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Good Boy
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26Every 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
Expected publication March 31, 2026
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8 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Wright
8 books99 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.
Michelle's debut novel, Small Acts of Defiance, is the fruit of her deep love for Paris - her home for 11 years - as well as her decades of passion for French language, culture and history.
In 2017, Michelle was awarded a six-month Australia Council for the Arts residency at the Cite Internationale des Arts in Paris to carry out the extensive research needed to create her vivid portrayal of life in occupied France.
Michelle's debut novel, Small Acts of Defiance, is the fruit of her deep love for Paris - her home for 11 years - as well as her decades of passion for French language, culture and history.
In 2017, Michelle was awarded a six-month Australia Council for the Arts residency at the Cite Internationale des Arts in Paris to carry out the extensive research needed to create her vivid portrayal of life in occupied France.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
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.
Displaying 1 of 1 review