Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
Kindle Price: $3.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Doug Goodman
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Terrible Lizard: A Memoir of My Time in the Police Dinosaur Unit Kindle Edition

by Doug Goodman (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 196 ratings
See all formats and editions
Banshee may be a great Police Working Velociraptor, but he's one terrible lizard.

Or so Oak Jones thought. He’s wanted on the Police Dinosaur Unit all his life. Now that he’s in, he’s discovered that training a raptor is a lot harder than he ever imagined. And if he thought training would be difficult, living with one is a whole new level of weird. Banshee can clear a six-foot fence like it was nothing, and he has a love for eating the neighborhood cats, which is putting Oak on the outs with his next-door neighbor, Christy Dao.

But there is a reason for everything, and when Oak discovers why Banshee struggles, it breaks his heart.

Terrible Lizard is a funny and endearing look at life with Banshee, a great working dinosaur, but one terrible lizard.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Officer Hendricks sat at the temporary desk for training leads. He was without his sunglasses for the first time ever. His bright blue eyes burned with intensity.
“I wanted to talk to you about Banshee,” he said.
“I know it was rough yesterday,” I said, “but we’ve made good progress.”
“You have, and it’s to be commended. You are the best handler here. But it’s a team effort, Oak. I called you in because I wanted you to be the first to hear that I intend to fail Banshee.”
“What? No. There’s still two weeks left.”
“Less than two weeks left. And this isn’t the kind of thing that gets fixed in less than two weeks.”
“Give me a chance.”
“Oak, you will be returned to your station until I can place you in Violent Offenders. Renato has given you a great review, and the captain there can’t wait to have you. Next year, you can re-apply. I cannot guarantee you that you will be accepted, but based on what I’ve seen over the past four weeks, I like your chances. You will definitely have my vote.”
Officer Hendricks extended his hand to me, and I shook my head. “No. I refuse. Give me two weeks.”
The open hand pinched Officer Hendricks’ nostrils. “You are not the first officer to work with Banshee. This was his third time in the course. Three strikes, and the raptor is gone.”
“So that’s it? There’s nothing more that can be done?”
“Not in my experience, Oak. I’m sorry.”
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    181 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    June 28, 2019
  5. Grade level
    5 - 12
  6. File size
    3208 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
Next page
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In Terrible Lizard, Doug Goodman has createdthe kind of touching animal-buddy story that you get with Marley and Me, withthe police action of K9 or Turner and Hooch." - Bookshine and Readbows

"This book is filled with SO many amazing moments that had me giggling and blissfully enjoying every page!" - Jenacide by Bibliophile Book Reviews


"I love how this is written. Oak Jonestells us his stories through memoirs in first person. They are witty, humorous,and sometimes they tugged at the heartstrings. Doug Goodman has written abrilliantly thought out plot." - Jessica Belmont Book Blog

"I literally laughed out loud at their antics, typically Banshee's. I loved the backstory we got sprinkled throughout the book. I loved the overall premise and execution of the story" - Bookish Valhalla

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07TBSHM5R
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 28, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3208 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 181 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 196 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Doug Goodman

Doug Goodman

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Hi! My name is Doug Goodman. I live in Austin. While my writing has always shifted lanes between horror, science fiction, and dark fantasy, I think of myself more an animal writer. It doesn't matter if the animals I write about are zombie-hunting dogs, dinosaurs, or giant kaiju monsters, that's where I like to be. I'm interested in that area where animals and humans intersect. I'm especially curious about the mind meld that happens with working animals. For over ten years I was a search and rescue volunteer and a canine handler. These experiences provided my point of view for examining human nature. 

I am the proud father of two of the best people you will ever meet and a very lucky husband. Obviously, there are animals in my household, though not as many as once lived here. Thank you for stopping by, and please check out one of my books. (They are all available from Amazon as paperbacks and e-books.) 

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
196 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Ami A.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellently entertaining!
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2023
Verified Purchase
I started reading Terrible Lizard thinking it would be an entertaining, lighthearted story. And, it is, to a certain point. But, there were some intense moments and some that made tears come to my eyes. The narrator is also the MC but, Banshee is the star of the show. I would actually rate it at 4 1/2 stars if possible but, alas. I highly recommend it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It was a great close to 2022.

Read via Kindle Unlimited
Helpful
 Report
Mary Enck
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this story.
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2019
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed this novel so much. As the title suggests the "Lizard" is not "Terrible" at all. He has such an endearing personality that I could tell the author has had a great deal of experience with dogs and their training. At least, it seemed so. I could also feel how he has a close affinity with animals and this is a matter close to my heart. Banshee the Dinosaur is funny, smart and loveable while being at the same time, an efficient killing machine. Just as many police dogs are trained for the protection of their handlers, this little fellow is just the best companion and protector of his police boss. Their adventures are exciting and the outcomes of their encounters with the bad guys are usually with an ending that is not too shocking. It still does make you worry about them and their safety. Still, it is a great story of their adventures and I loved it.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
SRappenecker
4.0 out of 5 stars When a velociraptor grins he shows ALL his teeth
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2019
Verified Purchase
This story is told with a genuine sense of humor, and a clear love for animals. It takes place in Houston, Texas, and it is clear that the author has spent significant time in this city we Houstonians love to hate. Goodman does a great job of making Officer Oak’s velociraptor scary and hard to control, and yet worthy of respect and trust. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, in which Oak describes the training program and the challenges man and beast must face to get certified as a team. But then the second half of the book just covers a few pursuits and arrests the pair made together, so it doesn’t have the goal-driven impetus felt in the first half. The book doesn’t feel like YA but would be suitable for teens - I kept thinking of all the young family members I wanted to share this with.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute joy to read!
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2022
Verified Purchase
Had no idea what I was in for, but super glad I picked up this book. Come on, a velociraptor room mate, and police partner! What could possibly be better! Great story, characters are well defined, and recommend to all.
Helpful
 Report
J-6
5.0 out of 5 stars Pleasant and extremely enjoyable book!
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2019
Verified Purchase
I don't think I have ever enjoyed a book as much as I enjoyed "Terrible Lizard..."! It was a page turner, to be certain. Light reading and very humorous. I really enjoyed the language, or I should say, lack of foul language. I believe HE double hockey stick was mentioned twice and I believe fart was printed somewhere. Other than that, this book is enjoyable for adults and juveniles. Doug Goodman really knows how to make this book come alive. I am ready for the next installment but until then, I'll have to get some of his other books. Thanks Doug!
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Brian Moffett
5.0 out of 5 stars A ton of fun
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2019
Verified Purchase
I bought this book on a lark ‘cause it sounded fun and I could always dump it if I didn’t like it. I was pleasantly surprised and kept reading. It is as much fun as it sounded, with relatable characters and fun, interesting twists on crime fighting. Banshee comes alive and you can’t help but believe we need the VRs on police forces everywhere. I really hope for more because it is a lot of fun and “hint, hint” would actually make a great movie.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Psyphyr
4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful romp of a story!
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2020
Verified Purchase
Original concept,like urban fantasy with dinosaurs instead of elves. Well written with
engaging characters, each chapter its own story but also part of a larger experience. Kept me turning pages!I

Appreciated the clean language with substitutions for tougher words. Appropriate for ages 10 and up, imo (i have a ten year old). The idea of ptsd might be a bit much for younger ages, but that depends on the kid... just read it yourself before handing it to a kid.

I save five star reviews for books i know I'll read again and again, and those are rare. I may only read this book once, but I'm glad i found it, and I'll look for more by this author
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Reign
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best authors .
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2021
Verified Purchase
This is a twenty on my scale of 1 - 15 and 5 star on amazon's ratings . I have the e book as well as a hard copy nd the only thing better would have been a signed copy.
Buy it ,read it and absolutely false in love with it .
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Reign
5.0 out of 5 stars awesome
Reviewed in Canada on March 1, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is a 19 in my world of 1-15 , 5 star on amazon . I want one so bad !!!!! I loved this book and honestly wish it were real ,or is it ? Ah ,well ,a police officer with his trusty velociraptor & his crime busting adventures with said partner.
Read it love it and ask for a Dino for next Christmas . This book will be a hit TV show or movie ,watch and see ! Sheesh this guy can write --- just an amazingly good book with an idea that is so unusual and surprisingly real .
Report
Bronzewing
5.0 out of 5 stars A great concept, well executed.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
The concept of this story grabbed me right away being a fan of most thigns saurian. When I sat down to read this book I ended up reading the entire thing in one sitting. My only real criticism being I wish it had been a little longer. With the exception of the VR sequence, the entire thing feels convincing, feeling very much that this is how the world would probably be if you plopped dinosaurs into it. The main character, Oak is very well thought out and the interractions between him and Banshee are great. I'll 100% buy more of these if they become a series.
I'm already thinking about other parts this world would have, dinosaur breeders. Are all velociraptors imported, or are people breeding them? Do they start traing with hatchlings or subadults? What happens to police dinosaurs that get too old for active duty? Would a troodont make a good search and rescue dinosaur? Given they're about as smart as a velociraptor but somewhat less likely to evicerate people. Does animal control have specialist dino-wranglers?
Report
Janis Milford
5.0 out of 5 stars The dinosaurs didn’t die out!
Reviewed in Canada on February 10, 2021
Verified Purchase
What if the dinosaurs were still with us?! That you could work everyday with them, have them as a pet, even eat them! Imagine the life. This book follows the life of one officer as he gains his new Dino partner and what life on the beat is like
Report
Rachael Decpticon Rodgers
5.0 out of 5 stars So much fun to read!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2022
Verified Purchase
Had such a great time reading this! I wanted more to be honest. Would love to see more stories about Banshee . He is cool!
Report
Pleiades
4.0 out of 5 stars K9 meets Jurassic
Reviewed in Australia on June 19, 2021
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this… good SF is all about what if.
In this is …all lizards didn’t die out, we have some species living in our time.
So we have Police Velociraptors. Wheeeeeeeeeeeee
Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report