By Spencer Quinn (Author), Jim Frangione (Narrator), Recorded Books (Publisher)

An Audiobook Review by Jackie Houchin

All of the Chet & Bernie books by Spencer Quinn are “top dog” and this one was no different. UP ON THE ROOF TOP of course has a Christmas theme, so in some ways is “softer” than Quinn’s usual mysteries, kind of cozy, if you get my drift.

The Little Detective Agency (Bernie Little and his partner Chet, the wonder dog and story narrator) gets hired by a famous, prolific cozy mystery writer, A. Carlisle to find a “missing person.” They travel up into the mountains of Colorado to her “Kringle Ranch” where they find a double headed problem.  The missing person is not a person, but the writer’s favorite reindeer, Rudolph.  Yes, you read that right.  Her ranch in December is a virtual North Pole with Santa and elves, a sleigh and 9 imported reindeer. And her fave antlered “pet” is missing.

The other part of the problem is connected. It seems that Rudolph was accustomed to stand and stomp around  on the snow-covered roof of her writing cabin. Without him there, Ms. Carlisle is blocked.  She can’t write a word on her much anticipated 100th novel! She is frantic and willing to pay A LOT for results.

Bernie and Chet get right on the job. And if you’ve read any of their books, you know how Chet narrates the story from his own point of view. It’s hilarious, insightful, at times very doggie-like, and once in a while… a bit sad.  Of course a more serious cold case comes up which must be solved too – which nearly kills Bernie except Chet is on the job to save the day. And…..a sweet Bernie romance makes this a very enjoyable holiday book.

 And need I say, Jim Frangione the narrator of the book… IS Chet. There could be no other. Buy this audio book!

FIVE stars