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Chet and Bernie Mystery #7
Paw and Order
In the seventh book in the brilliant New York Times bestselling mystery series, canine narrator Chet and P.I. Bernie journey to Washington, DC, and the dog-eat-dog world of our nation’s capital.
Stephen King has called Chet “a canine Sam Spade full of joie de vivre.� Robert B. Parker dubbed Spencer Quinn’s writing “major league prose.� Now the beloved team returns in another suspenseful novel that finds Chet sniffing around the capital city and using his street smarts to uncover a devilish plot.
Chet and Bernie pay a visit to Bernie’s girlfriend, Suzie Sanchez, a crack reporter living in far-off Washington, DC. She’s working on a big story she can’t talk about, but when her source, a mysterious Brit with possible intelligence connections, runs into trouble of the worst kind, Bernie suddenly finds himself under arrest.
Meanwhile Chet gets to know a powerful DC operative who may or may not have the goods on an ambitious politician. Soon Chet and Bernie are sucked into an international conspiracy, battling unfamiliar forces under the blinking red eyes of a strange bird that Chet notices from the get-go but seems to have slipped by everybody else. Most menacing of all is Barnum, a guinea pig with the fate of the nation in his tiny paws.
As Harry Truman famously quipped, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.� Too bad he didn’t get to meet Chet!
Stephen King has called Chet “a canine Sam Spade full of joie de vivre.� Robert B. Parker dubbed Spencer Quinn’s writing “major league prose.� Now the beloved team returns in another suspenseful novel that finds Chet sniffing around the capital city and using his street smarts to uncover a devilish plot.
Chet and Bernie pay a visit to Bernie’s girlfriend, Suzie Sanchez, a crack reporter living in far-off Washington, DC. She’s working on a big story she can’t talk about, but when her source, a mysterious Brit with possible intelligence connections, runs into trouble of the worst kind, Bernie suddenly finds himself under arrest.
Meanwhile Chet gets to know a powerful DC operative who may or may not have the goods on an ambitious politician. Soon Chet and Bernie are sucked into an international conspiracy, battling unfamiliar forces under the blinking red eyes of a strange bird that Chet notices from the get-go but seems to have slipped by everybody else. Most menacing of all is Barnum, a guinea pig with the fate of the nation in his tiny paws.
As Harry Truman famously quipped, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.� Too bad he didn’t get to meet Chet!
320 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2014
406 people are currently reading
2,004 people want to read
About the author
Spencer Quinn
49Ìýbooks2,048ÌýfollowersSpencer Quinn lives on Cape Cod with his dog Audrey, and is hard at work on the next Chet and Bernie adventure.
Spencer Quinn is a pseudonym of author Peter Abrahams.
Series:
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Spencer Quinn is a pseudonym of author Peter Abrahams.
Series:
*
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 551 reviews
February 7, 2015
I've read and loved (and also purchased) every one of the six previous books in this series. So I really hate to say it, but this seventh book, and also the one before it, just haven't clicked with me. I still adore Chet the dog and find his observations on all things human to be terribly entertaining. I wish my dog was as smart as Chet is and knew how to read my moods and emotions the way he does with Bernie. Chet the dog is not the problem with these last two books. Maybe it's that the writing isn't as crisp as it once was, or the plot or problem and how it gets resolved at the end doesn't make as much sense as it should. It's kind of like how I feel about the TV show Bones. I love the characters and the way they use all the forensic evidence to solve a murder, but more often than not at the end of the show when the case is all wrapped up and the murder solved I find myself a bit clueless as to why the killer murdered the victim. 95% of the show is pouring over the evidence and ruling out suspects, and then in the last few minutes, BAM, case solved, and they arrest the killer. The how and the why and the big explanation that I'm waiting for never comes and I often find myself thinking "I don't get it." That's the way I felt with this book. I really don't know what some of these characters (the bad guys) were up to or why, and am completely clueless as to who the killer was. So it was kind of a mess for me. One last thing. I'm also getting a bit tired of Bernie's relationship with his girlfriend Suzie. They are supposed to be so in love with each other, but rarely act like it when they are together. They always seem to be out of sorts with each other, can't seem to communicate without constant misunderstandings, and take everything the other person says the wrong way. I'm really over their relationship.
February 23, 2015
Chet may be one brilliant bastard (for a dog), but I read this during my darker days where the nights were long and the radiator was cold, and it’s hard to read (or sleep) when you have a flashlight shined in your eyes every half-hour. Sure, the cabin was fun for the first day or so, and I even pretended to like it, but not sleeping gets old really fast.
And so does Chet. Something was amiss, and I don’t think it was the lack of bacon bits. Sure, Suzie Sanchez makes an appearance, and where would Chet be without Bernie by his side, but I just wanted a bigger bone, and more fresh water in my bowl (and not the kind you get out of the toilet either as that’s saved for special occasions).
But even though I missed the smell of bacon and water and more than a few scratches on my belly, I still enjoyed frolicking around inside Chet’s head. The air was crisp and plenty (since it was blowing in my face), and I leaned my head out the window and squirrel and then he was running and I was running and my teeth were smacking and his lips were jabbering and I found myself being yelled at for no apparent reason. And that’s sort of what PAW AND ORDER felt like. It started out as great fun, but I ended up getting scolded in the end.
I received this book for free through NetGalley.
And so does Chet. Something was amiss, and I don’t think it was the lack of bacon bits. Sure, Suzie Sanchez makes an appearance, and where would Chet be without Bernie by his side, but I just wanted a bigger bone, and more fresh water in my bowl (and not the kind you get out of the toilet either as that’s saved for special occasions).
But even though I missed the smell of bacon and water and more than a few scratches on my belly, I still enjoyed frolicking around inside Chet’s head. The air was crisp and plenty (since it was blowing in my face), and I leaned my head out the window and squirrel and then he was running and I was running and my teeth were smacking and his lips were jabbering and I found myself being yelled at for no apparent reason. And that’s sort of what PAW AND ORDER felt like. It started out as great fun, but I ended up getting scolded in the end.
I received this book for free through NetGalley.
August 3, 2014
Paw and Order by Spencer Quinn is the seventh book in the Chet And Bernie Mystery Series and it’s a great book. This book finds Chet and Bernie traveling to Washington, D.C. to visit Bernie’s girlfriend, Suzie. But as usual, when Chet is involved, things do not go as planned and the two find themselves involved in a murder mystery. Will they be able to figure out the case before they are silenced permanently?
I just love the writing style of this book. The story is told from Chet, the dog’s, perspective and I find it both heartwarming and humorous. What pet owner has not wished their animal could talk or that they could read their pets mind? This is probably the closest I will ever get to that happening and I think that is why I enjoy the serie so much. Chet’s thoughts and behavior are quite funny, even if Bernie does not always see the humor in the situation. He is often sidetracked, by just about ANYTHING but somehow he is always able to help solve the mystery. The love and relationship between Chet and Bernie is heartwarming and very realistic. I am focusing my review on this aspect of the book, because, in my opinion, that is what makes this book and series stand out from all the rest.
I would recommend this book to mystery lovers who are also dog lovers. I would also recommend reading the series in order so that you can watch Chet and Bernie’s relationship grow with each book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read Paw and Order.
I just love the writing style of this book. The story is told from Chet, the dog’s, perspective and I find it both heartwarming and humorous. What pet owner has not wished their animal could talk or that they could read their pets mind? This is probably the closest I will ever get to that happening and I think that is why I enjoy the serie so much. Chet’s thoughts and behavior are quite funny, even if Bernie does not always see the humor in the situation. He is often sidetracked, by just about ANYTHING but somehow he is always able to help solve the mystery. The love and relationship between Chet and Bernie is heartwarming and very realistic. I am focusing my review on this aspect of the book, because, in my opinion, that is what makes this book and series stand out from all the rest.
I would recommend this book to mystery lovers who are also dog lovers. I would also recommend reading the series in order so that you can watch Chet and Bernie’s relationship grow with each book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read Paw and Order.
July 1, 2022
DNF--I've read stories much like this before, with a dog as the narrator, like the Doan and Carstairs series, but this one I just couldn't stand.
February 21, 2019
#7 in the Chet and Bernie mystery series
The fact that this series tells each story from the point of view of Chet (the dog) is what makes it so unique and often hilarious. Quinn gets it just right with his interpretation of how Chet would think, not getting too detailed about the mystery, knowing that Chet is able to recognize "perps" and other important details by their scents, and focusing on Chet's preoccupation with food, with treats, and with his love for Bernie, who is "always the smartest guy in the room." This time there's quite a bit more involvement with Suzy (Bernie's girlfriend) who Chet likes, but he can't figure out why she gets the shotgun seat in the Porsche when that should be his spot. This mystery is about Russian infiltration into the Washington DC scene (which was a little too reminiscent of today's political climate). It was a little confusing, and there wasn't a lot of substance, I didn't think, but I actually don't think that's really the main focus of these books. It's all about personalities and fun and a different point of view. I laughed out loud at many spots, really enjoying Chet and his thoughts.
The fact that this series tells each story from the point of view of Chet (the dog) is what makes it so unique and often hilarious. Quinn gets it just right with his interpretation of how Chet would think, not getting too detailed about the mystery, knowing that Chet is able to recognize "perps" and other important details by their scents, and focusing on Chet's preoccupation with food, with treats, and with his love for Bernie, who is "always the smartest guy in the room." This time there's quite a bit more involvement with Suzy (Bernie's girlfriend) who Chet likes, but he can't figure out why she gets the shotgun seat in the Porsche when that should be his spot. This mystery is about Russian infiltration into the Washington DC scene (which was a little too reminiscent of today's political climate). It was a little confusing, and there wasn't a lot of substance, I didn't think, but I actually don't think that's really the main focus of these books. It's all about personalities and fun and a different point of view. I laughed out loud at many spots, really enjoying Chet and his thoughts.
April 26, 2022
Sadly, I didn’t like Bernie at all in this one. He was stubborn, argumentative, and stubborn throughout. Additionally, he was jealous and mistrustful of Suzie. Isn’t he getting too old for all of his juvenile behavior?
Chet didn’t let me down.
Chet didn’t let me down.
June 4, 2017
I totally love this series, but this installment did not have the impact of the previous six books, and I think it was because the author got sidetracked by trying to make the plot a little too clever.
The previous episode, THE SOUND AND THE FURRY, took Chet and Bernie to Louisiana, where Chet did quite well for himself in the Bayou.
This episode, PAW AND ORDER, is a last-minute detour they made to Washington DC. Faced with the dilemma of whether to return to Arizona or meet up with Suzie in DC, Bernie chose the latter, and of course, got embroiled in a murder mystery. All well and good.
But in the course of laying out all the victims, suspects, investigative operatives, and other persons of interest, Quinn lost me completely. By the conclusion of the story, I still was not clear who, where, and why. (Perhaps I am dimwitted, but there it is.) The action does conclude in a series of boats. Chet would be okay with that. But I don't feel that Bernie came through with his customary "so, therefore."
I think there is one more book in this series (to date), so I will hope for more clarification in a future work. Oh! and good news--there is a special e-book-only "prequel" (A CAT WAS INVOLVED) which finally explains why Chet got kicked out of K-9 school with no diploma. This should be good.
The previous episode, THE SOUND AND THE FURRY, took Chet and Bernie to Louisiana, where Chet did quite well for himself in the Bayou.
This episode, PAW AND ORDER, is a last-minute detour they made to Washington DC. Faced with the dilemma of whether to return to Arizona or meet up with Suzie in DC, Bernie chose the latter, and of course, got embroiled in a murder mystery. All well and good.
But in the course of laying out all the victims, suspects, investigative operatives, and other persons of interest, Quinn lost me completely. By the conclusion of the story, I still was not clear who, where, and why. (Perhaps I am dimwitted, but there it is.) The action does conclude in a series of boats. Chet would be okay with that. But I don't feel that Bernie came through with his customary "so, therefore."
I think there is one more book in this series (to date), so I will hope for more clarification in a future work. Oh! and good news--there is a special e-book-only "prequel" (A CAT WAS INVOLVED) which finally explains why Chet got kicked out of K-9 school with no diploma. This should be good.
September 13, 2021
Paw and Order by Spencer Quinn
★★�.5
Chet and Bernie head to Washington, DC because Bernie is interested in seeing his girlfriend, Suzie Sanchez. Chet doesn’t mind, he likes Suzie and besides, she keeps snacks for him in her car. However, Chet soon finds out that all is not well when they get there. One of Suzie’s sources is murdered and this strange bird with no eyes that no one else notices keeps coming by. When he’s not distracted by thought of food, the scents of members of the nation within a nation (aka dogs) and other doggie things, Chet is tuned into what the humans around him are saying and doing, even if he doesn’t always quite understand what they mean.
I read this because my teen son chose it for me for a holiday gift. To be honest, I expected absolutely nothing from this book, since it’s not something I would normally pick up. However, it did give me some laughs. The story is nothing brilliant, but Quinn does a nice job of writing from the POV of a dog, and if not totally believable, it was doggie enough to be quite fun. I may add this series to my roster of light, funny books to read when I want to give my brain a rest.
★★�.5
Chet and Bernie head to Washington, DC because Bernie is interested in seeing his girlfriend, Suzie Sanchez. Chet doesn’t mind, he likes Suzie and besides, she keeps snacks for him in her car. However, Chet soon finds out that all is not well when they get there. One of Suzie’s sources is murdered and this strange bird with no eyes that no one else notices keeps coming by. When he’s not distracted by thought of food, the scents of members of the nation within a nation (aka dogs) and other doggie things, Chet is tuned into what the humans around him are saying and doing, even if he doesn’t always quite understand what they mean.
I read this because my teen son chose it for me for a holiday gift. To be honest, I expected absolutely nothing from this book, since it’s not something I would normally pick up. However, it did give me some laughs. The story is nothing brilliant, but Quinn does a nice job of writing from the POV of a dog, and if not totally believable, it was doggie enough to be quite fun. I may add this series to my roster of light, funny books to read when I want to give my brain a rest.
April 5, 2015
This is the 7th book in the series, and frankly, I was disappointed. It is my least favorite. I can't even explain why, it just seemed off. I see from reading other reviews that several people felt the same. Also, in the summary on the cover and in the blurbs, they mention that Chet meets a guinea pig, like it is a pivitol moment in the book. In fact, it is not until 20 pages to the end that he finally meets the pig. Less than two pages are devoted to this, and you never hear about it again. Despite the fact that it is abandoned in a house, in a cage, and no one is likely to return to the house any time soon. What happens to him?
January 14, 2021
I love Chet as much as I used to, and his distracted doggy mind is hilarious. I would love to hear more about the irritating cats, about catching perps by the pants leg, about them ending up breaking rocks under the hot sun. What I could do without is Suzie. I'm tired of her, and she doesn't seem to be going anywhere, so therefore... I'm not giving up exactly, because Chet is great, but I'm going to maybe do some serious multitasking if she's involved in the next books.
(I figured out the mystery way before Bernie did, so maybe tone down the jealousy and the fighting Bernie. Why are you two together anyway? That's not a healthy relationship).
(I figured out the mystery way before Bernie did, so maybe tone down the jealousy and the fighting Bernie. Why are you two together anyway? That's not a healthy relationship).
October 1, 2015
As a dog lover I've really enjoyed this series so far, but I am giving this book an "ok" rating. Chet the dog and his owner Bernie are PIs. The story is narrated by Chet. I like the "dog's eye view" narration but it seemed a little stale in this book. Also the romance angle didn't really appeal and I got bored through the "relationship issues" bits of the book. That said I will still happily read the next book in this series (if there is one) as I've still really enjoyed the series overall.
November 2, 2014
Another exciting adventure with Chet and Bernie with Chet narrating, of course. This time they are visiting Suzie in Washington, DC. One of Suzie's sources is killed and Chet and Bernie are on the case. Chet smells,hears and sees more than Bernie but there is no stopping these two until the case is solved. This series gets better with each new book.
February 2, 2017
As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed Chet the dog's hilarious narration of this latest installment in the Chet & Bernie PI series. However, I did have some problem following the plot and wasn't quite sure just what had happened in the end. This one is worth reading more for the doggy point of view than for the mystery itself.
Read
November 11, 2022Another fun Chet and Bernie mystery. I enjoyed the change of location. One star lost for some of the rougher language that I don't enjoy, words that add nothing (not even reality) to the story.
January 12, 2023
The Chet and Bernie mysteries continue to be charming. This was actually the first one I picked up based on the title and premise, and then realized it was a series and went back to the beginning. The mystery was twisty. Chet is engaging. Will continue reading the series for as long as they stay this charming.
January 29, 2023
Actually didn’t finish this one. Years ago I read two or three of the Chet and Bernie mysteries and enjoyed them, but this one not so much. Not sure if I’ve changed or it’s the book, but I wanted a light read and found this unsatisfying.
Shelved as 'abandoned'
April 9, 2019Its a good book but I got distracted and its due back.
December 23, 2024
Obscure.
Chet’s “our nation� remarks were funny;
this plot most definitely was NOT.
I got lost and didn’t care and ended up putting this book aside WAY too many times.
Chet’s “our nation� remarks were funny;
this plot most definitely was NOT.
I got lost and didn’t care and ended up putting this book aside WAY too many times.
October 3, 2017
Great series. I think I've read them all. For mystery fans who ever never read a mystery from a dog's persepective these are very fun, well crafted, easy reads. Love em!
August 6, 2014
Brought to you by OBS reviewer JoAnne
For those of you who have never read any of these wonderful mysteries, Bernie Little is a private investigator, along with his partner, Chet. Together they will take on practically any case, and they are very good at what they do. There is an early scene in this book in which Chet and Bernie are at a barbeque restaurant full of bikers. In the ensuing action, you discover that Bernie is no ordinary detective. He is not only able to hold his own, he has wit, intelligence, speed and strength. Chet is no slouch, either.
This book is different in that everything is told from Chet’s point of view. Did I mention that Chet is Bernie’s dog? He’s an (almost) hundred pound K-9 dropout who is just as smart as Bernie, and not only protects him, actually helps him in his cases.
This time around, Bernie is a little bored with his routine, and missing his girlfriend Suzie Sanchez, who has moved to Washington, D.C. to further her career as a journalist. So he decides, unannounced, to visit her, and when he arrives he sees a well-dressed man exiting the cottage where Suzie lives. Obviously not happy about this turn of events, he confronts Suzie, whose tells him that the visitor, Eben, a British national, is someone she is working with on a story. When Eben is murdered shortly thereafter, Bernie is first arrested for the murder, then released just as quickly. Now making it much more personal for Bernie, he is stunned when Eben’s father hires him to find out who killed his son.
While ferreting out the fact from fiction, Chet and Bernie realize that between the politics and intrigue lies something that covers two continents and could possibly lead straight to the White House if Bernie doesn’t figure it out in time.
Chet is his usual self, discovering things the humans don’t find out until later, and trying to understand why Bernie acts as he does; but never questioning anything, because he knows that Bernie is the smartest person he’s ever met. What puzzles Chet the most is the strange bird that follows them everywhere, from Suzie’s house to when they’re on the road in Virginia. Although he keeps trying to let Bernie know, he’s oblivious to Chet’s attempts to call his attention to it. When Bernie finally sees what Chet sees, he realizes that Suzie has stumbled upon something that could put her in danger, and his highest priority is to keep her safe.
This is a highly enjoyable read, with Chet at his dogged best (pun intended), and Bernie hot on the trail of a cold-blooded killer; not willing to rest until he finds the answers he’s looking for, no matter who the murderer is. A highly recommended read, especially for those looking for something just a little bit different.
August 17, 2015
Chet and Bernie of the Little Detective Agency travel to Washington to visit Bernie’s girlfriend Suzie Sanchez. Hoping to smooth over some “misunderstandings� the couple are having, Bernie and Chet arrive unannounced � probably not a good thing � they arrive at Suzie’s only to discover her having an intimate looking chat with debonair Englishman, Eben St. John. Jealousy rears its ugly head until Suzie explains that St. John is her source for an international story she is investigating. Chet and Bernie rarely turn down a case, literally having one land in their laps while on vacation, is something they had not planned on � but how could they walk away from this one when the next day St. John turns up quite dead and Bernie’s fingerprints are all over the murder weapon?
As usual Chet is on top of things from the get go, spotting the unusual bird with the red eyes almost immediately. It takes Bernie a little longer to catch up � of course having landed in jail didn’t help.
Also, as usual Chet the dog narrates this 7th installment in the Chet and Bernie Mystery series and as usual he “is not the most reliable of narrators�. As quick as he is about noticing clues he is just as quick to get sidetracked and lose his train of thought.
I have enjoyed this series from the time I read “Dog On It�. Admittedly at first I thought it was a novel idea to have the dog as the narrator and found the story entertaining enough, but rated it only as “Like it�. Many series start to lose steam as the author continues to pump out story after story, but Mr. Quinn’s books seem to do the opposite. I find they are becoming more interesting as the series progresses. Is this just because I am totally enamored of Chet? Possibly! But they are still a fun read with a more than decent story line.
As usual Chet is on top of things from the get go, spotting the unusual bird with the red eyes almost immediately. It takes Bernie a little longer to catch up � of course having landed in jail didn’t help.
Also, as usual Chet the dog narrates this 7th installment in the Chet and Bernie Mystery series and as usual he “is not the most reliable of narrators�. As quick as he is about noticing clues he is just as quick to get sidetracked and lose his train of thought.
I have enjoyed this series from the time I read “Dog On It�. Admittedly at first I thought it was a novel idea to have the dog as the narrator and found the story entertaining enough, but rated it only as “Like it�. Many series start to lose steam as the author continues to pump out story after story, but Mr. Quinn’s books seem to do the opposite. I find they are becoming more interesting as the series progresses. Is this just because I am totally enamored of Chet? Possibly! But they are still a fun read with a more than decent story line.
November 6, 2014
Woof, woof, woof, woof - make that 4 stars for the 7th installment in the life of Chet, the lovable pooch whose equally lovable owner, Bernie, operates the Little Detective Agency (Little is his last name). Chet - who narrates each of the books in the series - flunked out of K-9 school on the last day (he claims a cat was at fault).
In addition to being rooted in a good story, the books are a hoot because of Chet's take on things. Throughout, there are doggie "asides" to make you smile (well, they never fail to put a grin on my face, at least). Here's a sample, straight from the pooch's mouth:
"I've always been interested in toilets, by the way., Sometimes you can find the very freshest water in them - and sometimes not."
This one mostly takes place in Washington, D.C., where Bernie's love interest, Suzie, has moved to take a job at the Washington Post as a reporter. Lonesome and wanting to resolve some of the issues that were in play when she left, Bernie heads across the country for an unexpected visit. His greeting isn't quite as warm as he'd hoped for; it seems Suzie is ferreting out details for a big story, but she can't reveal any details. Early on, Bernie has a run-in with some beefed up jerks while on the road, one of Suzie's friends turns up dead and Bernie is arrested for the murder.
In the end, the best I could muster for this one is 4 stars despite the chuckles it elicited. For one thing, the plot was more difficult to follow than that of other books. For another, while I love Chet's narratives, they're a little too repetitive and a little too lengthy here than in the others. Still, if you're looking for a mystery on the lighter side, this - and any of the other six - should fill the bill nicely.
In addition to being rooted in a good story, the books are a hoot because of Chet's take on things. Throughout, there are doggie "asides" to make you smile (well, they never fail to put a grin on my face, at least). Here's a sample, straight from the pooch's mouth:
"I've always been interested in toilets, by the way., Sometimes you can find the very freshest water in them - and sometimes not."
This one mostly takes place in Washington, D.C., where Bernie's love interest, Suzie, has moved to take a job at the Washington Post as a reporter. Lonesome and wanting to resolve some of the issues that were in play when she left, Bernie heads across the country for an unexpected visit. His greeting isn't quite as warm as he'd hoped for; it seems Suzie is ferreting out details for a big story, but she can't reveal any details. Early on, Bernie has a run-in with some beefed up jerks while on the road, one of Suzie's friends turns up dead and Bernie is arrested for the murder.
In the end, the best I could muster for this one is 4 stars despite the chuckles it elicited. For one thing, the plot was more difficult to follow than that of other books. For another, while I love Chet's narratives, they're a little too repetitive and a little too lengthy here than in the others. Still, if you're looking for a mystery on the lighter side, this - and any of the other six - should fill the bill nicely.
May 26, 2014
Paw and Order is another great Chet and Bernie mystery by Spencer Quinn. I'm glad that Netgalley gave me the opportunity to read a preview version. After wrapping up loose end in Louisiana, Bernie and Chet head to Washington, DC to patch things up with Suzie after she misunderstood an encounter involving Chet, Bernie, and a girl on a houseboat. I had liked the road trip diversion in The Sound and the Furry. The series had gotten a little slow, and getting out of town added a freshness to the Chet and Bernie series. It continues to work in Paw and Order.
Paw and Order starts a bit slow as Chet and Bernie head east and Bernie tries to work things out with Suzie. Bernie’s jealousy of Suzie’s new business connection is terminated quickly when he is found dead later in the day. Presidential candidates, mysterious government insiders, and spying drones keep the story interesting. I would like to see Quinn begin to develop his human characters and plot lines more. Too many aspects of the story are superficial or predictable. However, he continues to do a great job with Chet’s stream of consciousness narration. It’s amazing how Chet’s random, attention-deficit narration sounds just like I imagine a dog might follow human ineptitude!
Paw and Order ties up too neatly with a lot of plot lines left unexplained. However, Quinn leaves us with enough future possibilities to make me want to pick up the next Chet and Bernie to see if they are sticking around with Suzie or heading home into the sunset.
Paw and Order starts a bit slow as Chet and Bernie head east and Bernie tries to work things out with Suzie. Bernie’s jealousy of Suzie’s new business connection is terminated quickly when he is found dead later in the day. Presidential candidates, mysterious government insiders, and spying drones keep the story interesting. I would like to see Quinn begin to develop his human characters and plot lines more. Too many aspects of the story are superficial or predictable. However, he continues to do a great job with Chet’s stream of consciousness narration. It’s amazing how Chet’s random, attention-deficit narration sounds just like I imagine a dog might follow human ineptitude!
Paw and Order ties up too neatly with a lot of plot lines left unexplained. However, Quinn leaves us with enough future possibilities to make me want to pick up the next Chet and Bernie to see if they are sticking around with Suzie or heading home into the sunset.
July 22, 2014
“Paw and Order�, by Spencer Quinn, published by Atria Books.
Category � Mystery/Thriller Publication Date � August 05, 2014
This is the seventh book in a wonderful series that can be enjoyed by all readers. They should be read in order because there is a link between each book. The novels feature Private Investigator Bernie and his dog, who flunked out of K-9 training, Chet (Chet the Jet).
Bernie’s girlfriend, Suzie Sanchez, has moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue a career in journalism. Bernie, deep down, did not want her to go but felt in was in her best interests.
Bernie and Chet decide to visit her, only to find that they will become involved in a murder that could have political repercussions (it is Washington, D.C., after all).
The investigation becomes very complicated when the victim turns out to be an acquaintance of Suzie who may be giving her inside information. Matters become worse when another Washington insider promises Suzie a scoop if she just waits until the right time. Of course this involves a military officer who is exploring the possibility of running for President.
It doesn’t take long for Bernie to get involved as he is arrested for the murder. An unknown source has him released from jail and Bernie and Chet must get to the bottom of a possible political intrigue.
“Paw and Order� is a fast moving, easy read that offers a change of pace for the hard core mystery/thriller fan. It is light hearted as the story is told through the eyes of the dog and his insight into human behavior.
Category � Mystery/Thriller Publication Date � August 05, 2014
This is the seventh book in a wonderful series that can be enjoyed by all readers. They should be read in order because there is a link between each book. The novels feature Private Investigator Bernie and his dog, who flunked out of K-9 training, Chet (Chet the Jet).
Bernie’s girlfriend, Suzie Sanchez, has moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue a career in journalism. Bernie, deep down, did not want her to go but felt in was in her best interests.
Bernie and Chet decide to visit her, only to find that they will become involved in a murder that could have political repercussions (it is Washington, D.C., after all).
The investigation becomes very complicated when the victim turns out to be an acquaintance of Suzie who may be giving her inside information. Matters become worse when another Washington insider promises Suzie a scoop if she just waits until the right time. Of course this involves a military officer who is exploring the possibility of running for President.
It doesn’t take long for Bernie to get involved as he is arrested for the murder. An unknown source has him released from jail and Bernie and Chet must get to the bottom of a possible political intrigue.
“Paw and Order� is a fast moving, easy read that offers a change of pace for the hard core mystery/thriller fan. It is light hearted as the story is told through the eyes of the dog and his insight into human behavior.
February 22, 2017
again, I thoroughly enjoyed this book in the Chet & Bernie series...safe to say that this is one of my all time favorite series.
I was really glad to see Suzie back in this novel (missed her in the previous book) & hoping she will be in the next book as well. It was definitely a different setting in DC versus the Valley as well, but had a nice touch to it.
It took me a little longer to read this book than normal, not because of the book itself, but because of some family matters going on, but I still loved this book so much and I'm kind of sad that there is one left, but hoping there's a possibility of more books?
I was really glad to see Suzie back in this novel (missed her in the previous book) & hoping she will be in the next book as well. It was definitely a different setting in DC versus the Valley as well, but had a nice touch to it.
It took me a little longer to read this book than normal, not because of the book itself, but because of some family matters going on, but I still loved this book so much and I'm kind of sad that there is one left, but hoping there's a possibility of more books?
May 18, 2023
I always look forward to reading this series and have yet to be disappointed. I love that these books are narrated by Chet, giving us a different perspective as events unfold. Picking up where the previous book left off, this book has Chet & Bernie on a road trip of sorts, so the setting is once again different, this time Washington, DC, rather than the desert of Arizona.
This allows Suzie, Bernie’s girlfriend, to be part of the story again, and despite wanting to shake some sense into her a few times, I liked what she added to the story. Being away from their familiar surroundings and friends presented Bernie and Suzie (and Chet) with more of a challenge than usual when it came to solving the murder and all that went with it, but they were able to do so.
There were several suspects to consider here, and quite a few red herrings as well. One character seemed a little ‘off� to me almost from the moment they were introduced, and I kept returning to that person as the one most likely to be involved in the killing. I was partially right, but missed a few things along the way.
I look forward to returning to Arizona for the next book in this series.
This allows Suzie, Bernie’s girlfriend, to be part of the story again, and despite wanting to shake some sense into her a few times, I liked what she added to the story. Being away from their familiar surroundings and friends presented Bernie and Suzie (and Chet) with more of a challenge than usual when it came to solving the murder and all that went with it, but they were able to do so.
There were several suspects to consider here, and quite a few red herrings as well. One character seemed a little ‘off� to me almost from the moment they were introduced, and I kept returning to that person as the one most likely to be involved in the killing. I was partially right, but missed a few things along the way.
I look forward to returning to Arizona for the next book in this series.
March 18, 2021
This is the second book that I have read with these characters in this series and while I don't remember much of the first I can tell you that the characters (with the exception of Chet) just are not likeable. Bernie is just a chauvinistic jerk who at times comes off as either a bully or a spoiled kid. I just did not care what happened to him. The mystery (if you can call it that) is pretty tepid and not hard to figure out, it's something of a cross between a murder investigation and a spy story. (Let's just stick with one shall we.) If it were not for Chet's narration and seeing the world through his eyes I would have put it down and not picked it back up. My recommendation is to give this a pass. I have not read any others in the series other than the first installment, but I hope the others are better.
October 24, 2021
Bernie is a big guy and a PI, Chet is a big guy and a dog. They work well together and make a great team. The zinger is that Chet is the narrator. I have read this series over many years, spreading them out over time. I think my reluctance to read them quicker is that I am embarrassed to admit that I enjoy them and the humor in them. Quinn writes this series as if he really is a dog himself, understanding Chet's strong sense of smell, his great hearing, and his loyalty to Bernie. Most of the humor comes from Chet's lack of sustained attention, his confusion when he doesn't realize he is doing something unacceptable, and his comments about human behavior. Starting out it seemed a little annoying, but then it just gets better and funnier the more you read, at least for me!
The plot was not all that complicated. One guy is murdered and Bernie needs to figure out why. Politics, great wealth, Russians, spies, police, and the FBI are involved, along with Suzi, the girlfriend reporter. A fun read.
The plot was not all that complicated. One guy is murdered and Bernie needs to figure out why. Politics, great wealth, Russians, spies, police, and the FBI are involved, along with Suzi, the girlfriend reporter. A fun read.
October 5, 2019
What a fun book. I will definitely be reading others written by this author. I loved hearing the perspective of the dog.
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