DYLAN'S NOSE KNOWS

Tween best friends and a shrewd cocker spaniel investigate dubious activity at a ranch in Troy’s middle-grade series installment.

Casey Donovan and Sumo Modragon are excited to spend a few days at a horse ranch. Sumo’s dad, Tennyson, drives the boys and his new filly to his ranch in Lake Arrowhead, not far from their homes in Brea, California. Casey’s beloved cocker spaniel, Dylan, an endearing canine who’s always ready for adventure and chow time, joins them. Before they even make it to the ranch, Dylan spots a suspicious man lurking around the horse trailer. When they reach Lake Arrowhead, they learn that someone has attacked a ranch hand. Although Casey and Sumo are looking forward to a bit of fun, they can’t ignore the ranch-related crimes and potential suspects, including an incensed neighbor and one of the other ranch hands. It sounds like a job for Dylan’s Dog Squad, the popular social media savvy group that’s managed to solve some mysteries. For this latest whodunit, the Squad, as always, relies on Dylan and his impeccable nose. Troy’s well-established recurring cast, which also includes Casey’s warmhearted mom, Colleen, gets this fifth entry off to a quick start. Dylan’s inner dialogue (reporting “I love the smell of grease and fast food” or misunderstanding the expression “on the house”), along with familiar doggie quirks like covering his eyes with his paws during a zombie flick, provide loads of humor. New characters, such as Noah, a detective’s hearing-impaired son, and Noah’s dog, Billy da Pug, further enrich this installment, as Casey and Dylan have been learning American Sign Language. While Dylan’s adorably naïve perspective on the humans’ world drives this narrative, the kids’ investigation is genuinely engaging. Suspects are aplenty, and the possibility of an unknown assailant stalking the ranch slowly builds tension. Dylan’s sniffer is so remarkable that he’s often a step or two ahead of the boys as he easily carries this diverting series.

A fetching hero and his bright human companions lead a gently absorbing mystery.