To Fetch a Thief: A Chet and Bernie Mystery by Spencer Quinn

I've read alot of books with animals as one of the main characters.  But I've never read a book narrated by a dog -- until now.  This is the first Chet and Bernie book I have read, but it is the third in the series with Dog on It, and Thereby Hangs a Tail preceding it.

PI Bernie Little runs the Little Detective Agency, along with his partner and counterpart, Chet, a very intelligent and watchful dog.  Not much gets past him.  When the two are staking out a motel for a man who things his wife is two-timing her, it's pretty boring.  Until they see two visitors come and leave the establishment, one they later realize is dating Bernie's ex-wife.

Bernie's ex-wife asks him to watch their young son, and offers some tickets to the circus that has come to town, so the three of them set off for a fun-filled evening.  Chet is in doggie heaven with all of the smells and his son is excited with all of the going ons. But his excitement quickly turns to disappointment when they realize the Big Top is closed. 

It seems that Peanut the elephant and his trainer has disappeared.  The police are investigating but Bernie's son thinks that he should get involved since that is what he does for a living.  Chet ambles about the big tent and pokes his nose in Peanut's trailer, gathering a scent into his nose.  He follows the smell, his nose leading the way, but pauses when he realizes that it leads out of the Big Top and into the desert. 

Bernie thinks they should let the police do their job, but then Popo the Clown approaches Bernie and Chet and hires them to find the missing duo.  They set out on a journey of dangerous proportions enclosing around them, unbeknownst to them.  Chet will need all of his senses if he hopes to get them all home safely and find Peanut and her trainer.

Like I said, I've never read a book with a dog narrator, but I found it absolutely delightful.  I fell in love with Chet and the mystery had me up turning the pages into the wee morning.  This is a series I highly recommend if you love reading about pets, or mysteries.  And that cover is marvelous!!