J. F. Englert doesn’t miss a beat with “A Dog Among Diplomats”, a very well crafted novel of mystery and intrigue in which Harry plays a minor role. In order to keep his “inspired” Lab hot on the trail of murder, Harry offers up Randolph as a therapy dog to a United Nations diplomat. Randolph is not only concerned about solving the increasing number of murders, but also in clearing the name of his previous, and missing, owner.
The Bull Moose Dog Run mysteries bring back memories of the one and only trip that I made to New York City. Having walked some of the streets and neighborhoods that Englert describes, I could see the traffic and people, apartments, and the dog parks. Randolph’s description of their dog park interaction reminded me of one particular park in Greenwich Village.
I also see my own Labs reflected in Randolph. Their inquisitiveness, laid-back nature, addiction to food in any shape, flavor or level of decay, and their “I’m-here-to-help-whether-you-want-it-or-not” attitude. Although Randolph admits that he is smarter than the average dog, he is still a slave to his instincts and not above stopping whatever he is doing to roll in some decayed sidewalk “pâté”. An act that has us washing our own Labs on a regular basis.
As the bodies pile up, Randolph is kept busy deciphering the intentions of those around him as well as trying to stay alive himself. All of which is complicated by his increasing health problems.
I found “A Dog Among Diplomats” to be a thoroughly enjoyable novel of mystery and intrigue, and believe that Randolph will soon have a large following of fans.
Tags: animal books, book reviews, dog books, mystery books, new novels
