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Golden Retriever Mystery #3
Dog Helps Those
It's almost time for graduation, and Eastern College is in trouble. A prominent alumna is dead, and a faulty computer program is jeopardizing student records and financial aid. It's up to Steve and Rochester to dig into the situation and retrieve the culprits!
Rita Gaines wasn't a nice person--but she did love her dogs, and most of her clients respected her financial acumen and her talent in training dogs for agility trials. When she's found dead, there's a long line of potential suspects from Wall Street whiz kids to doting doggie daddies--including one of Steve's former students. Felae is an art prodigy now studying with Steve's girlfriend, Lili, chair of Eastern's Fine Arts department, and Rita hated his controversial senior project. When she tried to have his scholarship cancelled, he threatened to kill her. But is he the villain behind her death?
In between helping Steve's high school friend Rick track the killer, Rochester practices darting around weave poles and jumping over limbo poles while Steve helps shepherd the college toward the completion of another academic year. It's spring in Stewart's Crossing, and old friends--and their dogs--gather together to investigate and eventually, to celebrate.
Rita Gaines wasn't a nice person--but she did love her dogs, and most of her clients respected her financial acumen and her talent in training dogs for agility trials. When she's found dead, there's a long line of potential suspects from Wall Street whiz kids to doting doggie daddies--including one of Steve's former students. Felae is an art prodigy now studying with Steve's girlfriend, Lili, chair of Eastern's Fine Arts department, and Rita hated his controversial senior project. When she tried to have his scholarship cancelled, he threatened to kill her. But is he the villain behind her death?
In between helping Steve's high school friend Rick track the killer, Rochester practices darting around weave poles and jumping over limbo poles while Steve helps shepherd the college toward the completion of another academic year. It's spring in Stewart's Crossing, and old friends--and their dogs--gather together to investigate and eventually, to celebrate.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
501 people are currently reading
234 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 71 reviews
February 6, 2021
Ok Read
2 1/2 stars
Sometimes when I get a free book, I need to remember that oftentimes I get what I paid for.
In this case the story was just OK. Slow paced and it seem to meander around in the guise of looking for clues to a murder.
I was excited when we get into the book because the location is just a few dozen miles from where I grew up. Unfortunately I did not relate to most of what it was and especially eastern university.
It wasn’t bad but it just was OK!
And tentatively recommend
2 1/2 stars
Sometimes when I get a free book, I need to remember that oftentimes I get what I paid for.
In this case the story was just OK. Slow paced and it seem to meander around in the guise of looking for clues to a murder.
I was excited when we get into the book because the location is just a few dozen miles from where I grew up. Unfortunately I did not relate to most of what it was and especially eastern university.
It wasn’t bad but it just was OK!
And tentatively recommend
December 23, 2020
Steve went to prison for a computer crime, but now he is working at a college in Pennsylvania. I'm new to the series, but understand that his golden retriever Rochester had helped to solve some mysteries in earlier novels. Steve and his friend Rick, a local cop, take their dogs to an agility training class, and are dismayed when the instructor, Rita, is so nasty and dismissive. When they learn that Rita is dead, so many questions arise. Did her death relate to her dog clientele, or her investment work? Who would have used such an unusual method to kill someone? With so many haters, it's up to Steve and Rochester to help narrow down the field of suspects. I liked that Rochester was such an important character in this book--if you like mysteries with dogs, I think you would enjoy this one.
March 1, 2017
In the third book of this series Rochester how smart he is and Steve is beginning to understand he must be the tip dog. Steve has taken a job in the PR department where Rochester can be during the day. A prominent alumn, Rita Gaines is murder and Rick has the case. Rita's personality is caustic so she has enough. First is her dog business, clients are very unhappy. The neighbors resent the smell and noise of kennels. Her financial services is about to collapse hurting the college. It is graduating time and none of the college comps are working making huge lines of seniors. Steve and Rochester must work underhand in order to save the situation. I felt this book should have 4.5 stars as there is a lot of improvement. I recommend this book and I have the next one in my reading list.
October 29, 2017
A highly abrasive member of Eastern College's board of trustees is found dead, and Steve and Rochester are on the case! They nose through the potential suspects and use their own special skills to find the killer.
This is the third book in the Golden Retriever mystery series, and it's best enjoyed after reading the first two books. I loved Rochester, the doggy detective with a nose for mystery. The college setting is a good one, and I liked learning about the inner workings of the administration office and financial services. The agility training was interesting, and so were the alpha dog training tips. I'm probably not the only dog mamma who decided to eat before feeding their dog after reading this one!
The narration was done well, the narrator has the perfect voice for Steve, and immersed me in the story. I received a copy of the audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review.
This is the third book in the Golden Retriever mystery series, and it's best enjoyed after reading the first two books. I loved Rochester, the doggy detective with a nose for mystery. The college setting is a good one, and I liked learning about the inner workings of the administration office and financial services. The agility training was interesting, and so were the alpha dog training tips. I'm probably not the only dog mamma who decided to eat before feeding their dog after reading this one!
The narration was done well, the narrator has the perfect voice for Steve, and immersed me in the story. I received a copy of the audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review.
March 30, 2014
I still like the setting and the characters, however, Steve's romance with Lili seems so stiff and unnatural. The mystery itself - about the horrible alumna was great. However, I must admit that I felt I lost track at some point to the end, when all of the sudden everyone was sure whodunit and I felt like "what? when did that happen?". Overall - enjoyable visit with known, likable characters, in cozy (and slightly crazy) setting of both university grounds and various other locations.
February 21, 2017
Can't get enough of Steve and Rochester
It is impossible not to fall in love with them. The story holds your interest and you laugh at their antics
It is impossible not to fall in love with them. The story holds your interest and you laugh at their antics
November 19, 2024
More ridiculous names! I think it's ok--even funny--to do that for minor characters only. I don't know how they were spelled, since I was listening to the audiobook, so I'm guessing here: Fay Tality, Don Cashain (danke shoen), Hugo First, Dustin Debris, Verry M. Partial, Oscar Lavista (Hasta la vista), Van Driver, Donatello Nobody (don't tell nobody--with an Italian accent). I seem to find the ones that connect to--& mangle--another language funnier. Actually that makes me think: what happens when these books get translated into another language? Puns don't work when translated.
Too much stuff about financing--investing, self-dealing, fraud, etc. Made my "ears glaze over"! (I was listening to the audiobook.)
Continuity errors, I think: he "leaves the door to Rochester's crate open"...but in the last book he brought Rochester's crate over to Rick's for his dog to use. First time he'd taught technical writing in years? Didn't he teach that last summer, as an adjunct, in one of the previous books?
Writing issues: "Pedal pushers"? You mean "capris"? I haven't heard "pedal pushers" since the 1960's. Or is that term back? "I remember a number of similar incidences when I was a student." Should be "incidents"--"a number of" means you're talking about countable events. "Incidence" is like...a statistic, like "the incidence of robbery has gone down" vs "there have been fewer incidents of students being robbed." Putting on a pair of RUBBER gloves to search somewhere--later they're PLASTIC gloves; both sound wrong--rubber gloves are thick & heavy, like to do dishes with, not something Rick would be carrying in his back pocket; probably latex or nitrile. A high-end kitchen with MARBLE counters? The remodeling shows I've watched say marble is easily scratched, so wouldn't they more likely be granite?
These kinds of things just seem like sloppy writing to me.
Some more odd pronunciations from the reader: "Mashugana" (Yiddish for "crazy") has many spellings but they're all pronounced with the "u" said like "should", not like "shoe". "Desiree" said like DEZeree not the usual DEZeray or possibly DezerAY. "Je pensay ah toy"? Cringe-worthy French! "Je pensé a toi"? Toi is twah, not toy! "Federal FI-nancial aid", emphasis on 1st syllable of "financial", instead of the 2nd. "Roofies"--the oo said like woof rather than rude. "Babson's wife is a deVOtee of modern art." Should be devoTAY. (This guy obviously has NO exposure to French. But his Swedish accent doesn't sound right to me either.) "Taunt skin"; should be "taut"; this could be a writing error, I can't tell, not seeing it.
But the reader does a good job with differentiating his voice between characters.
The writing & reading have improved from the 1st book, but still have a ways to go. I'm hoping since there are 19 books in this series that that means they continue to improve. I'll try the next one. I like the overall setting & people & of course the dogs. (But he needs to stop yelling at Rochester. Like when the dog's found a clue. Or when he's only done what Steve taught him like weaving between things--he finally gets the hang of the weave poles at the agility course, & then gets yelled at when he does it elsewhere??)
Too much stuff about financing--investing, self-dealing, fraud, etc. Made my "ears glaze over"! (I was listening to the audiobook.)
Continuity errors, I think: he "leaves the door to Rochester's crate open"...but in the last book he brought Rochester's crate over to Rick's for his dog to use. First time he'd taught technical writing in years? Didn't he teach that last summer, as an adjunct, in one of the previous books?
Writing issues: "Pedal pushers"? You mean "capris"? I haven't heard "pedal pushers" since the 1960's. Or is that term back? "I remember a number of similar incidences when I was a student." Should be "incidents"--"a number of" means you're talking about countable events. "Incidence" is like...a statistic, like "the incidence of robbery has gone down" vs "there have been fewer incidents of students being robbed." Putting on a pair of RUBBER gloves to search somewhere--later they're PLASTIC gloves; both sound wrong--rubber gloves are thick & heavy, like to do dishes with, not something Rick would be carrying in his back pocket; probably latex or nitrile. A high-end kitchen with MARBLE counters? The remodeling shows I've watched say marble is easily scratched, so wouldn't they more likely be granite?
These kinds of things just seem like sloppy writing to me.
Some more odd pronunciations from the reader: "Mashugana" (Yiddish for "crazy") has many spellings but they're all pronounced with the "u" said like "should", not like "shoe". "Desiree" said like DEZeree not the usual DEZeray or possibly DezerAY. "Je pensay ah toy"? Cringe-worthy French! "Je pensé a toi"? Toi is twah, not toy! "Federal FI-nancial aid", emphasis on 1st syllable of "financial", instead of the 2nd. "Roofies"--the oo said like woof rather than rude. "Babson's wife is a deVOtee of modern art." Should be devoTAY. (This guy obviously has NO exposure to French. But his Swedish accent doesn't sound right to me either.) "Taunt skin"; should be "taut"; this could be a writing error, I can't tell, not seeing it.
But the reader does a good job with differentiating his voice between characters.
The writing & reading have improved from the 1st book, but still have a ways to go. I'm hoping since there are 19 books in this series that that means they continue to improve. I'll try the next one. I like the overall setting & people & of course the dogs. (But he needs to stop yelling at Rochester. Like when the dog's found a clue. Or when he's only done what Steve taught him like weaving between things--he finally gets the hang of the weave poles at the agility course, & then gets yelled at when he does it elsewhere??)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2022
Plakcy is a master wordsmith. He not only creates memorable characters with unique voices, but uses a vocabulary the befits the character’s station in life. This is in itself a very special and very rare talent for an author to possess. Plakcy’s way of writing description turns telling into showing because the reader has no difficulty visualizing what he is describing. His narrations turn words into vivid pictures. Every writer struggle to achieve this skill, few manage to achieve it. Plakcy is one of the truly gifted few.
Dog Helps Those pick up where Kingdom Of Dog leaves off, which picked up where In Dog We Trust left off. These stories build on one another so it would be best if you read them in the order they were written, beginning with In Dog We Trust. Although the main plots change from one book to the next, the thing that keeps the reader coming back are the relationships developing between the main characters.
The plots to these Golden Retriever Mysteries are all so convoluted that they will keep you glued to the edge of your seat, guessing who the murderer is. The plots thicken and the tension builds to a fever pitch as Steve and his faithful dog, Rochester, uncover more and more clues as they raced to help their friend, Rick, to solve the case. These stories are straight up thrillers, nonstop, roller-coaster thrill rides. They are genuine adrenalin rushes in their own right. The only thing that qualifies these stories to be called cozy mysteries is the fact that Rochester, a Golden Retriever, is the true protagonist, the one that finds the clues, and solved the murders. Steve and Rick are Dr. Watson’s to Rochester’s Sherlock Holmes.
If you love dogs the way I do, you will love all the books in The Golden Retriever Mystery Series. Now I’m off to read Dog Bless You, Book 4 in the series.
Dog Helps Those pick up where Kingdom Of Dog leaves off, which picked up where In Dog We Trust left off. These stories build on one another so it would be best if you read them in the order they were written, beginning with In Dog We Trust. Although the main plots change from one book to the next, the thing that keeps the reader coming back are the relationships developing between the main characters.
The plots to these Golden Retriever Mysteries are all so convoluted that they will keep you glued to the edge of your seat, guessing who the murderer is. The plots thicken and the tension builds to a fever pitch as Steve and his faithful dog, Rochester, uncover more and more clues as they raced to help their friend, Rick, to solve the case. These stories are straight up thrillers, nonstop, roller-coaster thrill rides. They are genuine adrenalin rushes in their own right. The only thing that qualifies these stories to be called cozy mysteries is the fact that Rochester, a Golden Retriever, is the true protagonist, the one that finds the clues, and solved the murders. Steve and Rick are Dr. Watson’s to Rochester’s Sherlock Holmes.
If you love dogs the way I do, you will love all the books in The Golden Retriever Mystery Series. Now I’m off to read Dog Bless You, Book 4 in the series.
February 1, 2022
This is the third of Neil Plakcy's books that I have read, which follow the adventures of Steve Levitan and his idiot savant golden retriever, Rochester. I liked the first two fairly well, but I had some issues with this one. It's silly the things that bother one. I understand fiction isn't necessarily "real", but things more-or-less should happen as they would in the real world.
My first problem, came when Steve and his friend Rick went to a snooty dog-training Nazi's location to check out her agility training course. Rick had been taking lessons from the woman. Well, immediately, the idiot savant Rochester went through the course with only a few mishaps. The problem here for me is that, in real life, a dog-training Nazi would never let a dog that hadn't even had the most basic behavioral training—sit, stay, come, heal, down—get within a mile of her agility training course. She would know instantly that Rochester lacked even the most elementary training because he was on a retractable leash. No one who understood even elementary level dog training would ever use a retractable leash.
Well, perhaps I'm being a bit severe. Rochester is, after all, rather an idiot savant of a dog. The thing that really bugged the crap out of me is that Steve went outside at one point and looked up to see the constellation Orion. What's wrong with that? Well, in the book we're nearing graduation. Trees have leaves and cast shade. That means we're talking about May or June. There's no way in hell one is going to see Orion in May or June. Nope, Orion is a winter constellation that one sees in December and January. Neil Plakcy should do a little research before he puts his fingers on the keyboard. For shame!
This book is really ***- rather than a plain ***.
My first problem, came when Steve and his friend Rick went to a snooty dog-training Nazi's location to check out her agility training course. Rick had been taking lessons from the woman. Well, immediately, the idiot savant Rochester went through the course with only a few mishaps. The problem here for me is that, in real life, a dog-training Nazi would never let a dog that hadn't even had the most basic behavioral training—sit, stay, come, heal, down—get within a mile of her agility training course. She would know instantly that Rochester lacked even the most elementary training because he was on a retractable leash. No one who understood even elementary level dog training would ever use a retractable leash.
Well, perhaps I'm being a bit severe. Rochester is, after all, rather an idiot savant of a dog. The thing that really bugged the crap out of me is that Steve went outside at one point and looked up to see the constellation Orion. What's wrong with that? Well, in the book we're nearing graduation. Trees have leaves and cast shade. That means we're talking about May or June. There's no way in hell one is going to see Orion in May or June. Nope, Orion is a winter constellation that one sees in December and January. Neil Plakcy should do a little research before he puts his fingers on the keyboard. For shame!
This book is really ***- rather than a plain ***.
November 3, 2021
There is something really wrong with the computer software at Eastern University and Steve decides to help a student who finds incriminating evidence on the person who purchased the faulty program. Everyone is afraid of Verri M. Parshall because of her wicked temper and her supposed support from the university president.
Steve and his cop buddy, Rick, take their dogs to an agility training course in spite of the fact that the trainer is a real harridan. When she is murdered by an injection of snake venom, suspects abound. Her neighbours hated her for all the noise and smell her dogs caused, the people she sold dachshunds to hated her because of her attitude, she bullied the owners of the dogs in her agility program, and she was also a supposedly brilliant fund manager although Steve learns that 3 of her 6 big clients were in trouble.
Steve gets closer to photography professor Lili.
The author seems to be having a lot of fun with names in this book. In the past we have met Candy Cane, but in this book we also get to know Verri M. Parshall, Yudame (which we are told is pronounced "You Dummy", Lili's ex boyfriend Van Dryver, Faye Tallity, and Don Kashane. I have to admit, though, that my favourite was the character in a previous book named "Dee Gamay" (Dígame), who was annoyed that frequently she would answer the phone to hear people ramble on in Spanish. LOL
Steve and his cop buddy, Rick, take their dogs to an agility training course in spite of the fact that the trainer is a real harridan. When she is murdered by an injection of snake venom, suspects abound. Her neighbours hated her for all the noise and smell her dogs caused, the people she sold dachshunds to hated her because of her attitude, she bullied the owners of the dogs in her agility program, and she was also a supposedly brilliant fund manager although Steve learns that 3 of her 6 big clients were in trouble.
Steve gets closer to photography professor Lili.
The author seems to be having a lot of fun with names in this book. In the past we have met Candy Cane, but in this book we also get to know Verri M. Parshall, Yudame (which we are told is pronounced "You Dummy", Lili's ex boyfriend Van Dryver, Faye Tallity, and Don Kashane. I have to admit, though, that my favourite was the character in a previous book named "Dee Gamay" (Dígame), who was annoyed that frequently she would answer the phone to hear people ramble on in Spanish. LOL
November 29, 2025
Another good mystery and insight into Steve's own issues. Rochester his golden retriever once again acts just as he always does. This time graduation time at Eastern College is close with issues of the inept computer system. In the meantime, Steve and Rochester attend a dog agility class with Steve's detective friend Rick and his dog Rascal. Come to find out the trainer is notorious wealthy Rita Gaines who is an alum of Eastern College. Not a woman who has any nice qualities in her personality. Rita invests money for clients with some questionable up and coming businesses. Not long after the dogs training class Rita is found dead at her kennel/farm. Once again Steve involves himself to solve her murder. Trying to acquire information to help his friend Rick solve the murder he is tempted to hack into the computer for information on all that knew Rita. Steve's obsession of hacking got him into trouble years earlier hacking into his ex-wife's credit cards ending up with jail time and now out with on being monitored by his parole office to keep him from this obsession. He also helps to resolve the college issue with their computer system. As there are connections to Rita's murder.
March 11, 2019
•audiobook•
5 Stars
I listened to the books out of order; so it took me a few minutes to remember the status of the growing relationship between Steve and Lily. Otherwise, these books are stand alone and solid.
I liked how we learn more about Lily’s past. I like how we see both Steve and Lily as wonderfully wholesome, slightly flawed individuals who are growing from their mistakes, failures, and disappointments. Their communication with one another is very mature and realistic.
Rochester seemed to have less of a nose to help with the mystery, but mostly because this was more cyber complex.
As I’ve mentioned, I’ve read the eight books in the series (to date) and applaud the author for the creativity, depth, and details given to unraveling the truth. As the clues are discovered, we learn the identity of the killer, so it’s difficult to guess who it is or why until the end.
I really enjoy this series and hope to see more this year! I strongly encourage and recommend this book/series to mystery lovers who want something to captivate them in a light hearted way, without being silly or superficially eye rolling.
5 Stars
I listened to the books out of order; so it took me a few minutes to remember the status of the growing relationship between Steve and Lily. Otherwise, these books are stand alone and solid.
I liked how we learn more about Lily’s past. I like how we see both Steve and Lily as wonderfully wholesome, slightly flawed individuals who are growing from their mistakes, failures, and disappointments. Their communication with one another is very mature and realistic.
Rochester seemed to have less of a nose to help with the mystery, but mostly because this was more cyber complex.
As I’ve mentioned, I’ve read the eight books in the series (to date) and applaud the author for the creativity, depth, and details given to unraveling the truth. As the clues are discovered, we learn the identity of the killer, so it’s difficult to guess who it is or why until the end.
I really enjoy this series and hope to see more this year! I strongly encourage and recommend this book/series to mystery lovers who want something to captivate them in a light hearted way, without being silly or superficially eye rolling.
May 9, 2022
Dog Helps Those (Golden Retriever Mysteries # 3)— Neil S. Plakcy/Narrator: Kelly Libatique (30 chapters) May 8, 2022
In book three, a cranky alumna who is also a dog agility trainer is murdered and a corrupt software program has Steve hopping in trying to figure out whodunit, with a Rochester assist at the end.
In this third book, I am losing interest in the series. Rochester, the gold retriever is playing a much diminished role as a big assist to Steve working on the mysteries and I am not sure how much more I can take of the fluff that surrounds these stories that aren’t very relevant to the case at hand.
This book was going to be two stars, but the last few chapters buoyed it to three.
I loved the first book in this series, but I have so many To Read books, I sadly don’t see myself spending any more time with this series. I loved the collegiate location, and it was a joy to read about an English professor and the happenings on what seems like a authentic writing on a small college campus, but the repetition of backstory and the constant dithering about his love life (again, I felt that was authentic and well written,) but it just wore me down.
Three stars.
In book three, a cranky alumna who is also a dog agility trainer is murdered and a corrupt software program has Steve hopping in trying to figure out whodunit, with a Rochester assist at the end.
In this third book, I am losing interest in the series. Rochester, the gold retriever is playing a much diminished role as a big assist to Steve working on the mysteries and I am not sure how much more I can take of the fluff that surrounds these stories that aren’t very relevant to the case at hand.
This book was going to be two stars, but the last few chapters buoyed it to three.
I loved the first book in this series, but I have so many To Read books, I sadly don’t see myself spending any more time with this series. I loved the collegiate location, and it was a joy to read about an English professor and the happenings on what seems like a authentic writing on a small college campus, but the repetition of backstory and the constant dithering about his love life (again, I felt that was authentic and well written,) but it just wore me down.
Three stars.
January 4, 2025
Plenty of strands to follow in this mystery involving a college in America. The IT system is having major issues, an art exhibition creates a protest, a financial donor who breeds and trains dogs is killed on her premises, and chaos reigns in the week leading up to graduation.
The protagonist is a mild-mannered lecturer and admin staff worker, who is sitting quietly through a parole period due to having been caught hacking. Naturally, if he needs to solve a murder, he feels he needs to do the odd bit of secret hacking. He is also developing a love life with a photographer. His Golden Retriever, which needs a lot of attention, comes to work with him, and in this book, gets trained for agility classes.
I like that the well being of the students is actually a consideration, as some books set in colleges focus on staff members who barely know students exist.
There's a lot going on, many names to follow, but I read in instalments over a few weeks whenever I was on the move, and managed to pick it up again each time. The ending seems improbable, but tied it all together neatly.
I read a Kindle version. This is an unbiased review.
The protagonist is a mild-mannered lecturer and admin staff worker, who is sitting quietly through a parole period due to having been caught hacking. Naturally, if he needs to solve a murder, he feels he needs to do the odd bit of secret hacking. He is also developing a love life with a photographer. His Golden Retriever, which needs a lot of attention, comes to work with him, and in this book, gets trained for agility classes.
I like that the well being of the students is actually a consideration, as some books set in colleges focus on staff members who barely know students exist.
There's a lot going on, many names to follow, but I read in instalments over a few weeks whenever I was on the move, and managed to pick it up again each time. The ending seems improbable, but tied it all together neatly.
I read a Kindle version. This is an unbiased review.
May 7, 2021
I loved the first two books in this series, but was disappointed in this one. Rochester is still a smart, talented dog who nevertheless behaves like a dog. Steve and Rick, along with the other regulars and some newcomers, are well developed and likable but flawed. The plot is intelligent and interesting. Okay, so why three stars instead of four or even five? In this book Plakcy chose to give quite a few of the guest characters puns as names. The first couple were clever, but the gimmick got old fast. My other problem was with the terrible software application, Freezer Burn. The problems it caused for the faculty and students of Eastern are a thread that runs through the entire story, but we never learn its purpose. This frustrated for the whole book. Still, I will definitely read the next book.
August 19, 2022
free ebook of series i like
he works at a college, he got arrested for hacking into a credit card co so his wife wouldnt overspend again after her miscarriage. she divorced him
when he got out he moved into his dads condo, his dad died while he was in prison.
he got the dog when his neighbor was murdered, they both solved her case
this time he had met this obnoxious lady at a art show for the campus. he saw her later at her farm where she did agility training for dogs. she was murdered. his friend from HS who is a cop is working on the case. she was killed with cobra venom. its used to treat dogs with open wounds.
he and his dog helped solve the case!
good book!
he works at a college, he got arrested for hacking into a credit card co so his wife wouldnt overspend again after her miscarriage. she divorced him
when he got out he moved into his dads condo, his dad died while he was in prison.
he got the dog when his neighbor was murdered, they both solved her case
this time he had met this obnoxious lady at a art show for the campus. he saw her later at her farm where she did agility training for dogs. she was murdered. his friend from HS who is a cop is working on the case. she was killed with cobra venom. its used to treat dogs with open wounds.
he and his dog helped solve the case!
good book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2022
Steve is back with Rochester & the rest of the gang. When Rita Gaines, a trustee at Eastern is murdered, who us responsible! Could it be a disgruntled dog owner, another dog trainer or someone they haven't though of! And what's going in a Eastern with all the computer problems that are worse as student try to figure out if they will graduate. Any connection? I'd give it 5 stars but the language is a bit rough and adds nothing to the story.
August 20, 2019
Love, Love these books. A great series of mysteries and well done with Rochester the Golden Retriever detective. The author uses very clever means for the dog to find "clues" that help solve the murders. They are page turners, quick reads and great entertaining read, like candy for your brain. When you get to the end it leaves you wanting more.
October 5, 2020
Rochester and Steve have had an excellent adventure in Dog Helps Those. Highly recommended reading for any dog lover.
Rochester proved that he is a very good boy and saved the day for Steve and Rick (Steve's cop buddy). Interesting characters and a well plotted story, make this mystery a fun read. Enjoy!
Rochester proved that he is a very good boy and saved the day for Steve and Rick (Steve's cop buddy). Interesting characters and a well plotted story, make this mystery a fun read. Enjoy!
February 14, 2021
Ahhh! Another great mystery
As always with Plakcy's books, I consider the writing (excellent), the charactors (well-defined), the murdered person (yipes, what a troll), the twists and turns of the mystery (really great red herrings along the way), and Rochestor and Steve's relationship (super cool); all of this leads to my 5-Stars! Great book. Read it!
As always with Plakcy's books, I consider the writing (excellent), the charactors (well-defined), the murdered person (yipes, what a troll), the twists and turns of the mystery (really great red herrings along the way), and Rochestor and Steve's relationship (super cool); all of this leads to my 5-Stars! Great book. Read it!
March 9, 2021
Golden are golden
I chose this rating because the main characters were strong and I am a dog lover. The story line was okay. However, I think the fillers with constantly going to pee and for walks was unnecessary. I will probably read another one of his books just to see who is in charge now.
I chose this rating because the main characters were strong and I am a dog lover. The story line was okay. However, I think the fillers with constantly going to pee and for walks was unnecessary. I will probably read another one of his books just to see who is in charge now.
April 7, 2021
This series continues to improve
Having the main character interacting with an increasing circle of friends, more faculty & staff, & having some students use him as a sounding board makes him more interesting, and fills out the story better, as well. A complicated mystery, that doesn’t truly untangle until the very end kept me reading straight through, wanting more details!
Having the main character interacting with an increasing circle of friends, more faculty & staff, & having some students use him as a sounding board makes him more interesting, and fills out the story better, as well. A complicated mystery, that doesn’t truly untangle until the very end kept me reading straight through, wanting more details!
July 29, 2021
I love these to pieces. Here is a message to one of the reviewers for a little think: The past tense of lie is lay, but not because there is any overlap between the two verbs. So when you say, “I lay down for a nap,” you're actually using the verb lie, not lay, despite the way it sounds. ... Lied, however, refers to the past tense and past participle form of lie when it means “to make an untrue statement.”
January 14, 2023
Excellent
If you like dogs and mysteries, topped with murder this will be a good book to read. There are university-wide computer system failures, bribery, censorship, all affecting the campus and staff. Add in two competitive dog breeders-trainers, in a town that has an abundance of dog owners and you have a complex and interesting story.
If you like dogs and mysteries, topped with murder this will be a good book to read. There are university-wide computer system failures, bribery, censorship, all affecting the campus and staff. Add in two competitive dog breeders-trainers, in a town that has an abundance of dog owners and you have a complex and interesting story.
April 3, 2019
Golden Retriever Book 3
Another good one in the series! I love Rochester!! And I like the characters and Steve's relationships with them. A fun series and I look forward to book 4
Another good one in the series! I love Rochester!! And I like the characters and Steve's relationships with them. A fun series and I look forward to book 4
November 21, 2019
I love these books
As the world around us moves in a wobbly way (2019), reading these books helps me relax and enjoy what is safe. Neil Plakcy is an enjoyable author and I thank you for writing these mysteries.
As the world around us moves in a wobbly way (2019), reading these books helps me relax and enjoy what is safe. Neil Plakcy is an enjoyable author and I thank you for writing these mysteries.
October 2, 2020
Rochester, Steve and Lili
Rochester the golden retriever is still a detective and contributes once again to solving a murder mystery. Steve and Lily’s relationship is progressing and Eastern College is once again featured prominently.
Rochester the golden retriever is still a detective and contributes once again to solving a murder mystery. Steve and Lily’s relationship is progressing and Eastern College is once again featured prominently.
October 4, 2020
Better then the previous book
I can honestly say this book was better than the previous books. The plot was laid out better and I didn't know who was the killer until nearly the end. Now it makes me wAnt to read the next one.
I can honestly say this book was better than the previous books. The plot was laid out better and I didn't know who was the killer until nearly the end. Now it makes me wAnt to read the next one.
July 3, 2021
These get better and better
I like this series. When I started I was thinking it would be about a dog that somehow solves the crimes….and it is but so much more. Mr Plakcy has a way that speaks to me as a dog owner who las a dog that acts like Rochester…..
I like this series. When I started I was thinking it would be about a dog that somehow solves the crimes….and it is but so much more. Mr Plakcy has a way that speaks to me as a dog owner who las a dog that acts like Rochester…..
August 24, 2021
Another great story of Rochester
I really like this story just as much as I did the first 2. It is cleverly written and the characters are great especially Steve and his awesome Golden retriever Rochester.
I really like this story just as much as I did the first 2. It is cleverly written and the characters are great especially Steve and his awesome Golden retriever Rochester.
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