Of course, nothing is every as easy as it seems, especially not for two thousand dollars a day. Just before their assignment begins, someone tracks Bernie and Chet and shoots at them. Before Bernie he can learn what and who was behind the shooting, the trouble really begins. Princess and Adelina are kidnapped and reporter Suzie Sanchez, for whom both Bernie and Chet have special, unresolved feelings, shows up with the news. 

Adelina and Princess were taken from the back of the limo, but Princess’s trainer Nance, and the driver Rui were attacked, but not taken. Then Suzie disappears and Bernie’s not sure at first if she has been kidnapped or has just gone deep undercover seeking out anew angle in the story.  Soon, Bernie begins to believe this isn’t all about the dog, a thought Chet has a hard time comprehending, but the further he looks into Adelina’s life, the more he is certain he is right.  

Chet and Bernie are an inseparable pair, and often act as of one mind.  Chet offers a lot of insight in his commentary.  Still, Chet has dog tendencies and urges, many of which often get them in trouble (and cost Bernie jobs) and all of a sudden Bernie seems to be watching Chet’s caloric intake, something Chet cannot understand.

Bernie’s not terribly good at managing his money, and often takes his grandfather’s rare watch to the pawn shop to tide him over.  Often, mysteries featuring a salient animal are too cutesy or pat, but hereby Hangs a Tail is a class above, and though Chet makes commentary on the events going around him, he is still a dog and never pretends to be anything but. 

The mystery is well plotted and interesting, with several twists and turns, offering a surprise at the end.  A smart mystery with a likable pair of detectives and a clever plot make this a surefire favorite.                                                                                                  

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry