A Fistful of Collars
A Chet and Bernie Mystery
by Spencer Quinn
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on Amazon
Buy on BN.com
Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Sep 11 2012 | Archive Date Dec 12 2012
Simon & Schuster, Inc. | Atria Books
Description
Chet the dog and Bernie, his private investigator companion, are back in the New York Times bestselling mystery series as they investigate a movie star with a shady past.
Everyone’s favorite detective team returns in a new adventure as canine narrator Chet and his human partner P.I. Bernie Little find that Hollywood has gone to the dogs.
Hoping to bring some Tinseltown money to the Valley, the mayor lures a movie studio to town to shoot their next production, a big-budget Western in the classic tradition. The star is none other than ruggedly handsome—and notoriously badly behaved—Thad Perry. When the mayor decides that someone needs to keep an eye on Thad so that he doesn’t get into too much trouble, Bernie and Chet are handpicked for the job. The money is good but something smells fishy, and what should have been a simple matter of babysitting soon gets more complicated—especially when they discover that Thad has a mysterious connection to the Valley that nobody wants to talk about. What kind of secret could Thad have left behind when he went to Hollywood to seek fame and fortune? The only people who might know the answer have a bad habit of turning up dead before they can talk.
As Bernie’s relationship with his longtime girlfriend Suzie goes long-distance, and Chet’s late-night assignations appear to have resulted in an unexpected dividend, it’s all our two sleuths can do to keep Thad and his motley entourage of yes-men, handlers, and hangers-on in their sights. Worst of all, Thad is a self-proclaimed cat person, and his feline friend Brando has taken an instant dislike to Chet.
Like the winning books before it, this fifth book in the series combines a top-notch mystery with genuine humor and a perceptive take on the relationship between human and dog that will stay with you long after the case is solved.
Everyone’s favorite detective team returns in a new adventure as canine narrator Chet and his human partner P.I. Bernie Little find that Hollywood has gone to the dogs.
Hoping to bring some Tinseltown money to the Valley, the mayor lures a movie studio to town to shoot their next production, a big-budget Western in the classic tradition. The star is none other than ruggedly handsome—and notoriously badly behaved—Thad Perry. When the mayor decides that someone needs to keep an eye on Thad so that he doesn’t get into too much trouble, Bernie and Chet are handpicked for the job. The money is good but something smells fishy, and what should have been a simple matter of babysitting soon gets more complicated—especially when they discover that Thad has a mysterious connection to the Valley that nobody wants to talk about. What kind of secret could Thad have left behind when he went to Hollywood to seek fame and fortune? The only people who might know the answer have a bad habit of turning up dead before they can talk.
As Bernie’s relationship with his longtime girlfriend Suzie goes long-distance, and Chet’s late-night assignations appear to have resulted in an unexpected dividend, it’s all our two sleuths can do to keep Thad and his motley entourage of yes-men, handlers, and hangers-on in their sights. Worst of all, Thad is a self-proclaimed cat person, and his feline friend Brando has taken an instant dislike to Chet.
Like the winning books before it, this fifth book in the series combines a top-notch mystery with genuine humor and a perceptive take on the relationship between human and dog that will stay with you long after the case is solved.
Advance Praise
Praise for THE DOG WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
“A charming tale.”
—People
“Outstanding….intelligent writing and on-the-mark pacing and tone.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Human cunning and canine smarts triumph once again.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A thoroughly entertaining comic mystery. A must-read, of course, for everyone who likes a canine presence in their crime novels.”
—Booklist
Praise for TO FETCH A THIEF
“Terrific. . . . Quinn radiates pure comedic genius via Chet's doggy bright narrative. You don't have to be a dog lover to enjoy this deliciously addictive series.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“If you like Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich, hop on this train. . . . TO FETCH A THIEF is every bit as good as the first two.”
—LA Times Magazine
“Tender-hearted Chet and literal-minded Bernie are the coolest human/pooch duo this side of Wallace and Gromit.”
—Kirkus Reviews
Praise for THEREBY HANGS A TAIL
“Chet’s doggy point of view is refreshing and consistent. . . . His narration pulls the reader along as if on a leash. . . . Fast-moving and fun. Expect this series to become the hot new thing in animal mysteries.”
—Booklist
“Another refreshing spin. . . . Chet makes a clever narrator . . . and Quinn manages to keep things both humorous and suspenseful while delivering a proper, satisfying whodunit.”
—Publishers Weekly
“For all mystery lovers, even those with cats.”
—Library Journal
“The most winning detective duo since Shaggy met Scooby. . . . Quinn mixes suspense and humor as Chet tries to puzzle out humans’ odd ways.”
—Christian Science Monitor
Praise for DOG ON IT:
"Spencer Quinn speaks two languages—suspense and dog—very 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
“A detective, a dog, and some major league prose. DOG ON IT is a genuine joy.”
—Robert B. Parker
"LOVE this book. I devoured it in one night. It was so much fun. It was like Philip Marlowe working for Mma Ramotswe from The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency spun out by Charlotte on her beautiful web."
—Cathleen Schine, author of The New Yorkers and The Love Letter
"Sit and stay! Meet Chet, who lives a dog's life—eating steak with A-1 sauce and riding shotgun in a Porsche. You're going to love DOG ON IT as much as I did, because it confirms what every dog fan has long suspected—that our dogs are not only more fun than we are, they're smarter!
—Lisa Scottoline
"Bernie and Chet may be the most appealing detective duo since Watson and Holmes."
—Sharon Kay Penman
“I love this book. I love Chet. You don't have to be a dog-lover, though, to find DOG ON IT an exciting, stylish page-turner and a true breath of fresh air. The idea of a private-eye series starring—and narrated by—a dog is brilliant, and I wish I'd thought of it. Then again, I don't think I, or anyone else, could have pulled it off. Spencer Quinn is a remarkable new talent.”
—Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling author of Power Play and Paranoia
"A winning debut...that fans of classic mysteries are sure to appreciate."
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Stalwart, often mischevious narrator Chet's amusing, perceptive canine take on [the novel's] human characters should appeal to hard-boiled fans and canine fanciers alike."
—Kirkus Reviews
"[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 us 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)
"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 recommend."
—Library Journal (starred review)
"Nothing short of masterful…. Sequels are a given, and a must."
—Los Angeles Times
"[DOG ON IT] features the most winning narrator I’ve come across in a long time...[and] manages to ratchet up some real suspense."
—Christian Science Monitor
"I'm not a dog fancier, but I had a great time reading this book.... Chet is a hoot—or should I say a howl."
—Boston Globe
'Try to imagine the personality of Jim Rockford or Philip Marlowe somehow fused with one of Edgar Sawtelle's dogs and you get a clear picture of Chet's outlook…[Dog On It is] sweetly engaging…and wonderfully entertaining.'
—The Denver Post
“Readers will love Chet’s ruminations on steak, bacon, chew toys and cats. Adorable describes this character-driven novel, which is also well-written and nicely paced. . . . Even cat lovers will howl with delight.”
—USA Today
“A charming tale.”
—People
“Outstanding….intelligent writing and on-the-mark pacing and tone.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Human cunning and canine smarts triumph once again.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A thoroughly entertaining comic mystery. A must-read, of course, for everyone who likes a canine presence in their crime novels.”
—Booklist
Praise for TO FETCH A THIEF
“Terrific. . . . Quinn radiates pure comedic genius via Chet's doggy bright narrative. You don't have to be a dog lover to enjoy this deliciously addictive series.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“If you like Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich, hop on this train. . . . TO FETCH A THIEF is every bit as good as the first two.”
—LA Times Magazine
“Tender-hearted Chet and literal-minded Bernie are the coolest human/pooch duo this side of Wallace and Gromit.”
—Kirkus Reviews
Praise for THEREBY HANGS A TAIL
“Chet’s doggy point of view is refreshing and consistent. . . . His narration pulls the reader along as if on a leash. . . . Fast-moving and fun. Expect this series to become the hot new thing in animal mysteries.”
—Booklist
“Another refreshing spin. . . . Chet makes a clever narrator . . . and Quinn manages to keep things both humorous and suspenseful while delivering a proper, satisfying whodunit.”
—Publishers Weekly
“For all mystery lovers, even those with cats.”
—Library Journal
“The most winning detective duo since Shaggy met Scooby. . . . Quinn mixes suspense and humor as Chet tries to puzzle out humans’ odd ways.”
—Christian Science Monitor
Praise for DOG ON IT:
"Spencer Quinn speaks two languages—suspense and dog—very 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
“A detective, a dog, and some major league prose. DOG ON IT is a genuine joy.”
—Robert B. Parker
"LOVE this book. I devoured it in one night. It was so much fun. It was like Philip Marlowe working for Mma Ramotswe from The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency spun out by Charlotte on her beautiful web."
—Cathleen Schine, author of The New Yorkers and The Love Letter
"Sit and stay! Meet Chet, who lives a dog's life—eating steak with A-1 sauce and riding shotgun in a Porsche. You're going to love DOG ON IT as much as I did, because it confirms what every dog fan has long suspected—that our dogs are not only more fun than we are, they're smarter!
—Lisa Scottoline
"Bernie and Chet may be the most appealing detective duo since Watson and Holmes."
—Sharon Kay Penman
“I love this book. I love Chet. You don't have to be a dog-lover, though, to find DOG ON IT an exciting, stylish page-turner and a true breath of fresh air. The idea of a private-eye series starring—and narrated by—a dog is brilliant, and I wish I'd thought of it. Then again, I don't think I, or anyone else, could have pulled it off. Spencer Quinn is a remarkable new talent.”
—Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling author of Power Play and Paranoia
"A winning debut...that fans of classic mysteries are sure to appreciate."
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Stalwart, often mischevious narrator Chet's amusing, perceptive canine take on [the novel's] human characters should appeal to hard-boiled fans and canine fanciers alike."
—Kirkus Reviews
"[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 us 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)
"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 recommend."
—Library Journal (starred review)
"Nothing short of masterful…. Sequels are a given, and a must."
—Los Angeles Times
"[DOG ON IT] features the most winning narrator I’ve come across in a long time...[and] manages to ratchet up some real suspense."
—Christian Science Monitor
"I'm not a dog fancier, but I had a great time reading this book.... Chet is a hoot—or should I say a howl."
—Boston Globe
'Try to imagine the personality of Jim Rockford or Philip Marlowe somehow fused with one of Edgar Sawtelle's dogs and you get a clear picture of Chet's outlook…[Dog On It is] sweetly engaging…and wonderfully entertaining.'
—The Denver Post
“Readers will love Chet’s ruminations on steak, bacon, chew toys and cats. Adorable describes this character-driven novel, which is also well-written and nicely paced. . . . Even cat lovers will howl with delight.”
—USA Today
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781451665161 |
| PRICE | $25.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 320 |
Links
Readers who liked this book also liked:
The Strange Case of Jane O.
Karen Thompson Walker
General Fiction (Adult), Literary Fiction, Sci Fi & Fantasy
Karen Thompson Walker
General Fiction (Adult), Literary Fiction, Sci Fi & Fantasy
