Hunting Elf: A doggone Christmas story

What a perfect time to read this book! But that's certainly not the only reason why I can whole-heartedly recommend it to readers of all ages.
Dave Donelson managed to write not only a witty and at times outright hilarious story of a dog on the loose and his rather unmotivated owner Dan chasing after him (as do others who'd even kill to get their hands on the puppy), but he did so with love to detail which dog owners will certainly appreciate.
This is a fast-paced read with a whole lot of memorable characters and on the forefront Elf, the dog, who in all his anthropomorphic detail, will sneak his way into the readers heart (even though you'll be glad he's not peeing on YOUR bed) - but let's face it, there's more to being a dog than, show more well, being just a dog. Oh, and happy end included. Who could aks for more?
In short: Grab yourself a copy of the book and make yourself comfortable next to the Christmas tree! Because if you don't, your dog might ... show less

Elf is a purebred Silky Terror, I mean Terrier, who is the last son of a world famous champion show dog. When the breeder dies a mysterious death, her husband sells the entire litter, including Elf, to people wanting pets. Three local breeders/dog show fanciers want Elf for his bloodline. Instead he goes home with June McCoy who intends on giving Elf to her mother for Christmas. June's mother doesn't want to care for a dog, but that's OK because Elf has taken off. And so begins the adventures of Elf.

Elf’s main human is Dan McCoy, June’s husband. Dan doesn’t want a dog especially one like Elf. Elf has a tendency to lift his leg where and when he pleases and eat things that end up returning to the carpet for Dan to step in. show more Breeders, Selena Kisco and Marie Carcioma, and handler Bruce Rose want Elf for stud services and decide to use any means necessary to get him. Throw in TV detective and neighbor Jerry, new age dimwit brother-in-law Edgar, an exasperated Officer Miller and clueless dog trainer Martin into the mix and you have a delightful story for any time of the year.

This is really a fun book to read. Author Dave Donelson’s characters are well-rounded and full of life. I don’t recall the story stalling at any point. There is one scene that felt forced and was a little confusing. **SPOILER** Several lady senior citizens rip open June’s convertible trying to rescue Elf from what they feel is a dangerously hot car (Elf was waiting in the car while June and Dan had breakfast in a restaurant). There was no clue to the weather being hot or humid, just a few nutty ladies who apparently like destroying other people’s cars. Dan tries to intercede as the ladies rip off the top and throw large rocks at the windows and Dan. I thought one of those ladies was Marie Carcioma from the description but was wrong (the confusing part). In the end, Elf bolts away only to be . . .

Hunting Elf s light-hearted story will keep you glued to the pages. Elf is a sweetheart and smart, very smart. He’ll keep you in stitches with his antics. If you ever thought you trained your pet this story will fill you in on the truth. Hunting Elf, a doggone Christmas story is a good read any time of the year.

NOTE: received from author; Member Giveaway show less

Hunting Elf by Dave Donelson is many things: an entertaining, witty, well-paced book that will have you laughing at the interaction between man and dog. It is also a well-written light amateur sleuth mystery. I laughed out loud at several points in the plot.

However, it is by no means a children's book unless your child is a cynical middle-aged adult. After reading the PDF version of the book I came across the web page for the audio download version of the book and came across the following disclaimer by the author stating that Hunting Elf:

“ . . . contains a little semi-strong language and some allusions to adult activity, so you might want to listen to the podcast before sharing it with children.”

If you consider “crap, hell, ass, show more bastard” or similar words to be only semi-strong language, then by all means read this book to your children as you tuck them in or let them listen to the book with their friends. If you consider the following points to be mild allusions to “adult activity,” then, by all means, let the kiddies enjoy the book and learn to model after the characters. Within its pages (or on the audio version), your children can learn about “adult activities” such as:

1. a bisexual betraying his homosexual partner by having sex with a female dog breeder with the primary intent of using the sex tapes he is making of their trysts so he can blackmail her;
2. dog breeders so intent upon capturing a prospective stud dog that they will commit murder;
3. a widowed mother-in-law who uses her new freedom to hit the gambling tables;
4. neighbors who love getting sloshed before caroling or hunting down the missing dog;' or.
5. having Christmas described as the “annual rite of exchanging gadgets and ill-chosen articles of clothing” or Christmas “. . . is a holiday that most often disappoints.” (hence, the cynical middle-aged reader as a primary audience).

Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Donelson is a talented writer, and this book is a good read. However, do not get taken in by the cute canine illustration on its cover. This is not a book for young children. I would not even recommend it for young adolescents and I am no prude. I simply suggest that you want to be very sure your children are ready to tackle the “adult” language, activities, and attitudes.

I love well-conceived and executed children's books. It is often said that writing for children is more difficult than writing for adults, and so it should be. Children are impressionable; they should be exposed to the best language and ideals we can offer to them. Books should lift their expectations, broaden their horizons and inspire them.

While Hunting Elf is fine for adults, it is not suitable, in my opinion, for children. I will recommend this book to other adults, but I cannot, in good conscience, recommend it as either an audio book or hard text book suitable for children, and I am somewhat disappointed that its adorable cover art will confuse some parents as to its intended audience. The author's rather vague disclaimer aside, perhaps the book needs new cover art and a slightly different slant to to its PR campaign.

Enjoy this book, but think twice before sharing it with the kiddies unless you are prepared to discuss words, concepts and activities best reserved for more mature audiences. show less

Hunting Elf, a doggone Christmas story by Dave Donelson is a delightfully amusing whodunit set in suburban New York. Prize-winning dogs, demented dog breeders and well-meaning dog owners slash would be detectives feature heavily in this humorous caper which centers around Elf, a purebred Silky Terrier puppy with seriously desirable lineage, a couple of crazy old bags who will stop at nothing to get him, and Dan, Elf’s hapless human, who just wants to be left in peace at Christmas time. But ‘tis NOT the season to be jolly when Elf runs away on an exploratory adventure around the suburb, leaving the hapless Dan and his posse of equally hapless friends to ‘hunt’ him down. The plot thickens with the arrival of Elf’s stalkers - two show more dog breeders with one thing in mind - to dognap Elf in order to breed prize-winning terriers for profit and glory. In show dog circles the ladies are well-known enemies, with a long history of rivalry between them, a point which goes unnoticed when bodies of dog-involved individuals begin to turn up after an encounter with Elf. Three murders later, Dan and his friends are on the case, busy chasing slippery dognappers who are busy chasing the even more slippery Elf who’s busy chasing anything that moves, leading everyone on a merry-go-round likely to end up badly for some and worse for others. But all good things must come to an end. The bad guys get their just deserts and Elf is returned safely home, just in time to celebrate Christmas.

Well-written and compelling, the story moves along at a steady pace, allowing the reader time to absorb the action (of which there is plenty) without feeling overwhelmed by it. Donelson’s comic timing is faultless; there are ‘laugh out loud’ passages throughout the story as well as many witty descriptions. Donelson does particularly well with his descriptions of Elf’s dog behavior, which he brings to life in vivid detail and with a good dose of humor. The tale is peppered with odd ball characters who add to the general sense of hilarity; Dan’s other-worldly brother-in-law Edgar and the seriously teenage pet shop attendant Moonrat among the most memorable. Hunting Elf is a funny and very enjoyable read. Thoroughly recommend it. show less

From the cover art (ignoring the popular saying) and the title, Hunting Elf appears to be a children's book. Instead, it's the madcap story of a well-intentioned but ill-thought out Christmas gift - of a tiny terrier and the chaos he creates in the lives of his owners.

Hunting Elf makes for lighthearted holiday reading - one of those books that provides plenty of laughs, as well as an overwhelming sense of gratitude that Elf is someone else's problem.

The only (minor) problem with Hunting Elf is the inconsistent tone. Dan, the narrator, is at his best when he's not taking his story too seriously. When he lapses into earnestness, Hunting Elf becomes an absurd story. Luckily, these lapses are few and far between, and Elf can be enjoyed for show more the absurdist comedy it is. show less

I was laughing out loud within a few pages. The story surrounds a rambunctious puppy named Elf. Elf is purchased as a Christmas present, but bring a whole lot of baggage with him. Hunting Elf is full of crazy people. Elf has other plans. He wants to stay with his half trained humans.

The characters are likable but a little too crazy to be believable. Fortunately t he writing and fast pace of the story makes up for that. Hunting Elf is more of a mystery than a Christmas story and can easily be read anytime. I'm not normally a mystery person, but the story was so funny, that I couldn't stop reading. The story may not be very believable, but it is still worthwhile read. Hunting Elf can be easily be read by Tweens and adults.

I loved this book. Elf is like so many dogs, including one of my own. I enjoy reading books from a dogs point of view.

Even though there were murders throughout the book, you really don't know it. Elf is more than charming and I would own him in a heartbeat.