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Good Boy
Every dog—and every human—deserves a second chance.
It's September 1997 and Cookie, an inmate in a minimum-security prison, is serving the last six 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 chance 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 decides to escape in a bid to save him.
On the run, Cookie must evade detection until he can find someone to care for Good Boy. As their feet pick out new paths and their friendship deepens, the old bonds that shaped Cookie draw him back, revealing truths that leave him questioning his past and future.
Good Boy movingly explores the bonds between dogs and their humans, and how hope might move us beyond punishment and towards redemption.
'Good Boy is a deeply moving, tender portrayal of the powerful bond between one man and his dog. It's a story that's stayed with me long after the final pages. I loved it.' Mark Brandi, author of Wimmera and Eden
'A beautiful, heartbreaking story of connection, loss and redemption.' Mark Smith, author of Three Boys Gone
'In this deeply moving novel, a broken man finds the strength to protect another broken creature. Good Boy is a beautifully written paean to the power of trust and redemption.' Paddy O'Reilly, author of Other Houses
It's September 1997 and Cookie, an inmate in a minimum-security prison, is serving the last six 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 chance 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 decides to escape in a bid to save him.
On the run, Cookie must evade detection until he can find someone to care for Good Boy. As their feet pick out new paths and their friendship deepens, the old bonds that shaped Cookie draw him back, revealing truths that leave him questioning his past and future.
Good Boy movingly explores the bonds between dogs and their humans, and how hope might move us beyond punishment and towards redemption.
'Good Boy is a deeply moving, tender portrayal of the powerful bond between one man and his dog. It's a story that's stayed with me long after the final pages. I loved it.' Mark Brandi, author of Wimmera and Eden
'A beautiful, heartbreaking story of connection, loss and redemption.' Mark Smith, author of Three Boys Gone
'In this deeply moving novel, a broken man finds the strength to protect another broken creature. Good Boy is a beautifully written paean to the power of trust and redemption.' Paddy O'Reilly, author of Other Houses
Paperback
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Michelle Wright
8 books108 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 56 reviews
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
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.
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 20, 2026
Good Boy is short yet powerful novel, highlighting the sheer injustice that some people are just unlucky to be born into. The book brings to life the meaning of "For the grace of God go I". The novel takes the reader on Cookie's journey, accompanied by Good Boy, as he runs from his past, which ultimately takes him right back to it, to try and find empathy and kindness in a world where it does not thrive.
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 21, 2026
what a deeply moving exploration of human experience. cried like a baby.
May 30, 2026
It was coming up to my daughter’s birthday when I saw a review of this book. Being a canine lover since she was a young child I thought it would be an ideal gift. Subsequently, I saw it available as an audiobook. It was not part of my list of have to read books but I thought I would dive in so that later I could discuss it with her.
Others will retell the story of the book more than me. For me it was an interesting analogy between a man who had been treated badly from his youngest days and a dog who had had similar treatment. The two of the participate in a journey together. As the story progresses Cookie discloses more and more of his life, especially his younger years.
The story is set in 1997, August of that year and we know this because of the references to a tragic event at that time. Cookie has been in gaol for two decades, initially we are not told why. He volunteers to help with a dog training program. As the story unfolds the reader is taken back into Cookie’s childhood and told about his childhood, his uncomfortable life at primary school. His worthless criminal father. The story moves from the present back to Cookie’s childhood and back again. The seeds of who is today are shown in detail. All the time Good Boy is the ever-present reason for the things that he does and the people who he meets. However, because the story spends considerable time in the past Good Boy’s role diminishes.
This tale reminded me of that oh so true statement, ‘If you want to have a successful life, choose your parents carefully.’ I did think Cookie’s father was a one-dimensional character. Too static in nature, very stereotypical with zero redeeming features. Sadly, I thought Cookie had some of these characteristics but are at the other end of the spectrum in decency. Wright paints Cookie as too innocent as a young person. With the experience of a long teaching career, I would claim no child with the life experiences like Cookie’s turns out as untarnished as Cookie. The book becomes less and less a story about a dog, but rather about its owner. At times there are touches of melodrama.
I thought Wright handled the gaol context well. She has undoubtedly had experience with people incarcerated and their relationships with the guards and other prisoners. In gaol you don’t make friends you only make alliances.
Cookie has similar attributes to Jaxie Clackton in Tim Winton’s The Sheperd’s Hut. They are both young men with destructive useless fathers and they both are on a journey, but at different ages. As a teacher of many years, I have observed the importance of a father in the lives of young men. Having a consistent, caring and sober father is so crucial for a young male to have in his formative years, without which he can develop untamed and destructive behaviours.
Good Boy raises all sorts of questions about the justice system: crime and punishment, rehabilitation, restitution and redemption. Human to human and human to animal relationships. The lengths that we humans go to in the care, love and affection we have for these animals called our pets.
Over the closing pages Wright reveals much to the reader and fills the gaps in Cookie’s life. In her conclusion the author skilfully extracts salty droplets from the reader’s eyes, leaving them emotionally drained.
Others will retell the story of the book more than me. For me it was an interesting analogy between a man who had been treated badly from his youngest days and a dog who had had similar treatment. The two of the participate in a journey together. As the story progresses Cookie discloses more and more of his life, especially his younger years.
The story is set in 1997, August of that year and we know this because of the references to a tragic event at that time. Cookie has been in gaol for two decades, initially we are not told why. He volunteers to help with a dog training program. As the story unfolds the reader is taken back into Cookie’s childhood and told about his childhood, his uncomfortable life at primary school. His worthless criminal father. The story moves from the present back to Cookie’s childhood and back again. The seeds of who is today are shown in detail. All the time Good Boy is the ever-present reason for the things that he does and the people who he meets. However, because the story spends considerable time in the past Good Boy’s role diminishes.
This tale reminded me of that oh so true statement, ‘If you want to have a successful life, choose your parents carefully.’ I did think Cookie’s father was a one-dimensional character. Too static in nature, very stereotypical with zero redeeming features. Sadly, I thought Cookie had some of these characteristics but are at the other end of the spectrum in decency. Wright paints Cookie as too innocent as a young person. With the experience of a long teaching career, I would claim no child with the life experiences like Cookie’s turns out as untarnished as Cookie. The book becomes less and less a story about a dog, but rather about its owner. At times there are touches of melodrama.
I thought Wright handled the gaol context well. She has undoubtedly had experience with people incarcerated and their relationships with the guards and other prisoners. In gaol you don’t make friends you only make alliances.
Cookie has similar attributes to Jaxie Clackton in Tim Winton’s The Sheperd’s Hut. They are both young men with destructive useless fathers and they both are on a journey, but at different ages. As a teacher of many years, I have observed the importance of a father in the lives of young men. Having a consistent, caring and sober father is so crucial for a young male to have in his formative years, without which he can develop untamed and destructive behaviours.
Good Boy raises all sorts of questions about the justice system: crime and punishment, rehabilitation, restitution and redemption. Human to human and human to animal relationships. The lengths that we humans go to in the care, love and affection we have for these animals called our pets.
Over the closing pages Wright reveals much to the reader and fills the gaps in Cookie’s life. In her conclusion the author skilfully extracts salty droplets from the reader’s eyes, leaving them emotionally drained.
May 25, 2026
I love stories about the bond between humans and dogs, so this one drew me in straight away. I’ll admit I was nervous at first. I was worried it might be one of those devastating dog books, but it wasn’t that kind of read.
I finished it in two days because the pacing kept me moving. The prose is easy to settle into, and the slow reveal of Cookie’s background kept me wanting to understand him more. Both of his parents abandoned him, and so much of who he is comes from that early loss. He’s still a child in many ways, looking for the kind of steady love he never had.
What really resonated with me was Cookie's bond with Good Boy, the rescued prison‑program dog. Cookie learns how to give and receive love through that relationship. It’s gentle, believable, and caring. Just a boy and a dog finding and rescuing each other. Cookie finds unconditional love, and realises the sacrifice it takes to protect that love.
A heartfelt, absorbing read. Perfect for anyone who loves human–dog stories that are emotional without being overwhelming.
I finished it in two days because the pacing kept me moving. The prose is easy to settle into, and the slow reveal of Cookie’s background kept me wanting to understand him more. Both of his parents abandoned him, and so much of who he is comes from that early loss. He’s still a child in many ways, looking for the kind of steady love he never had.
What really resonated with me was Cookie's bond with Good Boy, the rescued prison‑program dog. Cookie learns how to give and receive love through that relationship. It’s gentle, believable, and caring. Just a boy and a dog finding and rescuing each other. Cookie finds unconditional love, and realises the sacrifice it takes to protect that love.
A heartfelt, absorbing read. Perfect for anyone who loves human–dog stories that are emotional without being overwhelming.
May 19, 2026
this book is a reminder that a little kindness goes a long way. writing style is raw and direct, making it a very intimate and honest piece. while reading this, it honestly felt like i was there conversing with cookie. it centres heavily on what happens to a child when dealt a bad hand in life and every time i learnt more about cookie's upbringing, i felt like i understood how his present circumstances had become a reality in the first place. this book examines the difference between the familial bonds of a biological family as opposed to a chosen family and extensively covers how second chances are the doorway to redemption. for cookie, it was about the people you meet along the way. despite cookie's perseverance, it felt like his life had been sentenced before his birth and so everything that happened was most likely always going to happen in the way that it did. cookie never blamed the innocent for his misfortunes and was very kind to all animals and i think that makes him a bigger person than most. this is a book that was hard to put down and probably will be hard to pick up again.
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.
---------------------------------------------------
Read
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
May 15, 2026
Brilliant ❤️
Did Not Finish
June 3, 2026I just couldn’t get into this - I had such high hopes but it wasn’t capturing me. The characters were a bit flat.
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.
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...
May 27, 2026
Spoiler:
One of my stars is for the dog in the book, the second one was for the cover. However, I didn't really enjoy Good Boy. I found Cookie an average sort of character. I hated that he grew up with a totally crap father and was subjected to emotional and physical abuse, plus he was neglected, but in the end I almost didn't care about him. Why? Possibly it's because he didn't seem to have anything to grab onto. What did he even look like? He had no interests, no passions, and he seemed to have very little interest in anyone. Maybe it was the way this book was written, but I couldn't connect with him. The only truly redeeming feature was his growing love for Good Boy.
But as a dog "trainer/owner" I found Cookie lacking so substantially that I repeatedly wanted to shut the book and return it to the library. WHO feeds a dog marshmallows? I kind of got the reason for the dog valium, but the rest of it made no sense. It actually pissed me off to read such a lot of bad human/dog interactions. In the end I thought it'd have been better for everyone if Good Boy was euthanised and Cookie had to deal with his past through the loss of GB. Otherwise the best bet would've been to write about GB through the eyes of GB, which is what I'd been hoping for when I picked it up.
The ending - what is that all about? A cliffhanger? Will there be a book 2? Who knows? Do I care? Not really. I sped read through this one and it would've been better to ask someone else who read it about the plot, including the ending.
One of my stars is for the dog in the book, the second one was for the cover. However, I didn't really enjoy Good Boy. I found Cookie an average sort of character. I hated that he grew up with a totally crap father and was subjected to emotional and physical abuse, plus he was neglected, but in the end I almost didn't care about him. Why? Possibly it's because he didn't seem to have anything to grab onto. What did he even look like? He had no interests, no passions, and he seemed to have very little interest in anyone. Maybe it was the way this book was written, but I couldn't connect with him. The only truly redeeming feature was his growing love for Good Boy.
But as a dog "trainer/owner" I found Cookie lacking so substantially that I repeatedly wanted to shut the book and return it to the library. WHO feeds a dog marshmallows? I kind of got the reason for the dog valium, but the rest of it made no sense. It actually pissed me off to read such a lot of bad human/dog interactions. In the end I thought it'd have been better for everyone if Good Boy was euthanised and Cookie had to deal with his past through the loss of GB. Otherwise the best bet would've been to write about GB through the eyes of GB, which is what I'd been hoping for when I picked it up.
The ending - what is that all about? A cliffhanger? Will there be a book 2? Who knows? Do I care? Not really. I sped read through this one and it would've been better to ask someone else who read it about the plot, including the ending.
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.
May 28, 2026
Good Boy absolutely broke my heart in the best and worst ways at the same time. This was such a deeply emotional story about trauma, redemption, and the small moments of kindness that can completely change a life.
What really stood out to me was how honestly the book captured the messiness of growing up and the lasting weight of family history and dysfunction. Cookie was let down over and over again throughout his life, yet somehow still had this enormous capacity to love and care. Sometimes the people with the hardest upbringings really do end up with the biggest hearts.
The relationship between Cookie and Good Boy was easily my favourite part of the story. You could feel how much Cookie saw himself in this anxious, misunderstood dog, and how determined he was not to give up on him the way people had given up on Cookie his entire life. It felt like he was trying to heal parts of himself through loving Good Boy, and those softer moments between them were so beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.
And honestly… I really wish I could have changed the ending.
What really stood out to me was how honestly the book captured the messiness of growing up and the lasting weight of family history and dysfunction. Cookie was let down over and over again throughout his life, yet somehow still had this enormous capacity to love and care. Sometimes the people with the hardest upbringings really do end up with the biggest hearts.
The relationship between Cookie and Good Boy was easily my favourite part of the story. You could feel how much Cookie saw himself in this anxious, misunderstood dog, and how determined he was not to give up on him the way people had given up on Cookie his entire life. It felt like he was trying to heal parts of himself through loving Good Boy, and those softer moments between them were so beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.
And honestly… I really wish I could have changed the ending.
May 18, 2026
Whyyyyy? Why would you do this to me?
I honestly didn’t read the full description when I borrowed this from the library and now that I have finished, I am crying.
Why did you do that Cookie? You only had 4 months left! 4 months of a 25 year sentence.
The book starts with an inmate named Phillip “Cookie” Cook at a minimum security prison down in Victoria. He has signed up for a last chance rehabilitation program for abandoned dogs and the dog he gets, Good Boy, is an absolute handful.
When it looks as though Good Boy isn’t going to pass the program, Cookie panics and escapes so that Good Boy won’t be put down.
While he is on the run, we get memories of Cookie’s life and what led him to prison. But I feel like he’s making poor choice after poor choice. I kept screaming at him to stop. But Cookie didn’t think he deserved anything good because of what he did.
Cookie was let down his whole entire life and it’s absolutely heartbreaking. I wish it didn’t end the way it did. I wish…
I honestly didn’t read the full description when I borrowed this from the library and now that I have finished, I am crying.
Why did you do that Cookie? You only had 4 months left! 4 months of a 25 year sentence.
The book starts with an inmate named Phillip “Cookie” Cook at a minimum security prison down in Victoria. He has signed up for a last chance rehabilitation program for abandoned dogs and the dog he gets, Good Boy, is an absolute handful.
When it looks as though Good Boy isn’t going to pass the program, Cookie panics and escapes so that Good Boy won’t be put down.
While he is on the run, we get memories of Cookie’s life and what led him to prison. But I feel like he’s making poor choice after poor choice. I kept screaming at him to stop. But Cookie didn’t think he deserved anything good because of what he did.
Cookie was let down his whole entire life and it’s absolutely heartbreaking. I wish it didn’t end the way it did. I wish…
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.
May 13, 2026
Struggled with this one. Wanted it to be good and it wasn’t bad but it was disappointing. As a dog trainer myself the training techniques mentioned and giving a dog marshmallows as its staple diet plus drugging the dog with no guidance whatsoever, just no. It lost me there for a start.
I guess I was hoping for a story of a dog being saved in a totally different way and a story of a man’s life that was a bit more believable.
The writer obviously doesn’t know much about dogs with severe anxiety and how they could be rehabilitated and didn’t bother to study up on it before putting pen to paper which is a shame as this could have been a very heart warming journey between an incarcerated man and a dog indeed.
I guess I was hoping for a story of a dog being saved in a totally different way and a story of a man’s life that was a bit more believable.
The writer obviously doesn’t know much about dogs with severe anxiety and how they could be rehabilitated and didn’t bother to study up on it before putting pen to paper which is a shame as this could have been a very heart warming journey between an incarcerated man and a dog indeed.
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 23, 2026
Anyone who knows me knows I love dogs and the underdog so I was excited to read this, imagining I'm about to embark on an incredible journey of a bond between the main and his mate. Knowing how deeply one little dog (many years ago) restored my heart, faith and joy for life. But I just didn't feel the connection at all between Cookie and the dog, Good Boy. And in turn, Good Boy neither displayed his wrapt devotion to Cookie, nor responded well to his attempts to habilitate him. Neither reaches any arc. The decisions the protagonist made didn't make much sense (if you really love a dog). Don't get me started on the marshmallows. I wanted to punch some sense into him. Overall disappointed.
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.
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