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Good Boy
Some bonds can't be broken.
It's September 1997 and Cookie, an inmate in a minimum-security prison, is serving the final four months of his sentence when he signs up for a last-chance rehabilitation program for abandoned dogs.
He's assigned Nigel—whom he renames Good Boy—an anxious soul with a talent for gnawing his way through walls. Cookie has his work cut out preparing him for the upcoming behavioural assessment that will decide his pass, and Good Boy will be up for adoption and the possibility of finding a loving home for the first time in his life; fail, and he will be put down. When Cookie realises that Good Boy is almost certain to flunk the test, he must decide how far he'll go in his bid to save him.
As the friendship between them deepens, Cookie is forced to confront the past that shaped him, revealing truths he would rather have left behind.
Good Boy movingly explores the bonds between dogs and their humans, and how hope might move us beyond punishment and towards redemption.
It's September 1997 and Cookie, an inmate in a minimum-security prison, is serving the final four months of his sentence when he signs up for a last-chance rehabilitation program for abandoned dogs.
He's assigned Nigel—whom he renames Good Boy—an anxious soul with a talent for gnawing his way through walls. Cookie has his work cut out preparing him for the upcoming behavioural assessment that will decide his pass, and Good Boy will be up for adoption and the possibility of finding a loving home for the first time in his life; fail, and he will be put down. When Cookie realises that Good Boy is almost certain to flunk the test, he must decide how far he'll go in his bid to save him.
As the friendship between them deepens, Cookie is forced to confront the past that shaped him, revealing truths he would rather have left behind.
Good Boy movingly explores the bonds between dogs and their humans, and how hope might move us beyond punishment and towards redemption.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
48 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Wright
8 books105 followersMichelle Wright is an award-winning writer who brings to life a remarkable range of characters, winning many awards, including The Age short story competition.
Her collection of short stories, Fine, was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier's Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript and published in 2016.
Her first novel, Small Acts of Defiance, was published in Australia in 2021 . World rights were acquired by HarperCollins US who published it in the US and Canada in 2022.
Her second novel, Good Boy, will be out in April 2026. She is currently writing her third novel.
Her collection of short stories, Fine, was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier's Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript and published in 2016.
Her first novel, Small Acts of Defiance, was published in Australia in 2021 . World rights were acquired by HarperCollins US who published it in the US and Canada in 2022.
Her second novel, Good Boy, will be out in April 2026. She is currently writing her third novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 16, 2026
Approaching the end of his long prison sentence, Cookie is invited to take part in a new initiative at the minimum security prison, that might even lead to employment once he is released. He is to learn dog training. Cookie will work one-on-one with a rescue dog, and attempt to get them ready for adoption. As soon as he meets the dog, Nigel, Cookie can already feel a sense of failure. Nigel is clearly suffering from anxiety. Even renaming him - to Good Boy, with all the expected encouragement that using the new name will entail - isn't enough to sort this poor dog out. The stakes are high, too, as the final behavioural assessment will either deliver Good Boy to a loving new home, or to the vet for euthanasia. Becoming increasingly worried about Good Boy's future, Cookie hatches a plan.
I admit I struggled to get into this one. I'd expected it to be a sure bet, being such a sucker for human/animal bond stories. Perhaps it was the prison setting that I found difficult? However once the story expanded, it jogged along at a good pace. Although the ending was somewhat predictable I was still moved by it.
With thanks to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for an eARC to read and review.
I admit I struggled to get into this one. I'd expected it to be a sure bet, being such a sucker for human/animal bond stories. Perhaps it was the prison setting that I found difficult? However once the story expanded, it jogged along at a good pace. Although the ending was somewhat predictable I was still moved by it.
With thanks to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for an eARC to read and review.
May 9, 2026
I always wanted to work in the justice system library, I was told it would be too hard. I recently applied for a job there, too. That also fell away. Then I travelled down the donation path, again too hard. I digress 🙈
I adore books that pull my heartstrings deeply to not only the story, but the inner souls, their heart, their inner fears. Converse to the heavy stuff there is much love here. Pointedly this love is not for a human, it’s a cumbuctious canine. The connection transcends the bonds that bind people. The are ones which do no evil, more precious than anything that’s come before a life long lived for the weary human protagonist.
I landed deeply inside the heart of Cookie, a gentle man with only a speck of time remaining on his prison sentence. This prison story is so much more though, it disguises the love between this man and his dog, Good Boy. The dog training program Cookie has joined isn’t looking good, which means the fate of Good Boy is much much more dangerous.
This book is no good for a quick jolt or a thrilling ride, it’s heavy, hard hitting and it will make you break and tear up. It is about a man that can’t change while floundering in a world that is not accepting. Yes he did the crime, almost at the end, with memories of the boy many moons ago who’d never lie, even to save himself.
I recommend this completely, just navigate with your heart firmly cared for and tissues nearby.
I adored them all, the good and the bad. The writing is understated, almost lyrical, the kind that lets the silence between the words carry Cookie’s world with the dog, never overworked, unfolding quietly so the things left unsaid hit tragically, lingering with an imagery that stays far longer than you’d expect. I was in that dazed state. That dreamy one where the mind flashes ‘this is a book, a set of pages, did that just happen to me?’
Thank you very much Michelle and A&U, I’d have loved to be at the launch
I adore books that pull my heartstrings deeply to not only the story, but the inner souls, their heart, their inner fears. Converse to the heavy stuff there is much love here. Pointedly this love is not for a human, it’s a cumbuctious canine. The connection transcends the bonds that bind people. The are ones which do no evil, more precious than anything that’s come before a life long lived for the weary human protagonist.
I landed deeply inside the heart of Cookie, a gentle man with only a speck of time remaining on his prison sentence. This prison story is so much more though, it disguises the love between this man and his dog, Good Boy. The dog training program Cookie has joined isn’t looking good, which means the fate of Good Boy is much much more dangerous.
This book is no good for a quick jolt or a thrilling ride, it’s heavy, hard hitting and it will make you break and tear up. It is about a man that can’t change while floundering in a world that is not accepting. Yes he did the crime, almost at the end, with memories of the boy many moons ago who’d never lie, even to save himself.
I recommend this completely, just navigate with your heart firmly cared for and tissues nearby.
I adored them all, the good and the bad. The writing is understated, almost lyrical, the kind that lets the silence between the words carry Cookie’s world with the dog, never overworked, unfolding quietly so the things left unsaid hit tragically, lingering with an imagery that stays far longer than you’d expect. I was in that dazed state. That dreamy one where the mind flashes ‘this is a book, a set of pages, did that just happen to me?’
Thank you very much Michelle and A&U, I’d have loved to be at the launch
January 30, 2026
ARC Read: NetGallery / Allen & Unwin
This was one of the saddest stories I’ve read this year definitely needed a box of tissues. You follow Cookie and Good Boy on the run because Cookie can’t bring himself to have Good Boy put down. Cookie escapes jail determined to find the best owner for Good Boy and along the way you look into Cookies past showing how he ended up in prison.
The flashbacks to his teenage years were heartbreaking especially the parts with Mrs. Mitten and Mr. Mitten taking him in when his useless con artist father couldn’t be bothered to care about him and his mum walking out on him when he was very young.
Everything comes together in the end in a way that was very emotional, heavy and sad.
This was one of the saddest stories I’ve read this year definitely needed a box of tissues. You follow Cookie and Good Boy on the run because Cookie can’t bring himself to have Good Boy put down. Cookie escapes jail determined to find the best owner for Good Boy and along the way you look into Cookies past showing how he ended up in prison.
The flashbacks to his teenage years were heartbreaking especially the parts with Mrs. Mitten and Mr. Mitten taking him in when his useless con artist father couldn’t be bothered to care about him and his mum walking out on him when he was very young.
Everything comes together in the end in a way that was very emotional, heavy and sad.
December 15, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There’s something so warm and disarming about this book — it honestly felt like sitting at the pub with an old friend, drink in hand, listening to them unravel the story of their life (in the best way). Wright’s writing is raw, honest, and quietly powerful, the kind that sneaks up on you with its emotional depth.
“Good Boy” captures the messiness of growing up, the weight of family history, and the small, tender moments that shape who we become. It’s conversational, intimate, and incredibly human — the kind of narrative that pulls you in without even trying.
If you love character-driven storytelling with heart, humour, and a dose of nostalgia, this one is absolutely worth picking up, I read it within 24 hours couldn’t put it down.
There’s something so warm and disarming about this book — it honestly felt like sitting at the pub with an old friend, drink in hand, listening to them unravel the story of their life (in the best way). Wright’s writing is raw, honest, and quietly powerful, the kind that sneaks up on you with its emotional depth.
“Good Boy” captures the messiness of growing up, the weight of family history, and the small, tender moments that shape who we become. It’s conversational, intimate, and incredibly human — the kind of narrative that pulls you in without even trying.
If you love character-driven storytelling with heart, humour, and a dose of nostalgia, this one is absolutely worth picking up, I read it within 24 hours couldn’t put it down.
May 7, 2026
Melbourne-based author Michelle Wright has had experience working with prisoners, some behind bars and some as tour guides in the old Pentridge Prison. This experience gives authenticity to her characterisation and the dialogue. Her central character Cookie has had a troubled childhood and adolescence, and has learned to keep his thoughts to himself because he's inarticulate and nobody listens anyway. So, at school when trouble is not his fault he says nothing and takes the punishment, and that's what he does as an eighteen-year-old when he's convicted of murder. He doesn't even accept the offer of a character reference from the one person who was kind to him, because he doesn't want her to know the circumstances. So he's inside for a very long time.
His backstory is gradually revealed but the circumstances of his crime are withheld until late in the novel. The story is set in the late 1990s when one might have hoped that schools were better at supporting kids with behavioural problems and terrible parents, but Cookie's school is only too pleased to see the back of him when he fails to return after a suspension. His father is also only too pleased to have the opportunity to enlist Cookie in his criminal activities, though he keeps the boy in the dark as to exactly what they are.
He explains to Cookie about the old copper who told him off the first time he was arrested because he was too young to be embarking on a life of crime. He regrets not listening to him, but at fourteen he thought he was king of the world.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2026/05/07/g...
His backstory is gradually revealed but the circumstances of his crime are withheld until late in the novel. The story is set in the late 1990s when one might have hoped that schools were better at supporting kids with behavioural problems and terrible parents, but Cookie's school is only too pleased to see the back of him when he fails to return after a suspension. His father is also only too pleased to have the opportunity to enlist Cookie in his criminal activities, though he keeps the boy in the dark as to exactly what they are.
'We live in a very exclusive gated community here, young Cookie,' he'd said one day. The owners are very selective about who they let in.' He puffed on an invisible cigar. 'It's a members-only club.' He waved an arm as if ushering Cookie inside. 'I'm practically a founding member.' (p.101)
He explains to Cookie about the old copper who told him off the first time he was arrested because he was too young to be embarking on a life of crime. He regrets not listening to him, but at fourteen he thought he was king of the world.
He grinned and cocked his head. 'Well, I've finally made the decision to disembark from my life of crime.'
'What does that mean? asked Cookie. 'Disembark?'
'It means to get off a boat.'
'I wouldn't know,' said Cookie. 'Never actually been on a boat.'
'What, never? Not like a canoe? A tinny? Nothing?'
'Nup.'
'Bloody hell, mate, You gotta get out more.' He chuckled and slapped Cookie on the back. (p.102)
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2026/05/07/g...
April 19, 2026
I purchased this book after hearing the author interviewed and reading one of The Age reviews written in relation to it.
I was intrigued to engage with the premise on which it was based- a prisoner about to reenter society after a substantial incarceration and the possibility of him caring for a dog that was socially inept and in need of socialisation and rehabilitation to avoid being discarded.
The writing was easy to absorb and the narrative readily followed.
While I enjoyed the account, I was anticipating a little more about the dog and the relationship between him and Cookie, the prisoner - rather than quite as much focus on the factors that explained his actions that resulted in his conviction, especially the tortured relationship between Cookie and his father. The emergence of his mother towards the end of the novel felt rather rushed and could have been explored further in terms of her past actions and what her motives were for reappearing so many years after abandoning her son.
I was intrigued to engage with the premise on which it was based- a prisoner about to reenter society after a substantial incarceration and the possibility of him caring for a dog that was socially inept and in need of socialisation and rehabilitation to avoid being discarded.
The writing was easy to absorb and the narrative readily followed.
While I enjoyed the account, I was anticipating a little more about the dog and the relationship between him and Cookie, the prisoner - rather than quite as much focus on the factors that explained his actions that resulted in his conviction, especially the tortured relationship between Cookie and his father. The emergence of his mother towards the end of the novel felt rather rushed and could have been explored further in terms of her past actions and what her motives were for reappearing so many years after abandoning her son.
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April 22, 2026I loved the concept of humans and dogs in partnership getting a second chance at life.
Overall a heart wrenching story following Cookie and his life broken up into two timelines that come together at the end.
While I enjoyed myself reading this story it didn’t completely pull me in and enlist a strong emotional connection to the characters and the four legged friends.
Thank you Allen and Unwin for providing me a copy of this for my honest review.
Overall a heart wrenching story following Cookie and his life broken up into two timelines that come together at the end.
While I enjoyed myself reading this story it didn’t completely pull me in and enlist a strong emotional connection to the characters and the four legged friends.
Thank you Allen and Unwin for providing me a copy of this for my honest review.
April 28, 2026
A powerful and moving commentary on incarceration and the relationships between people and their dogs. This shit was sad as hell but it was fascinating and excellent and more people need to know about it
April 21, 2026
what a deeply moving exploration of human experience. cried like a baby.
April 27, 2026
Cookie has four months left of a long prison sentence before he is released.
To help with his outside rehabilitation, he signs up for a program that helps abandoned dogs, the ones no-one wants, to help these dogs rehabilitate as well.
Cookie tries many things, and soon a small and uneasy bond grows between them, however Cookie soon realises that his dog, which he names "Good Boy", is not going to pass his course, and will instead be put down.
Which leads to Cookie making a decision that has him revisiting his past, his mistakes, his life before prison, and the reasons why he is there.
And just as Cookie helps Good Boy, Good Boy ultimately helps him in learning from his past.
What this book gives the reader is a look at how tough exteriors, bad behaviour and disregarding the unwanted can be turned around by patience, trust, guidance, and an unbreakable bond.
And knowing that what is broken can be mended.
Good Boy's story is secondary to Cookies, but his involvement is powerful and beautiful.
Cookie has never really known love on any scale and bearing witness to his growing love of Good Boy & doing whatever he can to keep him alive, at any cost, is a powerful thing.
And shows that we all need love and trust, and hopefully that is enough to change an outcome.
I needed tissues for this one 🤧, it is one of those books that burrows in to your heart and lingers.
And any animal lover will despair at Good Boys possible outcome, but it is not bad, so there's the good news.
I think this book will stay with me for some time (as most animal stories do), because the underlying story is just so heartbreaking and yet there are small moments of joy had by both characters, moments that give so much more than just words on paper.
This is what stays with me, the beauty and the heartbreak of a bond.
I think I would do the same thing in this situation too Cookie.
---------------------------------------------------
To help with his outside rehabilitation, he signs up for a program that helps abandoned dogs, the ones no-one wants, to help these dogs rehabilitate as well.
Cookie tries many things, and soon a small and uneasy bond grows between them, however Cookie soon realises that his dog, which he names "Good Boy", is not going to pass his course, and will instead be put down.
Which leads to Cookie making a decision that has him revisiting his past, his mistakes, his life before prison, and the reasons why he is there.
And just as Cookie helps Good Boy, Good Boy ultimately helps him in learning from his past.
What this book gives the reader is a look at how tough exteriors, bad behaviour and disregarding the unwanted can be turned around by patience, trust, guidance, and an unbreakable bond.
And knowing that what is broken can be mended.
Good Boy's story is secondary to Cookies, but his involvement is powerful and beautiful.
Cookie has never really known love on any scale and bearing witness to his growing love of Good Boy & doing whatever he can to keep him alive, at any cost, is a powerful thing.
And shows that we all need love and trust, and hopefully that is enough to change an outcome.
I needed tissues for this one 🤧, it is one of those books that burrows in to your heart and lingers.
And any animal lover will despair at Good Boys possible outcome, but it is not bad, so there's the good news.
I think this book will stay with me for some time (as most animal stories do), because the underlying story is just so heartbreaking and yet there are small moments of joy had by both characters, moments that give so much more than just words on paper.
This is what stays with me, the beauty and the heartbreak of a bond.
I think I would do the same thing in this situation too Cookie.
---------------------------------------------------
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I am sure this will hit the spot for some people. Swayed by a divine cover and blurb, I was very eager to read Good Boy but I couldn't love it. It was a bit too melodramatic for me - reminded me of those teenage desperate rescue heroine stories I'd imagine myself in bringing myself to tears. I have noticed I am very much not in line with the general trend on sentimental / trauma narrative reads.
In its favour, there was some nice prose and some good work on trauma dealt to us in flashbacks.
However, not a single male character seems to get a break and there's nary a nice one with a positive outcome (too general to be a spoiler, I think). Maybe I over-deconstruct?
I don't know what I felt about either of the Mittens - an off-kilter fairy godmother who in the end cannot offer closure and a sorry sort of husband. I get it, not all lives are joy but goodness, the tear-jerking was a bit tiring. Don't get me started on the mother and closure!
And even if these are just personal bugbears about a type of narrative, of writing I'm not keen on, I do look for some grit and nuance, some depth of character not the superficial 'roleplay' of an array of protagonists, as opposed to Cookie's constant beating himself up and the reader positioned to feel he's just a nice guy that the system has failed. That never changed.
On a dog behaviour level, not sure I was entirely convinced by the 'trainer' methods at the prison nor found any depth of understanding about what makes Good Boy tick (or panic).
And...I mean, come on, feeding an already over-stimulated, anxious dog marshmallows all the time...
April 16, 2026
I saw the cover of this book and just knew I had to read it…
Cookie, an inmate nearing the end of his sentence, signs up for a rehabilitation program training abandoned dogs. He’s paired with Nigel — quickly renamed Good Boy — an anxious, destructive dog who’s running out of time. If Good Boy passes his behavioural assessment, he gets a second chance at life. If not… he’ll be put down.
As Cookie works to prepare him, their bond deepens — forcing Cookie to confront the childhood trauma and neglect that shaped him into who he is today.
This is such a character-driven, emotional read. The story really leans into the idea of the cards you’re dealt as a child and how that can follow you into adulthood. The neglect and trauma were hard to read at times, and it’s no wonder things turned out the way they did.
I loved the bond between Cookie and Good Boy — it was the heart of the story. And the parallels between them, both needing a second chance, were done so well.
I was slightly concerned about what he was feeding Good Boy at times 👀
(And don’t worry — the dog does NOT die, I checked before I read it 😅)
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5 Stars
A really emotional read about trauma, redemption, and second chances.
Cookie, an inmate nearing the end of his sentence, signs up for a rehabilitation program training abandoned dogs. He’s paired with Nigel — quickly renamed Good Boy — an anxious, destructive dog who’s running out of time. If Good Boy passes his behavioural assessment, he gets a second chance at life. If not… he’ll be put down.
As Cookie works to prepare him, their bond deepens — forcing Cookie to confront the childhood trauma and neglect that shaped him into who he is today.
This is such a character-driven, emotional read. The story really leans into the idea of the cards you’re dealt as a child and how that can follow you into adulthood. The neglect and trauma were hard to read at times, and it’s no wonder things turned out the way they did.
I loved the bond between Cookie and Good Boy — it was the heart of the story. And the parallels between them, both needing a second chance, were done so well.
I was slightly concerned about what he was feeding Good Boy at times 👀
(And don’t worry — the dog does NOT die, I checked before I read it 😅)
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5 Stars
A really emotional read about trauma, redemption, and second chances.
May 6, 2026
2026 Book #23
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good Boy by Michelle Wright completely pulled me in. I couldn’t put it down, even when the story started going in directions I wasn’t expecting.
I really wanted more depth in the relationship between Cookie and Good Boy. There was something there that felt like it could have been explored further, and I kept waiting for it to fully unfold.
One of the most interesting parts for me was learning about detention systems in Australia. I had no idea “prison farms” existed, and that added a whole new layer to the story that stuck with me.
I also loved the way the book tied in real life monarchy events. It gave the story a sense of time and reality, especially because everyone remembers exactly where they were when that news broke.
The ending… I’m honestly still unsure how I feel about it. It left me wanting more, and not necessarily in a satisfying way. It felt a little unresolved for me.
That said, I was completely hooked the entire time, and I’d definitely read more from Michelle Wright.
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good Boy by Michelle Wright completely pulled me in. I couldn’t put it down, even when the story started going in directions I wasn’t expecting.
I really wanted more depth in the relationship between Cookie and Good Boy. There was something there that felt like it could have been explored further, and I kept waiting for it to fully unfold.
One of the most interesting parts for me was learning about detention systems in Australia. I had no idea “prison farms” existed, and that added a whole new layer to the story that stuck with me.
I also loved the way the book tied in real life monarchy events. It gave the story a sense of time and reality, especially because everyone remembers exactly where they were when that news broke.
The ending… I’m honestly still unsure how I feel about it. It left me wanting more, and not necessarily in a satisfying way. It felt a little unresolved for me.
That said, I was completely hooked the entire time, and I’d definitely read more from Michelle Wright.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Good Boy is the first book to bring tears to my eyes in a long time. This is a highly emotional and engaging story not only about the bond between a man and a dog, but also about that man’s life to the point at which he finds himself when he sets out to rescue Good Boy. Cookie is a completely believable and engaging character, with whom I felt an empathetic connection from the start, while Good Boy nearly broke my heart. He is a dog who has clearly had it tough. The imagery in this book is superb and it is very easy to see what life is like when you live behind bars, whether that be a high security prison or a low security prison farm. Seeing what life threw at Cookie before he went to prison was heartbreaking, but it was the way this book ended that broke me apart. It is a wonderfully told story that I feel privileged to have read.
, by Michelle Wright
, by Michelle Wright
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Cookie is serving the final four months of his sentence in a minimum-security prison. He decides to sign up for a program for abandoned, ‘unloveable’ dogs and is assigned Nigel - who he later names Good Boy
the journey between Cookie and Good Boy was so tender and delicate, and captured the man-canine relationship so well - as in ‘tear inducing well’. this book was definitely one of the saddest books i read this year. it captured the messiness of growing up, and the tender, small yet significant moments that shape us into individuals.
Michelle’s writing was raw and powerful with a strong punch of emotions. you’ll definitely need a box of tissues :”)
Thank you Allen & Unwin for an advanced copy!
the journey between Cookie and Good Boy was so tender and delicate, and captured the man-canine relationship so well - as in ‘tear inducing well’. this book was definitely one of the saddest books i read this year. it captured the messiness of growing up, and the tender, small yet significant moments that shape us into individuals.
Michelle’s writing was raw and powerful with a strong punch of emotions. you’ll definitely need a box of tissues :”)
Thank you Allen & Unwin for an advanced copy!
April 3, 2026
If you know me, you’ll know I love a book that rips my heart in two so it will be no surprise that I absolutely loved this one 💔
I can’t stop thinking about poor Cookie and the cards life dealt him. It really does make you think that some people are up against it from the very start.
I adored some of these characters: Cookie, the marshmallow guzzling Good Boy and Mr and Mrs Mitten.
I’m a huge dog lover and I loved the bond between a lost and broken dog and a man in a similar predicament.
This story is honestly so well written and I’m sure Cookie and Good Boy will carve a way into your heart like they did mine.
I just know this book is going to be featured in my best of 2026 reads.
Thank you so much to @michelle.wright.author and @allenandunwin for my gifted copy.
I can’t stop thinking about poor Cookie and the cards life dealt him. It really does make you think that some people are up against it from the very start.
I adored some of these characters: Cookie, the marshmallow guzzling Good Boy and Mr and Mrs Mitten.
I’m a huge dog lover and I loved the bond between a lost and broken dog and a man in a similar predicament.
This story is honestly so well written and I’m sure Cookie and Good Boy will carve a way into your heart like they did mine.
I just know this book is going to be featured in my best of 2026 reads.
Thank you so much to @michelle.wright.author and @allenandunwin for my gifted copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book will break your heart. Conveyed in exquisite prose, 'Good Boy' is a novel to read in quiet contemplation and visions of a better future.
The characters are flawless, and the observation of the human-canine relationship is one of the most insightful I've read.
Cookie, a prison inmate, takes part in a program designed to assist stray, unloveable dogs prepare for foster care and a chance at a new life.
The journey of dog and man is skilfully and delicately unpicked, with a clear vision about how and why creatures with hearts get so damaged.
Go ahead, break your heart. You'll be very glad you read this wise and tender story.
The characters are flawless, and the observation of the human-canine relationship is one of the most insightful I've read.
Cookie, a prison inmate, takes part in a program designed to assist stray, unloveable dogs prepare for foster care and a chance at a new life.
The journey of dog and man is skilfully and delicately unpicked, with a clear vision about how and why creatures with hearts get so damaged.
Go ahead, break your heart. You'll be very glad you read this wise and tender story.
April 3, 2026
A broken man and broken companion 😭 This book had me sobbing.
Nigel 'Good Boy' and Cookie, a rag tag duo turned into an inseperable pair. I cried, I laughed, and then I cried some more.
Such a beautifully DEVASTATING book that delves into whole range of trauma, and us as readers get to view the past and present reality of it. The empathy the author made us feel for this duo was done in such way that you felt like you were on the move with them.
This is so much more than just a book for dog lovers (although dog lovers, you do need to read this) .. it's one for a whole array of readers (but please bring a box of tissues 😭)
Nigel 'Good Boy' and Cookie, a rag tag duo turned into an inseperable pair. I cried, I laughed, and then I cried some more.
Such a beautifully DEVASTATING book that delves into whole range of trauma, and us as readers get to view the past and present reality of it. The empathy the author made us feel for this duo was done in such way that you felt like you were on the move with them.
This is so much more than just a book for dog lovers (although dog lovers, you do need to read this) .. it's one for a whole array of readers (but please bring a box of tissues 😭)
May 5, 2026
Some lovely prose and wit but Good Boy wasn't for me. I found the 'bond' between Cookie and Good Boy unconvincing and not strong enough to motivate Cookie's escape. The father was also wholly abhorrent and I like my villains to have a bit more nuance. From the marketing and title I was expecting much more of an exploration of the relationship between man and dog, but Good Boy felt more like a vehicle to prompt Cookie's escape and explore his tortured back story with the hapless dog just tagging along. I'm an outlier though, judging from the other reviews.
April 12, 2026
Good Boy is by Australian author Michelle Wright. I was attracted to this book by the lovely dog on the cover. The blurb also hinted at a wonderful dog and owner relationship but in the end I didn’t love this book.
The main character is Cookie who is serving out the end of his jail sentence in a minimum-security prison when he enrols in a rehabilitation program for dogs who are on their last chance. He gets assigned an anxious dog named Nigel who manages to chew through walls and annoy most of the other inmates. Cookie renames him Good Boy and tries hard to train him so he has a chance of being rehomed. In what can only be described as a moment of madness Cookie decides to escape and try and find Good Boy a home.
I was not persuaded by Cookie’s motivations. I get he was a troubled soul with a terrible childhood but nothing about his decision making across his whole life made sense and I didn’t really buy into the bond between him and Good Boy.
Overall this felt a bit like a cheesy comedy/drama that almost satirises the suburban working-class Aussie battler trope. These type of stories don't suit my personal taste so unfortunately this just wasn’t the book for me.
Thank you @allenandunwin for my #gifted copy.
The main character is Cookie who is serving out the end of his jail sentence in a minimum-security prison when he enrols in a rehabilitation program for dogs who are on their last chance. He gets assigned an anxious dog named Nigel who manages to chew through walls and annoy most of the other inmates. Cookie renames him Good Boy and tries hard to train him so he has a chance of being rehomed. In what can only be described as a moment of madness Cookie decides to escape and try and find Good Boy a home.
I was not persuaded by Cookie’s motivations. I get he was a troubled soul with a terrible childhood but nothing about his decision making across his whole life made sense and I didn’t really buy into the bond between him and Good Boy.
Overall this felt a bit like a cheesy comedy/drama that almost satirises the suburban working-class Aussie battler trope. These type of stories don't suit my personal taste so unfortunately this just wasn’t the book for me.
Thank you @allenandunwin for my #gifted copy.
May 7, 2026
I enjoyed the book and the story of the relationship between man and dog. I would have liked more information on Good Boys past and why he was the way he was. Cookies character was confusing to me. At some times he appeared to be a bit slow and other times quite intelligent. I found the ending a bit of an anti climax also.
April 30, 2026
Wonderful well written book with engaging characters and plot.
I shed tears in the final section, not a thing I do often when reading. I do not know how Michelle managed to write it. Emotionally wrenching.
I shed tears in the final section, not a thing I do often when reading. I do not know how Michelle managed to write it. Emotionally wrenching.
May 2, 2026
Simply moving.
A book about choices in life- what choices we are born with, the ones we make along the way.
There’s also a simple juxtaposition of real simple goodness and narcissistic badness , illustrated so simply.
No fluff no complexity in this book.
Got right in to my heart .
A book about choices in life- what choices we are born with, the ones we make along the way.
There’s also a simple juxtaposition of real simple goodness and narcissistic badness , illustrated so simply.
No fluff no complexity in this book.
Got right in to my heart .
Read
April 21, 2026A good to very good read. But the ending to me was horrible. The main character Cookie died right at the end, having been shot dead because of his escape by a police officer. At least we know the dog, Good Boy would be safe with Cookies mum but it was a very anti climactic ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2026
You don't have to be a dog owner to appreciate this moving book but, if you are, you will know that the author is not exaggerating the bond that exits between a pet owner and the animal.
April 26, 2026
Incredible read. I got fooled thinking because it was an easy read that it was a light read. Pulled on my heart strings the entire way 🥹
April 27, 2026
best book of 2026
April 29, 2026
So bloody emotional 😭
May 6, 2026
Ugh. This was heartbreaking.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I am always up for a story with a dog as a central character, and this one is wonderful.
Cookie, an inmate in a low security prison, is nearing the end of his prison sentence when he decides to sign up for a last-chance rehabilitation program for abandoned dogs. He is paired with nervous, destructive Nigel, now known as Good Boy. The race is on to get Good Boy up to speed before the assessment test.
This was an emotional read, delving into the bonds between dogs and their owners. It is also an interesting look into the prison system. Cookie’s tragic past had deeply affected the person he had become and will ultimately affect his future.
A beautiful and tenderly written book.
4.4 ⭐️'s
Cookie, an inmate in a low security prison, is nearing the end of his prison sentence when he decides to sign up for a last-chance rehabilitation program for abandoned dogs. He is paired with nervous, destructive Nigel, now known as Good Boy. The race is on to get Good Boy up to speed before the assessment test.
This was an emotional read, delving into the bonds between dogs and their owners. It is also an interesting look into the prison system. Cookie’s tragic past had deeply affected the person he had become and will ultimately affect his future.
A beautiful and tenderly written book.
4.4 ⭐️'s
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