Two Dogs at the One Dog Inn

I like different stories or should I say stories that are different, the impossible or improbable, that  spikes the mind that you can’t second guess, it just makes sense when you read it and this novel covers all that. This book is made up of the story which is sort of the main event with an additional 12 stories that are quick reads in their own right, some  macabre others with a meaning to take heed of. When I was reading this novella  I could sort of imagine sitting around a camp fire while taking it in turn to tell stories while everyone listens until it is their turn to top it.
The first story, from where the title originates, is told via emails between a volunteer animal welfare and rescue worker Audrey and her friend and boss at the centre Stella, after a very distressing phone call has already occurred ending with Audrey resigning. An unusual way to tell a story but it works very well. Stella gradually coaxes what has happened at the One Dog Inn, which is a fascinating and disturbing tale.  I wasn’t too sure just how much was genuine friendship from Stella’s side though or just the need not to let a volunteer walk away from a position that will be hard to fill. I thought the play on places names worked well, still recognisable but fun. This story is the longest taking about 41% of the novel size.
The 12 remaining stories are of various sizes with each one having it’s own uniqueness. My favourites being the future of mobile phones, which did send quite a shiver as you could imagine technology eventually going this way. Though perhaps not with the same conclusion, I hope. The other being the story of Henry Sims. From stories about being eco friendly to the noise upstairs is just the house settling noise isn’t it kind of story it is a very entertaining novel.
I wish to thank Netgalley, Urbane Publishers and particularly David John Griffin whom invited me to read his new novel to be published on the 26th January.