The sniffer

Chet is a smart and lovable dog. And despite having failed the Police Academy—after all, it's not his fault a cat crossed his path right in the middle of the test—he's a detective in every sense of the word. With his powerful sense of smell, he helps his partner Bernie Little solve numerous cases between snacks, while also narrating, in a fun and quirky way, his attempts to understand certain aspects of human life. In "The Sniffer," the first book in the New York Times bestselling series written by American Spencer Quinn, who dedicates his life to chronicling the adventures of this incredible duo, Chet and Bernie investigate the strange disappearance of well-behaved teenager and good student Madison Chambliss. One day, she doesn't return home after school, leaving her mother on the verge of losing her mind. Detective Bernie, owner of the Little Detective Agency, immediately accepts the case but soon considers it closed when the young woman appears safe and sound with a confusing story full of contradictions. That is, until she disappears for the second time in the same week. The detective duo decides to delve deeper into the investigation, and without a ransom demand, they're not entirely convinced this is a common kidnapping, but they're both certain of one thing: something smells off. While searching for clues in biker bars and exotic desert locations, the detective story gets a touch of romance when Bernie finds himself involved with Suzie, the beautiful Valley Tribune reporter who's been working on a story about private detectives. But the timing isn't ideal: Bernie is dealing with a recent divorce and a custody battle—unique human concerns that Chet can't fathom. Still, the dog maintains his sense of humor and uses his canine skills to pick up Madison's trail. The hunt, however, puts them in grave danger. Filled with suspense and intrigue, The Sniffer confirms what all dog fans have long suspected: dogs are not only more entertaining than humans, but they can also be smarter.