Pets in a Pickle by Malcolm D. Welshman is a funny, engaging story about a veterinarian, his patients and their owners, and the rest of the staff that works for Prospect House Veterinary Hospital in a small town in England. The story was light, a little funny and a fast read.
Paul Mitchell is the new vet at Prospect House. He is needed there to lend a hand to the husband and wife that own the veterinary hospital. As the new boy, he gets stuck with what would appear to be some pretty boring patients. However, each one is it's own adventure. While waiting for his opportunity to get to the bigger cases, Paul must deal with what he feels are more mundane health issues. However, this reader found the hamsters, birds, dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, pigs, horses and cows that he treats to be interesting. Paul finds many of the human owners he encounters annoying and his attitude toward them is a little off putting. But the animal interactions, their quirky owners and the funny escapades keep you turning the pages.
While mildly humorous, the book does lack warmth. The main character is often unlikable and immature. The author overuses puns to the point of annoyance. All that being said, it was not an unenjoyable read. The animal interactions were amusing and sweet. The other characters are quirky and unique (even if not all are completely likable). If you enjoy animal stories, I think it is worth the read. This is the first in a series, and while I am mildly curious about which way certain relationships will go I am not sure I will ever pick up the second book.
Happy Reading!
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