Bark to the Future is the 13th (!!!) Chet & Bernie PI mystery by Spencer Quinn. Released 9th Aug 2022 by Macmillan on their Tor Forge imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out late 2nd quarter 2023. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.

This is another fun and engaging read starring Chet (the dog) and Bernie (the human) doing what they do best, solving crimes, righting wrongs, and keeping each other (relatively) safe and functional. Although it's the 13th book in the series, all the books work very well as standalone novels. There are a few minor spoilers in the background story if read out of order, but nothing major and they're all fun, light, fast reads and can be picked up and put down without losing the plot. The ideal light entertainment comfort food for the brain.

Probably the most unusual aspect of the story is that it's told in the first person point of view of Chet, Bernie's Dr. Watson. Chet's a Very Smart Dog, but he is a dog and so there are many asides about smelling things and sort of a stream-of-consciousness commentary running throughout. I found it very distracting at first, but after a few chapters it isn't nearly as noticeable.

For current fans of the series, this is another solid mystery; full of corruption, coverups, the "glory days" of high school, and several apparently unrelated plot threads which intertwine ever more closely to an exciting denouement and satisfying resolution. The language is a bit rough in places, but not egregiously so. There is some physical violence and descriptions of violence, but nothing extreme. It's not over-the-top, but it is there.

Recommended for fans of mysteries with strong animal protagonists, and American PI mysteries. This is the 13th book in the series and they're all quite trope-y and similar in narrative arc, but they're all written to a high standard and contain lots of action, good plots, satisfying endings, and humor.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Chet and Bernie, well, Bernie if you want to be technical because he’s the human in the equation, have a new-to-them Porsche. Chet, the dog, rides shotgun. After they take it for a test drive, just checking the speed you know, they head home. At the offramp from the highway, there are several men who offer to wash windshields for spare change.

Bernie is stunned to realize one of them is a guy he went to high school with. The kid’s nickname had been Rocket, for the speed he showed on the ball field, catching what could have been a homer, and saving the game. Now he’s strung-out, skinny, and none to clean, begging.
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Chet and Bernie take Rocket for a good meal. Bernie wants to find a way to help him, but Rocket disappears. In trying to find Rocket, Bernie finds out, what you remember about high school and what really happened are two different things.

Their whole case revolves around a handmade switchblade knife. It was made in high school shop class, was locked away, disappeared, and now, years later, Rocket has it and Bernie ends up with it. There was also an accidental death.

To say more would give away too much of the story. This may be the most complicated case Chet and Bernie have had as every clue leads to more questions and few answers. As always, water is involved in one way or another. Chet’s not sure what an aquifer is, but Bernie worries about it and so therefore, Chet does too.

This is book sixteen in the series. You can start the series anywhere but be advised, you’ll want them all to read again and again. Bark to the Future has a place on my Best of 2022 list already. With Chet as the narrator, how could it not?

Writing under his real name, Peter Abrahams, Spencer Quinn writes the Browser and Birdie series for middle grade readers. He’s also written twenty-two books of international intrigue, including The Right Side, reviewed here. Find him at www.peterabrahams.com/ and in a YouTube interview with People with a Passion for Pets at youtube.com/watch?v=h0-C3v1vFIU.

So happy to see Chet and Bernie back in book 13 of there wonderful cozy series. The fact that Chet the dog narrates to stories is icing on the cake. With his dog logic and short attention span it's not only funny but well thought out. This book finds Bernie reuniting with an old high school football buddy that is down and out of luck. They of course save the day and solve an old murder mystery. Anyone who loves dogs will enjoy Chet's narrative. This story could be read as a stand alone but you would miss some of the humor. If you're new to the series, find book 1, Dog on it and enjoy them all.

Published by Forge Books on August 9, 2022

I knocked Spencer Quinn a bit for his last Chet and Bernie novel because I thought he was recycling thoughts that, while amusing, Chet had shared in other novels. For those who aren’t familiar with the series, Chet is a dog. Chet narrates his adventures with his owner/partner, Bernie Little. The thoughts Quinn attributes to Chet are spot on, at least from the standpoint of humans who try to imagine what dogs think. I am happy to report that Quinn did not fish in the same pond of jokes when he wrote Bark to the Future — or if he did, he caught some new ones and threw most of the old ones back.

Bernie Little was a star pitcher in high school. Now he’s a private detective. He’s driving with Chet in his latest Porsche when he spots Rocket Saluka at a freeway exit. Rocket is a former teammate, now homeless and mentally unsound. Bernie’s attempt to help Rocket leads to a mystery that has its roots in high school. The mystery involves a switchblade that, for a time, was in Rocket’s possession. Before that, it was kept locked up by a chemistry teacher, only to be stolen.

When Rocket goes missing, Bernie follows a trail that takes him to a divorced woman he took the prom when they were in high school, the ex-husband of the woman’s deceased sister, a pastor, the chemistry teacher, the teacher’s advanced chem students, the school janitor, a prisoner, and a diving instructor. The investigation eventually gives birth to a murder mystery.

Chet keeps the action moving by chasing suspects, swimming to recover evidence, and sniffing under the table for any crumbs that might have been dropped. The plot is light-hearted and entertaining. Bernie has his moments but Chet is always the star in these novels. Apart from thinking dog thoughts and making fleeting efforts to understand the strange behavior of humans when they aren’t petting him, Chet contributes to the story by noticing things (typically scents or glimpses of people) that the reader will recognize as clues even if Chet does not. Bernie is typically clueless until he finally pieces things together. Chet doesn’t always understand the details of the plot he narrates, but he is confident that all will be well because Bernie is the smartest, strongest, kindest, and all-around best human on the planet, an opinion that is reinforced by treats and cheeseburgers.

Bernie’s rocky love life has evolved over the series, although he seems settled in with Weatherly. Chet’s love life may have produced a dog that Weatherly adopted, a dog that looks suspiciously like Chet, a dog Chet considers the most annoying dog on the planet because how could there possibly be another Chet? Spencer Quinn is back in form with Bark to the Future, making this an easy novel to recommend to dog lovers. This would be a good starting point for fans who are new to the series.

RECOMMENDED

Bark ti the Future is Book 13 in the Chet & Bernie series from Spencer Quinn.

"Chet & Bernie are approached by a worn-down older man with a cardboard sign at an intersection. Turns out to be Rocket Saluka who was a high school baseball teammate of Bernie's. Life has not been kind to Rocket. After sharing a little of his story he disappears. Bernie and Chet try to find him and stumble into a conspiracy involving many of Benie's former classmates. Chet just hopes there's treats at the end."

If you've never read a Chet & Bernie book, the perspective is from inside of Chet the dog. And it is hilarious. He hears just enough from Bernie (who often thinks out loud) to let you know where the story is going. There are missing people - an accident that might be murder - a former high school teacher with a secret and an old teammate that Bernie just wants to help. Chet's special brand of crime fighting comes in handy over and over.

Another great Chet story and fun read from Quinn.

If you are a dog lover, owned by a dog and like mysteries do not hesitate for a nano second - read this series. Thirteen books and each one a winner. Chet is a wonderful dog and the narrator for the series. His human is Bernie Little of the Little Detective Agency. Together they solve crimes as the most unusual detecting team ever created.
Bernie has just taken possession of his 'new' Porsche and wants to see what it can do. Chet isn't sure of the exact number this one is because he gets confused after the number 2. He is thrilled to be riding shotgun and being out with his human. So off they go to speeds that are frowned upon by the police should they get caught. Traffic brings them to a halt at an off ramp and there they encounter a homeless man. As they are stopped Bernie takes the opportunity to offer the man some folding money and is promptly rebuffed. The man says "Can't take your money, Bernie' and then things get complicated. He knows Bernie but Bernie has no idea how he knows him. Much to his surprise the man is Rocket Saluka and was a high school classmate of Bernie's and they were on the winning baseball team. What had happened to Rocket to bring him to this offramp panhandling?
Bernie sets out to find the answers but before he can speak with him again, he is gone. Going back to high school seems to be the best plan but that may not set well with people he questions. Somebody wants secrets kept locked away and Bernie is a threat.
We learn a lot about the teenaged Bernie and he comes to realize that what he recalls from his high school days aren't as accurate as he thought. There is danger ahead for Bernie and Chet. The puzzle is well crafted but, though I always enjoy the mystery, my real reason for reading this delightful series is to spend time in the mind of Chet. Dog lovers will understand.
My thanks to the publisher Forge and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I’m not a huge mystery reader. I do like gentler mystery now and again as a bit of a palate cleanser from my usual reading fare. This series has charmed me for thirteen books now. The shtick of telling the mystery from the perspective of a bright dog hasn’t grown old. Chet’s outlook on life and events is always fun. Dogs really are the best. This series is good enough that even as someone that doesn’t read much in the genre it makes me think I should find a couple other fun and light mystery series to follow! I think someone who regularly reads lighter mysteries would really enjoy this series especially if they like dogs.

"Do you think we go through high school in an intense fog?” Heck, yes. That’s the only way most of us can survive high school. In the thirteenth Chet and Bernie mystery, Bark to the Future, Bernie discovers most of what he remembers from high school is wrong.

Chet the dog, the narrator of this series, sees everything from a dog’s point of view, so both he and his partner in the Little Detective Agency, Bernie Little, miss clues that the other one picks up. Chet hears and smells clues that are beyond the ability of humans. But, his reactions to human behavior and conversations are so funny because he misses those clues completely.

Chet and Bernie are on the road in Bernie’s new souped up car, the beast, when they take the ramp at the interstate, and see a homeless man asking for handouts. But, the man doesn’t want to take Bernie’s money because he recognizes him. He has to give Bernie some clues because he’s so unrecognizable, but Rocket Saluka and Bernie played a memorable baseball game when they were at Chisholm High School. together.Bernie’s girlfriend, Weatherly Wauneka, a police sergeant, warns Bernie that whatever he discovers happened to Rocket, it won’t be good. Bernie wants to help Rocket, though, and he tracks him down to a homeless camp behind a small church.

Padre Doug is very protective of the people in the homeless camp, but Rocket is gone. There’s only a switchblade in his tent, one that Chet uncovers. And, that switchblade knife leads Bernie back to Chisholm High School, and into murder investigations that were never labeled as murder. Someone is very clever.

All clues seem to lead back to the high school and one class of AP Chemistry students. They all remember Bernie, but their memories of him as a confident jock liked by everyone isn’t how Bernie remembers school. But, the longer he searches for Rocket, the more he suspects that class and the switchblade lead to the answers.

Although I guessed the killer the first time the person appeared in the book, Bark to the Future is still an intriguing search into Bernie’s past. It makes the reader look back at high school, and wonder what was really going on. Yes, we’re all so caught up in getting through each day, caught up in ourselves. Bernie discovers his viewpoint isn’t how others remember those years. I think we really do go through high school in a fog.

There's something about a dog narrating a story that brings a smile to my face all by itself. When said doggie has a sense of humor and a really cool human private eye for an owner, well, it makes for a don't-miss series. I won't say this one is my favorite of the bunch - it's the 13th, FYI - but as always, it made for a very entertaining few hours of reading.

It begins in an unlikely place: a highway exit ramp, where Little Detective Agency owner Bernie Little and his "partner" Chet, the lovable aforementioned canine narrator, are stopped by a scraggly looking man. As it turns out, Bernie went to high school and played on the baseball team with the guy. Bernie's efforts to provide some financial help are rebuffed, but Bernie vows to find out what happened to the guy over the years. He doesn't turn up much helpful information, and worse, his old buddy suddenly does a disappearing act.

The only real "clue" is an item the missing man had that dates back to their high school days and a particular teacher. Problem is, it may not be a clue at all; so Bernie tracks down some people from his past and starts asking questions - much to the dismay of the people being questioned. Finding out what happened to his old friend, it turns out, is much harder than hitting one over the fence. And the more he swings and misses, the greater the chance he'll be yanked out of the game - permanently.

Good job all around, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy. Now I'm in the batter's box waiting for the next pitch!

Spencer Quinn’s Chet and Bernie series is the book release I look forward to all year long. From the moment I finish one book, I’m nearly desperate to lay my hands on the next one.

The thirteenth installment in the fabulous and famous Chet and Bernie series is Bark to the Future, and it does not disappoint.

When Bernie stumbles upon an old teammate panhandling by the roadside, he’s determined to help him– despite the man outright refusing Bernie’s money. Chet isn’t quite sure what to think, as Bernie’s former teammate, Rocket, acts a bit erratically and Chet wonders if he’ll eventually be grabbing him by the pant leg (that’s Chet’s specialty, in case you’re new here). But when Bernie returns the following day to try and help Rocket further, Rocket has disappeared. Bernie, determined to help and maybe even figure out where it all went wrong for his old acquaintance, sets out to discover why Rocket is running, and who Rocket is running from.

As with every Chet and Bernie book, Bark to the Future is the perfect blend of mystery balanced with humor. There are plenty of little Easter eggs for longtime Chet and Bernie fans, while succinct explanations of regular characters allow even new readers to begin with the most recent release (though all 13 are so enjoyable to read, why deny yourself the pleasure of starting with Dog On It?!)

Chet is the most fabulous narrator, which plays a significant role in the humor aspect (though Chet would be the first to point out that Bernie is also quite funny). With the ever changing landscape of Bernie’s life, new(ish) arrivals Weatherly and Trixie make for new complications (according to Chet, at least). The interactions between Chet and Trixie, Weatherly’s dog who may or may not be related to Chet (he doesn’t want to talk about it nor does he see the resemblance thank you very much), add another layer of depth and humor to the story.

The setting is always a crucial aspect to any Chet and Bernie story, and the slot canyons and desert take center stage in the most breathtaking of ways. From its beauty to its danger, the natural world is a character unto itself in these novels.

The exceptionally well developed secondary characters almost steal the show, further developing the story into the rich tapestry that it is. Bernie’s interviews take a more personal turn this round, as he has a personal connection to the case. Hearing about Bernie as a high schooler, including directly from his former classmates, is a real treat.

Once again, Chet will awe readers with his humor and intelligence while Bernie makes the so-therefores. To borrow from Bernie, so therefore any reader, new to the series and devoted fans alike, should find joy in Bark the Future. Furthermore, readers may find themselves pondering how our past informs our present and our future, too.

Thank you to Spencer Quinn, MacMillan Publishers, Forge Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy such that I could share my honest opinions.

Bark to the Future will be available August 9, 2022.

This review originally appeared on PawPrintsintheSink.com.

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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CHET THE NARRATOR
For roughly a decade now, Chet has been my favorite first-person narrator (at least among those being currently published). This K-9 school dropout is an engaging and personable narrator who will get the reader emotionally invested and charm you within the first few pages after you meet him. He's optimistic, generally positive, and his unique perspective will make you chuckle frequently while you read a solid P.I. story.

At the same time, there's an extra level of attention that needs to be paid to what he says so you can pick up what's actually going on—Chet's the best kind of unreliable narrator, he's not being deceptive, he just doesn't (and can't) understand what he's seeing and hearing. But he's honest and thorough.

So, what I'm saying is, there's little chance I'm not going to thoroughly enjoy a new Chet and Bernie novel. So going in, expect me to say nice things.

WHAT'S BARK TO THE FUTURE ABOUT?
Bernie's approached by a panhandler while stopped at a light on a freeway off-ramp, who recognizes Bernie from high school and refuses to take his money. Life's been harder on him than Bernie, who can't recognize him at all. Bernie takes him for a burger, and tries to help him out a little—by this time, he's identified himself. He's an old baseball teammate, and the two shared a highlight or two of their careers. After their meal, Rocket Saluka has Bernie drop him off on the off-ramp.

But he'd said a thing or two that Bernie can't stop thinking about, so he goes back the next morning to follow up. Rocket's nowhere to be found, but someone else directs Bernie to a camp Rocket was staying at. He's not there, either—and there's almost no trace of him. Chet does find his distinctive switchblade buried under Rocket's tent, however—and now Bernie's even more curious, and he sets out to find his old teammate.

It turns out that there's quite the history attached to this switchblade, and most of it was shared by other people who were associated with their high school (including one person Bernie knows but didn't realize was from the same school). What starts off as a way to deal with some unnecessary guilt becomes a hunt for someone responsible for at least one murder—and hopefully, Rocket.

WEATHERLY AND TRIXIE
I was a fan of Suzie Sanchez and didn't like it at all when that relationship fell apart, and I wished for more time with the doctor Bernie dated. But now that Quinn has brought Weatherly into the series, I'm glad that things between them and Bernie ended.

Weatherly's a great addition to the series period—someone in law enforcement that Bernie can talk shop with (who isn't a former colleague) and who can pitch in when Bernie needs backup. And their romantic relationship is better than Bernie's had before—there's a trust, an honesty that was missing with Suzie. Bernie's learned from his past mistakes and is making sure that he doesn't make them again. It's great to see.

I do feel back for Weatherly's dog Trixie, Chet's a jealous boy (we are learning), and he's not doing well with a female counterpart with similar strengths (maybe stronger in a couple of ways than Chet). Yes, she scores a few wins over our narrator, but his feelings toward her color what we're told about her, and she doesn't come out looking so good.

We've seen something like this with Shooter, Chet's son. But it's a little different with Shooter because there's a somewhat paternal aspect to Chet's description of him.

We know that Chet can get along with other dogs—but the extended time with Trixie is showing us another side of his personality. You wouldn't think you'd get that in a dog character, but it's good to see that Quinn can give us that.

BERNIE'S NOTORIETY
As he's visiting fellow alumni and other people associated with the case, several people mention how they'd read/seen something about him because of the events of Of Mutts and Men (although one harkened back to Heart of Barkness. I'm glad that there are people out there who know that Bernie Little is out there, doing good work. Most of the time in PI fiction, you get the idea that outside of those close to a case, no one notices that the PI we're so heavily invested in does anything of note.

But what's better to me is that Bernie's getting recognition for this case—one of the first things we learn about him 12 books ago is that he has very definite opinions about water usage and the local aquifer. From Chet, we get some ideas about other things that Bernie cares about, but from his own mouth, we know that he cares about Charlie, Chet, and water (and now, Weatherly). Of all the cases for him to get good PR for, this is the one that's going to mean something to Bernie.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT BARK TO THE FUTURE?
Not surprisingly, I liked it. I really did. We get a little character backstory here, we see Bernie as a good father (and a fumbling one), we see development in his relationship with Weatherly, we see the potential for a (small) income stream for Bernie outside the PI business, and there's an intriguing mystery or two for our heroes to dig their teeth into (literally, for Chet).

Starting with Of Mutts and Men that Quinn's found another gear. I can't put my finger on it—I wish I could—but there's something about the novels that have stepped up a notch or two. The series is always reliable, but these last few have been better than some of the previous. Bark to the Future continues that streak.

I heartily recommend this to you—if you haven't tried one from this series before, don't worry—they're all good entry points. Jump in now, you'll be glad you did.

Much like Chet and a Slim Jim, I've gulped this one down and am ready for my next one.

Another great romp through the desert with Chet and Bernie. As this series has progressed the plots have been getting better and better - this one involves a mysterious knife, murders, explosions and ever present danger. Reading these is like a visit with a dear friend. Chet, the canine half of the Little Detective Agency, narrates the adventures he has with Bernie - his human with an innocence that is touching and laugh-out-loud funny. The dialog is great, the story well paced and the characters are....well I am madly in love with Chet!

Bark to the Future: A Chet & Bernie Mystery by Spencer Quinn is such a good mystery and addition to the Chet & Bernie series. This is the 13th book in the series, and it did not disappoint. I've read all the Chet & Bernie books, and each one is entertaining and original. I love the humor intertwined in the drama. It's always fun to ride along with these characters. Chet is such a lovable dog, and I wish he were real. Chet is actually the story's narrator and always brings an interesting perspective to the storyline.

I love these books, and I highly recommend reading them. A great series, and Bark to the Future is a great addition.

#BarktotheFuture #NetGalley @MacmillanUSA

Chet (the dog) and Bernie Little (the human and a private detective) have just chosen their new Porsch. Well, new isn't exactly accurate but it's new for them. This is actually the oldest model Bernie has ever bought and it is rumored to have something not exactly legal in the restoration of the engine. To test it out these two chums hit the highway and floor that accelerator. Yep, probably not a legal upgrade but all it takes is for Bernie to get used to the pedal. While waiting at a traffic light Bernie offers some money to a homeless man and stirs up a real hornet's nest. It seems that Rocket - the homeless guy - and Bernie had a connection in high school and Bernie wants to find out what happened to Rocket to have him begging on the side of a highway. When the two come back to the same spot the next day, Rocket is gone, and nobody seems to know or care what happened to him. Time for the Little Detective Agency to get to work.

Book 13 in this series! Gosh, that seems hard to believe. I've read them all and have enjoyed each one, some more than others, but I've never found a true clunker, so I feel secure in reading each one as it is released. This story covers those high school years which can be so traumatic, and Bernie makes contact with ex-classmates he hasn't seen in many years. Naturally a crime takes place and Bernie and Chet set out to solve it. If you are not familiar with this series, Chet is the narrator and one of the things I love most about this series is just that aspect. If you've ever owned a dog and found yourself wondering why he's doing something strange...this novel will be just the ticket for you. These stories are light and fun but do transition into darker subject matter when dealing with crimes, usually in the form of murder.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan - Tor/Forge Books for an e-galley of this novel.

partners, dog, law-enforcement, ex-cop, ex-military, private-investigators, snarky, situational-humor, verbal-humor, failed-k-9, homelessness, murder, investigation, missing-persons, attempted-murder, suspense*****

Chet and his favorite human, Bernie Little are partners in the Little Detective Agency.
If you've never had a K-9 failure tell you about a difficult case he and his partner PI Bernie Little survived, you've missed a lot! Chet tells all from his own unique perspective.
Nostalgia isn't all it's cracked up to be. Chet meets up with an old teammate from high school, now down on his luck, and feels the need to help him. But then the guy disappears and the trail seems to bring out others, some of whom get murdered along the way.
There are plot twists and red herrings, but all of the characters are engaging, interesting, and occasionally evil. Just not the good guys, sometimes they are a bit clueless, but never evil. A great series and full of laughs! And each is capable of being stand alone.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Macmillan-Tor/Forge Forge Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

Chet and Bernie are “ right up there” with Nick snd Nora, Archie and Nero Wolfe and Sherlock Holmes and Dr. watson as successful and memorable detective duos.

If I could, I would read Spencer Quinn’s books in one sitting. . . They are so hard to put down. Just when I think that tales of a detective dog might get tiresome, I fall head over heels in love with Chet and Bernie all over again.
This latest book was no exception. It highlights Bernie’s compassion and disregard for material success, which is one of his most interesting facets to me.

Netgalley provided me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid r3view.

This was my first read by this author and in this series. I'm a dog lover so I was intrigued that the narrator is a dog. That character is really interesting and draws you in/keeps you engaged in the story. I see why Stephen King recommends this series.

I really love this series! Spencer Quinn has a remarkable gift of portraying Chet- a magnificent dog/sleuth with a voice all his own. Of course Bernie is an amazing PI too! There are lots of red herrings in this very entertaining read. I honestly can’t wait for the next one!

I have followed Chet and Bernie’s mystery series from book one, Dog On It. Every single book in this series is a winner! I love this series so much I even named my dog Quinn after Spencer Quinn. I urge all my dog-loving friends to read this series. How wonderful to have a chance to once again hear Chet the dog’s inner voice as he helps Bernie solve another mystery in Bark to the Future.

Bark to the Future involves two of my favorite fictional characters - Bernie (the person) and Chet (the dog.) Part of the delight of this book (which is part of a series) are the observations of life from Chet's perspective.

This mystery is about an old high school friend of Bernie, Rocket - who he runs into and finds is really down on his luck. Bernie and Chet take the man out for a meal and re-connect on a certain level. Bernie goes to the homeless encampment to hook up with the man but he is missing.

In the search to find Rocket, Bernie goes back to his old high school pals but quickly realizes that there are a lot of people who prefer that he is never found.

Bernie has to reassess everything in the past and try to think ab out ways that his memories may have been misinterpreted,

Thanks to Netgalley for the arc