Thereby Hangs a Tail: A Chet and Bernie Mystery

by Spencer Quinn

Book Overview

In the irresistible second installment of the New York Times bestselling Chet and Bernie mystery series, which has been hailed as "enchanting and] one-of-a-kind" (Stephen King), Chet gets a glimpse of the show dog world turned deadly.

What first seems like a walk in the park to wise and lovable canine narrator Chet and his human companion Bernie--to investigate threats made against a pretty, pampered show dog--turns into a serious...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416585869
• ISBN13: 9781416585862
• Release Date: September 2010
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Love It!

All of these books in the Chet & Bernie series are AMAZING amazing books! Bernie, a private detective and Chet, his K-9 dog, solve crimes and their adventures are narrated by the dog, Chet! It is SO fun to see what Spencer Quinn thinks dogs think about! Chet will CRACK you up from cover to cover and keep you enthralled with the storyline and plot. After I read the first book in the series "Dog On It," I read the whole series in succession. You'll laugh and smile through this entire book. I like to read books in order but it is not a necessity; I started the series with the 2nd book and went back and read the 1st. So if you pick up this or any book in this series & read them out of order you won't be lost. Happy reading!

Chet is back and better than ever!

I was so hoping that Spencer Quinn wouldn't let this series slip, and I wasn't disappointed. The first person canine narrative of THEREBY HANGS A TAIL is every bit as good as DOG ON IT, and the mystery is even stronger. It starts with Chet helping Bernie catch a jewel thief and then moves quickly to Bernie getting hired to protect a prize show dog name Princess. I'm pretty sure the breed is never specified but she sounds like maybe a Maltese. There's a subplot about Bernie's investments in tin futures that Chet couldn't follow too well (I did a little better than Chet on that, but I wasn't quite sure how it came out). And Bernie's reporter girlfriend Suzie makes another appearance and then goes missing. Chet and Bernie spend most of the book trying to find her, and find out who dog-napped Princess. Chet reports on each new character we meet, making his judgments mostly on how they smell and whether or not they give him food. There are a couple of hippies in the dessert who betray his trust, but Chet triumphs over their skulduggery. The ending is satisfying, although Quinn has added a plot twist that leaves Chet's health hanging in the balance. I'm not quite sure why, because as one reviewer said, who needs that to keep reading about Chet's adventures with Bernie? I love these books, and the Kindle version was perfect, as far as I could tell-- no typos or formatting errors. I ordered a print copy for my dad (another fan) and I can tell him without reservation that he'll love it!

As good as the first...maybe better!

I have read the first book several times and listen to the audio frequently. I was excited to know about the second book in the series and pre-ordered it. There was a little trepidation on my part because sequels are not always up to the standard of the original. Not so with this one. Just loved THEREBY HANGS A TAIL. Finished it at 3 AM so I can pass it on to friends and family who are waiting to read it. If you've ever loved a dog, or have had a dog as a friend, you will understand this book. Chet is SO true to form. His attention span is limited, but his love and faith in Bernie is unconditional. Great book. I recommend it. If you're offended by swearing, be warned there are a few places where pungent language has been used. (By the "perps" mostly.) Grandma Jean

Five woofs for Chet

It would be hard to beat the first Chet and Bernie mystery (Dog on It) but this one is equal to it. For new readers, understand that the story is told by Chet, the dog. (See reviews of the first book to appreciate how successfully this technique was used.) Chet, when referring to Bernie and himself, always says "me and Bernie." It seems exactly what a canine like Chet would do. Undying devotion to Bernie but no shying from his own sense of self. Chet is his usual doggy self; we see Chet the Jet in his glory running and jumping. His food preferences are plain: at the top is bacon, cooked juicy, but nothing wrong with raw. There's NO food that's not tryable. We see his first experience with a bear claw; understanding "bear" and "claw" Chet's not about to gobble it down. It's easy to focus on Chet in the story but the reader can also appreciate the dialogue between Bernie and other characters. We don't need Chet to tell us how clever it often is. There's a nice sequence when Chet has to take care of Princess, a little fluff ball of a show dog. Chet was amazed how her legs would be a blur while her body didn't move very far. Readers who love these stories should try the web site [...] for a daily dose of this wonderful canine. (A note to Mr. Quinn: We don't need the continuing question about Chet's health to keep us reading.) Oh yes, about the plot. It's good. Maybe better than in the first book. The fact that it's an after thought in this review says a lot. Come for a mystery and stay for a story of the wonderful relationship between Chet and Bernie.

Unique and enjoyable perspective

This is the world according to Chet the dog. I continue to enjoy the way Chet's thought processes wander off on tangents or he frequently loses his train of thought or grossly misinterprets what he hears. I spend half the time rereading Chet's funny ramblings, so I'd never want this series in audiobook edition. Very entertaining and usually an author I read the day I download the Kindle edition of the book.