A DOG AND HIS MAN:

The Literary Adventures of Chet and Bernie

My love affair with Chet and Bernie began in 2009 with the book Dog On It. It was the first in a series that became known as the "Chet and Bernie Mysteries." There are now 8 books in the group, all written by Spencer Quinn, a mild mannered Cape Codder with a knack for mystery writing, who also happens to be a dog lover.

Bernie Little is a small time private eye, who is also a wounded war veteran. Chet is, well, a dog. Together that make up one of the best crime solving teams in literary history. Chet is basically just happy to be with Bernie, riding shotgun in the Porsche as they go after the perps. Chet loves chew strips and bacon, and most of the food that Bernie likes. Eating is one of his hobbies. But no one brings the bad guys to heel like Chet, who loves to sink his teeth into their pant legs, and even their skin. In the course of a typical C&B novel, the team usually gets separated, and they spend a lot of time trying to find each other again. And of course they do, usually just in time to catch the criminals.

Mr. Quinn does not base Chet on any one dog, but here is a fan's impression of what she thinks the real Chet might look like. Thanks to Anna Trodglen for the fine work of art.

The series has drawn praise from many critics. About Dog On It, famous author Stephen King said:

"Spencer Quinn speaks two languages - suspense and dog - fluently. Sometime funny, sometimes touching, and in a few places terrifying...an enchanting one-of-a-kind novel, A canine Sam Spade full of joie de vivre."

Author Quinn has been spotted with some other possible Chet role models:

                                                             Spencer with Sadie.

                                                     Spencer with Audrey and Pearl

                                                    
                                                        2010: Chet & Bernie mystery #2

                                                    
                                                        2011: Chet & Bernie mystery #3

                                                   
                                                        2012: Chet & Bernie mystery #4

To me, Chet is the hero of all of the stories. He makes me want to go out and get a dog! He sizes up people expertly. He knows who's good (those who give him treats and pat him on the head) and who to avoid (those that ignore him or are mean to Bernie). He gets anxious when Bernie goes for his gun, and he tries to get the perps his own way so Bernie won't have to shoot anyone (or get shot at!). Their teamwork is akin to that of Holmes and Watson or the Lone Ranger and Tonto. They always get their man (or woman). As Chet says frequently, Bernie is the smartest guy in the room. No one gets away with anything.

Don't ask me to pick a favorite among these titles.

Praise for them is plentiful:

A detective, a dog, and some major league prose. These books are a genuine joy. 
- Robert B. Parker

If you had a tail, you'd wag it all the way through Quinn's amusing, enchanting, unique stories. 
-Richmond Times-Dispatch

Nothing short of masterful.
-Los Angeles Times


Chet's best friend is Iggy, the poodle who lives next door. Iggy is confined to the house with an electric fence after she and Chet got into some big trouble. But she still barks through the window whenever she sees Chet, and he waggingly returns the greeting. Iggy is so popular she has inspired her own e-book short story:

Iggy's fans also create some unique Iggy items, like Iggy cupcakes! Chet says "yum!"

There have also been some Chet & Bernie e-book short stories:

                                                             

   And the novels roll on!   

 

2013: Chet & Bernie mystery #5  

 

     2014: Chet & Bernie mystery #6     

                                                       2015: Chet & Bernie mystery #7                                               

 


 Chet's fans often see him in strange places, like in the clouds!

 Spencer was inspired to create another team: Bowser and Birdie!

 A great many more details about Chet and Bernie may be found at their website:
                                                www.chetthedog.com
And their Facebook page:
                                https://www.facebook.com/ChetTheDog?fref=ts

Chet's blog is contained in his website:

I hope I've whet your literary appetite to get to know Chet and Bernie. I think you will enjoy the time you spend with them.

Bernie promises to cut back on his boozing while you are reading, and Chet just wants you to love him!

Now I have to go get started on novel #8. Sometimes life is good.

Woof! Woof! 

          -Chet