Where Mercy Is Shown, Mercy Is Given

by Duane "Dog" Chapman

The author of the "New York Times"-bestselling "You Can Run But You Can't Hide" and star of the hit show "Dog the Bounty Hunter" returns with this work that answers many of the questions his fans have been asking.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Memoir, Audiobook, Family, Biography Memoir

287 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Duane Lee "Dog" Chapman I. (born February 2, 1953) is an American bounty hunter and a former bail bondsman. He starred in a weekly reality television program called Dog the Bounty Hunter, which ran for 8 seasons until 2012.

He was born on February 2, 1953 to Wesley and Barbara Chapman. He is the oldest of four children, with two younger sisters and one brother; however, according to Chapman, everyone is his 'brother'. He is German on his mother's side and English on his father's side. His mother was a minister for the Assembly of God church and passed her Christian faith onto her son.

In 1976, Chapman was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to five years in a Texas prison. He had been waiting in a car when his friend accidentally shot and killed alleged pimp and drug dealer Jerry Oliver (aged 69) in a struggle during a deal to buy cannabis.

Chapman served 18 months at Texas State Penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas. While he was in prison, his first wife LaFonda divorced him and married his best friend. During his incarceration, he did field work and acted as the warden's barber. In a 2007 interview for Fox News Chapman claimed that while serving his sentence he tackled an inmate about to be shot for attempting to escape, and a congratulatory remark by a prison guard inspired him to become a bounty hunter later. Chapman was paroled in January 1979.

Due to his felony conviction, Chapman is not allowed to own a firearm. He has been barred from entering the UK.

Reviews

[Bronwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book written by Duane Chapman known as dog the bounty hunter tells of his life since his release from prison for a murder he didn,t commit, his life as the countrys best known bounty hunter, his struggles to make something of his second chance, his life with his family, his wife Beth and his twelve children, including nine by his ex wives, it tells in his own words what his life has been like, his struggles, his failures and his ultimate triumphs which he credits to his faith and hard work, I would recommend reading this book of you want to be uplifted and inspired to make something of your life, or if you are just a fan of dog the bounty hunter.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, my Dad says Dog looks like a cartoon character. As much as I like him, I find this very funny.
Second, I have a strange, unexplainable crush on Leland.
Third, I'd have killed to get that bang wave he has going back in the late 80's, early 90's. Does anyone know how hard that was to achieve?!
About the book though - Dog isn't just a good bounty hunter, he's also a good writer. It's obvious he speaks from the heart and that goes a long way with a book of this sort.
He not only tells of his life and the lives of his family members but he adds in certain hunts which is, after all, what made him so famous in the first place.
He tells of his legal troubles, none of which I ever heard of before, the whole Mexico/Max Factor dude thing, him using the "n" word and it being caught on tape, etc.
That brings me to the only thing I didn't like. Or, that I think I don't like. I don't know how honest he was with that. I can't get with the statement that he had no idea 'nigger' was meant in a negative manner. That he had no idea it was used against black people. That, I just can't believe. I think he's using that to "get out" of the problem.
But, I do believe he didn't "mean" it. I think he probably used it as a curse word. Okay? No. Definitely not. But I don't think he's racist. If he was racist things would be different. He has black friends, black family, a black preacher, etc. That's no racist IMO.
And I'll be totally honest - the person he was talking about? There are many others who would have used the same word, black or white. She was a straight up bitch. And while I don't agree with the word, I also won't hold it against Dog because I honestly do believe he felt remorse. If the people mentioned in the book, black people who felt able to forgive him can, I won't condemn him.
I had no idea of this problem with one of his sons, the son who brought the bitch referred to above around in the first place. I can't imagine having my own child sell me out in any manner, most especially one like Dog dealt with. Being a man to who family is so important that's dreadful. I hope that their relationship is on the right path now.
Beth. What can I say. I like her. I think she's awesome. I think she's the freaking perfect partner for Dog.
I have his other book - You Can Run But You Can't Hide - which I *think* technically come before this one and I'll have to read that soon.
I was slightly worried this wouldn't interest me the way he does on t.v. but I was wrong.
And as for the "God talk"... I don't do well with that usually. I feel preached to and I don't like being preached to. I think I feel that even when it's not the case. I'm not all the way sure why yet but that's a different conversation. The fact of the matter is, when someone starts their "God talk" I zone out. I stop the book most times. But Dog doesn't preach. He just tells how things are for him. What he believes. That makes me listen. That makes me think.
I'd definitely suggest for any of his fans. Anyone not a fan of his I probably wouldn't suggest this for because, duh, it's all about Dog.

[Brooke]

I really liked this book! Duane "Dog" Chapman is an author with a voice, and for me, that makes the story!

It was interesting to read how Dog uses the Lord in all he does. He constantly sees the presence of the Lord in his world, and makes sure everybody (and I mean EVERYBODY!) sees or hears of it too. When he captures the fugitives, he says in the book: "It's just me and God in the backseat". For those people who have seen his show, it's totally true. He speaks from his heart, and truly believes in giving second chances, and in some cases, third, fourth, and fifth chances.

Speaking of "the ride", I was really touched how Dog shared a story about capturing a fugitive with the police, and the fugitive was dissappointed: "Dog, does this mean I'm not gonna get my ride? I've waited two weeks to get to ride with the Dog!" Dog was touched, and surprised to find that being caught by "The Dog" was actually a cool thing in prision. It was a mark that put one criminal above another. Dog was honestly surprised at how respected he is among the people he catches, and he did give a ride to the man he caught.

My other favorite part of this book was how much Dog wrote about his wife Beth. She is his rock, it is evident in his show, and even more so in the book. He admits he wouldn't be doing what he is doing without her, and probably wouldn't have gotten out of all the scrapes he's gotten into without her. Beth is pretty kick-ass, I respect her so much more now that I've learned about her from Dog's perspective.

Okay, okay, I have another interesting thing to add here too. I really liked Dog's ideas about how to change the criminal justice system. He suggests a fine for most first time offenses, and if a person committs more than one offense, the fine increases. He uses the example of car thieves. First time, they pay #5,000. Second time, it's $10,000. Third time, it's $15,000, and so on. He thinks if we hit criminals where it really hurts-their wallets-they'll start thinking: "I've gotten caught so many times before, is it really worth the money I'll have to pay to steal thsi car?" I say it's worth a shot! I wish lawmakers/police would see this too, but I suppose he'll just have to keep championing his cause.

I really liked this book, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book from The Dog!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considered to be the world’s best bounty hunter (and I happen to agree), Duane “Dog” Chapman lays out in this book his ways of catching fugitives, the mistakes he’s made in his life, his capture of Andrew Lustre in Mexico then finding himself in jail over it. I believe that incident took a huge toll on Dog and one he’ll never forget. I think it was terribly unfair that he was not awarded the $300,000 dollars for Lustre’s capture.

Dog is a deeply spiritual man who loves God, Beth and the rest of his family. Nothing else is closer to him in his life and his sincerity is genuine.

Dog understands the criminal’s minds and the way they work and think as he himself was a criminal, spending time in Huntsville prison in Texas. He understands what makes them tick, what gets their goat, which buttons to push when on a bounty and trying to locate the scum that skipped his bond. You need to remember that Dog himself was once a drug addict and on the wrong side of the law. Dog has seen it all and done it all and although he only has a Grade 7 education, he is an extremely intelligent man who is worldly and knowledgeable about so, so many things.

Dog beat the strong odds against him by busting out of his drug addicted, gang-banger, prisoner ways and became a man to be look up to and admired. He has a huge fan base from around the world and people flock to meet him, they know deep in their hearts that he is a sincere man who deeply feels every word he says. The advice he gives his jumps when he captures them is real and authentic. Dog is the man of “second chances”!

I would highly recommend this book to everyone, you’ll be surprised at the man you’re about to meet in this novel. If you had a negative perception of Dog previous to this novel, I can almost guarantee that pretty much everyone who chooses to read this WILL change their minds.

All the best Dog, keep on keeping the streets safe!

[Jay French · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dog is a character. No doubt about it. The character that he is in this book is a lot like the character he is in his television show. But here, we also see the Dog explaining himself – why he got in trouble in Mexico, why he used a racial epithet to describe one son’s girlfriend that he believed described himself , how quite a few of his many children have (or had) issues, why he forgot to pay his taxes for years, and on. The Mexico story and the racial slur that lost him his show really drive this narrative – a majority of the ink in this book relate to those two incidents. He’s like a comic book hero come to life, but mixed with equal parts Dude and neighborhood preacher, and as likely to induce a cringe reflex as an appreciation of his often good intentions. It’s hard to pigeonhole him, but if I were allowed a single tag, pompous might be a good place to start. Even though that sounds negative, it seems to relate to Dog’s belief in his place in the world. I think this world isn’t big enough for him. If you don’t like Dog, you won’t like this book. If you like Dog, you will likely appreciate his often strange logic and attempts at honesty. And let me be the first to bring this idea to public attention, because once you think about it, it makes perfect sense if you know the story. I could see this making a wonderful musical.

[Katie Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge of Dog the Bounter Hunter. I love the show, and I read his first book, "You Can Run But You Can't Hide". I love how strong Dog's faith is and how he incorporates not just in his personal life, but his professonal life as well.

While You Can Run dealt with Dog's birth and early life, crazy motorcyle gang days, prison and then bounty hunting, this book was more about the mercy shown to him after his drug addict son, Tucker, recorded him saying the N word. Dog's angry rant cost him his TV show for a period of time and led him into his darkest days. It truly tested his faith.

I don't condone what he did, but there are a lot more particulars to the story that weren't necessarily released.

The book also has "intermission" where tough bounty hunting cases are shown. And it also details more of his struggles after apprehending Andrew Luster as well as problems with the IRS, fellow bounty hunters etc.

He also discusses his marriage and partnership with Beth his relationship with his children, and his faith.

Overall, a great read!

[Cerian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised with both his books :) if you like biographies, this one isn't bad.

[Bobby Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

My grandparents gave me this book after they read it. I gave it a 3 mainly because they enjoyed it, but I did not. Dog comes across as cocky to me and he makes too many excuses for his actions. I'm 23, so I might not connect with his old school thinking much. The N word is not justified by being part Native American (what a joke). I am not convinced of his talks with God and God saying to him everytime ''Dog'' this is what you need to do. God does not always speak like a Morgan Freeman narration. To promote God so much he needs to look at his own flaws a little more. He uses a lot of curse words, gloats in his own fame / admiration, and is judgemental of other people. It seems Dog needs to get more in tune with his family. I understand every family has kids that stray from the pack, but he has numerous children stepping out of line. On a good note though I found it somewhat interesting and I can tell he wants to be a Godly man. It also must appeal to an older generation if my grandparents liked it. I think Dog's ego is more suited for reality tv. I prefer to read books that involve more humilty and as a fellow Christian I believe he needs to look within himself more. All people should concentrate on their own flaws.

[Krista Ashe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge of Dog the Bounter Hunter. I love the show, and I read his first book, "You Can Run But You Can't Hide". I love how strong Dog's faith is and how he incorporates not just in his personal life, but his professonal life as well.

While You Can Run dealt with Dog's birth and early life, crazy motorcyle gang days, prison and then bounty hunting, this book was more about the mercy shown to him after his drug addict son, Tucker, recorded him saying the N word. Dog's angry rant cost him his TV show for a period of time and led him into his darkest days. It truly tested his faith.

I don't condone what he did, but there are a lot more particulars to the story that weren't necessarily released.

The book also has "intermission" where tough bounty hunting cases are shown. And it also details more of his struggles after apprehending Andrew Luster as well as problems with the IRS, fellow bounty hunters etc.

He also discusses his marriage and partnership with Beth his relationship with his children, and his faith.

Overall, a great read!

[chucklesthescot · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main focus of this book is the trouble that Dog got himself into when he used the n word in a recored conversation with one of his sons, which was sold to the media and caused a storm. He talks about his use of the word, his problems with his son and how he felt that the boy's girlfriend was a very bad influence on him and wanted them split up.

The problem with this book is how repetitive it is. We go over the n word scandal several times, we go back to the main events that happened in the first book with big chunks of it used again and expanded upon in this book and there is a lot of repetition over his reformed status. It didn't feel like reading a totally new book when so much was in the first book.

Decent read.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

His life is so different than anybody else's it's really cool to read about. His family is cool too. What he does for a living is amazing I think it would be amazing to have that job, but it would be a job I would suck at so it's not for me. It's nice to see how his image was ruined he was able to save it, and that other people who he thought he offended weren't really offended. There were so many lessons in this book and they probably will help me someday and that makes me happy to know. His show is great and me and my dad watch it sometimes and I am going to watch it now.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars/Non-Fiction; Biography

I adore "Dog" Chapman and his honesty. As much as he tries to be seen as a tough guy on the outside, he is equally soft and tender on the inside.

He knows he has messed up in life and he is not afraid to admit it. In this book he becomes 'real' to those who have followed his TV show and have become a fan. He has a strong faith in God and believes in the goodness of people. A one man army trying to right his wrongs and live the best way he can.

I have more of an appreciation for him and his family after reading this book.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dog the Bounty Hunter's TV show started out as my guilty pleasure, and then I ended up falling in love with the show, because despite anything else, the Chapmans are truly a close-knit bunch and that shines through in Dog's second book, which picks up where his first book left off. We cover the second half of the Mexican saga, his n-word debacle, as well as early bounty hunting stories and reflections on his family, especially his children. Like Olivia Munn's books, if you like Dog, you'll be into this, if not, this probably won't change your mind.

[Jack Oughton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess you could sum it up as 'dysfunctional and dramatic'. This guy's life was made for TV - a very fascinating man who has done a lot of particularly crazy stuff and lived life on his terms. The bible bashing was a little grating.

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Dog" tries to justify his past, while maintaining what a good person he is. He messed up his own life and those of his kids from his first marriage...yet he has always tried to help others??? WTF?

[Amber Cooley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly mindless read, but I've gotta admit... I love Dog.

[Jeannie Merriman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book!

[Chelsea May xxx · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so repetitive of the 1st book I read by Daune Chapman aka dog the bounty hunter. Sadly we didn’t learn anything new from this book about is life apart from he is a racist and likes to use racist words and hand gestures which I absolutely hate. Some of the chapters were so boring and so uninteresting and some of the characters were so interesting and so good. We didn’t learn much about his children or his wife or friends sadly it was mainly about his job and his criminal past and all the things he done wrong and then how he made them right. He also likes to throw people and family members out of his life so he can look like a good guy when he helps them again which to me is so unfair and so cruel and selfish of him. I didn’t really get the 2 intermission chapters in this book at all it’s like they were thrown in the book to make it more interesting which sadly they didn’t I found them so boring. Overall this books wasn’t as good as his 1st book at all. The family photos were lovely to see and I loved the photos of his late wife Beth xx

[Books And Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge Dog the bounty hunter fan and watched all the shows on A&E. Leland is the reason I watched the show for so long, but I love how close the Chapman's are, and determined to catch as many criminals that they can. Dog in this book is like what he is on tv, definitely a character. He talks about his past, his kids, Andrew Luster, and the whole Mexico fiasco. When he was doing his book tour, I went to one of the ones in Ohio and meet him and Beth. They are really the nicest people, even though some of the things Beth does and says makes me wonder about her. I'm sad to hear her cancer is back and she may not have long to live so, so, sad for everyone. Prayers to Beth and the entire Chapman clan.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A could-not-put-it-down read for me. Dog has watched his children's lives, as well as his own life, become filled with trials, turmoils, stress, etc., which continues to this day. But he is able to demonstrates "second chances" are the way to endure, overcome, and to press onward. Though wounds may heal, the scars remain. Dog humbly relates what he learned throughout his life from mistakes of his own and others and how his faith in God grew during those times. His story reminded me of Proverbs 24:16 - "For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of calamity."

[Lindy Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stop shaking your head about my choice of reading material. While Dog may not be like anyone you know, he possesses qualities we all should strive for:
Love of the Lord
Admits to being wrong
Picks himself up after a fall
Works like a dog
Tries to help his fellow man.

Is this book going to win a coveted award? No. But it will win your respect for its emotional journey and sincere look into the life and work of Dog, the bounty hunter.

Go ahead, read it. I dare you.

[Reagan]

Again, just curious and felt like I needed to go ahead and finish this since I just finished the first one. This one was less enjoyable because there were a couple repeat stories and...it made me wince and cringe and dislike him a bit more. I didn't know about all his controversies because I was a kid watching the show. Basically, as I said in my first review, I do believe he has done good things but I also disagree with some of his choices, actions, and beliefs.

[Amy Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!! Wow!!! Reading those words was so theraputic for me. Everyone has been through or knows someone with anxiety, depression or addiction. Dog's knowledge of this dark world and his gigantic helpful heart is shown in such a beautiful way on these pages. God bless you and your family, Dog. You are an incredible person. Aloha! Or as my native ancestors would say Wela'lin!

[Skip Track]

There is a story in this book where Dog stops a man from possibly attempting to stab a preach - in this story Dog refers to himself as being a 6 foot tall blond man - DOG IS NOT 6 FEET TALL - he is about 5 foot 7 inches - I used to be a big fan of the Dog - now I wonder, how much more has he embellished, how much of his show is b.s.??

[Kevin Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always liked Dog the bounty hunter and wanted to learn more about him. I love when he talks about his family and about his passion for his job. He’s definitely a great rebound story in life and it was interesting to read about how he handles the government as well as fugitives with God as a tool for his trade. Great read.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dog, the bounty hunter has no problem patting himself on the back. His determination is bigger than his impulsiveness. He shows himself to be kindhearted. He might not always make the best decisions but he makes an interesting person to read about.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read! Dog is a strong person with amazing faith! He is the American Super Hero!
He's an inspiration with how he has turned his life from crime and darkness to law enforcement and light. A must read!!!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I'm a Dog fan! Don't judge! Duane was shown mercy many times in his life and he did try to show grace in return. Hopefully he changed lives. Still, he’s never was the same without Beth, though. She was the glue.

[brian miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good booK

A pretty good book.I recently discovered reruns of Dog The Bounty Hunter on A/E and I love the show so I had to read this.

[Gemma Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really challenging live he has had. He has turned his life around he has helped many people to stop drugs and criminal activity