After the cliffhanger at the end of J.F. Englert’s first book, I must admit that I read mystery’s sequel, A Dog Amoung Diplomats, in just over one sitting. In fact, I failed to read anything else in between, going from one right book to the next.

If you enjoyed Englert’s first novel, A Dog About Town, then this book is a sure thing. The mystery is much more complex and entertaining, and there are new and sinister players at the table. The mystery of Randolph’s owner Imogen is continued in this new book, intensified by her apparent involvement in a high profile murder.

The lab Randolph must work with his owner Harry to try and find the murderer and the truth, but as the secrets surrounding Imogen multiply and intensify, this becomes their greatest struggle yet.

While Harry endeavors to grapple with the unfolding secrets, Randolph is thrust straight into the heart of the mystery and the danger. Through the help of an outsider foggily connected with Imogen, he is placed within a circle of key people, some of whom may be targets, and one of whom is most certainly a killer.

This book is a fast, but entertaining read, and Randolph’s incredible insights will have you looking at your dog with new eyes.

I have to admit, when I first heard about this book, I was more than a little skeptical. It was my firm belief that animal crime solving was best left to Disney’s The Great Mouse Detective. However, I did pick up the book, and didn’t put it down until I had finished. A few chapters in, I had completely lost all uncertainty and my mind was racing to try and solve the mystery.

J.F. Englert’s A Dog About Town, provides readers with a loving and intelligent hero in the form of the loyal black lab, Randolph. He is a dog with an admittedly higher level of thinking than most, who helps his owner Harry, to solve the mysterious death of Lyell Overton Minskoff. Englert has created a puzzle that will delight and entertain, while simultaneously engaging readers in the hunt for clues concerning the disappearance of Imogen, Harry’s lover and Randolph’s owner.

Randolph’s love of literature combined with his canine perspective will have readers laughing, while the unfolding mystery will have you turning the pages as fast as you can.

In its dramatic climax, startling truths are revealed that ultimately leaves readers reaching immediately for the sequel. This book features one of the most refreshing new characters of the genre, and is sure to delight and entertain. Randolph himself said “I am unique. Where other dog’s babble, I sing”, and indeed, the same sentiment can be applied to this book.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein has the rare quality of being one of those books that once you start reading it you CANNOT put it down – I couldn’t even stop for lunch (I belong to a book club so believe me about the rarity of this kind of book).

The premise of the book is wonderful – a family’s story told through the eyes of Enzo the dog. All of the characters are beautifully crafted… make sure you have a large box of tissues handy before starting your read – it is both funny (you will laugh out loud) and heartwrenching. The ‘Evil Twins’ and dancing Zebra are pure genius.

You do not need to be a dog owner to enjoy this book. I LOVED it and give it 15 out of 10! I am buying copies for my favourite relatives and it will be my recommendation for next year’s read list at my book club.

References:

• The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

When I was younger, I was an avid reader. You could often find me in the library trying to figure out which book to read next. As the years went on and reading became structured and set out by course outlines and due dates, I read less and less for pleasure, and more of just what I had to so I could get good grades. I leaned towards magazines that I could finish quickly and more recently, I have been reading a lot online. I figured that maybe I had just lost the love of a good book…

…and then a good book came into my life.

It found its way to me through this blog, so I guess I have done something right so far. The book is called The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein and it is a story about the love and bond between human and dog, as told by the dog.

The concept of being told from the dog’s perspective can seem a little silly, but the book is far from it. It seems natural to read from the point of view of Enzo, the dog, as he relays his life story with the family that he is a part of. Their joys and struggles and how he views them. He is quite jealous of opposable thumbs and believes that he is a human trapped in a dog’s body.

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