Step into the pawsome world of the Howl series, where canine detectives sniff out clues and unravel mysteries in a tail-wagging blend of humor and suspense! Written by J.K. Brandon, this delightful mystery series reimagines the classic whodunit through the eyes of Taser, a black Labrador with a troubled past, and his furry sidekick, Meatloaf. Set in the sun-soaked streets of Scottsdale, Arizona, Howl invites dog lovers and mystery enthusiasts alike to experience crime-solving with a canine twist.
With its unique narrative style and heartfelt exploration of loyalty, community, and second chances, the series captures the unbreakable bond between humans and their four-legged companions. Ready to join Taser’s pack and discover why these books have dog lovers howling with delight?
How Howl Began
J.K. Brandon, a Scottsdale resident with a passion for mysteries and Labradors, drew inspiration from his own ill-mannered black Labs, Zoe and Bungie, to create the Howl series. A former professional with a diverse career in architecture and financial trading, Brandon found his true calling in writing novels that blend his love for dogs with his knack for suspense. The idea struck when he imagined Zoe, the alpha dog, as the perfect protagonist for a noir-style murder mystery, leading to the creation of Taser and Meatloaf’s adventures.
Brandon’s innovative approach—telling gripping stories from a dog’s perspective—set Howl apart in the cozy mystery genre. By marketing his real-life Labs as the ‘authors’ through videos and social media, he connected with dog lovers worldwide, building a loyal fanbase eager for each new canine caper.
The Heart of Howl
The Howl series kicks off with A Howl in the Night, where Taser, a Lab who’s finally found a loving home, faces the threat of returning to the dog pound when a murder rocks his upscale neighborhood. With Meatloaf and a colorful pack of neighborhood dogs, Taser uses his canine senses to track down the killer, navigating rival dogs and menacing coyotes. The sequel, The Twilight Howl, sees the pack tackling a recession-driven crime wave and a missing dog, Harley, whose eerie howls lead to a daring rescue.
A Howl for Help introduces a mysterious stray dog and a home invasion, while Howl of the Wild takes the pack to a mountain resort where a murder and a rogue mountain lion test Taser’s sleuthing skills. The series’ themes of loyalty, resilience, and community shine through, wrapped in a lighthearted yet suspenseful tone. Brandon’s vivid Scottsdale setting, with its desert heat and coyote-laden wilderness, adds a distinctive backdrop, while the dogs’ limited human vocabulary and quirky ‘dogspeak’ inject humor and charm.
Though written for adults (PG-13), the series includes young reader versions, like A Howl at Midnight, making it accessible to a wider audience. Fans praise the well-developed plots and relatable canine characters, though some note occasional spelling errors and mature themes, like discussions of ‘mounters’ and violence, which may surprise readers expecting a purely cozy read.
Why Howl Resonates
The Howl series has carved a niche in the mystery genre by blending anthropomorphic humor with gritty crime-solving, appealing to dog owners who see their pets’ quirks reflected in Taser and Meatloaf. Its impact lies in its celebration of canine intelligence and loyalty, offering a fresh perspective on the human-animal bond. Fans on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon rave about the series’ fast-paced plots and emotional depth, with some calling it a ‘refreshing escape’ from traditional detective stories.
While not a literary heavyweight, Howl’s charm and accessibility have earned it a dedicated following, particularly among pet lovers seeking light, engaging reads. Brandon’s ability to craft believable canine narrators ensures the series remains a beloved gem for those who stumble upon its furry sleuths.
- Number of Books: 10 in the series, including A Howl in the Night (2012) and Less Howl, More Wag (2016).
- Setting: Scottsdale, Arizona, with desert and mountain locales.
- Audience: Adults (PG-13), with young reader editions available.
Grab A Howl in the Night and dive into Taser’s tail-wagging world of mystery and mischief—your inner dog lover will thank you!