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j_daskiewicz's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
granniepeg's review against another edition
5.0
I so enjoy the Chet and Bernie Mystery series. Looking forward to the next one coming out. I love Chet! Pure and simple. Chet the Jet! Chet the dog, narrates the stories, usually figures out what is going on before his human partner Bernie. Fun mysteries, yes some serious, but told from Chet's point of view, I enjoyed them.
pawprintsinthesink's review against another edition
5.0
Way back in 2008, I was working at Barnes & Noble and found myself in the mystery section. Now, back in those old days I didn't really stray from my general fiction section. The mystery covers were often, quite frankly, terrifying. While we all say the adage don't judge a book by its cover, I often find myself judging actual books by their covers. Bodice busting and shirtless men are generally two indicators that particular book is not for me. Since I'm insanely easy to frighten, I stayed away from the bloody covers and dripping knives often found adorning the covers of books in that section.
So there I am, shelving books, and I pull one out to scan. But it has an adorable dog on the cover. Is this in the wrong section? I scan. No, the handheld computer says it goes in mystery under Q. I read the back cover, shelve most of them, and keep a copy back for myself.
That's how I found Chet and Bernie. Because that book was Dog On It, and I couldn't resist a book with a dog and puns. Plus- turns out it's narrated by a dog! Before you get all uncomfortable, it isn't nearly as distracting as you'd think. The canine narration can lighten up tense moments, and with Chet's incisive narration we get even more clues to try and solve the who-done-it than by human searching alone. By overhearing the detective's interviews and having Chet's firsthand account of scents and character judgement, the reader gets an immersive experience.
But that was nine books and twelve years ago! What am I doing talking about it now? Well, book ten is due out July 7 and I was gifted with the opportunity to review an advanced copy from NetGalley and Macmillan. (If you're wondering if this is one of those occasions where I was jumping up and down when I got that email, you would be correct!).
In the latest Chet and Bernie installment (I love how the dog always comes first, even when Bernie is speaking!), a cowboy painting leads to an expert in the field Bernie is always pontificating about- the aquifer. When a dead body turns up, Bernie puts himself on the case. As the mystery around the water expands, so does the danger.
Once again, Spencer Quinn has crafted a real gem of a novel. I may have even accidentally startled my own snuggly dog while reading, because Chet had me literally laughing out loud. His wit and graduating to so-therefore's makes for plenty of light moments, while the severity of the topic and gruesome discoveries get their own masterful handling.
I appreciate how Quinn deftly explains these delicate scenes without going heavy on the gore; whenever the body count rises, it is handled with care. Each character, regardless of how long they're in the book, is masterfully crafted and well developed. The lack of stereotypes and myriad unique characters is a bonus in an already well done novel.
The setting is absolutely gorgeously described, if you're looking for an armchair travel experience to the Southwest amidst the pandemic. Plot-wise, the science behind the mystery for this novel is also well explained. The pace is excellent, with a steady stream of clues leading to the final revelations. While there are some heart pounding moments and a few heart wrenching moments, I don't have to worry about any nightmares from this one (which has not been the result of all of my forays into the mystery section).
I've been recommending this book series for years, as I can safely rate them five stars and I love recommending books (especially ones with dogs!). Of Mutts and Men is yet another five star success from Quinn. If you start now, maybe you can read the previous nine before this one comes out! If you don't think you can squeeze that in, I will say this book can stand on its own; there are a few references to previous cases discussed in prior books and one recurring character who has stepped from lead to occasionally reoccurring, but these situations are cleverly and briefly summarized.
Chet and Bernie are a joy to spend time with, and I'm both glad I didn't have to wait until July and mad at myself for devouring it so quickly. Here's hoping Quinn is busy on the next Chet and Bernie novel!
Of Mutts and Men is available for pre-order and is out July 7, 2020.
Psst...If you've read all of the Chet and Bernie books and need something to read until Mutts and Men releases in July, check out the Bowser and Birdie series. It's for middle grade, but has that classic Spencer Quinn wit with a whip smart adolescent and her fierce dog. I've loved all of them so far!
So there I am, shelving books, and I pull one out to scan. But it has an adorable dog on the cover. Is this in the wrong section? I scan. No, the handheld computer says it goes in mystery under Q. I read the back cover, shelve most of them, and keep a copy back for myself.
That's how I found Chet and Bernie. Because that book was Dog On It, and I couldn't resist a book with a dog and puns. Plus- turns out it's narrated by a dog! Before you get all uncomfortable, it isn't nearly as distracting as you'd think. The canine narration can lighten up tense moments, and with Chet's incisive narration we get even more clues to try and solve the who-done-it than by human searching alone. By overhearing the detective's interviews and having Chet's firsthand account of scents and character judgement, the reader gets an immersive experience.
But that was nine books and twelve years ago! What am I doing talking about it now? Well, book ten is due out July 7 and I was gifted with the opportunity to review an advanced copy from NetGalley and Macmillan. (If you're wondering if this is one of those occasions where I was jumping up and down when I got that email, you would be correct!).
In the latest Chet and Bernie installment (I love how the dog always comes first, even when Bernie is speaking!), a cowboy painting leads to an expert in the field Bernie is always pontificating about- the aquifer. When a dead body turns up, Bernie puts himself on the case. As the mystery around the water expands, so does the danger.
Once again, Spencer Quinn has crafted a real gem of a novel. I may have even accidentally startled my own snuggly dog while reading, because Chet had me literally laughing out loud. His wit and graduating to so-therefore's makes for plenty of light moments, while the severity of the topic and gruesome discoveries get their own masterful handling.
I appreciate how Quinn deftly explains these delicate scenes without going heavy on the gore; whenever the body count rises, it is handled with care. Each character, regardless of how long they're in the book, is masterfully crafted and well developed. The lack of stereotypes and myriad unique characters is a bonus in an already well done novel.
The setting is absolutely gorgeously described, if you're looking for an armchair travel experience to the Southwest amidst the pandemic. Plot-wise, the science behind the mystery for this novel is also well explained. The pace is excellent, with a steady stream of clues leading to the final revelations. While there are some heart pounding moments and a few heart wrenching moments, I don't have to worry about any nightmares from this one (which has not been the result of all of my forays into the mystery section).
I've been recommending this book series for years, as I can safely rate them five stars and I love recommending books (especially ones with dogs!). Of Mutts and Men is yet another five star success from Quinn. If you start now, maybe you can read the previous nine before this one comes out! If you don't think you can squeeze that in, I will say this book can stand on its own; there are a few references to previous cases discussed in prior books and one recurring character who has stepped from lead to occasionally reoccurring, but these situations are cleverly and briefly summarized.
Chet and Bernie are a joy to spend time with, and I'm both glad I didn't have to wait until July and mad at myself for devouring it so quickly. Here's hoping Quinn is busy on the next Chet and Bernie novel!
Of Mutts and Men is available for pre-order and is out July 7, 2020.
Psst...If you've read all of the Chet and Bernie books and need something to read until Mutts and Men releases in July, check out the Bowser and Birdie series. It's for middle grade, but has that classic Spencer Quinn wit with a whip smart adolescent and her fierce dog. I've loved all of them so far!
bob_dw's review against another edition
4.0
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.
cyireadbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Of Mutts and Men is the 10th installment of the series featuring Bernie Little and his canine companion, Chet of the Little Detective Agency. Together, Bernie and Chet solve crimes in an almost unbelievable way.
Narrated from Chet's point of view, the story is entertaining and sprinkled with a lot of witty humor. However, the humor does get a little wearisome as it does take away from the entire plot.
Without getting into too much detail, Bernie is invited to a meeting by a hydrologist at a canyon only to find the hydrologist murdered -- throat slit from ear to ear. Evidence gathered at the scene leads to a petty thief. But all evidence against this thief is circumstantial. Now it's up to Bernie and Chet to find the real killer.
A book and series well suited for teens and some YA fans. Very entertaining for me. 3.5 stars rounded up -- I liked it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian/Tor-Forge Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Narrated from Chet's point of view, the story is entertaining and sprinkled with a lot of witty humor. However, the humor does get a little wearisome as it does take away from the entire plot.
Without getting into too much detail, Bernie is invited to a meeting by a hydrologist at a canyon only to find the hydrologist murdered -- throat slit from ear to ear. Evidence gathered at the scene leads to a petty thief. But all evidence against this thief is circumstantial. Now it's up to Bernie and Chet to find the real killer.
A book and series well suited for teens and some YA fans. Very entertaining for me. 3.5 stars rounded up -- I liked it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian/Tor-Forge Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
geohiker's review against another edition
5.0
It is always, always, always the right choice to read a Chet book!! Bernie is a good character too; but it's Chet's sunny optimism and willingness to take positive action that are so great!! #ChetFan
vkemp's review
4.0
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.
theirresponsiblereader's review
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Bernie meets the man destined to his new best friend—a hydrologist who seems to share many of the same opinions as Bernie when it comes to water usage in Phoenix. I don't think we've managed to get a novel where Bernie hasn't complained about the waste of water in the area (except maybe those two when they were back East), "we only have one aquifer." It appears that Wendell has need of a P.I., too—the two make arrangements to meet the next day to discuss it.
But when our dynamic duo shows up at Wendell's worksite office, they find him murdered. Which puts the kibosh on the bromance. Bernie naturally begins investigating—spurred to action after meeting the Sheriff's Deputy in charge of this case, if nothing else—who is one of the sorriest excuses for a law enforcement officer that I've read this year. Some quick detective work leads Bernie to a suspect—not one that he believes really did it, but he still feels compelled to hand him over to Deputy Beasley.
This was a mistake as Beasley locks in on the suspect and ignores any other possibilities. But the more that Bernie looks into things—if only to find out why Wendell wanted to hire him—the more he's convinced the suspect is innocent. Only no one—including the deputy, and the suspect's own defense attorney—will listen to him.
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT CHET
What is there to say about Chet the Jet? He's the same loveable, heroic champ we've come to know and love. For those who don't know—Chet's our narrator, Bernie's partner, and a 100+ pound dog. Other than a couple of sentences showing a more libidinous side to Chet than we're used to seeing, he's exactly what we've come to expect. Don't read anything into me not having a lot to say about him—he's the best dog in fiction (for my money), but there are only so many ways you can say that.
BUT WE CAN'T FORGET BERNIE (OR ANYONE ELSE)
On the other hand, I think I've given Bernie short shrift over the years—it's easy to focus on Chet. But Bernie's more than just the guy who complains about wasting water while making horrible investment choices. He's a top-notch P.I., but like most fictional P.I.'s, his principles, independence, and lousy business sense keep him from being much of a success. His residence and devotion to Chet are most of what separates him from Elvis Cole, for example (sure, Elvis has his cat, but he doesn't take the cat with him on cases).
I felt more connected to Bernie in this novel than usual—I'm not sure if that's a reflection on me or Quinn's writing. Bernie's outrage at the treatment of the suspect (some directed at himself for getting the Deputy looking at him) drives him more than any desire for a fee or to discover what Wendell wanted.
In addition to the case and the machinations of the principles involved, there's a lot going on in Bernie's private life. He doesn't deal well with most of it, which isn't a surprise, dealing well with personal relationships isn't his trademark. It seems to affect him more in this novel than I'm used to seeing him—both positively and negatively (although, there's a lot of negative in this novel—all around).
In case you can't tell, I can't put my finger on what's different this time—but Bernie seems more human, more real, less "merely the guy who Chet is devoted to" (although he absolutely is that). Quinn puts him through the wringer in many ways here, and the novel is better for it.
It's not just with Bernie, I think that this novel has some of the most subtle and rich character work in the series (last year's Heart of Barkness) headed in this direction (growth prompted by The Right Side?). The villain of this novel is the most complex and compelling foe for these two. Beyond that, there were so many characters that showed up for a scene or two—five or six pages total—that were just dynamic. Even Malcolm, the husband of Bernie's ex-wife, Leda makes a couple of positive contributions! He's rarely been much beyond an antagonist for Bernie, a competitor for the paternal role for Bernie's son—and here he's in such a better way, I almost liked him.
DON'T FORGET THE KLEENEX
There are three—maybe four—scenes in this book that "hit you in the feels." One only took two or three sentences to deliver the punch, and could easily be missed. But the emotional core of this novel is shown in a couple of others (some readers will be torn up by them, others will be satisfied—either reaction is warranted).
But there's one scene—it has only the most tangential tie to the plot—that will (or ought to) devastate you. I'm honestly not sure why Quinn included it, but I am so glad he did. You'll know it when you read it, I'm not going to say anything else about it. Chet was still his goofy self, but even he came across differently in it. The book is worth the purchase price for it alone.
SO WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT OF MUTTS AND MEN?
I've said it before, I'll say it again, I've been a fan of this series since maybe the third chapter of the first book eleven years ago. And I'll be a fan until Quinn moves on. But there's something different about this book. Still, I'm going to try to thread the needle here—this is not my favorite book in the series. However, I think it's unquestionably the best book so far. I'm not crazy about some of the longer-term arc events here—hey're the smart move by Quinn, I'll defend them, but I didn't like them.
Still, there's a good mystery, you get the wonderful partnership of Chet and Bernie, probably the best use of Bernie yet, and a new depth to Quinn's writing—it's precisely what the doctor ordered. New readers will have no problem jumping in at this point, returning fans have to be pulling on their leashes to get to this. Highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Macmillan-Tor/Forge via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this. Also, sorry that I didn't get this posted sooner, I really did try.
But when our dynamic duo shows up at Wendell's worksite office, they find him murdered. Which puts the kibosh on the bromance. Bernie naturally begins investigating—spurred to action after meeting the Sheriff's Deputy in charge of this case, if nothing else—who is one of the sorriest excuses for a law enforcement officer that I've read this year. Some quick detective work leads Bernie to a suspect—not one that he believes really did it, but he still feels compelled to hand him over to Deputy Beasley.
This was a mistake as Beasley locks in on the suspect and ignores any other possibilities. But the more that Bernie looks into things—if only to find out why Wendell wanted to hire him—the more he's convinced the suspect is innocent. Only no one—including the deputy, and the suspect's own defense attorney—will listen to him.
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT CHET
What is there to say about Chet the Jet? He's the same loveable, heroic champ we've come to know and love. For those who don't know—Chet's our narrator, Bernie's partner, and a 100+ pound dog. Other than a couple of sentences showing a more libidinous side to Chet than we're used to seeing, he's exactly what we've come to expect. Don't read anything into me not having a lot to say about him—he's the best dog in fiction (for my money), but there are only so many ways you can say that.
BUT WE CAN'T FORGET BERNIE (OR ANYONE ELSE)
On the other hand, I think I've given Bernie short shrift over the years—it's easy to focus on Chet. But Bernie's more than just the guy who complains about wasting water while making horrible investment choices. He's a top-notch P.I., but like most fictional P.I.'s, his principles, independence, and lousy business sense keep him from being much of a success. His residence and devotion to Chet are most of what separates him from Elvis Cole, for example (sure, Elvis has his cat, but he doesn't take the cat with him on cases).
I felt more connected to Bernie in this novel than usual—I'm not sure if that's a reflection on me or Quinn's writing. Bernie's outrage at the treatment of the suspect (some directed at himself for getting the Deputy looking at him) drives him more than any desire for a fee or to discover what Wendell wanted.
In addition to the case and the machinations of the principles involved, there's a lot going on in Bernie's private life. He doesn't deal well with most of it, which isn't a surprise, dealing well with personal relationships isn't his trademark. It seems to affect him more in this novel than I'm used to seeing him—both positively and negatively (although, there's a lot of negative in this novel—all around).
In case you can't tell, I can't put my finger on what's different this time—but Bernie seems more human, more real, less "merely the guy who Chet is devoted to" (although he absolutely is that). Quinn puts him through the wringer in many ways here, and the novel is better for it.
It's not just with Bernie, I think that this novel has some of the most subtle and rich character work in the series (last year's Heart of Barkness) headed in this direction (growth prompted by The Right Side?). The villain of this novel is the most complex and compelling foe for these two. Beyond that, there were so many characters that showed up for a scene or two—five or six pages total—that were just dynamic. Even Malcolm, the husband of Bernie's ex-wife, Leda makes a couple of positive contributions! He's rarely been much beyond an antagonist for Bernie, a competitor for the paternal role for Bernie's son—and here he's in such a better way, I almost liked him.
DON'T FORGET THE KLEENEX
There are three—maybe four—scenes in this book that "hit you in the feels." One only took two or three sentences to deliver the punch, and could easily be missed. But the emotional core of this novel is shown in a couple of others (some readers will be torn up by them, others will be satisfied—either reaction is warranted).
But there's one scene—it has only the most tangential tie to the plot—that will (or ought to) devastate you. I'm honestly not sure why Quinn included it, but I am so glad he did. You'll know it when you read it, I'm not going to say anything else about it. Chet was still his goofy self, but even he came across differently in it. The book is worth the purchase price for it alone.
SO WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT OF MUTTS AND MEN?
I've said it before, I'll say it again, I've been a fan of this series since maybe the third chapter of the first book eleven years ago. And I'll be a fan until Quinn moves on. But there's something different about this book. Still, I'm going to try to thread the needle here—this is not my favorite book in the series. However, I think it's unquestionably the best book so far. I'm not crazy about some of the longer-term arc events here—hey're the smart move by Quinn, I'll defend them, but I didn't like them.
Still, there's a good mystery, you get the wonderful partnership of Chet and Bernie, probably the best use of Bernie yet, and a new depth to Quinn's writing—it's precisely what the doctor ordered. New readers will have no problem jumping in at this point, returning fans have to be pulling on their leashes to get to this. Highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Macmillan-Tor/Forge via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this. Also, sorry that I didn't get this posted sooner, I really did try.
heatherjones's review
4.0
Thank you to Forge Books for giving me a digital galley of this book in exchange for feedback.
The Chet and Bernie books are one of my favorite mystery series, and I'm happy to report that 'Of Mutts and Men' is as good as the ones that come before it - to be honest, I think it's the best recent one, better than the previous book in the series.
The thing that makes this whole series work for me is the narrative voice. Having a dog as the narrator is a gimmick that could get twee and irritating in the hands of a less skilled writer, but Quinn makes it work so well. Chet is very much a real dog, with an interest in sausages, an inability to understand the intricacies of human businesses, and an unquestioned devotion to Bernie. He's funny at the right times, sweet at the right times, and really is the whole point of these books.
In this one, a hydrologist has his throat cut in the desert. But who would want to murder a hydrologist, and why? Bernie's concern for the water supply has been well established in previous books, so I love that this one really makes that a central part of the plot.
The whole series is well worth reading, and if you already like them, you won't be disappointed in the latest book. If you haven't already read them, you could read this one - I think you'd still be able to follow it just fine without having read the previous books - but you might be happier starting with the first volume, which is 'Dog On It.'
The Chet and Bernie books are one of my favorite mystery series, and I'm happy to report that 'Of Mutts and Men' is as good as the ones that come before it - to be honest, I think it's the best recent one, better than the previous book in the series.
The thing that makes this whole series work for me is the narrative voice. Having a dog as the narrator is a gimmick that could get twee and irritating in the hands of a less skilled writer, but Quinn makes it work so well. Chet is very much a real dog, with an interest in sausages, an inability to understand the intricacies of human businesses, and an unquestioned devotion to Bernie. He's funny at the right times, sweet at the right times, and really is the whole point of these books.
In this one, a hydrologist has his throat cut in the desert. But who would want to murder a hydrologist, and why? Bernie's concern for the water supply has been well established in previous books, so I love that this one really makes that a central part of the plot.
The whole series is well worth reading, and if you already like them, you won't be disappointed in the latest book. If you haven't already read them, you could read this one - I think you'd still be able to follow it just fine without having read the previous books - but you might be happier starting with the first volume, which is 'Dog On It.'
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