 2022
Format: eARC
Length: 288 pg.
Read Date: June 16-17, 2022
Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

What’s The Lost About?

Mace and his dogs are moving in different circles after the events of The Keepers, and get called to help the FBI look for a missing mother and daughter—they were kidnapped after a home invasion went wrong. Their husband/father, financier Kenneth J. Druckman, was beaten and left behind. It’s up to Mace and Vira to give them a lead.

Sadly, it doesn’t take long for Vira to find the mother’s body on Druckman’s land, or for her to act like Druckman did the killing. It’s not like Mace can just point at the billionaire and shout, “J’accuse!” He’s going to need to find more than the word of his young dog—he also needs to help the FBI (if he can) to find the five-year-old girl before it’s too late.

Kippy Gimm (now a detective) and the rest of Mace’s dogs are, of course, in on this, too.

Non-Mace Perspectives

Typically, I’m not a fan of a first-person narrated book frequently switching to the third person—usually the killer. It doesn’t turn me off of a book, but I really don’t enjoy it. Burton, however, has done a better job of it in this series than most authors. I don’t know that I can say that I’ve enjoyed every instance of it—but, unlike most, in the previous two books in this series, those sections have added to the novel.

That really doesn’t sound like a compliment, but it was one.

In The Lost, most of those scenes/chapters are essential. The way this novel is set up—and the crimes perpetrated by the various criminals involved (and there are a handful)—necessitates that we see things from several perspectives that aren’t Mace’s. There’s just no way that he can find this information (he doesn’t require it, but the reader is going to demand to know what’s going on)—and it’d take months of investigation after these events for the FBI to figure some of this out (assuming they’d try).

The later in the book we get, the better these non-Mace portions get. Particularly those from the daughter’s point of view, they brought a lot to the table and got me really invested in these characters.

I still think I’d prefer more Mace and less of everyone else in future books in the series—but The Lost really shows that this approach can work. It also underlines how good at it Burton is.

So, what did I think about The Lost?

I’m not sure how the space is given to the non-Mace perspectives in this book compares to the previous novels, but it’s significantly more—that alone makes this novel feel different. The fact that many/most of those sections of the book take place prior to Mace’s involvement with the Druckman family also contributes to that feeling. I appreciate the fact that Burton’s doing things in Book 3 to make sure the series doesn’t get in a rut.

Sure, it’d be a fine rut to get stuck in and I’d have gladly read more books that were structurally similar to The Finders and The Keepers.* But I’m glad Burton made the step now and didn’t wait until he needed to shake things up.

* I read The Keepers a year ago and didn’t get the title until right this moment. I’m not too proud to admit that.

I’m not sure that we needed to learn about Kippy’s job woes at this point—it didn’t have an impact on this book, as FBI-centric as it was. It might have been better to talk about her difficulties with her new assignment when it’d have a bearing on the plot, and wouldn’t risk feeling like a repeat when it does come up. It’s not a good position for her to be in—I don’t want to minimize that—I’m just not sure the reader needed to get that information now, I don’t know what we’re supposed to do with it. As complaints go (and I think it’s the only one I had with this book), that’s a pretty minor one.

The pacing on this is strong—we hit the ground running with Mace and Vira at the beginning and we really don’t stop. There isn’t a lot of time here for contemplation and rumination—it’s not a breakneck speed, but it’s a steady jog. Again, it shows that Burton’s doing something different in this book.

I feel like I’m spending too much time talking about how different The Lost is from the other books—and I don’t mean to harp on it, I’m just commenting on the various ways it is. I don’t know that readers who aren’t writing about the book are going to spend that much time thinking about it—I think they’ll note the freshness of it, they’ll feel the overall effect, though. I’m not saying it’s better or worse than the other two, just appreciatively different. And that’s a nice thing.

As always, any time spent with Sue, Maggie May, Delta Dawn, Vira, and Billie Joe is a boon. They’re a fun pack of animals to read about—and I’m already looking forward to their next adventure. Mace and Kippy are good, too—but we all know who the stars are here.

This would be an okay jumping-on point to the series, I’m not sure you’d get the full idea of Vira’s special talents—but that’s okay, it’s not required to appreciate the books. The important thing is that mystery readers—particularly the dog-loving kind—jump on to the series at some point.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions expressed are my own.

Noodle and the No Bones Day by Jonathan Graziano, Dan Tavis (Illustrator): A Great Dose of Adorableness to Pick Up Your Day

By

On June 9, 2022

In (Auto)Biography, Dogs, Non-Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

Noodle and the No Bones DayNoodle and the No Bones Day

by Jonathan Graziano, Dan Tavis (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: Noodle and Jonathan
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: June 6, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 32 pgs.
Read Date: June 8, 2022
Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

What’s Noodle and the No Bones Day About?

I’m going to assume you, dear reader, are like the 74.3% of humanity and are aware of Noodle (and, as an afterthought, Graziano). Last year Noodle took over the Internet—magazines, websites, TV news shows, social media, etc., etc., etc. People all over the world checked-in daily to see if that day was going to be a Bones Day (where Noodle, an elderly pug, wanted to get up and go for a walk) or a No Bones Day (where Noodle just wanted to stay in bed and relax all day).

This little book tells their story. It starts off describing their life—and then focuses on the first No Bones Day. Noodle isn’t sick, he isn’t depressed or anything. He just needs to spend a day getting pampered—bonus belly rubs, bonus snuggle time, and bonus snacks. Who can’t relate to that?

What About the Illustrations?

I skipped over half the words the first time I opened the book to pour over the illustrations—and I’m telling you, that never happens with me. Even in picture books, words are my priority. Typically, anyway.

These are simple drawings—there’s not a lot of clutter on the page, or background details. Just a man and his pug and their emotions. The picture where you can’t see Noodle’s face, only the rest of his body (tail end sticking up in the air) as he burrows into his bed is asymptotically close to Aristotelian perfection. The rest of them ain’t bad, either.

Dan Tavis is a gem. I have bookmarked his site to shop in case I have to activate Grandpa Mode and need to equip my home and have picked out a couple of things from his Etsy shop that would look good on my walls)

So, what did I think about Noodle and the No Bones Day?

Is this the most adorable book that I’ve read this year? Hands down. Will something come along and usurp it? Doubtful (but, please, suggest contenders—I’m sure I could use the pick-me-ups in the months to come).

There’s a good reminder—especially for the grown-up reading this book to a child—that there are times when someone needs a day (or even a few minutes) to step back from their normal activities to show someone some extra attention and affection. Or be shown that. Even just taking the few minutes necessary to read this book to a child would be a good start.

This is a cute book. It is sweet. Nigh-unto-irresistible. The illustrations made (and make) me smile. It is perfect to use to cuddle up and read to a child and/or beloved pet. If you’re a fan of Noodle (and, I suppose, Graziano), you’re going to enjoy it. If you’re not a fan of either of them, buy this and improve your life.

It’s also a reminder that the dog in your life probably wants and deserves a snack right now. Best get on that.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, any opinions expressed are my own.

Citizen K-9 by David Rosenfelt: Things Get Personal for the Team with this Cold Case

By

On April 6, 2022

In David Rosenfelt, Dogs, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Citizen K-9Citizen K-9

by David Rosenfelt

DETAILS:
Series: The K Team, #3
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: March 14, 2022
Format:  Hardcover
Length: 263 pg.
Read Date: April 4-5, 2022
Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

What’s Citizen K-9 About?

Due to budget cuts, Capt. Pete Stanton of Homicide has to be careful how he uses his too-small staff. He does however, have a decent discretionary fund that he can’t use for his staff, but can use on consultants. Seeing the work that The K Team has done in the past gives him the idea to hire them to close a cold case or two.

The first case the team picks centers on a High School Reunion that Corey attended and Laurie crashed. Marcus has no connection to the case but doesn’t care, he’s in. Two attendees, who really didn’t seem to know each other during High School, left early together and were never seen again. For seven years now, there’s been occasional speculation (following the initial, inconclusive investigation) about what happened to the pair, ranging from running off to start new lives under new identities to lying in a cold grave. Corey and Laurie have been curious about it, as they were there, but have never had reason to do anything about it until now.

Due to a combination of luck, skill, and a willingness for a witness to say something they withheld before, it doesn’t take long for the cold case to heat up. Once one of the victim’s connection to drug dealers and organized crime comes to light, it gets really hot, and legitimate threats are leveled at Corey and his girlfriend.

Second Verse, Same as the First…

I never do this, but I glanced at what I said about The K Team #2, Animal Instinct before I wrote this, and two of the sections are basically what I’d planned on writing for this post. Now I realize that most readers of this blog aren’t going to remember what I posted on March 31, 2021—but still, I feel awkward about it.

It’s not going to stop me, because I still think it should be covered (and I’m not creative/energetic enough to come up with something new). I just thought I should say that I’m aware that I’m in danger of going back to the well too many times.

Trying to find the silver lining here, if I’m being consistent in my comments about the series, I guess that means that the author is being consistent in writing the series. And since I like the books, that promises good things for the future.

Simon Garfunkel

We need more Simon Garfunkel in these books.

I’m not looking for Corey to become Bernie Little, I really don’t want that. But, if you’re going to name your Detective Agency after the retired K-9 member of your team, the dog had better be around more. I get that sometimes you need to leave the dog at home (and at least for one point, Corey’s narration explains why Simon isn’t around). It’s not enough to have him around occasionally, Simon needs to be by Corey’s side almost all of the time.

This goes for the author, too—If you’re going to refer to the dog in the name of your series, use him. Especially if he’s going to be on the cover of each novel.

Dani

Dani, Corey’s significant other, gets more time in this novel than she has in the previous ones—but not too much. Her increased presence fits plot-wise—and, even if she was just around for the sake of Corey’s character development, that’d be enough justification.

The challenges for Dani and their relationship are significant and needed to happen—it leads to some needed conversations between the two. This aspect of the novel is the best part about it—even more than the Team’s case.

A good deal about this series is what’s changing for Corey in his retirement from the Police Department—his attitudes towards legal processes, his ability to/interest in a committed relationship, his ability to put up with a particular defense attorney, and so on. His relationship with Dani is the biggest change to his way of living/thinking.

It’s a steady and believable change with him—this old dog (if you’ll forgive the expression—is learning some new, and needed, tricks.

The K Team

Over the course of the three novels of this series, their jobs in the three or four Andy Carpenter books that have used The K Team, and whatever things they’ve done in the meantime, a real camaraderie has developed between Laurie, Corey, and Marcus. It’s great to see—it’s not the same feel that exists between the characters in the Andy Carpenter books.

One way this shows up is that Rosenfelt takes a long-running joke from the Carpenter books (I’m going to guess it’s been around for at least 23 books) and tweaks it—adding a new layer to it. I laughed out loud at this (something I haven’t done for at least 20 books).

This book, more than the others, is not a thinly-disguised Andy Carpenter book, and I’m glad to see it.

So, what did I think about Citizen K-9?

I really enjoyed this. David Rosenfelt has been a long-time (since before I started this blog) consistent source of entertaining reads and I’m glad to see that even with an increased output from him over the last couple of years, that hasn’t changed. I actually think this might be helping the books improve somehow.

Citizen K-9 features a clever mystery, some great character moments, some good slow-but-steady character development, a nice (if under-used) dog, who isn’t just around for window dressing, and a strong narrative voice. That’s pretty much everything I need to recommend a book, which I do. The sweet ending is a cherry on top.

This’d be a decent jumping-on point to either The K Team series or a sideways way of getting on-board with the Andy Carpenter series. If you like the spin-off, you’ll like the original. Check them out.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions are my own.

Catch-Up Quick Takes: I Don’t Have Much to Say About these Recent Books

By

On February 2, 2022

In Audiobook, Chet and Bernie, Dogs, Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Spencer Quinn, Urban Fantasy

The point of these quick takes posts is to catch up on my “To Write About” stack—emphasizing pithiness, not thoroughness.

The Sentence Is DeathThe Sentence is Death

by Anthony Horowitz, Rory Kinnear (Narrator)

DETAILS:
Series: A Hawthorne and Horowitz Mystery, #2
Publisher: HarperAudio
Publication Date: May 27, 2019
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 8 hrs., 36 min.
Read Date: December 22-23, 2021
Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

(the official blurb)
A notorious divorce lawyer is bludgeoned with an expensive bottle of wine and Horowitz finds himself dragged away from his day job by Hawthorne to chronicle the investigation.

Hawthorne seems to be more disagreeable this time out—almost like he was trying to be off-putting. Horowitz (the character) is a decent source of comic relief as he struggles to prove himself.

The mystery was pretty compelling—and while I think I got it before the duo (well, before Horowitz, anyway), it was a bit trickier than the first. All in all, it’s a fun listen.
3 Stars

The Iggy Chronicles, Volume OneThe Iggy Chronicles, Volume One

by Spencer Quinn

DETAILS:
Series: Chet and Bernie
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication Date: August 13, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition
Length: 49 pg.
Read Date: December 30, 2021

(the official blurb)
I’ve had this short Chet & Bernie story on my Kindle for ages, I think I started it a few times but got distracted quickly. Which makes no sense, because it’s not like it took too long to read.

It’s a fast read featuring Chet’s buddy, Iggy, and Bernie’s neighbor, Mr. Parsons. Bernie’s sharper than ever and he makes quick work of the mystery the duo literally stumbles into. It’s not a must-read, but it’s a fun one.
3 Stars

Zoth-Avarex's Escape PlanZoth-Avarex’s Escape Plan: A Pick-Your-Own-Path Experience

by K.R.R. Lockhaven

DETAILS:
Series: Zoth-Avarex, #2
Publication Date: June 13, 2021
Format: Kindle Edition
Length: 43 pg.
Read Date: December 31, 2021

(the official blurb)
Not surprisingly, Zoth-Avarex, was not happy being thwarted The Conjuring of Zoth-Avarex, and he wants revenge. Lockhaven presents this quest in a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure style. Without, it should be stressed, being so close to the style as to infringe on any trademarks or anything.

I laughed at this, it was truly ridiculous. I don’t know that this is the sequel I wanted/expected, but I’m glad we got it.
3 Stars

DogtologyDogtology: Live. Bark. Believe.

by Jeff Lazarus

DETAILS:
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Format: Hardcover
Length: 189 pg.
Read Date: December 30-31, 2021
Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

(the official blurb)
The central conceit here is that humans are so obsessed with their dogs, have devoted so much time, energy, and work that it’s become a religion, with humans worshipping canines. This book is a look at that devotion and the rituals and beliefs that accompany it.

When this book sticks to poking fun at the obsessive nature of dog owners, and having fun with the nature of dogs, it’s pretty amusing. But it treads a little too close to mocking actual religion for me to get excited about it.

I’m not sure I laughed at all, but it’s frequently funny.
3 Stars

Gone MissingGone Missing

by Linda Castillo, Kathleen McInerney (Narrator)

DETAILS:
Series: Kate Burkholder, #4
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: June 18, 2012
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length:10 hrs., 8 min.
Read Date: January 3-5, 2022
Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

(the official blurb)
Hey, Castillo found a way to get Kate out of town to investigate a crime involving the Amish. This has been my biggest (or one of my biggest) concerns with the series, that at the rate things were going, the Amish in her community would all die before we got to book 10.

There is a string of Amish youth going missing—enough that it’s got the attention of the state to assemble a Task Force—Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti are recruited to be part of it.

What they end up finding is pretty disturbing, but a little less disturbing than the last couple. I like where the series is finding itself and can see me sticking around for a little longer than I feared I might have.
3 Stars

Two Witches and a WhiskeyTwo Witches and a Whiskey

by Annette Marie, Cris Dukehart (Narrator)

DETAILS:
Series: The Guild Codex: Spellbound Series, #3
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Publication Date: February 27, 2019
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 8 hrs., 9 min.
Read Date: January 11-12, 2022
Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

(the official blurb)
Okay, this is more like it, a very good way to bounce back from the last book which was a bit of a disappointment to me. I wasn’t terribly worried about the series—I have a friend who’s further ahead of me (I think she’s done), and I assume she wouldn’t have recommended it if there was a problem.

Tori and her friends get themselves tied up in a big ol’ mess that will result in Tori dying unless they can pull off the impossible, or at least the incredibly unlikely.

The police (both real and supernatural) are lurking around the edges, the druid she met last time is back, and we learn a bit about Kai’s past and background. A fun story and some good character growth.
3 Stars

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from any of them, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions are my own.

Dogtripping by David Rosenfelt: Moving a Very Unusual, Very Large, Very Hairy Family Across the U.S.

By

On January 21, 2022

In David Rosenfelt, Dogs, Non-Fiction

DogtrippingDogtripping:
25 Rescues, 11 Volunteers,
and 3 RVs on Our Canine
Cross-Country Adventure

by David Rosenfelt

DETAILS:
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: July 23, 2013
Format: Hardcover
Length: 278 pg.
Read Date: January 19-20, 2022
Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

The overriding view of everyone was that it was going to be a great adventure, successful and a hell of a lot of fun.

Except for me.

I was expecting a disaster.

What’s Dogtripping About?

After a decade and a half or so of running their dog rescue in southern California, David Rosenfelt and his wife decide to move out of California (a very close call with a wildfire is a primary impetus for this) to Maine. But they have a bigger logistical challenge than most of us do when we make a move—either cross-town or cross-country. Sure, it can be hard to figure out the best way to move a piano or a fragile heirloom—but ultimately, that’s something that people do all the time. But how do you get twenty-five dogs cross-country?

First of all, you need help—and we’re not talking the kind of help where you get a few friends together, promise a pizza and a six-pack to split, and get them to help you move a piano or a sofa. This is a bigger project. You also have to figure out what kind of vehicle—or vehicles—will be needed, where you all will sleep, how can you deal with the bathroom breaks, and so on.

Right there, that’s an interesting story, many people—especially dog lovers would read that. When the talented and amusing author of the Andy Carpenter novels tells the story, it becomes an entertaining read.

Interspersed between chapters discussing the preparation for the trip and the trip itself are chapters describing the background for The Tara Foundation (starting with the dog it’s named after), the development and growth of their rescue efforts, and profiles of some of the dogs.

Dog Profiles

My favorite parts of the book are the 2-3 page profiles of some of the dogs that have stayed with their pack—for anywhere from a week to several years. He starts by describing how the dog came to their attention, then he talks about the specific challenges for that dog, their personality, and how they integrated into the menagerie. Then he’ll describe how they took to the move—if they were part of that 25—found a family to adopt them, or how their life came to an end.

Obviously, I preferred reading the first two endings—but they’ve been at this for a long time, and most of their rescues are senior dogs, it’s a reality they have to deal with far too often. Not always, but I generally got a little misty for those other endings. Rosenfelt has a real knack for making you grin/chuckle, telling a heartwarming story, and then hitting you with the sadness that comes from the brevity of canine life.

Still, I’d read an entry on every dog they ever had in their shelter and come back for more.

Incidentally, he includes some really sound advice on deciding when to put an ailing dog to sleep.*

* Please, no one tell my almost 16-year old Pug/Beagle mix that I read anything about that. No need to stress her out.

Too Many Italics

I am not a fan of extended sections of italics—there are better ways to set aside chunks of text (going to a sans serif typeface, for example), but I’m mostly used to them. A character’s thoughts—usually a sentence or two–I can handle. I can even put up with a few paragraphs for a dream sequence or flashback or something. But whole chapters really bug me.

And that’s what we get here—and not just a few, but several. There’s no set pattern, but typically a couple of chapters in regular type (one of them being really brief) and then one in italics. It’s very aggravating.

But here’s the worst part—it’s the chapters that are about the subject of the book that are italicized! The background chapters, the chapters that profile individual dogs, or are just full of Rosenfelt talking about some topic (for example: their efforts to keep the smell of all their dogs using the back yard as a bathroom from bothering the neighbors) are all in regular type. But the part of the book that the title and subtitle describe are italicized.

I don’t understand that choice. I certainly didn’t enjoy it.

So, what did I think about Dogtripping?

Twenty-five is pretty much the fewest dogs Debbie and I have had in the last ten years. We’ve had as many as forty-two, but we feel that more than forty is slightly eccentric.

This was a fast, fun read—with some really touching moments mixed in.

I’m going to borrow the conclusion to my post about Rosenfelt’s other book about their rescues, Lessons from Tara, because it works just as well here, and I’m tired:

Fans of the Andy Carpenter series will be happy to hear that Andy’s voice is Rosenfelt’s—the book at times feels like an Andy Carpenter book without all the muss and fuss of a plot, murder, or trial. I laughed, I chuckled, I learned a thing or two, and I even got misty more than I wanted to. All in all a really strong read. If you’re a dog lover, or just someone who likes to read good things, find some time for this one.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions are my own.

Pug Actually by Matt Dunn: A Rescue Dog Tries to Return the Favor

By

On November 5, 2021

In Dogs, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature

Pug Actually

Pug Actually

by Matt Dunn

Paperback, 313 pg.
Mira Books, 2021

Read: October 5-6, 2021
Grab a copy from your local indie bookstore!

What’s Pug Actually About?

Julie is in a bad relationship, for the last few years she’s been seeing a married man. You know the type—after a few months, he reveals that fact and keeps promising to leave his wife, but… Oh, he’s also her boss. Even if he wasn’t married, he doesn’t treat her well (and is definitely not a dog person). There’s just nothing good to say about Luke.

But Julie really doesn’t see that. Her dad. Jim, and her best friend, Pryia, do—but they can only say so much. But her other best friend, Doug, decides he’s going to do something about it. He starts looking for suitable matches—he doesn’t understand human attractiveness, so he knows he’s at a disadvantage. Early on, he tries to arrange a “meet cute” by knocking over someone’s coffee in the park, but has to abandon that method.

Then Julie is introduced to a recent divorce, Tom. Doug likes him right away (as does Julie’s dad)—even if he is a (gasp) veterinarian. Doug fakes a limp to get taken to Tom’s office, puts up with dog exercise classes in the part, and generally does everything he can to keep the two meeting up. He also steps up his antagonism toward Luke, to try to make it clear to Julie who he prefers.

Doug is a pug who was rescued by Julie and her dad after the death of Julie’s mom. He decides that rescuing can work both ways—and determines that he’s going to find Julie a better guy than Luke.

Without realizing that’s what they’re doing, Jim and Priya help out—discouraging time with Luke and playing up Tom (or anyone else), Jim even is partially responsible for introducing Tom to her.

Slowly something maybe starts between Julie and Tom, and things definitely (and largely independently from the Tom story) get worse between Julie and Luke. And Doug’s along all the while doing his best to help.

The Very Sweet Subplot

When Jim and Doug take their walks, Jim has a habit of stopping by a coffee shop run by a woman named Dot. Dot’s interest in Jim is about as obvious as Doug being a dog. But Jim’s not ready to see anyone after his wife, so is either oblivious or chooses to be. Tom is actually Dot’s son.

About the time that Tom meets Julie, Jim finally opens himself up to the idea of seeing someone. Watching Dot and Jim’s relationship start is possibly the best part of the book (it certainly comes with less drama and more fun).

Doug as Narrator

Going back to Debora and James Howe’s Harold and up through Spencer Quinn’s Chet, I’ve been a sucker for dog narrators. It’s a weakness, and not one I’m in any rush to lose. Doug is one more in a line of dog narrators that has charmed his way into my heart.

Doug’s rather erudite and educated for a canine writer. Sure, there are human things he doesn’t understand, and a few things that a small pug can’t see. But he’s not as easily distracted as Chet, for example. He’s capable of rattling off a Chinese proverb in Chinese—perhaps because he is a pug, because he doesn’t show an affinity for other languages.

He’s also like every dog I’ve ever met, but especially like the pug sitting next to me, and is always hungry—and a little pudgy (hence the need for the exercise class). And while everyone will talk about his need to lose weight, he’s really good at getting them to give him a treat (or finding some on his own).

I really enjoy everyone spelling V-E-T every time they mention Tom’s profession, although as Doug notes, he can spell. The reliable “Big Stretch!” said by everyone who isn’t Luke when Doug stretches brought a grin to my face (and has made me a bit self-conscious when I do the same to my canine companions).

So, what did I think about Pug Actually?

This is a sweet, cute book. Pug Actually is a pretty standard rom-com, you can see most of the story beats coming, but Dunn writes them in an effective way, so who cares? Adding Doug to the mix adds a layer of charm and humor that help make this more than standard.

There’s a moment near the end that really doesn’t seem necessary to add one last hurdle to the Tom and Julie romance. It soured my wife a bit on the book, but me less so. I see where it was necessary—or at least helpful—to give Doug a couple of more shining moments. But the ending was nice enough to make up for whatever stumble that plot point made.

When he was on the Author Stories podcast, Dunn suggested that there might be a sequel in the works. If one appears, I’ll jump on it.

If you’re in the mood for a pleasant, light read, I recommend this. Even better if you’re in the mood for a rom-com. If you’re a dog lover, it’ll help, but even cat people should find plenty to love here.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions are my own.

These Dog Days Aren’t Over

By

On August 26, 2021

In Books, Dogs, Fiction, News/Misc., Non-Fiction

(Updated and Revised again)
It’s National Dog Day, the annual celebration of “all dogs, mixed breed and pure. Our mission is to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort.” So it seemed like a good day to post another version of this.

These Dog Days Aren't OverThis was a hard post to come up with a name for*, essentially this post came from a comment not too long ago about being hesitant to read books about animals if the reader doesn’t know if they survive the book. I get that, I absolutely do. I still bear the scars of Where the Red Fern Grows and Marley and Me (sure, that wasn’t that long ago, but the wound still stings). So, for readers like my correspondent, here are some perfectly safe books prominently featuring dogs!

I plan on updating this when I can remember to, so by all means, chime in with comments about Dogs I’ve forgotten about/haven’t yet!

Non-Fiction

bullet The Particulars of Peter by Kelly Conaboy—this is a collection of humorous essays giving Conaboy the opportunity to rave about her dog, Peter. In her eyes, Peter is a perfect dog, and as you read this, you’ll be tempted to agree. (my post about it)
bullet Olive, Mabel & Me by Andrew Cotter—Cotter’s charming book describes his life with the two dogs that rocketed to international stardom (and brought him along). (my post about it)
bullet My Life as a Dog by L. A. Davenport—Davenport’s short little book about the relationship between the author and his dog, Kevin, a black and tan, pure-bred dachshund. It focuses on what the two of them did over two days and then a weekend selected from the years they spent together. (my post about it)
bullet What the Dog Knows: The Science and Wonder of Working Dogs by Cat Warren—Warren basically covers three topics: there’s the science and history of using working dogs (of all sorts of breeds, not to mention pigs(!), birds, and even cats) to find cadavers, drugs, bombs, etc.; there’s the memoir of her involvement with cadaver dogs via her German Shepherd, Solo; and anecdotes of other cadaver dogs and trainers that she’s encountered/learned from/watched in action. (my post about it)
bullet What the Dog Knows Young Readers Edition by Cat Warren, Patricia J. Wynne—The above book adjusted for younger readers, with some great illustrations. It’s not dumbed-down, just adjusted. (my post about it)

Fiction

bullet Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series by Jeffrey B. Burton—A Dog Trainer/Cadaver Dog Handler and his dogs get involved in serial killer cases. (my post about it)
bullet Suspect by Robert Crais—One of my all-favorite books, a cop with PTSD gets assigned to the K-9 Unit and works with a dog fresh from Afghanistan combat. (my post about it) The pair also plays a major role in The Promise.
bullet Pug Actually by Matt Dunn—Doug, a loyal pug, plays cupid for his owner. I haven’t actually read this yet, but as I heard that Dunn is thinking about a sequel, so I’m pretty sure Doug makes it.
bullet Stepdog by Nicole Galland—A love story where the major impediment to happily ever after is her dog (a gift from her ex). (my post about it)
bullet Oberon’s Meaty Mysteries by Kevin Hearne (Audiobooks narrated by Luke Daniels)—Oberon, the scene-stealing Irish Wolfhound from The Iron Druid Chronicles narrates this series of novellas (my posts about them).
bullet Neah Bay series by Owen Laukkanen—Lucy is a dog who is trained by prisoner Mason Burke, who has to track her down when he gets out. She’s a service dog for Marine Vet Jess Winslow. Lucy connects the two humans in her life and helps to keep them safe when a corrupt deputy comes after Jess. (my post about them)
bullet I Thought You Were Dead by Pete Nelson—I’m not sure how to sum this one up in a sentence. It’s a pretty typical novel about a troubled writer with a romantic life and family in shambles. But his dog is the thing that makes all the difference. (my post about it)
bullet Chet and Bernie books by Spencer Quinn—Bernie Little is a PI in Phoenix. Chet’s his four-legged partner and the series narrator. It’s too fun to miss. (my posts about them)
bullet The Right Side by Spencer Quinn—”a deeply damaged female soldier home from the war in Afghanistan becomes obsessed with finding a missing girl, gains an unlikely ally in a stray dog, and encounters new perils beyond the combat zone.” (my post about it)
bullet Woof by Spencer Quinn—The beginning of an MG series about a with a penchant for trouble and her dog. (my post about it)
bullet Andy Carpenter books by David Rosenfelt—Andy Carpenter is New Jersey’s best defense lawyer and a devoted dog owner. He helps run a rescue shelter, too–and almost every client he takes as some sort of connection with a dog. These books aren’t dog-centric like the others on this list, but they’re dog-heavy. (my posts about them)
bullet The K-Team books by David Rosenfelt—a spin-off from the Andy Carpenter series. This features a PI team made up of Andy’s wife/investigator, Laurie; the near super-heroic Marcus; and Corey Douglas, a freshly-retired K-9 officer. His canine partner, Simon Garfunkel, co mes along, too. Simon Garfunkeldoesn’t play a giant role in the books, but he gets at least one good action scene per book. (my posts about them)
bullet Voyage of the Dogs by Greg van Eekhout—SF for all ages about a team of dogs on a long-distance space flight. (my post about it)

Supportive Roles

These dogs aren’t as significant a presence in their books as the prior group, but they’re important enough to mention.
bullet Mouse from The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. (my posts about them)
bullet The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man by W. Bruce Cameron and the sequel Repo Madness by W. Bruce Cameron— (my posts about them)
bullet Edgar from the Washington Poe books by M. W. Craven. (my posts about them)
bullet Rutherford from The TV Detective series by Simon Hall (my posts about them)
bullet Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne. (my post about them)
bullet Ruffin from the I. Q. series by Joe Ide. (my posts about them)
bullet Dog from the Walt Longmire books by Craig Johnson (my posts about them)
bullet Purvis (and Beau) from The Good Kill by John McMahon (my posts about them)
bullet Trogdor from The Golden Arrow Mysteries by Meghan Scott Molin (my post about them)
bullet Mingus from The Drifter by Nicholas Petrie (my post about it)

Books with paws on both sides of the line

Some books that belong on this list, but might be a bit too close to not fitting on it for some readers
bullet Lessons From Lucy by Dave Barry—there’s a strong “my beloved dog is old and will die soon-vibe throughout this (it’s the whole point), so some may want to avoid it. But the focus is on what Barry is learning from his aging but still full-of-life dog. (my post about it)
bullet Dead is … series by Jo Perry—the canine protagonist in these mystery novels is a ghost, so there’s a dog death involved. But we meet her as a ghost, so she won’t die (again) in the series. (my posts about them)
bullet Lessons from Tara by David Rosenfelt—Inspired by the death of their dog, Tara, the Rosenfelt’s now operate a no-kill shelter for senior dogs. This is the story about the origins and day-to-day of that life. There’s discussion of Tara’s death, and he has to cover the end of days for dogs, but it’s not the focus of the book. One some will want to avoid, but you probably shouldn’t. (my post about it)

  • I brainstormed this a bit with my family, and wanted to share some of those titles that didn’t make the cut, just because I enejoyed their creativity:
    bullet These Dogs Didn’t Go To Heaven/Not All Dogs Go to Heaven implies these dogs aren’t wonderful creatures, and that’s a solid loser
    bullet No Kleenex Required too vague, and not necessarily true, they’re just not required because of a death
    bullet The Best Bois
    bullet Books Where the Author isn’t A Heartless Bastard (Looking at You, Marley and Me) too long, and boy howdy, does it seem my son has bigger issues with the book than I did
    bullet Books that Even PETA Would Be Okay With
    bullet Books for the Vegan in You suggests the dog books I don’t mention are in favor of eating them…
    bullet Paw Patrol I’m almost confident my daughter’s boyfriend suggested as a joke, for his sake I’m assuming it was
    bullet Pawfect Dog Stories I refuse to resort to that kind of joke

(Images by S K from Pixabay and josmo from Pixabay

Tender is the Bite by Spencer Quinn: Will Chet Share Bernie with a Ferret?

By

On July 5, 2021

In Chet and Bernie, Dogs, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Spencer Quinn

Tender is the Bite

Tender is the Bite

by Spencer Quinn
Series: Chet and Bernie, #11

eARC, 272 pg.
Forge Books, 2021

Read: June 25-28, 2021
Grab a copy from your local indie bookstore!

What’s Tender is the Bite About?

A young woman—a frightened young woman—approaches Bernie, she needs help. But before she explains herself, something spooks her and she leaves.

Curious, Bernie starts looking for her—and stumbles into the middle of a situation involving stalking, murder, dog-napping, and all sorts of other things. There’s an international aspect of this—but it’s a very local story. There’s a lot to chew on, a lot to talk about—but all of it is in spoiler territory, so I’m going to leave it at that.

Approaching the Political

This is the second time in a week that I’ve said something along those lines, and it’s a bit strange. Chet and Bernie keep finding themselves in the neighborhood of a senate election. The case brings the two of them across the path of both candidates (one of them repeatedly). But it’s closer to home than that—Bernie’s neighbors on either side are very invested in this campaign and their enthusiasm spills over onto the a-political P. I. (or so he tries to be)—at least at one point, one neighbor’s has a considerable blow-back on Bernie’s investigation. This is a new thing for Quinn to dabble in and he does it well.

If you don’t catch the parallel between this campaign and the way people are behaving during it and…well, all of American politics right now. Quinn gives us some pretty good commentary to chew on.

Non-Chet Animal Characters

Sure, we’ve got Chet’s friend, Iggy doing his thing. But we have more animal guest stars. There’s a dog—who could be Chet’s sister (or niece), and I really hope we get to see more of her.

But the big guest star is a ferret. A ferret named Griffie—without Griffie it’s hard to say if Bernie’d been able to very far with things. Chet can’t stand ferrets, or so he repeatedly says…I’m not sure about Griffie, though.

Chet talking about adults, criminals or otherwise, is a lot of fun. Chet talking about kids is simply fantastic. But Chet talking about other animals is a different kind of fun.

A Little Light Gets Shed on Certain Events

For ages now—possibly since the first book, definitely since the second or third—Chet’s been alluding to a case that didn’t end well. He’s given us a little more information here and there about it, but never much. That ends now. Chet tells us some about it. Bernie tells someone else about it. We even get some hints from other characters about it.

I don’t know why Quinn’s decided now is the time to start clueing us in, but I’m so glad he did. We didn’t get the whole story—I don’t know if we will (and I’m not sure I care)—but we got a lot of it, and that’s enough for now.

The Trick to These Books

This is tied to the above point. The trickiest part about reading Chet as a narrator is that he doesn’t understand what he’s telling you, and because of that he leaves a lot out. He’s the best kind of unreliable narrator—he’s well-intentioned and honest, he believes what he’s telling us and he thinks he’s giving us all the information.

What that means for the reader is that we have to think a little more about what he’s saying, we have to do almost as much detective work as Bernie to understand what’s really going on. Which is just so much fun, really. Sure, you might spend a couple of chapters with the wrong idea, but Quinn doesn’t let you keep the wrong idea for long.

I need to spend time writing about this every time I talk about a Chet and Bernie book—I need to do better at this, but it’s hard. If I could describe it better, I’d probably get paid to do this stuff.

So, what did I think about Tender is the Bite?

Yes, Quinn gave us a great pair of characters that we love in Chet and Bernie. He gives us a good story. He plays with the unreliable narrator to reveal what he really wants to say. Put it all together and he gives us another great read in one of the most reliably satisfying series in print.

Read this one. If this is your first time with Chet and Bernie, go back and read the rest after it. You’ll be glad you did.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Macmillan-Tor/Forge via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions are my own.

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