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Social Animals
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
5 days and 07:03:21
50 copies available
U.S. only
Primates of Park Avenue meets Finlay Donovan is Killing It in a witty and fast-paced comedy about three women whose fates collide at an affluent suburban dog park in Maryland, from the highly acclaimed and beloved author of The Assistants and When Katie Met Cassidy.
Val Caruso, Alex Reed, and June Kennerson come from completely different worlds—Val is a tough-talking private investigator; Alex is reticent, nervous and on the run from her past; and June is an athlete turned housewife whose true love is her pup.
When Val is hired by June’s husband to find out if June is cheating on him, it sets these three women on a collision course. Amid a colorful cast of characters who spend time at the shabby but beloved Hamilton Park Dog Park, they find they have more in common than they thought. Soon June is nearly brave enough to aim for what she wants, Alex finds excitement she never expected, and Val is reluctantly opening her heart to the most high-maintenance dog she’s ever met. But when their secrets catch up with them, will their newfound friendships be able to withstand the pressure? Or will they find themselves in the doghouse?
Social Animals is a funny and sharp social commentary on community, privilege, dog ownership, and the ultimate power of finding your people (and your pets).
Val Caruso, Alex Reed, and June Kennerson come from completely different worlds—Val is a tough-talking private investigator; Alex is reticent, nervous and on the run from her past; and June is an athlete turned housewife whose true love is her pup.
When Val is hired by June’s husband to find out if June is cheating on him, it sets these three women on a collision course. Amid a colorful cast of characters who spend time at the shabby but beloved Hamilton Park Dog Park, they find they have more in common than they thought. Soon June is nearly brave enough to aim for what she wants, Alex finds excitement she never expected, and Val is reluctantly opening her heart to the most high-maintenance dog she’s ever met. But when their secrets catch up with them, will their newfound friendships be able to withstand the pressure? Or will they find themselves in the doghouse?
Social Animals is a funny and sharp social commentary on community, privilege, dog ownership, and the ultimate power of finding your people (and your pets).
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 9, 2026
About the author
Camille Perri
4 books333 followersCamille Perri is the author of The Assistants and When Katie Met Cassidy. She has worked as a books editor for Cosmopolitan and Esquire. She has also been a ghostwriter of young adult novels and a reference librarian. She holds a bachelor of arts degree from New York University and a master of library science degree from Queens College.
From https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/au...
From https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/au...
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Want to Read
May 27, 2026i am going to read this just because of the cover—look at him face!!!!!
Want to Read
May 21, 2026i'm so obsessed with this cover
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Silas Kennerson was positive that his wife, June, was having an affair. He hired Val, a PI, who had big success on the "Long Island job," to confirm his fears and he was willing to pay very well. She had to move to Bethesda Maryland from her home in New York,which was fine as long as Silas covered expenses, but she also had to get a dog. June didn't have much of a life or many (any) friends, but she did hang out at the dog park with her beloved golden retriever, and it was there that Val was going to find the evidence for Silas. The dog was just her accessory.
Val went to the shelter to pick out a dog and misheard a small fluffy pug-faced critter being referred to as a "grift." As grifts were her specialty she was interested, only to find out that the dog was really called a "griff," short for Brussels Griffon. She was small, cute, and valuable so Val adopted her and named her Cash-when the job was over she could resell her and make a profit. She later found out that griffs are anxious and clingy, but she could deal with that later.
She brought Cash to the dog park and met June and the other dog parents (never owners.) She found that June was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside and seemed to have zero romantic interest in any of the others. After Val and Cash left, June encouraged another woman watching from outside the fence to enter the park and play with the dogs. The new woman's name was Alex and June told her to come back the next evening for doggie happy hour.
At sunset the regulars gathered again at the park, which was covered in rain, mud, and unshoveled dog poop. Alex showed up and June introduced her to Val who immediately perceived something off about her. Alex's "just folks" clothes didn't match her patrician bearing, she seemed to be trying too hard to fit in, and was shadowing June a little too closely. Was she a spy, and if so, what was so interesting about a dog mom? But before Val left the park, a very upsetting incident occurred involving the dog park queen, mud, and the loss of balance. Something HAD to be done to make this place a haven rather than a liability-and the Hamilton Dog Park Gala was born!
Perri sets up a wonderfully humorous mixture of dogs, spies, narcissists, social strata, and guilt driven rich people in her tale. As the three women learn to care for and trust each other through the healing power of doggie love, they each grow and change in the best ways. And when things get tough, they solve their worst problems together. I read this book quickly the first time for plot, then savored a reread for character and detail-the author has a real way with words and her novel is smart, witty and heartbreaking all at once which is a real feat. Four paws up!
Val went to the shelter to pick out a dog and misheard a small fluffy pug-faced critter being referred to as a "grift." As grifts were her specialty she was interested, only to find out that the dog was really called a "griff," short for Brussels Griffon. She was small, cute, and valuable so Val adopted her and named her Cash-when the job was over she could resell her and make a profit. She later found out that griffs are anxious and clingy, but she could deal with that later.
She brought Cash to the dog park and met June and the other dog parents (never owners.) She found that June was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside and seemed to have zero romantic interest in any of the others. After Val and Cash left, June encouraged another woman watching from outside the fence to enter the park and play with the dogs. The new woman's name was Alex and June told her to come back the next evening for doggie happy hour.
At sunset the regulars gathered again at the park, which was covered in rain, mud, and unshoveled dog poop. Alex showed up and June introduced her to Val who immediately perceived something off about her. Alex's "just folks" clothes didn't match her patrician bearing, she seemed to be trying too hard to fit in, and was shadowing June a little too closely. Was she a spy, and if so, what was so interesting about a dog mom? But before Val left the park, a very upsetting incident occurred involving the dog park queen, mud, and the loss of balance. Something HAD to be done to make this place a haven rather than a liability-and the Hamilton Dog Park Gala was born!
Perri sets up a wonderfully humorous mixture of dogs, spies, narcissists, social strata, and guilt driven rich people in her tale. As the three women learn to care for and trust each other through the healing power of doggie love, they each grow and change in the best ways. And when things get tough, they solve their worst problems together. I read this book quickly the first time for plot, then savored a reread for character and detail-the author has a real way with words and her novel is smart, witty and heartbreaking all at once which is a real feat. Four paws up!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This books gets 5 stars just for the cover. Look at that little puppy face. That is all I needed to see to request this title from #netgalley.
From nose to tail, I loved this book. Starting with the promise of a murder yet to happen, we continue on to meet our 3 main characters. Alex and Val both have their reasons for befriending June, and their paths crossing at the dog park wasn't an accident. The dog park becomes our main setting where the dogs (& humans) of all breeds and all sizes come together to forge a pack.
The descriptions of the characters and their interactions, human and canine, are spot on and comical. A cozy comedy of accidental friends forged from secrets. The story keeps it's momentum to murder while staying heartfelt.
I have to give a chef's kiss to the epilogue.
For me, 5 stars. Interesting characters, Dogs. A surprisingly exciting and fun story line. Dogs. A pack that has your back. And dogs.
Thank you #netgalley and #Putnam for the eARC of #SocialAnimals.
From nose to tail, I loved this book. Starting with the promise of a murder yet to happen, we continue on to meet our 3 main characters. Alex and Val both have their reasons for befriending June, and their paths crossing at the dog park wasn't an accident. The dog park becomes our main setting where the dogs (& humans) of all breeds and all sizes come together to forge a pack.
The descriptions of the characters and their interactions, human and canine, are spot on and comical. A cozy comedy of accidental friends forged from secrets. The story keeps it's momentum to murder while staying heartfelt.
I have to give a chef's kiss to the epilogue.
For me, 5 stars. Interesting characters, Dogs. A surprisingly exciting and fun story line. Dogs. A pack that has your back. And dogs.
Thank you #netgalley and #Putnam for the eARC of #SocialAnimals.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I fell in love with this book at the cover - who wouldn’t love that cutie - and a second time when I read the book. This a contemporary novel tackling themes of community, friendship and power.
Three different women - Val Caruso, a PI; Alex Reed, a reticent, nervous woman on the run; and June Kennerson, a former athlete turned housewife and lover of her dog, Willow - meet in Hamilton Park Dog Park in Bethesda, Maryland. What June doesn’t know is that Val has been hired by her husband, Silas, to prove June is cheating on him. In order to do this June had to get a dog - Cash of a breed that literally attaches itself to its owner. As time goes on, all three find they have more things in common and what starts out messy and complicated turns into heart-felt friendships - which do need to be ironed out a bit once all secrets are revealed.
I liked the characters - and the dogs are adorable. While there are some flaws in the book I just loved its atmosphere and the fine writing. This is a book for dog lovers and lovers of genuine friendship stories.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and G.P. Putnam & Sons for allowing me access to this ARC.
Three different women - Val Caruso, a PI; Alex Reed, a reticent, nervous woman on the run; and June Kennerson, a former athlete turned housewife and lover of her dog, Willow - meet in Hamilton Park Dog Park in Bethesda, Maryland. What June doesn’t know is that Val has been hired by her husband, Silas, to prove June is cheating on him. In order to do this June had to get a dog - Cash of a breed that literally attaches itself to its owner. As time goes on, all three find they have more things in common and what starts out messy and complicated turns into heart-felt friendships - which do need to be ironed out a bit once all secrets are revealed.
I liked the characters - and the dogs are adorable. While there are some flaws in the book I just loved its atmosphere and the fine writing. This is a book for dog lovers and lovers of genuine friendship stories.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and G.P. Putnam & Sons for allowing me access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First world problems.
That's the phrase that kept repeating itself in this reader's head; kinda like the ticker tape you see at Times Square. From the other dog owners to the main characters themselves, despite the back story of each of these women, couldn't dredge up much feeling one way or another.
Indifference isn't a feeling you want in a read. There should be a visceral hate, a sympathetic ear, or a resounding applause for characters. When little to no emotion is elicited, that's not good.
Expected a biting commentary as to privilege. Instead, rec'd a ho hum read.
#SocialAnimals #NetGalley
Thank you Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
That's the phrase that kept repeating itself in this reader's head; kinda like the ticker tape you see at Times Square. From the other dog owners to the main characters themselves, despite the back story of each of these women, couldn't dredge up much feeling one way or another.
Indifference isn't a feeling you want in a read. There should be a visceral hate, a sympathetic ear, or a resounding applause for characters. When little to no emotion is elicited, that's not good.
Expected a biting commentary as to privilege. Instead, rec'd a ho hum read.
#SocialAnimals #NetGalley
Thank you Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
E-ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review! Thank you!
When Val, a P.I., is hired to trail after a woman, June, whose husband believes she is cheating, she is also surrounded by another woman, Alex, who might be hiding something as well. Val is forced to get a dog to help friend June while having no idea how to care for it. The various dogs, like Case and Willow, were such a fantastic addition to keep the story grounded, especially with their silly antics and worries. The story itself was good, with mixed pacing, so some issues were well done. The love for their canines felt so true and faithful in what to do with them. Overall, this was a decent contemporary book with humorous dogs and their humans.
When Val, a P.I., is hired to trail after a woman, June, whose husband believes she is cheating, she is also surrounded by another woman, Alex, who might be hiding something as well. Val is forced to get a dog to help friend June while having no idea how to care for it. The various dogs, like Case and Willow, were such a fantastic addition to keep the story grounded, especially with their silly antics and worries. The story itself was good, with mixed pacing, so some issues were well done. The love for their canines felt so true and faithful in what to do with them. Overall, this was a decent contemporary book with humorous dogs and their humans.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This cute comedy follows three women from very different walks of life, whose lives intersect at a local dog park. What starts as a simple PI investigation turns into a messy and heartfelt look at friendship.
The pace is fast and moves along at a clip that keeps you wanting to get back to reading. The relationships are real with both sweet and awkward scenes that keep it focused on the growth of the friendship. Bruce, Cash, and Willow (the dogs)--I would take them all home to meet my Josie (a Papillion and Chihuahua mix!)
I enjoyed this book a lot!
Thank you to Camille Perri, NetGalley and Putnam Books for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
The pace is fast and moves along at a clip that keeps you wanting to get back to reading. The relationships are real with both sweet and awkward scenes that keep it focused on the growth of the friendship. Bruce, Cash, and Willow (the dogs)--I would take them all home to meet my Josie (a Papillion and Chihuahua mix!)
I enjoyed this book a lot!
Thank you to Camille Perri, NetGalley and Putnam Books for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
December 15, 2025
Dog lovers unite!!! 🥰
I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but I enjoyed this book so much! Social Animals tells a story of friendship, privilege, and the companionship and importance of our furry friends. The characters were well thought out and the three women’s stories were woven together nicely. There was enough drama to keep the plot interesting and moving, but not weigh it down. Loved the bit of karma at the end!
If you’re a dog lover looking for something a little different, Social Animals is a great choice!
I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but I enjoyed this book so much! Social Animals tells a story of friendship, privilege, and the companionship and importance of our furry friends. The characters were well thought out and the three women’s stories were woven together nicely. There was enough drama to keep the plot interesting and moving, but not weigh it down. Loved the bit of karma at the end!
If you’re a dog lover looking for something a little different, Social Animals is a great choice!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Camille Perri and Putnam Books for the advanced Reader Copy!
As a fellow dog rescuer this book intrigued me so I figured I’d give it a chance and I’m so glad I did! What a fast paced and fun book chock full of social commentary, humor and heart. The story moves quickly keeping you wanting to read just a little more and I found parts of myself in each character. There were times where I thought the author must have a window into my own thoughts at times. I would love to see a follow up to this book and would definitely read whatever the author puts out next!
As a fellow dog rescuer this book intrigued me so I figured I’d give it a chance and I’m so glad I did! What a fast paced and fun book chock full of social commentary, humor and heart. The story moves quickly keeping you wanting to read just a little more and I found parts of myself in each character. There were times where I thought the author must have a window into my own thoughts at times. I would love to see a follow up to this book and would definitely read whatever the author puts out next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Very much your standard feel good story!! Readers of Claire Pooley or Elle Cosano would like this one. I grew to really enjoy the unique personalities of June, Val, and Alex aong with their pups Willow, Cash, and Bruce and how well they all worked together despite being vastly different. Anyone who is a dog lover/owner will also love the comedic bits thrown in about the dogs and sometimes crazy lengths dog owners will go to for their beloved pets. The "mystery" or conflict wasn't super gripping to me but still entertaining!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Did I decide to read this book solely because of the Eric Carle style illustration of a Brussels Griffon on the cover? As a dog mom of a Brussels Griffon I had to. I was delighted to see the silly personality of Griffs in Cash.
This book highlights the bonds made at the dog park and how being a dog parent is only a part of the whole person. Using the dog park get close to June, a heiress’ works toward corporate espionage, and a private investigator searches for proof of an affair. It’s not about the destination, it’s the friends we made along the way.
This book highlights the bonds made at the dog park and how being a dog parent is only a part of the whole person. Using the dog park get close to June, a heiress’ works toward corporate espionage, and a private investigator searches for proof of an affair. It’s not about the destination, it’s the friends we made along the way.
March 15, 2026
The concept of this book was intriguing, but the execution felt disjointed. I was having a very hard time getting into the story, especially keeping track of all the names, both dogs and human. Around 30% it hit a positive stride, but it fell apart by 50-70% and felt like a slog to get through again. The premise felt lost inbetween the main story and it all just didn’t quite work.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What started out as a simple PI job - the usual request to stalk the spouse to see if anyone is cheating led Val to adopting a dog (she's not a dog person), and making friends (she is not a friend person). Soon realizing there was more to the story with the beautiful wife, June, she becomes embroiled in a huge mystery of stalking, double-stalking, undercover agents and women wronged.
Good travel read - there was a great twist at the end that was just right.
Good travel read - there was a great twist at the end that was just right.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the eARC; all opinions are my own!
The cover of this book is everything. The contents didn't match for me. I found Val too judgmental. She doesn't even like dogs. Getting through this book was a slog, and I kept waiting for something interesting to happen. For me, that didn't work out. I didn't find any of the characters very interesting, and even the "most interesting" character was ultimately unbelievable.
The cover of this book is everything. The contents didn't match for me. I found Val too judgmental. She doesn't even like dogs. Getting through this book was a slog, and I kept waiting for something interesting to happen. For me, that didn't work out. I didn't find any of the characters very interesting, and even the "most interesting" character was ultimately unbelievable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love dogs, but even all of the dogs couldn't save this book from being boring. The Griff on the cover certainly fits how I felt while reading this, just perpetually annoyed and waiting for some sort of treat at the end that never really came. Such is life.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5
While I enjoyed aspects of this novel, I was underwhelmed and at times bored while reading it. I loved how three very different women became friends by meeting at a dog park - each with their own baggage. What I didn’t care for was the whole fighting crime/mystery piece of it. Yes, Silas being the villain made sense but Alex’s “day job” was a bit much.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
While I enjoyed aspects of this novel, I was underwhelmed and at times bored while reading it. I loved how three very different women became friends by meeting at a dog park - each with their own baggage. What I didn’t care for was the whole fighting crime/mystery piece of it. Yes, Silas being the villain made sense but Alex’s “day job” was a bit much.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was enjoying this but decided to DNF at the 71% mark. Honestly the same sex infatuation was becoming more than I was comfortable reading and it felt like it would end in a same sex relationship which I have no desire to read about. I just had no desire to continue with the continue topic mentions.
Thank you NetGalley, and Putnam for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
Thank you NetGalley, and Putnam for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book so much! The author had me from the opening sentence: “It’s a lonely life, being a stray.” I was hooked.
All three POV characters are interesting and relatable in this fast-paced story, full of heart and humor, about unlikely friendships.
It’s the perfect summer read.
All three POV characters are interesting and relatable in this fast-paced story, full of heart and humor, about unlikely friendships.
It’s the perfect summer read.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
A good summer read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A rare case when you should judge a book by the cover, because the cover is incredible and so is the book inside.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews