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Chet and Bernie Mystery #9
Heart of Barkness
Spencer Quinn's Heart of Barkness is the latest in the New York Times bestselling series that the Los Angeles Times called “nothing short of masterful"…
Chet the dog, “the most lovable narrator in all of crime fiction” (Boston Globe) and P.I. Bernie encounter heartache and much worse in the world of country music. They’re both music lovers, so when Lotty Pilgrim, a country singer from long ago, turns up at a local bar, they drive out to catch her act. Bernie’s surprised to see someone who was once so big performing in such a dive, and drops a C-note the Little Detective Agency can’t afford to part with into the tip jar. The C-note is stolen right from under their noses – even from under Chet’s, the nose that misses nothing – and before the night is over, it’s stolen again.
Soon they’re working the most puzzling case of their career, a case that takes them back in time in search of old border-town secrets, and into present-day danger where powerful people want those secrets to stay hidden. Chet and Bernie find themselves sucked into a real-life murder ballad where there is no one to trust but each other.
Chet the dog, “the most lovable narrator in all of crime fiction” (Boston Globe) and P.I. Bernie encounter heartache and much worse in the world of country music. They’re both music lovers, so when Lotty Pilgrim, a country singer from long ago, turns up at a local bar, they drive out to catch her act. Bernie’s surprised to see someone who was once so big performing in such a dive, and drops a C-note the Little Detective Agency can’t afford to part with into the tip jar. The C-note is stolen right from under their noses – even from under Chet’s, the nose that misses nothing – and before the night is over, it’s stolen again.
Soon they’re working the most puzzling case of their career, a case that takes them back in time in search of old border-town secrets, and into present-day danger where powerful people want those secrets to stay hidden. Chet and Bernie find themselves sucked into a real-life murder ballad where there is no one to trust but each other.
304 pages, ebook
First published July 2, 2019
758 people are currently reading
2887 people want to read
About the author
Spencer Quinn
44 books2,121 followersSpencer Quinn lives on Cape Cod with his dog Audrey, and is hard at work on the next Chet and Bernie adventure.
Spencer Quinn is a pseudonym of author Peter Abrahams.
Series:
* A Chet and Bernie Mystery
Spencer Quinn is a pseudonym of author Peter Abrahams.
Series:
* A Chet and Bernie Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews
January 22, 2020
Had the story not stalled in the middle, it would have garnered a higher rating. 6 of 10 stars
June 5, 2019
A new Chet and Bernie book is one of the few that I will pick up and read immediately, regardless of the condition of my To-Be-Read list. This ninth release in the series (publication date July 2, 2019) continues the reading pleasure and my enjoyment of Chet's canine narration of the private-eye cases of The Little Detective Agency.
I've pondered the chemistry of this series to figure out just what it is that I enjoy so much. The humor is the best, the mysteries are great (always tied to compelling human stories), and the inimitable relationship between canine Chet and all-human Bernie is irresistible, particularly in the way that they both understand the other with simple glances and gestures. But for me, the magic in the series' chemistry is Chet.
Quinn's clever writing has Chet able to give readers his (limited, no offense) canine perspective on action and plot development. Chet helps us see the qualities of all the characters in the story; his canine powers (far beyond humans, no offense) augment Bernie's skills, and Chet's deep and simple empathy and instincts make everyone (including the reader) richer in understanding life.
This is a lot of words for the bottom line: Chet and Bernie make for awfully good reading, and Spencer Quinn has given us a heart-warming, laugh out-loud time with a great book, this Heart of Barkness being just the latest. I'm already waiting for the twelfth book -- just what is developing with Suzy??
And if you know this series already, have you read the prequel, A Cat Was Involved? If not, go read this $.99 novella right now! This may give you the quintessential Chet and Bernie experience in the shortest amount of reading.
I've pondered the chemistry of this series to figure out just what it is that I enjoy so much. The humor is the best, the mysteries are great (always tied to compelling human stories), and the inimitable relationship between canine Chet and all-human Bernie is irresistible, particularly in the way that they both understand the other with simple glances and gestures. But for me, the magic in the series' chemistry is Chet.
Quinn's clever writing has Chet able to give readers his (limited, no offense) canine perspective on action and plot development. Chet helps us see the qualities of all the characters in the story; his canine powers (far beyond humans, no offense) augment Bernie's skills, and Chet's deep and simple empathy and instincts make everyone (including the reader) richer in understanding life.
This is a lot of words for the bottom line: Chet and Bernie make for awfully good reading, and Spencer Quinn has given us a heart-warming, laugh out-loud time with a great book, this Heart of Barkness being just the latest. I'm already waiting for the twelfth book -- just what is developing with Suzy??
And if you know this series already, have you read the prequel, A Cat Was Involved? If not, go read this $.99 novella right now! This may give you the quintessential Chet and Bernie experience in the shortest amount of reading.
June 17, 2019
“Heart of Barkness” by Spencer Quinn is book nine in the “Chet and Bernie” series. New readers should note that the series is a first person narrative by Chet, the dog half of the duo, so the opinions, observations and conclusions are a bit different from those in other mystery books. Needed information from previous books is included as part of Chet’s current narrative, so new readers can easily follow along as Chet investigates everything and comments on people and events. Chet describes himself (and Bernie) as part of “The Little Detective Agency on account of Bernie’s last name being Little.”
Readers do have to get used to Chet’s style as the narrator. He makes constant observations and produces a running narrative of events from a dog’s perspective. He describes things as “straightforward,” “kind of weird,” or “maybe not worth thinking about.” He observes that “Humans can be tricky with smiles, and you have to watch carefully.” He states things with little if any emotion. “The dart player was headed for a yellow car parked in a far corner of the lot where the pavement stopped and the desert began.”
He has his own priorities; “If you’re going to play in this life, then play! And is there anything more fun than playing a brand-new game? This one was called Who Gets the Toothbrush. A very promising game!” He tells readers what he is doing; “My mind wandered a bit, and when my mind wanders I tend to look around, checking out the action. And what was this? The baby-faced dart player—actually both baby-faced and fuzzy-faced—was on the move, kind of sneaking through the darkness just beyond the pool of stage light. Sneakiness is something that gets my attention, big-time.”
He learns from past mistakes; “I sat beside the barrel cactus, close but not too close—I’d had an experience with a barrel cactus.” When danger lurks, he can be counted on to act; “And then I barked, barked like I’d never barked before, a savage howling bark that even scared me.”
“Heart of Barkness” is filled with humor and secrets, but ultimately it is the relationship between Chet and Bernie that makes the book wonderful. I received a copy of “Heart of Barkness” from Spencer Quinn, Forge Books, and Macmillan Publishing Group. It was easy to read, yet had plenty of action and mystery. In the end, sometimes one should just trust a dog’s Judgement about things and sing the “Song for Chet.”
Readers do have to get used to Chet’s style as the narrator. He makes constant observations and produces a running narrative of events from a dog’s perspective. He describes things as “straightforward,” “kind of weird,” or “maybe not worth thinking about.” He observes that “Humans can be tricky with smiles, and you have to watch carefully.” He states things with little if any emotion. “The dart player was headed for a yellow car parked in a far corner of the lot where the pavement stopped and the desert began.”
He has his own priorities; “If you’re going to play in this life, then play! And is there anything more fun than playing a brand-new game? This one was called Who Gets the Toothbrush. A very promising game!” He tells readers what he is doing; “My mind wandered a bit, and when my mind wanders I tend to look around, checking out the action. And what was this? The baby-faced dart player—actually both baby-faced and fuzzy-faced—was on the move, kind of sneaking through the darkness just beyond the pool of stage light. Sneakiness is something that gets my attention, big-time.”
He learns from past mistakes; “I sat beside the barrel cactus, close but not too close—I’d had an experience with a barrel cactus.” When danger lurks, he can be counted on to act; “And then I barked, barked like I’d never barked before, a savage howling bark that even scared me.”
“Heart of Barkness” is filled with humor and secrets, but ultimately it is the relationship between Chet and Bernie that makes the book wonderful. I received a copy of “Heart of Barkness” from Spencer Quinn, Forge Books, and Macmillan Publishing Group. It was easy to read, yet had plenty of action and mystery. In the end, sometimes one should just trust a dog’s Judgement about things and sing the “Song for Chet.”
April 30, 2024
Everyone's favorite canine narrator, Chet, is back to describe another case he solves with his partner, Bernie. Lotty Pilgrim, country music singer is about to plead guilty to murdering her manager/lover, Clint. Bernie thinks she's innocent, and sets out to find the truth.
November 3, 2022
I haven't read a Chet and Bernie mystery for over two years - a fact which I think, on this occasion, enhanced my enjoyment (absence makes the heart.....). Half the time, I knew exactly what Chet's observation/quip would be, but it was still very funny. Every time. It was like meeting up with an old friend that I'd missed. Spencer Quinn is a master at crafting narration from a dog's point of view; I'm never that bothered about the actual mystery itself, I read these books purely to spend some quality time with my Chet 🐾
These books are a must for all dog lovers...
These books are a must for all dog lovers...
August 6, 2019
After four entire years of the cliff-hanger at the end of the eighth book, Chet and Bernie are finally back. My son and I wondered if it would ever make it out, but it did. He's still reading it, but as you have no doubt ascertained, I'm done.
Why four stars--well, it was just so good to hear Chet's voice again. If nothing else, Spencer Quinn has mastered the voice of a dog. But of course, there is more than that. This time Chet and Bernie are caught up in the world of country music after they see Lotty Pilgrim perform, and old country singer who at one time was quite well known. There is murder, mayhem and mystery, with Chet and Bernie on the case.
Why four stars--well, it was just so good to hear Chet's voice again. If nothing else, Spencer Quinn has mastered the voice of a dog. But of course, there is more than that. This time Chet and Bernie are caught up in the world of country music after they see Lotty Pilgrim perform, and old country singer who at one time was quite well known. There is murder, mayhem and mystery, with Chet and Bernie on the case.
November 11, 2022
Ah, Chet. You make me believe that my dogs have been thinking thoughts like yours, even if I'm not a PI. What can I say? I love the Chet and Bernie Mysteries so much, and this was another delightful romp. Even when lives are in danger, seeing the story through a dog's eyes makes it fun.
August 7, 2019
Spending time with two of my favorite detective partners is always such a pleasure and Chet and Bernie have not let me down this time (as if they ever do). This is more than just a man and his dog; this is a crime-fighting duo that is good at what they do because they're so very much in tune with each other.
Speaking of being in tune, the country music world is at the heart of their latest case, specifically investigating a murder with the aim of proving someone's innocence. Lotty's career goes back decades and, as Bernie digs deeper with Chet's unique brand of assistance, they unearth secrets and family issues she never wanted revealed but these long ago truths may be her only way out of jail.
As always, Chet tells the story with his usual doggy charm and his own understanding of the strange ways of humans. Naturally, Chet is sure that Bernie can do no wrong but even he is surprised at learning new things about his partner and best friend. For instance, who knew Bernie could ride horses, especially a feisty one named Mingo?
As I said, reading a new Chet and Bernie adventure is a pleasure and listening to the story makes it even better. Spencer Quinn creates wonderful personalities and narrator Jim Frangione brings themhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/swit... to life, especially the most loveable dog in bookdom.
Speaking of being in tune, the country music world is at the heart of their latest case, specifically investigating a murder with the aim of proving someone's innocence. Lotty's career goes back decades and, as Bernie digs deeper with Chet's unique brand of assistance, they unearth secrets and family issues she never wanted revealed but these long ago truths may be her only way out of jail.
As always, Chet tells the story with his usual doggy charm and his own understanding of the strange ways of humans. Naturally, Chet is sure that Bernie can do no wrong but even he is surprised at learning new things about his partner and best friend. For instance, who knew Bernie could ride horses, especially a feisty one named Mingo?
As I said, reading a new Chet and Bernie adventure is a pleasure and listening to the story makes it even better. Spencer Quinn creates wonderful personalities and narrator Jim Frangione brings themhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/swit... to life, especially the most loveable dog in bookdom.
August 17, 2022
Heart of Barkness
(Chet and Bernie Mystery #9)
by Spencer Quinn
This really was an incredible story/plot! I found it slowed down a bit too much about halfway through then kicked right up again. Worth the wait. Would have been a solid 5 for sure! I enjoyed it anyway. This was the only book I figured out before the ending. I still enjoy this series!
(Chet and Bernie Mystery #9)
by Spencer Quinn
This really was an incredible story/plot! I found it slowed down a bit too much about halfway through then kicked right up again. Worth the wait. Would have been a solid 5 for sure! I enjoyed it anyway. This was the only book I figured out before the ending. I still enjoy this series!
May 14, 2019
3.75 rounded up.
It's been a while since I read a Chet and Bernie story, I'd missed Chet's one-of-a-kind viewpoint.
It also seems I'd slightly forgotten how we left our favorite duo at the end of "Scents and Sensibility". Bernie has been in the hospital for a few months recovering from the events of that book, and the future of his relationship with his girlfriend, Suzie was also left up in the air.
With those loose ends in mind you can see why it takes a bit for the true meaty mystery plot of this book to really get going. Not that I mind the slow build the Chet and Bernie cases can sometimes have, I just think that in some cases, this being one of them, the mystery itself could have been drawn out longer, more time/pages/action put in. Once we really find out what the heart of this case is about, the solve comes pretty quick.
Anyways, if you want the plot, read the synopsis, cause it's hard for me to say any more than it does without spoilers left and right.
Chet and Bernie are possibly my favorite crime-solving duo, and I'm glad they're back.
Idk if this is a new thing in Quinn's writing or if I hadn't noticed it before, but Chet can sometimes linger over discussing differences between men and women, which can kind of make sense from his observational-train-of-thought dogness, but sometimes just feels like a joke said so many times it's gone very stale. So those parts would kind of jar me out of the story and the devoted-dog-partner mindset.
This review is possibly rambly and all over the place. Whoops. I'll come back to clean it up and add quotes soon.
Overall, a great read, I cant wait for the next one.
Thank you to the publisher but also a huge thank you to Spencer Quinn himself for replying to my frantic request for an ARC because I couldn't figure out who else to ask.
It's been a while since I read a Chet and Bernie story, I'd missed Chet's one-of-a-kind viewpoint.
It also seems I'd slightly forgotten how we left our favorite duo at the end of "Scents and Sensibility". Bernie has been in the hospital for a few months recovering from the events of that book, and the future of his relationship with his girlfriend, Suzie was also left up in the air.
With those loose ends in mind you can see why it takes a bit for the true meaty mystery plot of this book to really get going. Not that I mind the slow build the Chet and Bernie cases can sometimes have, I just think that in some cases, this being one of them, the mystery itself could have been drawn out longer, more time/pages/action put in. Once we really find out what the heart of this case is about, the solve comes pretty quick.
Anyways, if you want the plot, read the synopsis, cause it's hard for me to say any more than it does without spoilers left and right.
Chet and Bernie are possibly my favorite crime-solving duo, and I'm glad they're back.
Idk if this is a new thing in Quinn's writing or if I hadn't noticed it before, but Chet can sometimes linger over discussing differences between men and women, which can kind of make sense from his observational-train-of-thought dogness, but sometimes just feels like a joke said so many times it's gone very stale. So those parts would kind of jar me out of the story and the devoted-dog-partner mindset.
This review is possibly rambly and all over the place. Whoops. I'll come back to clean it up and add quotes soon.
Overall, a great read, I cant wait for the next one.
Thank you to the publisher but also a huge thank you to Spencer Quinn himself for replying to my frantic request for an ARC because I couldn't figure out who else to ask.
September 10, 2019
I didn't like this one as much as the other book I read. It was the mystery. This one wasn't as interesting. There is a cold case, a murder, a country singer, a ranch, and a break up. I liked the ranch, the horses and the horse ride. That was the best part of the story. I still like Chet. He is funny. The most of the other characters were okay. There were a few that I didn't like, and not all of them were the bad guys.
July 12, 2019
3.5 stars
As funny as always, but this one had a particularly lame plot.
Loved the part with the horse!
As funny as always, but this one had a particularly lame plot.
Loved the part with the horse!
April 15, 2022
I know I can turn to the Chet and Bernie Mysteries whenever I need a smile. They give me a convincing and funny dog's eye view as Chet the dog works with his partner, the P.I. Bernie Little, to solve a mystery. As I read the first three books, ‘Dog On It’, ‘Thereby Hangs A Tail’ and ‘To Fetch A Thief’ kept getting better and better.
Some of the books aren't available as audiobooks in the UK so I decided to skip forward in the series to the ninth book, 'Heart Of Barkness' so my wife and I could listen to it on a couple of long and boring car journeys.
Chet is a wonderful narrator. Spencer Quinn knows dogs and has the skills to get you inside Chet's head where optimism always overcomes adversity and difficult ideas, slip through his mind too fast to grab hold of. We found ourselves laughing out loud several times at Chet's one-liners. Here's an example. Bernie is sleeping after having recently returned from hospital. Chet has just done something he's pleased with and, in his excitement, has made his way into Bernie's room is now standing over Bernie as he sleeps. This is his reasoning:
I knew two things for sure. One - he needed his sleep. Two - I needed a treat. Right there is why it's usually better to know just one thing.
Then there are short lines like:
'There was no time to think. This is when I'm at my best.'
'Heart Of Barkness' kept us amused throughout our drive but it was a little light on plot and a little too heavy on Chet one-liners by comparison to the previous books. The country and western theme didn't work well for me and the conceit the plot was based on was far-fetched, even for something as light as this.
Still, I'll be coming back for me Chet and Bernie the next time I want to be sure of a smile.
July 10, 2019
I enjoyed this very much, but then I usually do enjoy the Chet and Bernie books. This one has Bernie trying to help a country music singer who has fallen on difficult times. The situation becomes more and more tangled until Lotty Pilgrim finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. She doesn't trust Bernie Little (of the Little Detective Agency) so she won't cooperate with him on the case but somebody else is willing to hire Bernie to get to the truth.
This story had a little bit of an unsettled vibe to it. Bernie goes all introspective and large portions of his thoughts are not revealed to the readers which makes for some puzzled looks from me. Bernie talks mostly to Chet in this story, and that's fine, but thrashing this problem out with a human person could have moved the story along and explained some of what Bernie was thinking. I mean, Cheat is a cool dog, but his conversational talents are sadly lacking. It was maybe a little too easy to figure out who the villain was and I was sorry about that. I'm hopeful that the next book will present more interaction with Iggy and his family. Bernie isn't paying nearly enough attention to them and I worry.
Even though there were bits and pieces of this particular story that didn't work so well for me it was all very much worth the reading just to see how Spencer Quinn describes that wonderful dog Chet. The flights of fancy Chet goes on, the descriptions of riding in the car with the top down, the responses Chet has to various people he meets are all so realistic to those of us who love dogs. I'll keep reading this series as long as Quinn keeps writing them. And that's a promise.
This story had a little bit of an unsettled vibe to it. Bernie goes all introspective and large portions of his thoughts are not revealed to the readers which makes for some puzzled looks from me. Bernie talks mostly to Chet in this story, and that's fine, but thrashing this problem out with a human person could have moved the story along and explained some of what Bernie was thinking. I mean, Cheat is a cool dog, but his conversational talents are sadly lacking. It was maybe a little too easy to figure out who the villain was and I was sorry about that. I'm hopeful that the next book will present more interaction with Iggy and his family. Bernie isn't paying nearly enough attention to them and I worry.
Even though there were bits and pieces of this particular story that didn't work so well for me it was all very much worth the reading just to see how Spencer Quinn describes that wonderful dog Chet. The flights of fancy Chet goes on, the descriptions of riding in the car with the top down, the responses Chet has to various people he meets are all so realistic to those of us who love dogs. I'll keep reading this series as long as Quinn keeps writing them. And that's a promise.
July 17, 2019
Oh, Chet. How I've missed you. It's been a long four year wait for Chet and Bernie to make a new appearance. While Scents and Sensibility ended with Bernie barely hanging to life, he has recovered and is returning home at the beginning of Heart of Barkness. Chet, the dog half of the Little Detective Agency, is his usual happy, doggy self. He is tip top and ready to grab a perp by the pant leg.
In Heart of Barkness, Bernie investigates a death that an aging country singer, Lotty, is about to confess to. The truth lies 50 years in the past. Bernie is also dealing with Suzie deciding she won't be returning after her job in London in over. But there is also Dr. Eliza who is definitely interested in being more than friends.
While the story is told from Chet the Jet's point of view, it isn't really a book for kids though other than a few vulgar words, there is nothing offensive here. Chet is always delightful, and if you have a dog, you'll recognize a lot of behaviors. But this isn't Quinn's best work. After the incredible Scents and Sensibility, Heart of Barkness is a bit of a let down. The mystery isn't much of a mystery, and there is little tension.
In Heart of Barkness, Bernie investigates a death that an aging country singer, Lotty, is about to confess to. The truth lies 50 years in the past. Bernie is also dealing with Suzie deciding she won't be returning after her job in London in over. But there is also Dr. Eliza who is definitely interested in being more than friends.
While the story is told from Chet the Jet's point of view, it isn't really a book for kids though other than a few vulgar words, there is nothing offensive here. Chet is always delightful, and if you have a dog, you'll recognize a lot of behaviors. But this isn't Quinn's best work. After the incredible Scents and Sensibility, Heart of Barkness is a bit of a let down. The mystery isn't much of a mystery, and there is little tension.
August 6, 2019
This is a perfect summer read! Especially for a reader who loves dogs since, Chet the dog, narrates this well written mystery and provides a light humorous perspective. There is so much to enjoy about this book - the relationship between Bernie and Chet, the well developed and quirky characters, and the exotic Southwest setting. There is a well spun tale of a mystery filled with more twists and turns than a mountain road and a real song, written and sung by the fictional country singer, Lotty Pilgrim, that is one of the main characters in this one. To watch a wonderful video of this song visit: https://www.youtube.com/embed/sak5iru....
January 2, 2021
I got this book in a giveaway and let it sit on my shelf for awhile. I'm glad I finally picked it up because I really enjoyed it. The concept of the dog as the narrator is fun. The author definitely loves dogs because Chet comes across vibrantly and lovable. Its funny at times and made me think my dog and Chet are a lot alike. I didn't even realize this was part of a series until I came to write this review. I will start at the beginning now. Thanks to the publisher for the free book -- you gained a fan.
October 2, 2019
I Adore Chet & Bernie and was so delighted to see this on our new books shelf at our library. I was worried that the series had ended. There's nothing like laughing out loud when you're reading a book, which happens to me every time I indulge in this series. I devoured 120 pages when I came home with the book and it did not disappoint. I only wish Spencer Quinn would write a new one every month ~ not asking for much am I?
May 11, 2020
This wasn't one of my tip top favorites in the Chet and Bernie series. But to be fair, I listened to it in fits and starts since I normally listen to audiobooks in my car and I haven't been driving much since COVID Stay at Home orders.
The usual insight into Chet's head, and his self-talk is as delightful as usual though. It's still a treat to have a new installment in this series. The mystery just didn't grab me as much as past books have.
The usual insight into Chet's head, and his self-talk is as delightful as usual though. It's still a treat to have a new installment in this series. The mystery just didn't grab me as much as past books have.
January 30, 2023
Chet and Bernie are the Little Detective Agency. Bernie is the human and Chet is the dog who narrates the stories. It took me awhile to get into the groove of the book. At first, I thought a canine narrator was clever and funny. Then I was a bit put off by the fact that Chet frequently refers to his short, doggy attention span while meticulously recalling the details of the case.
Never mind. He gets the job done.
Lotty Pilgrim, the country singer, claims to have killed her boyfriend but Bernie doesn't believe her. Chet just wants to ride shotgun across the desert and grab perps by the pantleg. It's nice that Bernie wants to help Lotty, but she doesn't want help and how long can they work with nobody to pay their fee? Join Chet and Bernie as they dodge bad guys and evil cats. If anyone can figure out what's really going on, they can.
Never mind. He gets the job done.
Lotty Pilgrim, the country singer, claims to have killed her boyfriend but Bernie doesn't believe her. Chet just wants to ride shotgun across the desert and grab perps by the pantleg. It's nice that Bernie wants to help Lotty, but she doesn't want help and how long can they work with nobody to pay their fee? Join Chet and Bernie as they dodge bad guys and evil cats. If anyone can figure out what's really going on, they can.
December 10, 2021
I forgot how much I love Chet narrating the story. I don't know how you can write through a dog's eye but it is quite entertaining. This story seemed to slow in the middle but Chet and Bernie are worth a little drag. Nice easy read!
February 25, 2023
Luckily there was not much of Suzie (I detest her) but there was a cat that swatted at poor Chet's nose. As much as I love Chet, I love cats more, so this was a plus. I also liked the mystery. I did know the solution to it but I still liked how Chet and Bernie went about solving it.
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never-read
April 7, 2019Read the third book in the Chet and Bernie series, To Fetch a Thief. I get it but the voice of the dog narrator was unbearable for me: 1 Star; therefore will not be continuing with the series.
July 31, 2019
I picked up this book because of the cover and the reviews . I wasn’t sure if I would like it at first but I ended up really enjoying it I would definitely read another one !
June 27, 2019
Heart of Barkness by Spencer Quinn is the continuing story of the Little Detective Agency and is book nine in the series (Chet and Bernie mystery). In this quirky and sometimes humorous mystery which is narrated by Chet (who is the canine part of this crime solving duo), Bernie and his loveable assistant Chet attempt to solve the murder of the manager of an aging country singer. It appears to be cut and dry; but as cases go, it turns out to be much more.
The story opens when Bernie and Chet are invited to hear Lotty Pilgrim sing at a dive bar on the outskirts of town. Bernie and Chet, both being fans of country music, decide to leave a generous tip in Lotty’s jar. Lotty never sees the tip because it is quickly stolen right out of the jar under everyone’s nose. Chet quickly runs down the “perp” and Bernie returns it to Lotty only to see it being taken away by her Manager.
Bernie senses something is not right here. Therefore, he makes an impromptu visit to Lotty. Before he and Chet know it, they are drawn into a murder that is rooted deep in Lotty’s past. Someone is trying to keep her past buried and murder is not too high a price to silence anyone who digs too deep.
Because I have a no spoiler policy, I am going to remain vague. Instead I would like to talk a little about Chet, my favorite character. Chet gives a running dialogue of observations and information that the reader needs to understand what is going on. So it is not necessary to have read any of the other books in the series. Not only is Chet my favorite, he is spot on in his observation of humans. The author did a great job here.
The plot was a little slow at the beginning and I was wondering just where the story was going. Then bam, the murder happens and Bernie and Chet start working to put the pieces together. The plot picks up and runs along nicely after that. In addition, there were a few things I was not totally sure about until near the end and I enjoyed the suspension. Then Chet wraps it all up nicely for us at the end and he even gets a song written just for him. Awww….
I would definitely categorize this as a cozy mystery and I recommend this to anyone who enjoys them. I also think any dog or animal lover would appreciate the wit and wisdom of Chet. I am looking forward to reading more about this crime solving duo.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. For more of my reviews, and author interviews, see my blog at www.thespineview.com.
The story opens when Bernie and Chet are invited to hear Lotty Pilgrim sing at a dive bar on the outskirts of town. Bernie and Chet, both being fans of country music, decide to leave a generous tip in Lotty’s jar. Lotty never sees the tip because it is quickly stolen right out of the jar under everyone’s nose. Chet quickly runs down the “perp” and Bernie returns it to Lotty only to see it being taken away by her Manager.
Bernie senses something is not right here. Therefore, he makes an impromptu visit to Lotty. Before he and Chet know it, they are drawn into a murder that is rooted deep in Lotty’s past. Someone is trying to keep her past buried and murder is not too high a price to silence anyone who digs too deep.
Because I have a no spoiler policy, I am going to remain vague. Instead I would like to talk a little about Chet, my favorite character. Chet gives a running dialogue of observations and information that the reader needs to understand what is going on. So it is not necessary to have read any of the other books in the series. Not only is Chet my favorite, he is spot on in his observation of humans. The author did a great job here.
The plot was a little slow at the beginning and I was wondering just where the story was going. Then bam, the murder happens and Bernie and Chet start working to put the pieces together. The plot picks up and runs along nicely after that. In addition, there were a few things I was not totally sure about until near the end and I enjoyed the suspension. Then Chet wraps it all up nicely for us at the end and he even gets a song written just for him. Awww….
I would definitely categorize this as a cozy mystery and I recommend this to anyone who enjoys them. I also think any dog or animal lover would appreciate the wit and wisdom of Chet. I am looking forward to reading more about this crime solving duo.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. For more of my reviews, and author interviews, see my blog at www.thespineview.com.
July 8, 2019
I was so thrilled to get this book in my hands. I was one of the devoted readers who was distraught at the end of the previous book, not sure if the story was going to continue or not. (Despite Spencer Quinn's reassurance that there was a clue right there in the second to last paragraph, I still worried.) Anyway, it's great to have Chet and Bernie back in such fine form! There's nothing better than solving the case through Chet's stream-of-consciousness doggy thoughts.
Not a spoiler, but you know the theory that if you are shown a gun in the first act, it needs to be fired in the third? Well, Chet discovers something he can do in the first few chapters, which leads him to theorize that maybe he could do something else...and I wanted so desperately for it to happen! Alas, it didn't. But I'll keep hoping that maybe someday Chet won't have to ride shotgun!
Not a spoiler, but you know the theory that if you are shown a gun in the first act, it needs to be fired in the third? Well, Chet discovers something he can do in the first few chapters, which leads him to theorize that maybe he could do something else...and I wanted so desperately for it to happen! Alas, it didn't. But I'll keep hoping that maybe someday Chet won't have to ride shotgun!
June 21, 2019
A murder mystery told by the PI's dog. What's not to love?
Anthropomorphism is tricky. It can be powerful when used to create a motif through which society is examined: The Rats of Nimh; Animal Farm; Watership Down. It can be powerful when it's used to elevate a message about humanity: Charlotte's Web; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
It can be fun when not taken overly seriously and just used as a cute prose gimmick, as is done in HEART OF BARKNESS, but unfortunately the anthropomorphism as done here detracts from the atmosphere of the story. I love a dog tale as much as anyone, but in order to effectively resolve the mystery, the dog has to come out of character a bit in order to share important observations about the case (and then conveniently forget or disregard them, because dogs don't care about most human concerns).
I struggled a bit to maintain patience with this, but it was fun and enjoyable while it lasted. I probably won't go back and pick up the others in this series, but if you're someone who tears through mysteries, you might like this fun series. If you like dogs at all, you'll definitely love Chet. He's a good, good boy.
Anthropomorphism is tricky. It can be powerful when used to create a motif through which society is examined: The Rats of Nimh; Animal Farm; Watership Down. It can be powerful when it's used to elevate a message about humanity: Charlotte's Web; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
It can be fun when not taken overly seriously and just used as a cute prose gimmick, as is done in HEART OF BARKNESS, but unfortunately the anthropomorphism as done here detracts from the atmosphere of the story. I love a dog tale as much as anyone, but in order to effectively resolve the mystery, the dog has to come out of character a bit in order to share important observations about the case (and then conveniently forget or disregard them, because dogs don't care about most human concerns).
I struggled a bit to maintain patience with this, but it was fun and enjoyable while it lasted. I probably won't go back and pick up the others in this series, but if you're someone who tears through mysteries, you might like this fun series. If you like dogs at all, you'll definitely love Chet. He's a good, good boy.
May 7, 2023
I enjoy reading the books in this series because it is fun to imagine how dogs see the world and the humans in it. In this book, Bernie befriends a country music singer who he believes needs help. She refuses to let him help even after she is charged with murder. His investigation is not only in search of a murderer but also a client. The mystery spans several years and Bernie has to solve a murder that occurred years ago to find the solution to the most recent murder. The book is a good read and Chet's comments are funny and inciteful. It isn't the best of this series but it's still worth your time.
August 22, 2019
Bernie and Chet help Lotty Pilgrim (against her wishes), an older country singer who, in spite of once haven written a song which was immensely successful and recorded by top singers, seemed to be living in poverty.
Suzie breaks up with Bernie, telling him that he would never be happy with her in London, he was too attached to his home in Arizona. She later calls him. although she has little to say and quickly hangs up. Bernie is considering a relationship with doctor Eliza.
I found the end of the book to be somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying. While Bernie and Chet are celebrating the success of their latest case with Eliza and the gang, Suzie shows up at the door with tears in her eyes.
Suzie breaks up with Bernie, telling him that he would never be happy with her in London, he was too attached to his home in Arizona. She later calls him. although she has little to say and quickly hangs up. Bernie is considering a relationship with doctor Eliza.
I found the end of the book to be somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying. While Bernie and Chet are celebrating the success of their latest case with Eliza and the gang, Suzie shows up at the door with tears in her eyes.
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