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Golden Retriever Mystery #12
Dog Willing
When his neighbor is accused of murder, reformed computer hacker Steve Levitan and his golden retriever Rochester are asked to sniff out clues to prove her innocence. Who could have killed bookstore owner Darlene Nowak? One of the food trucks venders she angered when they parked in front of her store? Someone from the writer’s critique group she sponsored? Did a self-published author she refused to promote write her into a real murder mystery? Steve knows that cooks and creative folks are very sensitive about criticism—but could one of them be angry enough to kill? “The golden retriever mysteries are barking good!” - Sparkle Abbey, author of the Pampered Pet mystery series
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Published September 1, 2020
334 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Neil S. Plakcy
238 books649 followersI have been a voracious reader all my life, mostly in mystery, romance, and science fiction/fantasy, though a college degree in English did push a lot of literary works into my list of favorites.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 12, 2023
Steve is assigned to a committee at his college to try and help students who are troubled after a students dies by suicide. He learns that there are numerous drug problems on campus, which becomes especially interesting after an obnoxious shop owner, Darlene, dies by fentanyl poisoning. There are several suspects, mostly food truck owners who supplied some food to Darlene and, with Rochester's help, Steve solves the case. I can never resist a book with a golden retriever!
December 4, 2022
I received Books #3 & 12 free thru Bookbubs and read them consecutively which is probably why I gave this one a lower rating. IMHO the author spent too much time repeating the history of the town, the recurring characters, and his background which is nice IF this is the first book read in the series but if he does this with every book, it's a waste of time because it takes a lot out of the actual plot. I love dogs esp retrievers and mysteries and less background.
May 20, 2021
A sucker for a good dog story
Having read all 12 of the Golden Retriever books I cannot pick a favorite. They are all good mysteries. They flow well and yet each stands alone admirably. No doubt Rochester is top dog. Some of the names for other characters are too funny not to laugh at but it all works out well.
Having read all 12 of the Golden Retriever books I cannot pick a favorite. They are all good mysteries. They flow well and yet each stands alone admirably. No doubt Rochester is top dog. Some of the names for other characters are too funny not to laugh at but it all works out well.
January 2, 2025
I keep thinking that must be one magical laptop he keeps in the attic: it never needs recharging! I delayed too long writing a review, but here are the things I bookmarked:
• "...the FLAT-ree-on building..."?? Typo? Or misread? (I assume it was supposed to be the flatiron building.)
• "...the 'Veretz-ano" Narrows Bridge..."--with heavy accent?? I've always heard it pronounced Verrazano--like varazanno.
• "Ee-wen"?? You mean Ewan? Usually pronounced you-en.
• "I sent the baggy off to be tested & the contents came back." No. The RESULTS came back, not the CONTENTS. I don't believe they'd send the drugs back, but even if they did, to keep as evidence, that's not the point of the conversation, which is that the test identified the drug in the baggy. Bad writing this time.
That's it! Either the reader's getting better or I got sloppy or generous on this one!
• "...the FLAT-ree-on building..."?? Typo? Or misread? (I assume it was supposed to be the flatiron building.)
• "...the 'Veretz-ano" Narrows Bridge..."--with heavy accent?? I've always heard it pronounced Verrazano--like varazanno.
• "Ee-wen"?? You mean Ewan? Usually pronounced you-en.
• "I sent the baggy off to be tested & the contents came back." No. The RESULTS came back, not the CONTENTS. I don't believe they'd send the drugs back, but even if they did, to keep as evidence, that's not the point of the conversation, which is that the test identified the drug in the baggy. Bad writing this time.
That's it! Either the reader's getting better or I got sloppy or generous on this one!
November 9, 2022
free ebook , love this series
the dog didnt find the dead body this time.
the owner was helping a lady serve food out of her food truck. the owner of a bookstore came to complain they were making it so her customers couldnt come into the shop. they gave her free food from all the trucks.
he went into the bookshop , found a book he wanted but when he went to pay he found the owner dead, she looked like she had been poisoned with the food
his friend the cop is investigating and he is helping
they had to make new committees at college and figure out drug selling and kids killing themselves and how to help
the dog didnt find the dead body this time.
the owner was helping a lady serve food out of her food truck. the owner of a bookstore came to complain they were making it so her customers couldnt come into the shop. they gave her free food from all the trucks.
he went into the bookshop , found a book he wanted but when he went to pay he found the owner dead, she looked like she had been poisoned with the food
his friend the cop is investigating and he is helping
they had to make new committees at college and figure out drug selling and kids killing themselves and how to help
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2021
There's never any doubt when I see a book by Mr. Plakcy that I'm grabbing it!
I'm partial to goldens, having been owned by two of them well into their teens. Rochester, the golden in this series, is intuitive, always coming up with hints to solve the problem Steve, his h u mana, is stuck on. Steve works at a college but between he & Rochester, they help the sheriff solve crimes, mostly involving murder. If you haven't picked up one of these books yet, you don't know what you're missing!
I'm partial to goldens, having been owned by two of them well into their teens. Rochester, the golden in this series, is intuitive, always coming up with hints to solve the problem Steve, his h u mana, is stuck on. Steve works at a college but between he & Rochester, they help the sheriff solve crimes, mostly involving murder. If you haven't picked up one of these books yet, you don't know what you're missing!
November 9, 2022
Does not disappoint!
From book One through book Twelve, positively awesome! Each book reveals more about Steve Levantin, and his girlfriend, Lily; 'Dog Willing' proved to have even more information about our lead characters. It was also timely in its addressing the Opioid epidemic confronting so much of American society,no matter who or where, and the risk so many of our college students are facing. This book was a real eye opener. And, of course, there's the SuperWoof, Rochester! Read the book. Read the series! It is beyond wonderful.
From book One through book Twelve, positively awesome! Each book reveals more about Steve Levantin, and his girlfriend, Lily; 'Dog Willing' proved to have even more information about our lead characters. It was also timely in its addressing the Opioid epidemic confronting so much of American society,no matter who or where, and the risk so many of our college students are facing. This book was a real eye opener. And, of course, there's the SuperWoof, Rochester! Read the book. Read the series! It is beyond wonderful.
November 10, 2020
Glad to see Steve and Rochester again!
Steve and his loveable Golden Retriever Rochester are back to solve another mystery. An aggravated bookstore owner is killed and the mom of Rochester's girlfriend is a suspect. Lili helps out as Steve looks for clues at food truck rallies. I would have liked for Rochester to have played a little bigger role in finding the clues, but all in all I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to the next in the series.
Steve and his loveable Golden Retriever Rochester are back to solve another mystery. An aggravated bookstore owner is killed and the mom of Rochester's girlfriend is a suspect. Lili helps out as Steve looks for clues at food truck rallies. I would have liked for Rochester to have played a little bigger role in finding the clues, but all in all I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to the next in the series.
November 12, 2020
Great series
This is a great series about a reformed hacker and his Golden Retriever, Rochester. Steve and Rochester usually find a body and end up getting involved in the mystery. I highly suggest starting from the beginning in the series because of the character development.
This is a great series about a reformed hacker and his Golden Retriever, Rochester. Steve and Rochester usually find a body and end up getting involved in the mystery. I highly suggest starting from the beginning in the series because of the character development.
May 3, 2021
Rochester is funny.
Rochester is still the nicest and loving dog who helps Steve with his sleuthing. I liked that Rochester has more friends to play with. The food trucks introduced more characters which increased my enjoyment. The twists and turns ramped up the suspense and I enjoyed it.
Rochester is still the nicest and loving dog who helps Steve with his sleuthing. I liked that Rochester has more friends to play with. The food trucks introduced more characters which increased my enjoyment. The twists and turns ramped up the suspense and I enjoyed it.
September 4, 2021
First time reading
This was my first time reading Neil S. Plakcy. What a great book. As a dog lover a reader of mysteries, I enjoyed this story. Once I started this story I found myself caught up with main character Steve and of course Rochester. I really enjoyed this story and will be back reacting to read more.
This was my first time reading Neil S. Plakcy. What a great book. As a dog lover a reader of mysteries, I enjoyed this story. Once I started this story I found myself caught up with main character Steve and of course Rochester. I really enjoyed this story and will be back reacting to read more.
February 10, 2022
I’m a dog lover, so throwing a dog into a story is a good technique from my perspective. Steve takes his dog everywhere. But Rochester really doesn’t do anything to solve the crime as I expected. Still, the few sidelines about the dog were fun. The food vendor world was interesting. The murder solving part of the story was pretty tame. But all and all, I found the story an entertaining read.
November 13, 2022
Entertaining
This story is about the murder of a bookstore owner, once a well-known author and educator, who became a bitter, vengeful person. This murder exposed illegal drug use and set into motion other crimes. A golden retriever finds clues for his owner to explore. Will a clue lead to the right criminal?
This story is about the murder of a bookstore owner, once a well-known author and educator, who became a bitter, vengeful person. This murder exposed illegal drug use and set into motion other crimes. A golden retriever finds clues for his owner to explore. Will a clue lead to the right criminal?
July 5, 2023
ANOTHER CAMPUS MURDER
All of these Rochester Golden Retriever murder mysteries are very similar, with the exception of book #1, which was foundational and set the stage for the books to follow… (One character that wasn’t a part of the “Dog Willing” book was the parole officer.). Overall it’s an easy reading storyline and Recommended for a good change of pace.
All of these Rochester Golden Retriever murder mysteries are very similar, with the exception of book #1, which was foundational and set the stage for the books to follow… (One character that wasn’t a part of the “Dog Willing” book was the parole officer.). Overall it’s an easy reading storyline and Recommended for a good change of pace.
December 22, 2020
One of my all-time favorites.
Every single one of the books in this series is outstanding! Descriptions, pacing, context....all of it clicks with this voracious reader. I usually stay with hardboiled mysteries so these were a surprise and I look forward to more.
Every single one of the books in this series is outstanding! Descriptions, pacing, context....all of it clicks with this voracious reader. I usually stay with hardboiled mysteries so these were a surprise and I look forward to more.
March 9, 2021
I read this series, and enjoyed it. The only thing that bothered me was that in the first book, Steve was said to have spent 6 months in prison, but in all of the other books, it said he spent a year in there.
I guess I am nitpicking. I really did enjoy the books.
I guess I am nitpicking. I really did enjoy the books.
July 11, 2021
Oh, no! I’ve finished the last in the series.
I usually read books from Freebooksy. I occasionally by another book by an author I enjoy. This is the first time I’ve felt compelled to immediately buy…and read…the whole series. Write faster!
I usually read books from Freebooksy. I occasionally by another book by an author I enjoy. This is the first time I’ve felt compelled to immediately buy…and read…the whole series. Write faster!
July 17, 2021
Oh I hope there is another one.
I really like this series. I need to have more Rochester in my life! The playfulness between Rick and Steve, the way Lili and Steve compliment each other….I like it all!
I really like this series. I need to have more Rochester in my life! The playfulness between Rick and Steve, the way Lili and Steve compliment each other….I like it all!
July 18, 2021
Golden Retriever Mysteries!!
These are such a good read!! As of now I have read all the books published to date with Steve and his faithful companion, Rochester! Can’t wait for the next book!!
These are such a good read!! As of now I have read all the books published to date with Steve and his faithful companion, Rochester! Can’t wait for the next book!!
August 23, 2021
Wonderful
I just finished book 12. I have read them all and enjoyed them immensely. I am a dog lover and realize how really smart they are. I enjoyed the connection between dog and man. Can't wait for the next one. Thank you
I just finished book 12. I have read them all and enjoyed them immensely. I am a dog lover and realize how really smart they are. I enjoyed the connection between dog and man. Can't wait for the next one. Thank you
May 25, 2022
Another good installment in this series. Sadly I have real all the books in this series and some of them out of order. There is enough of a recap of previous events and characters to allow each book to stand on their own.
June 9, 2022
Entertaining
I love these books as part mystery and entertainment. They are fairly quick reads and enjoyable. dog Willing is about food vendors so you also learn about different cuisine. As always Steve and Rochester get into some mischief
I love these books as part mystery and entertainment. They are fairly quick reads and enjoyable. dog Willing is about food vendors so you also learn about different cuisine. As always Steve and Rochester get into some mischief
December 10, 2022
Rochester and Steve investigate the drug problems.
The college where Steve is employed is concerned about the drug problem on campus. The staff is trying to figure out what stress the students have that directs them toward the use of drugs. Again a good mystery for all dog lovers.
The college where Steve is employed is concerned about the drug problem on campus. The staff is trying to figure out what stress the students have that directs them toward the use of drugs. Again a good mystery for all dog lovers.
February 16, 2023
Great story
With as much attention that drugs in schools are getting this is a timely well thought out book. It addresses not only their use but some of the underlying reasons for their use and possible help in reliving those problems.
With as much attention that drugs in schools are getting this is a timely well thought out book. It addresses not only their use but some of the underlying reasons for their use and possible help in reliving those problems.
August 9, 2020
LOVED IT!
I so enjoy reading these Steve and Rochester books!
Each one is like reconnecting with old friends. Looking forward to the next one to see how the relationships grow.
I so enjoy reading these Steve and Rochester books!
Each one is like reconnecting with old friends. Looking forward to the next one to see how the relationships grow.
September 24, 2020
I always enjoy books by this author.
The plots are always good and keep you guessing until the end. And you have to love Rochestetr the super slueth fog.
The plots are always good and keep you guessing until the end. And you have to love Rochestetr the super slueth fog.
October 20, 2020
wolf
One of the best series I’ve read in a long time. Being a dog lover that is married to a not at all animal person, Rochester easily stole my heart...
One of the best series I’ve read in a long time. Being a dog lover that is married to a not at all animal person, Rochester easily stole my heart...
January 1, 2021
Close call
Steve almost got too close to one of Rick's cases this time. Looking forward to the next book in the series, "Dog's Waiting Room".
Steve almost got too close to one of Rick's cases this time. Looking forward to the next book in the series, "Dog's Waiting Room".
January 30, 2021
Good reading
Have enjoyed all of the Golden Retriever Mysteries. I love dogs and a good mystery. Look forward to the next book.
Have enjoyed all of the Golden Retriever Mysteries. I love dogs and a good mystery. Look forward to the next book.
February 5, 2021
Loved this entire series about a college professor, hacker and his dog. Interesting, funny and educational too. Would read again
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews