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Spot and Smudge #2
The Glasgow Gray
This riveting second installment of the Spot and Smudge novels doesn't disappoint. It’s an amazing story with more of the rich characters, dark humor, and smart plot twists that are a signature of this unique speculative fiction thriller series.
“I call her Glasgow ‘casue she’s a bloody tough bitch you can’t help loving.”
“I call her Glasgow ‘casue she’s a bloody tough bitch you can’t help loving.”
Ben Hogan has been hearing rollicking tales of the winter wilds of Canada since before he could walk. They're his favorite family stories, and always filled with deep snow, clever beasts...and Hamish. Sometimes hero, sometimes idiot, always larger than life and twice as loud, his great uncle’s reputation is almost as big a mountain as the brawny Scot himself.
Ben’s finally convinced his parents to let him go for a visit, with Spot and Smudge of course. The dogs love the Hamish stories as well, and are looking forward to checking a few animals off their bucket list…including Canis lupus, the gray wolf.
But Hamish’s isolated mountain town has gotten a lot less quaint and a lot more deadly lately. Deception is piling up deeper than the snow and Ben and his dogs are getting a familiar, sinking feeling as not every predator stalking the dark forest is walking on four legs.
To survive they’ll need brains, balls, and a few new skills. They’ll also have to choose who they can trust. A few new allies may come in handy, provided they aren’t killed…or eaten…by them.
- GenresScience Fiction
506 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2017
244 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Robert Udulutch
16 books20 followersThink a small town boy from Wisconsin, whose first job was pumping poo out of RVs while reading everything he could get his smelly hands on, puts himself through school bartending and after thirty years in tech management at Sony and Microsoft leaves to travel a lot, and pen his experiences with rescued littermate pups and Scottish in-laws. The result is the Spot and Smudge series; Horror/Thriller/Genetic Engineering Sci-fi that one reviewer called "a deliciously twisted, darkly humorous tail".
Yeah, I've got some stories...and maybe a few issues.
You can see pix of the real Spot and Smudge and learn more about the books and the charities some of the proceeds support at rudulutch.com
Yeah, I've got some stories...and maybe a few issues.
You can see pix of the real Spot and Smudge and learn more about the books and the charities some of the proceeds support at rudulutch.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 22, 2017
I like a book that flows seamlessly, but this one doesn't.
The author employs the popular writing style of jumping from one scene with the main characters to a different scene with other characters before returning to finish the previous scene with the main characters. Although he very effectively creates suspense this way, it is not my favorite writing style, because of the difficulty it presents in doing it well. Back-tracking in time can also confusing when the action in one chapter precedes the action in the previous chapter, and there is one scene/chapter change that really threw me for a while. (Wait a minute--wasn't she dead?)
My big brain also has trouble keeping track of characters who may not appear again until many chapters later, especially when I didn't know why they were being introduced at all! (I really don't think I could do better at this; transitions to introduce other characters always seem abrupt to me-- there probably isn't a way to do this without stopping the flow.
As much as I liked the cast of characters (Well-- the good guys, anyway!), The action "stopped" every time I ran across a foreign word; the Norwegian and Afrikaans commands to the dogs, the Scottish words, phrases, and slang among the family, and a smattering of what I assume to have been French-Canadian words and expressions by the villains, resulted in a feeling of frustration at about the half-way point. I had to just keep skipping over them, and there were so many. Since I was reading on a Kindle, I couldn't translate.
There was also an excess of curse words, in my opinion. I'm no prude, but there's a time and place for language like that. The overuse of them can interfere with the flow of the story, and in this book, I feel that it did. An author needs to "suspend my sense of disbelief" in order for a story to be credible, but Udulutch really stretched the credibility of the story and brought me back to reality when he had the dogs sign curse words too.
Another thing that stops the flow of a book, for me anyway, are the typos, and/or mistakes with writing or editing. (Why don't you hire me?)
I don't usually leave such detailed reviews, and since I did enjoy the book and immediately ordered the 3rd in the series when I finished this one (Book 2), I don't want to dissuade others from giving the series a try.
The author employs the popular writing style of jumping from one scene with the main characters to a different scene with other characters before returning to finish the previous scene with the main characters. Although he very effectively creates suspense this way, it is not my favorite writing style, because of the difficulty it presents in doing it well. Back-tracking in time can also confusing when the action in one chapter precedes the action in the previous chapter, and there is one scene/chapter change that really threw me for a while. (Wait a minute--wasn't she dead?)
My big brain also has trouble keeping track of characters who may not appear again until many chapters later, especially when I didn't know why they were being introduced at all! (I really don't think I could do better at this; transitions to introduce other characters always seem abrupt to me-- there probably isn't a way to do this without stopping the flow.
As much as I liked the cast of characters (Well-- the good guys, anyway!), The action "stopped" every time I ran across a foreign word; the Norwegian and Afrikaans commands to the dogs, the Scottish words, phrases, and slang among the family, and a smattering of what I assume to have been French-Canadian words and expressions by the villains, resulted in a feeling of frustration at about the half-way point. I had to just keep skipping over them, and there were so many. Since I was reading on a Kindle, I couldn't translate.
There was also an excess of curse words, in my opinion. I'm no prude, but there's a time and place for language like that. The overuse of them can interfere with the flow of the story, and in this book, I feel that it did. An author needs to "suspend my sense of disbelief" in order for a story to be credible, but Udulutch really stretched the credibility of the story and brought me back to reality when he had the dogs sign curse words too.
Another thing that stops the flow of a book, for me anyway, are the typos, and/or mistakes with writing or editing. (Why don't you hire me?)
I don't usually leave such detailed reviews, and since I did enjoy the book and immediately ordered the 3rd in the series when I finished this one (Book 2), I don't want to dissuade others from giving the series a try.
March 6, 2020
Ben and the pups need a vacation, and their family decides to send them on a canadian getaway to his great uncle Hamish ranch
Ben has went from being the least popular kid at his last school to one of the most popular student at his new school. After having fought off monstrously mutated human and animal attacks against their family and dealing with the horrendous murder of their friend animal technician Ronnie; Mimi, Dan, Aila and Kelcy have decided it may be a good idea to get the pups and Ben out of town for awhile so Ben can coach pups on acting like regular dogs while the rest of the family figures out what kind of life options they can come up with for living arrangements with such special and unique dogs.
This trip will be a right of passage for Ben and pups, two years ago Ben's sister, Kelcy, had made this same journey to Great Uncle Hamish ranch alone by herself and now it will be Ben's turn.
Ben has went from being the least popular kid at his last school to one of the most popular student at his new school. After having fought off monstrously mutated human and animal attacks against their family and dealing with the horrendous murder of their friend animal technician Ronnie; Mimi, Dan, Aila and Kelcy have decided it may be a good idea to get the pups and Ben out of town for awhile so Ben can coach pups on acting like regular dogs while the rest of the family figures out what kind of life options they can come up with for living arrangements with such special and unique dogs.
This trip will be a right of passage for Ben and pups, two years ago Ben's sister, Kelcy, had made this same journey to Great Uncle Hamish ranch alone by herself and now it will be Ben's turn.
July 22, 2019
The Glasgow Gray, Smudge& Spot book 2, by Robert Uldulutch was marvelous!
The Glasgow Gray, Smudge & Spot book 2, by Robert Udulutch was marvelous!
It was great to read about the continuing adventures of my two favorite enhanced dogs. The character development of Smudge & Spot & Ben & their relationship was very well done. And, their adventures in Canada were very interesting & exciting. I also loved that Smudge & Spot broadened their circle of friends & teammates to include wolves. The story plotlines are always exotic & exciting.
Keep up the great work, Robert, I'm really looking forward to book 3!
Read this book, you'll be very glad you did!!
The Glasgow Gray, Smudge & Spot book 2, by Robert Udulutch was marvelous!
It was great to read about the continuing adventures of my two favorite enhanced dogs. The character development of Smudge & Spot & Ben & their relationship was very well done. And, their adventures in Canada were very interesting & exciting. I also loved that Smudge & Spot broadened their circle of friends & teammates to include wolves. The story plotlines are always exotic & exciting.
Keep up the great work, Robert, I'm really looking forward to book 3!
Read this book, you'll be very glad you did!!
July 10, 2021
I immediately, downloaded the next book in the series. Oh my poor aching side, this has been a hilarious, action packed, "wait, that's for real" adventure. Ben, has come such a long way, and this book is like a rite of passage for him. He is quite a cool kid, who remains level headed and has what a first may seem like a fatalistic approach, but is in fact, just the pure blind faith in his pups. There are some sad parts, and you don't realize how attached you become to some of the secondary characters, but you do. I love that the author allows their small roles to be so impactful in the overall story.
October 7, 2019
Good story!!
I remember one winter here in Reno when we got four feet of snow. Boots, our big black dog, loved it! He would leap like a dolphin in and out of the snow. My wife and I would laugh ourselves silly watching him. But about the story, it was good. S &S were great. Once or twice I felt confused about the track of the narrative. Some scenes were either out of place or too soon, or it was just me being dumb. Or all the above. The trouble with sharing the secret, is that too many people know it now. On to book three!
I remember one winter here in Reno when we got four feet of snow. Boots, our big black dog, loved it! He would leap like a dolphin in and out of the snow. My wife and I would laugh ourselves silly watching him. But about the story, it was good. S &S were great. Once or twice I felt confused about the track of the narrative. Some scenes were either out of place or too soon, or it was just me being dumb. Or all the above. The trouble with sharing the secret, is that too many people know it now. On to book three!
December 6, 2017
FANTASTIC...AGAIN!
Like a cross between a Bond movie and Cujo, these amazing pups and their equally amazing Human pack continue to enthrall and delight.
Several times I actually shouted out loud in both distress and macabre glee respectively as both distress and justice were meted out in equal measure against our heroes and the bad guys.
I intend on beginning Book Three as soon as I've taken my own Wonder-pup known as Lucy Dog for her afternoon walk.
HIGHLY recommended.
Like a cross between a Bond movie and Cujo, these amazing pups and their equally amazing Human pack continue to enthrall and delight.
Several times I actually shouted out loud in both distress and macabre glee respectively as both distress and justice were meted out in equal measure against our heroes and the bad guys.
I intend on beginning Book Three as soon as I've taken my own Wonder-pup known as Lucy Dog for her afternoon walk.
HIGHLY recommended.
September 3, 2018
Protest!
Speaking without warrant, authorization, or sanction from any portion of the Veterinary profession, it must be noted that the portrayal of veterinarians in these first two books suggests the utterly amoral and unprincipled highjacking of a (generally) admirable persona for the cheap purpose of creating an extremely disgusting character for his story.
Works pretty darned well. Good job!
Oh, and the rest of the story ain’t bad, either.
Speaking without warrant, authorization, or sanction from any portion of the Veterinary profession, it must be noted that the portrayal of veterinarians in these first two books suggests the utterly amoral and unprincipled highjacking of a (generally) admirable persona for the cheap purpose of creating an extremely disgusting character for his story.
Works pretty darned well. Good job!
Oh, and the rest of the story ain’t bad, either.
June 26, 2019
Hooray!
Book two was as enjoyable as the first and filled with subtle humor. Some things I got and some (names) I didn’t but regardless I love the characters and story twists a lot. This author has definitely written a bizarre tale filled with crazy stuff and I’m jealous my dog isn’t like Smudge. She is definitely a good friend but normal! I never could have predicted how much I like Hamish and hope to read more of him.
Another great adventure for Spot, Smudge and Ben!
Book two was as enjoyable as the first and filled with subtle humor. Some things I got and some (names) I didn’t but regardless I love the characters and story twists a lot. This author has definitely written a bizarre tale filled with crazy stuff and I’m jealous my dog isn’t like Smudge. She is definitely a good friend but normal! I never could have predicted how much I like Hamish and hope to read more of him.
Another great adventure for Spot, Smudge and Ben!
March 19, 2020
I love these books!!
Kind of like the first S&S book, it had a slightly slow start, but it didn't take long at all to become almost impossible to put down! I love Spot, Smudge, and Ben, and very much enjoy reading about them learning more of their amazing abilities. It's also very satisfying reading about how they take down the bad guys, lol! I would recommend this whole series to anyone who loves dogs in any capacity.
Kind of like the first S&S book, it had a slightly slow start, but it didn't take long at all to become almost impossible to put down! I love Spot, Smudge, and Ben, and very much enjoy reading about them learning more of their amazing abilities. It's also very satisfying reading about how they take down the bad guys, lol! I would recommend this whole series to anyone who loves dogs in any capacity.
May 9, 2017
Unusual and Exceptional
So glad to have discovered this author and series! Whether you like dogs, adventure, or suspense - or just appreciate a helluva good read, do not miss Robert Udulutch's Spot and Smudge trilogy. I only regret that I've only one last book to read. Truly excellent characters, plot and writing; don't pass this author by...
So glad to have discovered this author and series! Whether you like dogs, adventure, or suspense - or just appreciate a helluva good read, do not miss Robert Udulutch's Spot and Smudge trilogy. I only regret that I've only one last book to read. Truly excellent characters, plot and writing; don't pass this author by...
July 2, 2018
Fun read!
I have really had fun reading the first two Spot and Smudge books. Like other reviewers have said, the typos can be a bit distracting at times, but all in all, these are enjoyable books and I have recommended them to my book buddies who appreciate something a bit left of center from time to time. I will absolutely be reading the third and final(?) book in this series.
I have really had fun reading the first two Spot and Smudge books. Like other reviewers have said, the typos can be a bit distracting at times, but all in all, these are enjoyable books and I have recommended them to my book buddies who appreciate something a bit left of center from time to time. I will absolutely be reading the third and final(?) book in this series.
July 23, 2020
I saw a review of this book from a year ago where a reader complained about the awful errors and lack of editing on the first two books in this series. I also saw where the author replied to her assuring the books would be “fixed” very soon, and this simply did not happen. Mr. Udulutch, you need to show a little more respect for your reading base out here.
June 16, 2017
5 Stars for reading dog lovers.
Yes, I give 5 Stars for reading dog lovers. For this kind of thriller/ action adventure I would read Dean joints. Glad to find Robert Udulutch for more.
Yes, I give 5 Stars for reading dog lovers. For this kind of thriller/ action adventure I would read Dean joints. Glad to find Robert Udulutch for more.
August 4, 2017
Love, love, love these books
Super smart dogs and adventure, love and loyalty, family and friends all rolled into these wonderful books!😍. These two pups are definitely on my favorites list
Super smart dogs and adventure, love and loyalty, family and friends all rolled into these wonderful books!😍. These two pups are definitely on my favorites list
July 11, 2021
Great series
I really like this series of books. The story goes at a fast pace and there are no boring parts. The characters are wonderfully complete and interesting. None of them are half drawn.
I really like this series of books. The story goes at a fast pace and there are no boring parts. The characters are wonderfully complete and interesting. None of them are half drawn.
June 28, 2017
Doggone Good!
Well Written with plenty of twist and turns, shot and smudge, are very interesting characters, and come across as more than human! Great read!!
Well Written with plenty of twist and turns, shot and smudge, are very interesting characters, and come across as more than human! Great read!!
July 5, 2017
Great story
This is a great story with an unusual premise. Great reading fun. A good book with great adventures you'll enjoy it.
This is a great story with an unusual premise. Great reading fun. A good book with great adventures you'll enjoy it.
July 9, 2017
Even more ridiculous than the first book. I shall be reading the third one immediately :-)
January 20, 2018
Such fun
Laugh out loud reading. Spot and Smudge are the coolest “Navy Seal” dogs ever. The dogs can do it all and never stop, loyal beyond death. More, more, more. thank you 😺
Laugh out loud reading. Spot and Smudge are the coolest “Navy Seal” dogs ever. The dogs can do it all and never stop, loyal beyond death. More, more, more. thank you 😺
July 19, 2019
Loved it!!
Suck reviews but let me tell you this book was perfect in every way. This book kept me on my toes and reading late in the night. Excited for book 3!!!
Suck reviews but let me tell you this book was perfect in every way. This book kept me on my toes and reading late in the night. Excited for book 3!!!
March 6, 2020
Great adventure/dog book
I’m an adult reader, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading the Spot n Smudge series and would recommend it to others who enjoy fantasy and love their dogs.
I’m an adult reader, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading the Spot n Smudge series and would recommend it to others who enjoy fantasy and love their dogs.
March 8, 2021
A great dog and boy story with scfi
I loved this book it is rousing people and dog and wolf story in Canada with a rollicking crew of Scottish .tales
I loved this book it is rousing people and dog and wolf story in Canada with a rollicking crew of Scottish .tales
September 13, 2021
amazing dogs do it again great story action all the way
oh if you are offended by language this serious is not for you.
oh if you are offended by language this serious is not for you.
January 11, 2022
Yep a huge fan!
December 2, 2021
I'm really enjoying this weird series. You know it must be good, because I'm having to overlook SO MANY misspellings, incorrect tenses, and so much bad punctuation! That is not easy for me. The author deserves a better editor.
Read
April 16, 2018Just like the first installment, Spot and Smudge, this one is unlike anything else I've read. Greatly described action scenes without pulling any punches on swearing, sex, drugs, etc. But it's a family book with talking, mutated-by-toxic-waste dogs as the main characters. Worth a look for sure.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews