If you love dogs, a superb mystery, and fine writing, this book was written for you...... The hero, clearly, is pit bull Dash; and Ms. Benjamin presents him as a totally believable participant in his "partner's" investigation into murder. Interspersed throughout the book are some clues into what makes Dash's human counterpart, Rachel Alexander, tick....almost a mystery within a mystery....and Rachel's periodic rules for private detectives are delightful. So also is the little basenji Magritte, who has quite a personality of his own; and the reader will get a peek into the inside world of dog shows. Sit back, relax, enjoy a good read, and be prepared to anticipate the next book in the series!
This debut novel by dog trainer Carol Benjamin came as a pleasant surprise. I eyed it suspiciously wondering if I had another annoyingly clever animal helping out another scatterbrained girl/woman in a mystery with all the suspense of who ate the last piece of cake.
In reality, P.I. Rachel Alexander is total New York, rough edges and all. Brilliantly trained pit bull (yes, pit bull) Dash is very refreshingly - a dog. He snores, begs for treats, slobbers, and steals the covers just like dogs you and I have known. All right, Rachel does get a little smug about his repertoire of skills, but other than that, he is ok.
Dennis Keaton hires Rachel. His friend and neighbor, an artist, has been murdered via vehicular homicide and his champion basenji is missing. Dennis feels the police have chalked up the killing as a gay bashing and have lost interest. It turns out the artist was not starving in a garret; he was a very wealthy young man with a mysterious, handsome lover. He was to have his debut gallery opening the following week. Magritte, the basenji, is found under mysterious circumstances. The clues pile up with the motives apace and the culmination of the action takes place in Madison Square Garden at the annual Westminster Dog Show.
The novel is seriously over-plotted with curious loose threads throughout. She takes the dog with her to do some serious sleuthing, but he is not with her when she comes home. She eloquently describes a Big Present she had to schlep to her sister's home, but that's the end of it. Present is neither acknowledged nor opened, at least in our presence. The good stuff is Rachel herself with her effortless dialogue, somewhat bawdy sense of humor and her easy interaction with all walks of life. Many of the characters are gay and the dialogue is realistic and brisk. The author does a good job of capturing New York ambience and just how miserable it can be in the wintertime. Rachel sees this terrible weather as a test of her devotion to all things New York. I found the sections on the insider's view of the premier Westminster Dog Show fascinating.
"This Dog For Hire" is an excellent first effort and I will be looking for more of Rachel. She never gets on your nerves and is excellent company.
Dash is quite a pup!
I thoroughly enjoy Carol's books. They are fun to read, flowing, interesting tales. Pick one up!
