This Month's Selection: Dog On It by Spencer Quinn

Mystery Readers

Wed., April 22, 2 p.m.

Dog On It

by Spencer Quinn

The first book of the New York Times-bestselling Chet and Bernie mystery series, an “enchanting one-of-a-kind novel” (Stephen King) that is “nothing short of masterful” (Los Angeles Times)

Chet, the wise and lovable canine narrator of Dog on It, and Bernie, a down-on-his-luck private investigator, are quick to take a new case involving a frantic mother searching for her teenage daughter. This well-behaved and gifted student may or may not have been kidnapped, but she has definitely gotten mixed up with some very unsavory characters. With Chet’s highly trained nose leading the way, their hunt for clues takes them into the desert to biker bars and other exotic locales—until the bad guys try to turn the tables and the resourceful duo lands in the paws of peril. Spencer Quinn’s irresistible mystery kicks off a delightful new series that will have readers panting for more.

What We Thought: Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo

Mystery Readers

Tuesday, March 18, 1 p.m.

Sworn to Silence

by Linda Castillo

Sworn to Silence is a fast-paced thriller with detailed descriptions of life among the Amish and English residents in rural Ohio.  Readers agreed that the book kept their interest and was a page turner. The characters and incidents in characters’ past that motivated their present situations were believable.

A few experienced mystery genre readers solved the identity of the serial killer early on. Most readers were waylaid by the author’s red herrings. But all were satisfied with the story despite the graphic and disturbing nature of the crimes.

The character of Kate, the Chief of Police, and how she went about her job were very interesting. She was well liked and respected by her police force which included Mona Kurtz, third-shift dispatcher by choice, and officers Pickles and Glock. Kate’s story about her experience of a terrible crime a young girl and the aftermath touched everyone. Readers wondered about Kate and whether there would have been a different resolution if she had not been raised in the Amish religion.

Agent John Tomasetti from the Ohio Board of Criminal Identification and Investigation was not portrayed sympathetically at first, but as his story was revealed readers began to understand him and his relationship with Kate.  When the identity of the psychopathic serial killer was revealed, the story came to a satisfying conclusion.

This book prompted a lot of discussion about the subject of blaming women victims for their crime. Members were passionate when they spoke about how real crimes were reported by the news media. The snowy and cold setting perfectly reflected our February and early March Massachusetts weather, which added extra chills for Holmes Mystery Book Club readers.

Sworn to Silence was a favorite among all the books the club has read this year! Have you read it? Please add your voice to the discussion in the comments! We'd love to hear your thoughts!