The best kind of book can take something as far-fetched and cartoonish as teaching dogs to speak and make you almost believe in it. This book draws you into the story of a recently diseased woman and her husband's quest to solve the mystery behind her death. The only witness that day was the couple's dog, and the man, a linguistics professor, is determined to teach the dog to speak and put together the story. A hint of mystery, a smattering of science, and the undercurrent of a dark love story make this book an amazing read.