'Paw and Order'

Most of you know by now that I'm a big fan of the the 'Chet and Bernie' series written by Spencer Quinn, a.k.a. 'Peter Abrahams'.  I've read a few of Abraham's other mystery books, and found them very interesting, but his 'Chet and Bernie' series really grabbed me. Perhaps it was because every book is narrated by Chet...a dog.  I still sincerely believe that Quinn must be part dog because he perfectly captures every nuance, every scratch, every snack desire (especially 'Slim Jims') that any dog would experience.

I just finished reading 'Paw and Order', the new book in the series, and although I rated it 4 stars on Goodreads, I still liked it.  But not as much as the others in the series.

Chet's natural setting is in the desert, the place where he feels most comfortable, where his best friend, Ziggy, lives, and where smart survival tactics have saved his and his favorite human's life. Chet is in a new environment, one very strange and very urban:  Washington, D.C., home of some terrifying (human) predators.

On the way back home from Louisiana, setting of their last case ('The Sound and the Furry'), Bernie has a desire to visit his girlfriend, Suzie Sanchez, and up-and-coming journalist now living in Washington, D.C.  Suzie is working on a very secretive story, and when her source, a mysterious Brit with possible intelligence connections, ends up in the worst trouble possible, Bernie finds himself under arrest.

Author Spencer Quinn

In the meantime, Chet gets to know a powerful DC operative who may or may not have the goods on an ambitious politician.  And unknown to everyone but Chet, a red-eyed bird has captured his attention, and the curious canine tries desperately to alert Bernie to its existence.

This addition to the wonderful series seemed a bit 'off' to me, perhaps because I'm so used to the usual setting. But I love Chet so much and would forgive Mr. Quinn anything.

As long as this smart, sweet dog and his brave human friend exist, I'll still keep pestering Spence to continue writing about them.

But please take them back to the southwest.  I'm rather curious about that puppy...

'Paw and Order', the newest in the 'Chet and Bernie' series (written by Spencer Quinn), is available at your local library and favorite independent bookstore.  ISBN 978-1-4767-0339-8