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Detective Murdoch #4
Let Loose the Dogs
Jennings, Maureen
495 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2003
61 people are currently reading
883 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Jennings
55 books383 followersMaureen Jennings, now a Canadian Citizen, was born on Eastfield Road in Birmingham, England and spent her formative years there until she emigrated to Canada at the age of seventeen with her mother.
This has meant that she still feels a deep connection with her homeland. It has also no doubt been a strong influence in her love for, and her writing about, the Victorian period. She attended the University of Windsor where she attained a BA in philosophy and psychology.
A couple of years trying to decide what she really wanted to do with her life resulted in her returning to university, the University of Toronto, this time where she earned an MA in English literature.For the next eight years, she taught English at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute at a time when the English department seemed to be chock full of writers. Eric Wright, went on to write the highly successful Charlie Salter mystery series, Graeme Gibson, Peter Such, and others were writing both novels and poetry. An exciting time in so many ways but after eight years, another change of direction and in 1972, Maureen left Ryerson to become a psychotherapist, which was a long time interest. She has continued in private practice since then, although nowadays she mostly conducts creative expression groups and writes. Always passionate about dogs, she is happy to own a border collie named Jeremy-Brett and a mixed breed named Varley.
Series:
* Detective Murdoch
* Christine Morris
* Detective Inspector Tom Tyler
This has meant that she still feels a deep connection with her homeland. It has also no doubt been a strong influence in her love for, and her writing about, the Victorian period. She attended the University of Windsor where she attained a BA in philosophy and psychology.
A couple of years trying to decide what she really wanted to do with her life resulted in her returning to university, the University of Toronto, this time where she earned an MA in English literature.For the next eight years, she taught English at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute at a time when the English department seemed to be chock full of writers. Eric Wright, went on to write the highly successful Charlie Salter mystery series, Graeme Gibson, Peter Such, and others were writing both novels and poetry. An exciting time in so many ways but after eight years, another change of direction and in 1972, Maureen left Ryerson to become a psychotherapist, which was a long time interest. She has continued in private practice since then, although nowadays she mostly conducts creative expression groups and writes. Always passionate about dogs, she is happy to own a border collie named Jeremy-Brett and a mixed breed named Varley.
Series:
* Detective Murdoch
* Christine Morris
* Detective Inspector Tom Tyler
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 5, 2017
Exciting story...probably the best and most in-depth of the series so far!
I enjoy this detective series as well as the TV show even though it is only loosely based on the books!
I enjoy this detective series as well as the TV show even though it is only loosely based on the books!
October 1, 2018
This is undoubtedly the best Murdoch novel yet and it kept me guessing all the way through to the end. It adds some additional background for Murdoch himself, delving into his early family life and his relationships with his sister and father. It's an interesting read and one that takes the plot into a distinctly more personal line than the previous novels. The evidence seems fairly clear cut and I found myself reading with great gusto to find out what had actually happened. Once again, there are at least three different side plots and story threads and half of the game is to figure out the important one.
August 1, 2019
This book is half way through the Murdoch Series, it is book 4 of a series that currently has 8 novels and a novella. Over the past 10 weeks I have read and reviewed a book by Maureen Jennings each week. Over those ten weeks I have read 5 non-Murdoch books by Jennings and this is the 6th of the works in the Murdoch universe. This novel is also the basis for episode 6 in season one of the Tv series. As such the story was fairly familiar. Or at least many elements of it. The novels and they TV show have numerous similarities, but also a few differences. Both are great entertainment. Of the Murdoch books I have read most have been rated either 4 or 5 stars. For this one I must admit it was hard, I came close to giving it three stars. It is the first story in the series that I did not devour. In fact, I started it, read a different book, then came back and finished it. The story finishes very well. But I found the beginning really slow.
In this story we encounter Murdoch’s sister who is a cloistered nun, on her deathbed. We encounter his estranged father, who is charged with murder. We encounter more of Murdoch’s conflicting reactions to his Catholic faith. Both at the convent and in his relations with a non-Catholic woman. And the story has a lot going on. There are plot trails about dog fights, illegal gambling, a case against Harry Murdoch that is not so clean cut as it first appeared. There is both a young man and woman who are considered simpletons. And we have a lot of people all hiding different things. And Murdoch’s own conflicting feelings about his past and his father might get in the way of his really seeking the truth and justice.
As mentioned, the first third of this story seems to drag. But once It gets going it seems to really race on to the end. One of the things I loved about this story is that everything is not wrapped up nice and clean at the end. There are several story lines left unanswered. It leaves me wondering if we will encounter them in another of the books, or if we will just need to draw our own conclusions and be contented with them. I am very glad I read this book, and to date it is the closest to one of the episodes in the show. I am thankful that I returned to the book, and the ending has left me hungry for the next Murdoch novel.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Maureen Jennings.
In this story we encounter Murdoch’s sister who is a cloistered nun, on her deathbed. We encounter his estranged father, who is charged with murder. We encounter more of Murdoch’s conflicting reactions to his Catholic faith. Both at the convent and in his relations with a non-Catholic woman. And the story has a lot going on. There are plot trails about dog fights, illegal gambling, a case against Harry Murdoch that is not so clean cut as it first appeared. There is both a young man and woman who are considered simpletons. And we have a lot of people all hiding different things. And Murdoch’s own conflicting feelings about his past and his father might get in the way of his really seeking the truth and justice.
As mentioned, the first third of this story seems to drag. But once It gets going it seems to really race on to the end. One of the things I loved about this story is that everything is not wrapped up nice and clean at the end. There are several story lines left unanswered. It leaves me wondering if we will encounter them in another of the books, or if we will just need to draw our own conclusions and be contented with them. I am very glad I read this book, and to date it is the closest to one of the episodes in the show. I am thankful that I returned to the book, and the ending has left me hungry for the next Murdoch novel.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Maureen Jennings.
October 16, 2014
Toronto Detective William Murdoch has a lot on his mind; his sister, Sister Philomena, is dying. His father, from whom he has long been estranged, has been convicted of murdering a man over gambling debts in a dog fight ... and then there is the lovely widow Enid Jones, for whom he has been pining during the previous two books I read in the series.
When Murdoch's father asks him to re-investigate the murder of which he has been convicted, loudly proclaiming his innocence, Murdoch is skeptical. He has far too many memories of abuse suffered at his father's hands to believe him entirely. Nevertheless, he agrees to look into the matter.
This book takes Murdoch into the murky world of dog-fighting, as well as giving us a deeper look into his childhood and time as a lumberjack before coming to Toronto to work in the police department.
As with the previous two books I read, Maureen Jennings brings us characters and places that are interesting and entertaining. I highly recommend these books to fans who, like myself, had previously only known Murdoch through "The Artful Detective"/"Murdoch Mysteries" television series and want to see the material that gave rise to the program.
When Murdoch's father asks him to re-investigate the murder of which he has been convicted, loudly proclaiming his innocence, Murdoch is skeptical. He has far too many memories of abuse suffered at his father's hands to believe him entirely. Nevertheless, he agrees to look into the matter.
This book takes Murdoch into the murky world of dog-fighting, as well as giving us a deeper look into his childhood and time as a lumberjack before coming to Toronto to work in the police department.
As with the previous two books I read, Maureen Jennings brings us characters and places that are interesting and entertaining. I highly recommend these books to fans who, like myself, had previously only known Murdoch through "The Artful Detective"/"Murdoch Mysteries" television series and want to see the material that gave rise to the program.
May 24, 2021
I'm a fan of the TV series, but it's the first of Maureen Jennings' books that I've read. It was impossible not to notice the ways in which the TV series and the book are similar and different, especially in terms of Murdoch's character. It was quite an amusing experience.
In terms of the plot, I remembered the episode that was based on this book quite well but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story, especially as the book was really well-written and the setting was described in an elegant but also believable way.
In terms of the plot, I remembered the episode that was based on this book quite well but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story, especially as the book was really well-written and the setting was described in an elegant but also believable way.
July 2, 2023
Probably the best part in the series, full with events/adventures, tense as in movies (well, not like in a so-called blockbuster, but not very far from that).
We even witness Murdoch's sexual initiation LOL
This time detective Murdoch reluctantly takes the case of his own father, condemned to be hanged for murder. And is doing this in hos leave for mourning his dead sister...
He had a lot to dig for the real murderer, but he finally did find the real one.
We even witness Murdoch's sexual initiation LOL
This time detective Murdoch reluctantly takes the case of his own father, condemned to be hanged for murder. And is doing this in hos leave for mourning his dead sister...
He had a lot to dig for the real murderer, but he finally did find the real one.
September 29, 2021
After watching Detective Murdoch's series, I found a completely different description of this person. But it's typical that the tv series often present a different, usually more interesting view. The story itself is quite well constructed, interesting to read and gives a good insight in the old times. Makes me wanna read other books by the author.
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January 19, 2020Better than the previous Murdoch, for the simple reason that I didn't solve the mystery before the reveal. Not that the third book was lacking.
October 10, 2016
"Kto powinien sięgnąć po tę powieść? Może i się powtórzę, gdyż pisałam o tym przy okazji omawiania poprzednich tomów, ale w tym wypadku powinno zostać mi to wybaczone – bowiem zdania nie zmieniłam i, jak sądzę, już nie zmienię. A więc kogo powinna zainteresować ta pozycja? Miłośników kryminałów, zwłaszcza tych retro. Amatorów detektywistycznych zagadek rozwiązywanych w starym, dobrym stylu. Pasjonatów spraw, których wyjaśnienie do samego końca pozostaje tajemnicą. Czytelników ceniących towarzystwo wyrazistych i nietuzinkowych bohaterów. Osoby szanujące swój czas, pragnące przeczytać coś, co ich w pełni usatysfakcjonuje – coś, co nie będzie tylko czystą rozrywką, ale też umysłową pożywką. Naprawdę gorąco polecam!"
Cała recenzja dostępna na moim blogu, na który Was serdecznie zapraszam:
http://magicznyswiatksiazki.pl/spuscm...
Cała recenzja dostępna na moim blogu, na który Was serdecznie zapraszam:
http://magicznyswiatksiazki.pl/spuscm...
December 3, 2011
HUGE fan of the show so I read this book because I am going through Murdoch withdrawal. I should have done my research better because as it turns out I had already seen the episode of the show that was based on this book and I already knew how it ended. I spent the first half of the book eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ogden (not present), Crabtree (my dearest love, barely present) and Brackenreid (my mother's dearest love, also barely present) so I was sorely disappointed. PLUS, the romance they refer to on the back of the book is with boring Enid Jones. Turns out Murdoch is the vehicle through which I enjoy all these other characters. I suggest you think about the show and the books as two separate entities.
July 25, 2016
Loved it! Very intense, hard to put down and learned a lot more about Murdoch! Can't wait to read the next one!
May 26, 2023
Detective William Murdoch faces his past when his sister, a cloistered nun, dies and he comes face to face with his long-estranged father who has been convicted of murder.
William's paternal hatred for the sins of the past must be overcome if he is to investigate the situation of the elder Murdoch's conviction and there is little to go on. Harry Murdoch had changed little since his wife died and his two surviving children flee their home to get away from him. He was nearly dead drunk at the time and doesn't remember much of anything of the incident. And everyone, it seems, who spoke at the trial believes that Harry, drunk and a sore loser in a betting match, indeed killed the deceased.
It makes a very challenging investigation for the detective, considering that he halfway believes his father guilty. It is only his belief that he must make every effort to get conclusive proof that drives Det. Murdoch in the investigation.
This is the third work of Maureen Jennings and I enjoyed it, especially for her descriptions of the people, the places and the situations. Jennings does bring late-Victorian Toronto, and the life of the people, to life.
William's paternal hatred for the sins of the past must be overcome if he is to investigate the situation of the elder Murdoch's conviction and there is little to go on. Harry Murdoch had changed little since his wife died and his two surviving children flee their home to get away from him. He was nearly dead drunk at the time and doesn't remember much of anything of the incident. And everyone, it seems, who spoke at the trial believes that Harry, drunk and a sore loser in a betting match, indeed killed the deceased.
It makes a very challenging investigation for the detective, considering that he halfway believes his father guilty. It is only his belief that he must make every effort to get conclusive proof that drives Det. Murdoch in the investigation.
This is the third work of Maureen Jennings and I enjoyed it, especially for her descriptions of the people, the places and the situations. Jennings does bring late-Victorian Toronto, and the life of the people, to life.
February 11, 2020
Read this series in order if you can.
Thankfully, my library had the Murdoch Mysteries ready to be borrowed, so I've been able to read this amazing series one after the other.
The fourth novel is a great read, however not quite as enthralling as the previous three. Yes, there is much detail of 1890s life in Toronto (which I have come to adore), and the mystery is fantastic, but there seemed to be a few too many filler moments this time, which slowed down the pace of the story.
What did we learn this time around? Murdoch finally has a connection with a woman, there used to be betting on how many rats a dog killed in a given time, a nice meal could cost almost a week's pay, and being in the wrong place at the wrong time could almost kill you.
We also learn more about Murdoch's childhood, specifically about his father and his sister, which gives some understanding of the character we see in the novels.
Lovers of the crime genre should try this series. It's interesting to see how crimes were solved before science became one of the main factors in solving crimes.
Thankfully, my library had the Murdoch Mysteries ready to be borrowed, so I've been able to read this amazing series one after the other.
The fourth novel is a great read, however not quite as enthralling as the previous three. Yes, there is much detail of 1890s life in Toronto (which I have come to adore), and the mystery is fantastic, but there seemed to be a few too many filler moments this time, which slowed down the pace of the story.
What did we learn this time around? Murdoch finally has a connection with a woman, there used to be betting on how many rats a dog killed in a given time, a nice meal could cost almost a week's pay, and being in the wrong place at the wrong time could almost kill you.
We also learn more about Murdoch's childhood, specifically about his father and his sister, which gives some understanding of the character we see in the novels.
Lovers of the crime genre should try this series. It's interesting to see how crimes were solved before science became one of the main factors in solving crimes.
April 26, 2020
Am really on the fence with this one and it has to do with the main character. This series written by Maureen Jennings is the basis of a television series here in Canada, "Murdoch Mysteries", with William Murdoch as a detective in late 19th Century Toronto. As I read this book, it was obvious the two William Murdochs could not have been more different: comparing them, the one in the book did not appeal so much. The writing of this book is fine, but the storyline is okay and kept my interest through to the end. I'd only really picked up this book to see how the novel's William Murdoch compared with the television series character. Will I read another in this series by the author, no, it's just not for me.
August 23, 2020
Acting Detective William Murdoch is challenged from all perspectives in “Let Loose the Dogs.” He must rise up and overcome his personal history and humanity to honour his family members and uncover the truth. He must honour his need for love, friendship, and companionship. Most poignantly, William Murdoch must acknowledge and yet try to separate himself from the views of others about who he is and his worth in life. The dogs are loose, yet William Murdoch always chooses to feed the good, kind, loyal, and empathic dog. Thank you Maureen Jennings for introducing us to a “steadfast (fictional) companion” (Jennings, 2003, p. 29).
January 27, 2022
I stalled out reading this one. It’s one of only a handful of series that I’ll read about the early days. Most books I prefer to be more modern. But I like Murdoch. Even if he is quite different from the tv character. I still try to envision him the same but often things throw me off like his moustache and his lack of a proper girlfriend/wife. This book entails his father’s return and being found guilty of murder after a ratting contest with his dog Havoc. It seemed to take forever though to untangle all those webs of lies and deceit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2024
Quite a lot of characters, and I had some difficulty keeping them all straight. Lots of twists and turns to the plot, and I didn’t guess who had ‘dunnit’.
More details about Murdoch’s background and family, esp his father who was very abusive to the family and when he is going to be hanged for murders, grasps a lifeline by asking Murdoch to find out if he really did it.
Murdoch loses his virginity in the book, but not a lot more detail about the woman after that.
I think there was a lot of research to portray early Toronto and Canada.
More details about Murdoch’s background and family, esp his father who was very abusive to the family and when he is going to be hanged for murders, grasps a lifeline by asking Murdoch to find out if he really did it.
Murdoch loses his virginity in the book, but not a lot more detail about the woman after that.
I think there was a lot of research to portray early Toronto and Canada.
June 6, 2021
Every time I get to the final page of a book in this series, I think "Wow, that was the best one."
Let Loose the Dogs was no different. Jennings does a great job of fitting together all of the tiny pieces. It seems as if the story might go no where, then wham - it all comes together.
I was particularly happy at the lack of prostitutes in this book. The sex scenes were thankfully tame. Good book. I enjoyed it very much.
Let Loose the Dogs was no different. Jennings does a great job of fitting together all of the tiny pieces. It seems as if the story might go no where, then wham - it all comes together.
I was particularly happy at the lack of prostitutes in this book. The sex scenes were thankfully tame. Good book. I enjoyed it very much.
July 28, 2019
While I do enjoy the television series 'Murdoch Mysteries' I do form the opinion that the novels provide a more realistic William Murdoch than the tv series. I do enjoy the commentary on 1890s Toronto. One example is the meal for which William Murdoch paid $4.50 which was almost four days' pay for the detective.
August 19, 2020
My favourite so far of the Murdoch books. This one revolves around family, Murdoch’s family mainly but other families play important roles in the story too.
The book isn’t perfect, not all of the stories that get told in the novel are wrapped up. Some just seem to peter out a little and others are resolved if not totally satisfactorily.
But a book that kept me reading to see how it ended.
The book isn’t perfect, not all of the stories that get told in the novel are wrapped up. Some just seem to peter out a little and others are resolved if not totally satisfactorily.
But a book that kept me reading to see how it ended.
November 18, 2024
I love this TV series so much, it has been one of my favourites for a long time. I'd probably say since I was 19 maybe I can't remember. I forgot how little everyone else appears in this book like Crabtree and Brackenreid are barley mentioned I think they are mentioned maybe 5 times out of this entire book. Also the romance Enid Jones really, Murdoch could do better and he does as we see that in the show. I think this is the longest book in the series, which I think the book could have been shorter in my opinion but it was still a good book none the less. I will always like Doctor Odgen way more than any other women in this book, well except for Dr. Grace I really like her and really thought her and Crabtree would eventually get married. I love the years that the books and the show is set in, I think seeing the outfits and all old things that they had back then it just all looks so cool. I will continue this series because I do have the books at home because I asked for a bunch of them for Christmas last year. I also love how the books are by a Canadian author as well, because sometimes you don't hear a lot about Canadian authors. I think now though these days you are hearing maybe a little bit more but still not a lot. I am excited to read the next book in the series, because I do enjoy it a lot and can't wait to see when he finally meets Doctor Ogden. Happy Reading!!!
September 26, 2017
I liked the book. First I was a little bit sceptic, but the more I continued the more I enjoyed it. Story was catchy, the characters interesting to follow. Ending was a bit mild but still well written. I would really read another parts of the series too.
August 17, 2020
Still liking the written series over the television show. Appreciate the attention to historical detail. Saw the season 1 episode of this story and it is hard to do justice to 495 pages in one hour. I'll take the book any day.
May 29, 2021
Really enjoyed it, but I struggled with the jumps in narrative in each chapter between different characters (and sub plots.)
Not entirely sure why Murdoch seems unable to stick to one alias. Is that meant to make him seem more likable to the reader?
Not entirely sure why Murdoch seems unable to stick to one alias. Is that meant to make him seem more likable to the reader?
July 14, 2022
Very good book, I enjoyed the relationship between Murdoch and Miss Jones, the length of the book was ideal because he had more scope for the story but the only issue I saw was nearing the end counterfeiting came up with another detective but at the end it did not it appeared lost.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2023
Definitely my favorite of the series so far. I think it’s the only one that actually inspired episodes of the show. We get to learn more about Murdoch’s family, there’s some news in the Enid department, and the mystery is a good twisty whodunit with an interesting cast of characters.
May 17, 2017
Best one of the series, so far.
February 4, 2018
Since Murdoch was working on his own in this case, I rather missed Crabtree et. al. However, as usual, the characterizations and place and time are the strong suit of this series.
November 13, 2018
Good read but I skip chapters on occasion since she gets into a lot of detail that really doesn't move the narrative.
May 22, 2019
The story is set in 1895 Toronto.
Thirty-four year old William Murdoch is an acting detective, who investigates family secrets.
Thirty-four year old William Murdoch is an acting detective, who investigates family secrets.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews