Social Animals

by Camille Perri

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).

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Contemporary, Humor, Animals, Adult

320 pages, Hardcover

First published June 9, 2026

About the author

Camille Perri is the author of The Assistants, When Katie Met Cassidy, and Social Animals. 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, where she majored in English and gender and sexuality studies, and a masters of library science degree from Queens College. She splits her time between New York City and the Hudson Valley with her wife and their Brussels Griffon named Pip.

From https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/au...

Reviews

[Ashley]

i am going to read this just because of the cover—look at him face!!!!!

[rachel x]

i'm so obsessed with this cover

[Jamie Josephson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for an ARC in exchange for honest feedback.

This was such a fun, heartwarming story. The mix of humor, friendship, mystery, and dog-park drama 100% worked for me. I just loved how each of the main characters felt distinct and relatable in her own way.

Of course a story about dogs will get me every single time. They definitely steal a few scenes here and there which added to the fun. Beyond that, the book explores connection, second chances, and finding your people when you least expect it. It was witty and full of heart. Absolutely the kind of book that leaves you smiling long after you finish the last page.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I 100% selected this book because of the cover. I wish the inside matched the outside because I found the story itself just okay. It's partly a mystery but mostly a story of three women finding themselves and developing a friendship. I enjoyed the dog park politics piece of it, and I always appreciate when a villain gets what's coming.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Great fun!

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I bought this for the cover. Cute grumpy Brussels griffon. I assumed it would be a sweet palate cleanser about people meeting at a dog park and talk about dogs. It was and it wasn’t. There was a bit more going on.

[Jessica Lewis ☔️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

first thank you netgalley for the ARC.

interesting concept but completely fell flat for me. what started as a mystery centered on a dog park and all of its people and dogs… quickly diverged into a bore fest for me. when my mind starts wandering or i find myself not wanting to read or skip chapters i know it’s not a winner for me.

i was quickly drawn in by the cover or the brussels griffin and the concept but after about 20% i was bored and found myself very distracted. i listened to 2 audiobooks in the time it took to read/skip around this book. i cant really put my finger on what was boring except that i wasnt connected to the characters, the dogs or really anything else. the personas of the hoity toity dog park women who dress up their dogs and refer to each other as “cash’s mom” annoyed me. however i know this exists and she did a good job writing them in that respect but it still annoyed me. high society is something ill never understand.

oh well. upward and onward.

[JSoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Matt Chisling (MattyandtheBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woof woof! SOCIAL ANIMALS lets three women with deep secrets off leash when their paths cross at the dog park.

Val Caruso is a mid PI asked to trail a woman suspected of having an affair. June Kennerson isn’t quite sure, but is pretty sure that her marriage to a rising politician is falling apart. And Alex Reed is really nervous to even be at the dog park at all. When this trio of lonely, lost women find some commonality over petcare, they realize that their lives might be way more entwined than they ever thought. As they navigate the luxe lifestyles of the DC suburbs (galas! for dogs!), each one must figure out who to trust - and with what - before their lives go to the dogs.

Camille Perri, author of The Assistants and When Katie Met Cassidy, is back with a sharp, zingy new novel that gives us classic riche girl social commentary, but gives it a twist by centering it around dog mom culture. Many of these types of stories center around mom culture, but Perri’s book keeps things canine, and the result is an even more satirical look at the ways that excessive wealth, power, and status manifest in hilarious ways. Putting the laughs on the page aside (there are many of them!), Perri’s new work is her most heartfelt, examining loneliness in particular as a motivator for any of us to behave the way we do. Come for the intrigue, stay for the insight with this one!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Abigail Books Addiction · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just from the cover alone, I knew I had to pick this book up. I actually didn't realize it was a mystery, which is a genre I don't usually read, so it definitely pushed me a little outside of my comfort zone. The story starts off on the slower side, but once it finds its footing, I was much more invested in uncovering how everything would come together.

One of my favorite aspects was the cast of characters. Every single one had their own struggles and backstory, and I loved seeing how their lives gradually intertwined in ways I wasn't expecting. It made the emotional moments hit even harder, and I found myself really rooting for them.

And can we talk about the dogs? They completely stole the show for me! Every scene with them brought so much heart and warmth to the story, and they easily became my favorite part of the entire book.

Overall, while the pacing took a little time to pick up, I'm glad I stuck with it. It was an emotional mystery with interconnected characters, heartfelt moments, and some truly lovable dogs that made the journey worthwhile.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't even have a dog, and somehow I was completely invested in the politics of a dog park.

Social Animals follows three women whose lives couldn't be more different. Val is a no-nonsense private investigator, Alex is quietly trying to outrun her past, and June is a suburban housewife whose happiest moments involve her dog. When Val is hired by June's husband to investigate whether she's having an affair, the three women find themselves unexpectedly drawn together at their local dog park, where secrets, friendships, and plenty of neighborhood drama begin to unfold.

Camille Perri has a sharp eye for the little absurdities of modern life. The dog park quickly becomes its own tiny ecosystem, complete with cliques, gossip, unspoken rules, and enough social maneuvering to rival a high school cafeteria. I found myself laughing more than once because...it honestly didn't seem all that far-fetched.

What I enjoyed most was the cast of characters. The women are very different from one another, but they all feel like people you could actually meet. Flawed, funny, occasionally frustrating, and ultimately easy to root for. And yes, the dogs completely steal their share of scenes.

The mystery kept me turning the pages, but the friendships were really the heart of the story. Add in a little romance, some thoughtful commentary on wealth and privilege, and a cast of lovable pups, and you've got a thoroughly entertaining read.

I listened to the audiobook, and Ellen Adair and Mark Bramhall were fantastic. They gave each character a distinct voice and made an already fun story even more enjoyable.

Thank you to @NetGalley and @PRHaudio for the advanced reader and listener copies of this book.

[Rachel Gilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Private investigator Val Caruso discovers the uncontrollable nature of pups firsthand in Social Animals, the latest novel from Camille Perri.

Val is hired by June Kennerson’s husband to find out if the athlete-turned-housewife is having an affair. In order to connect with June—whose life revolves almost entirely around her golden retriever—Val needs a dog, and a comedic miscommunication leads to her adopting one that’s very high maintenance. June and Val also befriend Alex, a newcomer to the Hamilton Park Dog Park, who Val suspects is hiding a secret of her own. As the three women find surprising connection with one another, the detective story quickly turns into a more complex investigation of privilege, connection, and community. You’ll find yourself staying up and turning the pages, determined to know what happens next.

Read my interview with the author here: https://nowwhatnewsletter.substack.co...

[Jamele (BookswithJams) · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, how can we not talk about this cover?!?! It is just fantastic and brings me joy. I adored the book itself so much, and thought Ellen Adair and Mark Bramhall did an excellent job with the audio. No animals are hurt in this one, just humans (HA), and basically this is a fun mystery that all begins (and is mostly set) in a dog park. There is lots of drama, but there was also the right amount of humor and found friendship worked in here, and of course, the pups. Each of the three FMCs was great, likable and still flawed, but I mean, any dog lover will always win me over. I loved the opener and closer, which is told from the POV of a doggo as well. I cannot recommend this heartwarming story enough. I am still thinking about it and the pups (and the cover) long after I’ve read it.

Thank you to Putnam and the author Camille Perri #partner for the gifted copy and to PRH Audio for the ALC to review.

[Kristen Cook - A Book Ninja · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this book was appealing to me as a lifelong dog owner and the mom to two currently. I am all about book that have found family in them. If the book has some quirky characters then all the better.

I struggled with this book from the opening. Perri throws so many characters at us not to mention each person has a dog and we are supposed to remember the dogs names, breed, etc. Every woman seemed entitled and a brat. June's husband was even worse.

About 68% in I gave us. There are too many good books in this world to be miserable and I could not find any redeeming qualities in this book except for one dog, Cash. She was the only highlight of this book for me.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book because of the cover. The story was not what I expected; I found it to be a pretty slow paced, introspective dark comedy. The slow pace wasn't for me but what kept me were the relatable feelings about having a pet. Val and Alex come from opposite backgrounds and they clash on privilege and individual responsibility in late stage capitalism. But they have similar struggles when it comes to opening themselves up to others, to dogs they know they will outlive. Knowingly signing up to love something that someday will die and emotionally destroy you. The characters have a lot of issues with vulnerability that get chipped away by each other and their dogs.

The dog park politics were very funny. The ending was amazing, hilarious, and I loved everything about it. The epilogue? Oh my god.

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Val has been hired to spy June by her husband Silas to prove June is having an affair.  The catch is that she needs to get a dog so she can become dog park friends with June.  As she befriends June, another newcomer to the dog park, Alex piques Val's suspicion.  The three women form unlikely bonds while they begin to learn more about themselves and each other.

I'm torn on this one because it's cute but I just never fully loved the story.  There were parts here and there when I wanted to continue to read because I needed to know what happened, there were other times when I was fine putting the book down.  I love a good dog/pet based story but the pacing was a bit slow for me for too much of the book.  The audio helped and I loved the narrator who played the dog.

3.5 stars

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can’t judge a book by its cover.

This reminded me of Pineapple Street, Finlay Donovan and The Collected Regrets of Clover, which I’m not sure totally works as a combination for a novel? There’s a lot of “tell” instead of show, and too many characters and subplots that take away from the main story (and this especially includes the dogs. They’re unnecessary props in so many scenes). I thought I’d fly through this in a day or two, and you probably could, but I kept getting a bit bored after reading a couple chapters… so it took me a week to finish.

3ish stars. Not a terrible time or execution and maybe it would work better for me as a movie. Regardless, I shouldn’t have let just the dog on the cover convince me to put this at the top of my reading pile.

[Peg · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[B K178 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Social Animals” provides a humorous look at what unfolds when a group of women gather at a dog park in an affluent East Coast neighborhood. This story is a charming drama with escalaating suspense. It offers social commentary on wealth, privilege, and community.

Perri is witty and sharp in this quick-paced drama. It has a lively, light tone and features some queer representation. I think fans of books like "Cat Fight" by Kit Conway, "Salty" by Kate Myers, and "Big Swiss" by Jen Beagin would enjoy this suspenseful and funny romp. PLUS dogs!

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mario Mirabelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who has a dog will love this book, but as a one time dog myself, I really like this book. First, dog owners are that crazy and second, anyone with a dog is a little less crazy. The center of this story is dogs!! Three women at different stages in their life come together for all the wrong reasons due to dogs. One, a married women in her thirties who is in a less than perfect marriage, one, a private investigator hired by the previously bum husband to see if his wife is cheating on him. The last is a mystery guest. The last two have never had a dog and have no clue how their lives will be turned upside down due to a DOG!!.. Hijinks ensue. Enjoy.

[Olivia Evanow · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Debbie Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Amelia Toften · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Pat Daneman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Social Animals is a great summer -- or any season-- read. It is an engaging mix of mystery, romance, humor and satire, well-plotted with characters you want to keep reading about and, no spoilers, but a very satisfying ending. Aside from the main story, I particularly enjoyed the enemies-into-something-more relationship between two of the main characters and the gently satirical descriptions of dog park high society. The author is clearly a dog lover and keen observer of canine and human behavior. Also, if there were a prize for covers, this book would win.

[Courtney Kern · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book I absolutely judged by its cover and its setting. The grumpy little dog immediately caught my eye while I was scrolling, but the Bethesda, Maryland setting ultimately sealed the deal. While I’m from Baltimore, I went to college in the DMV area, so I always enjoy a little taste of home in any form whenever I come across it in a book.

The setting ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book. The story itself kept me engaged, but I wasn’t quite sold on the very end. It felt a little corny and didn’t quite earn the emotional payoff it was going for from me at least.