To Fetch a Thief

A Chet and Bernie Mystery

By: Spencer Quinn

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

Spencer Quinn’s quirky, best-selling tales from the four-legged perspective of K-9 school dropout Chet are unlike anything else in the mystery genre. In this third adventure, Chet once again teams with his two-legged detective partner Bernie Little to sniff out the clues in a perplexing case.

©2010 Spencer Quinn (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

A great book from an interesting perspective!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, anyone who likes mysteries and is a fan of dogs. I wasn't sure I'd like a book told from a dog's perspective, but it ended up adding something instead of taking anything away from the story. The mystery was good and kept me wondering what would happen next, who was involved, and how. The viewpoint of the dog added a some humor to the book. Chet's value in Bernie's PI business is clear, as is the companionship and support he provides to Bernie and the very close relationship between the two of them. Chet reminds us of the amazing things dogs can do and how they can help us. As a trained almost graduate of the police K9 academy, Chet is highly skilled. He is an excellent tracker, he can identify smells and remember people and places based on their unique scent. Naturally, his sense of hearing, smell, and his vision at night are superior to Bernie's, but he depends on Bernie for wisdom and intellect. The two combined are quite a duo.

Chet's perspective adds humor: from what he understands when listening to human conversation (and how he interprets human sayings) to his sometimes convenient / limited memory of past events. His priorities remain clear throughout the book. Most important is his beloved Bernie's health, success, and safety, followed by his desire to take down "perps" (bad guys), then comes food, which he is quite fond of, getting petted or scratched, pursuing the girls, and the joy of marking his territory. Chet rarely displays less than perfect canine behavior and conveniently seems to quickly forget it happened or exactly what transpired.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, I wanted to hear more about the case to figure out how the different characters were involved with each other and in the case. I also wanted to find out what would happen next.

Chets Blends Bogart and Rin Tin Tin

This third book in the series continues in the same vein as the others with a straightforward mystery, nice characterization and love of canines. Chet as the narrator remains wonderfully executed and the reason to bring your ears to the book. He’s your typical loyal and happy canine with a hardboiled edge (nicely enhanced by Jim Frangione’s reading). He adds humor too with his longing to go on “wild goose chases” and his initial distrust of “bear claws” at the local doughnut shop. This mystery has Chet and Bernie searching for a missing circus elephant and her trainer. If you liked the other ones in the series, then you’ll enjoy another adventure with Chet. Definitely recommended for dog lovers.

Sound Quality Issue??

I like the Chet and Bernie novels--this is the third in that series. But there was a quality issue that prevented me from enjoying this particular audiobook. It was muffled and fuzzy--I even re-downloaded the book in the enhanced format to try to improve the quality, but it did not help. The story was as cute as ever, but the quality was very distracting for me.

A solid third book

I have enjoyed the previous two Chet and Bernie bold and this one is a hit also in my estimation. I enjoyed seeing Bernie struggle with the decision regarding his ex-wife and the outcome was spot on. Although the trap and escape theme seems to be getting over done a bit. (It has been in books 1,2, and 3.). Still I enjoyed this book and will listen to number 4 as soon as my account refreshes next month.

Just plain fun

I love these books! They make me laugh! Anyone who has a dog and loves him/her will get a big kick from this series.

I love Chet soooo much

When Chet is in danger, I have to speed up the audio because it breaks my heart so. But when he’s on a roll, he is outrageously hilarious. Among other things, this book is about a dog and his human and all that is between them. I could not love it Moore.

Another superb account by Chet!!

Really enjoy these mysteries. Unfortunately the audio seemed a bit off , words trailed off or could clearly hear them . Tried on a couple of devices. Overall great listening! Ready for the next book.

Hoping #4 is back to the quality of 1 and 2

The narration was tired and dull, rather than bright and energetic as in the first two books. At the beginning I actually had to check that it was read by the same guy. He just didn't have the life that he exuded in the first two books. It got a little better after 3 or 4 chapters, but I still noticed its lackluster-ness throughout.

The story is more far-fetched (!) than the earlier ones, which I thoroughly enjoyed, as it addresses animal cruelty and exotic animal trafficking, but missed some opportunities. A parrot is mentioned as if we knew about it but we didn't, the whole incident with the explanatory (not quite a suicide) note and the puff adder was unclear, and the take-down of one of the bad guys was anticlimactic. The "elephants never forget" concept missed a chance to show an example when Peanut didn't trample the bad guy involved in the death of her trainer and her own kidnapping and mistreatment. Chet would have enjoyed and learned from this if it had been there. The confrontation with Malcolm (Bernie's soon to be ex-wife's new husband) was undramatic.

It may be impossible for every book in a series to be top-notch. Let's hope that this is that book, and the others are back to the great quality of the first two.

Chet is the best!!!!

Like mysteries? Love dogs? Equals get this book and the ones before it.
Quinn has a way of putting our beloved pets thoughts into words. Very talented.
The series just makes me smile!!!

Great angle and fun to listen to

What did you love best about To Fetch a Thief?

that it is told from a dog's point of view

Who was your favorite character and why?

Chet the dog of course. His thinking is so like what I imagine our favourite dog to think

Any additional comments?

would love to hear more of this series