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In Dog We Trust (2000)

by Neil S. Plakcy(Favorite Author)

3.81 of 5 Votes: 3

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

series

Golden Retriever Mystery

review 1: I wasn't too sure about this one, as I tend to judge a book by its cover (which looks kind of amateurish, frankly). But the writing hooked me and the male sleuth, Steve, a hacker and ex-con who got into trouble hacking into credit card databases (to flag his spendaholic wife's accounts), is a character I enjoyed getting to know. He's a good guy who occasionally messes up, usually with only the best of intentions. The dog, Rochester,he accidentally acquires when its owner, his next-door neighbor, is shot to death, becomes his sidekick. I hope to see a dog obedience class in his future. After reading Donna Ball's excellent Raine Stockton series, about a dog trainer and her golden retrievers, I was itching for Steve to teach his golden some manners. He's a good dog. It's not ... morehis fault he chews things he shouldn't and jumps on people:)
review 2: Steve Levitan is a convicted felon. Through a lapse in internal discipline, he did a little computer hacking and soon found himself in prison. Released on parole, he returns to his home, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he obtains a position as a part time faculty, teaching English at a local college.His marriage fell apart, which is another factor setting up everything that follows, murder, car chases, odd and interesting characters, such as a sort of hard guy named Santiago, Steve’s parole officer, and a couple of cops, one of whom is a long-time school buddy of Steve.Then there is the dog. Who names their dog Rochester? The dog belonged to a dead woman, and dog and Steve bond almost immediately, although both seem to have serious issues with authority.Without revealing too much, this is a very “now” detective novel, delving into computer and other crime. How closely do you read your credit card statements? The novel is well written, smooth and interesting. It’s always good when a crime novel teaches or reminds readers of information they should know. This story does that, without preaching or lapsing into lecturing. The classroom scenes and internal dialogues regarding student attitudes are authentic. For anyone who enjoys a jaundiced look at small college academic life, this novel is a pleasure to read on another level. Everything about this novel smacks of a professional, polished approach. The writing is smooth, the characters well developed, and they stay in character. The plot has been carefully laid out and proceeds at a good pace. It’s conclusion is satisfying. Then there’s the dog, Rochester.Dog lovers will be pleased to know that the author refrains from anthropomorphizing the dog. Undeniably talented, Rochester is helpful throughout the novel, but only in naturally occurring, that is, doggy ways. “In Dog We Trust” is a completely enjoyable way to spend a reading afternoon. less

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