I received a digital ARC though all thoughts are my own.

Such a delightful and quick story about Oberon and his adventures with his human Atticus as they find themselves on the case of a murder that they happen to stumble across. Highly recommend whether you have read any other books in this world or not.

Trigger warnings: death, murder

This is the series I find myself recomending to my friends. It's such a wonderful and entertaining take on urban fantasy, and it never dissapoints.

An entire story told from Oberon's point of view? Sign me up! It was witty and fun. Fast paced and -"look a squirrel!". It was mystery and magic and everything I've come to expect. With an extra side of bacon please.

A fun romp from a dogs view point in a world that so many have enjoyed so thoroughly. I admit I'm biased to begin with as I'm a dog person but it may be possible that Oberon is a better main character than Atticus. Despite the title the book is not all about the squirrel, though it begins with the evil little creature taunting Oberon, it is in fact something of a murder mystery with all the interesting and varied characters youd expect from a Hearne novel. Atticus' twisted history comes into play as usual but ultimately this book is so much fun because we are seeing everything through Oberons eyes and the weight that comes from human perspective doesn't often intrude. Its light fun but a neat tie in to the series all the same.

My introduction to Kevin Hearne’s work was Iron Druid, so I was delighted to discover that the dogs belonging to Druid Atticus O’Sullivan, or perhaps the other way around, he belonging to them, have their own adventures. This one begins with a train trip to Portland, during which the dogs are terribly upset because there is a squirrel (die, evil squirrel!) on top of the train. Atticus explains that the wind shear will cause the squirrel to jump off and when they arrive, squirrel in place, of course the dogs conclude that all natural order, including the laws of physics, will now be overturned. Their fears are confirmed when an Atticus look-alike is murdered, and so the chase is afoot. Four paws, that is.
This utterly charming novella showcases Hearne’s skill at whimsical humor and his versatility as an author.

Laugh-out-loud funny with a solid plot and interesting characters!

My full review can be read on my blog http://bthreviews.com

Oberon the Irish wolfhound and gang are back. Oberon is not the best at telling time, using ‘decades’, ‘years’, and the like somewhat randomly when meaning things like ‘minutes’, and ‘hours’, so the part wherein he notes that this particular story takes place several weeks after the first story in this series (the Oberon series, not the Iron Druid series), is, at best, shaky. But we’ll go with it – it’s a couple of weeks later.

Oberon, Orlaith, and Starbuck are off via train to Portland (with the human Atticus) when they spot a particular squirrel. The same squirrel in the short novel’s title (you know, that ‘Squirrel on the Train’ title). They growl at the small rodent, but Atticus quiets them – he needs them to be as silent as possible so he can hide them on the train (which isn’t exactly easy when two of them are huge Irish Wolfhounds, but then Atticus does have magical abilities).

Once in Portland, after nothing much happening on the train, the three dogs spot that same squirrel, the squirrel they were ‘promised’ wouldn’t be there because of ‘physics’. But, apparently, the squirrel figured out how to ride on top of a train a great distance without being squashed (or whatever ‘physics’ was implying). All of this is important, of course, because squirrels are evil and must be watched. Wait, sorry, that and because the three dogs chase the squirrel from the train (once in Portland, don’t forget), into a stairwell and stopping only when told to do so by someone they recognize – Detective Gabriella Ibarra. Whose there investigating a murder. And she’s quite surprised, actually, when Atticus turns up to gather up his dogs – for the murder victim looks quite similar to Atticus. As if they might be twins – yet Atticus has none.

Well, naturally, Atticus and the dogs investigate. Travel around Portland, track down a werebear, track down the victim’s apartment, head back to Eugene, etc. etc. – you know, every day stuff, as long as you see investigating murder as every day stuff.

The story was quite entertaining and fun. And still, like the first book in the Oberon series, from Oberon’s point of view. Though Oberon seems to play less of an investigative role in this one, at least as far as I recall from reading the first in this series. He’s there, and does help in the investigation, though, don’t get me wrong.

There’s a question and answer on Goodread’s page for this book about whether someone should, and/or has to read the books in the Iron Druid series before reading the books in this Oberon series. The answer given (at least on top part, not sure if there are other answers) is ‘yes’. I, for one, was quite entertained by both the second and previous book in this series, and I’ve only ever read the first book in the Iron Druid series. So, from my perspective, you can have a great time reading this book as long as you read the first in the Oberon series, and perhaps, not a requirement, the first book in the Iron Druid series. Granted, you’d not only ‘probably’, but would definitely know a lot more about the players if you read the Iron Druid series. Still, I didn’t feel like I was lost or anything while reading this book (well, other than the part where there’s this woman who keeps popping up in Atticus’ place to sleep before going back to work in Poland – I’ve no clue who she is and she never really says or does anything in the Oberon series – I assume she’s hugely important in the Iron Druid series).

Rating: 4.33

January 2 2018

There is nothing funnier than a story from the dog's point of view, especially one as complex as Oberon.

This is a must for all Iron Druid fans.

Oberon, Orlaith and Starbuck want a trip into Portland to smell everything and Atticus gives in and takes them on a train ride to Portland. The dogs notice a squirrel on top of the train when they board and no one is more surprised than Atticus that the squirrel manages to hold on for the entire trip to Portland. The dogs chase the squirrel off the train and into the station where they come across a Detective they met in the prior Oberon mystery, and a dead body. A dead body who is a dead ringer for Atticus.

Atticus and Oberon need to figure out who this look alike really is and who was the real target of the killer: the deceased look-alike or was this one of Atticus's many enemies  who now thinks they finally succeeded in killing the last Druid.

These mystery novellas are funny and unique because they are told from the point of view of Atticus's hound, Oberon. For those unfamiliar with the series, Atticus is a 2,000 year old Druid who survived the Roman's decimation of the Druids millenia ago and invented Immortali-Tea which he drinks to keep from aging. He also feeds the tea to his hound, Oberon, who is about 35 years old. Atticus also did a druid binding to the mind of Oberon so he has quite a vocabulary for a dog and a great love for movies and pop-culture. And like all dogs, he has a great dislike for all things squirrel.

It was an interesting mystery, told in a unique style.

This is a very fun quick mystery story. My rating 4.5.

This is a fun, easy adventure with Oberon, the Irish wolfhound who keeps company with Iron Druid, Atticus. Atticus is taking Oberon and his friends, wolfhound Orlaith and Boston terrier Starbuck, on the train to Portland where they can have a run. Initially the dogs are distressed because there is a squirrel on the train. The dogs are convinced that all squirrels have an evil plan against dogs and humans.

They all get distracted when they get to the station and find a body that looks an awful lot like Atticus. Detective Gabriela Ibarra, who has worked with Atticus before, is there to investigate. Since Atticus isn’t official to help, he and the dogs join in unofficially with the dogs using their noses to hunt down clues.

The story is told from Oberon’s doggy brain, acknowledging that he doesn’t understand time where 10 minutes might be 10 hours or years for all the dog knows. And of course they get distracted by food, not to mention the squirrels.

This made me want to pick up the series where I left off (at Book 5). If you have never read this series I recommend it for fun and excitement. This is just a short side story but could be read to get a feel for the characters and a taste of the author’s writing. It should give a reason to smile.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
Another fun adventure with Oberon, Orlaith, Starbuck and Atticus. Squirrel on the Train takes us back to Portland for a grand adventure that takes an unexpected turn in the form of a murder. But never fear detective Oberon is on the case!! We get to travel from Portland to Eugene back to Portland again before we solve the mystery. We also get a lesson on why squirrels are so evil.
This was a fun quick listen with the help of the amazingly talented Luke Daniels. I always enjoy having Luke read Kevin’s stories to me. I am looking forward to the next installment by Kevin and narrated by Luke!!!


Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Subterranean Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Great book from a great storyteller! Hearne has done a wonderful job creating a spin-off from his Iron Druid series!

Chasing a squirrel that rode the train from Eugene to Portland led Oberon, Atticus, and the gang into another mystery when the dogs barged onto a murder scene where the victim looked like Atticus.Not, a doppelganger, rather just a descendant that was involved in alternate energy research. After recovering from this shock, Atticus and the dogs got involved in solving this crime, especially when he recognized a witness who had disappeared. After research, plenty of sniffing, some druid and shape-shifting activity, and confrontations, the mystery was solved and the murderers were either arrested or disappeared. And then the true evil of the squirrel was revealed! Do read and find out!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars, I loved it!

The second in the Oberon's Meaty Mysteries and just as much fun as the first. The plot is fun and clever. It made me laugh so much that even though I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book from NetGalley, I bought my own copy.

I truly hope that the end of the Iron Druid series doesn't bring an end to these little snippets of what I've always thought were the best bits of the series, just Atticus and the dogs, and lots of goofy puns. They're good dogs, Brent!

If you haven't read the series, you'll probably be ok but do yourself a favor and at least read the first few so you have an idea who Atticus and Oberon are. (And really, they're worth the read!)

I have really enjoyed this series and looked forward to reading this short story. I was a little apprehensive about it being narrated by Oberon. While I love the character I don't really like it when he takes the reins and tells the story so this already put me off a little. However I really needed an Atticus fix and decided to go with it.

Now I also have to say that I have listened to all the books so far. I really enjoyed the audio books and they are well read. So to actually read a story in the Iron Druid Chronicles is something new for me and I am not sure how I felt about it. The narrator of the books is so good and it really didn't feel right reading a version of this without the great voices he does.

All in all? Well I didn't really enjoy this one. I can't say it was the doggy perspective or the lack of audio but I can say that the story was poor and boring. I didn't really get into it at all and if this hadn't have been a short story I most likely wouldn't have finished it.

While there were a few Atticus aspects in there this just wasn't as good as the full length novel. It was enough to scratch the itch but it wasn't enough to leave me satisfied. Fans will be happy with this one but I don't believe they will be overly excited at this small offering when the series is so amazingly good.

Give me more full length books!

Okay, I'm going to freely admit I chose this book to review based entirely on the title. And it was just as funny and pun-filled as I'd hoped.

Kevin Hearn's Iron Druid series is a bestselling phenomenon, and the Oberon's Meaty Mysteries are an offshoot series, told from the point of view of Atticus the Druid's faithful wolfhound Oberon.

Light in tone, funny and charming, this was a delight to read. I'm still giggling over Oberon's desire to write an inspirational book called All The Food We Cannot See, and the hound logic that squirrels are hell creatures whose presence clearly indicates the impending apocalypse.

In pursuit of the squirrel called He-Who-Knows-How-To-Travel-On-Loud-Shiny-Human-TubeThings (aka; trains), Oberon and his canine pals stumble onto the scene of a murder. Which would be disturbing even if the victim wasn't a dead ringer for their very-much-alive master.

Obviously, this isn't a case they can keep their noses out of, and soon they are hunting down murderers, were-bears and squirrels alike, with regular breaks for tacos and naps, because it's a dog's life, after all.

You don't need to have read any of the Iron Druid books to follow along with what's going on in The Squirrel On The Train, and in fact I'd suggest that this series would be a great introduction to Hearn's work for younger readers. I'll be sharing it with my 11-year-old son, who probably isn't quite ready for the Iron Druid books just yet, but I know he's going to love this one!

Five stars for a charming, light-hearted read which had me giggling numerous times throughout.

Another dog-gone fun adventure of Atticus and Oberon! I really love the unique idea of having Oberon the Wolfhound narrate his adventure mysteries. They’re fun side stories to the Iron Druid main canon. In this story, an Atticus-look-alike has been murdered. Was it a lucky miss for Atticus, or something else?

The Squirrel on the Train by Kevin Hearne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh, gravy.

With a side of meatballs and women with medication. For any of you who've been reading the great Iron Druid UF series, you already know that one of the most delightful characters in the books is Oberon. He's a dog. He's been granted some immortali-TEA and he's always telepathically talking with Atticus and begging for meat.

And this is the second novella that makes him the main star, written from his PoV.

So, wait, this immortal dog solves side-story mysteries set in this universe where gods from all the pantheons are pissed at Atticus for one thing or another?

Yup. And it's delightful, light, goofy fun. With a really sketchy squirrel that defies all physics. Screw the murder mystery that his human is working on with an old pal detective. No one cares that the murdered guy looks like Atticus. The SQUIRREL is so much more important!

:) Fun, fun.

This is only my second book by Kevin Hearne, not because I don't enjoy his writing, but because I have a huge tbr pile and his books just get put on the back burner. I really enjoy his writing style and in particular his Iron Druid series, but honestly the best part for me has always been Oberon. Atticus is great, but Oberon cracks me up, and this series is perfect for my Oberon fix, with a little Atticus thrown in for good measure. Great quick read, definitely recommended!

This is the second Oberon Mystery novella. This was a quick read and a fun little mystery featuring the characters from the Iron Druid Chronicles. It was fun to revisit that world and watch as Oberon helped solve a mystery.

What starts as chasing a peculiar squirrel, changes into something more sinister when an Atticus look-a-like is found dead in the train station. Now Oberon and crew need to help Atticus find the killer and unravel the mystery behind this murder.

Overall this is a quick but entertaining mystery. I think fans of the Iron Druid Chronicles will enjoy this.

“The Squirrel on the Train” is Hearne’s latest entry in “Oberon’s Meaty Mysteries.” Oberon, his loyal pet – the Iron Druid, Atticus – and fellow canine companions, Orlaith and Starbuck make for one great investigative team.

The million-dollar question was if Hearne could deliver a sequel worthy of “The Purloined Poodle.” The answer is a resounding yes! With his deft use of snark and humor, Hearne has proved to be a master of his game.

The story begins with Atticus taking the canines on a trip to Portland to savor the smells. What should be a simple field trip goes awry when a dastardly squirrel makes its appearance. The hounds must investigate the nefarious squirrel by giving chase. In doing so, they uncover a murder. The victim appears to be a doppelganger of Atticus. Now the team must figure out who the killer is, and why this mysterious doppelganger was murdered! Once solving the murder, the canines must turn their attention to the true mystery at the heart of the book. What was the nefarious squirrel plotting?

If you enjoyed Hearne’s “Iron Druid Chronicles,” you will undoubtedly love “Squirrel.” The novella makes for a quick, enjoyable read. While having knowledge of the “Iron Druid” series would be helpful, it is not required for this novella.

Note: An ARC was received from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

If you like mysteries, or dogs, or just having a good time, then this is the right book for you.
"The Squirrel on the Train" is the second book of "Oberon's Meaty Mysteries" but you can read it without knowing the first one. (Nevertheless you should read it also, just for the fun).

In this book, Oberon, the wolfhound, together with his friends Starbuck and Orlaith solves the murder of an Atticus-lookalike. Yes, the Atticus O'Sullivan of the Iron Druid Chronicles, who happens to be a the (more or less) human partner of Oberon.
They follow the clues (better the scent) to solve the murder, revisiting the detective from the first mystery and getting to know someone from Atticus past.

Oh, and there is also the evil scheme of the sqirrels (You never can trust a squirrel).

To say it with the words of Starbuck: FOOD!

You will like it.

5/5