If you enjoy mystery, adventure, and interesting facts, you’ll want to pick up a copy of The Governor’s Dog Is Missing by Sneed B. Collard III. The first in Collard’s Slate Stephens Mysteries series, this book is set in Montana. When news erupts that Governor Rickson’s legendary dog named Cat is missing, Slate and his best friend, Daphne McSweeney, decide to help find him. Assembling a list of suspects and looking through all the clues, Slate and Daphne work to prove their theory about what happened to Cat. To complicate matters, Slate’s changing feelings for Daphne lead to some awkward moments during the investigation.
The Lil Princess (6 days shy of 9) had to read a mystery novel for a school project. We ended up reading The Governpr’s Dog Is Missing together. In addition to being a great mystery, the humorous banter between Slate and Daphne as they try to one up each other is something kids will enjoy. Collard manages to work in numerous facts about Montana and some of its more well-known sites without bogging down the plot with information. Since their father’s work together in the same field, the reader is also treated to geological facts–again without hampering the pace of the story. This is a quick read. The unfolding mystery has the reader turning the pages as she follows the clues along with Slate and Daphne.
I wasn’t keen on the romance aspect of the book. The Govenor’s Dog Is Missing is geared for ages 9 and up, according to Amazon. Slate and Daphne are 12, so the pre-teen angst makes sense, but for my daughter, it was simply a distraction because she didn’t truly understand it. She’s still in the boys are disgusting creatures who should be rocketed to another planet stage. It wasn’t a huge part of the plot, so don’t let the fear of an innocent attempt at a kiss or two sway you from purchasing the book.
We also have the second book in the series, Hangman’s Gold, here. We look forward to reading it soon. The Governor’s Dog Is Missing is a fun, fast-paced mystery boys and girls will enjoy.
Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
- Reading level:Ages 9 and up
- Hardcover:176 pages
- Publisher:Bucking Horse Books; First edition (January 1, 2011)
- Language:English
- ISBN-10:098444601X
- ISBN-13: 978-0984446018
- SRP: $16.00
I received a free hardcover copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.
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