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Dog Mysteries #1
Magic
Two decades of genetic research and experimentation, subsidized by the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education, produces an amazing animal of the sub species Canis Lupus Familiaris. It appears to be a large golden retriever; however, it has one salient attribute that separates it from the rest of the canine world, it possesses the intelligence of an adult human being. After escaping from a genetic research laboratory in Iran, Magic wanders into Iraq, where he befriends Lt. Ryan Quinn. He saves Ryan's life after he is captured by insurgents. In return, Ryan ships Magic back to his Florida home. Ryan has no idea that his big lovable mutt is the result of many generations of genetic tinkering by the Iranian Ministry of Health. Magic can communicate using a computer, but is reluctant to tell anyone about his powers for fear of becoming a lab rat again.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2011
93 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
About the author
Edmond Humm
21 books6 followersAbout the author:
Marine Officer, General Manager, Airline Director, Teacher.
Edmond Humm is now doing what he wanted to do most of his life. He is writing novels. His first adventure in the business of writing began when he was eight-years-old. He wrote, drew, printed and published his own comic books on the streets of East Los Angeles. That was a long time ago.
Ed’s fiction writing credits include two published novels: Eternity and Golden Goose and eight indie published novels. His short story, The War’s over won a literary prize. His nonfiction credits include hundreds of instructional manuals and guides. He was the sports and history editor for Anka society in San Jose, California.
He received his BA degree from Chaminade University of Hawaii, and did his graduate work at the University of South Carolina-MFA. As a teacher at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, he taught computer science and studied creative writing. When not writing, he mentors high school students and tutors college students in both writing and computer science.
He lives in Florida with his wife.
Marine Officer, General Manager, Airline Director, Teacher.
Edmond Humm is now doing what he wanted to do most of his life. He is writing novels. His first adventure in the business of writing began when he was eight-years-old. He wrote, drew, printed and published his own comic books on the streets of East Los Angeles. That was a long time ago.
Ed’s fiction writing credits include two published novels: Eternity and Golden Goose and eight indie published novels. His short story, The War’s over won a literary prize. His nonfiction credits include hundreds of instructional manuals and guides. He was the sports and history editor for Anka society in San Jose, California.
He received his BA degree from Chaminade University of Hawaii, and did his graduate work at the University of South Carolina-MFA. As a teacher at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, he taught computer science and studied creative writing. When not writing, he mentors high school students and tutors college students in both writing and computer science.
He lives in Florida with his wife.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 27, 2012
It would really be great if dogs can communicate with their owners as Magic can, but that would put Cesar Milan out of commission. Haha! I am already impressed as it is with the "conversations" I have with my own pet dog. Considered as the world's second most intelligent breeds, my toy poodle would sit in front of me and stare motionless until she gets my attention. I can't help but feel the wave of energy she is emanating to get across her intents. When I stare back, I have the sensation of swimming into murky sea of thoughts. And when I begin to ask her what she wants, presenting options and logical guesses, she would start wagging her docked tail like crazy, going all out hyper on a choice she most wanted to do. So, a dog who have his own e-mail and can type coherent messages? Yeah, I am so ready to believe that! But my dog is no experiment.
Magic, unfortunately for him, is a product of genetic mutation in Iran designed to be used for espionage. Having acquired human intelligence to add to his lovely golden retriever traits, Magic has escaped and managed to save a U.S. marine from torture and death. The heroic rescue inadvertently brought him to USA, where he was adopted by the soldier he saved. Once there, his abilities came handy again when they chanced upon a terroristic activitiy. This book further gives credence to the the old saying "a dog is a man's best friend." It's heartwarming to read about how Magic did everything to help his owner, including risking his life. For a free e-book, this is a true treasure for me so I am overlooking all the typo and other grammatical errors I rarely find in printed copies. Edmond Humm packs a lot of action & suspense in this story, a handful of laugh out loud moments, and a smattering of drama that would leave you wanting your very own Magic.
Magic, unfortunately for him, is a product of genetic mutation in Iran designed to be used for espionage. Having acquired human intelligence to add to his lovely golden retriever traits, Magic has escaped and managed to save a U.S. marine from torture and death. The heroic rescue inadvertently brought him to USA, where he was adopted by the soldier he saved. Once there, his abilities came handy again when they chanced upon a terroristic activitiy. This book further gives credence to the the old saying "a dog is a man's best friend." It's heartwarming to read about how Magic did everything to help his owner, including risking his life. For a free e-book, this is a true treasure for me so I am overlooking all the typo and other grammatical errors I rarely find in printed copies. Edmond Humm packs a lot of action & suspense in this story, a handful of laugh out loud moments, and a smattering of drama that would leave you wanting your very own Magic.
June 3, 2015
I received this book through the Goodreads giveaways for an honest review. What a neat book. Written from the perspective of Magic the dog, I found this book a joy to read. Magic is a genetically engineered dog who is smarter than the average human. He escapes from the lab he is in and meets up with some soldiers who are currently doing duty in Iraq, where the lab is located, and is befriended by a marine named Ryan Quinn. Quinn is injured when his Humvee hits a roadside bomb and is left behind, but Magic helps Quinn to escape when he is captured and helps him get to help. Quinn names the dog who has befriended him Magic and takes Magic back to the states with him and this is where the real story of Magic starts. The author does a fantastic job of writing this book as seen through the eyes of Magic and it is full of humorous quips that you wouldn't think about coming from man's best friend. Magic even knows how to use a computer and takes on line college courses. There is a thrill ride every minute as Magic and Quinn get wrapped up in an illegal smuggling operation of some new gov't. Equipment. It is simple amazing the things that Magic does to foil the smugglers from stealing the gov't. Equipment by getting Quinn to investigate what is going on. I was hooked before the end of the first chapter and found it hard to put down. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story. From teens to retirees will enjoy this book! It is not just filled with excitement but will have you laughing throughout as Magic tries to find ways to engage his human companions. Of course, Magic is the hero of this book but he is modest and doesn't wish to be recognized as the hero. He just wants to live a free and happy life with Ryan. Enjoy a fun read and pick up this book! Fantastic!
August 6, 2012
Being an ex-marine, I knew who wrote this book had to be a marine by the way of the verbage.
Strange word, but I love this book. I forgot, the most important thing. "Semper Fi" Sir.
Strange word, but I love this book. I forgot, the most important thing. "Semper Fi" Sir.
July 3, 2012
Compare to the Art of Racing in the Rain
April 1, 2022
Interesting
What an interesting concept. A scientist in Iran or Iraq performed a bunch of human DNA crossed over to animals including our hero, Magic! It a fun read a a good way to settle you mind between two heavier books
What an interesting concept. A scientist in Iran or Iraq performed a bunch of human DNA crossed over to animals including our hero, Magic! It a fun read a a good way to settle you mind between two heavier books
April 3, 2014
I fell in love with Magic.
I was reminded of my childhood attachment to Old Yeller when Magic was trying to save Quinn from the Iraqi after the Humvee accident. I felt my heart-strings tug for our dog-hero, Magic, who will risk his own life to save ours just like I felt for Old Yeller and Lassie.
From the first paragraph, I was intrigued and pulled into the read, though it wasn't obvious this was a dog's point of view. I thought Magic was just a dog until he reveals, "I read we have 100,000 times better smell than humans". That made me do a mental stop and think, "What? Dogs can't read”.
The discovery that Magic is a “super” dog was a fun surprise.
Magic’s storyline is innovative, fresh, fun, and exciting. The characters are well identified and personable. The dialogue flows with a natural ease that is unique to each character. I love reading Magic's point of view because it's so fresh and, well, dog-like. It's great to see our human world through his eyes and experiences. Magic’s world makes me smile.
Then the evolving twist of the sci-fi intrigue and powerful bad guys is more than I anticipated and the story really got larger and more delicious.
Mr. Humm shows a mastery of story tempo with Magic. As if he could read my mind, he charged up the tempo at just the right moment, holding my interest and keeping me on the edge of my seat.
The story kept unfolding in unique and imaginative ways. The "good guys" kept getting into seemingly unsolvable situations.
The climax brought a convergence of all the suspense, plot and mystery in a masterfully woven delivery.
I read Magic in one sitting, unable to put it down and now that my vacation to Magic’s world is finished, the memories of my journey leave me smiling and still exhilarated.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)
I was reminded of my childhood attachment to Old Yeller when Magic was trying to save Quinn from the Iraqi after the Humvee accident. I felt my heart-strings tug for our dog-hero, Magic, who will risk his own life to save ours just like I felt for Old Yeller and Lassie.
From the first paragraph, I was intrigued and pulled into the read, though it wasn't obvious this was a dog's point of view. I thought Magic was just a dog until he reveals, "I read we have 100,000 times better smell than humans". That made me do a mental stop and think, "What? Dogs can't read”.
The discovery that Magic is a “super” dog was a fun surprise.
Magic’s storyline is innovative, fresh, fun, and exciting. The characters are well identified and personable. The dialogue flows with a natural ease that is unique to each character. I love reading Magic's point of view because it's so fresh and, well, dog-like. It's great to see our human world through his eyes and experiences. Magic’s world makes me smile.
Then the evolving twist of the sci-fi intrigue and powerful bad guys is more than I anticipated and the story really got larger and more delicious.
Mr. Humm shows a mastery of story tempo with Magic. As if he could read my mind, he charged up the tempo at just the right moment, holding my interest and keeping me on the edge of my seat.
The story kept unfolding in unique and imaginative ways. The "good guys" kept getting into seemingly unsolvable situations.
The climax brought a convergence of all the suspense, plot and mystery in a masterfully woven delivery.
I read Magic in one sitting, unable to put it down and now that my vacation to Magic’s world is finished, the memories of my journey leave me smiling and still exhilarated.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)
October 16, 2021
Magic is the first book in a new series in which the main characters are dogs and a series where the stories are being told by a dog. Magic is a golden-haired retriever, but he’s not your average Golden Haired Retriever. He was born in a super secret Iranian animal research lab where his dam and Sire, had parts of the human brain implant in their brains and Magic was born with human intelligence. The saga of Magic begun with his escape from the lab and is befriended by marines fighting in Iraque. An IUD hits the Hummer. His friend, the company’s commander, the lieutenant, goes missing. Magic finds him, frees him from captivity, and leads him to safety. Lieutenant Ryan brings him to America, where the real action begins.
Ryan and Maic stumble upon a plot to sell top secret government property to the highest bidder. Members of the CIA and Homeland Security are involved and to0 cover themselves and their traitorous activities. They try to kill Ryan. When that fails, they frame him on a drug charge. The only one that knows what’s happening is Magic. Magic can understand human language, but he cannot speak.m so how does he make others aware of what’s going on? How does he prevent this act of terrorism? How does he keep Ryan from spending years in federal pinion on drug charges? To discover how he does that, read the book.
Ryan and Maic stumble upon a plot to sell top secret government property to the highest bidder. Members of the CIA and Homeland Security are involved and to0 cover themselves and their traitorous activities. They try to kill Ryan. When that fails, they frame him on a drug charge. The only one that knows what’s happening is Magic. Magic can understand human language, but he cannot speak.m so how does he make others aware of what’s going on? How does he prevent this act of terrorism? How does he keep Ryan from spending years in federal pinion on drug charges? To discover how he does that, read the book.
May 11, 2025
Magic was worth the read. There were plenty of twists and turns so know the who and why didn't matter. I was rooting for Magic and his owner, Ryan Quinn. It was challenging to figure out the how of it all. I fell in love with Magic and could relate well to Ryan. I had some trouble with relating to Megan because I've never been that kind of girl and she just showed up with minimal backstory or fleshing out. I will be reading other books in this series.
October 24, 2022
Magic review
This is an entertaining book. The setting involves a brilliant dog, who is beautiful and charming. The reasons he’s so smart I found a bit implausible, but the plot is fun. And it’s not similar to a plot I’ve come across before. I enjoyed it and will read more of Magic’s story.
This is an entertaining book. The setting involves a brilliant dog, who is beautiful and charming. The reasons he’s so smart I found a bit implausible, but the plot is fun. And it’s not similar to a plot I’ve come across before. I enjoyed it and will read more of Magic’s story.
August 13, 2021
NSB Rules
I know New Smyrna Beach well I was raised their. I brought back some memories for me and I have a golden retriever named Jake somehow could resist this book. A good read but a little hard to believe..
But who doesn't love dogs and a good story.
I know New Smyrna Beach well I was raised their. I brought back some memories for me and I have a golden retriever named Jake somehow could resist this book. A good read but a little hard to believe..
But who doesn't love dogs and a good story.
August 24, 2021
Magic
I did not want to put this book down at all. It was so exciting and fast moving. As I got into it more, it got more exciting and moved faster.
Really want to read the next book in this series!
I did not want to put this book down at all. It was so exciting and fast moving. As I got into it more, it got more exciting and moved faster.
Really want to read the next book in this series!
August 31, 2021
Doggies!
I love dogs, good dogs that is. Some bad people are so mean to dogs! It is terrible to see such things! If only I could only see the good dogs:-)
I love dogs, good dogs that is. Some bad people are so mean to dogs! It is terrible to see such things! If only I could only see the good dogs:-)
March 27, 2023
What Fun
Totally unbelievable but grand fun to read!
I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it
Easy,fun read for everyone.
Totally unbelievable but grand fun to read!
I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it
Easy,fun read for everyone.
September 28, 2016
Fun dog mystery.
I love golden retrievers. We have owned two of them. But none were as smart as Magic. This is a fun smart dog book. I will read more in this series.
I love golden retrievers. We have owned two of them. But none were as smart as Magic. This is a fun smart dog book. I will read more in this series.
August 28, 2012
I was disapointed with this book. I nearly gave up reading about a third into the book. Luckily it got better. But sadly only for a two star review
I really liked the characters, but it irritated me that Magic didn't trust the man who loved him, and who Magic risked his life for numerus times, enough to tell him the truth about what he was and where he came from.
I really liked the characters, but it irritated me that Magic didn't trust the man who loved him, and who Magic risked his life for numerus times, enough to tell him the truth about what he was and where he came from.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2013
I really liked this book. It was an interesting book about a genetically engineered dog with human capabilities and his love for his master and hate for criminals. It held my interest and I moved through the book quickly. I recommend it, especially if you like dogs.
March 1, 2015
Good read. I love it when the author writes from the dogs point of view.
This book can be read by both young and old. Very interesting way of writing from the dogs view. I really enjoyed it.
This book can be read by both young and old. Very interesting way of writing from the dogs view. I really enjoyed it.
April 25, 2015
A thinking, typing Golden Retriever? Of course I thought this would be a dud but it turns out, Magic aside, this was a complicated and well done mystery. There was lots of action and intrigue. The characters lacked depth and charisma but nevertheless it was a quick, entertaining read.
July 16, 2013
Love it ;)
May 2, 2015
Good reading
Not the best I've read but a page turner anyway. I love dog stories. I'll probably read book two. It depends on the price.
Not the best I've read but a page turner anyway. I love dog stories. I'll probably read book two. It depends on the price.
May 3, 2015
Very entertaining read.
Keeps you guessing, Janice easy read. Love. Reading about golden retrievers. As I have a very soft spot for them
Keeps you guessing, Janice easy read. Love. Reading about golden retrievers. As I have a very soft spot for them
December 10, 2015
Darling.
February 18, 2016
Finally
Someone who realizes dog's are better heros than people. Fun and exciting read. As a matter of fact I think my dog is one of the experiments like Magic. Enjoy
Someone who realizes dog's are better heros than people. Fun and exciting read. As a matter of fact I think my dog is one of the experiments like Magic. Enjoy
February 27, 2016
Loved the kookiness of this book and the concept of the dog with super powers. I want to read the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews