When Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel witnesses a bizarre murder across the street from his own back garden, he is quite sure who the culprit is. After all, he's got to believe what he sees with his own eyes. But what exactly does he see? And is he mistaken? Peter Pascoe thinks so. Dalziel senses the doubters around him, which only strengthens his resolve.
Dill the dog knows his time is up so he packs his case and tells Lily, his owner, that he’s off "up there."
"Can I come too?" asks Lily.
"Er . . . not yet," replies Dill.
While he is waiting for the angels to collect him, Dill explains to Lily what he thinks heaven is like—hundreds of lampposts to pee against, lots of whiffy things to smell and bones everywhere—with meat on them! But Lily completely disagrees; she thinks heaven is quite different. Luckily, they agree to disagree just in time for a fond, and very poignant, last goodbye.
When Frog finds a blackbird lying still on the ground, his friend Pig thinks the bird is asleep, Goose thinks he is ill, but Hare knows the bird is dead. Together the animals bury the small bird, and for a while even the chirping of the other birds has ceased. Then, the friends once again begin to run and play and, as they head for home, they hear another blackbird's song as lovely as before.
Uh-oh! There's a really weird toy in the playpen. Chuckie thinks it looks scary. Tommy thinks it looks like fun. But now it's gone berserk and it has Angelica's doll in its clutches! Can anyone save the day?
