Mad Dog: A Novel

by Dave Wickenden

"An epic new take on serial killer fiction that is reminiscent of Stephen King’s best work." – Best Thrillers Fourteen-year-old Daniel and his friends enjoyed the best that childhood could offer during the summer of 1975 in a northern mining town until someone started brutally killing family pets. Daniel, who wants nothing more than be the hero from his books, convinces his friends to help search for the ‘sicko’, but this only brings him to the attention of the killer. When evidence surfaces that points at Daniel as the killer and his two friends turn against him, he soon realizes that there is much more to being a hero than what he has read. Running away from home, he enlists two seniors and a neighborhood bully to help trap the real killer.

Genres: Thriller, Coming Of Age

207 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2020

About the author

Dave Wickenden grabs life by the reins and doesn't let go. Before joining the Canadian Fire Service, he served in the Canadian Armed Forces. He's as comfortable with a rocket launcher as with a fire hose. His protagonists often find themselves enlisted as rescuers and crisis managers. Like them, Dave has knelt beside dead bodies. Using CPR and a defibrillator, he has saved six lives.

At home in Canada, Dave loves to cook, read and draw. He ran his own home-based art business, creating highly detailed wood-and-paper burnings, a technique called "pyrography." One of his pictures of former Prime Minister Jean Chretien graces the walls of Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

Dave and his wife Gina are parents to three boys and three grandsons. His two youngest boys are busy with minor league hockey and fishing, so you can guess where you'll find Dave when he's not writing.

After 31 years in the Fire Service and attaining the rank of Deputy Fire Chief, Dave retired to write thriller novels full time. He is a member of the Writer’s Union of Canada, the International Thriller Association, and the International Screenwriters Association. His works comprises of IN DEFENSE OF INNOCENCE 2018, HOMEGROWN 2018, and DEADLY HARVEST 2019 and MAD DOG July 2020, THE HOME FRONT 2022, THE ORIGAMI DECEPTION 2024 He has adapted four stories into screenplays and IN DEFENCE into a TV Pilot.

Reviews

[Jillian Thomadsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love a suspenseful novel – and Mad Dog had me flipping pages and biting my nails until the very end.

Mad Dog takes place in a Canadian mining town in 1975. Wickenden does an excellent job setting the scene. He describes the mines, the neighborhood, the houses, the demographics in such detail that suggests a firsthand knowledge. I imagine birch and willow trees, mountains and boulders behind mines and rail cars in the sweltering summer.

Wickenden does a great job of taking us back to those lazy summer days before cell phones and handheld cameras…when our protagonist and his crew engage in neighborhood ball games against rivals and take bike rides and treks to cooling-off ponds.

The main character is Daniel, a sweet fourteen-year old boy who is driven by a strong moral code and a penchant for bravery. Daniel’s lazy summer days take a dramatic turn once he realizes there’s a mystery of human depravity. Someone is brutally killing household pets – and perhaps committing other crimes as well. Who better to solve this than Daniel?

And the suspense begins! I found myself tearing through the pages as the story twists and turns. Daniel’s interest in the crime ends up costing him dearly, as he has to confront both his own problems and the perpetrator while trying to solve the case (and perhaps engaging in a dash of young romance as well.)

When Mad Dog concluded, I found myself wanting more…and that is the sign of a very good book. Mad Dog is a great, quick read, and I look forward to reading other novels by this author.

[K.M. Pohlkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fill your pockets with rocks and grab your slingshot for this thrilling ride of nostalgia. This book took me back to my youth when the neighborhood was the entire world and nothing seemed impossible through the eyes of a confident child. Dave Wickenden perfectly captures that emotion in his latest novel, Mad Dog. When neighborhood pets turn up tortured, Daniel is determined to solve the mystery with his friends by his side - including one special girl who may be a little something more. With baseballs, BB-guns, and a tight group of friends, Wickenden takes you an adventure his latest thriller great for all ages.

[R.J. Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mad Dog is really a coming of age suspense story where the likable and relatable Daniel is thurst into the same path as a sadistic individual. When Daniel persuades his friends into looking for the animal killer, he falls under the radar of the perpetrator and is framed.

Author Dave Wickenden deals with another dark subject of animal torture with enough heart and talent to not offend the reader. It is a page-turner with well-drawn characters, outrage, suspense and a dash of young love. All these elements make this my kind of read.

[Mitsie Montijo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a gripping read! The blend of childhood adventure and chilling mystery pulled me right in and kept me turning the pages late into the night. Daniel is a character you can’t help but root for his courage, doubts, and longing to be a hero felt so real. The twists were not only surprising but also emotionally powerful, leaving me thinking about friendship, trust, and fear long after I finished. It beautifully captures the magic of youthful summers while layering in a dark edge that gives the story real depth. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who loves coming of age tales with a haunting twist.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sudbury, Ontario in 1975. "An era where kids played outside from dawn to dusk". Back-pockets were made for carrying slingshots, playing War was a totally acceptable summer activity, the Encyclopedia Britannica was the final word on factual information and smoking the occasional stolen cigarette was just something kids did.

The summer that begins the transition from middle school to high school finds 14-year-old Daniel Dixon and his buddies, Rico and Lenny, searching for a secret pond that may or may not exist. Dodging gangs from other neighborhoods and playing games at the local activity center with other neighborhood kids including tomboy Susie Fibbits. Through (bad) luck and happenstance Daniel finds himself enmeshed in the middle of a recent crime spree involving stolen property and animal torture. Wrongly accused and out to prove his innocence Daniel finds the odds are against him when even his friends start to turn on him.

I'm not sure if this is intended to be for Young Adult/Teen readers or a book of nostalgic adult fiction. It has aspects of both but doesn't completely belong in either category. The first half feels more like a novel about kids written for adults while the second half is more solidly in the teen realm.

There is some description of animal cruelty (torture), a dozen or so instances of cursing (including two or three F-bombs), and drug use. I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone under 14-years-old and even then it could be disturbing to some readers.

***I received a free digital copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Erica Stinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Dave Wickenden has such a way with words to the point that you can see exactly what he is describing in a scene. The opening paragraph of Mad Dog proves no less and already I feel like I am being drawn into the story shortly after I begin reading.

Partway through the story, things really took a crazy turn and in that moment I really, really feel very sorry (and scared)for Daniel, who is the lead protagonist in the story.

Very bad things are happening and no one will listen because he’s just a kid. Because I knew the truth, it frustrated me just how dense some of the adults were except for a few of them.

This book really, really pulled me in especially towards the end when the villain pulls a crazy stunt.

For his age, Daniel was extremely resilient and clever. As always, I’m a huge fan of Dave Wickenden and I cannot wait for his next book!

[Monique Ratelle-Babin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ive read a few of Dave Wickendens books and this is one of my favorites. It brought me back to my own childhood years in the 70's. What i loved about this book were the local places i recognized from growing up in Sudbury. As i read the words i could vividly see it in my mind especially the "slag dumping". Anybody that has grown up in Sudbury would remember those days. It was a really good read. I didnt want to put it down and read it in 2 nights.

[C. Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love suspense novels. They also scare the hell out of me. This book made me want to be young again so, I too, could spend my nights hanging with friends and roaming free. Throw in a good mystery, the feelings of first love, and I'd spend the rest of my life trying to build a time machine to go back and do it all over again. I've always loved Dave's work. He has such a knack for suspense. And sharp dialogue, which in my opinion, speaks of great character development!!!
Neighborhood pets are the poor victims in this suspense/mystery.😭😭😭 Thankfully, our young hero, Daniel answers his hero call and sets out to stop this sadistic killer. I can't recommend this book enough!

[Never Ending BookShelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mad Dog by Dave Wickenden (arc) takes place the summer of 1975 in a small mining town. While the summer starts off seemingly normal, Daniel starts to find brutally killed animals around town. Knowing who ever is killing these animals has to be stopped, Daniel gathers his friends to find out who the killer is... and quickly as concern rises the killer may start targeting kids. As Daniel find the real killer - betrayal, increased violence, and wrongful arrest take place.

Reading the novel - The characters, friendships and simple summer activities (tree houses, biking around town at all hours) all seemed like memories being shared over coffee. The heroics of Daniel were appreciated in the beginning but as he took on more violence and danger, it seemed the character might not be up for the challengers and a bit misguided as a lone hero and the stretch of freedom and ability one would have. The desire to be a hero and save the town/friends/kids all seemed a bit overpowering at points. Still as it went on, I could appreciate the story of one as if this was the author sharing his childhood story.

[Shirley Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading Dave Wickenden’s book “Mad Dog”. Enjoyed reading about Daniel’s adventures. This book takes place in Sudbury, Ontario and depicts many areas that were familiar to me. Dave talks about the Inco Mines and the slag being dumped. His character Daniel faces many challenges at every turn in the road as he uncovers someone killing family pets. Thanks Dave for such a GOOD READ. So if you're looking for a new book to read from a promising young author, this is it…..

[Tom Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read that gripped and twisted ensuring a continual 'edge of the seat' experience throughout.

The story flows well and quickly develops into all of the things one looks for from an exciting thriller, but with a wonderfully concise yet descriptive styling that transports the reader to the location with ease. Like a time capsule or stepping back into a bygone era; you can taste the sulphur air and feel the black rock formations that litter Sudbury surrounding you, as Daniel carefully navigates the streets on his quest for the truth.

The plot aptly captures the agonisingly powerless feeling of being wrongfully accused, even by those closest to you; and the resulting determination to prove one's innocence - something we all encounter in life at some point.

Strong themes of morality and perseverance flow throughout, and the adolescent perspective of the trials and tribulations of growing up in a small working class city are skillfully encapsulated, evoking both memory and empathy: the carefree adventures, the tough street-gang culture, family, friendships young and old; the first feelings of love, the guilt of death, and the oppressive fear of being in a seemingly hopeless situation beyond one's control - something every teen can relate to.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys a captivating thriller and feel that there are some very valuable lessons for young adults especially, woven discreetly into an excellent and exciting story.

[Londeka Shabangu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this suspenseful read enjoyable and easily gripping. It's all in the way the author describes everything, the summer days, the action and the thrilling scenes. It's all in the way the author worked around the descriptions that made it an adventurous satisfying read.

Mad Dog takes place in 1975, in a small mining town. The summer starts off as normal as could be until Daniel (14 year old Protagonist) and his friends stumble upon the corpse of a neighbour's cat that seemed to have been mutilated (which was only the beginning of neighbourhood pets being killed).

Along with his friends Daniel investigates the killings only to put himself on the killer's radar. Angry about Daniel being on to him, the killer then kills again but frames Daniel...

This novel is intriguing, well paced and very satisfying. There's no way one couldn't enjoy this book, the way the author describes everything and sets the scene pulls the reader into all of it. Thank you to the author and BookTasters for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rosanna Micelotta Battigelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mad Dog, a thriller by Dave Wickenden, features 14-year-old protagonist Daniel and three teens trying to identify who is killing pets in the neighbourhood. The author has created a very likeable character in Daniel. Readers will empathize with him and will readily follow his every move through the story to its resolution. The story is set in 1975 and with its good pacing, action, and suspense, the reader is compelled to turn the pages to follow in the footsteps of the characters to discover the culprit.

Wickenden’s career background serving in the Canadian Armed Forces informs his writing with credible descriptive details. The northern Ontario landscape and neighbourhood are depicted authentically and evoke the time period perfectly, adding to the suspense, anticipation, and thrills and chills of the story. Mad Dog will appeal to both young adult and adult readers. A very satisfying read!

[Cruz Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me right back into the restless, adventurous days of childhood summers. At first, it feels like a nostalgic coming of age story Daniel and his friends chasing freedom in their northern mining town but that innocence is quickly shattered when a darkness creeps in with the brutal killings of family pets. What really gripped me was Daniel himself: his desperate longing to be a hero, the sting of betrayal when his closest friends turn on him, and his reckless courage to keep pushing forward even when he’s alone.

The tension builds beautifully there’s the eerie presence of the killer, the mystery of who to trust, and the raw emotions of a boy learning that heroism isn’t about glory but about sacrifice. The final stretch, with Daniel enlisting unlikely allies to set a trap, had me holding my breath. It’s equal parts mystery, thriller, and heartfelt coming of age tale. A powerful and haunting read that lingers long after the last page.

[Scott Overton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense and Action in an authentic small town setting.
The very first paragraphs of Dave Wickenden’s Mad Dog reveal the menace at its core: a badly twisted young man who gets sexual pleasure from inflicting pain on animals. Then we meet 14-year-old Daniel and his friends living in an immigrant neighbourhood of a very blue-collar Sudbury, Ontario. What happens next will force Daniel into the adult world as he uncovers a trail of carnage and realizes that the perpetrator is capable of much worse.
Mad Dog is equal parts nostalgia, suspense, and action, and Wickenden deftly weaves all three into a compelling story. The 1970’s mining town setting is vividly evoked on every page, yet never slows the pace. Wickenden’s action scenes are swift and sure, building to a slam-bang finish that readers will remember for a long time.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Note I was supplied with a copy of this book in exchange for a BookTasters Review. My opinions are my own*
This book kept me hooked, I wanted to keep reading the next chapter to see what happened next. It's fast-paced, and while there are graphic scenes, I enjoyed the camaraderie amongst the kids, and the light antagonism between Daniel, Diego, and their friends.
My only critique is I think it could've been improved by fleshing out characters a little more, some of the characters seemed to have interesting backgrounds and I would've enjoyed learning more about them - particularly Stephen, Diego and the Bat.
Overall, however, it's a gripping, quick read that will hold your attention from the first page.

[Michael Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of mystery novels, you’ll find Dave Wickenden’s Mad Dog a compelling read with its depth of character and breadth of setting. In it our hero embarks on a hunt for an animal killer, forming unlikely alliances along the way. His search takes us to familiar and treacherous settings in a series of nail-biting excursions.

My favourite line in the novel? After a conversation with a local bully claiming to protect “my people,” our hero says, “Your people are the same as my people, Diego. English, French, Italian and twenty other groups thrown in to feed mother INCO.”

Bottom line? Mad Dog is an exciting and compelling page-turner. Loved it!

Thank you Mr. Wickenden for the great read.

[Garth Mailman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rival gangs of kids in Sudbury, Ontario; who knew? A boy who uses a sling shot like a professional. A young man who is a victim of Sadism-Masochism; who derives sexual pleasure from torturing and killing animals. Daniel, the central character in the story is a likeable lad.

When Daniel decides to play amateur sleuth he finds himself framed by the perpetrator. Daniel would not be the first victim of lazy police who become fixated on the easy obvious choice.

The number of five star reviews suggests that others are not as bothered by bad editing which sees at least one grammatical error per page. This book was a freebie, until the author has his books professionally edited I would not buy another.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story absolutely gripped me from start to finish. The author captures the magic of childhood summers so well—the friendships, the adventures, and the desire to be brave—only to contrast it with the chilling reality of a killer lurking in the town. Daniel is such a relatable character; his longing to be a hero feels pure, but when his friends turn against him and suspicion falls on him, the story takes on a deep emotional weight. The pacing is perfect, the atmosphere haunting, and the ending leaves you thinking long after.

[Mr Stephen P Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accomplished read. The characterisation, setting and evocation of a.period are achieved with care and skill and credit to Mr Wickenden. A childhood summer is familiar and carefree, for some, but soon the threat begins to emerge. I personally have not read a story set in the early stages of a criminals 'career' and the pace of escalation is well judged amongst the twists and turns. I really recommend reading this book, we all need a Daniel. Enjoy

[Farouq · Rating 4 out of 5]

I firstly want to thank Booktasters and Dave Wickenden for providing this book for me to read for free

I enjoyed reading the book, it was fast-paced was drawn to it from the beginning, I enjoyed the suspense. It showed us what childhood was like before the internet.

Daniel and his friends investigates the killing of animals around him which leads to him being on the killer's radar.

I recommend the book to anyone above 14 years.

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are frequent swearing and the Kindle format is not structured well so the reading experience is jarring. The concept is good, following youngsters who find dead animals they know have been killed by someone malicious. As the children draw a lot of attention to themselves, Daniel is the main suspect. The story is dialogue-driven and a slow read.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Flora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping mix of childhood innocence and chilling suspense, this story takes you back to the summer of 1975 when fourteen year old Daniel faces suspicion, betrayal, and danger after pets in his town are brutally killed. What begins as a boy’s dream of being a hero quickly turns into a fight for survival and truth. Fast paced, nostalgic, and emotionally powerful, this is a coming of age thriller that keeps you hooked until the end.

[Flora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in the best way. At first, it felt like a nostalgic tale of childhood summers, but then it took a sharp turn into something much darker and more intense. The suspense of the killings and Daniel’s struggle to prove his innocence made it impossible to put down. It’s a story about courage, friendship, and the painful process of growing up when innocence is lost.

[Dianne Gow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Dave. Take 14 yr old boys in a mining town in 1975 and you get suspense and mystery as they solve who is killing animals. Daniel is a great inspiration to all teens and they should read this.

[jill mickelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

This was reminiscent of growing up but with a lot more excitement. Well written and kept me wanting to read more. It has all the elements that keep you on the edge of your seats. I would not want to live in one of those mining towns! Great read.

[Kenny Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mad Dog is an amazing roller coaster of excitement and intrigue that will keep the pages turning until you reach the climatic ending.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! So well written and got hooked right away. I live in the area that the book is based out of so it was cool to read about the streets & landmarks I’ve been too! Highly recommend!

[Debra H. Wruble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy Good

Well written story about a group of teen friends who become terrorized by an older abused boy who has been torturing and killing neighborhood animals.Great read.

[Karen Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book very much.

I would definitely read this author again. It was a quick yet interesting read where at one point I even gasped! I had to hurry and read more!