Customer Reviews

All Creatures Dark and Dangerous: The Dr. David Westbrook Stories

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Nobody tells a story like Doug Allyn. His short stories are outstanding and this book is a collection of some of his best. These tales, although distinctly different, share the common thread of one Dr. David Westbrook, small town veterinarian. Dr. Westbrook is human with human failings that tend to endear him to the reader. This likeable guy encounters a variety of very troublesome situations in his seemingly routine profession and his approach to solving these dilemmas will hold your interest. One of the stories, "Puppy Land" is well worth the price of the book all by itself. It is a very moving and thought provoking account of a woman faced with a terminal illness, who is able to put her own troubles aside to care for a frail and sickly puppy. A masterpiece.

I'm one who would normally say that short stories are not my favorite form as there isn't enough time to become involved with the characters. Perhaps because I actually read "The Burning of Rachel Hayes" just before reading this book, and because of the continuity of protagonist through, these read more as chapters. Although it was a bit disconcerting that one sub-story here was told differently in "Rachel Hayes," I very much enjoyed this book and read it straight through in one evening.

This book collects the Dr. David Westbrook stories that have appeared primarily in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. Doug Allyn is the modern master of the short story, and these stores feature a veternarian in the Midwest who solves his share of mysteries. The short story is a distinct art form into itself and no one does it better than Doug. Give yourself a treat and pick up this collection. YOu won't be disappointed.