Shamus the Urban Rez Dog, P.I.
by Leslie Gentile
ISBN: 9781770867079
Format: Trade Paperback
Size: 5.375" x 8.00"
Subjects:
JUV028000 JUVENILE FICTION / Mysteries & Detective Stories
JUV002070 JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Dogs
JUV019000 JUVENILE FICTION / Humorous Stories
Synopsis:
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Missing jewelry, a false accusation, and a real thief. Shamus the Urban Rez Dog, P.I. is on the case.
The name’s Shamus. I’m a special kind of dog known as a Rez Dog. That means I’m a mix of different breeds and I come from a reserve. I live in the city with Mom and the twins, Rainey and Cole. We are one of many Indigenous families on our block.
Life is great — until Mom is falsely accused of stealing from the jewelry store she’s worked at for years. When the kids and I set out to catch the real thief, we discover some surprising and, if I do say so myself, hilarious clues — including a false wall, a lucky bowling ball, and a vicious poodle named Hepzibah!
Price: $14.95
Ages: 9 to 12
Publication Date: September 2, 2023
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Shortlisted, 2024 City of Victoria Children's Book Prize
Shortlisted, 2025 Chocolate Lily Award
Reviews
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“The view from the doghouse isn’t half bad, and Shamus the Urban Rez Dog should know. As a pup, he’s got lots to learn about becoming that ‘well-behaved dog,’ but as a P.I., this dog can sniff out a clue like no-puppy else (as long as he avoids those Thai leftovers).”
— Angela Misri, author of Tails from the Apocalypse and the Portia Adams Adventure Series
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“It isn’t easy to write a consummately light novel, but Leslie Gentile has achieved this with Shamus the Urban Rez Dog, P.I. The dog’s loopy, highly distractible (food!) narration is fun and genuinely funny. The Hardy Boys-type mystery is the breezy ride that kids will love to flop down with.”
​— Victoria Children’s Book Prize jury citation
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“Children love a hero, particularly one who has suffered the injustices they have observed in their lives as probationary people, and Shamus is a perfect fit with that imaginary landscape.... The language in this romp is accessible and loaded with sensory detail that teases the appetite. Shamus is the perfect metaphor for a story-craving kid....”
— The British Columbia Review
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“Leslie Gentile has written a touching novel with a unique narrator.”
— Canadian Review of Materials
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“Leslie Gentile has written an amusing and heartfelt mystery from the perspective of Shamus the dog.”
— Ildiko Sumegi, Canadian Children’s Book News
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“Have you ever wanted to read a perfect detective story for animal lovers written from the perspective of a dog? Well, if you do, read this book! I give this book five stars because it’s very entertaining and captivating.”
— Dylan W., 10, Young Mensan Magazine
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“A fun detective story featuring a pretty wild doggo, Shamus the Urban Rez Dog, P.I. by Leslie Gentile is a story that will be easily gobbled up.”
— Stephanie Lamb, Storytime with Stephanie