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Monty Dog Detective #1
Monty and Me
Introducing loveable dog detective Monty – the must-have book this Summer!
You might think that dogs can’t understand us…but you’d be wrong.
Apart from an obsession with cheese, Monty is a perfectly rational animal. So when his beloved master is stabbed to death, Monty decides to use his formidable nose to track the killer down.
Luckily he manages to find a home with Rose Sidebottom, the young policewoman who’s investigating the case. But with her colleagues turning against her, and the wrong man collared, she’s going to need a little help…
You might think that dogs can’t understand us…but you’d be wrong.
Apart from an obsession with cheese, Monty is a perfectly rational animal. So when his beloved master is stabbed to death, Monty decides to use his formidable nose to track the killer down.
Luckily he manages to find a home with Rose Sidebottom, the young policewoman who’s investigating the case. But with her colleagues turning against her, and the wrong man collared, she’s going to need a little help…
400 pages, Hardcover
First published July 2, 2015
10 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Louisa Bennet
3 books27 followersThe Bone Ranger, Louisa's new, hilarious, dog detective novel, is her latest cozy mystery.
Mystery author, Louisa Bennet, studied Literature at the University of London and went on to learn Canine Linguistics from her golden retriever, Pickles, which is how she discovered what dogs really get up to when we’re not around. Truth be told, Pickles came up with the story for the Monty And Sidebottom Mysteries, and Louisa just transcribed it. She’s faster on the keyboard and less easily distracted by food and passing squirrels.
Louisa also writes thrillers as L.A. Larkin and divides her time between London and Sydney. She runs courses on crime fiction and creative writing. Pickles runs courses on wee-mailing, duck toppling and drool management.
To stay in touch with Monty, the sniffer super-sleuth, please go to:
website: www.LALarkin.com
Facebook @authorLouisaBennet
Instagram: @PicklesandLilly
Twitter: @MontyDogD
Mystery author, Louisa Bennet, studied Literature at the University of London and went on to learn Canine Linguistics from her golden retriever, Pickles, which is how she discovered what dogs really get up to when we’re not around. Truth be told, Pickles came up with the story for the Monty And Sidebottom Mysteries, and Louisa just transcribed it. She’s faster on the keyboard and less easily distracted by food and passing squirrels.
Louisa also writes thrillers as L.A. Larkin and divides her time between London and Sydney. She runs courses on crime fiction and creative writing. Pickles runs courses on wee-mailing, duck toppling and drool management.
To stay in touch with Monty, the sniffer super-sleuth, please go to:
website: www.LALarkin.com
Facebook @authorLouisaBennet
Instagram: @PicklesandLilly
Twitter: @MontyDogD
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 12, 2017
4 stars is a very good rating from me for a book like this, partly because I am not a cosy mystery fan but also because I am not really keen on applying human characteristics to animals. So why did I read it? For a challenge of course:)
This is why challenges are good because they introduce you to books you would otherwise never pick up at all. And sometimes they turn out to be good books! In this case Monty the Labrador, failed Guide Dog for the Blind due to his passion for food, turns detective in the search for his owner's murderer. I found myself quite comfortable with a dog who could read, understand human speech, open car doors and google. I cringed just a little when he started having conversations with a rat and then a magpie. I nearly gave up when a talking ladybird arrived.....
However due to Monty's enormous charm and an entertaining and interesting story I enjoyed the whole book and am very glad I read it.
This is why challenges are good because they introduce you to books you would otherwise never pick up at all. And sometimes they turn out to be good books! In this case Monty the Labrador, failed Guide Dog for the Blind due to his passion for food, turns detective in the search for his owner's murderer. I found myself quite comfortable with a dog who could read, understand human speech, open car doors and google. I cringed just a little when he started having conversations with a rat and then a magpie. I nearly gave up when a talking ladybird arrived.....
However due to Monty's enormous charm and an entertaining and interesting story I enjoyed the whole book and am very glad I read it.
July 7, 2015
I was intrigued when I saw this book announced. Then I was sceptical, about a book written partly from a dogs perspective, and finally decided to be brave and request a review copy. That was the best decision I have made.
This book is amazing. I have no idea where to start in reviewing this. What I do know is this is the first of a brand new series, and I can't wait to meet Rose Sidebottom and Monty again. This is a great mix of mystery as well as large amounts of book written from Monty's perspective, which is very different in a book.
Rose is a trainee detective who is struggling to get any respect from her colleagues. She takes Monty home from the vet, after he was treated from the incident in which is beloved 'big 'un' is murdered. Monty is a key witness in the murder, but it takes a while for Rose to realise just how much she should trust her new canine companion.
Monty is simply fantastic, he is determined to solve the mystery regarding his master's arrest, and enlists the help of a rat, ladybird and magpie in which to do so. Between them they probably do as much if not more detective work than the police.
From Monty's perspective we learn a lot about how animals communicate with each other, including "weemails", which Monty leaves for other dogs to get his messages. Monty is far more intelligent than any human will give him credit for, he can read, and with the help of Dante the magpie and even use a computer, he can open doors and generally is a delight.
Seeing the world from the eyes of a dog, may seem like a bit of a gimmick, but it really does work. The chapters from Monty are the funniest, but also most emotional. I was in tears at the funeral of his murdered master, in sympathy with Monty.
I can't really explain it, but Rose and Monty are the perfect partnership. She seems very much in tune with what her new dog can do, and Monty has the most amazing sense of smell. Hearing about simple bits of the world as a mixture of smells is fascinating.
Despite it being a mystery with a serious crime to solve, this felt far lighter than the average mystery. Assorted serious topics come up, including the plight of the simple bumble bee, but the fresh voice, of Louisa Bennet's writing, is a delight.
I was hooked on Monty and Me from the first pages, and the more I read, the more I know I would love Monty to be my dog.
The chapters about Rose and the police force also work well, and help to move the story along. I had no idea who the actual villain was until right near the end, and there are plenty of options as the crime is investigated.
I can't wait until more books in this series are released. I am so happy I had the chance to read this book, it was a complete and utter delight, and absolutely fantastic.
Thanks so much to Netgalley and Avon for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
This book is amazing. I have no idea where to start in reviewing this. What I do know is this is the first of a brand new series, and I can't wait to meet Rose Sidebottom and Monty again. This is a great mix of mystery as well as large amounts of book written from Monty's perspective, which is very different in a book.
Rose is a trainee detective who is struggling to get any respect from her colleagues. She takes Monty home from the vet, after he was treated from the incident in which is beloved 'big 'un' is murdered. Monty is a key witness in the murder, but it takes a while for Rose to realise just how much she should trust her new canine companion.
Monty is simply fantastic, he is determined to solve the mystery regarding his master's arrest, and enlists the help of a rat, ladybird and magpie in which to do so. Between them they probably do as much if not more detective work than the police.
From Monty's perspective we learn a lot about how animals communicate with each other, including "weemails", which Monty leaves for other dogs to get his messages. Monty is far more intelligent than any human will give him credit for, he can read, and with the help of Dante the magpie and even use a computer, he can open doors and generally is a delight.
Seeing the world from the eyes of a dog, may seem like a bit of a gimmick, but it really does work. The chapters from Monty are the funniest, but also most emotional. I was in tears at the funeral of his murdered master, in sympathy with Monty.
I can't really explain it, but Rose and Monty are the perfect partnership. She seems very much in tune with what her new dog can do, and Monty has the most amazing sense of smell. Hearing about simple bits of the world as a mixture of smells is fascinating.
Despite it being a mystery with a serious crime to solve, this felt far lighter than the average mystery. Assorted serious topics come up, including the plight of the simple bumble bee, but the fresh voice, of Louisa Bennet's writing, is a delight.
I was hooked on Monty and Me from the first pages, and the more I read, the more I know I would love Monty to be my dog.
The chapters about Rose and the police force also work well, and help to move the story along. I had no idea who the actual villain was until right near the end, and there are plenty of options as the crime is investigated.
I can't wait until more books in this series are released. I am so happy I had the chance to read this book, it was a complete and utter delight, and absolutely fantastic.
Thanks so much to Netgalley and Avon for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
June 28, 2015
What a fantastic mystery with a pair of detectives that are smart and fun. Rose is a police woman in training as a detective and her new pet, Monty, the witness to his owner's murder. I love the fact that Monty narrates every other chapter and has the help of the animal world at his paws. Anyone who loves animals of any kind will fall for Monty. The ending set up a perfect beginning for book two and I'll be watching for it.
July 17, 2015
Monty and Me by Louisa Bennett is a cute and humorous cozy mystery. Monty is a Golden Retriever (about three years old in human years) and was injured trying to save his owner, Professor Patrick Salt. Professor Salt did not make it, and Monty is very sad. Monty, though, is very determined to find the man who killed his master and friend.
Trainee Detective Constable Rose Sidebottom (can you imagine how the kids made fun of her in school) was at the scene and saw Monty. Rose went and adopted Monty when he was well enough to come home. Rose lives at Duckdown Cottage (Monty is thrilled) which is humble, but it is home. Rose is on probation for messing up Operation Nailgun (a case she knew nothing about). She had been nervous and stopped at a bar for drink one night. She ended up talking to a man who turned about to be the target of the investigation. When Rose went to the bathroom, she left her purse on the table (who does that). The guy looked through her purse and found her warrant card (badge). The guy ended up fleeing town and messing up the drug case. I do not know how Rose was supposed to know about a case in a different department especially since she was new (she could be accused of bad taste in men, but that is about it). Rose is determined to redeem herself with the murder of Professor Salt. Professor Salt’s house was searched. They can tell that his laptop and notes were taken. What could Salt have that someone would want?
Professor Patrick Salt was a teacher and researcher at the local university. He was doing research on bees. The honey bees are dying are and Salt was trying to figure out why (as well as find a way to help the bees). Salt was also working on a new type of bee hive. Could it have something to do with Flay Bioscience? Salt was doing some work with them and the company is being less than cooperative. While Rose is working her angles on the case, Monty is following his own leads. Monty is not your normal dog. He highly intelligent and can read (as well as turn door knobs). Salt thought that animals were capable of learning, and he taught Monty to read (which comes in handy for reading Rose’s notes on the case). With the help of Betty Blabble (the resident mouse), Dante (a magpie with great computer skills and a penchant for shiny baubles), and Celeste (she is a ladybug—ladybird in UK—who runs the Celestial PI Agency) Monty (with his keen intellect and sense of smell) will find out who hurt Professor Salt (as long as Monty does not let his stomach overrule his brain—he loves food especially cheese).
I truly enjoyed reading Monty and Me. I laughed so hard during certain parts of the book (wait until you read about Celeste). The story is told from Rose’s and Monty’s perspective. I give Monty and Me 5 out of 5 stars (it deserves the highest of ratings). The murder case is a breeze to solve if you follow the clues left throughout the book. However, this story is irresistible. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in The Monty and Sidebottom series.
I received a complimentary copy of Monty and Me from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own!
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
Trainee Detective Constable Rose Sidebottom (can you imagine how the kids made fun of her in school) was at the scene and saw Monty. Rose went and adopted Monty when he was well enough to come home. Rose lives at Duckdown Cottage (Monty is thrilled) which is humble, but it is home. Rose is on probation for messing up Operation Nailgun (a case she knew nothing about). She had been nervous and stopped at a bar for drink one night. She ended up talking to a man who turned about to be the target of the investigation. When Rose went to the bathroom, she left her purse on the table (who does that). The guy looked through her purse and found her warrant card (badge). The guy ended up fleeing town and messing up the drug case. I do not know how Rose was supposed to know about a case in a different department especially since she was new (she could be accused of bad taste in men, but that is about it). Rose is determined to redeem herself with the murder of Professor Salt. Professor Salt’s house was searched. They can tell that his laptop and notes were taken. What could Salt have that someone would want?
Professor Patrick Salt was a teacher and researcher at the local university. He was doing research on bees. The honey bees are dying are and Salt was trying to figure out why (as well as find a way to help the bees). Salt was also working on a new type of bee hive. Could it have something to do with Flay Bioscience? Salt was doing some work with them and the company is being less than cooperative. While Rose is working her angles on the case, Monty is following his own leads. Monty is not your normal dog. He highly intelligent and can read (as well as turn door knobs). Salt thought that animals were capable of learning, and he taught Monty to read (which comes in handy for reading Rose’s notes on the case). With the help of Betty Blabble (the resident mouse), Dante (a magpie with great computer skills and a penchant for shiny baubles), and Celeste (she is a ladybug—ladybird in UK—who runs the Celestial PI Agency) Monty (with his keen intellect and sense of smell) will find out who hurt Professor Salt (as long as Monty does not let his stomach overrule his brain—he loves food especially cheese).
I truly enjoyed reading Monty and Me. I laughed so hard during certain parts of the book (wait until you read about Celeste). The story is told from Rose’s and Monty’s perspective. I give Monty and Me 5 out of 5 stars (it deserves the highest of ratings). The murder case is a breeze to solve if you follow the clues left throughout the book. However, this story is irresistible. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in The Monty and Sidebottom series.
I received a complimentary copy of Monty and Me from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own!
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
June 22, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. Read it in a day, couldn't put it down. It is a police procedural with a little bit extra, one of the witnesses to the crime is a dog, Monty. His owner has been murdered and he saw it all. He has vital evidence that could assist the police in catching the bad guy but how does a dog get that evidence over to the police without breaking any of the doggie rules. Enter the doggie Detective!
Monty is lucky enough to get adopted by one of the detectives on the team - trainee Detective Rose Sidebottom and together, and separately, they work on the evidence. Rose with the other officers and Monty with his own crack team.
On the face of it, this idea of a doggie detective "writing" his parts in the first person from his unique pov could have been a big mistake but it is so well written, some parts very funny, others so clever that I almost found myself skim reading the police bits so I could get back to what Monty and his crew were up to.
The crime itself was well plotted, characterisation was great - both human and other. Rose has the misfortune of following in someone's very big shoes and her grit and determination to overcome this came across well despite prejudices and other personal problems. The relationship between Rose and Monty has definitely hit the ground running and I am definitely going to be keeping an eye out for the next in this series.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Monty is lucky enough to get adopted by one of the detectives on the team - trainee Detective Rose Sidebottom and together, and separately, they work on the evidence. Rose with the other officers and Monty with his own crack team.
On the face of it, this idea of a doggie detective "writing" his parts in the first person from his unique pov could have been a big mistake but it is so well written, some parts very funny, others so clever that I almost found myself skim reading the police bits so I could get back to what Monty and his crew were up to.
The crime itself was well plotted, characterisation was great - both human and other. Rose has the misfortune of following in someone's very big shoes and her grit and determination to overcome this came across well despite prejudices and other personal problems. The relationship between Rose and Monty has definitely hit the ground running and I am definitely going to be keeping an eye out for the next in this series.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book, I loved the story and best of all I loved Monty. He is everything you would want from a dog and he has a really good nose which is helping him track down the killer of his beloved master. I thought all the characters were great I liked Rose who is the next person Monty goes to live with and he helps her too. Wonderful little story that you just wont want to miss out on.
July 7, 2015
Pure joy to read! Intense, insightful and fun!
Monty and Me took me by surprise, not only because of the fact that it is a crime story told from the perspective of a dog (how cool is that, all you dog fans out there;)?), but by its wonderfully positive humour and charming style. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this ARC which I received in exchange for an honest review.
By page 18 I had already realized that I had smiled, giggled and even laughed more than 10 times. Anyone who loves either reading or writing knows full well it is not an easy task to get laughs out of printed pages. Louisa Bennet does humour naturally, her wit is unforced and clever, her tone so easy to follow that reading goes quite easy and you simply breeze through the text.
Monty, the accidental detective, is not just a dog, but a fully-fledged character, and one you will grow to like from his initial accounts of his duck and food addiction, through his interpretation of human behaviour, to his emotional description of his owner's murder, and on and on. I am trying to avoid spoilers as best I can, but cannot, so let me just mention a few I instantly fell in love with - Monty and Betty chatting, the interpretation of the nickname Legless, Mr Google, Monty's account of his rapport with his new owner, his judgment of Rose's mentor and his sexist attitude, Dante the intellectual magpie being seduced by a... stopping now, before I spill the beans.
To those who take a stern view to an adult mystery being told with humour and through the eyes of an animal, either give it a chance and have some open-minded fun, or stop taking things too seriously, or avoid this book. To those of you who love animals and mystery, you will enjoy this book for more reasons than one. Although to some it may seem like two books blended together (one more child-like with animals talking and one an adult mystery), for me it is not. I love the blend.
Normally, I love an author who shows the story appealing to all of the readers' senses. As should be expected, this author does all that, but puts particular emphasis on scents, which works out splendidly, because Monty uses them not only to interpret situations, but people's character, past and present. The scent descriptions attached to feelings such as fear and sadness are simply amazing! But it is not only a book with animals in it, don't get me wrong. The bounty and complexity of human characters, their behaviour and inter-relations only gain in expresiveness and impact by adding the animal view on things. The author weaves her tapestry very cleverly. Human relationships are completely convincing - Leach and his stern, yet fair, attitude towards Rose, an interesting rapport between Rose and Varma, not to mention Rose's romantic crush and her family history. I especially enjoyed the very illustrative and intriguing description of teenager Finn from the very first time we meet him.
As more animals get involved in the investigation, the reader becomes more curious about how the murder mystery will be solved, how Monty will communicate his findings to Rose, or even who finds the killer first - humans or animals. The murder case being linked to the possible extinction of bees is quite up to date, and might even interest Morgan Freeman;), and as the initial crime escalates more and more, the reader comes to a nail biting finale! I would not sleep till I finished the last 70 or so pages, written in an excellent pace, more and more intense by the end. Then there's the calm before the storm and then... Bang!
If you are looking for sex and gore in your mystery, you might not find all that here. If you like dogs, you will love this. If you like intense mysteries, you will love this. If you like clever books which mix genres, you will love Monty and Me. If you like fluency and wit in writing, you will love this book. I for one am looking forward to the next mystery solved by Rose and Monty!
Monty and Me took me by surprise, not only because of the fact that it is a crime story told from the perspective of a dog (how cool is that, all you dog fans out there;)?), but by its wonderfully positive humour and charming style. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this ARC which I received in exchange for an honest review.
By page 18 I had already realized that I had smiled, giggled and even laughed more than 10 times. Anyone who loves either reading or writing knows full well it is not an easy task to get laughs out of printed pages. Louisa Bennet does humour naturally, her wit is unforced and clever, her tone so easy to follow that reading goes quite easy and you simply breeze through the text.
Monty, the accidental detective, is not just a dog, but a fully-fledged character, and one you will grow to like from his initial accounts of his duck and food addiction, through his interpretation of human behaviour, to his emotional description of his owner's murder, and on and on. I am trying to avoid spoilers as best I can, but cannot, so let me just mention a few I instantly fell in love with - Monty and Betty chatting, the interpretation of the nickname Legless, Mr Google, Monty's account of his rapport with his new owner, his judgment of Rose's mentor and his sexist attitude, Dante the intellectual magpie being seduced by a... stopping now, before I spill the beans.
To those who take a stern view to an adult mystery being told with humour and through the eyes of an animal, either give it a chance and have some open-minded fun, or stop taking things too seriously, or avoid this book. To those of you who love animals and mystery, you will enjoy this book for more reasons than one. Although to some it may seem like two books blended together (one more child-like with animals talking and one an adult mystery), for me it is not. I love the blend.
Normally, I love an author who shows the story appealing to all of the readers' senses. As should be expected, this author does all that, but puts particular emphasis on scents, which works out splendidly, because Monty uses them not only to interpret situations, but people's character, past and present. The scent descriptions attached to feelings such as fear and sadness are simply amazing! But it is not only a book with animals in it, don't get me wrong. The bounty and complexity of human characters, their behaviour and inter-relations only gain in expresiveness and impact by adding the animal view on things. The author weaves her tapestry very cleverly. Human relationships are completely convincing - Leach and his stern, yet fair, attitude towards Rose, an interesting rapport between Rose and Varma, not to mention Rose's romantic crush and her family history. I especially enjoyed the very illustrative and intriguing description of teenager Finn from the very first time we meet him.
As more animals get involved in the investigation, the reader becomes more curious about how the murder mystery will be solved, how Monty will communicate his findings to Rose, or even who finds the killer first - humans or animals. The murder case being linked to the possible extinction of bees is quite up to date, and might even interest Morgan Freeman;), and as the initial crime escalates more and more, the reader comes to a nail biting finale! I would not sleep till I finished the last 70 or so pages, written in an excellent pace, more and more intense by the end. Then there's the calm before the storm and then... Bang!
If you are looking for sex and gore in your mystery, you might not find all that here. If you like dogs, you will love this. If you like intense mysteries, you will love this. If you like clever books which mix genres, you will love Monty and Me. If you like fluency and wit in writing, you will love this book. I for one am looking forward to the next mystery solved by Rose and Monty!
May 2, 2025
Cute
July 22, 2015
4.5 stars!
I loved Monty and Me. The book was unique, entertaining, quirky and uplifting.
Mostly written from Monty the dog's POV, the story follows trainee detective Rose Sidebottom and Monty as they try to solve the murder of Monty's master. Along the way Monty is assisted/hindered by Betty the rat, Dante the magpie and the gorgeous Celeste, a rather beguiling ladybird.
Sounds strange, I know, but Monty and Me is utterly bewitching and fun from start to finish. It's a comedic murder mystery and Louisa Bennet's voice is fresh and captivating.
This is the first in what I hope will be a long and entertaining series. Well done!
I loved Monty and Me. The book was unique, entertaining, quirky and uplifting.
Mostly written from Monty the dog's POV, the story follows trainee detective Rose Sidebottom and Monty as they try to solve the murder of Monty's master. Along the way Monty is assisted/hindered by Betty the rat, Dante the magpie and the gorgeous Celeste, a rather beguiling ladybird.
Sounds strange, I know, but Monty and Me is utterly bewitching and fun from start to finish. It's a comedic murder mystery and Louisa Bennet's voice is fresh and captivating.
This is the first in what I hope will be a long and entertaining series. Well done!
July 2, 2015
I loved this one- a cosy mystery told from the canine point of view! Monty is the dog detective whose owner has been murdered. The policewoman investigating the case takes him in. Monty wants to trace the killer.
His point of view is given in some of the chapters and he has help from the animal fraternity to trace the killer. Such a cute take on a mystery story- from a dog crazy lady!
Looking forward to the next in the series! Monty is a canine hero!
With many thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this one.
His point of view is given in some of the chapters and he has help from the animal fraternity to trace the killer. Such a cute take on a mystery story- from a dog crazy lady!
Looking forward to the next in the series! Monty is a canine hero!
With many thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this one.
September 20, 2017
This book was a delightful read for me. I normally am not a great lover of the cosy fiction, however, Monty and Me is the best in this genre that I have read for some time.
I immediately fell in love with Monty and his animal and human friends. The animal antics and communication (of course you have to suspend belief) were great. I liked the characters, setting and the mystery which kept my guessing till towards the end.
The hardcover copy of book (library loan) was extremely attractive looking. The graphics very appealing and also had a tactile quality to it with the glitter in the title. I have someone in mind who would like to receive this as a present.
I hope that Louis Bennet writes a sequel and look forward very much to reading it.
I immediately fell in love with Monty and his animal and human friends. The animal antics and communication (of course you have to suspend belief) were great. I liked the characters, setting and the mystery which kept my guessing till towards the end.
The hardcover copy of book (library loan) was extremely attractive looking. The graphics very appealing and also had a tactile quality to it with the glitter in the title. I have someone in mind who would like to receive this as a present.
I hope that Louis Bennet writes a sequel and look forward very much to reading it.
August 1, 2021
This book made it into our house purely on the strength of the cover 😂 So I was pleasantly surprised that the story held my interest. Likeable characters & a straightforward crime to investigate. I’d read another of Monty’s adventures. If I was the human detective, think I’d be pretty grossed out knowing how involved an actual rat is in the situation, but was fun reading from the animals perspective.
September 19, 2020
It was ok. The crime part of the story was good enough, I could even accept the fact that Monty could talk to other creatures but I just couldn’t take Monty reading and using a laptop. That was a step too far for me and spoilt the whole thing. I did finish it because I love dogs but I won’t read any more.
July 12, 2015
Posted in full http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2015...
Occasionally you read a book that when you put down, you kind of wonder what on earth you’ve just been reading. That isn’t always a good thing but with Monty and Me, it definitely was. Original, entertaining and very unique, Monty and Me is a book that will have you helplessly uttering the word ‘aww’ on several occasions but also it will have you completely wrapped up in the mystery of discovering who killed Monty’s master. Rose Sidebottom is a trainee detective with an unfortunate surname – a surname which doesn’t help her to be taken seriously. Rose finds she’s always expected to prove herself and she can be the butt of some jokes at work where really all she wants is to be respected for the good job she does. When she’s investigating the murder of Patrick, Monty’s previous owner, she finds that the dog is more of a help with her investigation than any of the humans involved but little does she know how Monty is investigating this too, enlisting the help of some animals he meets along the way. Rose soon puts her trust in Monty and starts to follow his leads, making her colleagues pretty incredulous. But you have to admit that Monty’s not bad a detective.
A lot of this book is told from the perspective of Monty, the dog, which is a bit of a weird yet wonderful experience. Monty is a charming character and he’s a clever dog, always thinking of the next step and the next idea. I loved how he seemed to befriend anything – there’s a whole host of random animals that join Monty in his investigation and size and shape irrelevant, Monty loved making new friends. I loved his determination and commitment to the cause and he wouldn’t give in, even when everything seemed to be conspiring against them. It was quite a surreal experience to have this dog narrating the story and telling us about his life but I have to be honest and say his voice was so fresh and interesting, I could have read his story all week long.
I loved the dynamics between Rose and Monty as they got to know each other a little better. Monty grew so fond of Rose and they worked well together, as Monty tried to help uncover the mystery and Rose tried to help Monty through the emotional loss of Patrick. Monty and Me is virtually a laugh a minute but at Patrick’s funeral, I did find myself wiping a tear away! Monty was just so cut up and he couldn’t understand why Patrick was no longer there being the owner he loved and adored. This part set up the investigation well because Monty is then eager to be taken seriously as a witness and his detective skills are tested to the limit.
I preferred the opener to this book more than anything else, although that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy watching the investigation unfold – the beginning just had me laughing more than anything else. The antics of Monty cracked me up, from him and Betty the rat discussing Google and train hopping to his communication with Dante the magpie, the miserable git who didn’t get along with Betty but was quite handy with Rose’s computer, even if he did only have seven Twitter followers… I found myself laughing a lot at the beginning and that leads to people asking what’s happening in your book. How do you answer that without sounding completely crazy? The story to this book is mad, you can’t deny that, but it was effortlessly entertaining and I was drawn in and desperate to see how things would unfold.
The crime and the investigation itself deserved to be taken seriously because the mystery is well put together and I found myself guessing (wrongly) throughout about who the bad guy was and who killed Patrick, as well as the reason why they did so. It had quite a warm feel to it – definitely unlike any other murder investigation I’ve read before. Monty and Me is delightfully told – one that should have you charmed whilst at the same time, turning your curiosities and inquisitiveness up to full level as we try to reach the bottom of this mystery. Prepare for your heart to be captured by loveable dog Monty – but also prepare to be sulking once you realise that book two in this detective series feels so far away.
*review copy
August 22, 2015
I would like to thank the publisher and Alice at Lightbrigade PR for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
When I first heard about this book I wasn't sure what to make of it as in parts it is written from the POV of Monty the Dog. I will say that I really enjoyed this and the experience of Monty and his friends. I love that dog's communicate via 'weemails' and that a dog is able to read and access a laptop.
Monty is very lucky to be rescued by trainee Detective Rose Sidebottom after his master is murdered, both Rose and Monty are determined to find his killer. Rose is a lovely character who is determined win the respect of her colleagues, Rose can also tell when someone is telling a lie and it is so much more than instinct.
I love how this book is written from both POV's and this makes the books so much better and I for one can't wait to read more of Monty and Rose's adventures.
When I first heard about this book I wasn't sure what to make of it as in parts it is written from the POV of Monty the Dog. I will say that I really enjoyed this and the experience of Monty and his friends. I love that dog's communicate via 'weemails' and that a dog is able to read and access a laptop.
Monty is very lucky to be rescued by trainee Detective Rose Sidebottom after his master is murdered, both Rose and Monty are determined to find his killer. Rose is a lovely character who is determined win the respect of her colleagues, Rose can also tell when someone is telling a lie and it is so much more than instinct.
I love how this book is written from both POV's and this makes the books so much better and I for one can't wait to read more of Monty and Rose's adventures.
August 1, 2018
I loved reading about this loveable detective dog Monty, this is a must-have book this Christmas for animal lovers everywhere. I actually think it be great hearing more about the detective dog Monty in future books. Louisa Bennet's Golden Retriever, Pickles is the inspiration for Monty. Rose Sidebottom is a trainee detective, who has an embarrassing surname, and she has heard every single bottom joke invented. When the dog Monty's master is stabbed to death Monty tracks down the killer using his nose, and Monty finds a new home with the young policewoman Rose Sidebottom.
July 24, 2015
People who like reading and who like dogs, I thoroughly recommend Monty and Me. I don't know how she's done it, but somehow Louisa has managed to write a thrilling detective story, suitable for adults, starring Monty Dogdetective, the golden retriever who can read, speaks rat, squirrel, bird, insect and fish, and an all-round hero to rival Inspector Rex. I laughed, I cried, I shirked work to finish the last chapters!
August 8, 2015
A dog detective? Bit far fetched? Perhaps, but that doesn’t detract from this engaging and enjoyable book.
I thought the descriptions of the world through the eyes (or maybe nose) of a dog were quite brilliant. Who knew about a ladybird’s secret weapon?
I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more about Monty and Rose.
Thanks to Netgallery for giving me the chance to read and review this delightful book- definitely worth five stars from me.
I thought the descriptions of the world through the eyes (or maybe nose) of a dog were quite brilliant. Who knew about a ladybird’s secret weapon?
I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more about Monty and Rose.
Thanks to Netgallery for giving me the chance to read and review this delightful book- definitely worth five stars from me.
June 29, 2015
4.5 stars ☺️
This book was so much fun, it combines a genuinely interesting murder mystery with an insight into the workings of the canine mind.
Monty is a fantastic character and I am looking forward to his blog which is coming soon....
http://montydogdetective.com Hopefully there will be a whole series of Monty books. I really enjoyed it.
This book was so much fun, it combines a genuinely interesting murder mystery with an insight into the workings of the canine mind.
Monty is a fantastic character and I am looking forward to his blog which is coming soon....
http://montydogdetective.com Hopefully there will be a whole series of Monty books. I really enjoyed it.
August 31, 2015
A great read for dog lovers and those who enjoy cozy mysteries. Better written and more interesting than the usual “dog mystery” with some great action sequences where I couldn’t stop reading. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2015
Enjoyable read. Enjoyed Monty and his friends helping to solve the case. It is always interesting to see the story from the animals point of view.
September 29, 2023
‘I bound from the car and, nose to the ground, zig-zag around the front lawn of my new home.’
I have a confession to make. This is the first book in a series, and I have already read the two books that follow. So I feel like I know Monty even before we were introduced. If you know what I mean.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the next two books in the series, I felt compelled to return to the beginning, to find out how Monty met Detective Constable Rose Sidebottom and became friends with the formidable Betty Blabble, rat extraordinaire.
‘Well, mate, if we’re going to catch us a killer, you’re going to need to tell me everything.’
After Monty’s beloved master, Professor Patrick Salt was murdered, he was fortunate to find a home with Rose who is part of the team investigating the case. Monty is determined to help, and with the assistance of Betty and some other animal and insect friends, he does. But the investigation is not without challenge. Some of Rose’s colleagues are less than helpful, and initially the person is suspected. Monty’s biggest challenge is communicating his discoveries to Rose without breaking any of the canine Ten Commandments:
1. Love your owner,
2. Obey your owner, who is pack leader.
3. Defend your owner.
4. Never embarrass your owner.
5. Never appear smarter than your owner.
6. Never show you understand hooman language.
7. Never be seen using hooman technology.
8. Cooperate with other creatures for peaceful purposes.
9. You may abandon your owner if ordered to kill another animal for entertainment or profit, or a big, unless your hooman’s life is at risk.’
10. If in doubt, play dumb and wag your tail.’
Okay, so I copied these commandments from a later book in the series. ‘Hoomans’ were ‘Big’uns’ in the first book. Anyway, I digress. I was so pleased to go back to the beginning of this series to meet Monty and Rose properly. Oh, and Betty of course.
A terrific tale, or should that be tail?
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
I have a confession to make. This is the first book in a series, and I have already read the two books that follow. So I feel like I know Monty even before we were introduced. If you know what I mean.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the next two books in the series, I felt compelled to return to the beginning, to find out how Monty met Detective Constable Rose Sidebottom and became friends with the formidable Betty Blabble, rat extraordinaire.
‘Well, mate, if we’re going to catch us a killer, you’re going to need to tell me everything.’
After Monty’s beloved master, Professor Patrick Salt was murdered, he was fortunate to find a home with Rose who is part of the team investigating the case. Monty is determined to help, and with the assistance of Betty and some other animal and insect friends, he does. But the investigation is not without challenge. Some of Rose’s colleagues are less than helpful, and initially the person is suspected. Monty’s biggest challenge is communicating his discoveries to Rose without breaking any of the canine Ten Commandments:
1. Love your owner,
2. Obey your owner, who is pack leader.
3. Defend your owner.
4. Never embarrass your owner.
5. Never appear smarter than your owner.
6. Never show you understand hooman language.
7. Never be seen using hooman technology.
8. Cooperate with other creatures for peaceful purposes.
9. You may abandon your owner if ordered to kill another animal for entertainment or profit, or a big, unless your hooman’s life is at risk.’
10. If in doubt, play dumb and wag your tail.’
Okay, so I copied these commandments from a later book in the series. ‘Hoomans’ were ‘Big’uns’ in the first book. Anyway, I digress. I was so pleased to go back to the beginning of this series to meet Monty and Rose properly. Oh, and Betty of course.
A terrific tale, or should that be tail?
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
May 30, 2022
4.5 stars
When I was young, my favorite books were either about animals or told from the perspective of animals - this is like the adult version! Monty & Me is a dual perspective story - following Monty and Rose, the officer who gave him a home after the murder of his owner. Honestly, I wasn't quite sure I'd love this one; I thought it would be a cute mystery, and wanted to read it, but didn't expect too much. And for the first third of the book, I thought I was right. Then, suddenly, I was hooked. There are such cute, funny moments and comments, such as talk of leaving "wee-mails", that I was almost too entertained by 😂, and the parts where Monty is dealing with the grief of losing his human were devastating 💔 I think these books are meant for a very specific audience, but if you're a major animal lover, I think you'll really connect with Monty. Just make sure you have tissues handy, because some of the scenes are quite painfully heartbreaking. Even though I already knew there's a next book, I was very excited when I saw the lead up to it, at the end of this one - I'm definitely reading the second book as soon as I can.
Trigger Warnings: death, grief, blood, language
Thank you to @picklesandlilly for sending a copy for review.
When I was young, my favorite books were either about animals or told from the perspective of animals - this is like the adult version! Monty & Me is a dual perspective story - following Monty and Rose, the officer who gave him a home after the murder of his owner. Honestly, I wasn't quite sure I'd love this one; I thought it would be a cute mystery, and wanted to read it, but didn't expect too much. And for the first third of the book, I thought I was right. Then, suddenly, I was hooked. There are such cute, funny moments and comments, such as talk of leaving "wee-mails", that I was almost too entertained by 😂, and the parts where Monty is dealing with the grief of losing his human were devastating 💔 I think these books are meant for a very specific audience, but if you're a major animal lover, I think you'll really connect with Monty. Just make sure you have tissues handy, because some of the scenes are quite painfully heartbreaking. Even though I already knew there's a next book, I was very excited when I saw the lead up to it, at the end of this one - I'm definitely reading the second book as soon as I can.
Trigger Warnings: death, grief, blood, language
Thank you to @picklesandlilly for sending a copy for review.
January 1, 2023
4.5 stars
When I was young, my favorite books were either about animals or told from the perspective of animals - this is like the adult version! Monty & Me is a dual perspective story - following Monty and Rose, the officer who gave him a home after the murder of his owner. Honestly, I wasn't quite sure I'd love this one; I thought it would be a cute mystery, and wanted to read it, but didn't expect too much. And for the first third of the book, I thought I was right. Then, suddenly, I was hooked. There are such cute, funny moments and comments, such as talk of leaving "wee-mails", that I was almost too entertained by, and the parts where Monty is dealing with the grief of losing his human were devastating. I think these books are meant for a very specific audience, but if you're a major animal lover, I think you'll really connect with Monty. Just make sure you have tissues handy, because some of the scenes are quite painfully heartbreaking. Even though I already knew there's a next book, I was very excited when I saw the lead up to it, at the end of this one - I'm definitely reading the second book as soon as I can.
Trigger Warnings: death, grief, blood, language
When I was young, my favorite books were either about animals or told from the perspective of animals - this is like the adult version! Monty & Me is a dual perspective story - following Monty and Rose, the officer who gave him a home after the murder of his owner. Honestly, I wasn't quite sure I'd love this one; I thought it would be a cute mystery, and wanted to read it, but didn't expect too much. And for the first third of the book, I thought I was right. Then, suddenly, I was hooked. There are such cute, funny moments and comments, such as talk of leaving "wee-mails", that I was almost too entertained by, and the parts where Monty is dealing with the grief of losing his human were devastating. I think these books are meant for a very specific audience, but if you're a major animal lover, I think you'll really connect with Monty. Just make sure you have tissues handy, because some of the scenes are quite painfully heartbreaking. Even though I already knew there's a next book, I was very excited when I saw the lead up to it, at the end of this one - I'm definitely reading the second book as soon as I can.
Trigger Warnings: death, grief, blood, language
March 13, 2017
I loved this book so much because it made think of my dog snowball who died 3 years ago in a house fire . i was having sugary and he was straying at my sister in laws house and there was fire in her house. she was not at home when the fire stared and he died from smoke and just did not wake up from it . but there is more to tell about my baby boy snowball he loved people and little children but he had a deep bark and was big dog so people were scared of him till he calmed down enough to be able to great them . when he was puppy he was very silly dog by chewing on the toilet bowl cleanser that cleans the toilet . i could go all night about the silly things he would do in 8 years of life . this book helped me deal with losing my dog snowball . this so very good book to show that people do care about their pets and they are like family to some people . this is one of the best books that i have ever read that writes humans and animals and the bond they can form with one other .
October 15, 2018
This brilliantly funny and moving book is like Agatha Christie's Midsomer Murders combined with Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain. I totally fell in love with Monty, the dog hero, as well as the young policewoman, Rose, whose life is beset with failures. One of the reasons why Monty is so endearing is because he misinterprets what Rose and other humans say, and this is where much of the humour comes from. Unlike other books where the dog is the narrator, like The Art of Racing in the Rain and A Dog's Purpose, the dog can partly understand Rose, as well as communicate with other animals. There's a hilarious rat named Betty Blabble and a vampish ladybird and a grumpy magpie. These creatures take on a life and a personality of their own and you find yourself believing in the world Bennet has created. I can't wait for another Monty book.
February 22, 2019
Absolutely loved this book!!
But then I do love all animal stories and wish there were more. The 5 Alfie books are among my favourites!
Monty is a golden retriever whose beloved master, a professor, is killed. Monty defends him and gets a good bite and whiff of the killer, but almost dies in the process.
However, he recovers, is taken in by the Detective working on the case, Det Rose Sidebottom.
Monty is determined to help catch the killer of his beloved master, and goes sniffing out suspects! With unlikely friends Betty the rat and Dante the Magpie, (a notorious jewellery thief who can use a laptop!), they are soon on the case!
If you take yourself and your crime fiction too seriously, don’t bother with this book, but if you LOVE animal related stories and can laugh at some humour (like using wee-mails!) then you will enjoy this too!!!
But then I do love all animal stories and wish there were more. The 5 Alfie books are among my favourites!
Monty is a golden retriever whose beloved master, a professor, is killed. Monty defends him and gets a good bite and whiff of the killer, but almost dies in the process.
However, he recovers, is taken in by the Detective working on the case, Det Rose Sidebottom.
Monty is determined to help catch the killer of his beloved master, and goes sniffing out suspects! With unlikely friends Betty the rat and Dante the Magpie, (a notorious jewellery thief who can use a laptop!), they are soon on the case!
If you take yourself and your crime fiction too seriously, don’t bother with this book, but if you LOVE animal related stories and can laugh at some humour (like using wee-mails!) then you will enjoy this too!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2019
Loved it. I enjoyed reading every bit of this story. It was gripping, interesting, lovely, emotional and thrilling. Each character Monty, Betty, Dante, Celeste, Rose, Leach, Joe, Pearl, Rebecca and Paddy, I liked each of them at the fullest.
The author has written the story so beautifully and it portrays each and every vibe of the characters very accurately. The feelings of the loss Monty faced and how he actually solves the mystery was superb. It was just like a movie going on in front while reading.
It's a detective story and it was so refreshing to see animals come together and doing it. Fascinating.
The author has written the story so beautifully and it portrays each and every vibe of the characters very accurately. The feelings of the loss Monty faced and how he actually solves the mystery was superb. It was just like a movie going on in front while reading.
It's a detective story and it was so refreshing to see animals come together and doing it. Fascinating.
June 26, 2022
This book is the first one I’ve ever cried too, when monty was at his masters funeral and he said his goodbye by pawing dirt into his grave that really made me tear up.
I thought this book would be childish but it wasn’t really. A mystery story where a dog try’s to find his masters killer and meeting friends along the way to help him and even nearly dies himself. Really shows how much a dog would do for their owners.
I thought this book would be childish but it wasn’t really. A mystery story where a dog try’s to find his masters killer and meeting friends along the way to help him and even nearly dies himself. Really shows how much a dog would do for their owners.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2020
Great Fun
Monty’s beloved master has been killed and he has been lucky enough to be adopted by the police woman investigating the case. Can Monty’s team - a food focused rat, a learned magpie and a feisty ladybird- help solve the mystery. Monty & Rose are engaging, the plot is pacey & clever and this is a great light read for Christmas.
Monty’s beloved master has been killed and he has been lucky enough to be adopted by the police woman investigating the case. Can Monty’s team - a food focused rat, a learned magpie and a feisty ladybird- help solve the mystery. Monty & Rose are engaging, the plot is pacey & clever and this is a great light read for Christmas.
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