This book title may have been recommended in other posts somewhere, but I just finished reading it and wanted to share it. It's called Dog on It, by Spencer Quinn. It's a mystery, with the main characters a private detective (Bernie) and his dog (Chet). What makes it unique is it's narrated by Chet, so it has a perspective unlike your "usual mystery story." I think any dog parent can relate to Chet's "inner thoughts." Here are the opening lines, to give you an idea:
"I could smell him - or rather the booze on his breath - before he even opened the door, but my sense of smell is pretty good, probably better than yours. The key scratched against the lock, finally found the slot. The door opened and in, with a little stumble, came Bernie Little, founder and part-owner (his ex-wife, Leda, walked off with the rest) of the Little Detective Agency. I'd seen him look worse, but not often.
He mustered a weak smile. 'Hey, Chet.'
I raised my tail and let it thump down on the rug, just so, sending a message.
'I'm a little late, sorry. Need to go out?'
Why would that be? Just because my back teeth were floating? But then I thought, What the hell, the poor guy, and I went over and pressed my head against the side of his leg. He scratched between my ears, really digging his fingers in, the way I like. Bliss."
--Page 1, Dog on It, by Spencer Quinn
I really enjoyed it. It's the first of a series, so I'll be looking for the next one at my favorite used bookstore!