Bark to the Future

Chet and Bernie Mystery #13

by Spencer Quinn

Spencer Quinn's Bark to the Future continues the adventurous New York Times and USA Today bestselling series that Stephen King calls “without a doubt the most original mystery series currently available.”

When Chet the dog, “the most lovable narrator in all of crime fiction” ( Boston Globe ), and his human partner, PI Bernie Little, are approached by a down-and-out older man with a cardboard sign at an exit ramp, Bernie is shocked to discover the man is a former teammate from his high school baseball team. Chet and Bernie take Rocket out for a good meal, and later, Bernie investigates Rocket’s past, trying to figure out what exactly went wrong.

Then, Rocket goes suspiciously missing. With his former teammate likely in danger, Bernie goes back to his old high school for answers, where much that he remembers turns out not to be true―and there are powerful and dangerous people not happy with the questions Bernie is asking.

Bernie soon learns that he misunderstood much about his high school years – and now, Chet and Bernie are plunged into a dangerous case where the past isn’t dead and the future could be fatal.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Dogs, Audiobook, Humor, Animals, Mystery Thriller

320 pages, Hardcover

First published August 9, 2022

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

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bark to the Future
By Spencer Quinn
This is one of my favorite stories. Lots of twists, turns, and suspense. As always, there is plenty of humor and wit to go around. Told by Chet, the dog partner to Bernie the PI. Love this series!

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Chet & Bernie relaxing listen. 6 of 10 stars

[Barbara]

3.5 stars

In this 13th book in the 'Chet and Bernie' series, the detective team tries to track down Bernie's old high school teammate. The novel can be read as a standalone, but why miss the fun? Start with the first book and go on from there.

*****

In the Chet and Bernie stories, Bernie Little and his hundred-plus pound dog Chet are partners in the Little Detective Agency in Arizona.



Bernie is a West Point graduate, good at his job, and Chet is his invaluable partner, always ready to clamp his jaw on perps and drag them off by the pants. Bernie is also the divorced father of 7-year-old Charlie, who's thrilled to have a detective for a dad.



The books are narrated by Chet, whose somewhat limited vocabulary, unfamiliarity with idioms, and doggie logic set the stage for plenty of smiles.



As the story opens, Bernie and Chet have just acquired their umpteenth 'new' (refurbished) Porsche, to replace the last one that got destroyed.



The duo take the Porsche for a spin, and come across a homeless beggar at an intersection. Bernie tries to give the fellow a few bucks, but the vagrant says, 'I can't take your money Bernie.'



It turns out the vagrant is Rocket Saluka, Bernie's teammate from his high school baseball team. Bernie was the pitcher, and outfielder Rocket recalls the time he saved Bernie's skin: "You were on the mound and don't deny it. Two outs, bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, up one zip, and some dude hits a scorcher in the gap and who runs it down?" Rocket indicates himself. "Game over. Took us to the state [championship]."





Bernie acknowledges Rocket's miracle catch, and Bernie and Chet take Rocket to a hamburger place. After eating, Rocket shows off an old switchblade knife decorated with a green-eyed skull, calling it his MVP (most valuable possession). Rocket also mentions having a 'lovebird' after high school, who's no longer around.



The next day, Bernie and Chet look for Rocket again, planning to offer more assistance. Rocket isn't at his intersection, and the detectives learn the vagrant lives in a homeless camp behind a church.



The tent city is overseen by a priest called Doug Plumtree, who's very sympathetic to the homeless community. It turns out Rocket has vacated his tent and disappeared, but Chet digs up Rocket's MVP knife from under the tent.



Father Raintree won't divulge any information about Rocket, so Bernie and Chet decide to search for the vagrant themselves. The detectives use the switchblade as a clue, and the knife leads back to Bernie's high school days. At that time, the knife belonged to Mr. Keplar, the Advanced Placement Chemistry teacher.



Mr. Keplar claims he brought the knife to class one day, and one of the AP students stole it. Bernie and Chet get a list of the pupils (which doesn't include Rocket) and interview the (former) students one by one. This leads to amusing revelations about teenage Bernie, a star athlete who was awkward with girls.

Meanwhile, Father Plumtree vanishes; murders occur; there's an attempt on Bernie's life; and additional skullduggery happens. It's obvious there's more going on here than a purloined knife, and Bernie and Chet are on the case!

This leads to hikes in the local mountains and canyons; plunges into alpine lakes; danger from flash floods; and a man whose breath smells like minty mouthwash.



Chet's narration of the case is filled with his usual misunderstandings and comical observations. For instance, when Bernie accidently creates a situation and is advised to 'eat crow', Chet is flummoxed. He observes, "All I could think about were crows. I'd never seen Bernie eat one and hoped I never would. Chickens, like crows, are birds, unless I'm way off on this, and I'd often seen Bernie eating chicken. But there's a big difference between chickens and crows, which you must know if you've ever gazed into the eyes of a crow. Something's going on in there, big time. You don't see that in chicken eyes."



On a personal note, Bernie's relationship with police officer Weatherly Wauneka is warming up, and Chet is still trying to one-up Weatherly's dog Trixie: Chet tries to hold his tail higher; run faster; get petted more; etc. Chet is annoyed when Trixie finds and eats his hidden Slim Jim.....but in fact, there's always more where that came from.



For me, the plot of this story is too contrived, but I still liked the book. Recommended to mystery lovers and Chet and Bernie fans.

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

[Monnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something about a dog narrating a story that brings a smile to my face all by itself. When said doggie has a sense of humor and a really cool human private eye for an owner, well, it makes for a don't-miss series. I won't say this one is my favorite of the bunch - it's the 13th, FYI - but as always, it made for a very entertaining few hours of reading.

It begins in an unlikely place: a highway exit ramp, where Little Detective Agency owner Bernie Little and his "partner" Chet, the lovable aforementioned canine narrator, are stopped by a scraggly looking man. As it turns out, Bernie went to high school and played on the baseball team with the guy. Bernie's efforts to provide some financial help are rebuffed, but Bernie vows to find out what happened to the guy over the years. He doesn't turn up much helpful information, and worse, his old buddy suddenly does a disappearing act.

The only real "clue" is an item the missing man had that dates back to their high school days and a particular teacher. Problem is, it may not be a clue at all; so Bernie tracks down some people from his past and starts asking questions - much to the dismay of the people being questioned. Finding out what happened to his old friend, it turns out, is much harder than hitting one over the fence. And the more he swings and misses, the greater the chance he'll be yanked out of the game - permanently.

Good job all around, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy. Now I'm in the batter's box waiting for the next pitch!

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh dear! I can never read caper featuring PI Bernie Little and his canine partner Chet, without laughing out loud, silly snorting giggles and chuckling laughs. I love Quinn’s writing from Chet’s point of view. Chet and Bernie embark on a new case involving old friends from high school. It all starts with a switchblade knife featuring a skeleton head with eyes of jade. It was being carried by a homeless person Rocket Saluka, someone Bernie had known during that time. Rocket disappears, a padre is found dead, and Bernie and Chet smell a rat! Well, figuratively speaking, although Chet might say he definitely doesn’t. And hey, “wait a minute, Bernie says the strangest things sometimes.”
Such a pleasing read! Just in case you missed it, I love the way Quinn writes. And Stephen King agrees with me!

[Judy Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chet (the dog) and Bernie Little (the human and a private detective) have just chosen their new Porsche. Well, new isn't exactly accurate but it's new for them. This is actually the oldest model Bernie has ever bought and it is rumored to have something not exactly legal in the restoration of the engine. To test it out these two chums hit the highway and floor that accelerator. Yep, probably not a legal upgrade but all it takes is for Bernie to get used to the pedal. While waiting at a traffic light Bernie offers some money to a homeless man and stirs up a real hornet's nest. It seems that Rocket - the homeless guy - and Bernie had a connection in high school and Bernie wants to find out what happened to Rocket to have him begging on the side of a highway. When the two come back to the same spot the next day, Rocket is gone, and nobody seems to know or care what happened to him. Time for the Little Detective Agency to get to work.

Book 13 in this series! Gosh, that seems hard to believe. I've read them all and have enjoyed each one, some more than others, but I've never found a true clunker, so I feel secure in reading each one as it is released. This story covers those high school years which can be so traumatic, and Bernie makes contact with ex-classmates he hasn't seen in many years. Naturally a crime takes place and Bernie and Chet set out to solve it. If you are not familiar with this series, Chet is the narrator and one of the things I love most about this series is just that aspect. If you've ever owned a dog and found yourself wondering why he's doing something strange...this novel will be just the ticket for you. These stories are light and fun but do transition into darker subject matter when dealing with crimes, usually in the form of murder.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan - Tor/Forge Books for an e-galley of this novel.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another fun installment by the man who writes with what is with arguably the best dog voice in fiction. I grew up with various dogs in the house (none of the lap dogs--not our family's style) ranging from Cocker Spaniels to large mutts and find Chet very believable and lovable.

The blurb give you a hint. In short, Bernie meets someone from his high school who is homeless who then disappears. As they hunt at least one suspicious death occurs--the is a Chet and Bernie book, after all--and solving this is no mean feat. Chet's nose, etc, come in handy, but of course, as Chet tills us in right near the opening, And there you have it. Bernie's brilliance, lighting up the whole oil-stained yard at Nixon's Championship Autobody."

No deaths occur there, just the purchase of another used Porsche that has things about it different from the others that came before? How many? Chet isn't sure because after two he has trouble counting. During this book we meet some more interesting characters (where does Quinn get theses ideas? Does his dog ever contribute?) and go on another fun, wild ride.

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75🌟
Audiobook (narrated by Jim Frangione):
I am not sure why but this book didn’t engage me as much as some of the Chet and Bernie books have. This is #13 in the series. Maybe Chet’s thoughts are becoming too familiar to me. Anyway, it was okay but definitely not a favorite.

Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.

[Maureen DeLuca · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute - for a cozy

[Hobart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
CHET THE NARRATOR
For roughly a decade now, Chet has been my favorite first-person narrator (at least among those being currently published). This K-9 school dropout is an engaging and personable narrator who will get the reader emotionally invested and charm you within the first few pages after you meet him. He's optimistic, generally positive, and his unique perspective will make you chuckle frequently while you read a solid P.I. story.

At the same time, there's an extra level of attention that needs to be paid to what he says so you can pick up what's actually going on—Chet's the best kind of unreliable narrator, he's not being deceptive, he just doesn't (and can't) understand what he's seeing and hearing. But he's honest and thorough.

So, what I'm saying is, there's little chance I'm not going to thoroughly enjoy a new Chet and Bernie novel. So going in, expect me to say nice things.

WHAT'S BARK TO THE FUTURE ABOUT?
Bernie's approached by a panhandler while stopped at a light on a freeway off-ramp, who recognizes Bernie from high school and refuses to take his money. Life's been harder on him than Bernie, who can't recognize him at all. Bernie takes him for a burger, and tries to help him out a little—by this time, he's identified himself. He's an old baseball teammate, and the two shared a highlight or two of their careers. After their meal, Rocket Saluka has Bernie drop him off on the off-ramp.

But he'd said a thing or two that Bernie can't stop thinking about, so he goes back the next morning to follow up. Rocket's nowhere to be found, but someone else directs Bernie to a camp Rocket was staying at. He's not there, either—and there's almost no trace of him. Chet does find his distinctive switchblade buried under Rocket's tent, however—and now Bernie's even more curious, and he sets out to find his old teammate.

It turns out that there's quite the history attached to this switchblade, and most of it was shared by other people who were associated with their high school (including one person Bernie knows but didn't realize was from the same school). What starts off as a way to deal with some unnecessary guilt becomes a hunt for someone responsible for at least one murder—and hopefully, Rocket.

WEATHERLY AND TRIXIE
I was a fan of Suzie Sanchez and didn't like it at all when that relationship fell apart, and I wished for more time with the doctor Bernie dated. But now that Quinn has brought Weatherly into the series, I'm glad that things between them and Bernie ended.

Weatherly's a great addition to the series period—someone in law enforcement that Bernie can talk shop with (who isn't a former colleague) and who can pitch in when Bernie needs backup. And their romantic relationship is better than Bernie's had before—there's a trust, an honesty that was missing with Suzie. Bernie's learned from his past mistakes and is making sure that he doesn't make them again. It's great to see.

I do feel back for Weatherly's dog Trixie, Chet's a jealous boy (we are learning), and he's not doing well with a female counterpart with similar strengths (maybe stronger in a couple of ways than Chet). Yes, she scores a few wins over our narrator, but his feelings toward her color what we're told about her, and she doesn't come out looking so good.

We've seen something like this with Shooter, Chet's son. But it's a little different with Shooter because there's a somewhat paternal aspect to Chet's description of him.

We know that Chet can get along with other dogs—but the extended time with Trixie is showing us another side of his personality. You wouldn't think you'd get that in a dog character, but it's good to see that Quinn can give us that.

BERNIE'S NOTORIETY
As he's visiting fellow alumni and other people associated with the case, several people mention how they'd read/seen something about him because of the events of Of Mutts and Men (although one harkened back to Heart of Barkness. I'm glad that there are people out there who know that Bernie Little is out there, doing good work. Most of the time in PI fiction, you get the idea that outside of those close to a case, no one notices that the PI we're so heavily invested in does anything of note.

But what's better to me is that Bernie's getting recognition for this case—one of the first things we learn about him 12 books ago is that he has very definite opinions about water usage and the local aquifer. From Chet, we get some ideas about other things that Bernie cares about, but from his own mouth, we know that he cares about Charlie, Chet, and water (and now, Weatherly). Of all the cases for him to get good PR for, this is the one that's going to mean something to Bernie.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT BARK TO THE FUTURE?
Not surprisingly, I liked it. I really did. We get a little character backstory here, we see Bernie as a good father (and a fumbling one), we see development in his relationship with Weatherly, we see the potential for a (small) income stream for Bernie outside the PI business, and there's an intriguing mystery or two for our heroes to dig their teeth into (literally, for Chet).

Starting with Of Mutts and Men that Quinn's found another gear. I can't put my finger on it—I wish I could—but there's something about the novels that have stepped up a notch or two. The series is always reliable, but these last few have been better than some of the previous. Bark to the Future continues that streak.

I heartily recommend this to you—if you haven't tried one from this series before, don't worry—they're all good entry points. Jump in now, you'll be glad you did.

Much like Chet and a Slim Jim, I've gulped this one down and am ready for my next one.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Macmillan-Tor/Forge via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chet and his favorite human, Bernie Little are partners in the Little Detective Agency.
If you've never had a K-9 failure tell you about a difficult case he and his partner PI Bernie Little survived, you've missed a lot! Chet tells all from his own unique perspective.
Nostalgia isn't all it's cracked up to be. Chet meets up with an old teammate from high school, now down on his luck, and feels the need to help him. But then the guy disappears and the trail seems to bring out others, some of whom get murdered along the way.
There are plot twists and red herrings, but all of the characters are engaging, interesting, and occasionally evil. Just not the good guys, sometimes they are a bit clueless, but never evil. A great series and full of laughs! And each is capable of being stand alone.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Macmillan-Tor/Forge Forge Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea of telling a story from a dog’s point of view could be a distracting gimmick, but it works here.

I very much enjoyed this murder mystery as well as the reminder it provides for us of the intimate link we share with each other, and with our animal companions.

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep it ,the mystery, simple as we experience it through the eyes 👀 of a dog Chet, when he helps his master, who is a PI, solve cases. This is #13 in this series and is the first one I’ve read! Very inventive by the author! An easy read!🥸

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another warm and entertaining Chet and Bernie mystery.

[Linda Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series I always love--it's the 13th one and did not disappoint. It has an engaging mystery with kooky characters and of course, the wonderful Bernie Little and Chet the dog, who serves as the narrator. It's bittersweet when I finish one of these because I know it will be awhile before the next one comes along.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My dear friend good boy Chet! Oh how I love to spend time inside his furry can only count to two head! I love reading his point of view so much that I pretty much don't care about the actual mystery. In this case it that is a good thing because I either missed something or there just wasn't a link between what was happening and the direction Bernie went off in and I was a bit confused by that. But, like a dog and a treat, I was quickly distracted and just kept right along reading.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Chet recounts his adventures with partner private investigator Bernie Little. When Bernie recognizes a panhandler as Rocket, a member of his high school baseball team, he tries to help the man, who is mentally confused. Before he can get Rocket off the streets, Rocket disappears, and a priest who tried to help the homeless man also disappears and is found murdered. Before he vanished, Rocket buried a switch-blade knife. Since that is his only clue, Bernie tries to track the knife's origins, finding another murder victim on his way. All trails seem to lead back to Snakehead canyon, where the priest's body was discovered. Chet saves Bernie's life in a thrilling climax. Oh--did I omit to mention that Chet is a dog, which gives his narration added piquancy.

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernie Little and Chet the Jet, the dog partner of the Little Detective Agency, meet up with an old Chisholm High School baseball teammate, Rocket Saluka, who is very down on his luck. Bernie takes him out for burgers, and Rocket shows Bernie a distinctive pocketknife with a skull featuring green eyes. When Bernie goes back to find him the next day, he is not there. While looking for Rocket, he meets people presently at the school and former teammates and people from his past including his prom date and his coach. Then someone else dies who knew Rocket. Readers get to see something of Bernie as a shy teenager who was a talented pitcher. As usual, Chet narrates the story with humor and warmth, and I chuckled that the shady science teacher is named Kepler, but Chet also reminds readers of the sides of human nature too. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bernie meets a high school classmate begging at an exit. They were baseball teammates. Bernie tries to reconnect with him the next day but can’t find him. And so starts another non-paying investigation to find him that becomes a trip down memory lane into an AP chemistry class with a stolen switchblade knife being a focus that leads to a murderer. As always Chet is as observant and witty as ever while Bernie continues to be Bernie.

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light entertainment narrated by the dog. Cute with a mystery thrown in.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun adventure with the humor of Chet. Some dark moments but always a joy through Chet's perspective.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series! Not much more to say...although it is sort of cute how Chet gets annoyed with Trixie. To me, that means they're definitely siblings!

[Paula Guaraldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, another great Chet and Bernie story!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read or heard of a book narrated by the dog. It is an extraordinary and wonderful creation. It seems this author has a series of these and I certainly wish to read more.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a dog lover, owned by a dog and like mysteries do not hesitate for a nano second - read this series. Thirteen books and each one a winner. Chet is a wonderful dog and the narrator for the series. His human is Bernie Little of the Little Detective Agency. Together they solve crimes as the most unusual detecting team ever created.
Bernie has just taken possession of his 'new' Porsche and wants to see what it can do. Chet isn't sure of the exact number this one is because he gets confused after the number 2. He is thrilled to be riding shotgun and being out with his human. So off they go to speeds that are frowned upon by the police should they get caught. Traffic brings them to a halt at an off ramp and there they encounter a homeless man. As they are stopped Bernie takes the opportunity to offer the man some folding money and is promptly rebuffed. The man says "Can't take your money, Bernie' and then things get complicated. He knows Bernie but Bernie has no idea how he knows him. Much to his surprise the man is Rocket Saluka and was a high school classmate of Bernie's and they were on the winning baseball team. What had happened to Rocket to bring him to this offramp panhandling?
Bernie sets out to find the answers but before he can speak with him again, he is gone. Going back to high school seems to be the best plan but that may not set well with people he questions. Somebody wants secrets kept locked away and Bernie is a threat.
We learn a lot about the teenaged Bernie and he comes to realize that what he recalls from his high school days aren't as accurate as he thought. There is danger ahead for Bernie and Chet. The puzzle is well crafted but, though I always enjoy the mystery, my real reason for reading this delightful series is to spend time in the mind of Chet. Dog lovers will understand.
My thanks to the publisher Forge and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

CHET & BERNIE ARE BACK!!! Woo hoo!!! I’ve missed this series and this wacky detective duo. When it comes to cozy mysteries, where the dog NEVER dies, Quinn has a winner in this series narrated by an adorable, dorky, K9 dropout, named Chet, and his adventures with his partner, PI Bernie Little, the smartest hooman in the room, according to Chet😊

The book summary lays out the primary premise of the story so I’m not going to repeat any of it here. However, there is a secondary storyline of the death of a pastor in a mining explosion. This is not a spoiler since it happened early in the book. Chet and Bernie add this onto their search for Rocket, who has suddenly gone missing, leaving behind his MVP (most valuable possession). Also not a spoiler.

Towards the end, the storylines began to merge after learning about another missing person. There was a really scary scene at the end for the dynamic duo that had me on the edge. It's going to be a long year waiting for the next installment. Perhaps, Quinn will put out one of his novellas to tide over us devoted fans.

[Simon Bewick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun entry in the Chet and Bernie series. This time out the detective duo are going about their every day duties (with the usual unique world observations from Chet the dog along the way), when they chance upon an old school acquaintance of Bernie's, living as a street person. When he goes missing, Bernie takes it on himself (and his faithful sidekick) to find out what's happening.
As always, the story is just a small part of the fun of the book. More than any other series, it's all about the characters. As the series continues the call backs become more and more frequent and the remembering of them slightly more misaligned.
Chet and Bernie are one of the most fun to read partnerships in crime fiction today and I wait for each new book to arrive.
If you haven't tried one yet, you're missing out.

[Christine]

Spencer Quinn’s Chet and Bernie series is the book release I look forward to all year long. From the moment I finish one book, I’m nearly desperate to lay my hands on the next one.

The thirteenth installment in the fabulous and famous Chet and Bernie series is Bark to the Future, and it does not disappoint.

When Bernie stumbles upon an old teammate panhandling by the roadside, he’s determined to help him– despite the man outright refusing Bernie’s money. Chet isn’t quite sure what to think, as Bernie’s former teammate, Rocket, acts a bit erratically and Chet wonders if he’ll eventually be grabbing him by the pant leg (that’s Chet’s specialty, in case you’re new here). But when Bernie returns the following day to try and help Rocket further, Rocket has disappeared. Bernie, determined to help and maybe even figure out where it all went wrong for his old acquaintance, sets out to discover why Rocket is running, and who Rocket is running from.

As with every Chet and Bernie book, Bark to the Future is the perfect blend of mystery balanced with humor. There are plenty of little Easter eggs for longtime Chet and Bernie fans, while succinct explanations of regular characters allow even new readers to begin with the most recent release (though all 13 are so enjoyable to read, why deny yourself the pleasure of starting with Dog On It?!)

Chet is the most fabulous narrator, which plays a significant role in the humor aspect (though Chet would be the first to point out that Bernie is also quite funny). With the ever changing landscape of Bernie’s life, new(ish) arrivals Weatherly and Trixie make for new complications (according to Chet, at least). The interactions between Chet and Trixie, Weatherly’s dog who may or may not be related to Chet (he doesn’t want to talk about it nor does he see the resemblance thank you very much), add another layer of depth and humor to the story.

The setting is always a crucial aspect to any Chet and Bernie story, and the slot canyons and desert take center stage in the most breathtaking of ways. From its beauty to its danger, the natural world is a character unto itself in these novels.

The exceptionally well developed secondary characters almost steal the show, further developing the story into the rich tapestry that it is. Bernie’s interviews take a more personal turn this round, as he has a personal connection to the case. Hearing about Bernie as a high schooler, including directly from his former classmates, is a real treat.

Once again, Chet will awe readers with his humor and intelligence while Bernie makes the so-therefores. To borrow from Bernie, so therefore any reader, new to the series and devoted fans alike, should find joy in Bark the Future. Furthermore, readers may find themselves pondering how our past informs our present and our future, too.

Thank you to Spencer Quinn, MacMillan Publishers, Forge Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy such that I could share my honest opinions.

Bark to the Future will be available August 9, 2022.

This review originally appeared on PawPrintsintheSink.com.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Bark to the Future is the 13th (!!!) Chet & Bernie PI mystery by Spencer Quinn. Released 6th June 2023 by Macmillan on their Tor Forge imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out late 2nd quarter 2023. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.

This is another fun and engaging read starring Chet (the dog) and Bernie (the human) doing what they do best, solving crimes, righting wrongs, and keeping each other (relatively) safe and functional. Although it's the 13th book in the series, all the books work very well as standalone novels. There are a few minor spoilers in the background story if read out of order, but nothing major and they're all fun, light, fast reads and can be picked up and put down without losing the plot. The ideal light entertainment comfort food for the brain.

Probably the most unusual aspect of the story is that it's told in the first person point of view of Chet, Bernie's Dr. Watson. Chet's a Very Smart Dog, but he is a dog and so there are many asides about smelling things and sort of a stream-of-consciousness commentary running throughout. I found it very distracting at first, but after a few chapters it isn't nearly as noticeable.

For current fans of the series, this is another solid mystery; full of corruption, coverups, the "glory days" of high school, and several apparently unrelated plot threads which intertwine ever more closely to an exciting denouement and satisfying resolution. The language is a bit rough in places, but not egregiously so. There is some physical violence and descriptions of violence, but nothing extreme. It's not over-the-top, but it is there.

Recommended for fans of mysteries with strong animal protagonists, and American PI mysteries. This is the 13th book in the series and they're all quite trope-y and similar in narrative arc, but they're all written to a high standard and contain lots of action, good plots, satisfying endings, and humor.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Bookreporter.com Mystery & Thriller · Rating 5 out of 5]

BARK TO THE FUTURE is the latest doggie mystery featuring the charismatic narrator Chet, a distinctive black Shepherd mix with one white ear, who tells the story as only a canine might. And in the capable paws --- er, hands --- of author Spencer Quinn, we chuckle and nod our heads in amusement as we realize that Chet's narrative is just what our dogs might say if only we could understand them.

Because our narrator is sometimes unreliable (please don't tell Chet I said that), we occasionally miss out on certain details. However, because he has the powerful ability to smell, he divulges information to us that Bernie, his detective partner with a pitiful, poorly designed human nose, is unable to access. We know about the guy with the minty scent and which smell is present in some locations, but Bernie doesn't. Chet also shares with us everything he hears and sees.

We love Chet's reasoning, especially when it's very much from a dog's point of view. When hearing someone talk about a cathouse in Nogales, Arizona, he says, "A cathouse --- actually something I'd never seen and had no desire to --- would be kind of small. Otis, even as a kid, could never have squeezed inside. How nice to be following the conversation so well! Was it possible I was...was getting smarter?" We laugh as Chet explains that he can't count past two, and numbers like three can be confusing.

This mystery, as might be deduced from the clever title, takes Bernie back to revisit his high school haunts and acquaintances. Someone he crossed paths with during this time has had a tough life and is panhandling on a freeway ramp when Chet and Bernie first see him. After connecting in a very cursory way, the guy disappears. Bernie feels compelled to find out what happened to him, and along the way, people are getting killed. There are the compulsory inept sheriff's deputies, the desert hikes and a slot canyon flood. Also, we see Bernie's relationship with Weatherly, the cop whose dog has an uncanny resemblance to Chet, develop.

Bernie is Bernie, and in addition to his quirky persona, newcomers to the series will love hearing about the Hawaiian pants scheme, the tin mines, and his son, Charlie. Chet is pure devotion, canine intelligence and humorous sidekick. Starting a new Chet and Bernie mystery is like reconnecting with an old friend, a chance to see the world through the eyes of a hugely likable, charming pal. Dive in and enjoy the adventure. You'll look at your own four-legged friend with new eyes.

Reviewed by Pamela Kramer