As Dog Is My Witness:
Another Aaron Tucker Mystery

Hitting a new high with As Dog is My Witness, the Aaron Tucker series continues! And reviewers around the country and around the world are saying what fans already knew: this is a funny, touching, exciting series that just keeps getting better! But don't take our word for it...

"Wonderful... This book is told through Aaron Tucker's eyes, and he makes for an engaging hero, with his self-denigrating asides and wry observations about straight, crooked, and somewhere-in-between denizens of New Jersey. Cohen's detection in Christie-like in its progression, his characters are witty and unique, and his reveal comes as a big surprise. Funny, clever and compassionate, As Dog Is My Witness is the perfect cozy, and suburban dad Aaron Tucker is the ideal holiday dinner guest."
—Betty Webb, Mystery Scene Magazine

"I picked up As Dog Is My Witness with a certain amount of trepidation. A writer with an issue to explore—autism—and a book populated by both children and animals would usually make me cautious. But I can report that the book is an absolute delight. Jeffrey Cohen's sparky series set in New Jersey is new to me and now I want to read the rest.

"Cohen can do you prose that crackles off the page and wisecracks by the lorryload, but knows when to pull back from the edge of facetiousness.

"Even better, Cohen's characters are living, breathing, witty and infuriating. I found myself snarling at the book when Aaron's ghastly brother-in-law and his family come to stay, muttering under my breath at Abby's tendency to side with her brother, and watching my hands make tightening round throat gestures as cousin Dylan makes Ethan's life a misery.

"As Dog Is My Witness is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. I'm off to beg, steal or borrow the previous two."
—Sharon Wheeler, Reviewing the Evidence

"In this third Aaron Tucker novel (after 2003's A Farewell to Legs), Cohen expertly weaves information about Asperger's Syndrome into a delightfully amusing mystery plot. Problems arising from his wife's support of her brother, in opposition to her immediate family, turn out to be as obstructive as the interference of mobsters in this tale. But readers will cheer when it's discovered that neither threat is as daunting as it appeared. The always likable Aaron Tucker continues to be a joy to follow, as he copes with his family, the Family and the quotidian challenges of folding laundry. Is it selfish to wish that more problems should plague Aaron, only so we will see him in more adventures down the road?"
—Cindy Chow, January Magazine Rapsheet

"I wouldn't have taken a second look at this book without the not so gentle urging of Julia Spencer-Fleming... Trusting her judgement, I cracked it open, and was rewarded by finding a delightful and unusual new voice who also has the welcome gift of a sense of humor. The family in this book deals with their Asperger's kid in pretty much a perfect way (as far as I can tell) while not being a 'perfect' family, just a normal one with a messy house, a chaotic schedule, and a lively dinner table. The way Cohen writes about this family is the real heart of the book, and they are all distinctly interesting people.

"Aaron Tucker lives in much the same geographical area as Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar, and much like Harlan Coben, Cohen seems to have a sense of humor that won't quit. He wraps his humor in a gentler narrative than Coben, but it's still a worthy read. The plot is complicated and has some funny sidebars that seem like they might be scary but turn out fine; and when Aaron's snarky brother in law and his family come for Hanukkah, the humor really dials up a notch. While you may feel you have learned something about Asperger's when you read this novel, you won't feel force fed, you'll just remember a funny, compelling story with a very vivid family at its center. It's well worth a look."
—AuntAgathas.com

"The briskly-paced As Dog Is My Witness soars with a tightly focused plot with realistic characters. Certainly, anyone who knows a person with Asperger's will appreciate Cohen's fine hand at weaving the aspects of this syndrome into the plot. Cohen is especially apt at illustrating Asperger's in daily life, including routines and family members who treat Ethan differently. But Cohen doesn't overload his story.

There's only one thing readers won't understand about As Dog Is My Witness—why Cohen hasn't been signed by a bigger publisher."
—Oline H. Cogdill, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"This is a very sweet and very funny mystery about the misadventures of stay-at-home dad/freelance journalist/reluctant detective Aaron Tucker. As Dog Is My Witness is a wholesome, feel-good mystery about a devoted family man and his endearing family; it will make you laugh, and in the process you might even learn something about Asperger's syndrome."
—Karen Spengler, I LoveAMystery.com

"Jeffrey Cohen is a laugh-a-minute writer who delivers all the mayhem and mystery with a good dose of wry (or is it rye?) humor. And, as the father of an Asperger's son himself and the author of a non-fiction book on the subject, he educates the reader on this much-misunderstood syndrome. As Dog Is My Witness is a funny, enjoyable book with a solid plot and lovable characters. Who could ask for more? Except, of course, another book in the Aaron Tucker series."
—Michele A. Reed, I Love a Mystery Newsletter

"The warm heart of the book is a glimpse into the daily life of a family living with Asperger's. Aaron and his family are all likable, but the book starts to sparkle when Aaron's AS (Asperger Syndrome) son, 12-year-old Ethan, takes an active part in the story.

"Some amusing side stories (a visit by boorish in-laws, a local mob boss and his henchmen, a campaign of sabotage directed at Aaron's old friend Mahoney) hold the reader's interest and keep this humorous cozy moving. As Dog Is My Witness, the third in the Aaron Tucker series, is a nice friendly visit with Aaron and his Jewish family in suburban New Jersey during the Christmas season."
—Verna Suit, I Love A Mystery Newsletter

"Like the previous two books, Aaron Tucker and his family are the heart of the novel, with Aaron's witty asides on family life, parenting and marriage invoking laughs, titters and giggles ... and nods of sympathy. Anyone who has ever had family or friends visit at the holidays for an extended period of time will relate to Aaron's stress level, particularly with a murder investigation going on in the background.

"All of Cohen's novels are light, very funny, sentimental and oddly self-conscious. Narrator Aaron Tucker is given to comic asides and 'breaking the fourth wall,' talking directly to the audience. It wouldn't work with most books, but the tone is so self-mocking and humorous that it serves Cohen (and Tucker) well. The plot is Byzantine enough to keep the reader guessing, but the real heart of the book is Asperger's syndrome. Cohen has written two nonfiction books on the subject and has a son with Asperger's, so the topic is more than just a gimmick or hook. It gives the book far more range and depth than it would otherwise."
—Mark Terry, Oakland Press

"Cohen's mystery series predates the popular TV series, Monk, which also deals with Asperger's. As such, both serve to educate the public while entertaining them ... Jeffrey Cohen's mysteries would stand the test of excellence even without this. His dialogue is witty, especially the ones between husband and wife, parents and children. His characters practically leap off the pages into the reader's heart."--Kaw Valley (KS) Senior Monthly

"In Cohen's third Aaron Tucker whodunnit (after 2003's A Farewell to Legs), the aspiring screenwriter and occasional freelance journalist again puts on his sleuthing hat after a young man with Asperger's syndrome (sic) is arrested for a senseless murder. Cohen succeeds in injecting humor and humanity into this clever puzzler. Parents of Asperger's children are a natural audience, but this work should appeal to a broad cross-section of the mystery market."
—Publishers Weekly

"With a breezy conversational tone, author Jeffrey Cohen gives the reader a birds-eye view of freelance writer Aaron Tucker's somewhat frenzied life. The action intensifies until the reader feels only admiration and awe as Aaron juggles an assortment of suspects, clues and other whodunit balls in the air. The novel careens toward a whiz-bang ending but not before we learn which are the best bagels in New Jersey, that loving someone too much can be hazardous to your health, and that mob characters are people, too."
—Jacqueline Rice, Crimespree Magazine

"Aaron finds an unlikely Watson in Ethan, who builds a rapport with the accused teenager and uncovers the path to the truth. Cohen throws all sorts of red herrings into this quirky story, but at its heart, the novel is about the father-son relationship, and about how Ethan's instincts and intelligence delight Aaron as his son begins to become a man before his eyes. Expect a growing audience for this clever and endearing series."
—Mary Frances Wilkens, Booklist

"Humorous asides arise from screenwriting deadlines, cockeyed in-laws, and self-castigating remarks. Highly recommended."
—Rex E. Klett, Library Journal

"Jeffrey Cohen writes with tongue firmly planted in cheek—and although completely different from fun writers like, say Janet Evanovich, Mr. Cohen obviously has no hesitation when it comes to putting down the pompous, the proud, and the politic."
—Alan Paul Curtis, Who-dunnit.com

"Those who have been lucky enough to have read Jeffrey Cohen's first two mysteries, For Whom the Minivan Rolls and A Farewell to Legs, will be happy to know that Cohen's third mystery featuring Aaron Tucker, As Dog is My Witness, is just as good.

"With his trademark self-deprecating humor, Aaron narrates a story that moves along at a fast clip, weaving in red herrings and plenty of twists and turns. As good as the mystery is, however, it pales in comparison to the characters and to the writing style.

"When it comes to mystery novel heroes, Aaron Tucker is truly in a class of his own. His humor and intense love for his family shines through on every page. It's impossible to not relate to his character or root him on as he fumbles through his cases, making fun of himself and others at every turn. The humor is always light-hearted and never cruel, making an already enjoyable novel even more fun to read. His supporting characters, including Aaron's wonderful family and friends, are also well-written and their appearances enhance the storyline and the character of Aaron himself.

"If you haven't tried one of Cohen's Aaron Tucker books, you're truly missing out. Although I suggest you begin with the first book, For Whom the Minivan Rolls, to get the whole story on Aaron and his family, you can't miss with any of his three books."
—Angela McQuay, Mystery Morgue

"Jeffrey Cohen effuses humor (puns are his specialty) into his mysteries. Aaron and his family are like old-friends now, and I always enjoy spending time with them. The characters—however dysfunctional—come across as very real and likable. Asperger Syndrome isn't fictional, so you may find yourself learning a thing or two along the way."
—Tracy Farnsworth, Roundtable Reviews

"What is most captivating about As Dog Is My Witness is the love with which each character is created. There is an authenticity to the characters that makes the reader truly believe they could be friends with these fictional people.

"As Dog Is My Witness is a quick and easy read that manages to be both entertaining and completely satisfying at the same time. Delightful characters and authentic details make the story truly unique—completely believable fiction."
—Emily Burson, Bookpleasures.com

"Having company for the holidays is always stressful but when the in-laws are perfect, or at least appear to be, you know rough days are in store for Aaron, Abby, Ethan, and nine year old daughter, Leah. For all involved, the visit is a culture shock that will resonate in readers quite well.

"None of that gets in the way though of the mysteries. Not only does Aaron have to figure out in the secondary mystery who is messing with Mahoney, he also has to figure out who really killed Michael Huston. While readers may think they have everything figured out earlier than Aaron does, this novel provides an entertaining and twisting read that provides a few chuckles as well as a couple of surprises along the way.

"This is the third novel of the series and could be read as a stand-alone since earlier events are briefly mentioned. However, I would recommend reading them in order starting with the often hilarious For Whom The Minivan Rolls followed by A Farewell to Legs. Like this book, both reads are funny, smart, and contain good mysteries."
—Kevin Tipple, Mysterical-e

"Readers who like a wholesome who done it with no blood, gore or profanity will definitely want to read the entire series of Aaron Tucker mystery novels. As Dog Is My Witness is the best work in this charming and often humorous series because the who-done-it is superbly constructed with quite a few viable suspects but readers also learn and understand somewhat what Asperger's Syndrome is and how it impacts the entire family."
—Harriet Klausner

Advance Praise for As Dog Is My Witness

"As Dog Is My Witness bit me with the first paragraph and never let go! I liked the story, the characters (and the author) so much I immediately ran out and bought the other two Aaron Tucker books. Now when do we get the fourth?"
—Linda Ellerbee, television producer, journalist and best selling author of Take Big Bites and And So It Goes

"Funny? Of course—but also wise, suspenseful and a genuine pleasure to read."
—Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series

"A lot of mysteries get labeled 'laugh-out-loud,' but this was the first one to make me actually, you know, laugh out loud. You want to know how funny As Dog Is My Witness is? I started laughing out loud on page five. The woman sitting next to me in the airplane wrote down the name of the book. I read good parts to my husband over the phone. And if that's not enough for you, Jeff Cohen also slips in a lovingly clear-eyed tale of family life and a wickedly twisty mystery. So what are you waiting for? Buy the book, already!"
—Julia Spencer-Fleming, Agatha and Anthony award winning author of To Darkness and to Death

"You'd better hold onto your butt with both hands, because you're going to laugh it off. Jeffrey Cohen may be the funniest mystery writer on the planet. In a genre glutted with hardboiled noir and serial killer mayhem, Aaron Tucker is a refreshingly pure protagonist; a family man who is quick with quips rather than a .45. If Groucho Marx were writing today, I'd be alarmed—he died years ago. But if you're looking for a suitable replacement, check out Cohen."
—J.A. Konrath, author of the Lt. Jack Daniels series

"A mystery with humor, warmth, and dead-on characterizations of family life—Jeff Cohen is barking up the right tree."
—Rochelle Krich, author of Now You See Me... and Grave Endings, winner of the Mary Higgins Clark Award

"Jeffrey Cohen hits the mark again with his latest installment in the Aaron Tucker series. It's everything a mystery ought to be: thrilling at every turn, funny just when you need it, puzzling throughout, and deeply satisfying at its close. I read it in a single sitting and when I turned the final page I thought, that's a doggone good book."
—Dylan Schaffer, author of the Misdemeanor Man Mystery Series

"Would you enjoy a great murder mystery that delivers a ton of laughs and introduces you to colorful characters such as protagonist Aaron Tucker's immediate family, his organized crime family and some of the wackiest bad guys and cops you'll ever meet, that's delivered in a neat plot that twists and turns like a whirligig, and learn a lot about the often misunderstood world of Asperger's Syndrome? Jeffrey Cohen's As Dog Is My Witness has got it. Now, go get it!"
—Dennis Debbaudt, author of Autism, Advocates and Law Enforcement Professionals

"I just finished As Dog is My Witness, and I have to say that it was my favorite Aaron Tucker yet. The plot sings, the characters are richer than ever, and of course the humor is top notch. This one takes all of the same entertainment value and moves it a step forward in the suspenseful pursuit for answers. And involving Aaron's son in the mystery-solving was a stroke of genius. If I had a personal rating system, I'd give this book my highest rating. Super job, Jeff! Now hurry up and write the next one, would you? Note: You don't have to read this series in order, so jump in here if you can. Once you read it, you'll be sure to go back and get the other two."
—Mindy Starns Clark, author of The Trouble With Tulip

"Jeffrey Cohen has written a mystery that's cleverly crafted, perfectly paced, and doggone delightful. Aaron Tucker and a rich cast of two-legged and four-legged supporting characters will entertain you and keep you guessing whodunit right to the tale end. You'll love this book, as dog is my witness!"
—Sue Owens Wright, author of The Beanie and Cruiser Mysteries

"In As Dog is My Witness, Jeffrey Cohen writes a Sherlock Holmes Family Christmas. Aaron Tucker, his protagonist, would throw one of Sonny Amster's gourmet bagels at me for saying that. But that's part of the charm of this holiday yarn about how a New Jersey Jewish family survives Christmas, toxic visitors, a very genial but dangerous mobster and oh yes, a murder.

"Cohen has one of the strongest voices in mystery today, and that voice will make you laugh out loud at times reading this book. I kept muttering, 'Damn, I wish I'd written that!' The reviewers tend to undervalue excellently written amusing mysteries in favor of dark, brooding, violent, noir novels laced with serial killers and despair. Straightforward stories about decent people doing the best they can, and doing it pretty up-and-walking good just aren't cosmopolitan enough.

"Well, if you want a great read that might mess with your sleep because it's so hard to put down, but will leave you feeling like the world's not such a bad place after all, this is your book! And it makes a great holiday gift, for friends of all faiths, agnostics and atheists very much included."
—David Skibbins, author of Eight of Swords

"A bemused suburban dad sheds new light on New Jersey, dogs, and special needs children in this lighthearted, big-hearted story."
—Sparkle Hayter, author of the Robin Hudson mystery series

"As Dog Is My Witness is a witty, enjoyable, entertaining mystery. Aaron Tucker is Spenser with a family life."
—Dr. Allen Wyler, author of Deadly Errors

© 2002-07 by Jeffrey Cohen.