Woof

Bowser and Birdie #1

by Spencer Quinn

There is trouble brewing in the Louisiana swamp -- Bowser can smell it. Bowser is a very handsome and only slightly slobbery dog, and he can smell lots of things. Like bacon. And rawhide chews! And the sweat on humans when they're lying.
Birdie Gaux, the girl Bowser lives with, also knows something is wrong. It's not just that her grammy's stuffed prize marlin has been stolen. It's the weird rumor that the marlin is linked to a missing treasure. It's the truck that seems to be following Birdie and the bad feeling on the back of her neck.
When Birdie and Bowser start digging into the mystery, not even Bowser's powerful sniffer can smell just how menacing the threat is. And when the danger comes straight for Birdie, Bowser knows it is up to him to sic 'em.

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Animals, Dogs, Fiction, Audiobook, Childrens

304 pages, Hardcover

First published April 28, 2015

About the author

Spencer 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

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is the first book in the 'Bowser and Birdie' series - middle-grade mysteries that are narrated by Bowser the dog.

*****

Eleven-year-old Birdie Gaux and her Grammy are perusing dogs at the animal shelter when Birdie sees Bowser - and it's love at first sight.





Bowser is thrilled to go home with his new family, and is entranced with the smells and sights of the 'Gaux Family Fish-and-Bait Shop', located in a Louisiana bayou town.



Bowser knows he and Birdie will be best friends forever, and is determined to stay right at her side (or on her feet) at all times.

Inside the fish-and-bait shop Birdie and Grammy discover that the store's assistant, named Snoozy, has fallen asleep on the job. Worse yet 'Black Jack' - the stuffed marlin that's been the store mascot since the end of WWII - has been stolen.



Rumors have swirled through town for years about a treasure map hidden by Birdie's great-grandpa - and someone may have decided to look inside Black Jack for the document.

Birdie suspects the stuffed marlin was taken by the Strakers, a bullying family that owns 'Straker's World Famous Fishing Emporium' across the bayou. A cigar butt found near the crime scene appears to be a clue, and - when the sheriff dismisses Birdie's suspicions - she sets out to surveil the Strakers herself.....with binoculars.



Not getting definitive proof from her spying, Birdie gets assistance from her friends Nola and Roy, who've heard talk around town. More clues turn up when a traveler hires Birdie to take him on a tour of the swamp.....and asks a lot of nosy questions.



By the end of the book Birdie and Bowser have solved the mysteries, but they've also been endangered several times.

Bowser is a fun storyteller who's distracted by smells; confused by people's mannerisms; and bewildered by human language (especially idioms). Thus he sometimes mixes things up and misses clues that the astute reader sniffs out.



I found the mystery entertaining and would recommend the book to youngsters. I'd caution, however, that the story contains death, violence, and danger.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....

[Pamela Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes all it takes is a fun children’s book to remind me of why I love reading so much—and Woof is one of those books that took me back my childhood; long visits to the library and book mobiles, clutching my library card, and carrying as many books as I could balance. Dog stories, horse stories, Nancy Drew mysteries all beckoned me to unexplored worlds. If you were like that, or want your children to know that feeling then Woof is a good story for them. It’s about a tough gum chewing 11 year old girl from the bayou of Louisiana named Birdie. Who lives with her just as tough Grammy. Grammy runs the families business: Gaux Family Fish and Bait. Then there is Bowser, a big slobbery dog they adopted from the pound. Bowser is the narrator of this entertaining mystery about a stolen fish and a rumored treasure map. Bowser is a classic goofy dog and smarter than most people give him credit for, and he and Birdie get into some pretty tight jams. This is enjoyable Contemporary Children’s fiction from a dog’s point of view. 5 stars.

[Monnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so why in the world is a grandmother of four reading a book written for elementary school kids? First of all, I'm a huge proponent of anything that kick-starts youngsters on what I hope is a lifetime course of reading. I have immense admiration for best-selling authors who write for that market (the Maximum Ride and Virals series by James Patterson and Kathy Reichs, respectively, for instance). I've read at least one book in both of those series and highly recommend them, BTW.

Now comes Spencer Quinn, author of a favorite series of mine for grown-ups: the Chet and Bernie mysteries that follow the adventures of private investigator Bernie and his police K-9 school flunk-out, the lovable Chet. Told from the dog's perspective, they never fail to bring a few chuckles along with a good story. Noted author Stephen King probably put it when writing about this novel, "Spencer Quinn speaks two languages - suspense and dog - fluently."

When I found it, then, giving it a go was a no-brainer. The concept is virtually identical to the adult series, except Bernie has been replaced by an 11-year-old girl - Birdie - who gets a pooch with an uncertain background as a birthday present and names him Bowser (rather an unoriginal name for a dog, but she's 11, after all, and it makes for an alliterative title). Like Chet, Bowser maintains an amusing banter as he narrates what's going on in the world as he sees (and smells) it.

The mystery begins when Birdie's grandmother's prized stuffed marlin, Black Jack, turns up missing - apparently stolen. Birdie lives with her mother, who works during the day, next door to her grandmother, who owns a fishing and boat tour store on the Louisiana bayou - where the marlin was hanging on a wall. But it's not just any old stuffed fish; no, this one has a story behind it (well, behind an eye, to be more precise). That's where, it's been rumored for decades, a treasure map had been concealed many years ago.

The primary suspect, at least from Birdie's perspective, is the owner of a rival store in the same little community. But when Birdie tries to get information about the treasure from her mother and grandmother, she gets stonewalled and decides to take the investigation into her own hands. She's got Bowser now, you see, so what could possibly go wrong?

All in all, this is a real charmer that, IMHO, will appeal to the intended age group as well as light-hearted readers like me (it's a big plus that, like Patterson and Reichs, Quinn never talks down to the younger audience; no "see the pretty choo-choo" here, thank you very much). Since I can find no evidence to the contrary, I'm assuming this is the series debut, and I certainly hope there will be more.

A further note: Besides the "talking" dog angle, I discovered another reason this book is so well done; this ain't Spencer Quinn's first grade-school rodeo. As Peter Abrahams, he's penned at least three books in the award-winning Echo Falls series for middle-school students which - be still my feminist heart - also features a strong female lead. I just may have to take a look at those as well (sigh)!

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

5/29/19: I'm enjoying this book. It is geared toward middle grade - ages 8-12 - but sometimes I felt that the dog's voice, was just a little bit adult. I'm finding it very amusing and will probably recommend it to my 13-year-old daughter. I'm pretty curious as to why someone would steal a stuffed fish....

5/31/19: I love the narration of the dog. Here's a favorite quote, from chapter eight:

"Berdie stopped. 'We'll be so visible on the bridge,' she said in a low voice. 'So I guess........' I waited to hear Birdie's guess. 'I guess we'll have to run.' Wow! What a great guess! Totally unexpected. Running was one of my favorite things in the world! How did she know?'

This book may be middle-grade, but I am honestly loving it.

6/2/19: Done! I would enjoy reading another. I enjoyed the narrator, so hopefully he has continued to narrate further books. I was pleased with lack of swearing. The only issue I remember is a single use of OMG, spelled out. For a book that's not Christian fiction, I was pretty happy with that. I would have liked a longer ending. 4.5 stars!

[Kristie · Rating 3 out of 5]

In fairness to the story, I should have looked into this book more before reading it. It is a middle grade novel. I do think kids would enjoy the story more than I did because it is told from the dog's perspective, which is fun.

2.5★

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I'm a big fan of Quinn's adult series, which I think was actually a distraction with this book. This book had the same narrator, and though he's excellent, he sounded exactly like the other dog to me, you know? And when Quinn pulled out a lot of the same cute phrases and lines for the dog, Bowser, to say as the dog in the other book says, and I was hearing them in the same voice too, it felt repetitive and a bit unoriginal. But I liked Birdy and Bowser a lot, and I liked their town and neighbors. I liked that Quinn didn't talk down to his younger readers when it came to writing a story that had some levels. Birdy has some family issues, there were questions of honesty and loyalty and friendship, how older people are treated even, and some other things that I thought were appropriate for the age he seemed to be aiming at without going too far. The actual mystery was OK, not super, but fine. And Bowser was adorable, he could come, "eat me out of house and home," any day of the week. Someone needs to feed that boy!

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice book! There is a bit of a quote on the cover of my copy from a review from Harlan Coben saying, "I defy anyone to read this book - kid or adult - without a big goofy grin." I don't think I actually got a big goofy grin on the outside, but it is a book to make you smile a fair amount inside as it was fun, and a big part of the goofy fun was having things told from the dog Bowser point of view.

Not a great literary masterpiece but a fun story. I like our hero Birdie, who doesn't do all the right things. If you think about an 11 year-old going off on her own at times, nowadays that makes you nervous, but for a kid to do the adventure, in a book they gotta stick their neck out. And around in a Bayou is a great setting to be sticking your neck out in. If I ever get grandchildren, I would enjoy having conversations relating to things in the book and talking about what is safe or not, and how they could maybe figure things out.

Nice to know she has a lot more books to enjoy after this one too.

[Mary BookHounds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birdie;s mom works on an oil rig as an engineer and while she is away, Birdie stays with her grandmother and helps out around the family bait shop. Her father has passed away, and she wishes she could remember him, but the memories are fuzzy. For her eleventh brithday, her grandmother lets her adopt a dog that turns out to be the best thing EVER in her life. Now named, Bowser, this mutt steal Birdie's heart and promises to protect her no matter what. A giant, stuffed fish is stolen from the bait shop and leads Birdie and Bowser on a treasure hunt that turns into a mystery that everyone can follow along and appreciate.

If you are familiar with Spencer Quinn's Chet and Bernie series for adults, you will know what Bowser is thinking. This story captures the feeling of those books but are perfect for dog loving kids (ok, adults too) that want a nice mystery to read over the summer. Birdie is a winning character and I hope to see more books in this series. She is tough for her age and has seen much heartbreak for one so young. Bowser will steal your heart like a piece of bacon and won't let it go.

[Connie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming and amusing story from the point of view of a dog, Bowser, rescued by a girl and her grandmother. Bowser and Birdie have various adventures as they try to solve mysteries, starting with who stole the family heirloom (a taxidermy fish) and was there a treasure map in it. I love the dog perspective and laughed aloud when I listened to the narration (excellent). The mystery itself is a little Nancy Drewish, I suppose, but entertaining and satisfying because of the detectives: an intrepid but naive girl and a big hungry dog.

[Jim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too cloying for me. It's like a kid version of the Chet & Bernie series. Not what I was expecting nor what I wanted.

[Pop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Very good mystery. I’m gonna read the next in the series starting today. ♥️ the 🐕 Bowser

[☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.5 stars

[Kellen Loberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing mystery book. When blackjack is stolen birdie knows something is up.

[Lis Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bowser is a mutt with a sketchy past, and after a rough life in the city, he's locked up in a pound in a small town in Louisiana. But he finally gets his lucky day--eleven-year-old Birdie Gaux comes in with her Grammy to get her late birthday present--a dog.

It's also Birdie and Grammy's lucky day, though right now only Birdie thinks so. Bowser smells trouble here in the swamp, and he's determined to protect his new buddy, Birdie.

Birdie's mamma is working on an oil rig off the coast of Africa. Her dad, a police officer, was killed in the line of duty years ago, and she has only a few memories of him. Grammy, her father's mom, runs a a local fish and bait shop. When they return to the shop after adopting Bowser, they find Grammy's shop assistant, Snoozy, snoozing, and Grammy's stuffed and mounted prize marlin missing.

The sheriff comes, but he doesn't seem to take the matter seriously; the missing fish is "only" worth $300, so it's petty theft. He also says he doesn't smell the tobacco that Birdie (and Bowser, of course) can clearly smell.

Bowser tells us the story as Birdie starts her own investigation, and in the process learns some unexpected family secrets.
,
Quinn is just great at convey a pretty believable dog's-eye view of the world Bowser cheerfully relates everything he sees, hears, and most of all smells--to the reader. He can't tell Birdie, because he doesn't speak English. And he totally misinterprets some of what he sees and hears from humans because, of course, he's a dog, and only understands just so much--and his past life experience is with a city street gang.

Recommended.

I bought this book.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of my favorite mystery writers are getting into writing children's/young adult books, including Spencer Quinn. I'm glad he doesn't appear to have abandoned the Chet and Bernie series, but happy that the new Birdie and Bowser books, while obviously geared toward younger readers, are just as much fun for me to read or listen to as the older series.
It's a great day for Bowser when Birdie and her grandmother come to the bare-bones animal shelter he's in and choose him as Birdie's 11th birthday present. As in the Chet and Bernie books, the tale is told by Bowser, who has all the virtues and faults of his kind. He's already learned a lot in his short life (apparently he spent time in the city with street gang members), so he's ready to help detect when the little group arrives home to find that a family heirloom -- a stuffed marlin -- has been stolen from their bait and tackle shop in the Louisiana bayous. Rumors of a treasure map are pooh-poohed by Grammie, but as Birdie and Bowser keep investigating, and sinister characters show up, Birdie begins to believe that the rumors may be true. This book has interesting characters, a fascinating plot, and a great sense of place. I'd recommend it for readers 10 and up -- and up and up.

[Danielle Norris · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, I am in the minority but I did not like this book. First of all I found the narration confusing. I know it is the point of view of the dog, and it reads like a dog wrote it. Can you say, SQUIRREL? So instead of the one day it has taken me to read the other Bluebonnet nominees this takes me a week. I kept putting it down. I had to make myself read it, and what kind of Children's book do I want to make myself have to read.

A quotation throughout this book that comes from Birdie's father is "No loose ends" and yet that is all that there was. It was like the author said, Oh crud my editor said it can't be more than 300 pages, better finish this fast. From the Climax of the story to the last page was less than five pages. I have to say I am actually angry right now that I wasted a week of my life reading this book. Who cares if the characters are well-developed, the story isn't.

[Mark Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bowser is thrilled when Birdie and her Grammy pick him to be their new dog. The trio has just returned from the shelter when they discover that Grammy’s prize marlin is missing. The stuffed fish was only worth sentimental memories. Or was it? Rumors of a treasure map spark Bowser and Birdie’s interest. Can they solve the mystery?

Like Spencer Quinn’s series for adults, this middle grade novel is narrated by Bowser the dog. That part of the story is cute and feels right, although it can get over done, especially as the good reaches the end. The human characters are just as well drawn and lovely. Unfortunately, the plot is very uneven with a slow start and a rush to wrap things up that leaves a major plot thread unanswered.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birdie is an eleven-year-old girl, living with her grandmother. She adopts Bowser, or maybe it’s really the other way around. They become inseparable, and Bowser would lay down his life to keep Birdie safe. But a break-in at her grandmother’s bait shop and the theft of a prized stuffed marlin sets Birdie and Bowser off on the quest to find the thief. The charm of this wonderful story lies in the fact that it is narrated by Bowser. Though brilliant for a dog, much humor results from his interpretation of human speech, which is not always accurate. Though aimed at kids, this story is so delightful it will appeal to all ages.

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored all of the Chet and Bernie Mystery novels and was sorry when I ran out of more books in the series to read. So I was glad that there was a new series, featuring a new dog-narrator. Bowser has very much the same voice as Chet, but he is paired with a young girl, Birdie, as his partner. Because she is a kid, Birdie adds a fun new dynamic. I'll definitely be going on more adventures with this pair in the future. WOOF was, I believe, written for young people. Would be suitable for a 9 year old, for instance. But that didn't spoil my enjoyment as an adult. No author puts me into the mind of a dog quite like Spencer Quinn.

[Sheila Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

This "Bowser and Birdie" mystery is as much fun as Spencer Quinn's "Chet and Bernie" series. As in the latter mysteries, the story is told from a dog's point of view. While Chet is sidekick to P.I. Bernie Little, Bowser is sidekick to an 11-year-old girl, Birdie, who lives in Louisiana bayou country. The mystery is excellent, and Bowser's narration, which is very much like Chet's, is hilarious. If you've read all the "Chet and Bernie" books, give this a try. You'll probably enjoy it just as much.

[Harvee Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dog lovers who are mystery lovers must read Spencer Quinn's books! This series is aimed at the younger set, grammar-school aged, but I enjoyed it as well.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Quinn’s series for adults featuring Chet the Jet and Bernie, so when I heard of this foray into the shelves of younger readers, I leapt at the chance to check it out for myself. And I am glad that I did! The book opens with eleven year old Birdie who for her birthday selects a Bernese Mountain dog-German Shepherd-Poodle mix at the local shelter who she promptly names Bowser. When she returns with her Grammy to the bayou bait shop, a robbery is discovered and Birdie, following in the footsteps of her own father, soon sets about to solve the mystery. But what sets this book apart is that like in the series for adults, this one has a uniquely entertaining perspective - the whole story is seen through Bowser’s eyes. As usual, Quinn handles the dog’s-eye-view seamlessly and it adds to the fun as well as the tension.

Bowser immediately sets about helping Birdie as best he can - and his love for her is immediately evident... along with his love for special treats and just being the best. It is a fun, age appropriate read and super entertaining. The POV is consistently maintained and Quinn highlights all the best parts of dogs without missing a chance for bits of mischief to be brought in too. The plot has some surprises and though the very end feels a bit rushed, I think this is a fine start to a brand new series and will charm readers both young and old!

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This MG mystery is, as Bowser would say, "Off the charts!" I absolutely love that the narrator is Bowser, a rescue dog, who is brought home by Birdie. When a family "heirloom," (stuffed fish) is stolen from their family's bait shop, Birdie and Bowser secretly set out to solve the mystery of its theft. As they hone their sleuthing skills, Birdie & Bowser discover new friendships, learn some small town history, and uncover family secrets. I literally laughed out loud as well as shed some tears as I read this intriguing tale (also learned a bit about the bayou), told by Bowser. Quinn's writing through Bowser's point of view is spot on! LOVE!

Booktalk ~ folk manis dog puppet, perhaps a paper mâché fish,

Spencer Quinn is pen name for Peter Abrahams.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty adorable. The Southern setting and the mystery reminded me of Three Times Lucky, another middle grade mystery that I enjoyed. The fact that the story is told from the dog's perspective gives the story a great sense of humor--Bowser is easily distracted and forgets clues throughout. But he loves Birdie and is a fierce, loyal friend. I wish we would have gotten a little more development of Birdie's human friends, but perhaps that will happen as the series progresses.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Birdie is about to make the best friend she will ever have in s scraggly giant of a dog she names Bowser. She is spending time with her grandmother in the Louisianan swamp where mystery is just around the corner. You see there is this big fish story about a treasure hidden somewhere, and only the map knows. But this map is hidden in this stuffed fish. This is a classic set up for most kids mysteries. The entire adventure is shown through the eyes of Bowser, but beware as he is easily distracted by bacon. A lovely romp for reading or listening, and I await time to delve into story 2.
#LittenLoveBingo #PetsofLitsy
#NancyDrewChallenge #SetnearaRiver

[Gilles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for my 4th grader's book club night. It was a good mystery told from the dog's point of view which was fun.

It takes place just after Bowser is adopted from a shelter by an 11 yr old girl named Birdie. Bowser is trying to find out what is expected of him and if the changes are good or bad. His viewpoint is easily distracted and his memory is not good but he also pays attention to things that the humans are not noticing at all.

[Ginny Tata-Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young folk's version of Chet and Bernie series. Although I am a big fan of Spencer Quinn, I am not so sure about this (apparently) beginning to a series for kids. He should stick with writing for big people, IMHO.

[Mikaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spencer Quinn creates an intriguing story Woof, set in the twentieth century on the swampy side of Louisiana. This book is the most intriguing story I've ever read. Spencer Quinn, the author, is mostly known for his mystery books. His books are known for his fascinating mysteries and how they always keep you on the edge of your seat. This Birdie and Bowser novel starts out as Birdie’s grandmother is buying Birdie a dog. Birdie picks out Bowser and that's where it all began. Neither of them knew the adventures they were about to have with each other. As Birdie and Bowser start to get closer Bowser starts showing Birdie some of his tricks. Then to make Bowser and Birdie’s bond grow even more something gets stolen from Birdie’s family shop. Now Birdie and Bowser have to work together to find the missing item and bring it safely back to Birdie's grandma. Will Birdie and Bowser be able to work together and stay safe while trying to find the missing item? This novel is the type of mystery book you never want to put down. The characters in this story are very well-developed. The plot in this story is very intriguing and not predictable. It takes so many twists and turns you never know what's coming. This story is much like the Nancy Drew books with many mysteries. The other books by this author are all very similar and are all mystery books. I would recommend younger kids to read this book because it's about a girl and her dog solving mysteries. Older kids might not be interested in reading this book, but I definitely enjoyed it. It is definitely not meant for an advanced student to read. And both genders would enjoy reading this story. This book contains death, violence, and danger so not too young of an audience. Overall I would definitely recommend this book for younger children who love mysteries and dogs.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I'm all about pitching in when I can. And who was Bowser again? Oh, right. Me. I'd have to remember that."

Bowser has had a very eventful life: some good, but more not-so-good. Now he's being adopted by Birdie and her Grammy. And he could not be happier. "There was something about how Birdie was looking right into me, a look that said Be a pal, clear as day."

Birdie's mom is an engineer currently on an oil rig off the shore of Angola. Birdie's father was a police officer in New Orleans, but was killed in the line of duty. So Birdie lives with Grammy and together they run the Gaux Family Fish and Bait. On the day they return with Bowser, they discover that Black Jack has been stolen. Black Jack was the prize marlin that Birdie's great grandfather had caught right after he returned from World War II. It had always been prominently displayed in the shop. Why would anyone steal that?

Birdie has her suspicions ... and they start with the Strakers. Frank Straker and his son, Steve, run the Straker's World Famous Fishing Emporium, but the sheriff isn't taking any of Birdie's ideas seriously. So, she begins to investigate on her own. And Birdie begins to weave together some very interesting information about a certain treasure map and a buried treasure that could be located in the bayou. Was the treasure map hidden inside Black Jack? Along with her best friend Nola and sheriff's son, Roy, Birdie begins to dig into a story from the past that just might get her in a whole lot of trouble in the present.

I love that the story is told from Bowser's perspective ... all his random thoughts and opinions thrown in with the plot of the story. A fun mystery for students.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second book that I have read by this author. The first book I thought was ok but nothing that got me interested enough to read more books but this author. However when I saw this one I thought I would check this author out again and I thought my nephews would like this book. Which by the way I did like this book. I did find myself smiling while reading this book. This is due to Bowser and his comments. Yes, dogs can talk and the things they say are hilarious. At times Bowser acted like he was on speed with his fast talking and thoughts running a mile a minute. Birdie on the other hand is a sweet heart. She and Bowser make a great pair. I just wished that I was more interested in the actual mystery surrounding the missing Marlin. Yet a cute book for younger readers. My nephews will enjoy reading this book.