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Hunting Elf
Meet Elf, a champion-bred Silky Terrier puppy who lives a dog's life with hapless Dan McCoy and his capable wife, June in the leafy suburbs in Westchester County north of New York City. These innocent dog owners learn that nefarious show dog breeders will stop at nothing--murder included--to get their hands on the little pup's valuable genes. While Dan and June try to civilize the rascal pup, the evildoers do their bloody best to dog-nap him. The story begins at Christmas and ends a year later, so it makes for a fun holiday read. It's a comedic canine adventure!
276 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2006
18 people want to read
About the author
Dave Donelson
67 books69 followersI'm a freelance writer and photographer who regularly works for about three dozen magazines and newspapers covering a diverse range of topics including social issues, business, travel, golf, and lifestyles. I'm the author of eight books (so far), including Weird Golf: 18 Tales of Fantastic, Horrific, Scientifically Impossible, and Morally Reprehensible Golf.
Among my other works is my novel about diamond smuggling in the Congo, Heart of Diamonds and The Dynamic Manager Guide series, which is based on my work with hundreds of companies across the country.
My career as a broadcaster, entrepreneur, and writer has taken me from the jungles of Australia’s Cape York Peninsula to the minarets of Riyadh. I've climbed the spire of the Empire State Building, floated the Usumacinta River to the Mayan ruins at Piedras Negras in Guatemala, and photographed the tree-climbing lions and mountain gorillas of Uganda.
Among my other works is my novel about diamond smuggling in the Congo, Heart of Diamonds and The Dynamic Manager Guide series, which is based on my work with hundreds of companies across the country.
My career as a broadcaster, entrepreneur, and writer has taken me from the jungles of Australia’s Cape York Peninsula to the minarets of Riyadh. I've climbed the spire of the Empire State Building, floated the Usumacinta River to the Mayan ruins at Piedras Negras in Guatemala, and photographed the tree-climbing lions and mountain gorillas of Uganda.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 13, 2010
Hunting Elf, a doggone Christmas story by Dave Donelson is a delightfully amusing whodunit set in suburban New York. Prize-winning dogs, demented dog breeders and well-meaning dog owners slash would be detectives feature heavily in this humorous caper which centers around Elf, a purebred Silky Terrier puppy with seriously desirable lineage, a couple of crazy old bags who will stop at nothing to get him, and Dan, Elf’s hapless human, who just wants to be left in peace at Christmas time. But ‘tis NOT the season to be jolly when Elf runs away on an exploratory adventure around the suburb, leaving the hapless Dan and his posse of equally hapless friends to ‘hunt’ him down. The plot thickens with the arrival of Elf’s stalkers - two dog breeders with one thing in mind - to dognap Elf in order to breed prize-winning terriers for profit and glory. In show dog circles the ladies are well-known enemies, with a long history of rivalry between them, a point which goes unnoticed when bodies of dog-involved individuals begin to turn up after an encounter with Elf. Three murders later, Dan and his friends are on the case, busy chasing slippery dognappers who are busy chasing the even more slippery Elf who’s busy chasing anything that moves, leading everyone on a merry-go-round likely to end up badly for some and worse for others. But all good things must come to an end. The bad guys get their just deserts and Elf is returned safely home, just in time to celebrate Christmas.
Well-written and compelling, the story moves along at a steady pace, allowing the reader time to absorb the action (of which there is plenty) without feeling overwhelmed by it. Donelson’s comic timing is faultless; there are ‘laugh out loud’ passages throughout the story as well as many witty descriptions. Donelson does particularly well with his descriptions of Elf’s dog behavior, which he brings to life in vivid detail and with a good dose of humor. The tale is peppered with odd ball characters who add to the general sense of hilarity; Dan’s other-worldly brother-in-law Edgar and the seriously teenage pet shop attendant Moonrat among the most memorable. Hunting Elf is a funny and very enjoyable read. Thoroughly recommend it.
Well-written and compelling, the story moves along at a steady pace, allowing the reader time to absorb the action (of which there is plenty) without feeling overwhelmed by it. Donelson’s comic timing is faultless; there are ‘laugh out loud’ passages throughout the story as well as many witty descriptions. Donelson does particularly well with his descriptions of Elf’s dog behavior, which he brings to life in vivid detail and with a good dose of humor. The tale is peppered with odd ball characters who add to the general sense of hilarity; Dan’s other-worldly brother-in-law Edgar and the seriously teenage pet shop attendant Moonrat among the most memorable. Hunting Elf is a funny and very enjoyable read. Thoroughly recommend it.
December 29, 2023
this was the first audiobook I ever listened to in 2005/2006 and it was a funny quirky story. murder. dogs. mystique. it’s a quick listen that proves to make you laugh and enjoy the story.
June 24, 2011
by Harvey Karp
(January 18, 2007) Larchmont, Mamaroneck and other nearby locations fill the pages of Hunting Elf, a new novel by local author Dave Donelson. The book tells the story of Elf, a Silky Terrier puppy with uncontrollable wanderlust, and a posse of murderous dog fanatics in hot and hilarious pursuit through many thinly-disguised Westchester spots.
The novel is based on the escapades of a real pup named Elf, who ran away from Mr. Donelson’s former Mamaroneck home a few days before he was to be a Christmas gift. Despite an arduous days-long search by friends, neighbors, family members, and a few people Mr. Donelson didn’t even know, the little terrier stayed lost until Christmas Eve, when he trotted back into the house on Stuart Avenue as if nothing had happened.
“Elf’s return was either a miracle or an omen,” Mr. Donelson says. “We didn’t know whether to kiss him or strangle him.”
Mr. Donelson, a writer who now lives in West Harrison, didn’t do either one. Instead, he turned the story into a fictionalized account of a Silky Terrier with Westminster-champion blood lines acquired by hapless Dan McCoy, a suburbanite who didn’t really want a dog in the first place. He added a cast of nefarious dognappers, a couple of off-camera murders, a few goofy in-laws and neighbors, and Hunting Elf grew into a comedic adventure novel that ends when the whole gang chases Elf into the middle of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Along the way the little pup dines in the shoe department at Nordstrom's in the Westchester Mall, hides out in the fictitious town of "Harrington," and scampers through several other locations perhaps quite recognizable to knowledgeable Westchester readers. Among them are "Shampoodle," a dead ringer for popular grooming shop "Shampooch" on Palmer Avenue and the "Harrington Diner," which greatly resembles the Mamaroneck Diner on Post Road.
The heart of the story, though, is how the first-time dog owners, Dan and his wife June, learn to live with the rambunctious Elf. According to Donelson, “Imagine Groucho Marx at a Hunter S. Thompson New Year’s Eve party — that’s Elf. He has the heart of Rin-Tin-Tin and the table manners of Grendel’s mother.”
Drawing on his life in a house with several champion show dogs - his wife, Nora Guzewicz, breeds and shows Bichon Frises — Mr. Donelson filled the novel with experiences recognizable by anyone who has ever raised a puppy. Elf lifts his leg in all the wrong places, chews on everything from an heirloom Oriental carpet to the CATV cable, and has an uncontrollable urge to dig up and eat delicacies like kitty paté, which gives a whole new meaning to the term “doggie breath.”
While the McCoys try to survive their adventures in puppydom, two rival breeders do their best to snatch Elf. Both are aided and opposed by a double-crossing, two-timing handler with secret plans of his own. It makes for a delicious romp through the suburbs of New York.
Hunting Elf first came out in 2006 as a free audio book on a website the author designed, www.huntingelf.com, and requests for a print version started pouring in. When over 6,000 episodes of the book were downloaded in the first four months, Mr. Donelson published the 276-page trade paperback, which is available at www.lulu.com or other book sellers.
Mr. Donelson writes for numerous publications, including the Christian Science Monitor, Disney's FamilyFun, and Westchester Magazine. A Westchester resident for nearly thirty years, he also serves as President of the Westchester Library System Board of Trustees.
(January 18, 2007) Larchmont, Mamaroneck and other nearby locations fill the pages of Hunting Elf, a new novel by local author Dave Donelson. The book tells the story of Elf, a Silky Terrier puppy with uncontrollable wanderlust, and a posse of murderous dog fanatics in hot and hilarious pursuit through many thinly-disguised Westchester spots.
The novel is based on the escapades of a real pup named Elf, who ran away from Mr. Donelson’s former Mamaroneck home a few days before he was to be a Christmas gift. Despite an arduous days-long search by friends, neighbors, family members, and a few people Mr. Donelson didn’t even know, the little terrier stayed lost until Christmas Eve, when he trotted back into the house on Stuart Avenue as if nothing had happened.
“Elf’s return was either a miracle or an omen,” Mr. Donelson says. “We didn’t know whether to kiss him or strangle him.”
Mr. Donelson, a writer who now lives in West Harrison, didn’t do either one. Instead, he turned the story into a fictionalized account of a Silky Terrier with Westminster-champion blood lines acquired by hapless Dan McCoy, a suburbanite who didn’t really want a dog in the first place. He added a cast of nefarious dognappers, a couple of off-camera murders, a few goofy in-laws and neighbors, and Hunting Elf grew into a comedic adventure novel that ends when the whole gang chases Elf into the middle of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Along the way the little pup dines in the shoe department at Nordstrom's in the Westchester Mall, hides out in the fictitious town of "Harrington," and scampers through several other locations perhaps quite recognizable to knowledgeable Westchester readers. Among them are "Shampoodle," a dead ringer for popular grooming shop "Shampooch" on Palmer Avenue and the "Harrington Diner," which greatly resembles the Mamaroneck Diner on Post Road.
The heart of the story, though, is how the first-time dog owners, Dan and his wife June, learn to live with the rambunctious Elf. According to Donelson, “Imagine Groucho Marx at a Hunter S. Thompson New Year’s Eve party — that’s Elf. He has the heart of Rin-Tin-Tin and the table manners of Grendel’s mother.”
Drawing on his life in a house with several champion show dogs - his wife, Nora Guzewicz, breeds and shows Bichon Frises — Mr. Donelson filled the novel with experiences recognizable by anyone who has ever raised a puppy. Elf lifts his leg in all the wrong places, chews on everything from an heirloom Oriental carpet to the CATV cable, and has an uncontrollable urge to dig up and eat delicacies like kitty paté, which gives a whole new meaning to the term “doggie breath.”
While the McCoys try to survive their adventures in puppydom, two rival breeders do their best to snatch Elf. Both are aided and opposed by a double-crossing, two-timing handler with secret plans of his own. It makes for a delicious romp through the suburbs of New York.
Hunting Elf first came out in 2006 as a free audio book on a website the author designed, www.huntingelf.com, and requests for a print version started pouring in. When over 6,000 episodes of the book were downloaded in the first four months, Mr. Donelson published the 276-page trade paperback, which is available at www.lulu.com or other book sellers.
Mr. Donelson writes for numerous publications, including the Christian Science Monitor, Disney's FamilyFun, and Westchester Magazine. A Westchester resident for nearly thirty years, he also serves as President of the Westchester Library System Board of Trustees.
February 9, 2011
Elf is a purebred Silky Terror, I mean Terrier, who is the last son of a world famous champion show dog. When the breeder dies a mysterious death, her husband sells the entire litter, including Elf, to people wanting pets. Three local breeders/dog show fanciers want Elf for his bloodline. Instead he goes home with June McCoy who intends on giving Elf to her mother for Christmas. June's mother doesn't want to care for a dog, but that's OK because Elf has taken off. And so begins the adventures of Elf.
Elf’s main human is Dan McCoy, June’s husband. Dan doesn’t want a dog especially one like Elf. Elf has a tendency to lift his leg where and when he pleases and eat things that end up returning to the carpet for Dan to step in. Breeders, Selena Kisco and Marie Carcioma, and handler Bruce Rose want Elf for stud services and decide to use any means necessary to get him. Throw in TV detective and neighbor Jerry, new age dimwit brother-in-law Edgar, an exasperated Officer Miller and clueless dog trainer Martin into the mix and you have a delightful story for any time of the year.
This is really a fun book to read. Author Dave Donelson’s characters are well-rounded and full of life. I don’t recall the story stalling at any point. There is one scene that felt forced and was a little confusing. **SPOILER** Several lady senior citizens rip open June’s convertible trying to rescue Elf from what they feel is a dangerously hot car (Elf was waiting in the car while June and Dan had breakfast in a restaurant). There was no clue to the weather being hot or humid, just a few nutty ladies who apparently like destroying other people’s cars. Dan tries to intercede as the ladies rip off the top and throw large rocks at the windows and Dan. I thought one of those ladies was Marie Carcioma from the description but was wrong (the confusing part). In the end, Elf bolts away only to be . . .
Hunting Elf s light-hearted story will keep you glued to the pages. Elf is a sweetheart and smart, very smart. He’ll keep you in stitches with his antics. If you ever thought you trained your pet this story will fill you in on the truth. Hunting Elf, a doggone Christmas story is a good read any time of the year.
Note: received copy of book from author
Elf’s main human is Dan McCoy, June’s husband. Dan doesn’t want a dog especially one like Elf. Elf has a tendency to lift his leg where and when he pleases and eat things that end up returning to the carpet for Dan to step in. Breeders, Selena Kisco and Marie Carcioma, and handler Bruce Rose want Elf for stud services and decide to use any means necessary to get him. Throw in TV detective and neighbor Jerry, new age dimwit brother-in-law Edgar, an exasperated Officer Miller and clueless dog trainer Martin into the mix and you have a delightful story for any time of the year.
This is really a fun book to read. Author Dave Donelson’s characters are well-rounded and full of life. I don’t recall the story stalling at any point. There is one scene that felt forced and was a little confusing. **SPOILER** Several lady senior citizens rip open June’s convertible trying to rescue Elf from what they feel is a dangerously hot car (Elf was waiting in the car while June and Dan had breakfast in a restaurant). There was no clue to the weather being hot or humid, just a few nutty ladies who apparently like destroying other people’s cars. Dan tries to intercede as the ladies rip off the top and throw large rocks at the windows and Dan. I thought one of those ladies was Marie Carcioma from the description but was wrong (the confusing part). In the end, Elf bolts away only to be . . .
Hunting Elf s light-hearted story will keep you glued to the pages. Elf is a sweetheart and smart, very smart. He’ll keep you in stitches with his antics. If you ever thought you trained your pet this story will fill you in on the truth. Hunting Elf, a doggone Christmas story is a good read any time of the year.
Note: received copy of book from author
March 25, 2011
What a perfect time to read this book! But that's certainly not the only reason why I can whole-heartedly recommend it to readers of all ages.
Dave Donelson managed to write not only a witty and at times outright hilarious story of a dog on the loose and his rather unmotivated owner Dan chasing after him (as do others who'd even kill to get their hands on the puppy), but he did so with love to detail which dog owners will certainly appreciate.
This is a fast-paced read with a whole lot of memorable characters and on the forefront Elf, the dog, who in all his anthropomorphic detail, will sneak his way into the readers heart (even though you'll be glad he's not peeing on YOUR bed) - but let's face it, there's more to being a dog than, well, being just a dog. Oh, and happy end included. Who could aks for more?
In short: Grab yourself a copy of the book and make yourself comfortable next to the Christmas tree! Because if you don't, your dog might ...
Dave Donelson managed to write not only a witty and at times outright hilarious story of a dog on the loose and his rather unmotivated owner Dan chasing after him (as do others who'd even kill to get their hands on the puppy), but he did so with love to detail which dog owners will certainly appreciate.
This is a fast-paced read with a whole lot of memorable characters and on the forefront Elf, the dog, who in all his anthropomorphic detail, will sneak his way into the readers heart (even though you'll be glad he's not peeing on YOUR bed) - but let's face it, there's more to being a dog than, well, being just a dog. Oh, and happy end included. Who could aks for more?
In short: Grab yourself a copy of the book and make yourself comfortable next to the Christmas tree! Because if you don't, your dog might ...
January 12, 2011
Hilarious! I was laughing out loud within a few pages. The story surrounds a rambunctious puppy named Elf. Elf is purchased as a Christmas present, but bring a whole lot of baggage with him. Hunting Elf is full of crazy people. Elf has other plans. He wants to stay with his half trained humans.
The characters are likable but a little too crazy to be believable. Fortunately the writing and fast pace of the story makes up for that. Hunting Elf is more of a mystery than a Christmas story and can easily be read anytime. I'm not normally a mystery person, but the story was so funny, that I couldn't stop reading. The story may not be very believable, but it is still worthwhile read. Hunting Elf can be easily be read by Tweens and adults.
The characters are likable but a little too crazy to be believable. Fortunately the writing and fast pace of the story makes up for that. Hunting Elf is more of a mystery than a Christmas story and can easily be read anytime. I'm not normally a mystery person, but the story was so funny, that I couldn't stop reading. The story may not be very believable, but it is still worthwhile read. Hunting Elf can be easily be read by Tweens and adults.
Want to read
January 18, 2014Hunting Elf -
A puppy for Christmas? What could be better! Dan McCoy and his capable wife June find out when Santa gives them a frolicsome hairball named Elf, a Silky Terrier with champion bloodlines and the table manners of Groucho Marx at a Hunter S. Thompson New Year's Eve party. He's also on the Christmas wish list of nefarious dognappers who want to steal him as part of a murderous plot to win the silver cup for Westminster's "Best In Show." Elf foils everybody's plots, though, and brings Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to a tumultuous halt in the process. Hunting Elf is a comedic canine Christmas adventure
A puppy for Christmas? What could be better! Dan McCoy and his capable wife June find out when Santa gives them a frolicsome hairball named Elf, a Silky Terrier with champion bloodlines and the table manners of Groucho Marx at a Hunter S. Thompson New Year's Eve party. He's also on the Christmas wish list of nefarious dognappers who want to steal him as part of a murderous plot to win the silver cup for Westminster's "Best In Show." Elf foils everybody's plots, though, and brings Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to a tumultuous halt in the process. Hunting Elf is a comedic canine Christmas adventure
December 12, 2010
this is a very funny and also sometimes quite touching story! Elf is a great strong-minded puppy, very individual. I sometimes felt sorry and at the same time a bit annoyed with Dan as he cannot stand up to his wife.
The dogshow-witches I'm afraid do exist in reality - animal-beauty-shows I always thought of being very horrible.
It is a really great read.
The dogshow-witches I'm afraid do exist in reality - animal-beauty-shows I always thought of being very horrible.
It is a really great read.
March 25, 2010
Actual rating 3.5.
This was a really cute book, but it's not something I'd generally read. It's in the "light read" category, and if that's what you are looking for (which I was), I'd certainly recommend it.
This was a really cute book, but it's not something I'd generally read. It's in the "light read" category, and if that's what you are looking for (which I was), I'd certainly recommend it.
March 9, 2017
Very enjoyable with a side of laughter!
I'm not a fan of books with animals, so I'm not quite sure how this ended up on my list, but I'm pleased it was and I gave it a chance!
I think the best part ... was Elf likes Starbucks, too!
I'm not a fan of books with animals, so I'm not quite sure how this ended up on my list, but I'm pleased it was and I gave it a chance!
I think the best part ... was Elf likes Starbucks, too!
January 6, 2011
It's a really good Christmas story. Not too sweet, and very funny. I could see it,already as a TV holiday movie (watch out ABC and hallmark lol).”
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews