The Big Chihuahua

Barking Detective #3

by Waverly Curtis

"Pepe is a delight!" -- RT Book Reviews (4 stars)

"In matters of courage, there is no bigger dog than me!"

P.I. Geri Sullivan and her talking Chihuahua, Pepe, are always hungry to sink their teeth into a new case. So if helping a hapless husband win back his wayward wife means sneaking into a cult of dog-worshippers, porque no?

Inside the believers' rural retreat, Pepe perks up his ears when the charismatic leader pegs him as the next incarnation of the spirit Dogawanda. But the discovery of a body, murdered between mantras, suggests there's more chicanery than channeling going on in this suspicious sect. While wild wolves howl, a killer is on the prowl--and it's up to Geri and her canine compadre to dig up the dirt.

Praise for the Barking Detective Mysteries

"Crafty plotting will keep you engrossed and have you eagerly awaiting the next book." -- RT Book Reviews , 4 Stars

"Move over, Scooby-Doo, there's a new dog in town!" --Jennie Bentley

"I look forward to Pepe's next adventure!" --Bernadette Pajer, author of A Spark of Death

"A fun twist on the typical P.I. partnership." --Simon Wood

"Readers will sit up and beg for more." --Sushi the Shih Tzu, canine star of the Trash ‘n' Treasures mysteries by Barbara Allan

Help Support Pet Adoption See Details Inside

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Animals, Fiction, Dogs, Humor, Cozy

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Waverly Curtis is the joint byline for the mystery writing team Waverly Fitzgerald and Curt Colbert.

Waverly Fitzgerald is the author of three historical romances under the name Nancy Fitzgerald. She has taught writing classes at the UCLA Writers Program, the University of Washington Extension, and regional conferences. She currently teaches at Richard Hugo House, the literary arts center in Seattle. She lives in Seattle with her daughter, Shaw, and Shaw’s Chihuahua, Pepe.

Curt Colbert is the author of the Jake Rossiter and Miss Jenkins mysteries. A Seattle native, Curt is also a poet and an avid history buff. Curt and his wife, Stephanie, live in a Seattle suburb under the thrall of their cat, Esmeralda.

Reviews

[Sallee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pepe, a little white Chihuahua can speak with his person, Geri Sullivan, P.I. in training. No one else can hear him but Geri. They go undercover at Dogawanda, a cult commune to bring back one of the members at her husband's request. We have wolf-hybrids, a rock star, a paleo diet, and a movie being filmed with the hybrid dogs. Geri's boyfriend is the animal trainer on the movie. All the chicanery going on makes this a great read. Since I have a tiny white Chihuahua that makes this cozy even more fun to read.

[Amber Polo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful heroine Geri Sullivan, PI in training, and her talking Chihuahua, Pepe, continue their crime solving. This time they stick their noses into a cult of dog-worshipers. No not your ordinary dog lovers. This is the Dogawanda cult where do … has gone wild. Throw in a few wolfdogs and a killer and you’re got a mystery as welcome as another treat. Clever and bark out loud funny.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been drawn to light, humorous stories lately and this one definitely fits the bill. You have to come into this series knowing that it’s just an entertaining mystery especially since one of the main characters is a talking chihuahua. Pepe just makes me laugh. His antics and constant sarcastic dialogue in the background is absolutely hilarious. My daughter always asks what it would be like if our dog could talk and I’d like to imagine it would be just like this. Our constant companion who doesn’t quite understand everything, but somehow magically makes sense at the same time.

I love the banter back and forth between Pepe and his owner Geri, who can fully understand him. I like how they carry on a full conversation confusing the humans around them into thinking Gerri is talking directly to them instead. In this story, we have the added setting of the mystery talking place amongst a cult of people who worship dogs. It was the perfect way to add some odd characters into the mix and of course make Pepe another star.

I figured out the mystery fairly early on, but was intrigued by a surprise appearance from Geri’s long lost sister. I also liked the ferocious wolf-dog hybrids that played a big part throughout the story. After that ending, I’m curious to see if Felix can now understand Pepe.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This time, talking Chihuahua, Pepe, and his human, Geri, are heading off to pass on a message to a woman sucked into a cult - Dogawanda which preaches living the 'way of the dog' in the Here and Now. She passes on the message from the woman's husband and abandoned pet dog but stays in the cult's 'enlightenment center', continuing the introductory training course.

Surprisingly, one of the members is Geri's sister, missing for several years. The leader of the cultists has decided that Pepe - or Towering Cedar - is the next incarnation of the warrior spirit, Dogawanda . . . or maybe it's the Aztec moon-goddess, Ixoli-Pixoli - but she can almost hear Pepi speaking as if it was a game of telephone. The missing wife turns up dead. Geri's boyfriend, Felix, is working on a film as a trainer for the hybrid wolf-dogs (it's a werewolf movie with a starlet being afraid of canines in every form). Then the husband turns up dead.

As usual, the PI-in-training and her most able partner solve the case - or rather the murderer goes after Geri. Terry the sister disappears again. Fuzzy, the abandoned pet, is adopted by Felix. Jimmy G is able to cover his rent and some of Geri's pay. And it's another cute and silly Barking Detective mystery done! With the first couple chapters of the first book "Dial C for Chihuahua" to whet your appetite for more.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Inside the believers' rural retreat, Pepe perks up his ears when the charismatic leader pegs him as the next incarnation of the spirit Dogawanda. But the discovery of a body, murdered between mantras, suggests there's more chicanery than channeling going on in this suspicious sect. While wild wolves howl, a killer is on the prowl -and it's up to Geri and her canine compadre to dig up the dirt.”

This was a fast (maybe 5 hours) read, with a wonderful cast of characters especially Pepe the little Chihuahua who has the biggest heart, smeller and ears in the world, which all helps the main character solve the murders! The actual person doing all the murdering actually surprised me in the end and the case was just incredible considering the wolves gave a marvelous chase! Now I have to wait for the next in the series to be written – which drives me nuts but this series is worth the wait!

[Kay Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Big Chihuahua is the third outing for apprentice private investigator Geri Sullivan and her talking (but only to her) Chihuahua Pepe, stars of Waverly Curtis’ Barking Detective series. This time around, Geri and Pepe go undercover among the followers of Dogawanda, a cult devoted to the Way of the Dog, with a leader, as you might expect, devoted largely to herself.

The object of Geri’s investigation turns up dead, and someone from her past turns up very much alive. Geri’s boss, Jimmy G (who only refers to himself in the third person) comes along, hoping to score enough moolah to avoid eviction from his office.

A talking Chihuahua assistant private investigator is a pretty silly premise, but Pepe is such a charmer (and mostly level-headed Geri is a lot of fun, too) that I enjoy the series. It runs to five books, and I have two more stashed on my Kindle.

[Eleanor Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't you love it when you pick up a book, start reading it, and just dissolve into peals of laughter? I swear, the interaction between Pepe, #1 Chihuahua, and Geri, who owns (ostensibly) the little guy, just completely entertained me to the point I had to read the whole dang book in one sitting. Loved the characters and plot in addition, but it's the thought process and observations of Pepe, and Geri's gutsiness, that caused me to finish the book and immediately order the first of the series so I could keep reading. I got to meet the authors (including Pepe!) at a mystery conference some time ago, and have had this book in my to-be-read pile since then. Only wish I'd started it sooner and I'm sure I'll finish all the books in the series this week and be waiting for more.

[Cara Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Pepe fun!!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all these books!

[Shellylovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geri Sullivan and her talking Chihuahua Pepe are sent by their boss Jimmy G. to see Mark Darling . His Wife Tammy has left him to join a group of disciples of Dogawanda. At the Dogawanda Center for Enlightenment. Which is run by Crystal Star who claims Dogawanda speaks through her. When Geri and Pepe arrive it soon becomes clear that something is going on behind the scenes of this strange place. Something far more sinister than simply living in the now. Their fears are confirmed when Tammy Darling meets a gruesome end. Will Pepe and Geri be able to reveal the culprit? And will this case solve the mystery that Geri most wanted to solve the whereabouts of her younger sister who she hasn't seen in ten years. And is her dreamy boyfriend Felix Navarro who is working on a movie in the area exactly what he seems? It will take all the instincts and skills Pepe has to help his human PI partner solve the most challenging and twisted case they have faced so far. A wonderful cozy mystery that doesn't skimp on the action while still being filled with humor and a touch of romance a delightful series each one will keep you turning pages until the end.

[Mandy Burkhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This showed up in my LFL as a discontinued library paperback. It was marked, the way that most library edition paperbacks of cozy mysteries are, with initials and symbols in the corners of the inside front cover, which, if I'm not mistaken, is how the voracious retirees who read these track which ones they've read. The pages had been handled and turned so frequently that they were soft and pliable to the touch.

Interesting cast of characters, including Pepe, the talking chihuahua, storyline was although not gripping, interesting. Glad I got a chance to read it.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a special place in my heart for Pepe. I got the first book when I was really down after failing an important test. Pepe improves my spirits to never give up no matter how small you feel. This book had the same effect. While I had my suspicions of the murderer it still kept me guessing up to the end.

[Louisa Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third installment in the Barking Detective series. I really enjoy the lively personality of Pepe, the little white detective. Chihuahuas are always big dogs in little bodies.
I wonder if Felix will be able understand Pepe in the coming stories. If so, this will add another dimension to the next stories.

[Penny Wise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as much as the first two in the series, but, I didn't hate it. It just wasn't as enjoyable as the first two. I'm looking forward to the next one though.

[Noni Barker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fast read. Amusing but silly.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to audiobook.

[Barbara A Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Geri and Pepe’s stories. It has twists and turns and holds your attention from start to finish. Did not guess who done it.

[Sandra Bensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geri and Pepe are at it again, they come across a case of a missing woman, only to find her in a Cult. When she is murdered, the search begins. Can Geri and Pepe get out of this one unscathed?

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun!

[Karen B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on my Kindle Fire using reading immersion with whispersync narration. I make a point to say this because part of the charm of this series is the audio narration. If you can get the audibook or the whispersync narration I highly recommend it for greater enjoyment. Hearing Pepe's voice (supplied by a wonderful narrator) is part of the charm of the Barking Detective Mysteries series. I can't get enough of Pepe the chihuahua in these fun cozy mysteries. These books are delightful. In this book, Pepe gets a peek into Dogawanda, a cult that tries to follow "the way of the dog" (and of course Pepe is happy that they are seeking the wisdom of dogs, and he gives himself a new Dogawanda name, "Towering Cedar". The "vessel" for Dogawanda is now trying to channel Pepe but Pepe doesn't like that when she hears him but deliberately changes what he is saying. He is not going to be controlled by her or any of the Dogawandas, a cult group. His human companion, Gerri, is obviously besotted with him and never wants to be separated from Pepe ... except perhaps in intimate moments with her beau, Felix. Now it appears Felix may be beginning to hear Pepe talking as well. I can't wait to read what is going to happen with that next.
Of course Gerri proves herself once again to be a great PI (in training), following up on leads, taking risks, and making connections. (and listening to Pepe's wisdom!") I don't care for her boss, Jimmy G., but he is part of the humor and the stories wouldn't be the same without him. He isn't much of a PI himself but always seems to comes out ahead thanks to of Gerri's and Pepe's investigations.
We meet a new dog, "Fluffy" and I will be anxious to see if she becomes Pepe's new love interest as the two seem to get along very well and Felix, Gerri's boyfriend has adopted Fluffy. I will be anxious to read more adventures of this foursome

[Paul Lunger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 3rd book in Waverly Curtis's "Barking Detective Mystery" series, "The Big Chihuahua" has our friends Geri Sullivan & her talking chihuahua Pepe investigating a cult of dog worshipers who hear from the spirit of Dogawanda. While at the rural retreat Geri & Pepe encounter more members of Geri's family & also wolves & a couple of murders along the way. The story itself actually isn't badly done although Pepe isn't as sarcastic with his comments as we've seen him in the prior 2 installments of this series; however, the human characters do a decent job in the story itself. Throw in the cult atmosphere created by those who worship the spirit of Dogawanda & you get a relatively light & fun mystery in this relatively new series. Overall a nice continuation in story lines of the past & another mystery that proves Pepe is a very fun chihuahua to have on your side.

[Amy the book-bat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book fulfills requirement #6 ~ Cozy Mystery for the 2014 eclectic reader challenge.

This is book 3 of the Barking Detective series.

I would rate this book a 3.5. It was a bit slow to start, but then it picked up and was hard to put down toward the end. This time Geri and her talking chihuahua, Pepe, are investigating murders at a cult that worships dogs. Of course, Pepe just loves that part and takes center stage. Some interesting twists and turns. Wondering if there is going to be a book 4 in this series since the book just had a preview of book 1 instead of mentioning a follow-up book. I think the series is getting better because the whole "oh my God it's a talking chihuahua" bit is finally gone.

[Kathy Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are more noted PIs – Sam Spade, Miss Marple, Sherlock Holmes – but hands down, the most charming and entertaining of them all is Pepe! The little dog is back in another installment of mystery and mayhem. Who better to take on a cult of dog-worshippers, hybrid wolves, and stolen money? And not only does Pepe triumph with his usual flair and confidence, he also his human Geri find confidence in her relationship, locate her long-lost sister, and keep her boss Jimmy G solvent. Is it any wonder that Pepe is the Big Chihuahua?

[Laura Cushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute light read, in the Barking Detective series (I read the first one Dial C for Chihuahua). This is actually number 3 apparently, so I think I missed one oops. Will have to see if my library has the others.

Pepe is an adorable dog detective- his owner Geri can hear him talk, but no one else can. In this installment, they investigate a cult called the Dogwandans who believes that their leader talks to the spirit of an ancient mystic dog. Hilarity and mystery ensues when the cult leader believes Pepe is the incarnation of a moon goddess.

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would've gone three stars except for one of my biggest pet peeves: "bilingual" people (and dogs) speaking in English with the exception of a few words scattered randomly in sentences. Drives me crazy.

Also not much of a mystery. I don't generally mind if the mystery elements are lacking if the characters are strong, since that's really what I'm here for, but in this case, it was troublesome. Pepe is a pretty amusing character, language issues aside, but nobody else has much of a personality.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Pepe, the talking Chihuahua, who can (usually) only be understood by his owner, Geri. In THE BIG CHIHUAHUA, Geri and Pepe go undercover in the complex of a cult that worships Dogawanda, the spirit of the Dog channeled by the cult's founder. When the woman Geri & Pepe are seeking turns up murdered, followed by another murder, Geri & Pepe, with the help of Geri's boyfriend Felix and a pair of wolf/dog hybrids, solve the case. I love this series. It's light, frothy, and constantly amusing.

[moxieBK · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read in this series, and I really liked Pepe in this one. The dog has really grown on me over the books. The authors have really gotten good at writing this character. The story was much more centered on the sleuthing on the mystery, which was better than the previous book.

It was enjoyable until the very end; I can appreciate that. But it did feel long in places and there were a few grammatical errors (like a word repeated twice in sentence.)

Three stars.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read. Another amusing entry in this entertaining series. This time Geri and Pepe, her talking chihuahua (that only she can hear), travel to a cult on an assignment to locate and talk to a missing wife. Although they locate the woman in question, it isn't quite that easy to solve the case, when murder interrupts Geri's investigation. Believable characters in believable, if unusual situations, create an enjoyable book.

[Amy L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, and the books keep getting better and better! As the pet mom to two Chihuahuas, it is perfectly believable to me that Pepe can talk, and Geri (and sometimes others) hears and communicates with him.

Keep up the great work Waverly and Curtis!!

[Nadhirrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as a first reads book. I love animals and know that they can talk so this is a cute book about a dog who talks and the person who can hear him. The mystery of how and who killed who is interesting. over all it is a fun read and would recommend it.