Dog on It

What makes it funny?

Chet assumes his own abilities are perfectly ordinary. In the opening, he's astonished that Bernie cannot see a tennis ball after dark, then throws himself into fetch with complete delight. His confidence, distractions and private judgments keep changing the meaning of an otherwise familiar detective scene.

The comedy at work

The reader gets both the investigation and Chet's different priorities. His senses can put him ahead of Bernie, but knowing something doesn't mean he can explain it to his partner. Kirkus praises the humor of his perceptive canine view of people.

Try this if…

For mystery readers who enjoy an affectionate partnership and a narrator whose attention can wander toward a ball. Book-group readers repeatedly recommend Chet's perspective; comments on Dog on It also single out the audiobook's doglike delivery as part of the fun.

Good to know

This is the first Chet and Bernie mystery. Despite Chet's warmth, the case includes kidnapping, attacks and serious danger to animals, including a threat of euthanasia.