The Lying Postman

Jack Russell Dog Detective #4

by Darrel Odgers

There's a new postman in Doggeroo and he doesn't know the rules of the Postman Game. Not only does he accuse Foxie of biting him, but he also calls Jack a mongrel! And when Fat Molly Cat from the library comes to stay with Auntie Tidge, things don t get any better. What did Jack find caught on the fence? Will it help him solve the case of THE LYING POSTMAN?

Genres: Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Young Adult

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Darrel Odgers was born in Tasmania. He has been married to Sally Odgers since 1979, and they have two adult children. Darrel and Sally Odgers have co-written several books, including the popular Jack Russell: Dog Detective series.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: Foxie and I were digging a hole in Foxie's yard. Kitty Booker, the Doggeroo librarian, came though the gate, carrying a big basket.

Premise/plot: Jack Russell is back to solve another mystery. This may not be the most traditional of mysteries. Jack notices that the new postman is super-angry, bitter, and HATES dogs. So, of course, he lies about all the many dogs on his route. But Jack Russell wants to know WHY. Why is he wanting to stir up trouble in the community? Did a dog actually try to bite him? If so, which dog and why? Jack Russell has help from his friends. How can he show the humans the truth?

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I did. I think the Jack Facts were even more enjoyable than usual. (And usually, the Jack Facts are among my favorite elements of the book.) The book is fun. The characters are fun. It's just a treat of a book. (Though sadly there are fewer treats in this one--for the dogs. Poor Foxie has been put on a diet!)

Jack's Facts:

Where there are cats, there is cat food. Cat food is good--even for dogs. Dogs eat faster than cats. This is a fact. (6)
Cats insult dogs. Dogs insult cats. The cats always start it, therefore it's their fault. This is a fact. (11)
Postman always rattle mailboxes. Dogs bark when postmen rattle. Postmen yell when dogs bark. That's how you play the Postman Game. This is a fact. (14)
Dogs are hunters. Telling their people they haven't been fed is just another form of hunting. Therefore lying about food isn't really lying. This is a fact. (37)
Most dogs have hackles. Some dogs have hackles that make other dogs laugh. Dogs like that should not raise their hackles. This is a fact. (66)

Glossary:

Upsettered. Bothered and upset a setter.
In-terrier-gate. Official questioning, done by a terrier.

[Lydia Purple · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is well-written and interesting however, the authors use many made-up words with definitions in a glossary which makes it hard for younger readers who are trying to improve their vocabulary. Examples are: pawhaps, terrier-ize, pawtrol, pawrimeter

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a little young...maybe for a 3rd or 4th grade book but I was rereading it

[Twyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite part was when the mystery was solved.the worst part was when the postman was lying.my favorite character was jack russel.the worst character was the postman.

[Hillvan]

490L

[Seth]

Jack is going to play the postman game. when Jack goes outside there is a different postman! The postman says that Jack tried to bite him! Jack investigates. Jack has facts that are hilarious.