by Kevin Hearne
Series: Oberon’s Meaty Mysteries #2, Iron Druid Chronicles #8.6
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Length: 2 hours and 54 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Mystery
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
Oberon the Irish wolfhound is off to Portland to smell all the things with canine companions wolfhound Orlaith and Boston terrier Starbuck, and, of course, his human, ancient Druid Atticus O’Sullivan. The first complication is an unmistakable sign of sinister agendas afoot: a squirrel atop the train. But an even more ominous situation is in store when the trio plus Atticus stumble across a murder upon arrival at the station. They recognize Detective Gabriela Ibarra, who’s there to investigate. But they also recognize the body—or rather that the body is a doppelganger for Atticus himself. The police, hampered by human senses of smell and a decided lack of canine intuition, obviously can’t handle this alone. Not with Atticus likely in danger. Oberon knows it’s time to investigate once more-—for justice! For gravy! And possibly greasy tacos!
Alongside his faithful Druid, Oberon and the other loyal hounds navigate by nose through Portland to find a bear-shifter friend with intel, delicious clues at the victim’s home, and more squirrels. Always more squirrels!
But will our hungry band of heroes be able to identify the culprit before someone else is murdered? Will there be mystery meat in gravy as a reward or tragedy in store for the world’s (or at least the Pacific Northwest’s) greatest dog detective.
The Squirrel on the Train by Kevin Hearne Oberon’s Meaty Mysteries #2 in which Oberon proves squirrels are EVIL! Hearne treats us to a suspenseful murder mystery with high tech gadgets, a shifter and more. The world’s number one Irish Wolfhound detective Oberon is on the case with his trusted friends.
Atticus is treating Oberon, Orlaith and their new friend a Boston terrier named Starbuck by taking them on a train to Portland where they can have a run and smell things. Large dogs aren’t permitted, so Atticus cloaks them, but a diabolical squirrel who defies physics soon has the pups giving chase in the Portland terminal until a familiar voice tells them to halt. In a stairwell, they run into Detective Gabriela Ibarra. Gabriela helped them in their previous case, The Purloined Poodle. Gabriela is investigating a murder, and the victim looks alarmingly like someone Oberon loves. The case that unfolds was engaging as the dogs collected clues, avoided being shot and spent time running with a bear.
Hearne had me in stitches, even as the details of the case drew me in. Poor Detective Ibarra once again had to deal with Atticus, but there is a friendship there. Aside from the murder mystery, and talks of sausage and gravy we also dealt with an issue that has long bothered our trio -Squirrels! It was brilliant. Poor Oberon.
The case was interesting and involved a new formula for energy, a secret backer and someone willing to kill for the formula. High tech gadgets, a mole and more kept the trio, Atticus and the detective on their toes.
Luke Daniels narrates and I cannot image Hearne without Daniels. Together they created magic and provided me a binge-high I will long remember.
Sausage, Murder and Evil Squirrels await you in The Squirrel on the Train by Kevin Hearne #iloveaudiobooks #mystery #humor Share on X(voice of Oberon) “I thought for the longest time that chicken-fried steak was steak that had been fried by specially trained chickens,”
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Tyler H. Jolley
This sounds so funny. I laughed when I read the title. Great review, Kimba.
Kimberly
These little mystery spinoffs featuring Oberon are hilarious.
Melanie Simmons
This series has been so much fun. I will miss it when it ends. Maybe Hearne will keep these little shorts for a while after the main story ends.
Kimberly
I really hope he writes more Meaty Mysteries. 🙂
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
My daughter would love this. She reads those Survivor books with the dogs and tells me all about them. We could listen to this together. I will have to get this for us.
Tanya @ Rantings of a Reading Addict
Your influence and recommendations have led me down some great paths (Dannika Dark), I think the Iron Druids may be coming up soon for me!
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
Of course, squirrels are evil. My dogs tell me that every single day 🙂 This sounds like such a fun series. I can’t wait to get started with it.
Kimberly
LOL. Yay, I am glad this series is on your list!
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
I just love that you love this series so much Kim! I can’t wait to start digging in myself 🙂
Great review!
Kimberly
I will honestly cry when it ends.
Barbara Strickland
Having so much trouble with my tbr list. Have to organise my time better.
Evie
It sounds like you really enjoyed this book! I love a good mystery and this seems to have everything 🙂
Kimberly
I really did. The mystery was good and the dogs were hilarious.
MarthaE
I agree this was great fun. Glad you liked it too!
Kimberly
So glad you enjoyed it as well Martha.
Mary Kirkland
That sounds super cute.
Kimberly
You would love the dogs Mary 🙂
Sophia Rose
I will definitely not skip these shorter ones when I come to them in the series. I adore that Oberon and Atticus are solving mysteries. Yes, totally agree about Luke Daniel’s narration fitting this series like a glove.
Kimberly
These were just such fun Sophia.
Lily
this looks so fun and silly XD the name of the book alone makes me smile
Kimberly
I laughed until I had tears.
Blodeuedd
Ohh short, I could do that. I have not really tried audio short ones
Kimberly
These are the perfect length.
Laura Thomas
I’ve got this one too and can’t wait to get to this point in the series. Look at that fun cover!
Kimberly
Wahoo!
Ethan
The title alone made me chuckle, but the story beyond that sounds equally as satisfying!
Kimberly
Have you read the Iron Druid Chronicles? Gads they were such fun. I will be saddened when the final installment releases.
Debbie Haupt
I absolutely love reading your reviews of this series and spin off Kim. it is on my list
Kimberly
Yay, glad you are enjoying my gushings 🙂
Nick
Haha! Squirrels are SO CUTE. How can they be evil?!
Kimberly
According to Oberon, they are plotting to take over the world!
Silvia
That cover really grabbed my attention, and then your review did the rest! It sounds like a very good book, and a different read for me 🙂
Kimberly
These were a blast, Silvia. Enjoy your weekend!
RO
I can imagine this was quite fun to listen to, and very cool. Sounds like a really interesting novel for sure. Hugs…RO
Kimberly
Thanks, Ro. Have a lovely weekend!
Cindy
I love animals as main characters! This one sounds very interesting, thanks for sharing.
Kimberly
Thanks, Cindy, and these can be enjoyed even if you haven’t read the series.
Melliane
It’s great to see you had another wonderful time and I love the covers!
Kimberly
I love the covers too 🙂
Cricket
This sounds like such a fun audio and I like that it has dogs as the main characters because it makes me think of my pups. I’d probably imagine them while listening.
Kimberly
I had a blast listening to these Cricket.