Book 20 ( )

It's December again during The Phantom in the Mirror, but Hank the Cowdog has no warm and fuzzy Christmas feelings toward Pete the Barncat. It's mutual. Pete's revenge for the stunt Hank pulls on him was a good one. I loved Hank and Drover's reactions to the 'phantom dogs' they see in the mirror in the machine shed. It was almost as much fun as the trick 'Freddy' played on Hank earlier.

I thought Hank was pretty mean to head rooster J. T. Cluck, especially considering the valuable information J.T. gave to him. On the other hand, ranchwife Sally May did bring some of her problems with Hank on herself. Her rant at Hank cuts him to the quick.

Both children, Alfred and Molly, cause trouble for their parents, but Molly's too young to know better. The Methodist Choir is coming to the Loper ranch for a Christmas party, so of course Sally May is eager to have everything just right.

Hank is smarting so much from Sally May's insults that *gasp* he's willing to let something happen that would absolutely ruin the party, if not the whole house. Can anything get Hank off the self-pity train and raring to do his job again?

Didn't recognize a lot of the tunes in the background, but 'De Campdown Races,' 'Oh! Susanna,' and 'Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1' were much enjoyed.

Some of the fun listening to Hank the Cowdog's misadventures is being able to anticipate what's likely to happen once we get the clues. This time was no exception. ( )