Louisa Bennet

This is a book for all animal lovers, especially dog lovers, to read. Monty’s master, Prof. Salt, is killed. Monty, his beloved and loyal dog, is adopted by the case’s detective trainee, Rose Sidebottom, and together they work to solve the mystery of who killed the professor. Throughout the story, Rose has all sorts of problems, many of which come up because of her connection to a famous detective, her Aunt Kay, many of which come up because she is in the wrong place at the wrong time or just does not have enough experience to figure out the way her superiors want her to do things, and many come up because of undercurrents of prejudice against women and young, wanna-be detectives. For his part, Monty works through his animal channels to get a handle on who murdered his master, while, in her case, Rose works through her police channels. One thing I found difficult to enjoy in the book was the author’s inclusion and involvement of all sorts of different animals. Their involvement, while the author did put them and did have them make a contribution to the story, really was not all that necessary to the plot while taking up time in the book. I would have preferred just Monty and perhaps one or two others. There are also some scenes, such as the one where Monty ends up in the dog pound, which added nothing to the story or plot and also took up time. The book could easily have been shorter and just as enjoyable.

The author managed to give Monty many skills and abilities not normally associated with dogs, but did manage to fit them into the story quite naturally. Thus, Monty is no regular dog—or detective. Nevertheless he manages to help solve this crime and make meaningful contributions to the case. Naturally, he bonded almost immediately with Rose, and sometimes looked like her only friend or the only one on her side during the case. Rose was herself a strong and smart woman and detective, ready and able to succeed at any task given, which I liked. However, I did not quite understand the joke about her name. Perhaps I have just not lived in an area where that term or terms, resembling her name, were used. However, I do understand how a name can cause eyebrows to rise and can result in teasing from experience. Like Rose, you just get used to it and don’t fret after a while.

The story is pretty good. I did not figure out who the murderer was until closer to then end, so I may have missed clues or something. I think anyone who enjoys a good animal, especially dog, story will enjoy this one. In addition, anyone looking for a different sort of detective who can solve mysteries will enjoy this one. I recommend it to anyone who fits these descriptions. I received this from NetGalley to read and review honestly.… (meer)

Monty and Me by Louisa Bennett is a cute and humorous cozy mystery. Monty is a Golden Retriever (about three years old in human years) and was injured trying to save his owner, Professor Patrick Salt. Professor Salt did not make it, and Monty is very sad. Monty, though, is very determined to find the man who killed his master and friend.

Trainee Detective Constable Rose Sidebottom (can you imagine how the kids made fun of her in school) was at the scene and saw Monty. Rose went and adopted Monty when he was well enough to come home. Rose lives at Duckdown Cottage (Monty is thrilled) which is humble, but it is home. Rose is on probation for messing up Operation Nailgun (a case she knew nothing about). She had been nervous and stopped at a bar for drink one night. She ended up talking to a man who turned about to be the target of the investigation. When Rose went to the bathroom, she left her purse on the table (who does that). The guy looked through her purse and found her warrant card (badge). The guy ended up fleeing town and messing up the drug case. I do not know how Rose was supposed to know about a case in a different department especially since she was new (she could be accused of bad taste in men, but that is about it). Rose is determined to redeem herself with the murder of Professor Salt. Professor Salt’s house was searched. They can tell that his laptop and notes were taken. What could Salt have that someone would want?

Professor Patrick Salt was a teacher and researcher at the local university. He was doing research on bees. The honey bees are dying are and Salt was trying to figure out why (as well as find a way to help the bees). Salt was also working on a new type of bee hive. Could it have something to do with Flay Bioscience? Salt was doing some work with them and the company is being less than cooperative. While Rose is working her angles on the case, Monty is following his own leads. Monty is not your normal dog. He highly intelligent and can read (as well as turn door knobs). Salt thought that animals were capable of learning, and he taught Monty to read (which comes in handy for reading Rose’s notes on the case). With the help of Betty Blabble (the resident mouse), Dante (a magpie with great computer skills and a penchant for shiny baubles), and Celeste (she is a ladybug—ladybird in UK—who runs the Celestial PI Agency) Monty (with his keen intellect and sense of smell) will find out who hurt Professor Salt (as long as Monty does not let his stomach overrule his brain—he loves food especially cheese).

I truly enjoyed reading Monty and Me. I laughed so hard during certain parts of the book (wait until you read about Celeste). The story is told from Rose’s and Monty’s perspective. I give Monty and Me 5 out of 5 stars (it deserves the highest of ratings). The murder case is a breeze to solve if you follow the clues left throughout the book. However, this story is irresistible. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in The Monty and Sidebottom series.

I received a complimentary copy of Monty and Me from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own!… (meer)