I've been a huge fan of Rosenfelt's for years- but this is actually the first time that I have listened to the audio version of one of his fictional bI've been a huge fan of Rosenfelt's for years- but this is actually the first time that I have listened to the audio version of one of his fictional books. I always read them to share my copy with my dad, who is as big of a Rosenfelt fan as I am. But, when I got the chance to listen to this one, I decided to give it a whirl! And I really enjoyed listening! Rosenfelt's characteristic humor had me laughing out loud as I listened while getting some things done around the house. The performer perfectly hit the right notes with the humor and the banter. I really enjoyed listening - though since Rosenfelt's chapters aren't numbered, it would have been difficult to switch between the audio and another format.
As for the mystery itself, the detective group is hired by the police department to consult on cold cases. They start with the disappearance of two people from a high school reunion a number of years earlier. As they work the case, it seems to spring it all back to life, with threats, more bodies and plenty of excitement. It's a quick and entertaining listen. I was always eager to get back to listening (if it did mean folding laundry) and greatly enjoyed seeing all of these familiar characters. I do prefer the Andy Carpenter series to this one (I like the courtroom drama), but I do thoroughly enjoy this series as well. The plot especially takes some surprising turns. It was fun to see Marcus in a new light here, too. And always, I enjoyed seeing the love of dogs that shines through each and everyone of Rosenfelt's books. He's a talented author and definitely one of my favorites! I especially appreciate what a prolific writer that he is with each year at least two and sometimes three books coming out! I always finish them quickly and am always eager for the next one! ...more
I really enjoyed this YA Fantasy novel! Set in an inhospitable and icy world, Sena, orphaned at seventeen, lives mostly alone as best she can by stealI really enjoyed this YA Fantasy novel! Set in an inhospitable and icy world, Sena, orphaned at seventeen, lives mostly alone as best she can by stealing to survive as she dreams of a score large enough to secure a ticket off world. When she crosses the wrong mob boss, she's forced to make connections once again - and to heal a fighter wolf. I just love the bond that grows between the pair and as Sena's own character grows and develops throughout the book. She is adamantly against the annual race that took her mothers' lives, but soon it becomes clear that she cannot avoid it any longer.
The sledding and the different creatures they encounter adds to the fun. There's some violence, but nothing too graphic. And this is a YA Fantasy that is remarkably free of romance - a real oddity and a nice breath of fresh air! Though Sena at first makes a lot of poor decisions, she really comes into her own throughout the course of the book and I really think that this would make for a good first book in a series! There is definitely room for a sequel and I sincerely hope that this isn't the last that we see of Sena, Iska and Remy! This is an impressive debut novel and I think that Long inserts some important environmental messages that will resonate with readers of all ages. I really enjoyed this one and even if Long's second book is unconnected to this one, I am definitely planning on reading it!...more
I honestly can't believe that this series is on its 24th installment! The Andy Carpenter series has been one of my favorite series for such a long timI honestly can't believe that this series is on its 24th installment! The Andy Carpenter series has been one of my favorite series for such a long time now - and this is definitely one of the funniest yet! I laughed out loud in numerous places. I just love Rosenfelt's sense of humor. The series regulars assemble in this holiday backdropped mystery after Tara discovers a body. Andy and Tara uncover a corpse in the snow at their local park. When local newspaper editor and friend, Vince, learns that his ex-protoge has been arrested, he begs Andy to take on the case. The more Andy and his team chase down the truth, the more explosive the story gets!
This one had me gasping in surprise in between laughing out loud! It's an engaging read and just a genuine joy. I really love this series so much and I always look forward to the next new installment - I already can't wait to see what will happen in Book #25!...more
Part memoir, part tribute to her inspirational mother, Zaleski also includes many anecdotes about some of the residents of her animal rescue, named thPart memoir, part tribute to her inspirational mother, Zaleski also includes many anecdotes about some of the residents of her animal rescue, named the Funny Farm. She relates her childhood and the build-up to the current 15-acre property that currently homes hundreds of rescue animals - along with Laurie herself. It's a riveting read - the type of nonfiction that reads with the flow of fiction. It's funny, but also moving, emotional and definitely tear-inducing. Overall, despite the tears, it is an uplifting read. And I am sure that the finished book will include some photos - though with the help of Google, I was able to pull plenty along the way. I had never heard of this New Jersey rescue organization until I was invited to read this one and I am so glad that I did! It's well-written and a good balance between the author's life, her rescue's mission and the residents. If I am ever in the area, I definitely plan on visiting! ...more
This is an impressive - and definitely different - sort of debut novel. An unnamed wife and mother narrates this odd tale that opens up with an inexplThis is an impressive - and definitely different - sort of debut novel. An unnamed wife and mother narrates this odd tale that opens up with an inexplicable new patch of hair on the back of her neck and the sudden feeling that she just might be turning into a dog.
But alongside this odd tale of transformation, and discovery, there is a lot of discussion and interior monologue around motherhood especially, but also womanhood. I think that there is plenty here to spark some seriously lively discussion. The narrator is a former artist but with her attention on her young son and her engineer husband's work schedule that puts him away from home Monday through Friday, she has little time (or energy) for much else - until her path of discovery takes her life in a new direction.
It's certainly a modern novel but one that I think many women will find something here to relate to. Although the scene with the cat may be a bit too much for some readers. I don't think this edgy read will appeal to all, but I did enjoy it - though I certainly wasn't sure what to expect going in. I am definitely curious to see what Yoder will follow this one up with - and am even more curious to see if the film rights that were sold actually get produced into a film. It will be curious to see what approach they take in a future adaptation! ...more
The second installment in the Mace Reid series is solidly exciting! Set in Chicago, this one has a more corruption/political plot line one that harkenThe second installment in the Mace Reid series is solidly exciting! Set in Chicago, this one has a more corruption/political plot line one that harkens back to an older Chicago. And it almost has a TV series feel to it at first, with Mace's special psychic-smeller golden retriever putting her skills to good use in solving crimes, when they stumble into a much bigger plot.
With some surprising twists to the plot and heart-in-throat tension at the climax, this one is quite hard to put down! I just loved it! There's humor, excitement and a love of dogs that fills the page. I also really appreciate the way the setting feels so accurate - I just love anything set here at home! And I am already excited to see where the series will go next!
Burton's writing reminds me a bit of David Rosenfelt's - the mob plot here is also a commonality between many books in the Andy Carpenter series. So I think that this will definitely appeal to fans of that series! There's more variety of dogs here, too! It would be fun to see an Australian Cattle Dog added to the mix!! ...more
I just love the Andy Carpenter series and I'm always excited to pick his latest book up! This 23rd installment is full of the usual humor, excitement I just love the Andy Carpenter series and I'm always excited to pick his latest book up! This 23rd installment is full of the usual humor, excitement and a twisty plot full of surprises. The book opens up with Andy and Laurie witnessing a stranger abusing a pug - but before they (okay, well, Laurie) can intervene, a different stranger steps in and rescues the dog, although it leads to him being extradited to Maine on a murder charge.
Andy goes to Maine (where the real David Rosenfelt resides - he even inserts himself here in a rather meta moment) and ends up taking the case, never being able to leave a fellow dog-lover undefended in court. It's exciting, fast-paced and just a genuinely fun read! I loved every page of it! I had such a good time reading it that I really couldn't put it down! All of the regular characters show up here - and if you start here, I don't think that too much of the series is really given away - though, of course, I do recommend starting with the very first book, OPEN AND SHUT. This is such a fantastic series and I can't hardly believe that it's already the 23rd book in the series - already can't wait for number 24!!...more
Any book involving dogs grabs my attention and this one sounded fun. The novel revolves around three main characters in Brighton - and their dogs. CanAny book involving dogs grabs my attention and this one sounded fun. The novel revolves around three main characters in Brighton - and their dogs. Cantankerous George grieves the loss of his wife - through anger and annoyance more than anything else. And while he may be off-putting initially, he can be surprisingly funny in his sections. Twenty-five year old Dan is a counselor who has some of his own growing up to do as he learns more about himself through the steady counsel of his faithful dog. Meanwhile, Lizzie faces her own challenging family situation. Their lives barely intersect, but the dogs are a constant throughout each section.
The novel moves surprisingly quickly considering it is most certainly not plot-driven. Waller made me laugh and cry here. The characters - and their relationships - all comets life. There aren't really surprises plot-wise as this really is a character-centric novel, but I didn't want it to end - always a good sign. I grew to like all of the characters and just didn't want to say goodbye to them.
While the dogs' presence provides a nice link between the characters, they really aren't quite the focus that I expected them to be. But they do provide a sort of backbone to the book and unites them all a bit more. The ending is satisfying, though I wanted it to keep going. I imagine that the audio version would be great, too! I am definitely curious to see what Waller will write next!...more
David Rosenfelt has been one of my favorite authors for well over a decade now and I'm always looking forward to reading his latest book (and to add tDavid Rosenfelt has been one of my favorite authors for well over a decade now and I'm always looking forward to reading his latest book (and to add to the fun, my dad really enjoys the series as well and also keeps up-to-date with it!). This one marks the second entry in the spin-off series, The K Team. While Andy Carpenter is heavily involved here, Corey, the retired police officer partnered with the ex-K9 cop, Simon, is the main narrator. But with a lot of the same humor and sports references, this series shares a similar feel to the Andy Carpenter one.
The central case involves a murdered woman who Corey had wished that he had done more to help when he was still employed. He gathers their investigation team to dig into her death - but soon events spiral in an unexpected direction, putting the K Team under more pressure than ever!
Fast-paced and fun, it's an enjoyable read with some funny moments to break up the tension. Plus, there's a lot of love for dogs in this series, too, as you would expect from Rosenfelt. This one is well-plotted, too, with some truly unexpected twists! Engaging and quick, I am left to wait for more from Rosenfelt - in either series (or even more standalones!). He's a talented author and a prolific one, so I am hopeful that the wait won't be too long!...more
I must admit, after reading the introduction to this one, I had to pause and look to see if I had Dr. Marty's first book already on my shelves, becausI must admit, after reading the introduction to this one, I had to pause and look to see if I had Dr. Marty's first book already on my shelves, because a lot of this felt so familiar. But, it turns out that this is my first experience with him! Some readers may be familiar with Dr. Marty through his appearance on Oprah or from his SiriusXM show on Martha Stewart's channel - or even from his own pet products. This book, though, references the fame that Dr. Marty has achieved, but it's not the focus of the book - nor does this feel like an extended informercial to push his own line of products. He outlines his own tenets for healthy pets - revised and updated from his 1999 book. It sounds like there is some overlap between the two volumes, but I think that this will feel more relevant and modern - as it is written in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and makes direct references to that in several places.
Dr. Marty is pro-raw food for pets with some home cooking as well and he errs on the side of caution in regards to vaccines. The book is an interesting read with some miraculous sounding anecdotes - though some may find equal amounts of awe in how much wealthy clients have spent on private jets for pets, attaining foreign equipment and foods for their well-being. It's also the first time that I have heard of a vet buying a pet from an actual pet store and not an adoption event! So, I think some may not be as impressed with this one. But, I do think that a holistic approach to health makes sense for many pets. I had hoped that he would have gone into even more detail into the supplements. We have a now senior dog and we have been giving him vitamins for years - so I wanted more from that angle. It would have also been nice to have some more down-to-earth examples of caring for pets, as not everyone has access to a private jet in the case of an emergency. ...more
I've been a fan of Wilson's for years now - particularly of her dog-centric books like this one. And I really and truly loved this one!! So much that I've been a fan of Wilson's for years now - particularly of her dog-centric books like this one. And I really and truly loved this one!! So much that when I realized that this is actually a spin-off of Wilson's 2003 novel, The Fortune Teller's Daughter, I immediately found a way to get a copy of this out-of-print title into my hands. Main character, Ruby Heartwood is a genuine psychic and on a stormy spring evening in Harmony Falls, Massachusetts, she crosses paths with a very unique King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. Her abilities suddenly expand to allow Ruby remarkably clear communication with the small dog. What she doesn't expect is that this new relationship will open Ruby up more than she ever expected and leads her to be able to get all that she ever wanted. It's such a fun read! Absolutely magically entertaining! I am so excited to read the book that focuses more on Sabine, too! And I am looking forward to seeing what Wilson writes next! But I do think that this is probably my very favorite of all of her books so far! It's an uplifting and sweet read - with some sad parts, too, but still an overwhelmingly positive book and one that I quite thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish! Wilson is a talented author who certainly seems to really "get" dogs and loves them. This would be right up just about any dog lover's alley, if you are looking for a good book to give as a gift!...more
As a huge dog lover, I am so happy to have read this book! I actually previously read one of the titles that this one references a few times - The LosAs a huge dog lover, I am so happy to have read this book! I actually previously read one of the titles that this one references a few times - The Lost History of the Canine Race. A few of the historical points overlap from there to here, but it fits in well here and is well presented.
First of all, every page here makes it clear how much the authors, the founders of Just Food For Dogs, really and truly care about dogs. And the horrors of some of the conditions, processes and acceptable risks within "Big Kibble" is certainly appalling. I think the book would have been stronger with a lot less personal bias, though. In many ways, this book serves as an extended infomercial into their own company - and while they don't throw their direct competition under the bus, they don't hesitate to admonish Big Kibble - and smaller companies (apparently it's only a matter of time before they fold or are bought out by one of these conglomerations). And while I went in with a slightly superior attitude because the food we provide our dog does come from a locally sourced, family-owned company, even this brand was part of a recall of a different variety of food than what we purchase. I also appreciate the way this book encourages pet parents to really dive into these companies and really research (I probably spent more time researching our dog's food than some of the human food we consume!).
I think this book does a great job of raising awareness and making dog lovers more cautious of what they present to their dogs. And while this book focuses on meals, I think that I will be spending separate time researching cookies and treats, too! The book maintains a pretty tight focus throughout, but I do wish that they had covered more about these "extras" (though maybe their company doesn't provide these?). I also deeply appreciate their sharing of their own recipes. It is certainly the kind of trasparency not many companies provide! Another topic that I wish had been included was vitamin like supplements. We have a now senior dog, and I have definitely seen the impact that joint-specific vitamins have made.
I also really appreciated the table food myths and other frequently asked questions chapter. There is a lot of information here and I think this is something to a responsible pet owner should investigate for themselves. It's definitely dog focused though - cats are mentioned a few times. And while some readers may be put off by the self-congratulatory attitudes that creep in, I think that this aligns with their own passion for what they do and what they have created. There's a good sales pitch in here - but also a lot of compelling evidence to back it up. ...more
I have long loved the Andy Carpenter series - it's pretty light-hearted and each installment is a genuine joy to read. In the past few years or so, a I have long loved the Andy Carpenter series - it's pretty light-hearted and each installment is a genuine joy to read. In the past few years or so, a Christmas mystery has been added (like all good long-running series!), and while the series as a whole doesn't always progress for the characters, each book remains a guaranteed good time. This one introduces some new characters that sound like they will be continuing on in the series - like Eddie Dowd. He's a likable addition!
The mystery here draws Andy in because of his partner, Willie, who has an ex-con friend arrested for murder. The friend, of course, is a dog lover and has adopted one from the Tara Foundation (the rescue Willie and Andy run). The body count is a little high for the holidays - but there are plenty of moments of Rosenfelt's funny comments and observations to balance the blood. I laughed out loud, even teared up (not a norm for the series!). The plot itself holds some surprises, too (though I actually did guess the identity of the killer pretty early on - so it was nice to be right, though there are some twists that I didn't see coming). As always, finishing this one leave me anxious for the next book!...more
Another topic that I just can't resist is feral children... and combined with my love of dogs, as soon as I saw the cover of this YA dystopian fantasyAnother topic that I just can't resist is feral children... and combined with my love of dogs, as soon as I saw the cover of this YA dystopian fantasy, I knew that I had to read it. And I loved every page of it! Jeet is the young narrator here - tasked with writing an account of his seaside town and their ongoing war with the Day - a stronger, better supplied and more multiplied people. Jeet is one of the few dogs children in the town. Stolen by dogs, then re-captured by people and "humanized," Jeet provides a unique perspective. HIs story of a crippled, struggling post-apocalyptic world is engaging and downright fascinating from the very start. The whole world comes to life and it is such an exciting and compelling read. I really couldn't put it down! I loved the premise, the way that the relationships grown and develop and the action-packed plot! I really enjoyed this! Stylistically, there are a few things that are a bit distracting at first (the way contractions are handled), it is easy to get used to this. I am not sure if Brooks intends to write a sequel, but I certainly hope so! And I am eager to check out his books for adults as well! ...more
I was so excited about this book as soon as I first heard about it! Being a doglover, and having spent most of my life living in and around Chicago, tI was so excited about this book as soon as I first heard about it! Being a doglover, and having spent most of my life living in and around Chicago, this one seemed tailor-made for me! The main character, Mason or "Mace" Reed trains dogs, particularly cadaver dogs and the series begins with his new partnership with a very special golden retriever.
It's a fast-paced and engaging read, involving a nefarious serial killer, Mace and his dogs and I had a very hard time putting this down! I do wish that there had been a little bit more realism to some of the locations (Egg River rest stop?!) and I am surprised that Mace doesn't take more flak for being a Cubs fan on the Southside... but otherwise, this didn't strike me as inauthentic the way some book set in Chicago do. And I am sure that some less well-known suburbs will be glad to have a shout-out as well!
Burton offers different perspectives - from both the villain and the heroes - and though this does somewhat detract from the mystery of it all, it doesn't really negate any of the suspense. In some ways this allows for a short-cut sort of approach to include more details, which I did appreciate. Mace is a bit remiscient of Andy Carpenter, though he's not quite as funny. Still, this definitely makes for a solid foundation for a new series - and I definitely do plan on following this series in the future! ...more
As always, I am excited to get my hands on the latest installment of the Andy Carpenter series - and this one doesn't disappoint! It follows the usualAs always, I am excited to get my hands on the latest installment of the Andy Carpenter series - and this one doesn't disappoint! It follows the usual sort of formula for the series with Andy's love of dogs inevitably bringing him into a new case. In this instance, a fellow dog lover reaches out about an unusual phone call - in tracking down a dog's owner, she is certain that she has found the original owner... who had recently been in the newspaper for dying in a boat explosion along with two other colleagues from his pharmaceutical company.
What follows is a fast-paced and exciting read that I could hardly put down! As usual, there's plenty of Andy's signature humor, fun regular characters, short chapters and some quite unexpected turns to the plot! I must admit to having a few moments of deja vu while reading this one - but I think that his most likely from having read all of Rosenfelt's books that they are starting to feel familiar even when they are new! I don't think that this one specifically reminded me of any one novel in particular from the backlog. And unlike many long series, I really don't think that there's too much harm in diving in right here! Yes, I am glad to have read them in order, but there's not much given away about the earlier novels. And as usual, upon finishing, I am always eager to read the next one! ...more
This is the first book in the spin-off series to the Andy Carpenter series that was set up in Dachshund Through The Snow - of the investigation team cThis is the first book in the spin-off series to the Andy Carpenter series that was set up in Dachshund Through The Snow - of the investigation team comprised of Laurie (Andy's wife), Marcus (the muscle and deus ex machina of the regular series) and Corey, the retired cop and partner of the German Shepherd, Simon, that Andy represented in the past. And though Andy's POV is not included here, he still plays a pretty large role, so I am not sure that this is a very far spin-off, really. Instead of Andy's voice, the main perspective is Corey's - which isn't that dissimilar to Andy, as the humor is pretty similar and there are perhaps a few (and only a few) less sports analogies.
The plot here takes some unexpected turns as the K Team takes on their first case at the behest of Carpenter series regular, Judge "Hatchet" Henderson. With a high body count and many familiar faces, this is an engaging read. I did enjoy it - and it had be gasping in the end. I do wish that more of the team had their perspectives. I wasn't really expecting Corey to be the main voice of the team. He is likable, but not really as charming as Andy. Still, this is a fast and fun read and as usual, I am anxious to see what Rosenfelt writes next! He remains one of my favorite authors! ...more
About five years ago, I read and thoroughly enjoyed Johnson's Ice Dogs, so when I saw that she had a new sledding adventure coming out, I was so excitAbout five years ago, I read and thoroughly enjoyed Johnson's Ice Dogs, so when I saw that she had a new sledding adventure coming out, I was so excited to read it! This is definitely a one-sitting read for older readers, and one that younger readers may keep asking for "just one more chapter". I loved this middle grade book - a tough genre to have appeal to old and young readers alike!
Fourteen year old McKenna loves to race her dog team, but this year she's suddenly started having problems with her vision. Her younger sister, Emma, has severely compromised vision from Stargardt disease. And while McKenna hadn't been diagnosed previously, she has certainly noticed the recent degradation of her vision. But, she has also seen how the diagnosis has impacted her sister and their parents. McKenna doesn't want anyone to know the truth about her failing vision - and she wants to keep racing her dogs and being independent!
The disease definitely overshadows the story, but in a positive and not depressing way like some similar books (anyone remember Lurlene McDaniel books??). The dogs and McKenna's budding friendship with a competitor, Guy, along with the letters both past and present that were delivered along this Ontario mail route, brighten up the story and really make it fun. The relationships are quickly built - and all of the characters come fully to life. The story is both heart-warming and exciting. I loved every minute of it it! And I am definitely looking forward to seeing what Johnson will write next! I just loved this mail race and for a shorter novel, Johnson manages to cram in a lot of motivations and personalities.
I grew up loving movies like Iron Will, and I think that there is definitely a cinematic quality to this story! Truly an excellent book that hovers right at that edge of Middle Grade/Young Adult and still appeals to adults. Excellent!! ...more
I've read and enjoyed several of Wilson's books in the past - plus, I am an absolute sucker for fiction revolving around dogs! Largely split between tI've read and enjoyed several of Wilson's books in the past - plus, I am an absolute sucker for fiction revolving around dogs! Largely split between two narrators, Rosie is from Boston, but a bad relationship ends up sending her to prison. Meghan is a veteran who returns home from her third tour of duty severely injured. A dog brings these two women together, but this is far from the only dog in the story. There's also a mythic sort of dog as well as other service animals.
This book moves along at a pretty consistent pace through as it explores both women's lives - and how their pasts brought them to their presents and how their dogs have brought them to new beginnings. The ending felt a bit abrupt to me - but I suppose that could just be because I wanted even more from their stories and their futures. I wasn't ready to say goodbye! There were a few times some of the phone calls didn't always follow logic, but other than that, this is an emotional and enjoyable read that I really couldn't put down. It's best enjoyed with a dog curled up next to you - but make sure to have the tissues handy before you get too cozy! I may mot have sobbed while reading this, but I definitely teared up a few times! I am looking forward to seeing what Wilson does next! ...more
I can't believe that this is the 20th installment to the Andy Carpenter series! This is definitely a great addition to the series - as always Andy's hI can't believe that this is the 20th installment to the Andy Carpenter series! This is definitely a great addition to the series - as always Andy's humorous narration combines nicely with a twisting plot that holds some genuine surprises. Plus, this time there are two new dogs - Andy represents one dog in court, and then later represents the owner of the titular dachshund in a murder conviction.
Like the other entrants to the series, this one is fast-paced and a lot of fun to read. And despite the seasonal title, it isn't really all that Christmassy (so don't worry if you can't wait until December to pick this one up!). The ending also hints at a future direction to the series and a further expansion of some series regulars. It makes me more excited than ever for the series to continue! Plus, this one's plot holds more surprises than usual and it's definitely one of the better installments! I also really appreciate the fun in Rosenfelt plugging his own books within this book. These books always make me laugh and Rosenfelt is a guaranteed good time of a read! As always, I am left eagerly awaiting the next book!...more
Loading...
