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Detective Zoe Mayer #3
The Good Dog
After gunshots echo through the summer night on Mount Macedon, Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her loyal service dog Harry race to the summit at first light. What they find looks like a grisly an alleged fraudster named Piers Johnson, and his lawyer Antony Peterson, both dead from bullet wounds, a gun lying nearby.
Something about the scene doesn't stack up. There are plenty of suspects, but no one seems to be telling the truth. Zoe's instincts are ignited, as the pressure to find and charge the culprit becomes intense. And that's when Peterson's teenage daughter Sarah is snatched off the street. The Good Dog is Zoe's toughest assignment yet, a murderous conspiracy of greed, deceit and violence. She knows that Harry may be her only chance to crack the case.
Something about the scene doesn't stack up. There are plenty of suspects, but no one seems to be telling the truth. Zoe's instincts are ignited, as the pressure to find and charge the culprit becomes intense. And that's when Peterson's teenage daughter Sarah is snatched off the street. The Good Dog is Zoe's toughest assignment yet, a murderous conspiracy of greed, deceit and violence. She knows that Harry may be her only chance to crack the case.
304 pages, ebook
First published January 30, 2024
107 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Simon Rowell
4 books71 followersAlso published under S.D. Rowell
Simon Rowell is a bestselling Australian crime mystery author, who was born in Adelaide, South Australia.
A graduate of both the University of South Australia and Flinders University, Simon’s work centres on the interplay between culture, morality and truth, which is explored within the bestselling novel, "The Echo of Others". The book was long-listed for the Ned Kelly Award, Australia's pre-eminent crime literature award, for Best First Crime novel.
Simon has published a trilogy of novels focused on a detective with PTSD, who works with a service dog. These novels are The Long Game, Wild Card and The Good Dog.
As a teenager, Simon worked in outback South Australia in the Cooper Basin oil & gas fields and later at Olympic Dam. In his early twenties, he managed hotels and was a tour guide. Later, for over twenty years, he owned and managed two branding and marketing businesses in Melbourne. He now lives on the Fleurieu Peninsula with a farm full of rescued animals and a large collection of books. Simon is a lover of baseball, jalapeños and sculpture.
Simon Rowell is a bestselling Australian crime mystery author, who was born in Adelaide, South Australia.
A graduate of both the University of South Australia and Flinders University, Simon’s work centres on the interplay between culture, morality and truth, which is explored within the bestselling novel, "The Echo of Others". The book was long-listed for the Ned Kelly Award, Australia's pre-eminent crime literature award, for Best First Crime novel.
Simon has published a trilogy of novels focused on a detective with PTSD, who works with a service dog. These novels are The Long Game, Wild Card and The Good Dog.
As a teenager, Simon worked in outback South Australia in the Cooper Basin oil & gas fields and later at Olympic Dam. In his early twenties, he managed hotels and was a tour guide. Later, for over twenty years, he owned and managed two branding and marketing businesses in Melbourne. He now lives on the Fleurieu Peninsula with a farm full of rescued animals and a large collection of books. Simon is a lover of baseball, jalapeños and sculpture.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
January 25, 2024
Wild Card was among my favourite reads of 2023 - so I was keen for this! It was great to be reunited with Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her loyal service dog, Harry.
They’re called to the summit of Mount Macedon, where an alleged fraudster and his lawyer are found dead from bullet wounds. Initially thought to be a murder-suicide, things soon don’t add up. There are plenty of suspects, a kidnapping, and twists and turns guaranteed to keep you engaged.
I was engrossed from the start. The attention to detail in regards to police procedure made it feel authentic. The chapter titles depicted events in real-time, which added a sense of urgency. It was hard to put down. New developments arose at perfect intervals. The Good Dog is one of those books that makes you lose track of time while reading.
Zoe and Harry are such a lovable crime-fighting duo. I love their interactions, the bond they share, and how Harry assists Zoe to navigate work and life. It really sets this series apart.
“She grabbed at a railing as the news chopper circled above. She looked only at Harry and tried to control her breathing.”
Harry is never just a prop, but a well-developed character himself that allows us to know Zoe on a deeper level. In this book, he’s literally responsible for major plot developments. And he doesn’t just provide comfort to Zoe, but numerous others who are going through difficult times and trauma. It’s such a wholesome contrast to the murders and kidnapping. Best dog in fiction since Timmy in The Famous Five? Yes, I think so.
“Harry stood up and walked over, wagging his tail, and laid his head on Malcolm’s leg. The old man stroked Harry’s head tenderly for a moment, before sniffing back his tears.”
Confession: I partly guessed the suspect around page fifty. But this didn’t detract from anything, and I was still surprised by revelations and plot developments that followed. It never began treading water. Simon Rowell not only writes characters easy to care about, but is equally skilled at describing landscape, and ramping up tension.
I loved the final showdown. It was a gripping and satisfying end; one which made me smile. The press conference was an effective way to wrap things up and solidify facts in the reader’s mind. It was also fitting that closing chapters (January 12) coincided with my dog, Rosie’s birthday – shout out to her!
Books like this are why I enjoy reading. The Good Dog is perhaps Simon Rowell’s best yet. Highly recommend.
“They made their way down a sandy path towards the beach, Zoe feeling light and free. Harry was excited, half-bounding as he walked. As they came over the sand dune, the beach stretched out in front of them, arcing east to west.”
Many thanks to Text Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
They’re called to the summit of Mount Macedon, where an alleged fraudster and his lawyer are found dead from bullet wounds. Initially thought to be a murder-suicide, things soon don’t add up. There are plenty of suspects, a kidnapping, and twists and turns guaranteed to keep you engaged.
I was engrossed from the start. The attention to detail in regards to police procedure made it feel authentic. The chapter titles depicted events in real-time, which added a sense of urgency. It was hard to put down. New developments arose at perfect intervals. The Good Dog is one of those books that makes you lose track of time while reading.
Zoe and Harry are such a lovable crime-fighting duo. I love their interactions, the bond they share, and how Harry assists Zoe to navigate work and life. It really sets this series apart.
“She grabbed at a railing as the news chopper circled above. She looked only at Harry and tried to control her breathing.”
Harry is never just a prop, but a well-developed character himself that allows us to know Zoe on a deeper level. In this book, he’s literally responsible for major plot developments. And he doesn’t just provide comfort to Zoe, but numerous others who are going through difficult times and trauma. It’s such a wholesome contrast to the murders and kidnapping. Best dog in fiction since Timmy in The Famous Five? Yes, I think so.
“Harry stood up and walked over, wagging his tail, and laid his head on Malcolm’s leg. The old man stroked Harry’s head tenderly for a moment, before sniffing back his tears.”
Confession: I partly guessed the suspect around page fifty. But this didn’t detract from anything, and I was still surprised by revelations and plot developments that followed. It never began treading water. Simon Rowell not only writes characters easy to care about, but is equally skilled at describing landscape, and ramping up tension.
I loved the final showdown. It was a gripping and satisfying end; one which made me smile. The press conference was an effective way to wrap things up and solidify facts in the reader’s mind. It was also fitting that closing chapters (January 12) coincided with my dog, Rosie’s birthday – shout out to her!
Books like this are why I enjoy reading. The Good Dog is perhaps Simon Rowell’s best yet. Highly recommend.
“They made their way down a sandy path towards the beach, Zoe feeling light and free. Harry was excited, half-bounding as he walked. As they came over the sand dune, the beach stretched out in front of them, arcing east to west.”
Many thanks to Text Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2024
EXCERPT: As they came over a small rise, they saw the top of the memorial cross bathed in early light. The colour of sandstone, it was more than twenty metres tall, sitting high up on a three-tiered plinth supported by a large round concrete base, ten metres across and cut into steps. A metal railing enclosed the base. As Zoe approached she could see the victim slouched on the concrete, his head and right shoulder propped against the plinth, a single bloody wound in his upper torso, a thick pool of dark blood staining the concrete to his left. Past the cross, the mountain fell away and a patchwork of farmland and forest stretched to the horizon.
ABOUT 'THE GOOD DOG': After gunshots echo through the summer night on Mount Macedon, Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her loyal service dog Harry race to the summit at first light. What they find looks like a grisly an alleged fraudster named Piers Johnson, and his lawyer Antony Peterson, both dead from bullet wounds, a gun lying nearby.
Something about the scene doesn't stack up. There are plenty of suspects, but no one seems to be telling the truth. Zoe's instincts are ignited, as the pressure to find and charge the culprit becomes intense. And that's when Peterson's teenage daughter Sarah is snatched off the street. The Good Dog is Zoe's toughest assignment yet, a murderous conspiracy of greed, deceit and violence. She knows that Harry may be her only chance to crack the case.
MY THOUGHTS: A cracking good Aussie crime thriller.
The good dog of the title is Harry, a golden retriever and service dog for Detective Zoe Mayer. He also makes a terrific police dog and is the star of the book. Zoe has a new partner, Ben Tarro, who takes a little breaking in. For a start, he doesn't like working with dogs. I just loved Zoe's response to that statement!
Zoe suffers from PTSD relating particularly to helicopters and drones, which can be a big problem in her line of work. Harry is there to centre her, to keep her focused and calm. He is an incredibly intelligent dog, seemingly able to know when someone is lying.
I enjoyed Zoe's character - she's a tough nut, but kind and fair. Ben grew on me as the book progressed.
There's a lot of action in this book, from the initial murders relating back to a fraud case, to the abduction of a teenager. The author makes great use of technological advances but was inclined to skim over the forensics.
This is a well-paced police procedural/Australian crime thriller that kept me invested throughout. Although I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, the author has provided enough background information to enable this to be read as a stand-alone, and A Good Dog deals with a case not related to anything that has occurred in the previous books. However, I am now itching to read the first two books as I have take quite a shine to Zoe and Harry.
The Good Dog is a quick, easy and entertaining read and the twist that leads to the final reveal was an interesting one. No, I didn't see it coming. I do think though, that I would have liked to know for certain if Piers was responsible for the fraud or if, as he claimed, he was sucked in too.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheGoodDog #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Simon Rowell was born in Adelaide, South Australia. As a teenager, Simon worked in outback South Australia in the Cooper Basin oil & gas fields and later at Olympic Dam. In his early twenties, he managed hotels and was a tour guide. Later, for over twenty years, he owned and managed two branding and marketing businesses in Melbourne. He now lives on the Fleurieu Peninsula with a farm full of rescued animals and a large collection of books. Simon is a lover of baseball, jalapeños and sculpture.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Text Publishing via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Good Dog by Simon Rowell for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
ABOUT 'THE GOOD DOG': After gunshots echo through the summer night on Mount Macedon, Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her loyal service dog Harry race to the summit at first light. What they find looks like a grisly an alleged fraudster named Piers Johnson, and his lawyer Antony Peterson, both dead from bullet wounds, a gun lying nearby.
Something about the scene doesn't stack up. There are plenty of suspects, but no one seems to be telling the truth. Zoe's instincts are ignited, as the pressure to find and charge the culprit becomes intense. And that's when Peterson's teenage daughter Sarah is snatched off the street. The Good Dog is Zoe's toughest assignment yet, a murderous conspiracy of greed, deceit and violence. She knows that Harry may be her only chance to crack the case.
MY THOUGHTS: A cracking good Aussie crime thriller.
The good dog of the title is Harry, a golden retriever and service dog for Detective Zoe Mayer. He also makes a terrific police dog and is the star of the book. Zoe has a new partner, Ben Tarro, who takes a little breaking in. For a start, he doesn't like working with dogs. I just loved Zoe's response to that statement!
Zoe suffers from PTSD relating particularly to helicopters and drones, which can be a big problem in her line of work. Harry is there to centre her, to keep her focused and calm. He is an incredibly intelligent dog, seemingly able to know when someone is lying.
I enjoyed Zoe's character - she's a tough nut, but kind and fair. Ben grew on me as the book progressed.
There's a lot of action in this book, from the initial murders relating back to a fraud case, to the abduction of a teenager. The author makes great use of technological advances but was inclined to skim over the forensics.
This is a well-paced police procedural/Australian crime thriller that kept me invested throughout. Although I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, the author has provided enough background information to enable this to be read as a stand-alone, and A Good Dog deals with a case not related to anything that has occurred in the previous books. However, I am now itching to read the first two books as I have take quite a shine to Zoe and Harry.
The Good Dog is a quick, easy and entertaining read and the twist that leads to the final reveal was an interesting one. No, I didn't see it coming. I do think though, that I would have liked to know for certain if Piers was responsible for the fraud or if, as he claimed, he was sucked in too.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheGoodDog #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Simon Rowell was born in Adelaide, South Australia. As a teenager, Simon worked in outback South Australia in the Cooper Basin oil & gas fields and later at Olympic Dam. In his early twenties, he managed hotels and was a tour guide. Later, for over twenty years, he owned and managed two branding and marketing businesses in Melbourne. He now lives on the Fleurieu Peninsula with a farm full of rescued animals and a large collection of books. Simon is a lover of baseball, jalapeños and sculpture.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Text Publishing via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Good Dog by Simon Rowell for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
February 2, 2024
The third book in this excellent series. I am really growing to like DS Zoe Mayer and who would not love Harry, the service dog and the good dog of the title.
After the death of her previous partner Zoe is now teamed up with Ben Tarro who is young and determined to make an impression. I loved the first scene when he sees Harry and makes it clear he does not want to work with a dog, to which Zoe replies that the door he just came in works both ways. She is one tough cookie, and I certainly would not want to argue with her about Harry! Ben does improve as the book goes on.
Two murders are rapidly followed by a teenage abduction and Harry earns his title of good dog by doing more work than the humans do in finding the victims. This is an intriguing and fast paced mystery and I enjoyed every minute of it. I hope Zoe, Ben and Harry feature in many more books in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
After the death of her previous partner Zoe is now teamed up with Ben Tarro who is young and determined to make an impression. I loved the first scene when he sees Harry and makes it clear he does not want to work with a dog, to which Zoe replies that the door he just came in works both ways. She is one tough cookie, and I certainly would not want to argue with her about Harry! Ben does improve as the book goes on.
Two murders are rapidly followed by a teenage abduction and Harry earns his title of good dog by doing more work than the humans do in finding the victims. This is an intriguing and fast paced mystery and I enjoyed every minute of it. I hope Zoe, Ben and Harry feature in many more books in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 11, 2024
When Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer was called to Mount Macedon in the middle of the night, after reports of gunshots, her new partner Ben along with her service dog Harry accompanied her. Finding two bodies, the second one breathing his last, set Zoe and Harry on a deep and violent case which could have dire consequences. Piers Johnson had recently been acquitted on fraud charges and along with his lawyer, Antony Peterson, the pair were hated by those who'd lost millions in the caper. Being acquitted didn't mean innocence, and many believed Piers was hiding the money. Zoe's job was to discover who had killed the two men - there were plenty with motive.
Interviewing all those who'd lost money, along with family members of the deceased, Zoe was puzzled. Not a lot made sense. But when a young girl was abducted and her mother given three days to return the millions, the race was on. Would Zoe and her team find Sarah before it was too late for her? And would they discover the murderer/s who had started the baffling case off?
The Good Dog is the 3rd in the Detective Zoe Mayer series by Aussie author Simon Rowell and that makes 3 out of 3 top reads for me! Zoe is an outstanding, well written character, and as for Harry! He's adorable - a good dog (as the title suggests!) This one was filled with intrigue and tension; fast paced, intense and set in and around Melbourne, Victoria. An excellent, highly recommendable read!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Interviewing all those who'd lost money, along with family members of the deceased, Zoe was puzzled. Not a lot made sense. But when a young girl was abducted and her mother given three days to return the millions, the race was on. Would Zoe and her team find Sarah before it was too late for her? And would they discover the murderer/s who had started the baffling case off?
The Good Dog is the 3rd in the Detective Zoe Mayer series by Aussie author Simon Rowell and that makes 3 out of 3 top reads for me! Zoe is an outstanding, well written character, and as for Harry! He's adorable - a good dog (as the title suggests!) This one was filled with intrigue and tension; fast paced, intense and set in and around Melbourne, Victoria. An excellent, highly recommendable read!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2024
4★
“They all stared at Harry. She was used to it now—the detective with the service dog was old gossip, but it didn’t stop the uniforms gawking.”
Victorian Police Detective Zoe Mayer and her service dog Harry are familiar to many in the department now, but new constables and the public are often unaware. Despite Harry’s officially-marked police harness, people are reluctant to let him enter offices.
Even her new partner, Ben, looks like he could be a problem.
“She and Ben had only been partnered up for two weeks.
. . .
She’d spent a month or so before that working solo, and she was starting to prefer it that way.
. . .
On that first day, he strutted into the squad room in a grey tailored three-piece suit, his dark hair carefully styled. To Zoe, he looked more gangster than cop. When he spotted Harry curled beside her desk, he pointed at his suit. ‘This doesn’t go with dogs.’
Zoe had stared at him for a long moment. ‘You know that door you came through,’ she said, pointing over his shoulder. ‘It works both ways.’”
Ouch!
Zoe’s not one to back down from a fight, but she does suffer from PTSD after a particularly dramatic shooting event where she was instrumental in saving people while others fled the scene. It was mayhem, with people screaming, choppers, and drones. Since then, the sound of helicopters triggers her, and in her line of work, there are always police and media choppers as well as drones.
Harry hears them first and has been trained to warn her so she can brace herself or pull over if she’s driving.
“Harry darted ahead as they left the cafe and spun around to sit in front of her, blocking her path. His eyes told her everything. Her vision flickered and her chest constricted. She grabbed at a railing as the news chopper circled above. She looked only at Harry and tried to control her breathing.
. . .
She had never admitted, either to her boss or to the police psychologist, how bad her semi-blackouts really were. Only Harry knew.”
She was sent to the police psychologist, with whom she became friendly, but she still didn’t mention the brief loss of awareness. They would have taken her keys away and/or retired her. Harry is not only a great support, he’s also a smart dog. He notices smells and signs that the police might miss, and he has an instinct for whom to trust.
This case involves reports of two shootings, 20 minutes apart, on Mount Macedon, near some fancy homes. The victims were well-known after having been caught up in a Bali development project that turned out to be a scam.
Although Piers Johnson was exonerated of all charges after being defended by his lawyer and friend, Antony Peterson, the other investors are baying for blood. Both men said they had also lost huge amounts of money themselves and they were victims too, but mud sticks, so the police have no shortage of suspects who sought revenge.
The connections between all the characters are complicated by the fact that many of them have been family friends and club members for years. As it turns out, even more connections come to light, and I’ve decided to suspend my natural cynicism, go with the flow, and accept the reveal.
I think each book in this series can be enjoyed as a standalone, because Rowell gives us as much back story as we need to know. This is takes place in Australia, but it could be anywhere, so readers don't need to know anything about Aussie policing.
A small niggle: I prefer that characters have very different names from each other. Margot and Marjorie are easy to confuse (for me), likewise Georgina and Georgia. That may be just me, but there are a lot of names to choose from.
I also listened to some of the audio. Again, the narrator, Elle Mickel, does a good job, and handles Scottish and American accents really well, sounding very natural. I still have trouble telling some of the women apart on the audio. I’m not sure who allowed Nikes (someone’s shoes) to be pronounced like “spikes”. I’m afraid that did offend my sensibilities. 😊 (only very briefly)
Thanks to NetGalley and Text Publishing for the copy for review from which I’ve quoted.
My review of the previous two books in the Detective Zoe Mayer series are here:
The Long Game (Detective Zoe Mayer #1)
My review
Wild Card (Detective Zoe Mayer #2
My revew
“They all stared at Harry. She was used to it now—the detective with the service dog was old gossip, but it didn’t stop the uniforms gawking.”
Victorian Police Detective Zoe Mayer and her service dog Harry are familiar to many in the department now, but new constables and the public are often unaware. Despite Harry’s officially-marked police harness, people are reluctant to let him enter offices.
Even her new partner, Ben, looks like he could be a problem.
“She and Ben had only been partnered up for two weeks.
. . .
She’d spent a month or so before that working solo, and she was starting to prefer it that way.
. . .
On that first day, he strutted into the squad room in a grey tailored three-piece suit, his dark hair carefully styled. To Zoe, he looked more gangster than cop. When he spotted Harry curled beside her desk, he pointed at his suit. ‘This doesn’t go with dogs.’
Zoe had stared at him for a long moment. ‘You know that door you came through,’ she said, pointing over his shoulder. ‘It works both ways.’”
Ouch!
Zoe’s not one to back down from a fight, but she does suffer from PTSD after a particularly dramatic shooting event where she was instrumental in saving people while others fled the scene. It was mayhem, with people screaming, choppers, and drones. Since then, the sound of helicopters triggers her, and in her line of work, there are always police and media choppers as well as drones.
Harry hears them first and has been trained to warn her so she can brace herself or pull over if she’s driving.
“Harry darted ahead as they left the cafe and spun around to sit in front of her, blocking her path. His eyes told her everything. Her vision flickered and her chest constricted. She grabbed at a railing as the news chopper circled above. She looked only at Harry and tried to control her breathing.
. . .
She had never admitted, either to her boss or to the police psychologist, how bad her semi-blackouts really were. Only Harry knew.”
She was sent to the police psychologist, with whom she became friendly, but she still didn’t mention the brief loss of awareness. They would have taken her keys away and/or retired her. Harry is not only a great support, he’s also a smart dog. He notices smells and signs that the police might miss, and he has an instinct for whom to trust.
This case involves reports of two shootings, 20 minutes apart, on Mount Macedon, near some fancy homes. The victims were well-known after having been caught up in a Bali development project that turned out to be a scam.
Although Piers Johnson was exonerated of all charges after being defended by his lawyer and friend, Antony Peterson, the other investors are baying for blood. Both men said they had also lost huge amounts of money themselves and they were victims too, but mud sticks, so the police have no shortage of suspects who sought revenge.
The connections between all the characters are complicated by the fact that many of them have been family friends and club members for years. As it turns out, even more connections come to light, and I’ve decided to suspend my natural cynicism, go with the flow, and accept the reveal.
I think each book in this series can be enjoyed as a standalone, because Rowell gives us as much back story as we need to know. This is takes place in Australia, but it could be anywhere, so readers don't need to know anything about Aussie policing.
A small niggle: I prefer that characters have very different names from each other. Margot and Marjorie are easy to confuse (for me), likewise Georgina and Georgia. That may be just me, but there are a lot of names to choose from.
I also listened to some of the audio. Again, the narrator, Elle Mickel, does a good job, and handles Scottish and American accents really well, sounding very natural. I still have trouble telling some of the women apart on the audio. I’m not sure who allowed Nikes (someone’s shoes) to be pronounced like “spikes”. I’m afraid that did offend my sensibilities. 😊 (only very briefly)
Thanks to NetGalley and Text Publishing for the copy for review from which I’ve quoted.
My review of the previous two books in the Detective Zoe Mayer series are here:
The Long Game (Detective Zoe Mayer #1)My review
Wild Card (Detective Zoe Mayer #2My revew
January 15, 2024
The 3rd book in the Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer series is all business as she takes on a double homicide case. The dead men, both shot to death at the top of Mount Macedon in Victoria, are Piers Johnson, a businessman and his lawyer Antony Peterson. Johnson had just been recently acquitted on a charge of fraud after 22 million dollars of investor’s money disappeared - Peterson was the lawyer who got him off. There are 22 million reasons why certain people might want these two men dead.
As with many police procedurals, the case begins with the requisite interviews of potential suspects. But after Zoe and her new partner Detective Senior Constable Ben Tarro have finished they’re none the wiser as to the identity of the shooter. It’s only when Antony Peterson’s daughter is abducted in broad daylight and demands are made to return the stolen money that real progress is made.
Although Zoe is the lead investigator on the case, this is very much a team effort with plenty of help coming from her technical team. In particular, many of the more significant breaks in the case came courtesy of mobile phone metadata which had been accessed and used to pinpoint where to look. This was a particularly interesting aspect of the case and definitely helped to keep things moving along at a solid clip.
In many respects, The Good Dog is your classic police procedural mystery thriller that’s been given a bit of spice through the inclusion of Harry, Zoe’s service dog. Zoe still suffers from PTSD brought about by a previous case. Harry provides her with support, most specifically by early detection of helicopter and drone sounds that set off Zoe’s panic attacks. By focusing on Harry, she’s able to manage her attacks.
That’s Harry’s primary role, and he’s been a comforting presence throughout all books in the series, there’s no doubt. But in this episode, we get to see him demonstrate a more complete range of his abilities and, true to the title of the book, these talents mark Harry as a very good dog indeed.
Having read all three books of the series to date, it has been interesting to watch Zoe’s development. It’s clear that she has become more confident and decisive in the way she runs her investigations. While the PTSD’s still there, the abiding presence of Harry has clearly played a big role in her progress. The result is a smooth investigation that is firmly guided by an assured hand and this also means there’s always a sense that things are progressing along.
I thought the introduction of Ben as her new (human) partner has been a promising one. Sure, he’s had to endure the usual tense moments as his new colleagues test him out, but he’s already proving himself to be a solid detective. This augurs well for future books, surely.
A well-plotted police procedural that contained a number of cleverly hidden surprises and a well organised investigation that required some intuitive police work, The Good Dog has added up to another entertaining mystery.
My thanks to Netgalley and Text Publishing for a digital ARC which allowed me to read, enjoy and review this book.
As with many police procedurals, the case begins with the requisite interviews of potential suspects. But after Zoe and her new partner Detective Senior Constable Ben Tarro have finished they’re none the wiser as to the identity of the shooter. It’s only when Antony Peterson’s daughter is abducted in broad daylight and demands are made to return the stolen money that real progress is made.
Although Zoe is the lead investigator on the case, this is very much a team effort with plenty of help coming from her technical team. In particular, many of the more significant breaks in the case came courtesy of mobile phone metadata which had been accessed and used to pinpoint where to look. This was a particularly interesting aspect of the case and definitely helped to keep things moving along at a solid clip.
In many respects, The Good Dog is your classic police procedural mystery thriller that’s been given a bit of spice through the inclusion of Harry, Zoe’s service dog. Zoe still suffers from PTSD brought about by a previous case. Harry provides her with support, most specifically by early detection of helicopter and drone sounds that set off Zoe’s panic attacks. By focusing on Harry, she’s able to manage her attacks.
That’s Harry’s primary role, and he’s been a comforting presence throughout all books in the series, there’s no doubt. But in this episode, we get to see him demonstrate a more complete range of his abilities and, true to the title of the book, these talents mark Harry as a very good dog indeed.
Having read all three books of the series to date, it has been interesting to watch Zoe’s development. It’s clear that she has become more confident and decisive in the way she runs her investigations. While the PTSD’s still there, the abiding presence of Harry has clearly played a big role in her progress. The result is a smooth investigation that is firmly guided by an assured hand and this also means there’s always a sense that things are progressing along.
I thought the introduction of Ben as her new (human) partner has been a promising one. Sure, he’s had to endure the usual tense moments as his new colleagues test him out, but he’s already proving himself to be a solid detective. This augurs well for future books, surely.
A well-plotted police procedural that contained a number of cleverly hidden surprises and a well organised investigation that required some intuitive police work, The Good Dog has added up to another entertaining mystery.
My thanks to Netgalley and Text Publishing for a digital ARC which allowed me to read, enjoy and review this book.
January 27, 2024
This really is shaping into an excellent Australian crime (police procedural) series, with each instalment delivering something fresh along with excellent characterisation, tight plotting and one very, very good dog.
After working on her own for a little while, DS Zoe Mayer has only recently been partnered with a new DC, Ben Tarro, when the pair are called to a gunshot fatality at the top of Mount Macedon, a little way out of Melbourne. The victim is Piers Johnson, acquitted of fraud charges only months beforehand. The crime scene appears fairly straightforward, if not immediately solvable, until Zoe's service dog Harry - the good dog - alerts them to something of concern further away in the undergrowth. Another victim, not yet dead. Unfortunately, fate doesn't favour the second man, and he soon succumbs to his wound. When a gun is found not too far from the second victim, Zoe and Ben develop a working theory of murder-suicide. But when the forensics don't support that theory, the detectives have to acknowledge they have a much more perplexing case on their hands.
Ben has big shoes to fill, taking over from Zoe's previous partner Charlie, but after a slightly shaky start When he spotted Harry curled beside her desk, he pointed at his suit. ‘This doesn’t go with dogs.’ he is able to prove his worth when Zoe gives him the space to sink or swim. And with Harry contributing more to the investigation than anyone has the right to expect, Ben seems to accept his new furry colleague. But overall, Zoe and Harry are the stars of this show, and once again they work seamlessly together to crack the case while making sure Zoe's PTSD doesn't interfere with her ability to investigate.
I really enjoyed meeting up with these characters again, and hope the author doesn't run out of ideas for some time.
With thanks to NetGalley and Text Publishing for an eARC to read and review.
After working on her own for a little while, DS Zoe Mayer has only recently been partnered with a new DC, Ben Tarro, when the pair are called to a gunshot fatality at the top of Mount Macedon, a little way out of Melbourne. The victim is Piers Johnson, acquitted of fraud charges only months beforehand. The crime scene appears fairly straightforward, if not immediately solvable, until Zoe's service dog Harry - the good dog - alerts them to something of concern further away in the undergrowth. Another victim, not yet dead. Unfortunately, fate doesn't favour the second man, and he soon succumbs to his wound. When a gun is found not too far from the second victim, Zoe and Ben develop a working theory of murder-suicide. But when the forensics don't support that theory, the detectives have to acknowledge they have a much more perplexing case on their hands.
Ben has big shoes to fill, taking over from Zoe's previous partner Charlie, but after a slightly shaky start When he spotted Harry curled beside her desk, he pointed at his suit. ‘This doesn’t go with dogs.’ he is able to prove his worth when Zoe gives him the space to sink or swim. And with Harry contributing more to the investigation than anyone has the right to expect, Ben seems to accept his new furry colleague. But overall, Zoe and Harry are the stars of this show, and once again they work seamlessly together to crack the case while making sure Zoe's PTSD doesn't interfere with her ability to investigate.
I really enjoyed meeting up with these characters again, and hope the author doesn't run out of ideas for some time.
With thanks to NetGalley and Text Publishing for an eARC to read and review.
October 24, 2024
The Good Dog by Simon Rowell
Synopsis /
After gunshots echo through the summer night on Mount Macedon, Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her loyal service dog Harry race to the summit at first light. What they find looks like a grisly an alleged fraudster named Piers Johnson, and his lawyer Antony Peterson, both dead from bullet wounds, a gun lying nearby.
Something about the scene doesn't stack up. There are plenty of suspects, but no one seems to be telling the truth. Zoe's instincts are ignited, as the pressure to find and charge the culprit becomes intense. And that's when Peterson's teenage daughter Sarah is snatched off the street. The Good Dog is Zoe's toughest assignment yet, a murderous conspiracy of greed, deceit and violence. She knows that Harry may be her only chance to crack the case.
My Thoughts /
Moonlit mountain weeps whispering secrets so Night’s breath claims the lost.
Author Simon Rowell is barking up the right tree with this series.
A charismatic cop who’s partnered with a clever canine. Where both characters are easily likable and engaging. Mr Rowell, you have yourself a winning combination.
The Good Dog is the third book featuring Victoria Police Homicide Squad’s Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her service dog, Harry. Mayer, whose defining characteristic is that she suffers from severe PTSD as a result of a work related event is called to an incident at the summit of Mount Macedon. Arriving at the top of the mountain, Mayer and her partner, Ben Tarro survey the scene – two dead bodies, both with bullet wounds and a gun lying nearby. Is this a murder/suicide? Or something staged to look that way?
Having been partnered up with Zoe for only two weeks, Ben Tarro is yet to feel comfortable around Mayer and her team, he still feels very much like ‘the new guy’. Hopefully, with this case he might be able to prove himself to be a valuable addition to the team. And it’s a testament to Rowell’s adept writing that by the end of the book, over small incremental shifts in the newly partnered relationship, Ben is able to solidify his place in the team.
Like the previous two books, The Good Dog is a perfectly paced, systematic police procedural. Rowell makes it easy for the reader to follow exactly where they are in the investigation, with chapter headings indicating the day, date and time.
Rowell has included multiple plot threads which further complicate the team’s investigation. But good detective work is a painstaking process, and Zoe is a stickler for process. The author’s attention to detail and his effective use of location description illuminate both characters and plot and make for an authentic read.
With book #3 done and dusted, this series has earned it’s place on my must read list.
Synopsis /
After gunshots echo through the summer night on Mount Macedon, Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her loyal service dog Harry race to the summit at first light. What they find looks like a grisly an alleged fraudster named Piers Johnson, and his lawyer Antony Peterson, both dead from bullet wounds, a gun lying nearby.
Something about the scene doesn't stack up. There are plenty of suspects, but no one seems to be telling the truth. Zoe's instincts are ignited, as the pressure to find and charge the culprit becomes intense. And that's when Peterson's teenage daughter Sarah is snatched off the street. The Good Dog is Zoe's toughest assignment yet, a murderous conspiracy of greed, deceit and violence. She knows that Harry may be her only chance to crack the case.
My Thoughts /
Moonlit mountain weeps whispering secrets so Night’s breath claims the lost.
Author Simon Rowell is barking up the right tree with this series.
A charismatic cop who’s partnered with a clever canine. Where both characters are easily likable and engaging. Mr Rowell, you have yourself a winning combination.
The Good Dog is the third book featuring Victoria Police Homicide Squad’s Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her service dog, Harry. Mayer, whose defining characteristic is that she suffers from severe PTSD as a result of a work related event is called to an incident at the summit of Mount Macedon. Arriving at the top of the mountain, Mayer and her partner, Ben Tarro survey the scene – two dead bodies, both with bullet wounds and a gun lying nearby. Is this a murder/suicide? Or something staged to look that way?
Having been partnered up with Zoe for only two weeks, Ben Tarro is yet to feel comfortable around Mayer and her team, he still feels very much like ‘the new guy’. Hopefully, with this case he might be able to prove himself to be a valuable addition to the team. And it’s a testament to Rowell’s adept writing that by the end of the book, over small incremental shifts in the newly partnered relationship, Ben is able to solidify his place in the team.
Like the previous two books, The Good Dog is a perfectly paced, systematic police procedural. Rowell makes it easy for the reader to follow exactly where they are in the investigation, with chapter headings indicating the day, date and time.
Rowell has included multiple plot threads which further complicate the team’s investigation. But good detective work is a painstaking process, and Zoe is a stickler for process. The author’s attention to detail and his effective use of location description illuminate both characters and plot and make for an authentic read.
With book #3 done and dusted, this series has earned it’s place on my must read list.
March 18, 2024
Oh! Harry is a good dog, indeed. He plays a more active role in this episode of the DS Zoe Mayer series, to brilliant effect.
Zoe has a new partner, Ben Tarro, which creates the inevitable teething problems, but Ben will have ample opportunity to prove himself with a double murder & child kidnapping to investigate. As Zoe says, "pressure illuminates character", & there's no doubt that Ben will be under pressure during the days to come.
A well-written, fast-paced tale. I'm really enjoying this series & looking forward to seeing more of Zoe, Harry & Ben.
Zoe has a new partner, Ben Tarro, which creates the inevitable teething problems, but Ben will have ample opportunity to prove himself with a double murder & child kidnapping to investigate. As Zoe says, "pressure illuminates character", & there's no doubt that Ben will be under pressure during the days to come.
A well-written, fast-paced tale. I'm really enjoying this series & looking forward to seeing more of Zoe, Harry & Ben.
February 8, 2024
Harry is a good dog, such a good dog 🐕. I love this series featuring DS Zoe Mayer and her service dog Harry. Once again, the dog steals the show. He will get into your heart, always there to protect and help Zoe with her PTSD and to solve the case. A beautiful boy, how could you not love him.
This is book 3 in the series and Zoe has a new human partner in Ben. Things get off to a rocky start but then they are called to a crime scene where 2 men are found dead. These men are infamous for a 22 million dollar fraud case. Turns out nobody is sorry they are dead and there are plenty of suspects. This case will test them all.
This is a series that deserves much more attention. I couldn’t put this book down and stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it. Highly recommend. Published in Australia January 30th by Text Publishing. Thanks so ,much for sending me this advanced copy
This is book 3 in the series and Zoe has a new human partner in Ben. Things get off to a rocky start but then they are called to a crime scene where 2 men are found dead. These men are infamous for a 22 million dollar fraud case. Turns out nobody is sorry they are dead and there are plenty of suspects. This case will test them all.
This is a series that deserves much more attention. I couldn’t put this book down and stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it. Highly recommend. Published in Australia January 30th by Text Publishing. Thanks so ,much for sending me this advanced copy
Read
April 5, 2024The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of The Good Dog
‘A whip-smart read with a whole lot of heart. Harry the dog may well be my favourite character in crime fiction today.’
Loraine Peck, author of The Second Son
‘Rowell makes effective use of location to illuminate both character and plot...As Zoe, Ben and Harry doggedly (sorry) follow the divergent potential leads, Rowell complicates and then unfurls a case that never loses a connection with the painstaking process of good detective work, or canine intuition. Go Harry.’
Age
‘The balance between plot and character is pitch perfect...The scene setting is always strong, as is the story's connection to the place, and nearly always, the victim's past as well as their present...If you're new to this series, read them all, you won't regret it.’
AustCrime
‘A gripping thriller that will keep you guessing until the end.’
Australian Dog Lover
‘With multiple suspects, red herrings and twists and turns, The Good Dog is a page turner that many readers will want to read in one or two sittings as I did. It is an easy to read, engrossing story and I hope that I see more novels featuring Zoe and Harry.’
ReadPlus
‘The excellent writing matches the page-turning plot and great characters.’
Gleebooks
‘Not your typical Aussie noir. Rowell hits the sweet spot, marrying an edge-of-your seat mystery with a team of genuinely likeable crime fighters. There is also wonderfully authentic mental health rep…Harry’s characterisation is subtle, with his amazing capacities as a service animal presented for what they are—never embellished, overdone or anthropomorphised.’
Weekend Australian
‘Just as we think we know who did what, and to whom, and why, the author Simon Rowell wrong-foots us again, and cleverly brings the past into the bright life of modern police procedure. A good ripping yarn, a good detective, and a good dog.’
Monaro Post
‘A cleverly crafted police procedural…[with] a tense climax…[Harry’s] a smart working dog who warns Zoe when there’s danger ahead, can signal when a witness is telling the truth and seek out injured victims. Harry is literally the good dog of the title.’
CBR City News
‘A whip-smart read with a whole lot of heart. Harry the dog may well be my favourite character in crime fiction today.’
Loraine Peck, author of The Second Son
‘Rowell makes effective use of location to illuminate both character and plot...As Zoe, Ben and Harry doggedly (sorry) follow the divergent potential leads, Rowell complicates and then unfurls a case that never loses a connection with the painstaking process of good detective work, or canine intuition. Go Harry.’
Age
‘The balance between plot and character is pitch perfect...The scene setting is always strong, as is the story's connection to the place, and nearly always, the victim's past as well as their present...If you're new to this series, read them all, you won't regret it.’
AustCrime
‘A gripping thriller that will keep you guessing until the end.’
Australian Dog Lover
‘With multiple suspects, red herrings and twists and turns, The Good Dog is a page turner that many readers will want to read in one or two sittings as I did. It is an easy to read, engrossing story and I hope that I see more novels featuring Zoe and Harry.’
ReadPlus
‘The excellent writing matches the page-turning plot and great characters.’
Gleebooks
‘Not your typical Aussie noir. Rowell hits the sweet spot, marrying an edge-of-your seat mystery with a team of genuinely likeable crime fighters. There is also wonderfully authentic mental health rep…Harry’s characterisation is subtle, with his amazing capacities as a service animal presented for what they are—never embellished, overdone or anthropomorphised.’
Weekend Australian
‘Just as we think we know who did what, and to whom, and why, the author Simon Rowell wrong-foots us again, and cleverly brings the past into the bright life of modern police procedure. A good ripping yarn, a good detective, and a good dog.’
Monaro Post
‘A cleverly crafted police procedural…[with] a tense climax…[Harry’s] a smart working dog who warns Zoe when there’s danger ahead, can signal when a witness is telling the truth and seek out injured victims. Harry is literally the good dog of the title.’
CBR City News
February 5, 2024
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
The Good Dog by Simon Rowell is the third book in the Detective Zoe Mayer crime series so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it after reading the first two. Zoe and her service dog/ partner Harry are outstanding characters that really grow on you.
When two men are shot down at Mount Macedon then not long after a teenage girl is kidnapped the pressure is on, are the crimes linked? There are plenty of suspects in this complicated case where a 3D printed ghost gun is found at the scene of the murder crime.
This story was well plotted and I love the connection Zoe has with Harry her golden retriever service dog who helps with her PTSD. A fantastic, fast paced and suspenseful Aussie crime read. Loving this series!
Publication Date 30 January 2024
Publisher Text Publishing
Thank you to the lovely team Text Publishing for a copy of the book.
The Good Dog by Simon Rowell is the third book in the Detective Zoe Mayer crime series so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it after reading the first two. Zoe and her service dog/ partner Harry are outstanding characters that really grow on you.
When two men are shot down at Mount Macedon then not long after a teenage girl is kidnapped the pressure is on, are the crimes linked? There are plenty of suspects in this complicated case where a 3D printed ghost gun is found at the scene of the murder crime.
This story was well plotted and I love the connection Zoe has with Harry her golden retriever service dog who helps with her PTSD. A fantastic, fast paced and suspenseful Aussie crime read. Loving this series!
Publication Date 30 January 2024
Publisher Text Publishing
Thank you to the lovely team Text Publishing for a copy of the book.
January 23, 2024
The Good Dog is the third excellent book in Simon Rowell’s series featuring Victorian homicide Detective Zoe Mayer and her trusted service dog, Harry.
When Zoe is called to the scene of a bullet ridden body on Mount Macedon, Harry’s discovery of a second body in nearby bushland suggests they may be looking at a case of murder-suicide. Yet it soon becomes clear to Zoe and her new partner, DC Ben Tarro, that the crime scene has been staged.
I quickly found myself invested the suspenseful plot of The Good Dog. There are plenty of suspects for the crime - the dead men, recently acquitted fraudster Piers Johnson, and his lawyer Antony Peterson, have several enemies, especially among those who lost a lot of money in Johnson’s investment scheme. There are twists in the investigation that keep things interesting, and the identity of Zoe and Ben’s quarry is likely to surprise more than a few readers.
The pacing of the novel works well, with the urgency of the investigation accelerated by threats levelled at the dead men’s wives, the ransacking of Johnson’s home, and the kidnapping of Peterson’s teenage daughter. The eventual confrontation between Zoe, Ben, and the killer in particular is tense and exciting.
Zoe is a strong, appealing character and her relationship with Harry, a golden retriever, who not only serves as Zoe’s anchor when her PTSD is triggered, but is also a useful investigative tool, is a great feature of the series. Ben’s introduction seemed inauspicious, and he still feels a little insubstantial, but he proves to be a good partner for Zoe over the course of the novel.
If you enjoy well-written police procedurals The Good Dog, along with its prequels, The Long Game and Wild Card, are a treat that will leave you begging for more.
When Zoe is called to the scene of a bullet ridden body on Mount Macedon, Harry’s discovery of a second body in nearby bushland suggests they may be looking at a case of murder-suicide. Yet it soon becomes clear to Zoe and her new partner, DC Ben Tarro, that the crime scene has been staged.
I quickly found myself invested the suspenseful plot of The Good Dog. There are plenty of suspects for the crime - the dead men, recently acquitted fraudster Piers Johnson, and his lawyer Antony Peterson, have several enemies, especially among those who lost a lot of money in Johnson’s investment scheme. There are twists in the investigation that keep things interesting, and the identity of Zoe and Ben’s quarry is likely to surprise more than a few readers.
The pacing of the novel works well, with the urgency of the investigation accelerated by threats levelled at the dead men’s wives, the ransacking of Johnson’s home, and the kidnapping of Peterson’s teenage daughter. The eventual confrontation between Zoe, Ben, and the killer in particular is tense and exciting.
Zoe is a strong, appealing character and her relationship with Harry, a golden retriever, who not only serves as Zoe’s anchor when her PTSD is triggered, but is also a useful investigative tool, is a great feature of the series. Ben’s introduction seemed inauspicious, and he still feels a little insubstantial, but he proves to be a good partner for Zoe over the course of the novel.
If you enjoy well-written police procedurals The Good Dog, along with its prequels, The Long Game and Wild Card, are a treat that will leave you begging for more.
January 28, 2024
Another really enjoyable book in the Zoe Mayer series.
Set in both regional Victoria and Melbourne, this story sees Detective Mayer and her dog Harry, with a new partner, investigating a double murder and subsequent kidnapping. The story is well structured, well written and like all good stories has good character development.
I am really enjoying the police procedural series, and look forward to the next instalment.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Set in both regional Victoria and Melbourne, this story sees Detective Mayer and her dog Harry, with a new partner, investigating a double murder and subsequent kidnapping. The story is well structured, well written and like all good stories has good character development.
I am really enjoying the police procedural series, and look forward to the next instalment.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2024
I was so excited when book 3 featuring Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her service dog Harry landed on my doorstep. I flew through this story in a day. Simon Rowell has a way of writing that makes the story just flow so well describing the landscape of Mount Macedon while also writing a thrilling mystery.
In book 3 we meet Zoe’s new partner Ben and while it started off rocky Zoe’s leadership with her team soon had them working together to solve what is first thought to be a murder-suicide.
Harry of course takes centre stage as he shows the reader how important service dogs are.
While this can be read as a stand-alone I really recommend picking up the first 2 books to really get the background story of Zoe and Harry and not to mention they are amazing reads.
Thank you to @text_publishing for sending me an advanced copy to read.
In book 3 we meet Zoe’s new partner Ben and while it started off rocky Zoe’s leadership with her team soon had them working together to solve what is first thought to be a murder-suicide.
Harry of course takes centre stage as he shows the reader how important service dogs are.
While this can be read as a stand-alone I really recommend picking up the first 2 books to really get the background story of Zoe and Harry and not to mention they are amazing reads.
Thank you to @text_publishing for sending me an advanced copy to read.
October 3, 2024
Simon Rowell’s crime series featuring Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her service dog, Harry is one of my faves. The Good Dog was a fantastic addition to this pair’s story with Zoe and her new partner Ben sent to investigate what appears to be a murder-suicide on Mount Macedon. An acquitted fraudster and his lawyer have been found shot, but something just doesn’t add up. With numerous suspects and a mountain of lies, Zoe realises that Harry may be her only chance to solve this case.
Simon Rowell’s police procedurals featuring Zoe and Harry are a favourite of mine and each book can be read as a standalone. As always Harry is the absolute star of this one as he protects Zoe and sniffs out clues that she would never have discovered on her own. I loved the familiar Melbourne and surrounds setting and the revenge plot aspect of The Good Dog.
The PTSD rep that runs throughout these books is also a welcome addition to the crime fiction genre with Harry the service dog often outshining the human main characters.
If you enjoy brilliant female detectives from authors such as Sarah Bailey and Dinuka McKenzie then you will love this series.
I read this in tandem with listening to the audiobook expertly narrated by Elle Mickel
Simon Rowell’s police procedurals featuring Zoe and Harry are a favourite of mine and each book can be read as a standalone. As always Harry is the absolute star of this one as he protects Zoe and sniffs out clues that she would never have discovered on her own. I loved the familiar Melbourne and surrounds setting and the revenge plot aspect of The Good Dog.
The PTSD rep that runs throughout these books is also a welcome addition to the crime fiction genre with Harry the service dog often outshining the human main characters.
If you enjoy brilliant female detectives from authors such as Sarah Bailey and Dinuka McKenzie then you will love this series.
I read this in tandem with listening to the audiobook expertly narrated by Elle Mickel
December 31, 2023
I know I am super early for this NetGalley review but I am so keen to share this book with you all! 😁
The Good Dog is another fabulous whodunnit, featuring two of my favourite characters, DS Zoe Mayer and her service dog, Harry. Rowell doesn't waste any time getting straight to the nitty gritty and I found it to be a page turner throughout. The pace is fast, the suspense non stop, and together with a few twists, this one is a must read! The third in a series, The Good Dog can be read as a stand-alone, though I highly recommend you read The Long Game and Wild Card because they are also fantastic! 🤩
It was great to read another Zoe and Harry story, and I loved that it was set in Macedon and surrounding areas, where I recently visited, so I knew where a lot of the places mentioned in the book were!
A big thank you to NetGalley and Text Publishing for an eARC of The Good Dog. Expected publication date is 30/1/24
The Good Dog is another fabulous whodunnit, featuring two of my favourite characters, DS Zoe Mayer and her service dog, Harry. Rowell doesn't waste any time getting straight to the nitty gritty and I found it to be a page turner throughout. The pace is fast, the suspense non stop, and together with a few twists, this one is a must read! The third in a series, The Good Dog can be read as a stand-alone, though I highly recommend you read The Long Game and Wild Card because they are also fantastic! 🤩
It was great to read another Zoe and Harry story, and I loved that it was set in Macedon and surrounding areas, where I recently visited, so I knew where a lot of the places mentioned in the book were!
A big thank you to NetGalley and Text Publishing for an eARC of The Good Dog. Expected publication date is 30/1/24
December 31, 2024
Thoroughly enjoy this series. Another excellent addition to Zoe & Harry’s adventures. Read it in a day!
January 16, 2024
I consider a book with a dog on the cover as a sort of magnet: I must read it. A thriller featuring a dog is a treat and I loved this dog and this solid plot that kept me reading and guessing.
Well plotted and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Well plotted and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 17, 2023
*4.5 Stars*
Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a really good read with all the twists and turns as to who the suspect was for the murders. Zoe had her work cut out for her to find the killer, plus working with a new partner. Great characters, especially Harry with the way he helped Zoe. The ending surprised me. Would recommend.
Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a really good read with all the twists and turns as to who the suspect was for the murders. Zoe had her work cut out for her to find the killer, plus working with a new partner. Great characters, especially Harry with the way he helped Zoe. The ending surprised me. Would recommend.
April 12, 2024
As you can see by this time stamp, I read this book in a day. It was very engaging- a page turner with quick moving developments and interesting characters.
Every now and then your need to be immersed in a book that coincides with and meets an unrelated personal need. This novel did that for me with my mind requiring a sustained distraction. I look forward to reading other Simon Rowell novels.
This one focused on places very familiar to me- Mount Macedon, Waurn Ponds, Torquay and Anglesea to cite a few and held my interest even more as a result. Harry, the Golden Retriever service dog struck a further chord as I have a golden retriever myself and find him equally impressive.
Every now and then your need to be immersed in a book that coincides with and meets an unrelated personal need. This novel did that for me with my mind requiring a sustained distraction. I look forward to reading other Simon Rowell novels.
This one focused on places very familiar to me- Mount Macedon, Waurn Ponds, Torquay and Anglesea to cite a few and held my interest even more as a result. Harry, the Golden Retriever service dog struck a further chord as I have a golden retriever myself and find him equally impressive.
February 28, 2024
Another great installment in the Detective Zoe Mayer series.
'The Good Dog' is a seamless and intelligent procedural drama that has a twist ending that I didn't see coming!
And as the title states, Harry proves himself to be a very good dog. As Ben, Zoe's new partner says, he is a part of their team. He definitely earned himself a holiday!
'The Good Dog' is a seamless and intelligent procedural drama that has a twist ending that I didn't see coming!
And as the title states, Harry proves himself to be a very good dog. As Ben, Zoe's new partner says, he is a part of their team. He definitely earned himself a holiday!
February 16, 2024
The Good Dog is the 3rd book in the Detective Zoe Mayer series and this time she is investigating a double homicide case.
I’ve really enjoyed this series so far featuring the best crime-fighting duo, DS Zoe Mayer and her Golden Retriever service dog Harry. I may be slightly biased but Harry is such a stand out with the way he protects and supports Zoe with her PTSD and Zoe is such an incredible female lead.
This was an intriguing and fast paced mystery that was set in Melbourne, Victoria. It had an easy to follow yet intricate plot and a well organised investigation that revealed some cleverly hidden twists and required some intuitive Police work by Zoe.
I highly recommend this series and I love that it’s set in Australia and is written by an Australian author! I hope there are more books to come so I can read more about the adventures of Zoe and Harry 🦮👮🏻♀️
I’ve really enjoyed this series so far featuring the best crime-fighting duo, DS Zoe Mayer and her Golden Retriever service dog Harry. I may be slightly biased but Harry is such a stand out with the way he protects and supports Zoe with her PTSD and Zoe is such an incredible female lead.
This was an intriguing and fast paced mystery that was set in Melbourne, Victoria. It had an easy to follow yet intricate plot and a well organised investigation that revealed some cleverly hidden twists and required some intuitive Police work by Zoe.
I highly recommend this series and I love that it’s set in Australia and is written by an Australian author! I hope there are more books to come so I can read more about the adventures of Zoe and Harry 🦮👮🏻♀️
February 21, 2024
Another great adventure with Zoe and Goldie Harry, 4.5 up to 5 for the ingenious ending. Glad Zoe is improving, but hope she doesn't get so much better that Harry moves on to someone else. Look forward to the next instalment in this series.
August 26, 2024
This is another fantastic series for lovers of Australian crime fiction.
February 8, 2024
The goodest dog
December 14, 2023
The Good Dog is the third book in Simon Rowell’s procedural series featuring Victorian detective sergeant Zoe Mayer and her faithful service dog Harry and now a new partner. As with the other two books in this series – The Long Game and Wild Card – Rowell delivers a diverting procedural with few bells and whistles.
Good Dog opens with the death of an alleged con man at a tourist spot on the top of Mount Macedon. Piers Johnson had been accused of running a dodgy development scheme and was alleged to have used it to steal millions from two large and two small investors. Despite claiming that he had lost millions himself and being cleared in a court hearing, suspicion immediately falls on the investors. When the daughter of a second victim, Johnson’s lawyer, is kidnapped, the investigation goes into overdrive.
Zoe Mayer continues to be an engaging main character, with a little of her personal life intruding into the work. Dog lovers will be happy at some of the star turns given to Harry – not only a lie detector but also able to sniff out clues when human senses fail.
Overall The Good Dog is down the line, solid procedural crime with a plot is twisted enough to keep readers guessing fiction. It is anchored by an engaging main character in Zoe Mayer not only ably supported by Harry the dog but by a group of highly competent investigators.
Good Dog opens with the death of an alleged con man at a tourist spot on the top of Mount Macedon. Piers Johnson had been accused of running a dodgy development scheme and was alleged to have used it to steal millions from two large and two small investors. Despite claiming that he had lost millions himself and being cleared in a court hearing, suspicion immediately falls on the investors. When the daughter of a second victim, Johnson’s lawyer, is kidnapped, the investigation goes into overdrive.
Zoe Mayer continues to be an engaging main character, with a little of her personal life intruding into the work. Dog lovers will be happy at some of the star turns given to Harry – not only a lie detector but also able to sniff out clues when human senses fail.
Overall The Good Dog is down the line, solid procedural crime with a plot is twisted enough to keep readers guessing fiction. It is anchored by an engaging main character in Zoe Mayer not only ably supported by Harry the dog but by a group of highly competent investigators.
February 28, 2024
4.5★s
The Good Dog is the third book in the Detective Zoe Mayer series by best-selling Australian author, Simon Rowell. The audio version is narrated by Elle Mickel. Macedon Station police respond to reports of two shots fired, and find wealthy local home owner, Piers Johnson dead at the Mount Macedon war memorial cross, with a single gunshot wound. When DS Zoe Mayer, her partner of two weeks, Detective Senior Constable Ben Tarro and, of course, her service dog Harry, arrive on the scene, it’s Harry, finely tuned to distress, who finds the second victim, minutes before he dies.
The man who has bled out from what, at first, appears to be a self-inflicted wound to the neck is Johnson’s long-time friend and lawyer, Antony Peterson, who successfully defended him against fraud charges six months earlier. Beside him, a ghost gun, 3D printed. But before very long, Zoe has dismissed the murder-suicide implication and is looking at the four investors whose hefty losses give them the perfect revenge motive against the investment advisor and his counsel.
Frustratingly, the two business people who sustained the largest losses, owner of a road construction company and an industrial shed maker, have cast-iron alibis. Of the minor investors, the Macedon pub owner’s alibi seems to hold up, while the former police sergeant had committed suicide after Johnson’s acquittal meant his life savings could not be redeemed. All three remaining investors have either a police record, or connections with ex-cons, so aren’t quite in the clear.
But the case seems to be going nowhere. Johnson’s Mount Macedon house is robbed and ransacked, adding to the puzzle. Then Peterson’s teenaged daughter is plucked from the street in broad daylight, and Zoe knows they will have to find her fast: a ransom call indicates it is linked to the fraud, and it’s clear these perpetrators are ruthless, having killed twice already.
Harry is once again a star in this instalment, the title being very apt as he proves himself to have more talents than his accepted role. Rowell gives the reader a twisty plot in which all the regular cast play to their strengths while the new addition begins to find his place. There’s plenty of action and lots of phone tapping, leading up to a dramatic climax (or two) and a reveal that only the most astute reader will see coming. More of this addictive Aussie crime series will be most welcome.
The Good Dog is the third book in the Detective Zoe Mayer series by best-selling Australian author, Simon Rowell. The audio version is narrated by Elle Mickel. Macedon Station police respond to reports of two shots fired, and find wealthy local home owner, Piers Johnson dead at the Mount Macedon war memorial cross, with a single gunshot wound. When DS Zoe Mayer, her partner of two weeks, Detective Senior Constable Ben Tarro and, of course, her service dog Harry, arrive on the scene, it’s Harry, finely tuned to distress, who finds the second victim, minutes before he dies.
The man who has bled out from what, at first, appears to be a self-inflicted wound to the neck is Johnson’s long-time friend and lawyer, Antony Peterson, who successfully defended him against fraud charges six months earlier. Beside him, a ghost gun, 3D printed. But before very long, Zoe has dismissed the murder-suicide implication and is looking at the four investors whose hefty losses give them the perfect revenge motive against the investment advisor and his counsel.
Frustratingly, the two business people who sustained the largest losses, owner of a road construction company and an industrial shed maker, have cast-iron alibis. Of the minor investors, the Macedon pub owner’s alibi seems to hold up, while the former police sergeant had committed suicide after Johnson’s acquittal meant his life savings could not be redeemed. All three remaining investors have either a police record, or connections with ex-cons, so aren’t quite in the clear.
But the case seems to be going nowhere. Johnson’s Mount Macedon house is robbed and ransacked, adding to the puzzle. Then Peterson’s teenaged daughter is plucked from the street in broad daylight, and Zoe knows they will have to find her fast: a ransom call indicates it is linked to the fraud, and it’s clear these perpetrators are ruthless, having killed twice already.
Harry is once again a star in this instalment, the title being very apt as he proves himself to have more talents than his accepted role. Rowell gives the reader a twisty plot in which all the regular cast play to their strengths while the new addition begins to find his place. There’s plenty of action and lots of phone tapping, leading up to a dramatic climax (or two) and a reveal that only the most astute reader will see coming. More of this addictive Aussie crime series will be most welcome.
March 1, 2024
(2.5 stars)
The Good Dog by Simon Rowell picks up after the death of Detective Zoe Mayer's partner Detective Senior Constable Charles Shaw. She has a new partner, Ben that everyone in the station is giving a bit of stick: "Obviously I'm not as good as your last partner. Everyone has gone out of their frickin' way to let me know I'm no Charlie. But I deserve a bloody chance." The plot line of Ben's development as a partner and investigator does benefit if the reader is familiar with the preceding two books. The usual problems with clunky integration of research (telling not showing) remain: "Zoe knew from experience not to judge people's reactions in these terrible moment." This could have easily been carried in dialogue between Zoe and Ben. In other places it is better, for example finding a suspect with their lawyer, Ben says: "Always a guarantee of innocence" making it clear that author research has shown that cops find this behaviour by suspects suspicious.
The personification of the dog, Harry, into something akin to Lassie was annoying in this book: "You should thank my dog. Harry sensed something and led me to Sarah. She was in a bushfire bunker a couple of hundred metres from the house." While the first two books in this series focused on Harry's role as a service dog assisting Zoe through PTSD, in this book he's seeking out victims and used as a judge of whether police interviewees should be believed: "Well, she thought, watching Harry's reaction, the emotion is real at least." It doesn't leave you with a lot of faith in police interviewing techniques if tricking a golden retriever is the benchmark.
I found myself not really caring who did what in this convoluted story of two deaths at Mount Macedon. Some of it is about the characters mostly being rich people: "Told us half a million dollars isn't enough of a reason to kill someone." They're members of private clubs who vet other members: "the Sabre Club has a good vetting process and I assumed he was trustworthy." Maybe it's just people with all the advantages taking revenge on other people like them who screw people over isn't all that interesting to me. These are people who use enforcers, and cover up violence with corporate weasel words: "He solves problems for you by making threats, either explicit or implied, in order to get results that are favourable for you."
Can't say I'd pick up another book by this author.
The Good Dog by Simon Rowell picks up after the death of Detective Zoe Mayer's partner Detective Senior Constable Charles Shaw. She has a new partner, Ben that everyone in the station is giving a bit of stick: "Obviously I'm not as good as your last partner. Everyone has gone out of their frickin' way to let me know I'm no Charlie. But I deserve a bloody chance." The plot line of Ben's development as a partner and investigator does benefit if the reader is familiar with the preceding two books. The usual problems with clunky integration of research (telling not showing) remain: "Zoe knew from experience not to judge people's reactions in these terrible moment." This could have easily been carried in dialogue between Zoe and Ben. In other places it is better, for example finding a suspect with their lawyer, Ben says: "Always a guarantee of innocence" making it clear that author research has shown that cops find this behaviour by suspects suspicious.
The personification of the dog, Harry, into something akin to Lassie was annoying in this book: "You should thank my dog. Harry sensed something and led me to Sarah. She was in a bushfire bunker a couple of hundred metres from the house." While the first two books in this series focused on Harry's role as a service dog assisting Zoe through PTSD, in this book he's seeking out victims and used as a judge of whether police interviewees should be believed: "Well, she thought, watching Harry's reaction, the emotion is real at least." It doesn't leave you with a lot of faith in police interviewing techniques if tricking a golden retriever is the benchmark.
I found myself not really caring who did what in this convoluted story of two deaths at Mount Macedon. Some of it is about the characters mostly being rich people: "Told us half a million dollars isn't enough of a reason to kill someone." They're members of private clubs who vet other members: "the Sabre Club has a good vetting process and I assumed he was trustworthy." Maybe it's just people with all the advantages taking revenge on other people like them who screw people over isn't all that interesting to me. These are people who use enforcers, and cover up violence with corporate weasel words: "He solves problems for you by making threats, either explicit or implied, in order to get results that are favourable for you."
Can't say I'd pick up another book by this author.
January 17, 2024
Simon Rowell’s series about Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer of the Victorian Police Force and her trusty service dog, Harry, is an underappreciated gem of Australian crime writing.
The first two books in the series were very good, and The Long Game was one of my favourite crime novels of 2021.
The Good Dog is the third book in the series and opens with Zoe and Harry being called to the Victorian rural area of Mount Macedon. Following reports of gunshots, the bodies of fraudster Piers Johnson and his lawyer Antony Peterson have been found in a carpark. Both are dead from bullet wounds and the gun is found nearby. It seems like a grisly murder-suicide, but something about the scene does not stack up for Zoe. Regardless, she is under pressure to wrap up the case quickly, but things become complicated when the daughter of one of the men is kidnapped.
This is another very accomplished, but understated novel by Rowell. The pacing is good, and the story is well supported by an engaging cast of credible characters. The plotting is smart and believable, and the mystery unfolds in an interesting manner with some good twists.
The plotting and the characters are well supported by Rowell’s fine ear for local dialogue, and his evocative descriptions of the Mount Macedon area. Zoe’s connection with Harry once more forms the core of the book, but it is nicely complemented by the uncertain relationship between Zoe and her new partner Ben. After some good twists, the book builds to an exciting, and unexpected, climax in the bushland, and is probably the most intense ending of the series so far.
In all, The Good Dog is a well plotted and very enjoyable police mystery that will keep you keenly turning the pages all the way to the end.
See full review at:https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/n...
Rating 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
The first two books in the series were very good, and The Long Game was one of my favourite crime novels of 2021.
The Good Dog is the third book in the series and opens with Zoe and Harry being called to the Victorian rural area of Mount Macedon. Following reports of gunshots, the bodies of fraudster Piers Johnson and his lawyer Antony Peterson have been found in a carpark. Both are dead from bullet wounds and the gun is found nearby. It seems like a grisly murder-suicide, but something about the scene does not stack up for Zoe. Regardless, she is under pressure to wrap up the case quickly, but things become complicated when the daughter of one of the men is kidnapped.
This is another very accomplished, but understated novel by Rowell. The pacing is good, and the story is well supported by an engaging cast of credible characters. The plotting is smart and believable, and the mystery unfolds in an interesting manner with some good twists.
The plotting and the characters are well supported by Rowell’s fine ear for local dialogue, and his evocative descriptions of the Mount Macedon area. Zoe’s connection with Harry once more forms the core of the book, but it is nicely complemented by the uncertain relationship between Zoe and her new partner Ben. After some good twists, the book builds to an exciting, and unexpected, climax in the bushland, and is probably the most intense ending of the series so far.
In all, The Good Dog is a well plotted and very enjoyable police mystery that will keep you keenly turning the pages all the way to the end.
See full review at:https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/n...
Rating 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
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