It took me a few pages to get into Wambaugh's style but I am glad I did. While the book feels a little dated it was still a fun read. Wambaugh has a knack for making me laugh out loud. ( )

Mer underhållande än spännande. Rolig läsning är det dock. Andra halvan betydligt starkare än början. ( )

If you love dogs, skip this one. The character of Philo Skinner made me sick and what he did to the dogs in his care made me even sicker. ( )

It’s a Joseph Wambaugh novel, it is a bit hard for me to accept that there might be a reader who does not know what to expect when reading one of his novels. He writes of the world of cops with knowledge from experience of having been a cop. The most entertaining depictions presented are those of life in a squad room or precinct, where the cops live. For those without experience as a cop, it might be difficult to imagine it could be as wacky as described in this book. I had no problem accepting it.

A show dog, very valuable, will be kidnapped. A substitute, almost a look alike will be left in its place. To solve and deal with this heinous crime, a plethora of misfits, both in and out of law enforcement, will be mustered. Some of the most important ones are:

Central protagonist and 24 hour-a-day alcoholic police officer, Valnikov, almost beyond the capacity to function on any level resembling human. He seems to speak only in non-sequiturs to partner Natalie.

An entire case that revolves around the theft of a show dog, very important to owner Madeline, a formerly wealthy woman without present-day ready cash, as she cannot sleep unless her dog, Vickie, is in bed beside her.

The Terrier King, an unscrupulous dog trainer for show dogs. A dog-napper through a bait and switch theft of Vickie for Tutu.

A squad room full of cops that seem to co-exist despite all their personal and professional flaws.

Partner cop Natalie who keeps the readers interest engaged with the answer to the question of whether she will ever respect Valnikov. She wants to complain about Valnikov to Cpt. “Hipless” Hooker, her boss, but he is too busy retiring.

Millie, just shy of 80 years old, with a belief that twenty-five year old guys are too old for her. She cares more for them than Tutu, her show dog. Alligators also take precedence.

This is a fun read for a weekend. ( )

his books make it seem as if all police are dysfunctional ( )