Scents and Sensibility: A Chet and Bernie Mystery

The theft of a saguaro cactus kicks off Quinn’s charmingly offbeat eighth mystery narrated by Chet, the crime-solving canine, who idolizes his human partner, Bernie Little of the Little Detective Agency (after 2014’s Paw and Order). Special Investigator Ellie Newburg of the Department of Agriculture finds the purloined cactus on the front lawn of Bernie’s elderly neighbor, Daniel Parson, about the same time that Bernie discovers his grandfather’s antique watch missing from his wall safe. The common denominator is Daniel’s son, Billy, who has recently left prison on parole. In the course of tracking Billy, Bernie comes across a dead body in the desert; clashes with his nemesis, Det. Brick Mickles of the Valley PD; and unearths the truth behind the long-ago kidnapping that sent Billy to prison. Series fans may be glad to learn that Chet, who offers constant, bemused commentary on human foibles, points to Arizona as the hitherto unknown broader setting. Author tour. Agent: Molly Friedrich, Friedrich Agency. (July)