Book Review: Nick Trout's Cyrus Mills Series

The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs - Nick Trout (photo from Goodreads)

I read the first book in Trout's "Cyrus Mills" series about six months ago, and I LOVED it.  I have always been interested in veterinary medicine, so I figured this book - its main character a veterinary pathologist with a soft spot for lost dogs - would be right up my alley.  Cyrus Mills has returned to his Vermont hometown after years of estrangement from the town and his (now deceased) father.  Cyrus is determined to sell the practice his father left him - it is struggling financially, and as a pathologist, he is not used to working with living animals and their owners.  

But the Bedside Manor for Sick Animals wins Cyrus over, and so does an unwanted Golden Retriever he takes in.  He begins to care - not just for the animals he treats, but for the practice, the town, and the humans in it, too.  This was a heartwarming story; I rooted for Cyrus and his failing practice the whole way through.  The plot was peppered with some comic relief and sweet stories as well...an underwear-eating Lab and the charming "Frieda Fuzzypaws" were some especially memorable patients.  The best word to describe this novel would be "charming," and I would recommend it to any animal lover.  (Buy it here for $14.99!)

Dog Gone, Back Soon - Nick Trout (photo from Goodreads)

This is Trout's follow-up to The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one.  Cyrus is now fully involved with the Bedside Manor for Sick Animals (as well as a waitress named Amy), and he is determined to grow it into a thriving practice.  Unfortunately, a huge chain vet practice across town is just as determined to keep him from doing so.  Adding to the chaos in Cyrus' life:  relationship issues and a unique homeless dog he must struggle to find a home for.  Much of the book focused on various furry patients and their ailments, which was my favorite part.  The pet owners were often very kooky (and sometimes frustrating), and I found that to be pretty realistic.  (Buy it here for $15!)  Nick Trout has many nonfiction books available that I will definitely be checking out after reading these!  I suggest you pick these books up on your next trip to the library!  :)

xoxochelsea