Spike Unleashed: The Wonder Dog Returns: As told to Bill Boggs

by Bill Boggs

Our English Bull Terrier hero and his master Bud continue their hilarious antics in this latest installment of Spike the Wonder Dog’s adventures.

This laugh-out-loud novel, with its interwoven and inventive plotlines, could be called Game of Bones . In the midst of being ensnared in a devious revenge plot, Spike the Wonder Dog manages to unleash his celebrated brand of absurdist humor, shrewd social commentary, and certifiably funny grievances at human shortcomings, while romping through all manner of sexy scenarios in the rich and famous playgrounds of Palm Beach, Manhattan, and East Hampton. Spike and the wacky but deeply developed characters he encounters will definitely tickle your funny bone as he and his talk show host owner Bud dig up some brilliant twists on popular culture scenarios, celebrities, and behind-the-scenes action in the world of entertainment.

376 pages, Paperback

Published July 18, 2023

About the author

Bill Boggs is an Emmy Award-winning TV talk show host and producer, author and professional speaker. He began his career as a comedy writer, and his satirical novel, "The Adventures of Spike the Wonder Dog ...As Told to Bill Boggs,” reflects his strong observational comedy "chops." He has written essays for The New York Times Sunday Magazine and travel articles also for The Times, as well as the self-help book "Got What it Takes?" and novel, "At First Sight.'” His autobiographical Off-Broadway play, Confessions of a Talk Show Host, and “At First Sight” were optioned together for a screenplay inspired by his life.

A true industry insider, Bill has interviewed many of the most notable personalities of our time—cultural icons, music legends, presidents, writers, athletes, celebrity chefs—and a movie star or two. His TV credits include the long-running “Midday Live” on Fox, and programs on Showtime, The Travel Channel, NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, and ESPN. Bill spent a decade hosting and producing "Bill Boggs Corner Table" on Food Network. He has displayed unique versatility—as a game show host for CBS, a news anchor for WNBC-TV, and as host and co-executive producer of the syndicated series featuring stand-up comedians, "Comedy Tonight." Bill was also the Executive Producer for the ground-breaking Morton Downey Jr. Show. Many of his interviews can be seen on BILLBOGGSTV on YouTube.

Reviews

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lot of fun, a witty and very entertaining book with plenty of interesting remarks and a mix of surreal and slapstick humour.
Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Susanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Post Hill Press and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This sounded great, from the blurb, and I laughed a lot in the first 10 pages. However, the book never let up. It felt like what I imagine an ultra-marathon of Mr. Bean videos would feel like, in prose. Ultimately I found it exhausting and irritating to read this mashed-together combination of current pop moments and memes, political commentary/satire/absurdity and a lot of misogynistic commentary. I gave up after getting to about 20% - DNF for me.

[Derek Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spike is an English bull terrier who with his master, Bud, take the reader on a hilarious journey. The author has his own brand of humor, social commentaries and much more. We are transported to the land of the rich and famous from Palm Beach, Manhattan and East Hampton. This is an easy read that is most enjoyable and funny. It was definitely a change of pace read for me. Thank you for the opportunity of receiving this book. I have already passed it on.

[Mike Lundgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly hysterical, actual LOL's from cover to cover. I can't remember ever reading/listening to a book that made me laugh this much. Deeply funny. Inventive. Great comedic pacing. A satirical romp through the human condition with a showbiz backdrop. The narrator really brings the pages to life — and, there is a lot of life on those pages.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first chapter was really funny. Unfortunately it went downhill after that, becoming crude and not funny. I really wanted to love this book because I love most dog books but unfortunately I couldn't finish.

[BookTrib.com]

SPIKE UNLEASHED: THE WONDER DOG RETURNS by Bill Boggs is witty and fun, highlighting why dogs, and the people who love them, are special and wonderful.

Read the full review on BookTrib.com

[Steve Sarner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan of reality TV?

Enjoy watching a train wreck?

Is the "stranger" the celebrity gossip "the better", your jam?

Comfortable with politically correct, make that incorrect humor?

If so then Boggs and Spike have done it again with this hilarious Insider Hollywood style book of stories and celeb escapades told by a bull terrier. That's right, a dog.

Check out my review of Spike's debut here and you'll get a good feel for the sequel.

It's a zany, provocative and hilarious look behind the scenes of show biz!