Do you remember the TV show Longstreet, with the blind detective? Well, Odor of Violets, by Baynard Kendrick was the inspiration for that character. First published in 1940, it is a bit dated, but that's explained nicely in the introduction by Otto Penzler. There are two dogs, German Shepherds, who look a lot alike, both trained for different things. They are never seen together. It was most interesting to read how Captain McClain using all his other senses, solves crime. Consider the title, too, it plays into the story, and gives a most interesting twist to the end!

Reading Hermit With Dog