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Chet and Bernie Mystery #6
The Sound and the Furry
Listening Length: 9 hours and 45 minutes
Out for a drive, Chet and Bernie run into a prison work crew featuring an old criminal friend they helped send to prison, Frenchie Boutette. From an old Louisiana family full of black sheep, Frenchie needs Bernie and Chet’s help in locating his brother, Ralph, who has disappeared with his houseboat. But before they can head off to the bayou, Bernie is attacked by a member of a strange gang called the Queiros. And though he’s tempted to take another job (with a big payday) in Alaska, Bernie and Chet set course for Louisiana.
A reclusive inventor, Ralph is the sole law-abiding member of his family. Full of black sheep, the Boutette family has a long running feud with the no-good Robideaus and at first it seems as if Ralph’s disappearance is connected to a dispute over a load of heisted shrimp. But when Chet uncovers a buried clue, the investigation heads in a new and dangerous direction and what was a simple disappearance gets complicated as a conspiracy involving the oil business is uncovered. The more Chet and Bernie discover about Ralph, the more dangerous the job becomes and soon they’re fighting not only Big Oil, but also shadowy black ops figures, the Quieros, and Iko—a gator with an insatiable appetite.
Out for a drive, Chet and Bernie run into a prison work crew featuring an old criminal friend they helped send to prison, Frenchie Boutette. From an old Louisiana family full of black sheep, Frenchie needs Bernie and Chet’s help in locating his brother, Ralph, who has disappeared with his houseboat. But before they can head off to the bayou, Bernie is attacked by a member of a strange gang called the Queiros. And though he’s tempted to take another job (with a big payday) in Alaska, Bernie and Chet set course for Louisiana.
A reclusive inventor, Ralph is the sole law-abiding member of his family. Full of black sheep, the Boutette family has a long running feud with the no-good Robideaus and at first it seems as if Ralph’s disappearance is connected to a dispute over a load of heisted shrimp. But when Chet uncovers a buried clue, the investigation heads in a new and dangerous direction and what was a simple disappearance gets complicated as a conspiracy involving the oil business is uncovered. The more Chet and Bernie discover about Ralph, the more dangerous the job becomes and soon they’re fighting not only Big Oil, but also shadowy black ops figures, the Quieros, and Iko—a gator with an insatiable appetite.
Audiobook
First published September 10, 2013
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About the author
Spencer Quinn
44 books2,128 followersSpencer Quinn lives on Cape Cod with his dog Audrey, and is hard at work on the next Chet and Bernie adventure.
Spencer Quinn is a pseudonym of author Peter Abrahams.
Series:
* A Chet and Bernie Mystery
Spencer Quinn is a pseudonym of author Peter Abrahams.
Series:
* A Chet and Bernie Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 627 reviews
November 12, 2013
If you own a dog, love a dog, or lived with a dog, you should read this series. Not the tightest plot ever but the craft involved in writing from the dog's perspective is outstanding.
I had missed being in Chet's mind. It is a remarkably carefree place, as long as he ends up up the stairs, through the door or off the boat first.
For those who are slamming the book in their reviews: You are obviously looking for the wrong kind of book to be reading this series. It is unashamedly simple. That is its beauty. You want something tightly wrapped go look at Faulkner or something. If you want a nice light read about a dog and his best friend, this is your book.
I had missed being in Chet's mind. It is a remarkably carefree place, as long as he ends up up the stairs, through the door or off the boat first.
For those who are slamming the book in their reviews: You are obviously looking for the wrong kind of book to be reading this series. It is unashamedly simple. That is its beauty. You want something tightly wrapped go look at Faulkner or something. If you want a nice light read about a dog and his best friend, this is your book.
November 12, 2013
As one who has worked with & for the nation within a nation, in a professional, military & civilian capacity for over 40 years, I have to say that author Quinn's Chet is the best spot-on depiction of the canine mind, heart & "keen" personality type I have ever come across.
In this latest Chet & Bernie story (I note the significance of the billing order there) we also get more tantalizing hints about Bernie's back story. As the two legged other half of the Little Detective Agency he brings "other things to the table" in the eyes of his adoring but always fair minded canine partner. They make a great & unique team.
"The Sound and the Furry" delights with it's new venue, site specific characters so typical of the bayou, & the new dangers that arise. So while the plot drives itself, I absolutely love & value Chet's insight on events, his tough guy talk about perps in orange jump suits breaking rocks in the hot sun, & his internal monologue with all its randomly obsessive distractions. Chet's running commentary on any inter-species relationships he experiences or has had in the past is truly intriguing, & an excellent lesson in humility for all homo sapiens!
At one time I worried that this series might just evolve into a string of hoary (albeit self-made) cliches but no, the freshness of it's canine hero assures me I will never get tired of the Chet & Bernie adventures. Yeah, sure, maybe some aspects of this plot had a few odd holes...but nothing that Chet the Jet couldn't endearingly fill with his determined action-stations energy...his "can do" appeal. Encouraged fans suggest further future road trips. Great idea Mr Quinn! Are you cookin' or what?
In this latest Chet & Bernie story (I note the significance of the billing order there) we also get more tantalizing hints about Bernie's back story. As the two legged other half of the Little Detective Agency he brings "other things to the table" in the eyes of his adoring but always fair minded canine partner. They make a great & unique team.
"The Sound and the Furry" delights with it's new venue, site specific characters so typical of the bayou, & the new dangers that arise. So while the plot drives itself, I absolutely love & value Chet's insight on events, his tough guy talk about perps in orange jump suits breaking rocks in the hot sun, & his internal monologue with all its randomly obsessive distractions. Chet's running commentary on any inter-species relationships he experiences or has had in the past is truly intriguing, & an excellent lesson in humility for all homo sapiens!
At one time I worried that this series might just evolve into a string of hoary (albeit self-made) cliches but no, the freshness of it's canine hero assures me I will never get tired of the Chet & Bernie adventures. Yeah, sure, maybe some aspects of this plot had a few odd holes...but nothing that Chet the Jet couldn't endearingly fill with his determined action-stations energy...his "can do" appeal. Encouraged fans suggest further future road trips. Great idea Mr Quinn! Are you cookin' or what?
January 28, 2021
Chet and Bernie can be counted on to relieve anxiety or at least distract from the 24/7 news-feed. They comprise the Little Detective Agency and their successes are narrated by the K-9 partner, Chet.
Yes, Chet considers himself an equal in this enterprise and he is Bernie’s biggest booster. His sense of smell reveals a lot but he can only communicate so much to his partner. Thus, in this way, Quinn can reveal things to us readers that Bernie has yet to figure out. The humor comes from Chet being a typical dog and putting his mark on every aspect of detection.
"Bernie...peered into the small, dark place. "What's keeping this thing afloat is my question," he said .
Not mine. It hadn't even occurred to me. All I knew was we were floating, no problem, and also that a pita chip was somewhere in the vicinity, the smell of a pita chip being just about impossible to miss, at least in my world. In a moment or two I'd found it behind a stool at the eating counter in the kitchen part of the boat. I downed it in one not very crunchy bite, totally satisfying. Freshness doesn't matter at all when it comes to pita chips, does it ever matter with any foods? None came immediately to mind. "
This case takes them far from SoCal into Louisiana bayou territory tracking down the missing brother of a “perp” that Bernie nailed several years previously. Getting to the conclusion was more than half the fun….and just what I needed in our world of real woes. 3.5*
Yes, Chet considers himself an equal in this enterprise and he is Bernie’s biggest booster. His sense of smell reveals a lot but he can only communicate so much to his partner. Thus, in this way, Quinn can reveal things to us readers that Bernie has yet to figure out. The humor comes from Chet being a typical dog and putting his mark on every aspect of detection.
"Bernie...peered into the small, dark place. "What's keeping this thing afloat is my question," he said .
Not mine. It hadn't even occurred to me. All I knew was we were floating, no problem, and also that a pita chip was somewhere in the vicinity, the smell of a pita chip being just about impossible to miss, at least in my world. In a moment or two I'd found it behind a stool at the eating counter in the kitchen part of the boat. I downed it in one not very crunchy bite, totally satisfying. Freshness doesn't matter at all when it comes to pita chips, does it ever matter with any foods? None came immediately to mind. "
This case takes them far from SoCal into Louisiana bayou territory tracking down the missing brother of a “perp” that Bernie nailed several years previously. Getting to the conclusion was more than half the fun….and just what I needed in our world of real woes. 3.5*
December 7, 2022
We go with Chet and Bernie to the Louisiana bayou where they are searching for Ralph Boutette, a missing member of a family with which Chet and Bernie have had previous contact. The setting provides great opportunity for Chet to encounter previously unknown challenges such as fishing nets that seem animated and intent upon pulling him toward the bottom of the ocean. Then there is the ocean itself and last be not least in Chets's opinion...THE ALLIGATOR, (Chet thinks it deserved to be capitalized), that lives in that bayou. Chet thought it great that he was being invited to dinner until Bernie explained that he was "to BE dinner". As always, Chet comes through adversity with flying colors, or at least that’s how he remembers and tells it. He's such a very positive "guy"...we can't let him know that he's really a "D-O-G. His understanding of himself goes only so deep, however, and more often than not is pleasantly humorous. As Chet and Bernie are flying down the highway, Chet is feeling decidedly undisturbed by events in the plot that have Bernie wondering about wishful thinking. Was there a kind of thinking that wasn’t wishful? In addition to a possible kidnapping, the plot involves a shrimp heist, a family feud, drug dealers, and an oil drilling company’s perfidy. How they all fit together is part of the fun of the book. It's been some time since I visited with Chet and Bernie, and I didn't remember how clever and funny Chet was.
April 12, 2022
9.5 out of 10. The one thing I would change is to take the $30,000 or $50,000 checks and use to cover expenses, and then donate the rest to special causes like for dogs/animals, etc. Bernie believes in helping, so why not make it happen. It only adds a few lines in the book to describe who gets the help.
September 1, 2013
Chet and Bernie are back and heading to the bayous of Louisiana. The change of scenery is good for the series, injecting new characters and new experiences for Bernie and Chet.
Spenser Quinn has a talent for capturing the voice of a dog who is ADD enough to make the reader believe that they are truly listening to a dog tell the story. His newest book, The Sound and the Furry, is one of his best efforts. Chet and Bernie leave the deserts of Arizona and head to the waterways between Baton Rouge and New Orleans searching for the lost brother of a convict Bernie helped put away. On the adventures, Quinn injects life into the series with some new characters, capturing the spirit of the area without descending too far into Swamp People stereotypes. Whether Chet is tracking down drug dealers or fighting alligators, his perspective on life keeps the reader smiling. The Faulkner allusion ties well with Chet’s stream of consciousness narration. The mystery isn’t very difficult to puzzle out, but Chet’s voice is so entertaining, it’s worth the ride.
Spenser Quinn has a talent for capturing the voice of a dog who is ADD enough to make the reader believe that they are truly listening to a dog tell the story. His newest book, The Sound and the Furry, is one of his best efforts. Chet and Bernie leave the deserts of Arizona and head to the waterways between Baton Rouge and New Orleans searching for the lost brother of a convict Bernie helped put away. On the adventures, Quinn injects life into the series with some new characters, capturing the spirit of the area without descending too far into Swamp People stereotypes. Whether Chet is tracking down drug dealers or fighting alligators, his perspective on life keeps the reader smiling. The Faulkner allusion ties well with Chet’s stream of consciousness narration. The mystery isn’t very difficult to puzzle out, but Chet’s voice is so entertaining, it’s worth the ride.
April 26, 2022
Well, I loved that this one took place in the bayous of Louisiana. Such a fun, and sometimes creepy, setting. What I didn’t like was the foreshadowing of Chet meeting up with a big old alligator. Spoiler alert: there are more books in the series so not to worry.
April 10, 2014
What fun! Chet, my favorite canine, narrates his latest missing persons case, going along with his human partner, P.I. Bernie Little, to New Orleans. Hijinks ensue, and I have to say, I spent some anxious moments waiting for Chet to get to safety at one point. Silly I know, but that's how engaging Chet is.
Spencer Quinn continues his remarkable work, keeping Chet sounding believable and dog-like (which is almost human, but Chet brings other talents to the table). Once again, I listened to the audio and applaud Jim Frangione for bring Chet to life.
True laugh out loud moments.
Spencer Quinn continues his remarkable work, keeping Chet sounding believable and dog-like (which is almost human, but Chet brings other talents to the table). Once again, I listened to the audio and applaud Jim Frangione for bring Chet to life.
True laugh out loud moments.
April 16, 2013
The Sound and the Furry
Spencer Quinn
Who is the first one through the door? Chet the Jet, of course. Chet is as lovable and curious as ever and Bernie manages to not be too much of a klutz in this latest Chet and Bernie Mystery.
Chet and Bernie, of the Little Detective Agency, are off on a new adventure, this time in Louisiana. They are looking for Ralph Boutette, the missing brother of Frenchie, a perp Chet and Bernie put away and who now hires them to find his brother. Before they can leave town, a detective from a large agency comes by and offers Bernie a well paying job in Alaska and is not a bit pleased when Bernie turns him down. While Bernie is loading the Porsche for the trip East, he is attacked by a gangbanger on a motorcycle. Chet hears the noise and before the perp can swing the tire iron again, Chet is on him. Trying to escape, the gangbanger jumps on his motorcycle and starts to speed away. Chet launches himself at the rider and he lands on the road with the motorcycle wrecking. The accident kills him, so he cannot give any information -like why did he attack Bernie in the first place?
Once in Louisiana, Chet and Bernie meet the usual cast of strange people, perps, gangbangers and weirdos that populate a Chet and Bernie mystery. There is Mami, the matriarch of the Boutette family and the Frenchie's two ignorant brothers. There are the two brothers that are the sheriff and his deputy - members of the Robideau family and enemies of the Boutette family. Add to the mix Mack, Ralph's best friend, the local vet, Dr Ory, and a corporate smooth talker named Wes. Then there is the polite drug
dealer named Cleotis and a seriously bad guy named Cale Rugh. Where does Quinn get these names?
Being a champion sniffer, Chet notices a new smell in the water here in the bayou. There is rot, yes, but also a strange scent that Chet thinks of as froggy, toady, snaky,
with a peppery poopiness mixed in. Every time he is around the water he notices this and wonders what it is.
As Chet and Bernie follow the leads, they encounter all the characters above and Chet narrates with his usual doggy happiness. Quinn keeps the humor going with quips from Chet about Bernie's misadventures, and Chet feeling a cool breeze and realizing it is coming from his wagging tail, or Bernie fusses by saying "Ch-et" in that certain way.
Quinn does a good job with the mystery too, which is just a vehicle to let Chet be Chet and for the reader to just enjoy the experience be inside of a dog's mind for awhile. Barbara
Spencer Quinn
Who is the first one through the door? Chet the Jet, of course. Chet is as lovable and curious as ever and Bernie manages to not be too much of a klutz in this latest Chet and Bernie Mystery.
Chet and Bernie, of the Little Detective Agency, are off on a new adventure, this time in Louisiana. They are looking for Ralph Boutette, the missing brother of Frenchie, a perp Chet and Bernie put away and who now hires them to find his brother. Before they can leave town, a detective from a large agency comes by and offers Bernie a well paying job in Alaska and is not a bit pleased when Bernie turns him down. While Bernie is loading the Porsche for the trip East, he is attacked by a gangbanger on a motorcycle. Chet hears the noise and before the perp can swing the tire iron again, Chet is on him. Trying to escape, the gangbanger jumps on his motorcycle and starts to speed away. Chet launches himself at the rider and he lands on the road with the motorcycle wrecking. The accident kills him, so he cannot give any information -like why did he attack Bernie in the first place?
Once in Louisiana, Chet and Bernie meet the usual cast of strange people, perps, gangbangers and weirdos that populate a Chet and Bernie mystery. There is Mami, the matriarch of the Boutette family and the Frenchie's two ignorant brothers. There are the two brothers that are the sheriff and his deputy - members of the Robideau family and enemies of the Boutette family. Add to the mix Mack, Ralph's best friend, the local vet, Dr Ory, and a corporate smooth talker named Wes. Then there is the polite drug
dealer named Cleotis and a seriously bad guy named Cale Rugh. Where does Quinn get these names?
Being a champion sniffer, Chet notices a new smell in the water here in the bayou. There is rot, yes, but also a strange scent that Chet thinks of as froggy, toady, snaky,
with a peppery poopiness mixed in. Every time he is around the water he notices this and wonders what it is.
As Chet and Bernie follow the leads, they encounter all the characters above and Chet narrates with his usual doggy happiness. Quinn keeps the humor going with quips from Chet about Bernie's misadventures, and Chet feeling a cool breeze and realizing it is coming from his wagging tail, or Bernie fusses by saying "Ch-et" in that certain way.
Quinn does a good job with the mystery too, which is just a vehicle to let Chet be Chet and for the reader to just enjoy the experience be inside of a dog's mind for awhile. Barbara
October 16, 2013
http://maryinhb.blogspot.com/2013/10/...
MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT
Chet and Bernie - ROAD TRIP!
When the pair have a chance encounter with a perp working on a chain gang, they are offered a job near New Orleans to find a missing person. The guy they are looking for is the only one of a set of brothers that is law-abiding and an inventor, Ralph Boultette. The cast of characters in this latest installment are right out of central casting. Just before they leave for the Bayou, Bernie is attacked by by a thug on a motorcycle, stitches and a headache later, the two are on their way. Bernie thinks it is just an isolated incident, but Chet seems to think otherwise.
Once they get to the Bayou, Chet discovers some very interesting smells that belong to creatures he is not at all familiar with. As Bernie begins his investigation to find Ralph, he follows a lead to the local vet where he encounters several oil-covered birds. There is also a shrimp theft that is blamed on Ralph but Bernie can't really connect the dots in this case. Chet, however is connecting some very convincing scents. There are several moments of cliffhangers like will Chet survive a near-drowning and will Bernie not be hit on the head again.
In the end, Chet leads the charge to find Ralph as well as make new friends and acquire new treats. These books are just so much fun to read and Quinn really knows how to make a dog have a brilliant personality. The humans always tend to take a back seat whenever Chet is around. These books always seem to be released so far apart. There are two novellas that I just downloaded to carry me over
MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT
Chet and Bernie - ROAD TRIP!
When the pair have a chance encounter with a perp working on a chain gang, they are offered a job near New Orleans to find a missing person. The guy they are looking for is the only one of a set of brothers that is law-abiding and an inventor, Ralph Boultette. The cast of characters in this latest installment are right out of central casting. Just before they leave for the Bayou, Bernie is attacked by by a thug on a motorcycle, stitches and a headache later, the two are on their way. Bernie thinks it is just an isolated incident, but Chet seems to think otherwise.
Once they get to the Bayou, Chet discovers some very interesting smells that belong to creatures he is not at all familiar with. As Bernie begins his investigation to find Ralph, he follows a lead to the local vet where he encounters several oil-covered birds. There is also a shrimp theft that is blamed on Ralph but Bernie can't really connect the dots in this case. Chet, however is connecting some very convincing scents. There are several moments of cliffhangers like will Chet survive a near-drowning and will Bernie not be hit on the head again.
In the end, Chet leads the charge to find Ralph as well as make new friends and acquire new treats. These books are just so much fun to read and Quinn really knows how to make a dog have a brilliant personality. The humans always tend to take a back seat whenever Chet is around. These books always seem to be released so far apart. There are two novellas that I just downloaded to carry me over
March 15, 2025
Book number six in the Chet & Bernie mystery series takes our intrepid duo East to the Louisiana bayous to search for a missing man, the law-abiding brother of a convict known to Bernie. It’s a whole different world of sounds, sights and smells for Chet, especially that odd sort-of-peppery-snake smell.
I just love this series. Chet (the dog who failed obedience training; a cat was involved) narrates the adventures that he and his human, Bernie (the smartest man in the room), have when they take on various cases as part of their business, the Little Detective Agency.
Chet is easily distracted by smells that humans don’t even notice, and he doesn’t quite grasp idioms or metaphors (still haven’t caught scent or sight of that wild goose they are frequently chasing), but he is fiercely loyal to Bernie and knows how to stop a perp!
Quinn gives us a fast-paced book, with sprinkles of humor to lessen the tension.
I usually listen to the audios, which are masterfully performed by Jim Frangionne. But this time I chose to read the text. I missed Frangionne’s voice but could still “hear” it in my head as I read.
I just love this series. Chet (the dog who failed obedience training; a cat was involved) narrates the adventures that he and his human, Bernie (the smartest man in the room), have when they take on various cases as part of their business, the Little Detective Agency.
Chet is easily distracted by smells that humans don’t even notice, and he doesn’t quite grasp idioms or metaphors (still haven’t caught scent or sight of that wild goose they are frequently chasing), but he is fiercely loyal to Bernie and knows how to stop a perp!
Quinn gives us a fast-paced book, with sprinkles of humor to lessen the tension.
I usually listen to the audios, which are masterfully performed by Jim Frangionne. But this time I chose to read the text. I missed Frangionne’s voice but could still “hear” it in my head as I read.
September 18, 2013
I've wondered if I would get bored with the Chet and Bernie mysteries. After I've read number 6 the answer is still NO. These books are great, written from the perspective of Chet. This book is a page turner and was hard to put down. There was a change in locale from Arizona to New Orleans that provided some freshness to the characters of the bad guys and the smells that Chet encounters. This is a missing person case with Chet and Bernie trying to track down an eccentric inventor, while getting mixed up in the theft of shrimp, a gulf oil company and environmental watch dogs. The threads of the case finally come together in the last couple of chapters and naturally Chet nabs the perp. The book was a good addition to the series and I really enjoyed it. I'd recommend it to all readers and dog lovers.
October 2, 2019
I did not enjoy this Chet and Bernie mystery as much as the others I have read. Although there was an incredible chapter where Chet is separated from Bernie in a very perilous situation. It was very well written and riveting.
November 8, 2020
This is my least favorite of a normally delightful series. Just too many loose ends. The feeling I get that he got bored with the book, or out of ideas and just quickly finished it leaving a lot unexplained. However the series definitely makes you want to get a dog. Chet is such a wonderful boisterous companion. If Bernie puts him out to stud I want one of the puppies. You know the saying “I got a dog for my husband” if the dog is like Chet it’s a good exchange.
February 12, 2024
3.5 stars
October 23, 2021
Each of the books in this series are just so enjoyable!
July 26, 2016
This is the sixth book in the series. I've read and loved all of them until this one. Not that I didn't find Chet as lovable and funny as ever, I'm just starting to find them a bit too formulaic with this latest one.
Just like the Stephanie Plum series from Janet Evanovich, one of my other go-to brain candy books, I want to see some growth in the characters and some new situations. I want to see Stephanie maybe actually finally learn how to use that gun of hers or put some darn bullets in it, or stop almost falling into bed with Ranger when she's practically engaged to Morelli. I now find that I want to see the same growth from Bernie. Chet always says he's the smartest person in the room but he can't seem to balance a checkbook or remember to deposit the checks he receives from his clients at the end of a job, one of the many reasons why he is constantly broke. Bernie's relationship problems with Suzie are definitely getting old. When will she realize that Bernie is totally faithful to her and is not cheating on her? In this book we have yet another repeat of a scene where Suzie travels to see Bernie, finds him in an awkward (and not of his doing) position with a woman, and storms off without waiting for an explanation, while Bernie babbles incoherently. The woman has definite trust issues.
I had trouble with a number of loose ends that weren't tied up and some events that didn't make much sense. I'm hoping that this series gets back on track with the next installment.
Just like the Stephanie Plum series from Janet Evanovich, one of my other go-to brain candy books, I want to see some growth in the characters and some new situations. I want to see Stephanie maybe actually finally learn how to use that gun of hers or put some darn bullets in it, or stop almost falling into bed with Ranger when she's practically engaged to Morelli. I now find that I want to see the same growth from Bernie. Chet always says he's the smartest person in the room but he can't seem to balance a checkbook or remember to deposit the checks he receives from his clients at the end of a job, one of the many reasons why he is constantly broke. Bernie's relationship problems with Suzie are definitely getting old. When will she realize that Bernie is totally faithful to her and is not cheating on her? In this book we have yet another repeat of a scene where Suzie travels to see Bernie, finds him in an awkward (and not of his doing) position with a woman, and storms off without waiting for an explanation, while Bernie babbles incoherently. The woman has definite trust issues.
I had trouble with a number of loose ends that weren't tied up and some events that didn't make much sense. I'm hoping that this series gets back on track with the next installment.
November 3, 2013
There are two things that put Sound and the Furry into my Five Stars for Being So Good At What It Set Out To Be category.
(1) In terms of capturing the canine mentality, it's the best hardboiled detective story written from a dog's point of view that I've ever read.
(2) I'm pretty sure it's about the only hardboiled detective story written from a dog's point of view that I've ever read.
...rest of review is here
I disapprove of GoodReads' new policy of censorship (see Ceridwen's great summary here), so the rest of my review is posted over here at BookLikes.
(1) In terms of capturing the canine mentality, it's the best hardboiled detective story written from a dog's point of view that I've ever read.
(2) I'm pretty sure it's about the only hardboiled detective story written from a dog's point of view that I've ever read.
...rest of review is here
I disapprove of GoodReads' new policy of censorship (see Ceridwen's great summary here), so the rest of my review is posted over here at BookLikes.
October 10, 2013
Delightful! I always enjoy the Chet and Bernie mysteries and this was no exception. Bernie runs the detective agency and Chet tells the story - and he's the dog. I'm always so tickled by Chet's take on the world and all the things we smelling-impaired humans take for granted - or totally miss. For a change of pace, they have left the Valley (in Arizona) and traveled to New Orleans (always a good setting for a tale). Chet's description of the smell of a gator (murky, peppery, poopy) made me laugh every time I read it.
Thank you Spencer Quinn for another fun read. I hope they travel more in the future. Chet's confrontations with new experiences are priceless!
Thank you Spencer Quinn for another fun read. I hope they travel more in the future. Chet's confrontations with new experiences are priceless!
March 24, 2017
Chet and human Bernie Little are back on the job, this time hired by someone Bernie helped send to prison; the job is to find this prisoner's missing brother, who is straight as an arrow. This job takes them out of Arizona (and it certainly mentions that that's where they are from and into Louisiana, including the bayou. Feuding families, gangs and even a certain large reptile figure in this story, along with a new oil rig about to open up.
This was another amusing tale told by Chet, rife with adventure and danger. If you are a Chet and Bernie fan, or if you enjoy humourous mysteries narrated by dogs, then this book is for you.
This was another amusing tale told by Chet, rife with adventure and danger. If you are a Chet and Bernie fan, or if you enjoy humourous mysteries narrated by dogs, then this book is for you.
November 4, 2020
Book 6 of the series told from the point of view of the dog whose master is a private eye. Love the premise, but the execution has been pretty spotty...
Meh, this one didn't hold up so well. Characters were very one dimensional and uninteresting....I really didn't care what happened to anyone. The bad guy's motivations were unclear/implausible
So, just skip this one.
Meh, this one didn't hold up so well. Characters were very one dimensional and uninteresting....I really didn't care what happened to anyone. The bad guy's motivations were unclear/implausible
So, just skip this one.
July 6, 2014
Another pleasant, light read, although I listened to the audio version of these as I have with all of them--the reader is very good and I'm not sure I'd have stuck with it this long without his narration.
I have to say the books are getting a bit hum drum--and repetitive though; how much 'different' can you do when the books are told from the dog's point of view even if the venue and the crime being investigated are different? Still, I think as long as I leave enough time between books, I'll continue to enjoy a visit with Bernie Little & his dog Chet (the Jet.) LOL
I have to say the books are getting a bit hum drum--and repetitive though; how much 'different' can you do when the books are told from the dog's point of view even if the venue and the crime being investigated are different? Still, I think as long as I leave enough time between books, I'll continue to enjoy a visit with Bernie Little & his dog Chet (the Jet.) LOL
September 21, 2013
Another perfectly satisfying entry in this unique and fascinating series. This time Chet and Bernie go to the bayou murkiness of New Orleans on a case, which makes for a great change of pace from their usual desert landscape. The viewpoint still holds up extremely well -- Chet's doggy perspective remains succinct and delightful. Quinn's stories are in a league of their own. Highly recommended series.
January 26, 2018
I can't say enough good things about the books in the wonderful series, and I can't wait for the next book. The cover and back cover on this one give you an idea of what Chet the amazing dog looks like. He's like I imagined with his mismatched ears. If you've not read a Chet and Bernie book, start at the beginning and get cracking. You won't be sorry.
October 5, 2013
I love all of the Chet and Bernie mysteries and will never get tired of them.
May 9, 2020
Bernie is driving along one day and sees a prison work crew on the side of the road. One of the convicts is Frenchie Boutette, a guy they sent up the river, so they stop to chat. Frenchie begs them to look for his missing brother Ralph, so Bernie and Chet find themselves driving to New Orleans on the case.
Another fun convoluted case, and the change of venue was nice. But once again it's the little irritating things that keep me from giving this more than 3 stars. First as usual the author separates Chet from Bernie, and this time we get the better part of about a whole chapter struggling with Chet as he fights for his life before he is miraculously and coincidentally saved just at the last minute. It just went on too long for me. More annoying is the author's same treatment of Suzie that I complained about in book 4. Once was bad enough, but twice and I'm calling the author a tad misogynistic. His female characters are just too cliche.
The mystery was good enough to earn 3 stars, but I think I'm giving up on hoping this series will ever have decent female characters.
Another fun convoluted case, and the change of venue was nice. But once again it's the little irritating things that keep me from giving this more than 3 stars. First as usual the author separates Chet from Bernie, and this time we get the better part of about a whole chapter struggling with Chet as he fights for his life before he is miraculously and coincidentally saved just at the last minute. It just went on too long for me. More annoying is the author's same treatment of Suzie that I complained about in book 4. Once was bad enough, but twice and I'm calling the author a tad misogynistic. His female characters are just too cliche.
The mystery was good enough to earn 3 stars, but I think I'm giving up on hoping this series will ever have decent female characters.
May 22, 2022
Chet and Bernie are looking for a missing person, and their search takes them to the bayous in Louisiana. This exciting adventure will see Bernie abducted and separated from Chet. Chet has his own adventure, one that involves a lot of swimming and an encounter with a gator. There are two warring families, a biker gang, a big oil company, and a load of stolen shrimp. To see how all this ties in with a missing person, you’ll just have to listen to Chet’s wonderful narration. He mostly gets everything right, even if he is distracted now and then by the scent of food. Another excellent tale, the audio version is even better with the fabulous performance by Jim Frangione.
April 10, 2025
Chet and Bernie run into Frenchie Boutette, who they sent to jail, working on a road crew. Frenchie asks them to find his brother Ralph, the only non-criminal in his family, who has gone missing in Louisiana. The duo take a road trip there, since Chet hates crates, and Chet discovers lots of interesting new things on the bayou, especially boats. The case branches out to involve stolen shrimp, a drug dealer and an oil rig. I do love this series and especially Chet the Jet. The author really captures what it would be like to have a dog narrate a mystery while still getting all the clues across. I look forward to Chet and Bernie's next adventure.
July 16, 2021
The first book that I have read in this series. I will definitely read more. It was very entertaining, with the unique aspect of being told from the dog's point of view.
In addition to the entertaining sidebars of Bernie's social life and Chet's dog point-of-view, this was a decent mystery. My only complaint is that it seemed rushed at the end, like the author was in a hurry to wrap it up. I would have preferred the end pace to match the rest of the book.
I listened to the audio version of this book, and it was excellently narrated.
In addition to the entertaining sidebars of Bernie's social life and Chet's dog point-of-view, this was a decent mystery. My only complaint is that it seemed rushed at the end, like the author was in a hurry to wrap it up. I would have preferred the end pace to match the rest of the book.
I listened to the audio version of this book, and it was excellently narrated.
May 11, 2021
This'll be brief: I *love* the dog-as-the-narrator format! Chet is the canine partner to Bernie Little of the Little Detective Agency, and tells the 'tail' of how the two of them ended up in the bayou of Louisiana, facing down drug dealers and the largest alligator anyone has ever seen. This is a clean-ish read (no sexual situations or gore); there is some foul language. A definite recommendation!
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