Away to Me
Trisha’s debut mystery novel.
A woman. A dog. A murder.
"Away to Me has it all: amazing canines, a flawed, funny, compelling heroine, unrelenting suspense...”
—Cat Warren, NYT bestselling author of
What the Dog Knows
"Away to Me is like All Creatures Great & Small meets Agatha Christie—only with more glorious writing, and more border collies!”
—Sy Montgomery, NYT bestselling author of
What the Chicken Knows
"Dr. Maddie McGowan is a new, original, and utterly winning mystery-protagonist, and Away to Me is a mystery unlike any you’ve ever read before.”
—Nicholas Butler, author of
Shotgun Lovesongs
Away to Me: Synopsis
Animal behaviorist Maddie McGowan is living her best second life on a farm in rural Wisconsin with her Border collie, Jack, when her friend is inexplicably killed at a sheepdog trial. Still reeling from his death, Maddie agrees to foster a troubled German shepherd from the local shelter. But after Maddie returns to find her house invaded and a beloved dog gone, she begins an obsessive quest to find him, complicated by a romantic involvement with an enigmatic shelter worker, that puts her life at risk and brings back the baggage from her past. [Note: No dog dies in the making of this novel!]
REVIEWS & FEEDBACK
What People Are Saying
“Away To Me is like All Creatures Great & Small meets Agatha Christie —only with more glorious writing, more training tips, and more border collies! I love this book to the moon and back!”
—Sy Montgomery, New York Times bestselling author of The Soul of an Octopus, What the Chicken Knows, and The Hummingbird’s Gift
“Away To Me has it all: amazing canines, a flawed, funny, compelling heroine, unrelenting suspense — and a setting in rural Wisconsin so beautifully rendered it leaps off the page. I absolutely loved it!”
— Cat Warren, NYT bestselling author of What the Dog Knows
“Dr. Maddie McGowan is an utterly winning mystery-protagonist, and Away To Me is a mystery unlike any you’ve ever read before. Patricia McConnel has written a compulsively page-turning novel about trauma, redemption, and the magical bonds between humans and the animals we love – and who love us back. A novel that surprises at every turn and delivers in the end. Here’s to hoping this isn’t the last we read of Dr. Maddie McGowan.”
—Nickolas Butler, author of Shotgun Lovesongs and A Forty Year Kiss
“This is a book you’ll stay up with all night–with no regrets in the morning. Come for the mystery, stay for the love that brings all the answers.”
— Susannah Charleson, New York Times bestselling author of Where the Lost Dogs Go and Scent of the Missing
“Patricia McConnell’s knowledge and love of dogs shines in this gripping debut mystery. A multilayered tale of old wounds, second chances, and a thirst for justice, Away To Me introduces readers to the fascinating world of canine behavioral science and sheep herding, before delving into the gritty darkness of the criminal underworld, all the way to its entirely unexpected conclusion. The perfect read for dog and mystery lovers alike.”
—Sara Driscoll, author of the FBI K-9s series
“A moving fiction debut that explores the deep connection between dogs and their human partners.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“It’s a little crazy that legendary dog behaviorist Patricia McConnell’s very first foray into fiction writing — the new mystery novel Away To Me — knocks it out of the park.
Away To Me stands fully on its own as a can’t-put-it-down mystery, but there’s a gigantic bonus in that the general public can gain access to a more nuanced understanding of their canine friends throughMcConnell’s natural story-telling.”
—Cathy Kallahan, CPDT-KA, author of Welcoming Your Puppy From Planet Dog
“Readers who enjoy determined protagonists and those who are fans of dogs will find much to love here.”
— Library Journal
“Patricia McConnell has delivered a masterclass in the murder mystery genre and the depiction of the canine soul. More than a novel, this is a visceral, true-to-life account of the realities of working with animals. You don’t just read this book; you inhabit it—smelling the air, feeling the emotion, and hearing every ‘shake off’ of tension. We are truly spoiled to have this story in the world.”
—Steve Goodall, Director of PACT (The Professional Association of Canine Trainers)
“After her friend is shot at a sheepdog trial, Maddie McGowan discovers that her life on the farm is not as safe as she thought. With insights into animal behavior, foster dogs, and coping with trauma, the dogs and landscape leap off the page. Suspenseful, immersive, and beautifully written, Away To Me isa page-turner for dog lovers everywhere.”
—Zazie Todd, PhD, author of Bark! Wag, and Purr
“McConnell brings her storytelling gifts to this mystery, creating vivid, authentic worlds most of us never encounter: sheepherding competitions, farm life, behavior consultations, and, yes, murder investigations. It’s the kind of book that teaches you things you didn’t even know you wanted to learn while keeping you thoroughly entertained and curious about what’s coming next.”
— Colleen Pelar, author of Unleashed
Other Books from Patricia
A powerful memoir about dogs, love, trauma, and redemption.
Stories, science, and advice about the emotional lives of dogs.
Your dog is begging you to read this! A classic, now in thirteen languages.
Trainer Favorite! Get your puppy started on the right paw.
Booklets That Make Training Easier
Patricia's concise training and behavior booklets are trusted by dog lovers and professionals alike. Filled with practical, positive-reinforcement techniques, they're perfect for individual owners and available at discounted pricing for trainers, shelters, and rescue organizations.
Upcoming Events
Explore upcoming appearances, workshops, and speaking events featuring Patricia McConnell.
View event details, dates, locations, andregistration information.
Beyond the Books
Go beyond the page with Patricia's latest podcast and radio interviews. Listen as she shares stories behind her books, insights into dog behavior, and theinspiration behind Away to Me—with conversations that are thoughtful, engaging, and full of heart.