P.K. Paranya, Herr Schnoodle & McBee

Herr Schnoodle & McBee

P.K. Paranya

Five Star, October 2006, $25.95

ISBN 1594144125

In New York, fortyish Alexander McBee changes vocations from accounting to private investigative work based on a correspondence course, Magnum reruns, and the DNA of his father and grandfather, former cops. He literally picks up a new partner when the lone sleuth finds an injured ugly canine that is a horrendous mixing of a schnauzer and a poodle, who he calls Herr Schnoodle.

With Schnoodle at his side, they recover a missing Persian cat, stolen grocery carts, and solve the case of a missing person. However, McBee admits to himself that Schnoodle is the brains of the operation, as the dog solves the case, though it seems to outsiders that McBee accomplishes the feat. They meet homeless Apple Sally, and both are intrigued by her. As McBee's rep grows, reporter Darcy takes a personal interest in him, even as he finds himself needing to know more about Apple Sally. Before Schnoodle, McBee had no friends; now he has plenty, but first he and his partner want to make things right for Apple Sally.

This is a lighthearted private investigator tale with a serious subplot involving Apple Sally. WC Field's theory of not performing with animals or children as they will steal the scene comes through, as Schnoodle constantly stars. McBee is a fine person just coming out of his shell thanks to his partner and Apple Sally. Fans will appreciate this humorous detective tale, summed up by McBee when he reflects how Herr Schnoodle is the brains of the operation.