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Away to Me
The vivid, immersive nature writing of William Kent Krueger and Peter Heller meets the taut suspense of Louise Penny against the lush, sprawling landscape of rural Wisconsin in the first of a new mystery trilogy by internationally renowned animal behavior expert Patricia McConnell, bestselling author of The Other End of the Leash and The Education of Will.
"Like All Creatures Great & Small meets Agatha Christie – only with more glorious writing, more training tips, and more border collies! I could not put this novel down – and when I did, I felt blessed by the company of great characters both human and canine, inspired to live lives of courage and hope." —SY MONTGOMERY, New York Times bestselling author of The Soul of an Octopus, What the Chicken Knows, and The Hummingbird's Gift
Maddie is living her best second life on a 40-acre sheep farm in the Wisconsin countryside. In addition to her passion for training sheepdogs—including her spirited border collie Jack—she sees all manner of dogs with behavioral problems ranging from biting to thunder phobia as part of her local practice. No stranger to trauma herself, Maddie has worked hard to recover from the ordeal of her previous marriage.
But things take a turn when Maddie’s friend and mentor, George, is inexplicably killed by a rifle shot fired from the woods during a sheepdog trial. Maddie is devastated and also baffled—it’s not hunting season, and who could mistake a man, standing alone in a field, for a deer?
She’s still reeling from George’s shooting when a shelter calls her for help with a German shepherd found half dead beside the highway who’s too aggressive to feed and care for. The dog flourishes at the farm, but when Maddie returns one day to find her house invaded, it’s clear that she has stumbled into a situation far more complex and sinister than she realized. And her romantic involvement with an enigmatic young shelter worker soon leads to even more trouble. As Maddie continues to search for answers to George’s death, it quickly becomes apparent that her own life is once again in danger . . .
"Like All Creatures Great & Small meets Agatha Christie – only with more glorious writing, more training tips, and more border collies! I could not put this novel down – and when I did, I felt blessed by the company of great characters both human and canine, inspired to live lives of courage and hope." —SY MONTGOMERY, New York Times bestselling author of The Soul of an Octopus, What the Chicken Knows, and The Hummingbird's Gift
Maddie is living her best second life on a 40-acre sheep farm in the Wisconsin countryside. In addition to her passion for training sheepdogs—including her spirited border collie Jack—she sees all manner of dogs with behavioral problems ranging from biting to thunder phobia as part of her local practice. No stranger to trauma herself, Maddie has worked hard to recover from the ordeal of her previous marriage.
But things take a turn when Maddie’s friend and mentor, George, is inexplicably killed by a rifle shot fired from the woods during a sheepdog trial. Maddie is devastated and also baffled—it’s not hunting season, and who could mistake a man, standing alone in a field, for a deer?
She’s still reeling from George’s shooting when a shelter calls her for help with a German shepherd found half dead beside the highway who’s too aggressive to feed and care for. The dog flourishes at the farm, but when Maddie returns one day to find her house invaded, it’s clear that she has stumbled into a situation far more complex and sinister than she realized. And her romantic involvement with an enigmatic young shelter worker soon leads to even more trouble. As Maddie continues to search for answers to George’s death, it quickly becomes apparent that her own life is once again in danger . . .
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2026
53 people are currently reading
12988 people want to read
About the author
Patricia B. McConnell
28 books491 followersPatricia McConnell, Ph.D., a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, (CAAB) has made a lifelong commitment to improving the relationship between people and animals. She is known worldwide as an expert on canine and feline behavior and dog training, and for her engaging and knowledgeable dog training books, DVDs and seminars. Patricia has seen clients for serious behavioral problems since 1988, and is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, teaching "The Biology and Philosophy of Human/Animal Relationships." For fourteen years she dispensed advice about behavior problems, and information about animal behavior research, on Wisconsin Public Radio's Calling All Pets, which was heard in over 90 cities around the country.
Patricia received her Ph.D. in Zoology in 1988 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison researching dog behavior and communication between professional trainers and working domestic animals.
Patricia received her Ph.D. in Zoology in 1988 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison researching dog behavior and communication between professional trainers and working domestic animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 3, 2025
Thank you to Kensington Books for the gifted ARC!
This book really kept me on my toes, and I loved every second of it. Maybe it helps that I completely adore dogs/animals, and this book was filled to the brim with love and care for animals/dogs. I went into this book expecting it to just be a murder mystery read, and it was so much more than that. It had really heavy elements of PTSD, domestic violence, found family and a lot of depth.
Maddie was a really cool character. I loved that she was a bit older than your typical FMC. It made it a lot easier to relate to her as someone who is nearing their 40's. She was incredibly smart, kind, personable and caring. Her affection for animals is so admirable and the lengths that she would and did go to to protect and love them was just inspiring. If you love animals you will absolutely love this character and the heavy backdrop of animals in this book.
I will say that the murder mystery aspect of the book really didn't become a focus until almost 40% in. The first half of the book is very focused on her animal behaviorist work and an animal that she has taken special interest in. It does all tie together and is relevant, but it is not purely a book solely focused on a murder. It also gets really into the abuse that she herself experienced, so I would probably check your triggers if you're going to read this.
When it comes to mysteries or thrillers, I want to guess everything wrong and be surprised. And that's what happened here, I didn't guess a single thing correctly and it kept me on the edge of my seat and needing to read the next chapter to find out what was happening. I would absolutely recommend this, especially if you're an animal lover.
*This ARC was given by Kensington Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
This book really kept me on my toes, and I loved every second of it. Maybe it helps that I completely adore dogs/animals, and this book was filled to the brim with love and care for animals/dogs. I went into this book expecting it to just be a murder mystery read, and it was so much more than that. It had really heavy elements of PTSD, domestic violence, found family and a lot of depth.
Maddie was a really cool character. I loved that she was a bit older than your typical FMC. It made it a lot easier to relate to her as someone who is nearing their 40's. She was incredibly smart, kind, personable and caring. Her affection for animals is so admirable and the lengths that she would and did go to to protect and love them was just inspiring. If you love animals you will absolutely love this character and the heavy backdrop of animals in this book.
I will say that the murder mystery aspect of the book really didn't become a focus until almost 40% in. The first half of the book is very focused on her animal behaviorist work and an animal that she has taken special interest in. It does all tie together and is relevant, but it is not purely a book solely focused on a murder. It also gets really into the abuse that she herself experienced, so I would probably check your triggers if you're going to read this.
When it comes to mysteries or thrillers, I want to guess everything wrong and be surprised. And that's what happened here, I didn't guess a single thing correctly and it kept me on the edge of my seat and needing to read the next chapter to find out what was happening. I would absolutely recommend this, especially if you're an animal lover.
*This ARC was given by Kensington Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
October 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this advance copy!
This was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed the descriptions of the setting and the well-rounded characters. It was slower-paced than I expected from the blurb, and felt like more of a cozy mystery than a "thriller" as the description hinted. I think there were more descriptions of Maddie's clients and her farm chores than there were suspenseful moments. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable read, and as someone who doesn't know much about dogs, I enjoyed my peek into the lives of different working dogs. 3.5 stars rounded up for me.
This was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed the descriptions of the setting and the well-rounded characters. It was slower-paced than I expected from the blurb, and felt like more of a cozy mystery than a "thriller" as the description hinted. I think there were more descriptions of Maddie's clients and her farm chores than there were suspenseful moments. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable read, and as someone who doesn't know much about dogs, I enjoyed my peek into the lives of different working dogs. 3.5 stars rounded up for me.
Read
February 25, 2026Reading this was similar in a way to reading The Martian by Andy Weir. The author is first and foremost an expert in a very specific field — in this case, dog behavior — and that was fascinating to read and learn about.
Edit: Interview with the Cap Times available here: https://captimes.com/entertainment/bo...
Intro:
Patricia B. McConnell had a long career on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Calling All Pets,” and has written many popular books about dog behavior.
Now, she turns her hand to murder mystery. Her new novel, “Away To Me,” will be published Feb. 24 by Kensington Books.
The novel opens at a sheepdog trial — an event to test the skills of herding dogs — in southern Wisconsin, when a gunshot changes everything. Maddie McGowan, an animal behaviorist living a quiet farm life, is thrust into a murder investigation after her best friend is killed. When she rescues a severely traumatized dog, the case grows more complicated, as well as more personal.
The story moves quickly with plenty of wit, yet finds time to linger in beautiful details about the Wisconsin landscape and poignant reflections on the humanity of dogs — and the animal nature inside all of us.
Edit: Interview with the Cap Times available here: https://captimes.com/entertainment/bo...
Intro:
Patricia B. McConnell had a long career on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Calling All Pets,” and has written many popular books about dog behavior.
Now, she turns her hand to murder mystery. Her new novel, “Away To Me,” will be published Feb. 24 by Kensington Books.
The novel opens at a sheepdog trial — an event to test the skills of herding dogs — in southern Wisconsin, when a gunshot changes everything. Maddie McGowan, an animal behaviorist living a quiet farm life, is thrust into a murder investigation after her best friend is killed. When she rescues a severely traumatized dog, the case grows more complicated, as well as more personal.
The story moves quickly with plenty of wit, yet finds time to linger in beautiful details about the Wisconsin landscape and poignant reflections on the humanity of dogs — and the animal nature inside all of us.
September 28, 2025
4.5 stars!
This was a delightful read that offered a refreshing change from my usual choices. With dogs in the story and a little detective work, I was hooked right away!
Maddie, a sheepdog trainer and animal behavior expert, is starting anew on her Wisconsin farm after a troubled marriage. Her life is upended when her mentor, George, is shot during a sheepdog trial. While dealing with this tragedy, she rescues an aggressive German shepherd but soon discovers her home has been invaded, indicating deeper troubles. Her romance with a young shelter worker adds to the chaos as she unravels the mystery of George’s death, putting her own safety at risk.
Maddie is a lovely character with a heart of gold. She dedicates herself to helping those who cannot speak for themselves, and she does it brilliantly. Smart, knowledgeable, and resolute, she is determined to reunite with her new canine family member.
The cozy setting is vividly described, and I appreciated the insights into dog training sprinkled throughout. I truly enjoyed this suspenseful mystery set in a small town, especially with some adorable four-legged friends contributing to the storyline. Reading about working pups and learning about sheepdogs was an absolute treat. Maddie really seems to live the dream on her farm until things take an unexpected turn. Don’t miss out on this captivating, suspenseful mystery featuring some furry sidekicks!
Thank you, Kensington Publishing, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a delightful read that offered a refreshing change from my usual choices. With dogs in the story and a little detective work, I was hooked right away!
Maddie, a sheepdog trainer and animal behavior expert, is starting anew on her Wisconsin farm after a troubled marriage. Her life is upended when her mentor, George, is shot during a sheepdog trial. While dealing with this tragedy, she rescues an aggressive German shepherd but soon discovers her home has been invaded, indicating deeper troubles. Her romance with a young shelter worker adds to the chaos as she unravels the mystery of George’s death, putting her own safety at risk.
Maddie is a lovely character with a heart of gold. She dedicates herself to helping those who cannot speak for themselves, and she does it brilliantly. Smart, knowledgeable, and resolute, she is determined to reunite with her new canine family member.
The cozy setting is vividly described, and I appreciated the insights into dog training sprinkled throughout. I truly enjoyed this suspenseful mystery set in a small town, especially with some adorable four-legged friends contributing to the storyline. Reading about working pups and learning about sheepdogs was an absolute treat. Maddie really seems to live the dream on her farm until things take an unexpected turn. Don’t miss out on this captivating, suspenseful mystery featuring some furry sidekicks!
Thank you, Kensington Publishing, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 14, 2026
Ahhhhhh, such a satisfying dog book. This is Patricia McConnell’s first fiction book, and I loved it not because it was a good mystery (it was ok) but because she just writes about dogs so well. Jack the border collie, Cisco the shepherd, Bo Peep the Great Pyrenees, not to mention the other dogs that her main character works with as a behaviorist. This book may be a mystery, but the best thing about it is how expertly it captures the joy of loving dogs and how wonderful they are.
March 1, 2026
Away to Me is the fiction debut of animal-behaviorist, Patricia McConnell.
"Maddie is living on a 40-acre sheep farm in rural Wisconsin. She spends her time helping clients with their animal problems - like thunder-phobia and biting. She also spends time training Jack, her spirited sheepdog. Maddie has tried hard to recover from the trauma of her previous marriage.
Things take a bad turn when her friend and mentor, George, is shot during the middle of a sheep dog trial. Maddie is devastated, especially after the police find no leads on the shooter.
She is asked to help with a German Shepherd that was found abandoned and almost dead. He flourishes on her farm. But when her home is vandalized Maddie wonders if her life is in danger again."
Dog lovers will appreciate this book. McConnell shares lots of animal behavior issues as part of the story and you will probably see your own fur-friend. McConnell does not make Maddie an amateur detective but drives the story with her pursuit of Cisco, the resued German shepherd. She is desperate to find him and keeps stumbling into dangerous situations. Her backstory is pretty terrifying and McConnell uses it to keep the reader guessing.
It's a wild ending and you know the dogs have a part. Nice fiction-debut from McConnell.
"Maddie is living on a 40-acre sheep farm in rural Wisconsin. She spends her time helping clients with their animal problems - like thunder-phobia and biting. She also spends time training Jack, her spirited sheepdog. Maddie has tried hard to recover from the trauma of her previous marriage.
Things take a bad turn when her friend and mentor, George, is shot during the middle of a sheep dog trial. Maddie is devastated, especially after the police find no leads on the shooter.
She is asked to help with a German Shepherd that was found abandoned and almost dead. He flourishes on her farm. But when her home is vandalized Maddie wonders if her life is in danger again."
Dog lovers will appreciate this book. McConnell shares lots of animal behavior issues as part of the story and you will probably see your own fur-friend. McConnell does not make Maddie an amateur detective but drives the story with her pursuit of Cisco, the resued German shepherd. She is desperate to find him and keeps stumbling into dangerous situations. Her backstory is pretty terrifying and McConnell uses it to keep the reader guessing.
It's a wild ending and you know the dogs have a part. Nice fiction-debut from McConnell.
February 8, 2026
I’m going to start off by saying this book made me incredibly homesick, being a rural midwestern native myself. 🥹 This was an overall good read for me, and is for anyone who loves dogs!!! I did learn a TON about animal behavior, and the author is extremely educated in that regard which made me feel like I was reading nonfiction at times. A bit of a slow read, however that perfectly embodies the lifestyle of these characters- as busy as they are with the farm, it can be a bit mundane in the routine of things. The mystery component was good, but I wasn’t “surprised” by the ending.
March 6, 2026
Audiobook
March 24, 2026
So good! Suspenseful and not at all what I was expecting out of a book that started very much just about dogs and sheep. There was murder, drugs, love, loss, friendship, betrayal, competitions, neighbors, overcoming, and moving forward.
March 23, 2026
I loved so much about this book--from the authentic rural setting, to likeable characters, to the writing style. I like mystery/thrillers that entertain, but also introduce me to something new, in this case animal behavior. This one fit the bill. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.
March 25, 2026
I really enjoyed this! I've read and benefited from a couple of Patricia McConnell's dog behavior books. I also like mysteries, but wasn't sure what to expect with a mystery that has dog behavior situations incorporated. As it turns out, it worked really well and I ended up being in suspense about several elements of plot that weren't murder mystery. Really good and I hope this turns into a series!
January 29, 2026
Enjoyable book about a dog behaviorist and her dogs. With an interesting story line and enough to keep my attention. Lots of PTSD episodes included and well and some very difficult and scary situations.
March 2, 2026
Very good.
March 3, 2026
Absolutely delightful! Suspenseful, with twists and turns. And the dogs are wonderful!
March 3, 2026
Great who-done-it with some sheep dog training information. Won this book through Goodreads giveaways away :)
February 25, 2026
Away to Me is a charming, heartfelt mystery that blends the warmth of the dog-fostering world with a cleverly constructed whodunit. The characters feel authentic, relatable, and genuinely likable, drawing you into their lives and relationships from the start. The story arc is smooth and well paced, with the emotional depth of fostering adding real stakes and heart to the unfolding mystery rather than feeling like a separate thread. With vivid, affectionate scenes involving the dogs and a cozy yet suspenseful tone, it’s a fresh, engaging read that will especially appeal to readers who love character-driven stories with both warmth and intrigue.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this early!
WOW. I loved this book so much! 🐕🔥
The K9 and sheep dog elements made this story stand out in the best way. The bond between Maddie and the dogs felt so real and powerful — they weren’t just background details, they were a huge part of the heart of the story. The training scenes, the loyalty, the instincts… it added so much depth and emotion.
Watching Maddie slowly unravel as people start dying around her was intense and heartbreaking. The tension builds perfectly, and just when you think you know what’s happening — BAM. That ending completely shocked me!
If you love suspense, strong female leads, and incredible working dog moments, you need to read this one. ⭐️🐾
WOW. I loved this book so much! 🐕🔥
The K9 and sheep dog elements made this story stand out in the best way. The bond between Maddie and the dogs felt so real and powerful — they weren’t just background details, they were a huge part of the heart of the story. The training scenes, the loyalty, the instincts… it added so much depth and emotion.
Watching Maddie slowly unravel as people start dying around her was intense and heartbreaking. The tension builds perfectly, and just when you think you know what’s happening — BAM. That ending completely shocked me!
If you love suspense, strong female leads, and incredible working dog moments, you need to read this one. ⭐️🐾
February 21, 2026
4.5 ⭐️s rounded up to 5 ⭐️s
What a refreshing change from my usual mystery/thriller reads! 🙌
I really loved the FMC Maddie, who trains sheepdogs and sees all different types of dogs with behavioral problems. You can tell the author really knows her stuff when it comes to animal behavior! I was engaged throughout the read and didn’t want to put it down! And of course I loved all the doggos!! 🐶 This is the first book in a trilogy, so I’m already looking forward to the second book! 👏
Thank you partner Kensington Books for the gifted advance reader copy and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
What a refreshing change from my usual mystery/thriller reads! 🙌
I really loved the FMC Maddie, who trains sheepdogs and sees all different types of dogs with behavioral problems. You can tell the author really knows her stuff when it comes to animal behavior! I was engaged throughout the read and didn’t want to put it down! And of course I loved all the doggos!! 🐶 This is the first book in a trilogy, so I’m already looking forward to the second book! 👏
Thank you partner Kensington Books for the gifted advance reader copy and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
February 25, 2026
Border Collies, sheep trials, K9 dogs, Great Pyrenees ……. Dog heaven.
February 10, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this Arc! This isn’t one of the usual books I would gravitate towards but I actually enjoyed it. It was more of a slow pace. This was my first book by this author.
The book follows Maddie as she leaves an abusive relationship and starts life on a farm with sheep dogs. When her mentor/friend is murdered. Maddie starts to look into George’s death which puts her in some danger.
I liked that we got to see Maddie working as a behavior specialist with the dogs.
The book follows Maddie as she leaves an abusive relationship and starts life on a farm with sheep dogs. When her mentor/friend is murdered. Maddie starts to look into George’s death which puts her in some danger.
I liked that we got to see Maddie working as a behavior specialist with the dogs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2025
This was my first book by Patricia MCConnell and I was not disappointed. It was a refreshing change to read a book themed around a specialist dog behaviouralist and this played a key part in the storyline. When Maddie’s mentor, George, is shot and killed Maddie struggles to understand why anyone would shoot him. A chance encounter at his funeral and an emaciated dog found at the side of the road all form part of this intriguing, multi-layered story line.
Highly recommended if you like thrillers with emotionally literate lead characters and, like me, you can’t resist a dog related storyline:
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book.
Highly recommended if you like thrillers with emotionally literate lead characters and, like me, you can’t resist a dog related storyline:
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book.
October 8, 2025
Away to Me was a great read with engaging characters and a solid storyline that felt refreshingly different from what I’ve read before. It was a bit slower paced than I usually prefer, but the writing and depth made up for it. My first read by Patricia McConnell, and I’ll definitely be checking out more of her books. 4.5 stars!
November 29, 2025
📚Away to Me
✍🏻Patricia McConnell
Blurb:
The vivid, immersive nature writing of William Kent Krueger and Peter Heller meets the taut suspense of Louise Penny against the lush, sprawling landscape of rural Wisconsin in the first of a new mystery trilogy by internationally renowned animal behavior expert Patricia McConnell, bestselling author of The Other End of the Leash and The Education of Will.
Maddie is living her best second life on a 40-acre sheep farm in rural Wisconsin. In addition to her passion for training sheepdogs—including her spirited border collie Jack—she sees all manner of dogs with behavioral problems ranging from biting to thunder phobia as part of her local practice. No stranger to trauma herself, Maddie has worked hard to recover from the ordeal of her previous marriage.
But things take a turn when Maddie’s friend and mentor, George, is inexplicably killed by a rifle shot fired from the woods during a sheepdog trial. Maddie is devastated and also baffled—it’s not hunting season, and who could mistake a man, standing alone in a field, for a deer?
She’s still reeling from George’s shooting when a shelter calls her for help with a German shepherd found half dead beside the highway who’s too aggressive to feed and care for. The dog flourishes at the farm, but when Maddie returns one day to find her house invaded, it’s clear that she has stumbled into a situation far more complex and sinister than she realized. And her romantic involvement with an enigmatic young shelter worker soon leads to even more trouble. As Maddie continues to search for answers to George’s death, it quickly becomes apparent that her own life is once again in danger . . .
My Thoughts:
This book really kept me on my toes, and I loved every second of it. Maybe it helps that I completely adore dogs/animals, and this book was filled to the brim with love and care for animals/dogs. I went into this book expecting it to just be a murder mystery read, and it was so much more than that. It had really heavy elements of PTSD, domestic violence, found family and a lot of depth.
Maddie was a really cool character. I loved that she was a bit older than your typical FMC. It made it a lot easier to relate to her as someone who is nearing their 40's. She was incredibly smart, kind, personable and caring. Her affection for animals is so admirable and the lengths that she would and did go to to protect and love them was just inspiring. If you love animals you will absolutely love this character and the heavy backdrop of animals in this book.
I will say that the murder mystery aspect of the book really didn't become a focus until almost 40% in. The first half of the book is very focused on her animal behaviorist work and an animal that she has taken special interest in. It does all tie together and is relevant, but it is not purely a book solely focused on a murder. It also gets really into the abuse that she herself experienced, so I would probably check your triggers if you're going to read this.
When it comes to mysteries or thrillers, I want to guess everything wrong and be surprised. And that's what happened here, I didn't guess a single thing correctly and it kept me on the edge of my seat and needing to read the next chapter to find out what was happening. I would absolutely recommend this, especially if you're an animal lover.
Thanks NetGalley, Kensington Publishing Corp. and Author Patricia McConnell for the advanced copy of "Away to Me" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#KensingtonPublishingCorp.
#PatriciaMcConnell
#AwaytoMe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Patricia McConnell
Blurb:
The vivid, immersive nature writing of William Kent Krueger and Peter Heller meets the taut suspense of Louise Penny against the lush, sprawling landscape of rural Wisconsin in the first of a new mystery trilogy by internationally renowned animal behavior expert Patricia McConnell, bestselling author of The Other End of the Leash and The Education of Will.
Maddie is living her best second life on a 40-acre sheep farm in rural Wisconsin. In addition to her passion for training sheepdogs—including her spirited border collie Jack—she sees all manner of dogs with behavioral problems ranging from biting to thunder phobia as part of her local practice. No stranger to trauma herself, Maddie has worked hard to recover from the ordeal of her previous marriage.
But things take a turn when Maddie’s friend and mentor, George, is inexplicably killed by a rifle shot fired from the woods during a sheepdog trial. Maddie is devastated and also baffled—it’s not hunting season, and who could mistake a man, standing alone in a field, for a deer?
She’s still reeling from George’s shooting when a shelter calls her for help with a German shepherd found half dead beside the highway who’s too aggressive to feed and care for. The dog flourishes at the farm, but when Maddie returns one day to find her house invaded, it’s clear that she has stumbled into a situation far more complex and sinister than she realized. And her romantic involvement with an enigmatic young shelter worker soon leads to even more trouble. As Maddie continues to search for answers to George’s death, it quickly becomes apparent that her own life is once again in danger . . .
My Thoughts:
This book really kept me on my toes, and I loved every second of it. Maybe it helps that I completely adore dogs/animals, and this book was filled to the brim with love and care for animals/dogs. I went into this book expecting it to just be a murder mystery read, and it was so much more than that. It had really heavy elements of PTSD, domestic violence, found family and a lot of depth.
Maddie was a really cool character. I loved that she was a bit older than your typical FMC. It made it a lot easier to relate to her as someone who is nearing their 40's. She was incredibly smart, kind, personable and caring. Her affection for animals is so admirable and the lengths that she would and did go to to protect and love them was just inspiring. If you love animals you will absolutely love this character and the heavy backdrop of animals in this book.
I will say that the murder mystery aspect of the book really didn't become a focus until almost 40% in. The first half of the book is very focused on her animal behaviorist work and an animal that she has taken special interest in. It does all tie together and is relevant, but it is not purely a book solely focused on a murder. It also gets really into the abuse that she herself experienced, so I would probably check your triggers if you're going to read this.
When it comes to mysteries or thrillers, I want to guess everything wrong and be surprised. And that's what happened here, I didn't guess a single thing correctly and it kept me on the edge of my seat and needing to read the next chapter to find out what was happening. I would absolutely recommend this, especially if you're an animal lover.
Thanks NetGalley, Kensington Publishing Corp. and Author Patricia McConnell for the advanced copy of "Away to Me" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#KensingtonPublishingCorp.
#PatriciaMcConnell
#AwaytoMe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 8, 2026
Patricia McConnell’s The Education of Will made me curious about her first venture into fiction with Away to Me, especially since she brings deep experience as an animal behaviorist. The premise is intriguing: Maddie, a trauma survivor rebuilding her life on a 40-acre sheep farm in rural Wisconsin, trains sheepdogs & works with dogs that have serious behavioral issues. When her mentor George is mysteriously shot during a sheepdog trial, Maddie finds herself pulled into a dangerous mystery that seems to intersect with a traumatized German shepherd she rescues from a shelter.
While the setup had potential, the execution left a lot to be desired. As a first fiction effort, the novel shows promise, but it also clearly has room for improvement. One of the most distracting elements was the repeated, awkward use of the word “bitch” when referring to female dogs. While technically accurate terminology in dog breeding & training, its placement throughout the narrative often felt juvenile & jarring rather than natural.
Maddie herself was also frustrating as a protagonist. Despite being a doctor of animal behavior & someone who has survived prior trauma, she repeatedly fails to take meaningful steps to protect herself when her safety is clearly being threatened. Watching someone with her background allow people to invade her property & violate her boundaries again & again made it difficult to fully respect her decisions or believe in her growth.
As someone who isn’t particularly drawn to animal-centric stories, I also struggled to connect with Maddie’s intense emotional attachment to her animals, specifically her dogs. Readers who love animals—especially working dogs—may find those sections touching, but for me they slowed the pacing & made it harder to stay invested in the mystery.
To the book’s credit, the central puzzle does come together gradually. The clues eventually align in a satisfying way, & the larger conspiracy behind George’s death unfolds piece by piece. However, some character choices still felt questionable. Maddie’s insistence on entering Jack in sheepdog trials when he clearly isn’t competitive came across as oddly privileged—continuing to spend time & money on competitions she knows they won’t win, without a clear plan to improve, felt less like dedication & more like stubborn indulgence.
By the end, the stakes escalate & the danger becomes clear, but some of the damage is already done. Characters like Chris feel more like collateral in Maddie’s chaotic orbit than fully realized people whose arcs matter.
Overall, Away to Me has an interesting premise & a compelling setting, but uneven characterization & tonal missteps hold it back. Readers who love dogs & rural mysteries may enjoy it more, but for me it ultimately felt like a debut that needed stronger editing & sharper character development.
*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
While the setup had potential, the execution left a lot to be desired. As a first fiction effort, the novel shows promise, but it also clearly has room for improvement. One of the most distracting elements was the repeated, awkward use of the word “bitch” when referring to female dogs. While technically accurate terminology in dog breeding & training, its placement throughout the narrative often felt juvenile & jarring rather than natural.
Maddie herself was also frustrating as a protagonist. Despite being a doctor of animal behavior & someone who has survived prior trauma, she repeatedly fails to take meaningful steps to protect herself when her safety is clearly being threatened. Watching someone with her background allow people to invade her property & violate her boundaries again & again made it difficult to fully respect her decisions or believe in her growth.
As someone who isn’t particularly drawn to animal-centric stories, I also struggled to connect with Maddie’s intense emotional attachment to her animals, specifically her dogs. Readers who love animals—especially working dogs—may find those sections touching, but for me they slowed the pacing & made it harder to stay invested in the mystery.
To the book’s credit, the central puzzle does come together gradually. The clues eventually align in a satisfying way, & the larger conspiracy behind George’s death unfolds piece by piece. However, some character choices still felt questionable. Maddie’s insistence on entering Jack in sheepdog trials when he clearly isn’t competitive came across as oddly privileged—continuing to spend time & money on competitions she knows they won’t win, without a clear plan to improve, felt less like dedication & more like stubborn indulgence.
By the end, the stakes escalate & the danger becomes clear, but some of the damage is already done. Characters like Chris feel more like collateral in Maddie’s chaotic orbit than fully realized people whose arcs matter.
Overall, Away to Me has an interesting premise & a compelling setting, but uneven characterization & tonal missteps hold it back. Readers who love dogs & rural mysteries may enjoy it more, but for me it ultimately felt like a debut that needed stronger editing & sharper character development.
*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an excellent debut from animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell, whose main character, Maddie McGowan, is also an animal behaviorist who goes to sheepdog trials in her spare time. She takes her beloved dog, Jack, to trials, and he is still learning the ropes a bit. The book opens with a bang. Maddie is at a trial with her mentor, George, who offers her encouragement before her “run” with Jack, and then the worst happens. George is shot and dies, and everyone at the trial feels it must have been a hunting accident.
Maddie deals with her grief by staying centered and working, so we as readers are treated to her animal clients, and these parts of the book are completely fascinating. If you like animals at all (but especially dogs) you’ll no doubt enjoy these parts as well. Like fellow “dog” writers Paula Munier and Margaret Mizishima, McConnell obviously loves dogs and understands them. It shines through in her writing.
Maddie also volunteers at the local animal shelter, and it’s there she meets a bag of bones named Cisco. The shelter is about ready to put him down, but they call on Maddie as a last resort. He won’t let anyone get near him – however, not only is Maddie able to get near him, she falls in love with him and wants to take him home as a foster. She also realizes that Cisco must have been some kind of drug detection or K9 dog.
McConnell is excellent at setting up Maddie’s matrix – the people around her that she works with as well as her dog related friends and her neighbors. After a life trauma, Maddie has found a Wisconsin farm to call home, where she lives in isolated beauty with sheep, a horse, a couple dogs and a couple cats. Cisco is added to the mix. And then there are the flashbacks to what happened to her in the past – these are teased out throughout the narrative, adding complexity to the mystery of George’s death but to another later death as well.
The mystery part of this is not as strong as the characters and setting, but those parts are so outstanding that I didn’t really care. The resolution was not unexpected, but the path McConnell takes to get to it is. She creates a suspenseful story grounded in her life and the life of her animals – again, similar to Munier and Mizushima – but she has a few pacing issues to sort out. Still, this was a really enjoyable read and I learned as I read, but in a way that was organic and not shoved in front of me. Maddie is a wonderful character, and I would definitely be interested in her next adventure.
Maddie deals with her grief by staying centered and working, so we as readers are treated to her animal clients, and these parts of the book are completely fascinating. If you like animals at all (but especially dogs) you’ll no doubt enjoy these parts as well. Like fellow “dog” writers Paula Munier and Margaret Mizishima, McConnell obviously loves dogs and understands them. It shines through in her writing.
Maddie also volunteers at the local animal shelter, and it’s there she meets a bag of bones named Cisco. The shelter is about ready to put him down, but they call on Maddie as a last resort. He won’t let anyone get near him – however, not only is Maddie able to get near him, she falls in love with him and wants to take him home as a foster. She also realizes that Cisco must have been some kind of drug detection or K9 dog.
McConnell is excellent at setting up Maddie’s matrix – the people around her that she works with as well as her dog related friends and her neighbors. After a life trauma, Maddie has found a Wisconsin farm to call home, where she lives in isolated beauty with sheep, a horse, a couple dogs and a couple cats. Cisco is added to the mix. And then there are the flashbacks to what happened to her in the past – these are teased out throughout the narrative, adding complexity to the mystery of George’s death but to another later death as well.
The mystery part of this is not as strong as the characters and setting, but those parts are so outstanding that I didn’t really care. The resolution was not unexpected, but the path McConnell takes to get to it is. She creates a suspenseful story grounded in her life and the life of her animals – again, similar to Munier and Mizushima – but she has a few pacing issues to sort out. Still, this was a really enjoyable read and I learned as I read, but in a way that was organic and not shoved in front of me. Maddie is a wonderful character, and I would definitely be interested in her next adventure.
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February 5, 2026Patricia McConnell ’81, MS’84, PhD’88
Author
From the author:
The vivid, immersive nature writing of William Kent Krueger and Peter Heller meets the taut suspense of Louise Penny against the lush, sprawling landscape of rural Wisconsin in the first of a new mystery trilogy by internationally renowned animal behavior expert Patricia McConnell, bestselling author of The Other End of the Leash and The Education of Will.
Maddie is living her best second life on a 40-acre sheep farm in the Wisconsin countryside. In addition to her passion for training sheepdogs — including her spirited border collie Jack — she sees all manner of dogs with behavioral problems, ranging from biting to thunder phobia, as part of her local practice. No stranger to trauma herself, Maddie has worked hard to recover from the ordeal of her previous marriage.
But things take a turn when Maddie’s friend and mentor, George, is inexplicably killed by a rifle shot fired from the woods during a sheepdog trial. Maddie is devastated and also baffled — it’s not hunting season, and who could mistake a man, standing alone in a field, for a deer?
She’s still reeling from George’s shooting when a shelter calls her for help with a German shepherd found half dead beside the highway, who’s too aggressive to feed and care for. The dog flourishes at the farm, but when Maddie returns one day to find her house invaded, it’s clear that she has stumbled into a situation far more complex and sinister than she realized. And her romantic involvement with an enigmatic young shelter worker soon leads to even more trouble. As Maddie continues to search for answers to George’s death, it quickly becomes apparent that her own life is once again in danger.
"Like All Creatures Great & Small meets Agatha Christie — only with more glorious writing, more training tips, and more border collies! I could not put this novel down — and when I did, I felt blessed by the company of great characters both human and canine, inspired to live lives of courage and hope." —SY MONTGOMERY, New York Times bestselling author of The Soul of an Octopus, What the Chicken Knows, and The Hummingbird's Gift
Author
From the author:
The vivid, immersive nature writing of William Kent Krueger and Peter Heller meets the taut suspense of Louise Penny against the lush, sprawling landscape of rural Wisconsin in the first of a new mystery trilogy by internationally renowned animal behavior expert Patricia McConnell, bestselling author of The Other End of the Leash and The Education of Will.
Maddie is living her best second life on a 40-acre sheep farm in the Wisconsin countryside. In addition to her passion for training sheepdogs — including her spirited border collie Jack — she sees all manner of dogs with behavioral problems, ranging from biting to thunder phobia, as part of her local practice. No stranger to trauma herself, Maddie has worked hard to recover from the ordeal of her previous marriage.
But things take a turn when Maddie’s friend and mentor, George, is inexplicably killed by a rifle shot fired from the woods during a sheepdog trial. Maddie is devastated and also baffled — it’s not hunting season, and who could mistake a man, standing alone in a field, for a deer?
She’s still reeling from George’s shooting when a shelter calls her for help with a German shepherd found half dead beside the highway, who’s too aggressive to feed and care for. The dog flourishes at the farm, but when Maddie returns one day to find her house invaded, it’s clear that she has stumbled into a situation far more complex and sinister than she realized. And her romantic involvement with an enigmatic young shelter worker soon leads to even more trouble. As Maddie continues to search for answers to George’s death, it quickly becomes apparent that her own life is once again in danger.
"Like All Creatures Great & Small meets Agatha Christie — only with more glorious writing, more training tips, and more border collies! I could not put this novel down — and when I did, I felt blessed by the company of great characters both human and canine, inspired to live lives of courage and hope." —SY MONTGOMERY, New York Times bestselling author of The Soul of an Octopus, What the Chicken Knows, and The Hummingbird's Gift
February 24, 2026
“Away to Me,” by Patricia B. McConnell, Kensington Books, 320 pages, Feb. 24, 2026.
Maddie McGowan lives on a 40-acre sheep farm in the Wisconsin countryside. In addition to training sheepdogs, she has a practice treating dogs with behavioral problems. Maddie moved to Wisconsin from New Mexico after divorcing her abusive husband.
She is at a sheepdog trial outside Portage, Wisconsin, where her friend and mentor, George Hughes, is about to run his dog, Jess. Maddie’s border collie, Jack, is Jess’s brother. George whispers “away to me,” the signal for Jess to run counterclockwise around to the back of the flock.
As Jess works the flock, a rifle is fired from the woods and George is killed. Who would be shooting out of season and near a sheepdog trial? George was co-owner of the H&H Working Dog Center along with Thomas Hutch. Hutch trains dogs for law enforcement.
Soon after the funeral, the director of an animal shelter calls Maddie. A German Shepherd that they are calling Cisco was found injured alongside a highway. He is too aggressive for the shelter staff to help. They can’t get him to eat or drink. Maddie decides to foster him. Then Cisco is stolen from her house.
It is well written, but it is more of a cozy mystery than a traditional one. The identity of the murderer is a surprise. The dog training is fascinating.
Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, and is the bestselling author of “The Other End of the Leash” and “The Education of Will.”
I rate it four out of five stars.
In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Maddie McGowan lives on a 40-acre sheep farm in the Wisconsin countryside. In addition to training sheepdogs, she has a practice treating dogs with behavioral problems. Maddie moved to Wisconsin from New Mexico after divorcing her abusive husband.
She is at a sheepdog trial outside Portage, Wisconsin, where her friend and mentor, George Hughes, is about to run his dog, Jess. Maddie’s border collie, Jack, is Jess’s brother. George whispers “away to me,” the signal for Jess to run counterclockwise around to the back of the flock.
As Jess works the flock, a rifle is fired from the woods and George is killed. Who would be shooting out of season and near a sheepdog trial? George was co-owner of the H&H Working Dog Center along with Thomas Hutch. Hutch trains dogs for law enforcement.
Soon after the funeral, the director of an animal shelter calls Maddie. A German Shepherd that they are calling Cisco was found injured alongside a highway. He is too aggressive for the shelter staff to help. They can’t get him to eat or drink. Maddie decides to foster him. Then Cisco is stolen from her house.
It is well written, but it is more of a cozy mystery than a traditional one. The identity of the murderer is a surprise. The dog training is fascinating.
Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, and is the bestselling author of “The Other End of the Leash” and “The Education of Will.”
I rate it four out of five stars.
In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
February 25, 2026
As a total dog training and behavior nerd—and a longtime fiction lover—Away to Me by Patricia McConnell felt like it was written exactly for someone like me. So often when I read novels that feature dogs, I end up frustrated. The behavior feels exaggerated or flat-out unrealistic, and it pulls me right out of the story. That didn’t happen here. Because McConnell is truly an expert in canine behavior, the dogs feel real. Their actions make sense. I never once had to mentally “correct” a scene in my head, which made it such a pleasure to just sink into the book.
Even though dogs are woven beautifully throughout the storyline, this is really Maddie’s story. Maddie is an animal behaviorist who works with dogs struggling with behavioral issues. The novel opens with the shocking murder of her friend and mentor during a sheepdog trial. From there, we follow Maddie as she navigates grief, fosters a deeply traumatized dog in an effort to help him heal, and confronts pieces of her own past trauma along the way.
At its heart, the book asks a simple but heavy question: who would kill George—and why?
McConnell does a beautiful job bringing the setting to life. Her descriptions of the landscape and the activity unfolding around Maddie are vivid without feeling heavy-handed. You can see it. You can feel it. It’s immersive in the best way.
The characters are just as strong. Maddie is layered and human—capable, grieving, resilient, and imperfect. You don’t just read about her; you get to know her.
And while the mystery of George’s murder is resolved by the end, the journey there is anything but predictable. There are enough twists to keep you guessing without feeling forced.
If you love dogs and a well-written murder mystery, this book absolutely delivers.
Even though dogs are woven beautifully throughout the storyline, this is really Maddie’s story. Maddie is an animal behaviorist who works with dogs struggling with behavioral issues. The novel opens with the shocking murder of her friend and mentor during a sheepdog trial. From there, we follow Maddie as she navigates grief, fosters a deeply traumatized dog in an effort to help him heal, and confronts pieces of her own past trauma along the way.
At its heart, the book asks a simple but heavy question: who would kill George—and why?
McConnell does a beautiful job bringing the setting to life. Her descriptions of the landscape and the activity unfolding around Maddie are vivid without feeling heavy-handed. You can see it. You can feel it. It’s immersive in the best way.
The characters are just as strong. Maddie is layered and human—capable, grieving, resilient, and imperfect. You don’t just read about her; you get to know her.
And while the mystery of George’s murder is resolved by the end, the journey there is anything but predictable. There are enough twists to keep you guessing without feeling forced.
If you love dogs and a well-written murder mystery, this book absolutely delivers.
March 1, 2026
Another book I gobbled down.
Patricia McConnell is known for being a dog behaviorist - and her first fictional novel takes that into account with her MC, Maddie, a dog behaviorist and a Border Collie afficiando. She has a young dog, Jack, whom she got from George, an older gentleman who has been her coach, friend, and sounding board in regards to her dog.
When George is shot during a sheepdog trial, Maddie's world starts to fall apart. She is lost without him. Still, she tries to press on, taking on new clients with problematic dogs, including a K9 named Ranger with his handler, Ryan, and three older men with their aggressive dog.
A skin-and-bones German Shepherd arrives at the local humane society where Maddie sometimes volunteers her time and experience, not allowing anyone near him. Maddie has a breakthrough with the dog, Cisco, and offers to foster him. She thinks there's a possibility he's a K9 from his reactions to certain things but no one believes her, including George's old business partner, Tom, who trains K9s.
But another man Maddie cares for is murdered. Maddie's dog, Bo Peep, is poisoned. Cisco is dognapped. And Maddie can't figure out why all of this is happening over a dog everyone says doesn't really exist as all K9s are tracked and identified. There are no leads for George's death and the lead for the other death tracks back to a police officer and Ryan's best friend. But Jack the Border Collie leads Maddie to something she never expected - and now her world is upended again.
A story that starts out with a bang and then takes a few ominous turns, ratcheting up the tension. I don't know if _Away to Me_ is the start of a series but I very much enjoyed Maddie and her dogs and I hope I get a chance to see them again.
Patricia McConnell is known for being a dog behaviorist - and her first fictional novel takes that into account with her MC, Maddie, a dog behaviorist and a Border Collie afficiando. She has a young dog, Jack, whom she got from George, an older gentleman who has been her coach, friend, and sounding board in regards to her dog.
When George is shot during a sheepdog trial, Maddie's world starts to fall apart. She is lost without him. Still, she tries to press on, taking on new clients with problematic dogs, including a K9 named Ranger with his handler, Ryan, and three older men with their aggressive dog.
A skin-and-bones German Shepherd arrives at the local humane society where Maddie sometimes volunteers her time and experience, not allowing anyone near him. Maddie has a breakthrough with the dog, Cisco, and offers to foster him. She thinks there's a possibility he's a K9 from his reactions to certain things but no one believes her, including George's old business partner, Tom, who trains K9s.
But another man Maddie cares for is murdered. Maddie's dog, Bo Peep, is poisoned. Cisco is dognapped. And Maddie can't figure out why all of this is happening over a dog everyone says doesn't really exist as all K9s are tracked and identified. There are no leads for George's death and the lead for the other death tracks back to a police officer and Ryan's best friend. But Jack the Border Collie leads Maddie to something she never expected - and now her world is upended again.
A story that starts out with a bang and then takes a few ominous turns, ratcheting up the tension. I don't know if _Away to Me_ is the start of a series but I very much enjoyed Maddie and her dogs and I hope I get a chance to see them again.
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