The Purloined Poodle: Oberon's Meaty Mysteries

by Kevin Hearne

• ISBN10: 1596068094
• ISBN13: 9781596068094
• Publish Date: 30 September 2016
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 17 June 2021
• Imprint: Subterranean Press
• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English

Reviews

[kimbacaffeinate]

When a prize-winning poodle is abducted in Eugene, Oregon, Oberon learns that it’s part of a rash of hound abductions all over the Pacific Northwest. He decides they need to investigate. For justice and for gravy! They soon begin interviewing owners for clues and end up at the home of a Boston terrier named Starbuck whom Oberon recruits to help him.

Police detectives, wibbly wobbly timey-wimey timelines, and squirrels interfere with the investigation but soon they are hot on the case. The interactions between Atticus and Detective Gabriela Ibarra were hilarious and I almost felt sorry for the poor woman. It was such fun to see Oberon, The Humble shine.

Kevin Hearne has a ridiculous sense of humor and I loved his portrayal of Oberon, the geeky references and of course Atticus the Iron Druid. It was fun sniffing for clues and seeing our four-legged heroes save the day. Talk of sausages, gravy and of all things humping kept the tale light while offering an engaging mystery.

I once again went with the audiobook and was pleased that with my Audible membership it was actually cheaper than the eBook. Luke Daniels is brilliant and has become the voice of these characters.

The Purloined Poodle was a fast, fun mystery that anyone can enjoy, even those not familiar with the Iron Druid Chronicles.

(Voice of Oberon) I just heard him ask Atticus, “Can I help you?” in a sort of tight, muted English accent, like he had lived with severe constipation all his life and hadn’t heard about fiber.” … “This guy sounds like he hasn’t laughed since Doc Brown invented the flux capacitor.” … “Atticus, he looks like Jafar! Watch out! Don’t let him hypnotize you!” This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[EBookObsessed]

I love this series and Oberon is a big part of that love. I love having the whole story told from a dog's perspective, including explaining the importance of butt sniffing in solving crimes.

Oberon and Atticus find out about dog-napping of prized champion dogs while visiting a dog park. Oberon is concerned that the dogs are scared, and not receiving proper treats, if they aren't home with their owners. So Oberon, with the help of Atticus, play Sherlock Homes and do their own investigation.

Atticus is putting the pieces together...I mean, Oberon is putting the pieces together with some assistance from Atticus when they come across a body at one of the homes. Atticus needs to call the police but since the timeline of his story doesn't match up, since plane shifting instead of driving is a lot quicker, the police start to look at Atticus as a suspect.

This doesn't deter Oberon from continuing his investigation and come squirrel, bear or delicious salami, Oberon will find those missing dogs.

Once against a perfect portrayal of all the characters by Luke Daniels.

[Beth C.]

I have long been a Kevin Hearne fan - from an ARC of the first story in his Iron Druid series, I have been sharing with everyone I knew. Oberon, of course, is one of my favorite characters in the series - he's a fun combination of witty and innocent and smart-aleck that warms my heart. So I was greatly looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, while it was cute, it wasn't quite to the normal level of Oberon. Say, hot dog level instead of sausage level.

The language used for Oberon didn't really seem to ring true to what I have come to expect from him in the books. It veered back and forth between what I know and what felt somewhat forced. Maybe it was trying to carry an entire book on his own?

Overall the story was cute, and I wouldn't mind reading more from Oberon - but I think the tone needs a little bit of work.