Marilyn's Mystery Reads

Book Author: Patricia B. McConnell

I am always amazed and delighted by the things that I learn by reading books.  I don’t mean only scholarly books or textbooks but also novels/mysteries that tell me things I had never thought about but am now pleased that I know.  Away To Me is an excellent example of learning about a subject that gave me a glimpse into a very different world; it’s a truly fascinating book.

Maddie McGowan is an animal behaviorist, a scientist who works with animals who exhibit dangerous behaviors, including those caused by trauma.  She owns a farm in Wisconsin where she raises sheep and trains dogs, in particular her border collie Jack, to participate in sheepdog trials.  As the novel opens, the two are participating in a Championship Sheepdog Trial and waiting for their turn when the sound of a shotgun fills the air and George, Maddie’s close friend, lies dead in the field.

George was widely liked and admired, both for his expertise as a trainer of sheepdogs and as a mentor for those new to competitions.  The police can find no motive for the shooting, and the case remains open.

Maddie’s life continues as usual, at least on the surface.  She works with dogs who bite other dogs, who are traumatized by thunder, or who don’t obey their owner’s commands.  Her love and understanding of canines wins their trust, and each animal that is brought to her clinic learns appropriate behaviors and their place in a family.  George, however, is never far from her mind.

Then Maggie receives a call from the director of a local humane society.  A half-dead German shepherd had been found on the side of a road, and after he was released from intensive care at a local veterinary clinic no one could get near him.  Aware of the excellent work that the organization does, Maggie agrees to see the dog.  She names him Cisco and becomes impressed with him despite the issues he presents, and she agrees during her second visit at the society to foster him at her farm and work with him there.

A few days after Cisco’s arrival, Maggie returns home after her office hours to find one of her guard dogs in a drug-induced stupor and Cisco missing from his cage.  The local veterinarian tells Maggie that the guard dog looks like the victim of a fentanyl overdose, and just like a person she had to receive a dose of nalozone immediately to save her life.  A prolonged search of the area doesn’t find Cisco despite Maggie asking all her friends and neighbors for help.  It isn’t hard to believe that someone is trying to destroy Maggie’s life.

Patricia McConnell has written a wonderful novel.  She has a doctorate in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, researching dog behavior and communication between professional trainers and working domestic animals.  She has appeared on CNN, written articles for numerous publications, has presented nationally and internationally, and now is the author of this outstanding mystery with its believable characters and exciting plot.

You can read more about her at this website.

Check out the complete Marilyn’s Mystery Reads at her website.  In addition to book review posts, there are sections featuring Golden Oldies, Past Masters and Mistresses, and an About Marilyn column that features her opinions about everything to do with mystery novel.