Mister Darcy's Dogs

Mister Darcy #1

by Barbara Silkstone

~ PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Contemporary Variation Novella ~
* A LIGHT COMEDY MYSTERY *
Jane Austen’s beloved characters return in this novella, a contemporary variation on Pride and Prejudice, one of the most popular novels in English literature. This is Book One in the Mister Darcy Series of six books by Barbara Silkstone. Each book can and does stand alone as a separate novella and yet each allows for the relationship between Darcy and Lizzie to unfold in a natural, unhurried way.

Doctor Lizzie Bennet, struggling against her conservative English countryside upbringing, determines to prove her worth as a dog psychologist. Nothing will deter her from her career until she meets the uppity and oh-so mysterious Londoner, Mister Darcy. His on-again, off-again flirtatious manner, and his pompous putdowns challenge Lizzie’s short temper. When Mister Darcy hires her to train his lovable basset hounds for an important foxhunt, Lizzie accepts the task despite knowing next to nothing about the sport and harboring an intense fear of horses.

Two of the villains Austen fans love to boo and hiss arrive to torment Lizzie: Caroline Bingley, in hot pursuit of Mister Darcy does all she can to discredit and humiliate Lizzie. Mister Darcy’s old nemesis, George Wickham, stalks the Bennet family.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Contemporary, Novella, Romance, Mystery Thriller

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2014

About the author

Barbara Silkstone is the best-selling author of the Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider series that includes: Wendy and the Lost Boys, London Broil, Cairo Caper, Miami Mummies, Vulgarian Vamp, Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider Boxed Set. Her Criminally Funny Fables Romantic Suspense series includes: The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters; Wendy and the Lost Boys; Zo White and the Seven Morphs. For a squirt of paranormal comedy try: Cold Case Morphs. True fiction fan? Try: The Adventures of a Love Investigator.

New: Mister Darcy Series
Book One: Mister Darcy's Dogs
Book Two: Mister Darcy's Christmas
Book Three: Mister Darcy's Secret

Silkstone’s writing has been described as “perfectly paced and pitched – shades of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen – without seeming remotely derivative. Fast moving action that shoots from the hip with bullet-proof characterization.”

Reviews

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frustrated, I got vanilla when I wanted Rocky Road

Silkstone has created a novella, Mister Darcy’s Dogs, that is witty, cute and funny with a tongue-in-cheek appeal readers will enjoy. Having said that, I was left feeling frustrated in the sense of getting vanilla when I wanted Rocky Road.

Is there a law somewhere that states a novella is limited to only so many words? Why do authors leave us unfulfilled and desperate for more information? It is like the difference between a pencil sketch and an oil painting. See where I am going? We were given only the basic sketch of Dr. Bennet, dog psychologist, and the mysterious Mister Darcy. OMG!!! Tell me more about him… the way he was described, I could only see him as in a vague shadow. I loved the sensory descriptions throughout the story…sight, scent, taste, touch, and sound. Those were good.

Lady Catherine was mentioned but we never see her. I wanted to know more about her. She was given charge of the rebellious younger girls Georgiana, Kitty and Lydia. Now that would have been fun to see. However, we were denied that scene as it happened off stage.

Caroline Bingley was an enigma. I see in future reviews she is still around causing trouble, so I’ll have to read further to learn more about her and what she wants other than Mister Darcy. Everyone has an agenda, so what is hers?

Read the reviews…I am not going to repeat the story line. I enjoyed the different take Silkstone took using the names of our favorite P&P characters. I am debating on reading the others. I will wait while I digest this one. I may read the next one and then decide. It looks like I will have to wait a few novellas in order to get to their marriage. I’m not sure I want to wait that long. I don’t like being held hostage or for ransom [I’ll have to buy all those novellas] as I journey toward the HEA.

In looking at the reviews, the future novellas look pretty crowded with characters. I sometimes get lost in a crowd but I suppose those are setting us up for spin-offs or additional books. One star deducted for frustration level.

You decide what you want to do. Just know that when you are served this meal, it is only one course. It is enough to keep you alive, but not very filling. You will leave the table hungry.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even with the hint in the series title, I didn't realize how much comedy would be involved in this first of a series of comedic mysteries involving the characters from Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice in this modern story.

Dr. Lizzy Bennet, a dog therapist is hired by the mysterious and arrogant Mr. Darcy to train his dogs. All is not as it seems and Lizzy is suspicious, but her older sister's romance, her younger sisters' madcap chase after men, and an unexpected adventure involving everyone only puts her off the scent for a little while.

There are some mild feelings of connections to the classic, but for the most part, the characters are mostly the author's own. I would describe them more as exaggerated versions of themselves and fit the screwball comedy tone of the story. I don't mind a zany comedy, but I need to keep a sense of the plot through all the antics. This one had two plot threads and it was a little confusing at times, but in the end I was still hanging in there.

I would recommend this one, but also caution the reader that when it says comedy mystery, the emphasis is on comedy so anticipate accordingly.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the reviews and decided to look up this book. What was even better is that it was free. A light easy read modern story. Darcy is ? But very rich and hires Doctor Elizabeth who is a dog psychologist. Lizzy is hired to train Darcys' two Bassett hounds for "the hunt". Their are some funny events that take place. Enjoy



Received the audible to listen to. 3 hours and 48 minutes. I read this book 2016. I was a pleasant listen.

[Madenna U · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an odd book. He plot was so far from Pride and Prejudice, plus modern day, plus other things. I am not sure I even understand what happened.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Tongue-And-Cheek Comedy, Than Romance

Mister Darcy’s Dogs, a Pride and Prejudice contemporary novella, is Book One in Barbara Silkstone’s Mister Darcy series. Each book in this series is connected, so it is definitely recommended to read each book in order (and to expect cliff-hangers!) Our heroine in this series is Dr. Elizabeth Bennet, an intelligent but clumsy dog psychologist who has a talent for landing herself in awkward situations. In Mister Darcy’s Dogs, Lizzie meets Mister Darcy, a very private, mysterious, and wealthy man who needs his two basset hounds trained for an upcoming foxhunt. Will Lizzie be able to manage and train two unruly pups and their perplexing master in two days time???

So far, this series seems to utilize a group of select characters and their personalities from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – there isn’t a lot of similarity in plots or events. Elizabeth and Jane live together on their own and their sisters, Lydia and Kitty, who have become so unmanageable for their parents, are their temporary houseguests. In this novella the sisters meet the Darcy and Bingley siblings – Jane and Bingley are immediately attracted to each other, and as expected Lizzie spends more time being snarly and sarcastic with Darcy than sweet and solicitous. The sisters also meet George Wickham who, of course, interrupts their dog-training sessions to create some tension and havoc!

Between the humorous and sometimes humiliating situations Lizzie finds herself in and the quirky sense of humor of the author, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments in this novella! I found Lizzie to be very likable and endearing (she definitely channel’s Bridget Jones a little with her lack of social grace and hilarious inner voice!) However, I would have loved to know a little bit more of Lizzie’s backstory. This novella essentially begins with her meeting Darcy, and not much is said about her relationships, daily activities, psychology practice before this time. Lizzie calls herself a “brilliant” and “very important dog psychologist,” and since she was out of her depth with hunting hounds and the practices of foxhunts, I would have liked to see more of what she was knowledgable and experienced with in her field. Hopefully more about Lizzie’s history and past (and the mysterious Darcy’s!) will be revealed in later installments of this series!

This comedic adventure takes place over the span of three very eventful days. Which means a lot is happening at a very fast pace. Relationships develop quickly, feelings and emotions evolve rapidly, and conflicts arise suddenly and are dealt with swiftly. This fast-paced kind of story may feel exciting and action-packed, but I sometimes felt it was a little too fast and abrupt for my liking. Others may not be bothered by this, but I tend to like a little more time for reflection, development, and slower sequences.

Barbara Silkstone’s Mister Darcy series promises to be a lighthearted and entertaining series that continuously feature some fury canine friends! I loved meeting Derby and Squire (Darcy’s basset pups) and seeing their interactions with Lizzie! Their antics were adorable! And in Book Two it looks like Lizzie encounters a large shaggy dog named Sammy! I wonder what adventures (or misadventures) our Doctor Bennet will get into next!

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not read any of this author's books before. But when she was featured on a blog recently and interviewed for her new set-in-Regency-times book, some comments about her earlier books made me look her up on Amazon. I found that I had purchased this book and that it sat (with a number of other books) on my kindle waiting to be read. I dug in and finished it off in one evening.

With 86% of the other reviews giving this book 4 or 5 stars you may be assured that it is enjoyable. The story is a modern take-off of Pride and Prejudice but although the names and some places are the same, the events differ in a great many respects. The personalities and behaviors are much the same, but not perfectly predictable.

Oh, Caroline is much the as you would predict but instead of being identified by her orange outfits as some many JAFF books do, in this story her perfume announces her presence and is the cause of Dr. Bennet’s introduction to Mr. Darcy. Yes, in this story it is Caroline, not Lady Catherine, who makes herself useful to ODC. And the author has Darcy telling Dr. Bennet that she must make his dogs like Caroline as she is part of his future! NO. This cannot be!

Then we can trust there to be a Wickham but in this story he not only twists his relationship with Darcy he also has made himself out to trying to protect the world from a devious mastermind being investigated by Interpol.

Lydia and Kitty…in cahoots with Georgiana, you say? Now how did that come about? Dressed to the “T’s” in pastel pinks and whites…Wake up, people. There is a clue that something is afoot.

I must say that the person who seemed the most different in behavior was our dear girl, Miss…no, make that Dr. Bennet. She was all pre-judgmental about Darcy even before she met him. The sarcastic remarks from the onset have to set you laughing. And, although we are given very little information about either her previous personal or her professional life, she does come off as having some experiences and wisdom gained from such. But it seems she is willing to make some trade-offs to gain a reputation as a notable dog-psychiatrist.

This book not only kept my attention but also had me smiling and even attempting to make suppositions about where the plot was going. It does leave you wanting to read the next book as this is the first in a series and you are not given the happy ending for our dear couple…nor for any other couple…yet.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

BAM! That is the sound of this book hitting it out of the park. I am not, as a rule, a big fan of modern P&P retellings but this story changed my opinion.

It feels like Nick & Nora Charles have merged with the once and future Darcys. The dialogue (verbal and mental0 is machine gun fast paced.

This Lizzy "That's Doctor Bennet" doesn't simper or bow. Mister Darcy is super mysterious. It is a jolly fun ride.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this modern Pride and Prejudice variation, Doctor Elizabeth Bennet is a dog psychologist, while Darcy is, well he is just rich.
Mister Darcy hires her to train his basset hounds for an important foxhunt. Other characters include the the Bingleys, Collins and of course Wickham.
One very minor quibble - with English characters set in England, a valuation of a property is dollars should not be included.
An enjoyable read.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully modern Darcy and Lizzy

This is a wonderful modern short story where Lizzy is a dog psychologist and is suppose to train Darcy's two basset hounds in just two days for "the hunt". Just loved how light and easy this story flowed. It had all the right characters to divert and irritate the story line. It is definitely worth reading, read it in one sitting!

[Ebon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick romp of a modern Pride & Prejudice retelling.

[Susanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this is a cute idea of a variation of Pride and Prejudice, Mister Darcy's Dogs, the first in a series of "comedic mysteries," was just okay. There was no real closure at the end as one has to keep reading all of the books in the series to find out the "ending," (and there are presently something like eight books in the series right now). Plus, the book was quite short--more a novella than a book. And I felt that the characters were more caricatured than characterized.

For someone looking for some screwball humor and not really interested in the way in which Austen's characters are portrayed, the book might be amusing and entertaining. But while I was intrigued enough to keep reading, I also felt unsettled as I read. It felt more like watching a sitcom than reading a variation on Pride and Prejudice. Just not quite my cup o' tea.

[Sarah A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really funny book - a modern day Pride and Prejudice with some major twists! Dr Elizabeth Bennett is a dog whisperer - dog psychologist - hired by Mister Darcy to train his hounds to stop them barking at Caroline Bingley - BBC reporter.
The references to the original story are bountiful and wonderfully intricate and weaved into this modern day classic with so much talent! I look forward to reading more!!

[Neil Plakcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very charming pastiche-- likeable characters, witty language. A fun, quick read.

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever and fun.

[JenBsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I've been doing the "free w/review" audiobook exchanges, and received what turned out to be #3 in this series. While it says they can be read as stand-alone installments, as I started Mister Darcy's Secret I felt like I was missing the beginning. I looked and saw that the first book was included in KindleUnlimited, and I do currently have a subscription. It was short, so I thought I'd give it a quick read to start the series. I was glad that I did.

This shifts the P&P characters/storyline into the present day (still in England). And while there were a TON of pop references (Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Alice Cooper, Google Earth) there were still some times where the dialog felt old fashioned (villain, dastardly cad, scoundrel).

I AM a JAFF fan - but I've found I generally don't care for Elizabeth being written in the first person. Maybe it just seems too personal, a step too far. Here though, it worked, and it was necessary. We need the direct link into Lizzie's mind to appreciate her snarky thoughts ;) There were SO many funny things! "Darcy continued to explain the details of my hiring as I knelt at his feet, calmly stroking his puppies. That sounded positively obscene!" Thinking about her mother "taken to hypochondria hill" so that she and Jane are "sister-sitting". About Caroline Bingley "she was two and one-half times prettier than I. I deducted a half point for her extraordinary use of silicone." Statement about herself "on my mind, on my lips" and "My father didn't raise fools for daughters ... unless you want to count Lydia ... and Kitty."

Darcy: I see you enjoy sarcasm,
Lizzie: I find it a most pleasing hobby.

I just came off a book that was ... plain. Straightforward. After working side-by-side with my son for his English class, missing figurative language. Here ... I was happy to be hit will alliteration "barking beagles, the baying bloodhounds, and the odd otter-hound" (and I had never put George and Georgiana together in my mind, he was always just "Wickham") and clever metaphors/similes and good descriptions.

Admittedly, it went a little (a lot?) over the top in the end. I didn't really get the whole "fox hunt" thing. Some spoilers-ish ... Lizzie, who is NOT a horsewoman, given an "unrideable" mean horse, but manages to handle him (horse whisperer in addition to being a dog whisperer), that Caroline WANTS the cameras on Lizzie (I know, hoping to catch her embarrassing herself on the horse, but even after Elizabeth is in complete control Caroline is telling the crew to keep the cameras on Lizzie, which then happens to catch the fox release). That Darcy could "cradle" the almost drowned fox to him, that Lizzie could do fox CPR, then the kick. Earlier, that Wickham would still have success with Georgiana two years later, that if there was a clause about her marrying underage, that Wickham hadn't been informed of it earlier as that easily negated his interest.

But ... Darcy, emerging from the water (ala the scene from the original mini-series and then the more recent movie) ... GOLD!

There is a book #2 before the one I have for review, but I think with this introduction I should be okay (#2 is a Christmas book, I'm NOT into reading Christmas in June)... and then there are a WHOLE bunch more.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I originally read this book some time ago and today discovered that I'd never written a review for it. I was annoyed because though I remembered the basic story I couldn't remember enough detail to know if I actually liked it. So I did a quick read today to remind myself.

It is comedic but not tons of rollicking laughter. Just things that made me smile. Mostly from Lizzy. I often don't care for P&P modernizations but this one was done well enough not to be bothered by that.

Sex: no
Language: a little
Violence: no, unless you count attempted violence against a fox.

[Elin Eriksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hillarious, fast-paced mystery.

This is the first book of eight in the Mister Darcy Mystery series which means one needs to exercise patience towards the HEA for our dear couple. Frankly, the brilliantly witty and sarcastic Elizabeth Bennet is worth it, I was thoroughly entertained. Doctor Bennet, the dog whisperer, coupled with a mystery and the sexual tension between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth made it all worth my time.

Recommend!

Rated: Chaste

[Tonia Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story

I actually enjoyed the story. I liked how unsure Lizzie was and I liked how aloof Mr Darcy was. It added more interest to the story. Taking place in London during a fox hunt gave some background on the fox hunts as well as fun English words.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visiting a Jane Austin characters in this audio book with a witty, tongue in cheek type humor was well done. The narration was excellent clear and added to the different characters, Given audio for my voluntary review

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this witty comedy. I thought the characters were well done. But, its definitely over the top. Also, it appears that D and E won't actually get together for a few more books and frankly I think that's taking it a bit too far. I mean, SERIOUSLY!!?? why else do I read JAFF? So, I probably won't read the next in the series. Luckily, I read this on Kindle Unlimited so it was free. This is a fun short read for those that like Modern JAFF.

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. The author kept the spirit of the characters true and it was a fun, clean, fluffy reimagining. I'll probably look into more books in this series.

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, light-hearted romp, but no great intellectual read.

[E Brookhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, quick and cute read

Listen, is this a 5 star novel of great literary prowess? No. But it is well-written, modern, funny and a lot of fun. So if that is a genre, then this is five stars ;)

[Lis Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella drops Lizzie and Jane Bennett, Mr. Darcy and Charles Bingley, Caroline Bingley, and George Wickham in 21st century London. Lizzie is buidling her practice as a dog psychologist, and Jane is organizing a dog show at a posh location that has never hosted such an event before. Caroline Bingley is a society reporter for the BBC, and Mr. Darcy...

What, exactly, Mr. Darcy is doing is a little less clear. But he and Caroline are apparently involved, at least in Caroline's mind, and the fact tact that Mr. Darcy's 18-month-old bassets, Squire and Derby, really dislike her is a problem. He wants them trained to accept her, and also to hunt fox in two days' time. Though he does want them to stay back, with him.

It's a puzzle. Meanwhile, Lizzie and Jane are temporarily responsible for their two youngest sisters, Kitty and Lydia, who have become too much for the aging Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. George Wickham turns up, and informs Lizzie that he's an Interpol agent and Mr. Darcy is an international criminal, details not specified.

There's lots of action, on the streets of London and on the hunting field, as well as humor. It doesn't quite scratch the Jane Austen itch, but it's an enjoyable diversion.

I do have a strong suspicion that Ms. Silkstone is not familiar with American fox hunting, which does limit the discussion among the characters about the possibilities of preserving tradition vs. ending the inhumane hunting and killing of foxes, but I suspect that reflects the reality of what the average British fox hunting supporters and opponents are aware of. And Ms. Silkstone is not, after all, writing about American fox hunting.

All in all, a fun little story.

I received a free copy of the audio edition from the author.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mister Darcy’s Dogs is not the typical Barbara Silkstone book. This is a contemporary variation on Pride and Prejudice. It had been a long time since I had read the classic by Jane Austen, and I was a bit worried as what I remembered was there being kind of a confusing plot going on. Turns out I shouldn’t have worried at all. Silkstone kept it simple for me, introducing the characters one by one, in such a way to make them memorable- mainly by using her typical sense of humor to help solidify the details of each one in my mind. The idea of using the training of the Basset Hounds as the central plot of the story is wonderful. Everyone loves those lop-eared, short-legged dogs. And who can resist a story that involves stopping cruelty to animals of all kinds?

This is a quick, fun, light romantic read. Silkstone keeps the characters’ basic traits and the very basic plot from Pride and Prejudice. Doctor Lizzie Bennett, dog psychologist, is hired by Mister Darcy to train his Bassett Hounds to track for a fox hunt. Of course, Caroline Bingley shows up as Mister Darcy’s would-be girlfriend, as well as Caroline’s brother Charles; Mister Darcy’s younger sister Georgiana; Wickham; Lizzie’s sister Jane, and their two younger, boy-crazed Bennett sisters join the cast of romance and silliness also.

This was a fun, light read. It’s a romantic comedy with a couple chase scenes that will keep you giggling, which is another reason I enjoy Silkstone’s books so much- they always leave me with a smile on my face. This one was just another big smile!

[Darcey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted at The Confused Daydreamer

REVIEW

~ What I Liked About the Book ~

I was smiling the entire time I was reading this book. I found it silly, but not annoyingly so. It was actually rather cute though not heavy on romance or mystery. It was humorous more than anything.

I especially loved the scene where Bingley and Darcy were gleefully using Caroline's scarf as bait for the dogs. Their immaturity at that moment was so adorable.

I loved the characters, even Caroline. She was endearingly annoying, and I enjoyed reading about her interactions with the other characters.

~ What I Didn’t Like About the Book ~

While I was thoroughly entertained by this book, I have to admit that the author didn't manage to capture the characters' original traits at all (except for Lydia, maybe?). The general characteristics were there—like Darcy being a rude bastard, Caroline being condescending, and Jane being sweet—but they weren't incorporated well enough to actually remind me of their original counterparts.

I also didn't quite understand the technicalities about fox-hunting when they were discussed, so I was a bit confused about what to expect, especially since the mystery was related to that. Fortunately, it didn't seem to matter once the plot unfolded.

VERDICT

3 out of 5
Acceptable

Mister Darcy's Dogs is an enjoyable read for lovers of Pride and Prejudice spin-offs.

[BonusMom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and fun

This was a cute and silly book with not a lot of substance. It's an easy and enjoyable read for a lazy afternoon.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say, I read / listened to this story in audio format via audible.com. I love audio books as the narrators have a way of breathing life into a book (like a heartbeat). With multiple voices and accents it's like listening to a movie all while leaving me hands free to do other things like chores.

This is an exciting cozy mystery featuring Mr Darcy, the owner of some dogs and Lizzy Bennett, Dog Psychologist. Lizzy is hired to teach Mr Darcy's dogs to hunt so they can be ready for an annual foxhunt. While preparing for the foxhunt, Mr Darcy's sister and Lizzy's sisters disappear and they must chase after them to stop a wedding.

I really enjoyed listening to this story. I love animal book as it is. The author, Barbara Silkstone did a really good job writing this tale. The plot was exciting and kept my interest thru entire story. The narrator, Karen Krouse did an excellent job delivery this novella with her multiple voices (including accents) which I found to be very entertaining! Good job ladies!

[Shotgun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mister Darcy's Dogs is a short story inspired by (is it inspired if you're using the characters likenesses?) Pride and Prejudice. I had abandoned this book for the longest time when I realized it was set in present times (I don't pay much attention when browsing Kindle Unlimited) and recently picked it up because I have been struck by an urge for romance.

Unfortunately, this book is more comedy than romance. Or rather, modern day Elizabeth wishing she had romance. This is fine because the book turned out to be a good read (I did the thing!) regardless. I would recommend this to anyone who wants an easy to read short story that involves dogs and a small bit of drama. I am assuming the other five books in the series have more romance in them, but I will not be picking them up unless they become free or on sale.

[Alex L Criddle · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
This Pride and Prejudice variation novella set in modern times had an interesting premise but didn't live up to the Pride and Prejudice name. Many of our favorite characters make appearances in some original and comedic ways, but this Elizabeth Bennett was not the Lizzie Bennett we all know and adore. Darcy's character was closer to the original, but there was still something missing. I don't expect variation characters to be the same, but I feel that they need to at least remind me of the original characters. The last few chapters were rushed and jumped ahead. At one point, I thought I had skipped a page because the action was not thoroughly explained. It definitely needed another proofread. I would recommend this novella to Pride and Prejudice fans who like animals, but there are many other variations out there that would better suit super fans.