Helpful Score: 1
I didn't hate this book, but I surely didn't love it either. I really liked the premise: missing elephant and trainer. But there is so much extra wording in the book that makes it too long and drawn out. I skimmed most of the book. And then near the end, when Chet and his owner Bernie get separated, we have to listen to what's happening to the dog for page after page and it was boring. I won't be reading another book by this author (at least from this series).
Great read. I love hearing the events from the dog's perspective, even though he might be credited with more intellect than is realistic. The love between human and dog is realistic and heartwarming.
Shannon M. (confuzzledbooks) reviewed To Fetch a Thief (Chet and Bernie, Bk 3) on + 486 more book reviews
This is the third installment to the Chet and Bernie mystery series. Chet, the dog is the best at narrating their stories. Bernie and Chet are working on a case for a circus. A missing performer and his elephant are missing. The leads do not come easy and they are traveling farther than they would like to crack the case.
Even though this is the third book in the series, it is the first one I have read. I did not feel lost and felt very connected to the characters. I love the way Chet's voice is described and how he takes in information. Since he is a dog he gets distracted sometimes but not most of the time because he is a good dog.
I wish I had more of the books to read but I will have to remedy it another day. The end of the story did not come together as cleanly as I hoped. It seemed like things had gotten so out of hand (or paw) the author wasn't sure how to get it back to a resolvable ending. Things got too lucky in the final chapters.
I will definitely be reading another Chet and Bernie mystery. I could see these characters as a tv series or movies. Worth the read and I am happy reading out of order if I read more.
Even though this is the third book in the series, it is the first one I have read. I did not feel lost and felt very connected to the characters. I love the way Chet's voice is described and how he takes in information. Since he is a dog he gets distracted sometimes but not most of the time because he is a good dog.
I wish I had more of the books to read but I will have to remedy it another day. The end of the story did not come together as cleanly as I hoped. It seemed like things had gotten so out of hand (or paw) the author wasn't sure how to get it back to a resolvable ending. Things got too lucky in the final chapters.
I will definitely be reading another Chet and Bernie mystery. I could see these characters as a tv series or movies. Worth the read and I am happy reading out of order if I read more.
Wendy H. (donkeycheese) -
I've read alot of books with animals as one of the main characters. But I've never read a book narrated by a dog -- until now. This is the first Chet and Bernie book I have read, but it is the third in the series with Dog on It, and Thereby Hangs a Tail preceding it.
PI Bernie Little runs the Little Detective Agency, along with his partner and counterpart, Chet, a very intelligent and watchful dog. Not much gets past him. When the two are staking out a motel for a man who things his wife is two-timing her, it's pretty boring. Until they see two visitors come and leave the establishment, one they later realize is dating Bernie's ex-wife.
Bernie's ex-wife asks him to watch their young son, and offers some tickets to the circus that has come to town, so the three of them set off for a fun-filled evening. Chet is in doggie heaven with all of the smells and his son is excited with all of the going ons. But his excitement quickly turns to disappointment when they realize the Big Top is closed.
It seems that Peanut the elephant and his trainer has disappeared. The police are investigating but Bernie's son thinks that he should get involved since that is what he does for a living. Chet ambles about the big tent and pokes his nose in Peanut's trailer, gathering a scent into his nose. He follows the smell, his nose leading the way, but pauses when he realizes that it leads out of the Big Top and into the desert.
Bernie thinks they should let the police do their job, but then Popo the Clown approaches Bernie and Chet and hires them to find the missing duo. They set out on a journey of dangerous proportions enclosing around them, unbeknownst to them. Chet will need all of his senses if he hopes to get them all home safely and find Peanut and her trainer.
Like I said, I've never read a book with a dog narrator, but I found it absolutely delightful. I fell in love with Chet and the mystery had me up turning the pages into the wee morning. This is a series I highly recommend if you love reading about pets, or mysteries. And that cover is marvelous!!
PI Bernie Little runs the Little Detective Agency, along with his partner and counterpart, Chet, a very intelligent and watchful dog. Not much gets past him. When the two are staking out a motel for a man who things his wife is two-timing her, it's pretty boring. Until they see two visitors come and leave the establishment, one they later realize is dating Bernie's ex-wife.
Bernie's ex-wife asks him to watch their young son, and offers some tickets to the circus that has come to town, so the three of them set off for a fun-filled evening. Chet is in doggie heaven with all of the smells and his son is excited with all of the going ons. But his excitement quickly turns to disappointment when they realize the Big Top is closed.
It seems that Peanut the elephant and his trainer has disappeared. The police are investigating but Bernie's son thinks that he should get involved since that is what he does for a living. Chet ambles about the big tent and pokes his nose in Peanut's trailer, gathering a scent into his nose. He follows the smell, his nose leading the way, but pauses when he realizes that it leads out of the Big Top and into the desert.
Bernie thinks they should let the police do their job, but then Popo the Clown approaches Bernie and Chet and hires them to find the missing duo. They set out on a journey of dangerous proportions enclosing around them, unbeknownst to them. Chet will need all of his senses if he hopes to get them all home safely and find Peanut and her trainer.
Like I said, I've never read a book with a dog narrator, but I found it absolutely delightful. I fell in love with Chet and the mystery had me up turning the pages into the wee morning. This is a series I highly recommend if you love reading about pets, or mysteries. And that cover is marvelous!!
This was my favorite Chet & Bernie so far! (and I've liked them all!) I listened to the first one on audio book and I highly recommend that because it has sort of set the tone for the rest of the series! I frequently laugh out loud when I'm reading this series and this book had several scenes that continue to make me laugh!
I appreciate the way there are always critical elements of the case that Chet observes (and obviously can't tell Bernie) to throw in a little extra frustration with the plot progress!
I can't wait to read book four!
I appreciate the way there are always critical elements of the case that Chet observes (and obviously can't tell Bernie) to throw in a little extra frustration with the plot progress!
I can't wait to read book four!
SUSAN S. (susieqmillsacoustics) -
While I love Chet and have enjoyed this series thus far, I felt this book wasn't as good as the first two. A bit thinner plot with less suspense. Still, a nice diversion if you're looking for a light read.
Wendy H. (donkeycheese) -
I've read alot of books with animals as one of the main characters. But I've never read a book narrated by a dog -- until now. This is the first Chet and Bernie book I have read, but it is the third in the series with Dog on It, and Thereby Hangs a Tail preceding it.
PI Bernie Little runs the Little Detective Agency, along with his partner and counterpart, Chet, a very intelligent and watchful dog. Not much gets past him. When the two are staking out a motel for a man who things his wife is two-timing her, it's pretty boring. Until they see two visitors come and leave the establishment, one they later realize is dating Bernie's ex-wife.
Bernie's ex-wife asks him to watch their young son, and offers some tickets to the circus that has come to town, so the three of them set off for a fun-filled evening. Chet is in doggie heaven with all of the smells and his son is excited with all of the going ons. But his excitement quickly turns to disappointment when they realize the Big Top is closed.
It seems that Peanut the elephant and his trainer has disappeared. The police are investigating but Bernie's son thinks that he should get involved since that is what he does for a living. Chet ambles about the big tent and pokes his nose in Peanut's trailer, gathering a scent into his nose. He follows the smell, his nose leading the way, but pauses when he realizes that it leads out of the Big Top and into the desert.
Bernie thinks they should let the police do their job, but then Popo the Clown approaches Bernie and Chet and hires them to find the missing duo. They set out on a journey of dangerous proportions enclosing around them, unbeknown to them. Chet will need all of his senses if he hopes to get them all home safely and find Peanut and her trainer.
Like I said, I've never read a book with a dog narrator, but I found it absolutely delightful. I fell in love with Chet and the mystery had me up turning the pages into the wee morning. This is a series I highly recommend if you love reading about pets, or mysteries. And that cover is marvelous!!
PI Bernie Little runs the Little Detective Agency, along with his partner and counterpart, Chet, a very intelligent and watchful dog. Not much gets past him. When the two are staking out a motel for a man who things his wife is two-timing her, it's pretty boring. Until they see two visitors come and leave the establishment, one they later realize is dating Bernie's ex-wife.
Bernie's ex-wife asks him to watch their young son, and offers some tickets to the circus that has come to town, so the three of them set off for a fun-filled evening. Chet is in doggie heaven with all of the smells and his son is excited with all of the going ons. But his excitement quickly turns to disappointment when they realize the Big Top is closed.
It seems that Peanut the elephant and his trainer has disappeared. The police are investigating but Bernie's son thinks that he should get involved since that is what he does for a living. Chet ambles about the big tent and pokes his nose in Peanut's trailer, gathering a scent into his nose. He follows the smell, his nose leading the way, but pauses when he realizes that it leads out of the Big Top and into the desert.
Bernie thinks they should let the police do their job, but then Popo the Clown approaches Bernie and Chet and hires them to find the missing duo. They set out on a journey of dangerous proportions enclosing around them, unbeknown to them. Chet will need all of his senses if he hopes to get them all home safely and find Peanut and her trainer.
Like I said, I've never read a book with a dog narrator, but I found it absolutely delightful. I fell in love with Chet and the mystery had me up turning the pages into the wee morning. This is a series I highly recommend if you love reading about pets, or mysteries. And that cover is marvelous!!
Cheryl R. (Spuddie) -
This review applies to the audio version.
#3 Chet and Bernie mystery. Bernie Little and his dog, Chet, really dislike doing divorce work. But when money's tight, it does pay the bills. Of course, when the woman they are following ends up at a motel with none other than Bernie's ex-wife's boyfriend Malcolm, things get decidedly more complicated--at least for Bernie. Chet's not sure what all the fuss is about.
The client gives them some tickets to the circus as a bonus, so Bernie, Chet and Charlie, Bernie's six-year-old son, are off to see Peanut the elephant and all the other circus acts. Only they discover upon arrival that the circus is closed because Peanut and her trainer have disappeared overnight. The story going around says that Uri DeLeath, known as a humanitarian trainer, finally felt the pressure of the animal rights groups and stole off with Peanut in the night.
Bernie, who arrives when his cop friend Rick is beginning his interviews and sits in, isn't so sure--and is glad when Popo the Clown hires him to find Uri (who is his life partner) and Peanut when the police aren't able to give more time and resources to the hunt for them. Anything to take his mind off the problem with Lita and Malcolm. So Chet and Bernie are off on another wild adventure across country (and even across borders) on the trail of wild animals, smugglers and all-around bad guys.
Told from Chet's point of view, I worried after the first book that the whole novelty of stories told by a dog would fade and the series would lose its luster, but I have continued to enjoy each of the audio versions as much as the first. Very well-read with just the right "tone" by Jim Frangione. Looking forward to the next one!
#3 Chet and Bernie mystery. Bernie Little and his dog, Chet, really dislike doing divorce work. But when money's tight, it does pay the bills. Of course, when the woman they are following ends up at a motel with none other than Bernie's ex-wife's boyfriend Malcolm, things get decidedly more complicated--at least for Bernie. Chet's not sure what all the fuss is about.
The client gives them some tickets to the circus as a bonus, so Bernie, Chet and Charlie, Bernie's six-year-old son, are off to see Peanut the elephant and all the other circus acts. Only they discover upon arrival that the circus is closed because Peanut and her trainer have disappeared overnight. The story going around says that Uri DeLeath, known as a humanitarian trainer, finally felt the pressure of the animal rights groups and stole off with Peanut in the night.
Bernie, who arrives when his cop friend Rick is beginning his interviews and sits in, isn't so sure--and is glad when Popo the Clown hires him to find Uri (who is his life partner) and Peanut when the police aren't able to give more time and resources to the hunt for them. Anything to take his mind off the problem with Lita and Malcolm. So Chet and Bernie are off on another wild adventure across country (and even across borders) on the trail of wild animals, smugglers and all-around bad guys.
Told from Chet's point of view, I worried after the first book that the whole novelty of stories told by a dog would fade and the series would lose its luster, but I have continued to enjoy each of the audio versions as much as the first. Very well-read with just the right "tone" by Jim Frangione. Looking forward to the next one!
I loved this book! It was even better than the first two in this series. Couldn't put it down...blasted through it in less than 24 hours. Chet is so funny and the story line was great!
Darilee P. (cozysleuth) reviewed To Fetch a Thief (Chet and Bernie, Bk 3) on + 153 more book reviews
A great story about the circus, a missing elephant named Peanut,Chet and Bernie. Charlie, Leda, Rick, and Susie have parts in the story again. Some of the story is in Mexico as well as the trail winds more complex.
New bad guys and friends appear.
New bad guys and friends appear.
Wonderful story full of craziness and humor!
Love Chet & Bernie and look forward to the next installment!
Another fun, light read from Spencer Quinn. I just keep falling more and more in love with Chet and Bernie.
As usual another fine outing for Chet and Bernie. Reading Quinn's books is like giving my dog a Begging Strip--really, really enjoyable and so good you want to eat the entire package
