I wish to thank NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for this interesting, departure from the typical detective/dog team storyline. This partnership is comprised of Private Detective, Bernie Little, and his canine friend and faithful partner, Chet in investigations just outside of Phoenix.

This unique, witty crime series is narrated from the perspective of Chet. This clever look into a dog’s way of thinking was both believable and hilarious. He adores and idolizes Bernie with unconditional love. Chet can sometimes understand Bernie’s conversations but may misinterpret and be confused as to what is going on. His thoughts infuse the story with good humour. Chet is an obedient, and highly intelligent animal, but his energy and high spirits may interfere. He was set to graduate as a K-9 dog but failed his final test due to an unfortunate incident involving a cat. This was a happy day for Chet, as that was the time he met Bernie.

These two partners from the Little Detective Agency were meeting with a prospective client, Dr. Nero, a hydrologist. They were pleased they might have a new case to pursue. They found him murdered, and they have no idea why he wanted to consult with them. They discover that a local hoodlum, Florian Machado, visited Dr. Nero at approximately the time of the murder. He is quickly arrested for murder. Bernie visits him in prison and is convinced of his innocence. He is hired by Dr. Nero’s three former wives who are all arguing about his estate and wondering about the reason he was killed. The investigation takes Chet and Bernie to a wine-producing area and questioning the involvement of wealthy lawyers. Along the way, Chet is briefly kidnapped.

This was an entertaining read focusing on a positive relationship between a human and a dog in a working relationship. I was unfamiliar with the previous books in the series, but Chet’s brief mention of past criminal investigations made me curious to pursue some other books involving the Little Detective Agency. 3.5 Stars rounded up to 4.

Bernie Little and Chet the Jetster, the two principles of the Little Detective Agency, are asked to meet with an hydrologist in Dollhouse Canyon outside Phoenix. When they arrive, Dr. Wendell Nero is dead with his throat cut. The deputy who arrives to investigate is not too worried, just a robbery gone wrong. Bernie and Chet, however, continue to investigate and discover that Florian Machado paid a visit to Dr. Nero. Then they discover a vineyard on the other side of the mountain housing Dollhouse Canyon and another hydrologist. Soon, the investigation becomes more complicated when Chet is kidnapped and rich lawyers and a university's endowment fund get involved. But the worst part is when Suzie comes home from London, engaged to another man. This series never fails to entertain; told from the viewpoint of Chet, a very talented member of the nation within, one of my favorite dogs.

I have to admit that I love the Spencer Quinn Chet and Bernie detective series. And I'm not even much of a dog lover, but somehow Mr. Quinn infuses Chet (the dog) with such insight and personality that it's hard to turn away. I wondered it if'd be hard for the author to keep coming up with interesting storylines for this intriguing pair, but somehow, he's created an interesting, witty, thoroughly enjoyable book.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to hang out with Chet and Bernie one more time. Great book!

Fun and charming addition to a popular series. People who are already bought in will probably buy this next addition without reference to reviews. If you have not read the previous volumes (I have not) but you a) love dogs, b) read mysteries, and c) need some lite escape; this is the series for you. Especially in these times, a little cotton candy distraction might be just what the doctor ordered.