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Golden Retriever Mystery #20
Dog Grant Me: A Golden Retriever Mystery: A Wintry Campus Mystery of Buried Truths and Deadly Obsessions
A Mystery of Caribbean Secrets, Cold-Case Lies, and Murder
A Deadly Secret Surfaces Before the First Dish Is Served…Eastern College’s first winter intersession brings administrator Steve Levitan to the Friar Lake Conference Center, where a Caribbean cuisine course is about to begin. His wife, Lili, is co-teaching alongside her old friend Dr. Yesenia Ubeda, a celebrated—and sometimes controversial—food anthropologist.
But before the class can settle in, unsettling events interrupt the
Threatening notes left for Yesenia
Long-hidden documents tied to U.S.–Cuba history
A student with a dangerous secret, found murdered
What should have been an exciting educational program quickly becomes a deadly puzzle.
Old Loyalties Hide New LiesSteve soon realizes that someone at Friar Lake will kill to protect—or destroy—Yesenia’s reputation.
Every attendee seems to have a motive, from academic grudges to political agendas.
And the deeper Steve digs, the more the past comes roaring back.
With Rochester at his side, Steve
Navigate a tangle of academic rivalries and historical resentment
Uncover why a student joined the course under false pretenses
Protect Lili and Yesenia as tensions rise
Expose a killer who has carefully hidden in plain sight
The walls of Friar Lake contain secrets people have been guarding for decades—and now one of them has turned deadly.
A Rich, Layered Academic Mystery with HeartPerfect for readers who
Cozy mysteries with smart, twisty plots
Academic and conference-center settings (Paige Shelton, Maggie Barbieri)
Culinary intrigue and food-driven storytelling
Faithful canine partners (Spencer Quinn, David Rosenfelt)
Cold-case secrets colliding with present-day danger
In this twentieth installment of Neil Plakcy’s award-winning series, Steve and Rochester confront their most intricate case yet—where history, identity, and motive intertwine.
Enter Friar Lake, Where Every Secret Has a PriceUncover the truth. Protect the innocent.
And discover what really happened long before class began.
A Deadly Secret Surfaces Before the First Dish Is Served…Eastern College’s first winter intersession brings administrator Steve Levitan to the Friar Lake Conference Center, where a Caribbean cuisine course is about to begin. His wife, Lili, is co-teaching alongside her old friend Dr. Yesenia Ubeda, a celebrated—and sometimes controversial—food anthropologist.
But before the class can settle in, unsettling events interrupt the
Threatening notes left for Yesenia
Long-hidden documents tied to U.S.–Cuba history
A student with a dangerous secret, found murdered
What should have been an exciting educational program quickly becomes a deadly puzzle.
Old Loyalties Hide New LiesSteve soon realizes that someone at Friar Lake will kill to protect—or destroy—Yesenia’s reputation.
Every attendee seems to have a motive, from academic grudges to political agendas.
And the deeper Steve digs, the more the past comes roaring back.
With Rochester at his side, Steve
Navigate a tangle of academic rivalries and historical resentment
Uncover why a student joined the course under false pretenses
Protect Lili and Yesenia as tensions rise
Expose a killer who has carefully hidden in plain sight
The walls of Friar Lake contain secrets people have been guarding for decades—and now one of them has turned deadly.
A Rich, Layered Academic Mystery with HeartPerfect for readers who
Cozy mysteries with smart, twisty plots
Academic and conference-center settings (Paige Shelton, Maggie Barbieri)
Culinary intrigue and food-driven storytelling
Faithful canine partners (Spencer Quinn, David Rosenfelt)
Cold-case secrets colliding with present-day danger
In this twentieth installment of Neil Plakcy’s award-winning series, Steve and Rochester confront their most intricate case yet—where history, identity, and motive intertwine.
Enter Friar Lake, Where Every Secret Has a PriceUncover the truth. Protect the innocent.
And discover what really happened long before class began.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2025
About the author
Neil S. Plakcy
311 books672 followersThe Smiling Dog Cafe series now has four books in it: The Smiling Dog Cafe, The Bridge Between Us, Hope and Grace, and Drift and Return (published 5/11/2026).
My newest adventure romance books are The Big Race (a takeoff on The Amazing Race) and Driven Together, a Formula 1 MM romance.
I have been a voracious reader all my life, mostly in mystery, romance, and science fiction/fantasy, though a college degree in English did push a lot of literary works into my list of favorites.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
My newest adventure romance books are The Big Race (a takeoff on The Amazing Race) and Driven Together, a Formula 1 MM romance.
I have been a voracious reader all my life, mostly in mystery, romance, and science fiction/fantasy, though a college degree in English did push a lot of literary works into my list of favorites.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 12, 2025
If you love cozy mysteries with a dog you won’t want to miss Neil S. Plakcy’s Golden Retriever Mystery Series. The latest book, Dog Grant Me, came out in January of 2025 and you don’t have to read the previous books to enjoy this one—though it does help you know and enjoy the characters better if you have. A lot has happened to semi-reformed computer hacker Steve Levitan and his clue sniffing dog Rochester in the first 19 books before this one.
➡ switch to KingsRiverLife.com for more articles ⬅
After turning his life around, Steve moved back to his hometown of Stewart's Crossing, PA, was rescued by Rochester, took a job at his alma mater Eastern College, and recently married his long-time girlfriend Lili. These days Steve only uses his hacking skills to help his police detective friend Rick, or in the case of this book, Lt. Tony Rinaldi.
Eastern College is launching its first ever winter intersession program and they will be hosting a course on Caribbean cuisine at Friar Lake Conference Center, which Steve’s wife Lili will be co-teaching with her friend, prominent food anthropologist Dr. Yesenia Ubeda. It isn’t long before Steve is worried about how controversial Yesenia is and how she seems to like stirring the pot to get more attention. Before they even serve the first meal, his concern grows because of threatening notes left for her, old documents that surface with explosive implications for US-Cuba relations, and a student with a hidden agenda who is found murdered.
Could Yesenia be behind this herself to get her more attention as she tries to get a show on the Food Network? Steve and Rochester work to untangle a web of long-buried secrets and dangerous obsessions to find the killer—though Steve has to be a bit more subtle when helping Rinaldi than he is when helping his friend Rick. As if that wasn’t enough, a brutal winter storm isolates the campus and Steve must hurry to find the killer before they can strike again.
Not only did Dog Grant Me provide the usual fun of Steve solving crimes with the amazing Rochester, but this one is also a foodie mystery with lots of wonderful food descriptions! While I missed Rick being involved, I still very much enjoyed the latest Golden Retriever Mystery—Steve, Lili, and Rochester make the perfect crime solving trio as she was more involved in this one than usual which was fun. You can always count on Neil for great characters and a good mystery! Can’t wait for the next one!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review of the book.
➡ switch to KingsRiverLife.com for more articles ⬅
After turning his life around, Steve moved back to his hometown of Stewart's Crossing, PA, was rescued by Rochester, took a job at his alma mater Eastern College, and recently married his long-time girlfriend Lili. These days Steve only uses his hacking skills to help his police detective friend Rick, or in the case of this book, Lt. Tony Rinaldi.
Eastern College is launching its first ever winter intersession program and they will be hosting a course on Caribbean cuisine at Friar Lake Conference Center, which Steve’s wife Lili will be co-teaching with her friend, prominent food anthropologist Dr. Yesenia Ubeda. It isn’t long before Steve is worried about how controversial Yesenia is and how she seems to like stirring the pot to get more attention. Before they even serve the first meal, his concern grows because of threatening notes left for her, old documents that surface with explosive implications for US-Cuba relations, and a student with a hidden agenda who is found murdered.
Could Yesenia be behind this herself to get her more attention as she tries to get a show on the Food Network? Steve and Rochester work to untangle a web of long-buried secrets and dangerous obsessions to find the killer—though Steve has to be a bit more subtle when helping Rinaldi than he is when helping his friend Rick. As if that wasn’t enough, a brutal winter storm isolates the campus and Steve must hurry to find the killer before they can strike again.
Not only did Dog Grant Me provide the usual fun of Steve solving crimes with the amazing Rochester, but this one is also a foodie mystery with lots of wonderful food descriptions! While I missed Rick being involved, I still very much enjoyed the latest Golden Retriever Mystery—Steve, Lili, and Rochester make the perfect crime solving trio as she was more involved in this one than usual which was fun. You can always count on Neil for great characters and a good mystery! Can’t wait for the next one!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review of the book.
February 21, 2025
This book is the latest in this series. I’ve read them all and have enjoyed every one of them.
In this book Lily and her friend Yesenia spend the Intersession teaching a class that involves Cuban foods at Friar Lake with Steve’s help. The class involves Lily, Steve, Rochester spending the first week at Friar Lake. The reader knows a murder will occur, but who and why. Of course Rochester helps Steve solve the murder. In this book, there are multiple suspects. You’ll have to read the book to to find out the answer. The book held my interest from the beginning to the end. It’s easy reading and very enjoyable. This was #20 in the series. I can’t wait for #21. There’s a family wedding coming up. Will the next book take place there?
In this book Lily and her friend Yesenia spend the Intersession teaching a class that involves Cuban foods at Friar Lake with Steve’s help. The class involves Lily, Steve, Rochester spending the first week at Friar Lake. The reader knows a murder will occur, but who and why. Of course Rochester helps Steve solve the murder. In this book, there are multiple suspects. You’ll have to read the book to to find out the answer. The book held my interest from the beginning to the end. It’s easy reading and very enjoyable. This was #20 in the series. I can’t wait for #21. There’s a family wedding coming up. Will the next book take place there?
February 22, 2026
The Dog Knows the Truth
Many mysteries are too easy to find out the person who has done the deed. Book 20 of this great series had me baffled until the killer was revealed. I love the language in this book and the previous stories, getting a mix of Spanish, Yiddish and English to add a spice to the stories. I have loved the way Steve and Rochester follow the clues and now Lili adds her take on the clues. I also love the historical tidbits about Jewish life. So many ways to the series.
Many mysteries are too easy to find out the person who has done the deed. Book 20 of this great series had me baffled until the killer was revealed. I love the language in this book and the previous stories, getting a mix of Spanish, Yiddish and English to add a spice to the stories. I have loved the way Steve and Rochester follow the clues and now Lili adds her take on the clues. I also love the historical tidbits about Jewish life. So many ways to the series.
April 18, 2026
Steve Levitan and his side kick Rochester (Golden Retriever) experience one very complicated mystery during an Intersession program at Friar Lake conference center. Program consisted of a prominent food anthropologist Dr. Yesenia Ubeda who is a friend of Steve's wife. Yesenia is very active on social media regarding her Cuban background and US-Cuban relations. Many unusual things seem to be happening during these sessions which end up with one of the visiting students murder. Rochester of course helps solve many mysteries that occur during this event.
February 19, 2025
Well written who done it
Yesenia was a friend of Lilly's who 0panned on teaching an Intersession class on food anthropology. Between Lill6 and Yesrnia the class was well received. The murder of one of the students plus threatening notes added to the mystery and the discovery of the perpetrator was unexpected. Love Rochester and his canine investigative techniques.
Yesenia was a friend of Lilly's who 0panned on teaching an Intersession class on food anthropology. Between Lill6 and Yesrnia the class was well received. The murder of one of the students plus threatening notes added to the mystery and the discovery of the perpetrator was unexpected. Love Rochester and his canine investigative techniques.
February 2, 2025
Outstanding
This 20th book in the series was excellent. I was guessing until the reveal. Even though hints were dropped. If you've never read the first 19, you won't br lost. I enjoy knowing the back story but it isn't required
This 20th book in the series was excellent. I was guessing until the reveal. Even though hints were dropped. If you've never read the first 19, you won't br lost. I enjoy knowing the back story but it isn't required
February 8, 2025
Dog Grant Me-Book Twenty
As always Steve and Rochester solve another case at Friar Lake! Such a fun read with beloved characters and a storyline that gets more interesting with every new episode! So entertaining and interesting!
As always Steve and Rochester solve another case at Friar Lake! Such a fun read with beloved characters and a storyline that gets more interesting with every new episode! So entertaining and interesting!
March 13, 2025
Another fantastic book about Rochester and Steve
I love the stories about Rochester and Steve! Lilli was more involved in this story!! I wish Rochester had a bigger part!!! I really love his antics and his clue sniffing..
I love the stories about Rochester and Steve! Lilli was more involved in this story!! I wish Rochester had a bigger part!!! I really love his antics and his clue sniffing..
March 24, 2025
This was not one of my favorites. I look forward to books with Steve and Rochester but this book was just plain DULL. It seemed very repetitive and not very exciting. If you’re buying this, don’t waste your money. Sad to say. I hope the next adventure finds this duo having more fun
August 16, 2025
Another fine read. ...
Ambitious characters with their ethnic backgrounds and foods, all new to me. Recommending thus good read and Rochester still in fine form, woof!
Ambitious characters with their ethnic backgrounds and foods, all new to me. Recommending thus good read and Rochester still in fine form, woof!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews