Spot and Smudge - Book One

Overly sweet family hounded by overly ignorant crooks.

The plan is to torch and polute half the county in order to develop building lots and make Chinese food even cheaper.
After terrific mayhem the moderately smart kids happily settle down with their opposable-thumbed microsurgical genius dogs.

Its probably worth reconsidering who pours kibble for whom.

I made it half way through the second chapter. This reminds me of a bad comic who has to fill his whole act with foul language because he really doesn't have an actual act. I guess you get what you pay for.

This started out to be a moderately interesting tale, but it was wrecked by the author's frequent use of four-letter expletives.
I found the foul language repulsive, disgusting, and needless. It certainly didn't add to the story. By Chapter 5, I'd had enough.
A waste of money.

I have no recollection of how I found this book. Probably popped up in my Goodreads recommendations, I saw that it was about dogs, genetics and science and I'm a pretty easy sell at that point. Still, you never know what you're getting into - an author I don't know, a book that might be a little more YA than I generally read - I waffled about buying it and added it to my extensive Xmas book list instead of buying it outright and that's how I got it. I'm sure glad I did.

Spot and Smudge grabbed me from the first few chapters. Antagonists you'll love. Protagonists you'll want to see bad things happen to. Puppies! There really isn't a much better recipe for a fun fiction read. Robert Udulutch provides enough simplicity to hook anyone and enough unique elements to make Spot and Smudge stand out from your normal feel-good thriller. This novel ends up being just a really cool mix of adventure, light fun and some seriously crazy depravity that all work together to make a great read. There are times when Spot and Smudge push right up against the boundaries of credibility and times when the intentional cheesyness are *almost* too much, and then Udulutch switches gears and the novel just continues to flow along. I hate to use a cliche phrase, but "Spot and Smudge is a real page turner."

One of the strongest parts in Spot and Smudge are the bad guys. They are a seriously evil bunch, but realistic in the context of this novel, and this was a really engaging element. One of those "it's one AM and I need to get to sleep but I really want these bastards to get hurt, so let me read one more chapter," types of engagement. One bit of warning - and I say this as a 5 year Army veteran who spent time overseas - dogs get hurt in this book and if that's something that might bother you like it does me, just make sure you've got your own furry friend close by if you need a break.

Overall, a great book by an author I'm happy to have found. The 2nd and 3rd Spot and Smudge books are already ordered.

The Hogan family weren’t looking to start a war. All they wanted was to move closer to grandma, maybe adopt a dog, and hopefully leave the troubles of the big city behind.

But the quaint little town has several dark secrets behind it’s shiny facade. And the strange puppies the family adopts are more than what they seem to be.

There’s a strange connection between the two orphaned puppies and the town’s criminals; and that connection is pulling both sides towards one another in what will be an epic battle. One which the Hogan family aren’t prepared to fight, much less win.

But the grit of one devoted family, like the loyalty of a pair of pups, should never be underestimated. Especially if the pups are unlike any dogs the family…or any one…has ever seen.

As a dog lover, I was intrigued by the plot of Spot and Smudge, and when the opportunity came to get an e-copy, I jumped on it. Who doesn’t like a story like the one described above?

Turns out, dear reader, that person would be me.

First of all, let me say that Spot and Smudge has a great deal of disturbing scenes. There is drug abuse, alcohol abuse, human abuse, as well as animal abuse. This is a very dark book and the story does not stray for very long in the light.

Aside from the titular dogs, the majority of the human characters are sadly one dimensional. Even the “good guys” that we are supposed to be rooting for are like this. We are given very little information about the Hogan family aside from names and the most basic of backgrounds. We are told they are wanting to “start over”, but start over from what? They are wanting to move closer to Ms. Hogan’s mother, who loses her husband before the start of the book. A certainly believable reason, but sadly, once again an idea that is never fully looked in to.

The “bad guys” are bad because we are told they are. Aside from greed there is no ulterior motive for any of them. As I was reading, I kept hoping for some kind of back story – anything to flesh out these characters and keep them from turning out to be little more than pieces of walking, talking cardboard. Sadly, I was let down, because even the main bad guy (who appears for only a handful of pages) left me feeling flat. Pun definitely intended.

As much as I was looking forward to reading Spot and Smudge, I was unfortunately left sorely disappointed. And more than a little disturbed. This is not for any of the more squeamish readers, and sadly not one I can recommend. It is unlikely I will be reading or reviewing the subsequent titles in the series.

Just finished the first book, and on to the second. I'm never sure about a new (to me) author , but what fun would life be without them? I liked this book so much, (I began with the Unlimited offer--no need to go crazy, after all), that I went completely round the twist and sprang for the set before I was halfway through. And I'm not sorry I did , either.

I love dogs--and katz, too, but they inspire a totally different kind of book (one with more colorful cursing). All of the characters are well put together; the heroes and villains both. Creating loveable story folks ain't easy; I should know...it's one reason I don't write fiction. Creating bad guys you love to hate is just as challenging. Mixing them all together in a blender and having it come out a success, well...

Aside from a few errors a bit of tighter editing can fix in two shakes of a goat's tail, this author does a fine job of telling a damn fun story that'll have you sitting up and begging for more. Do this guy a favor and fork over some dough for these books. Do yourself a favor and read 'em.

And hit him up on his website and FB page. Writers are odd ducks (to say the least) and those who put this much time, craft and love into their work deserve a few accolades. And nothing says "I love your books" better than a few sheckels.

The story started out with f bombs blasting all over the place. This is usually a trigger for me not enjoying a story much or even finish reading and definitely taking a star off a rating. However, with some of the most reprehensible villains ever penned, the dialogue just had to go that way.

My goodness, what a story, very fast paced, at times violent with many cringe worthy nightmarish scenes. There is also love, loyalty, humor and heroism. And of course, there are Spot and Smudge, with whom one falls in love right away. Two fantastic canine heroes. Their owners are too shabby either, especially Ben and Mimi. Mr Watt, Max, and One Ear add to their own brand to the story.
Will be looking out the next books in the series, but after this roller coaster read, I need a couple of naps (hopefully without steel teeth nightmares).

Thank you to the author and the store Prime Reads for the opportunity to read this book.

It was definitely a different story. I liked it a lot. It reminded me of a modern super hero-esque movie, except the superheroes are a pair of dogs with unique superpowers. And the dogs are not bound by the same moral code that humans are. They can and do get away with things a human would be sent to prison for. The story did make me think about what might or might not be moral.

The characters were well developed. The antagonists are gritty and pretty much like you would expect pond scum to be. There was some strong language and things got violent towards the end. So, I'd recommend this more mature audiences. I found the strong language of the villains humorous.

I think I'll pick up the next book to see what Spot and Smudge are up to now that they're past puppyhood.

WHAT A DELIGHT! It starts out as an ordinary book, but quickly develops a strange twist - not strange weird, but strange fascinating. And suddenly there is a whole new dimension to a plot that stretches in interesting and unusual directions, but which - rather like a Dickens novel - eventually involves everybody, and in ways you would not expect. The author has carefully plotted the various strands and prepared all the avenues and characters, so there is no "last minute" appearance of a hero or a solution - but it is done seamlessly and with enough action and distraction that it is a fun read.

This is the sort of book that makes you stay up reading much later than you had intended.

My sister recommended this book to me and she was right. I loved it. Spot and Smudge are great characters. The Hogan family and Mimi are great, too. The bad people are suitably despicable. But I really liked how the animals behaved and thought. Early in the book, a dog is listening to sounds and one is a big happy German shepherd barking. She thinks, no one cares about your stupid leftovers. After reading that, I knew I was going to like this book and I was not disappointed.
The bad people do some nasty stuff, hurt animals and cause a lot of grief. But justice is delivered, some at the hands of the dogs.
I will be reading the next 2 books in the trilogy.

Are you kidding me? I could not put this down. So,......we begin with a sad yet warm, fuzzy story that ends well for the pups and then we have them at their " ipond " Wow. Suspending belief is necessary for some fiction ( and some modern realities ); this story seems to confirm what many of us believe about dogs: they are smarter, keep their personal business more of a secret than we know and continuously show us more Grace than we deserve. The fact that my 2 y/o granddaughter turns on her iPad, logs into her screen and happily surfs away at ( restricted ) pictures, stories coupled with my dog standing at the door and depressing the latch to stroll in makes the future ...........well, interesting ? I'm babbling now and probably need to medicate. Amazing story, waiting to acquire the rest. Regards, Scooter's caretaker.

I have been reading since I was 10! I mean adult, "detective", fiction or almost anything I thought would be a decent read. (60 yrs plus reading) This book was a "by chance" choice, but it was a GIFT from the Book Fairy! Just a couple of chapters in, I couldn't figure out how the author was going to work this out! (I was figuring out Agatha Christie after her first two books, she cheated! and I was not a teen yet) This author is CREATIVE, FUNNY and uses Adjectives! You see, hear and feel all! READ, it's a feel-horrified a little and chuckle/giggle a lot!! Dogs, drugs, kids and Scottish, gun-toting grannies! ENJOY

Fell in love with the title characters and their fiends. Lots of action and a twisted evil plot with slimy villains, courageous friends and a pair of Mensa pups that save the day.
Some parts of this book were hard for me as some of the furry ones are so horribly abused; however, it is not lingered on, and it is the major plot device.
Highly recommend reading thias one. I'm off to read the next one....

This is a good SciFi story. I love the Hogan family and of course, Spot and Smudge. It's all good until you read the chapters dealing with the bad guys. It's then that the author looses me. The use of the F bomb is over the top. This does not come off as witty, cool or particularly shocking. Unlike the usage of the F word in a myriad of forms in the witty black comedy "Boondock Saints", the redundant gratuitous usage in this book comes off as so silly,it doesn't even have shock value. Also, although it is recommended for 17 and up, I seriously would not steer readers that young to these books. That's a shame because other than that I would give it an enthusiastic 5 stars.

I really enjoyed this book. At first, I was skeptical that I would like it....but a chapter or two in...and I was hooked.
It was an easy read, and I really like Robert Udulutch's style of writing.

As a big fan of Dean Koontz and Stephen King, I feel this book fit right in with that type of writing.
I've already purchased the other 2 books in the series, and am looking forward to diving in...

I don't have dogs, but I am owned by 4 cats..after reading this book, it had to make me wonder what they REALLY are thinking.

Hoping that Mr. Udulutch has MORE books in the works!!

... And you won't stop reading until you are finished. No, I really mean it. I read a LOT and finding a unique, clever book with wonderful, richly drawn characters (including fully developed and incredibly creepy -- but real -- bad guys) is truly a rare event. I'm not going to say anything thing about the plot because I'd have to write 4 pages for anything to make sense. Just trust me. Great story, fast-paced, terrific characters... What's not to love?

I enjoy mystery/suspense stories. It helps if the main characters are relatable, have some, flaws, but have you rooting for them. This story doesn't disappoint, it is a thoroughly good read. The story develops with thought and imagination that kept me engaged and wanting more. Now that I know a little of Spot and Smudge I'll not be able to look at our pets in the same way. I'm looking forward to the continuation of the saga of these exceptional pups.

What a refreshing pleasure to read this book. I am totally enchanted by the lovable pups Spot and Smudge. Their humans, Ben, Mimi and more are interesting characters that help to make up this unusual family of very intelligent animals that would give their lives for their family. I love the story. Read the second book also and am working on the third. Just a FANTASTIC story.

. What a great (read very different) dog tale. Spot and Smudge are magnificent. Cute and adorable one minute and very dangerous to the wrong people the next. This is definitely a new take on our canine buddies. I highly recommend it. I'm hoping Mr. Udulutch will consider writing further tales of canine chaos after the so far three novels.

Leave your drab reality in The Bog, and join the Spot and Smudge fan club and cheerleading section! Mr. U creates a vibrant adrenaline pumping new world, where bad guys are VERY bad... and good guys need regular grooming and matching collars. You'll be engrossed and entertained by this fanciful furry adventure!

I really didn't know what to expect, having read all the reviews. Somewhere along the way I got the impression (quite incorrect, it seems) that these books were supposed to be funny. I'm wondering if I was reading the reviews of another book, because I was truly baffled. Once I decided to wipe those expectations out of my head, I was much happier and really started to get involved. The stories are, IMNHO, really clever, and the characters (the "good guys," I mean) were people I would have loved to meet.
I have no problem with "trashy talk", having been raised in an open-minded household, as well as being an old hippie. However, I was at first surprised at the first of which I thought was a typo -- misspelled word. I soon became very annoyed, because I was highlighting every error, thinking that the store might want to fix them. The distraction of these mistakes took a bit of fun out of reading, but despite that I still recommend this trilogy.
But PLEASE, Mr. Udulutch, for heaven's sake, if ALL of your "angels" read your books, you need a professional copy editor.

And can't wait to read more. It was recommended on facebook and available with my KU subscription, I'd have never found it otherwise. Absolutely wonderful story. So unbelievable (I have a smart but also stupid rottweiler, myself) but so well written it's totally plausible.

I was expecting a YA book.. After all, it centers around two adorable pups.. but YA it's not.. and that's good, for me anyway. How could you not fall in love with Spot and Smudge? It's a very well written, engaging story. Heart breaking, at times, and heart warming at others. I look forward to the next in the series.

I loved the Spot & Smudge story in book one. Weird, but captivating. Interaction of the loving family was heart-warming. The integration of the two dogs was stunning. A good read...some of the antagonists were realistic but a bit over the top. If those parts were softened I could recommend the book to my grandchildren. However, I'm stuck with just suggesting to adult friends, etc. Thanks to Mr Udulutch for responding personally to me and resolving a minor complaint I had getting my Kindle to properly enlarge the FBI report at the end of the book!!

What a fun and witty tale of two unusual orphaned pups. Put them together with a wonderful family, throw in some horrid and criminal neighbors, and out comes a memorable story. Will undoubtedly read next in series, right after I go and train a couple of dogs...

This was a book that I read quite on a chance. But once started it was a straight through read with an hour or two for sleep. Exciting and very different from your usual dogs as heroes book. Thank the PTB that the formula wasn't given to cats.

Wonderful writing, homespun characters (could have been my own farm family), great dialogue. But I couldn't get past the opening chapters . . . even by skimming. The brutality was too accurate & extensively described. I've had enough in my life.

A must read! Dean Koontz fans will love this series. I fell in love with the dogs Spot and Smudge and thoroughly enjoyed their canine humor. They had me laughing out loud many times. Action packed, interesting storyline and characters you will truly enjoy, both animal and human, lol. I will be looking for more to read from this author!

As an avid SciFi reader, one can become bored with the series about space battles. And as a huge dog lover, I love the accuracy in describing the pups and their interactions. Can't wait for the next one.

Although it seems that after reading first Installment I would have .said no way on 2 and 3. Half finished with two and looking foward for 3. Amazing how a book with so much impossible never happen can be so entertaining..

The best stories make you want to skip ahead but also keep you glued to the moment at hand. This is one of those stories. This is a fantastical blend of horror, fantasy and very dark humor. I recommend this highly.

The premise of dogs, family and sci-fi totally got me intrigued on this book. I recommend the trilogy highly. Read the first book in the series and you'll be hooked. Thank you to the author for creating the Spot and Smudge world.

Immediate action grabs your heart and lungs. I don't think I breathed for the first 25 pages. The family is loving and smart enough to appreciate the pups. The villains grow in menace. And I couldn't put it down.

I bought this book due to the fact it was about supernatural dogs, and boy am I glad. From the very beginning this book has you it it's funny well written characters to the exploits of the dogs it is wonderful from start to finish. Highly recommended.

I seldom write book reviews, but this book is so original I had to share. If you're looking for something totally out there, strange and different, this is a book you must read. This book is for dog lovers all over the world. Would that all dogs could be like Spot and Smudge. A dream come true.

I just completed the three book adventure featuring Spot and Smudge. This was a wonderful discovery as I just happened upon these books. The author is a great story teller mixing adventure, excitement, science and the loving bond of family. With equal measures if humor throughout.

The pages do seem to turn themselves as you devour the words faster than a dog with a treat. I am not sure if the adventure will continue but I would really like to be visiting this bunch again.

This trilogy kicks-off fantastically with the beginning tale of Spot & Smudge! You can't help but get attached to the family and their pups, then before you know it the author takes you on a wild journey with these fascinating characters through numerous, unexpected twists and turns. Thrilling fun for canine lovers with a dark side!

Such a fun story! Not at all what I expected! Spot and Smudge are brave, intelligent and caring! I highly recommend this if you want an easy read with some good villains, brave heroes and a heartwarming good time. Warning, Not for kids though! Violence, sex, (not lengthy and graffic ) drug use.

This is abso truely brill could not put it down for a min then when finished bought 2 &3 n read both in days. Praying for more of these special pups. N if you want to know what special. Get buying. Cos bleve me you won't regret it. ?Xx

This book took a special kind of odd imagination to dream up. Therefore it makes absolute sense that they wouldn't exist without some witty, canny Scots and a double arm full of rescue dogs. Loved it!

I enjoyed the family dynamics especially with Spot & Smudge, they were great. I do think it was a little over the top, but I've only read the first book. I'm reading the next book now. So I'll coment soon.