Description: Thanks to his relationship with the ancient Druid Atticus O'Sullivan, Oberon the Irish wolfhound knows trouble when he smells itand furthermore, he knows he can handle it.When he discovers that a prizewinning poodle has been abducted in Eugene, Oregon, he learns that it's part of a rash of hound abductions all over the Pacific Northwest. Since the police aren't too worried about dogs they assume have run away, Oberon knows it's up to him to track down those hounds and reunite them with their humans. For justice! And gravy! Engaging the services of his faithful Druid, Oberon must travel throughout Oregon and Washington to question a man with a huge salami, thwart the plans of diabolical squirrels, and avoid, at all costs, a fight with a great big bear.But if he's going to solve the case of the Purloined Poodle, Oberon will have to recruit the help of a Boston terrier named Starbuck, survive the vegetables in a hipster pot pie, and firmly refuse to be distracted by fire hydrants and rabbits hiding in the rose bushes.At the end of the day, will it be a sad bowl of dry kibble for the world's finest hound detective, or will everything be coming up sirloins?



Description: Oberon the Irish wolfhound is off to Portland to smell all the things with canine companions wolfhound Orlaith and Boston terrier Starbuck, and, of course, his human, ancient Druid Atticus O'Sullivan. The first complication is an unmistakable sign of sinister agendas afoot: a squirrel atop the train. But an even more ominous situation is in store when the trio plus Atticus stumble across a murder upon arrival at the station. They recognize Detective Gabriela Ibarra, who's there to investigate. But they also recognize the body--or rather that the body is a doppelganger for Atticus himself. The police, hampered by human senses of smell and a decided lack of canine intuition, obviously can't handle this alone. Not with Atticus likely in danger. Oberon knows it's time to investigate once more---for justice! For gravy! And possibly greasy tacos! Alongside his faithful Druid, Oberon and the other loyal hounds navigate by nose through Portland to find a bear-shifter friend with intel, delicious clues at the victim's home, and more squirrels. Always more squirrels! But will our hungry band of heroes be able to identify the culprit before someone else is murdered? Will there be mystery meat in gravy as a reward or tragedy in store for the world's (or at least the Pacific Northwest's) greatest dog detective?

Review: I picked up the Oberon's Meaty Mysteries novellas in order to softly re-enter the Iron Druid series after being behind a couple of books. They are quick, enjoyable, and humorous reads. These novellas can be read independently of the Iron Druid series though there are interesting tidbits for loyal reader's about Atticus's past. I would highly recommend them in case you are curious to see how Kevin Hearne writes his stories.
 The highlight of these novellas is Oberon's narration of the stories. Oberon is Atticus's prized Irish Wolfhound who is usually a lovable side character who can communicate with his human. This time Oberon is the lead character and Atticus takes a secondary but still important role. Both of these characters stumble upon mysteries that they need to solve; in the Purloined Poodle, show dogs have been suddenly vanishing and in Squirrel on the Train, a murderer eerily looks a lot like Atticus. These fantasy-mystery novellas are delightfully funny as Oberon tries to learn new vocabulary and idioms. I love how Oberon's and Atticus's banter plays off each other without being too much. Hearne balances the doggy humor, light touches of fantasy, and a good old fashioned mystery plot to entertain his readers. These novellas allowed me to comfortable get back to this action-packed series that wraps up this year.  

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language in the book and crude humor. Recommended for older teens and adults.

If you like mysteries featuring dogs try: Chet and Bernie series by Spencer Quinn, Paw Enforcement series by Diane Kelly, Raine Stockton mysteries by Donna Ball