Rating: 
Summary: Gritty detective story could use more "Dash"
Review: Noted dog training book author Carol Lea Benjamin brings what will undoubtedly be the first in a series of Rachel (human private eye) and Dash (pit bull partner & protector) detective adventures. The story revolves around the murder of a rising young artist and the sole witness to the crime -- his champion Basenji, Magritte. Benjamin strives for a jaded, hard-boiled tone through most of the book, but slips into enthusiasm from time to time, especially when describing the Westminster Kennel Club dog show and some of her fellow (real-life) dog trainers (e.g., her polite nod to Arthur Haggerty.) The most curious thing about the book is the lack of involvement of Dash. We learn lots about Rachel (an interesting character), but Dash remains a canine plot device, available when needed to subdue bad guys or to search empty houses, but otherwise a cipher. The Basenji gets more attention! The book's conclusion is satisfying and makes up for some of the earlier inconsistencies in tone. It's a good story. But let's have more Dash in the stories too, Carol
Rating:
Summary: Gritty detective story could use more "Dash"
Review: Noted dog training book author Carol Lea Benjamin brings what will undoubtedly be the first in a series of Rachel (human private eye) and Dash (pit bull partner & protector) detective adventures. The story revolves around the murder of a rising young artist and the sole witness to the crime -- his champion Basenji, Magritte. Benjamin strives for a jaded, hard-boiled tone through most of the book, but slips into enthusiasm from time to time, especially when describing the Westminster Kennel Club dog show and some of her fellow (real-life) dog trainers (e.g., her polite nod to Arthur Haggerty.) The most curious thing about the book is the lack of involvement of Dash. We learn lots about Rachel (an interesting character), but Dash remains a canine plot device, available when needed to subdue bad guys or to search empty houses, but otherwise a cipher. The Basenji gets more attention! The book's conclusion is satisfying and makes up for some of the earlier inconsistencies in tone. It's a good story. But let's have more Dash in the stories too, Carol
Rating: 
Summary: Great Read
Review: Rachel Alexander and her pit bull Dash are looking for a case when one falls into their lap. When Rachel gets a call from a man looking for his dead friend's basenji, Magritte, Rachel bites off more than she can chew. Suddenly it's become a murder investigation, and Rachel is drawn into a world of murder, hate, dogs, and greed.This being my first Carol Lea Benjamin novel, I have become an instant fan. This is a wonderfully written and well plotted story. I recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries and dogs.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable reading.
Review: Rachel and Dashiell are a great team. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and am now searching for others by this author.
Rating:
Summary: Exciting hardboiled detective mystery set in New York City
Review: Renowned dog trainer Carol Lea Benjamin brings us a hard boiled detective novel set in New York City. Rachel, who has disappointed all family expectations and her highly trained faithful companion, pit bull, Dash are hired to find out who killed the owner of a famous champion bisengi.
The search winds through the SOHO art scene, wanders the West Village and includes a tour behind the scenes of the AKC show at Madison Square Garden. A fast-paced read. Can't wait for the further adventures of Rachel and Dash
Rating:
Summary: Gripping mystery by a great writer!
Review: This book is written very well! The author uses her extensive knowledge of dog shows/training to enthrall the reader and create a trust of the main character. Her details are incredibly accurate -- from baiting a dog in the show ring to AKC rules and regulations. Benjamin also educates the reader on the true, loving nature of pit bulls -- something so rare in today's media. I truly enjoyed this mystery and plan to read the rest in the series. 5 stars!!
Rating:
Summary: The Private Investigator Comes Extra
Review: This debut novel by dog trainer Carol Benjamin came as a pleasant surprise. I eyed it suspiciously wondering if I had another annoyingly clever animal helping out another scatterbrained girl/woman in a mystery with all the suspense of who ate the last piece of cake. In reality, P.I. Rachel Alexander is total New York, rough edges and all. Brilliantly trained pit bull (yes, pit bull) Dash is very refreshingly - a dog. He snores, begs for treats, slobbers, and steals the covers just like dogs you and I have known. All right, Rachel does get a little smug about his repertoire of skills, but other than that, he is ok. Dennis Keaton hires Rachel. His friend and neighbor, an artist, has been murdered via vehicular homicide and his champion basenji is missing. Dennis feels the police have chalked up the killing as a gay bashing and have lost interest. It turns out the artist was not starving in a garret; he was a very wealthy young man with a mysterious, handsome lover. He was to have his debut gallery opening the following week. Magritte, the basenji, is found under mysterious circumstances. The clues pile up with the motives apace and the culmination of the action takes place in Madison Square Garden at the annual Westminster Dog Show. The novel is seriously over-plotted with curious loose threads throughout. She takes the dog with her to do some serious sleuthing, but he is not with her when she comes home. She eloquently describes a Big Present she had to schlep to her sister's home, but that's the end of it. Present is neither acknowledged nor opened, at least in our presence. The good stuff is Rachel herself with her effortless dialogue, somewhat bawdy sense of humor and her easy interaction with all walks of life. Many of the characters are gay and the dialogue is realistic and brisk. The author does a good job of capturing New York ambience and just how miserable it can be in the wintertime. Rachel sees this terrible weather as a test of her devotion to all things New York. I found the sections on the insider's view of the premier Westminster Dog Show fascinating. "This Dog For Hire" is an excellent first effort and I will be looking for more of Rachel. She never gets on your nerves and is excellent company.
Rating:
Summary: The Private Investigator Comes Extra
Review: This debut novel by dog trainer Carol Benjamin came as a pleasant surprise. I eyed it suspiciously wondering if I had another annoyingly clever animal helping out another scatterbrained girl/woman in a mystery with all the suspense of who ate the last piece of cake. In reality, P.I. Rachel Alexander is total New York, rough edges and all. Brilliantly trained pit bull (yes, pit bull) Dash is very refreshingly - a dog. He snores, begs for treats, slobbers, and steals the covers just like dogs you and I have known. All right, Rachel does get a little smug about his repertoire of skills, but other than that, he is ok. Dennis Keaton hires Rachel. His friend and neighbor, an artist, has been murdered via vehicular homicide and his champion basenji is missing. Dennis feels the police have chalked up the killing as a gay bashing and have lost interest. It turns out the artist was not starving in a garret; he was a very wealthy young man with a mysterious, handsome lover. He was to have his debut gallery opening the following week. Magritte, the basenji, is found under mysterious circumstances. The clues pile up with the motives apace and the culmination of the action takes place in Madison Square Garden at the annual Westminster Dog Show. The novel is seriously over-plotted with curious loose threads throughout. She takes the dog with her to do some serious sleuthing, but he is not with her when she comes home. She eloquently describes a Big Present she had to schlep to her sister's home, but that's the end of it. Present is neither acknowledged nor opened, at least in our presence. The good stuff is Rachel herself with her effortless dialogue, somewhat bawdy sense of humor and her easy interaction with all walks of life. Many of the characters are gay and the dialogue is realistic and brisk. The author does a good job of capturing New York ambience and just how miserable it can be in the wintertime. Rachel sees this terrible weather as a test of her devotion to all things New York. I found the sections on the insider's view of the premier Westminster Dog Show fascinating. "This Dog For Hire" is an excellent first effort and I will be looking for more of Rachel. She never gets on your nerves and is excellent company.
Rating: 
Summary: Gritty Mystery
Review: This was an interesting, gritty mystery. A little too gritty in places. The travels through the homeless section of town was depressing (the author's intent?). The lifestyle of the gay community was handled in a somewhat cavalier manner, with unnecessary and degrading jokes. The mystery itself was a good one and makes reading this story worthwhile. I especially enjoyed the scenes at the Westminster Dog Show.
Rating: 
Summary: Ouch...borrring....
Review: Too slow, lack of action, lack of detail. I've read more exciting text books. I hope this writer has another source of income besides writing, or else she's going to starve.
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