In this, their first adventure, Chet and Bernie investigate the disappearance of Madison, a teenage girl who may or may not have been kidnapped, but who has definitely gotten mixed up with some very unsavoury characters. A well-behaved, gifted student, she didn’t arrive home after school and her divorced mother is frantic. Bernie is quick to take the case – something about a cash flow problem that Chet’s not all that clear about – and he’s relieved, if vaguely suspicious, when Madison turns up unharmed with a story that doesn’t add up. But when she disappears for a second time in a week, Bernie and Chet aren’t taking any chances; they launch a full-blown investigation. Without a ransom demand, they’re not convinced it’s a kidnapping, but they are sure of one thing: something smells funny.

Selected Reviews

“Spencer Quinn speaks two languages – suspense and dog – fluently. Sometimes funny, sometimes touching, and in a few places terrifying, DOG ON IT has got more going for it than fifty of those cat-cozies. The best thing about the book is Chet, a canine Sam Spade full of joie de vivre. He’s a great character because he sums up what we all love in dogs: how they love life, and how they love us. My sincere advice to you is to rush to your nearest bookstore and put your paws on this enchanting one-of-a-kind novel. Except maybe it isn’t! I’m already howling for Bernie and Chet’s encore.”
– Stephen King

“Nothing short of masterful…. Sequels are a given, and a must.”
– Los Angeles Times

“[DOG ON IT] will delight dog-loving mystery readers, but the book is also an excellent PI tale, dogs aside…. A great sleuth and always upbeat, Chet may well be one of the most appealing new detectives on the block, but Bernie is a close runner-up. Excellent and fully fleshed primary and secondary characters, a consistently doggy view of the world, and a sprightly pace make this a not-to-be-missed debut. Essential for all mystery collections and for dog lovers everywhere.”
– Booklist (starred review)

“A winning debut…that fans of classic mysteries are sure to appreciate.”
– Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“At last, a dog lover’s mystery that portrays dogs as they really are…. Quinn’s characters are endearing, and his narrative is intriguing, fast-moving, and well written. Even cat lovers will find it entertaining. [DOG ON IT] is highly recommended.”
– Library Journal (starred review)