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Golden Retriever Mystery #7
Honest to Dog
When his college friend Doug moves to Stewart’s Crossing after an ugly divorce, reformed computer hacker Steve Levitan sees a way to pay forward the help he received under similar circumstances. But when Doug dies under mysterious circumstances, Steve and his crime-solving golden retriever Rochester have a new Find the truth behind Doug’s death, even if Steve has to risk the freedom he has fought so hard for to do it. Contains Ponzi schemers, a Quaker funeral and cute jump drives shaped like llamas.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2016
525 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Neil S. Plakcy
246 books656 followersMy newest adventure romance books are The Big Race (a takeoff on The Amazing Race) and Driven Together, a Formula 1 MM romance.
I have been a voracious reader all my life, mostly in mystery, romance, and science fiction/fantasy, though a college degree in English did push a lot of literary works into my list of favorites.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
I have been a voracious reader all my life, mostly in mystery, romance, and science fiction/fantasy, though a college degree in English did push a lot of literary works into my list of favorites.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 13, 2017
This adventure of Steve vitan and Rochester is more of a novel with a tinge of mystery Rick introduces Steve to his friend Doug who is going through a bitter divorce. Doug asks Steve to use his computer skills to answer some of his questions about his new job. A short time later Doug is found dead and his death is considered suicide voiding the insurance policy. There are several family get togethers. lol and Steve are settling into a good relationship. Rochester is necessary to add humor to the story. I recommend this series.
December 3, 2024
The plot is fine, I like the characters & setting. I keep knocking a star off for all the reader's mispronunciations on the audiobook, because apparently NO ONE connected to the book listened & corrected him!
1. Several times: the town of Reading, PA is pronounced "REDDing" (just like the RR in Monopoly), not like "he was reading a book"!
2. "padalock". He does that with a few words, inserting an extra syllable. There is NO letter between the D & the L! TWO syllables: pad lock.
3. "intraveneous". Again, there's no letter between the n & the o! "in-truh-VEEN-uhs"
4. "no INterment ceremony". No. "in-TER-ment"
5. "the idea that [Rick] might get shot on PAROLE"! Reading too fast? Not listening to what he's saying? He's a COP! He's not on parole! He was on PATROL! (Hopefully that's what it says in print?)
6. His Spanish is as bad as his French. "Hombre" (man) has a long O. To pronounce it "AHM-bray" changes it to hambre, which means hungry!
7. Writing error: calling a seesaw a teeter-totter. The latter is the thing that hangs from the swing set that 2 kids sit on opposite side, facing each other, making it swing by pushing on the foot rests.
1. Several times: the town of Reading, PA is pronounced "REDDing" (just like the RR in Monopoly), not like "he was reading a book"!
2. "padalock". He does that with a few words, inserting an extra syllable. There is NO letter between the D & the L! TWO syllables: pad lock.
3. "intraveneous". Again, there's no letter between the n & the o! "in-truh-VEEN-uhs"
4. "no INterment ceremony". No. "in-TER-ment"
5. "the idea that [Rick] might get shot on PAROLE"! Reading too fast? Not listening to what he's saying? He's a COP! He's not on parole! He was on PATROL! (Hopefully that's what it says in print?)
6. His Spanish is as bad as his French. "Hombre" (man) has a long O. To pronounce it "AHM-bray" changes it to hambre, which means hungry!
7. Writing error: calling a seesaw a teeter-totter. The latter is the thing that hangs from the swing set that 2 kids sit on opposite side, facing each other, making it swing by pushing on the foot rests.
June 26, 2016
Enjoyable reading with enough twists and turns to keep you interested and on your toes.
Enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested and on her toes. Always a lesson to take home as well.
Enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested and on her toes. Always a lesson to take home as well.
June 9, 2017
Would you listen to Honest to Dog again? Why?
Homest to Dog was enjoyable. I'm looking forward to catching up with the rest of the series.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Honest to Dog?
The three dogs in this book -all different breeds- had so much fun together!
What about Kelly Libatique’s performance did you like?
Mr Libatique's voice had the correct tone for this mystery with a canine cast. Honest to Dog included characters with various accents.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The graduation celebration.
Any additional comments?
I was first introduced to Mr Plakcy when I listened to his book with felines as a central character. It was well written.
His canine selection is broader and I gave it a chance. I'm so pleased I did!
With a male main character, a likable dead person, and in depth research (versus gossip), it's clearly not a "cozy mystery" but it's lighter than a regular adult mystery. I was able to listen to it while in my office, without worrying about being embarrassed or anxious if someone would hear something inappropriate. I think I had some guests linger a moment longer outside of my door, just for added entertainment in their day!
The characters-nearly all of them!- grew with the story. Relationships developed and matured, some withered, as IRL, we have to let go.
The introduction to a Quaker traditional funeral was unique. It added a very surprising touch, and I hope to be pleasantly schooled in other traditions as I delve deeper into the series.
I especially liked the underlying motivation and inner struggle of the MC. Most of us have our demons or addictions. It was good to see one that is not the tyical PI/alcohol (This is not one of those mysteries ) but to show how easy it is to succumb to temptations or fall into old habits.
Loved this book and would definitely recommend!
Homest to Dog was enjoyable. I'm looking forward to catching up with the rest of the series.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Honest to Dog?
The three dogs in this book -all different breeds- had so much fun together!
What about Kelly Libatique’s performance did you like?
Mr Libatique's voice had the correct tone for this mystery with a canine cast. Honest to Dog included characters with various accents.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The graduation celebration.
Any additional comments?
I was first introduced to Mr Plakcy when I listened to his book with felines as a central character. It was well written.
His canine selection is broader and I gave it a chance. I'm so pleased I did!
With a male main character, a likable dead person, and in depth research (versus gossip), it's clearly not a "cozy mystery" but it's lighter than a regular adult mystery. I was able to listen to it while in my office, without worrying about being embarrassed or anxious if someone would hear something inappropriate. I think I had some guests linger a moment longer outside of my door, just for added entertainment in their day!
The characters-nearly all of them!- grew with the story. Relationships developed and matured, some withered, as IRL, we have to let go.
The introduction to a Quaker traditional funeral was unique. It added a very surprising touch, and I hope to be pleasantly schooled in other traditions as I delve deeper into the series.
I especially liked the underlying motivation and inner struggle of the MC. Most of us have our demons or addictions. It was good to see one that is not the tyical PI/alcohol (This is not one of those mysteries ) but to show how easy it is to succumb to temptations or fall into old habits.
Loved this book and would definitely recommend!
November 21, 2021
Steve asks a former Eastern classmate to help him out when the financial planner who was to give the first weekend seminar at the new Friar Lake Conference and Executive Education Center cancels. Steve asks his successful but busy friend, Tor, if he can recommend anyone to do the job. Tor recommends another former classmate, Doug Guilfoyle, who has recently moved into the area after a nasty divorce to be near his kids.
Knowing that Steve is a computer expert, Doug asks Steve to help him figure out if something shady is going on at the investment firm where he works. When Rick's ex-wife, Tiffany, asks for his help when the business where she now works was raided because of a medical insurance scam, Steve wonders if there might be a link. Some of the same players are connected.
When Doug is found dead in a canal, Rick writes the death off as suicide but Steve is disinclined to agree. He especially wants to help when he learns that the insurance company will not pay out to the ex-wife if the death was ruled suicide.
Knowing that Steve is a computer expert, Doug asks Steve to help him figure out if something shady is going on at the investment firm where he works. When Rick's ex-wife, Tiffany, asks for his help when the business where she now works was raided because of a medical insurance scam, Steve wonders if there might be a link. Some of the same players are connected.
When Doug is found dead in a canal, Rick writes the death off as suicide but Steve is disinclined to agree. He especially wants to help when he learns that the insurance company will not pay out to the ex-wife if the death was ruled suicide.
January 7, 2023
just got this free ebook, so excited! love the series
a man he knew from college agreed to teach a lecture he couldnt go to. he found some questionable things from his work he was afraid was illegal and asked if the dogs owner could look into it for him
after doing so, he agreed that illegal things were being done but before they could meet again the man was found dead in the river
the cop friend thought the man killed himself, but the dogs owner didnt think so and kept looking into it. the man left 2 kids and a x wife who had a big insurance policy on him
the man didnt kill himself and the x wife was able to get the insurance money
he found clues on a thumb drive his friends x wife had found behind her desk
and the spread sheet the man had showed him
the dog helped find clues
a man he knew from college agreed to teach a lecture he couldnt go to. he found some questionable things from his work he was afraid was illegal and asked if the dogs owner could look into it for him
after doing so, he agreed that illegal things were being done but before they could meet again the man was found dead in the river
the cop friend thought the man killed himself, but the dogs owner didnt think so and kept looking into it. the man left 2 kids and a x wife who had a big insurance policy on him
the man didnt kill himself and the x wife was able to get the insurance money
he found clues on a thumb drive his friends x wife had found behind her desk
and the spread sheet the man had showed him
the dog helped find clues
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2023
Rochester and Steve have a new adventure. Steve is running the new conference center of Eastern and makes connections with a former classmate who fills in at a financial conference at the last minute. When he speaks to Steve about his suspicion of shady dealing going on with his new employer, Steve agrees to help him out. But when he ends up dead, what is a guy to do?
Was not a fan of the secondary story of Rick, his policeman friend, and Tiffany, Rick's former wife. With Rick's new love interest, Tamsen, this seems to be unnecessary.
Still a good read!
Was not a fan of the secondary story of Rick, his policeman friend, and Tiffany, Rick's former wife. With Rick's new love interest, Tamsen, this seems to be unnecessary.
Still a good read!
October 4, 2019
Great series
Love this series . Makes me happy that having a,dog 🐕who loves you is great.
The author keeps you up to date on all the characters. He refreshes information that has happened in earlier books in the series. You can start reading any book and know that what happened in an earlier .com will be referred to in the current book so you won't feel like you missed something that was import. Highly recommend.
Love this series . Makes me happy that having a,dog 🐕who loves you is great.
The author keeps you up to date on all the characters. He refreshes information that has happened in earlier books in the series. You can start reading any book and know that what happened in an earlier .com will be referred to in the current book so you won't feel like you missed something that was import. Highly recommend.
July 23, 2023
Another good story in this series, I love the golden retriever. Dave wants to help a friend but Doug’s body is discovered in the canal where Steve walks his crime-solving golden retriever Rochester, this unlikely duo has a new goal: Find the truth behind Doug’s death, even if Steve has to risk the freedom he has fought so hard for to do. This has good characters and has up to date like from the headlines about Ponzi schemers, a Quaker funeral and good action all through the audiobook.
October 19, 2018
Very sorry. I was about at the halfway point, so bored that I couldn't continue. I rarely leave a book unfinished, but this one made me feel that I was wasting my time. I prefer a book that grabs my attention and doesn't let me put it down! My apologies to the author and to all who enjoyed this book.
August 27, 2020
Neil S. Plakcy writes about my favorite two subjects.
I know Dogs and the writhing warmly illustrates the intuitive Bond between a man & his four footed best in the world Friend.
The stories in this series are well crafted and woven together in a ‘“don’t put me down style”.
I recommend these books to anyone who loves a good Mystery & the antics of a beautiful dog.
I know Dogs and the writhing warmly illustrates the intuitive Bond between a man & his four footed best in the world Friend.
The stories in this series are well crafted and woven together in a ‘“don’t put me down style”.
I recommend these books to anyone who loves a good Mystery & the antics of a beautiful dog.
October 28, 2020
Great books. I adore both types of retrievers so these are right up my alley. I also learned about the Jewish religion and have become interested in learning more.
I would recommend these books for anyone who loves animals, has young children, because these books are perfect for keeping them interested in reading.
I would recommend these books for anyone who loves animals, has young children, because these books are perfect for keeping them interested in reading.
January 25, 2023
This story seemed to be a lot like the first one in the series I had read. I like animal characters, but Rochester, the golden retriever, didn’t have much of a part in this story, nor the previous one. He’s more of a side character that will find a clue or give a hint to a clue that Steve quickly figures out, then Rochester’s part is done.
This is a quick and easy read.
This is a quick and easy read.
June 10, 2023
Better than others in the series so far.
Five stars for the golden retriever, as always. Though he deserves a bigger role. And more treats!
The ending came briskly, but not as rushed as the last few books. And the resolution wasn’t quite as predictable.
I’ll keep going on the series, because Rochester the golden.
Five stars for the golden retriever, as always. Though he deserves a bigger role. And more treats!
The ending came briskly, but not as rushed as the last few books. And the resolution wasn’t quite as predictable.
I’ll keep going on the series, because Rochester the golden.
October 21, 2023
Rochester to the rescue again
Rochester is a big, goofy Golden Retriever owned by default to Steve Levitan. He has proven to be an unusually great Dr. Watson to Steve’s Holmes. The story twines around a family in trouble and ends with the bad guy caught and the troubles all solved.
Rochester is a big, goofy Golden Retriever owned by default to Steve Levitan. He has proven to be an unusually great Dr. Watson to Steve’s Holmes. The story twines around a family in trouble and ends with the bad guy caught and the troubles all solved.
November 3, 2019
More advertures of the detective dog Rochester and his handler Steve. The book continues with yet another murder and the characters are further developed from prior books. This is an enjoyable read, not too mind provoking but good entertainment.
November 27, 2019
Love this series
I’m reading this series in order and I love all the characters. I have 2 more to read. Easy read with characters that are down to earth Of course Rochester is my favorite 💕
I’m reading this series in order and I love all the characters. I have 2 more to read. Easy read with characters that are down to earth Of course Rochester is my favorite 💕
Read
February 20, 2021I've read several of these dog books by this author and liked all of them. However, this is the only one I remember that had some problems. Some sentences were missing words, some had words that shouldn't have been there and some had the wrong words! But, all in all, it was a good book.
March 3, 2021
Sweet dog
I'm a dog lover retrievers are so smart and soo sweet. I loved this book from the first chapter to the end. This is the first book by this author that I've read but not the last!!!
I'm a dog lover retrievers are so smart and soo sweet. I loved this book from the first chapter to the end. This is the first book by this author that I've read but not the last!!!
July 8, 2021
Another good book
I like that Steve is really trying not to hack. But he uses his computer skills to search up the murderer. He always has Rochester to help give him a push in the right direction.
I like that Steve is really trying not to hack. But he uses his computer skills to search up the murderer. He always has Rochester to help give him a push in the right direction.
December 2, 2022
Dog and computer solve mystsry
Rochester, A beautiful golden retriever, again leads Steve to all the clues necessary to solve the crime. A great story that would be a useful learning experience for any teenager.
Rochester, A beautiful golden retriever, again leads Steve to all the clues necessary to solve the crime. A great story that would be a useful learning experience for any teenager.
January 18, 2023
Really enjoyable
Honest to dog is an exceptional read. Characters are interesting, fun loving and the golden makes me laugh with his antics. The story kept me wondering who was the killer (not who I thought).
Honest to dog is an exceptional read. Characters are interesting, fun loving and the golden makes me laugh with his antics. The story kept me wondering who was the killer (not who I thought).
March 27, 2023
Didn’t any of those reviewers mentioned SEE all the errors in this book?
I’m shocked. While it was a nice little story, I can’t ignore all those errors that I highlighted in the book. Way too many. A shame the author didn’t invest in an editor.
I’m shocked. While it was a nice little story, I can’t ignore all those errors that I highlighted in the book. Way too many. A shame the author didn’t invest in an editor.
November 23, 2018
Another good read by Plakcy
The hero is a crime fighting golden retriever who leads his human in the search for clues. Interesting group of characters, human and canine.
The hero is a crime fighting golden retriever who leads his human in the search for clues. Interesting group of characters, human and canine.
September 18, 2019
Great team
Great as usual.Good team Rochester is a great sleuth. They are great together and puppy is a hoot. The baby boy.
Great as usual.Good team Rochester is a great sleuth. They are great together and puppy is a hoot. The baby boy.
September 21, 2020
Better and Better
Plakcy gets better with each new book. This series is such a joyful, easy read. If you like mysteries this series is a sure bet.
Plakcy gets better with each new book. This series is such a joyful, easy read. If you like mysteries this series is a sure bet.
November 23, 2020
Another great cozy mystery
I love this series almost as much as I love my yellow lab! Steve and Rochester have established themselves as mentors in their small college community.
I love this series almost as much as I love my yellow lab! Steve and Rochester have established themselves as mentors in their small college community.
January 14, 2021
Love this series!
February 17, 2021
Great Dog Mystery!
Sit back and prepare to be entertained by realistic imperfect characters and above average intelligence dogs! Enjoyable action from the beginning!
Sit back and prepare to be entertained by realistic imperfect characters and above average intelligence dogs! Enjoyable action from the beginning!
February 21, 2021
Honest to Dog
Is a good book. Enjoyed it. This is the second book in the series I read and find characters including Rochester enjoyable.
Is a good book. Enjoyed it. This is the second book in the series I read and find characters including Rochester enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews