The Unscratchables by Cornelius Kane, is billed as "a new breed of
crime novel." Quite frankly, I had to check to see if Lyle wrote it. It's much
better writing and more clever than anything Lyle's written, but it's so
completely Lyle-ish I had to check to be sure.
Here's the story: Detective Max "Crusher" McNash of the Slaughter Unit in the
Police Dog Force is a hard headed, tough as nails bull terrier. He's called to
the scene of a double murder--2 rottweilers are dismembered on the docks in a
rough district of the Kennels.
When the evidence points to a cat as the perpetrator, the Feline Bureau of
Investigation is brought in to partner up with the Slaughter Unit. Crusher has a
deep-seated hatred for cats, and Siamese in particular--he was a prisoner of the
North Siamese in the war. When the FBI liaison turns out to be a smooth talking,
impeccably dressed Siamese, it's almost more than Crusher can handle. But he's a
good dog at heart, and obedience trained, so he buries his instincts and
partners with Cassius Lap in the investigation.
What they uncover is a conspiracy extending to the highest levels of government,
canine and feline. In the process, Lap and McNash form a bond of partnership and
incorruptibility--together they become the Unscratchables.
Lyle for sure gives this one a 4 paw rating. If you like a little cheese with
your novels, you're sure to enjoy it. Watch out for some eye-rollers and
groaners, but all in all it's a smile from start to finish.