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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
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
Audible Audio
Published April 2, 2026
About the author
Michelle Wright
8 books104 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 - 17 of 17 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 😭)
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.
April 21, 2026
what a deeply moving exploration of human experience. cried like a baby.
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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.
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
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews