“If you want loyalty, get a dog. If you want chaos, follow Dan Starkey.”

That’s the energy pulsing through The Day of the Jack Russell, Colin Bateman’s darkly funny crime caper featuring the most sarcastic journalist-turned-investigator you’ll ever meet. Think noir, but with a pint in one hand and pure madness in the other.

Dan Starkey isn’t your average sleuth. He’s got a temper, a hangover, and a serious problem with authority. So when he’s hired to track down a missing Jack Russell terrier tied to a bizarre ad campaign, things spiral fast. Petnapping, thugs, murder—it all unravels into something way bigger than anyone signed up for.

But here’s the twist: it’s laugh-out-loud funny. Bateman masterfully blends razor-sharp wit with gritty crime, giving us a plot that’s both absurd and addictive. If you’re into fast-paced dialogue, twisted humor, and mysteries that never take themselves too seriously, this one’s a goldmine.

It’s also wildly clever. Beneath the laughs, Bateman explores media manipulation, political thuggery, and the odd cult obsession with small dogs.

This isn’t just a mystery—it’s an experience. A snappy, chaotic, and oddly heartwarming ride through Belfast’s underworld.

And yes, you can grab the free pdf download or free books download of The Day of the Jack Russell right now on Bookdio—your destination for quirky, clever reads that punch way above their weight.

You like crime with bite? This one bites back.