As Peter Abrahams is the author of some of the most respected literary thrillers of our times, we could expect a bit of gravitas or even attitude from him.

Nope.

In fact, Abrahams is the friendly sort who's so enamored of his dogs that, after a shrewd prompt from his wife, he started writing a series of mysteries based around that most outstanding of four-legged creatures. In the books, which Abrahams writes as Spencer Quinn, a smart and noble dog named Chet narrates the adventures he undertakes with his human, the private investigator Bernie — all of which involve crime, danger and a great deal of fun.

Whether anticipated or not, it seems the Chet and Bernie mysteries have proven more popular than Abrahams highly respected stand-alone thrillers. The ninth and latest Chet and Bernie title, "Heart of Barkness," hits bookstores Tuesday — just in time for Quinn/Abrahams to stop by the Savoy Bookshop and Cafe in Westerly for a signing event. You know where Savoy is, right? Just over the Westerly town line from PAW-catuck. (Couldn't resist!)

And it's worth noting that the Savoy folks will donate 30 percent of book sales from the event to the Stand Up for Animals organizaton.

Spencer Quinn, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Savoy Bookshop and Cafe, 10 Canal St., Westerly; free; (401) 213-3901.