Away to Me

Praise for Patricia McConnell

“Like All Creatures Great & Small meets Agatha Christie – only with more glorious writing, more training tips, and more border collies! I could not put this novel down – and when I did, I felt blessed by the company of great characters both human and canine, inspired to live lives of courage and hope. I love this book to the moon and back.” —Sy Montgomery, New York Times bestselling author of The Soul of an Octopus on Away to Me

“A moving debut that explores the deep connection between dogs and their human partners.” —Kirkus Reviews on Away to Me

“In her fiction debut, animal behaviorist McConnell (The Other End of the Leash) introduces an animal behaviorist character named Maddie McGowan…Readers who enjoy determined protagonists and those who are fans of dogs will find much to love here.” —Library Journal on Away to Me

“This is a book you’ll stay up with all night–with no regrets in the morning. Come for the mystery, stay for the love that brings all the answers.” —Susannah Charleson, New York Times bestselling author of Where the Lost Dogs Go and Scent of the Missing on Away to Me

“A compulsively page-turning mystery unlike any you’ve ever read before about trauma, redemption, and the magical bonds between humans and the animals we love—and who love us back.” —Nickolas Butler, internationally bestselling author of Shotgun Lovesongs on Away to Me

“McConnell’s first mystery has it all: amazing canines, a flawed, funny, compelling heroine, unrelenting suspense—and a setting so beautifully rendered it leapt off the page. I absolutely loved it!” —Cat Warren, New York Times bestselling author of What the Dog Knows on Away to Me

“Patricia McConnell’s knowledge and love of dogs shines in this gripping debut mystery. A multilayered tale of old wounds, second chances, and a thirst for justice, Away To Me introduces readers to the fascinating world of canine behavioral science and sheep herding, before delving into the gritty darkness of the criminal underworld, all the way to its entirely unexpected conclusion. The perfect read for dog and mystery lovers alike.” ―Sara Driscoll, author of the FBI K-9s series on Away to Me

“The Education of Will delves deep into the minds of people and dogs, and into the effects of trauma, showing that healing is possible. McConnell gives a voice to those who can’t speak in words and provides hope for fearful animals everywhere.” —Temple Grandin, author of Animals Make Us Human on The Education of Will

“In addition to information sure to appeal to dog lovers, the author provides a compassionate account of the reclamation of her life from abuse and shame. An uplifting story of hope about how both dogs and humans need ‘a sense that they are not helpless victims.’” ―Kirkus Reviews on The Education of Will

“Compelling . . . a wonderful blend of scientific knowledge, stories about real dogs and their behavior, and scenes from the author’s life with her own dogs . . . [For the Love of a Dog] will make you think—but it will also touch your heart.” —Associated Press

“This book is more than a story of a bad dog turned better, and it is more than a recitation of how dogs can help people. McConnell achieves something simple, honest, and beautiful in a book about a troubled woman and her troubled dog.” ―Booklist on The Education of Will

“Good reading for dog lovers and an immensely useful manual for dog owners.” —The Washington Post on The Other End of the Leash

“Excellent . . . Warm and informative, The Other End of the Leash teaches us to bridge some differences and to honor others.” —Dog Fancy

“[McConnell’s] openness and bravery benefit both species. Centering on themes of trauma, recovery, shame, fear, setbacks, and healing, The Education of Will is captivating, a page-turner in fact.” ―Scientific American on The Other End of the Leash

“Human and border collie lead each other to peace… An animal behaviorist’s memoir parallels her healing from multiple traumas as she patiently leads her beloved border collie to overcome his fears.” ―Shelf Awareness on The Other End of the Leash