As Dog Is My Witness [Paperback]

Natural curiosity is not one of freelance writer Aaron Tucker's traits. So, even having solved two previous murders, it would take a lot to get him involved in a third. In this case, it takes a call from his friend Lori Shery, leader of the Asperger Syndrome (AS) support group he's part of. He owes Lori so many favors that he doesn't hesitate to look into a murder for her.

Michael Huston was shot one night while out walking his dog. The police already have a suspect in custody, Justin Fowler, a young adult with AS. And they have a good case against him, too. Justin has a fascination with guns bordering on the obsessive. The antique pistol used in the murder was found in his room. And he's confessed to the crime.

While Aaron agrees that the evidence is pretty bad, he also understands AS since his son Ethan has it. One thing he knows is that someone with the disorder would not shot a person without a very good reason. And since Justin never met Michael, there's no way he would have shot him on a whim.

Aaron starts investigating in the usual places. Michael's marriage was the model of perfection. He was well liked and had no enemies. So, who would want the man dead? Aaron's just started poking around when three goons from a legendary mobster tell him to stop. Is there a mob connection?

Meanwhile, Aaron's friend Mahoney needs Aaron's help tracking down the saboteur who is undermining him at work. The cars Mahoney has just repaired are broken again just a few minutes later. Plus, Aaron's brother-in-law and his family are coming to stay for a week. To say that Aaron doesn't get along with Howard is an understatement, and Aaron's wife Abby tries desperately to get along with Howard, sometimes turning her back on her own family in the process. Looks like it's going to be an interesting and busy week.

This is another great entry in the comedic mystery series. Once again, the first person narration is full of wry observations on the proceedings, usually filled with lots of sarcasm and one-liners. I was grinning and chuckling the entire way through.

The book tries to juggle three storylines. While it does a good job of entertaining with all of them, the story line with the visiting relatives seems to take over at times, slowing down the murder investigation. That's not to say the pace ever lagged. No matter how late I was reading, I had a hard time putting this book down. The murder case does have a couple of nice twists as well, and I never saw the ending coming.

Aaron's family has always been a draw in this series. Because of Howard's visit, they get more page time then in past books. Aaron's relationship with Abby has always been wonderful. Even with the problems they go through here, I still love this portrait of a happy marriage. Ethan's AS has always been present, but it is really developed in this book, and I finally began to understand the disorder.

This series is another winner for those who like their mysteries with a liberal dose of humor. Here's hoping the wait isn't too long before the next installment.

Jeff Cohen's style reminds me of Harlan Coben's underrated jewels, the Myron Bolitar books, with the humor amped up and a bit more of a family slant. The Aaron Tucker books, and As Dog is my Witness makes it unanimous, are expertly written, smoothly plotted gems. And Cohen's books should be read by every parent of a teenager ready to pull out their hair! Which would be every parent of a teenager.

My very favorite mystery author, Julia Spencer-Fleming, says "I started laughing out loud on page 5!" Well, clearly Ms. Spencer-Fleming overlooked page 4. This series deserves a national readership, and Dog may be Aaron Tucker's Greyhound ticket out of New Jersey.

Really well done comic mystery with great gobs of Jewish humor. You'll especially like the take on the holiday season from the Jewish point of view - and it's all too true. In addition we have a good mystery, some fun locals, some real characters and a lot of caring. Jeffrey Cohen has it all in this book, and he deserves to be recognized.

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