Golden: A Novel

by S.S. Turner

For Will Watson, it was time for a change.

Life in England had gone sour for him, so he and his Golden Retriever Mia headed to the other side of the world – to a small Australian mountain town called Maleny. There, Will tries to navigate through the surprising and sometimes sinister ways of his adopted community while trying to make a living.

As he strives to feel at home in Australia, Will is faced with a long list of challenges which are at odds with the easy life he'd been led to believe was the norm down under. But the biggest surprise is in Mia's connection to this land, to its denizens, and to the environment around her, through which she forges a stunning new purpose.

What happens with Mia will change all of those around her, but none more than the man – her dearest friend – who needed to change the most.

A story of transformation, dedication, and secrets hidden just beyond our sight, GOLDEN is a profound, moving, funny, and consistently surprising tale.

"SS Turner weaves a tale of adventure with twists and surprises, including Mia, a golden retriever with extraordinary communication skills. If you’ve ever wondered what your dog is thinking, then Golden is a must-read!" Gregory Berns, bestselling author of How Dogs Love Us

"Like a sunrise peeking over the Australian hills, Golden slowly but surely reveals the light within its characters, leaving the reader warmed and enriched by its message of change, connection, and rediscovery." The Chrysalis Brew Project

Winner of the Spotlyts Award

Chrysalis Brew Seal of Excellence

Winner of the World's Best Books Excellence Award

Nominated for the 2025 Miles Franklin Award

304 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2024

About the author

S.S. Turner crafts thought-provoking stories that explore the profound transformations his characters must undergo to navigate the complexities of modern life. His works are celebrated for their vivid storytelling, and the way his characters intertwine universal themes with personal growth. The author of Secrets of a River Swimmer, The Connection Game, Golden, and The Last Toll Collector (nominated for the Booker Prize), he captivates readers with tales that resonate in today's fast-paced, ever-evolving world.

Reviews

[Neil Andison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being afforded the opportunity to read an advanced copy of "Golden", I can only say that it enthralled me from page one. The ability of S.S. Turner to portray the wonder and magic of symbiotic relationships with such clarity and candour is, I am sure, a measure of his deep love and understanding of the gifts that Mother Nature has bestowed upon us. It was with true regret that I had to await the dawning of a new day before finishing my read. His intuitive understanding of life in a small community will without a doubt have many looking in the mirror.

[J. Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading an advanced copy of Golden could only be viewed as a privilege. SS Turner has yet again produced a book which is filled with beautiful relationships, twisting stories and enough insights into life to challenge some of your preconceived ideas on this journey that is life. His portrayal of rural living in a small country town, definitely comes from a place of experience and will make some of us reassess how we view that life around us.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Ode to the Misfit: Unpacking the Unseen Layers of Golden by S.S. Turner

What does it mean to be truly "golden"? Is it a matter of chasing the sunshine or facing the shadows? S.S. Turner’s Golden presents itself as a quirky novel about a Brit adjusting to life Down Under, but beneath the surface lies a deeply philosophical meditation on disconnection, identity, and resilience. While most readers might chuckle at the misadventures of Will Watson, few might pause to notice the story’s intricate dance with existential questions.

A Journey More Than Geographic
Turner’s portrayal of Will’s migration to Australia is more than just a comedic account of culture shock. It mirrors the historical patterns of migration during the late 20th century, when Britain’s "Ten Pound Poms" sought sunnier pastures in Australia. Will’s disillusionment with the so-called "promised land" echoes the dashed hopes of many who found the Australian dream to be as elusive as the platypus he never quite sees.

His interactions—whether with a local "platypus whisperer" or the self-assured taxi driver extolling Brisbane’s virtues—are not just anecdotal but indicative of a broader theme: the universal struggle for belonging. How many of us, whether crossing continents or simply enduring daily life, have felt like "unemployed outsiders"?

The Economics of Paradise
Turner slyly critiques the commodification of paradise. The mention of Maleny’s green hills disguises the hidden costs of rural gentrification—echoing Jude’s lament about Lake Baroon’s transformation into a dam. Is this a nod to the environmental and economic trade-offs humanity makes in the name of progress? Consider this: in 2023, Queensland alone lost nearly 300,000 hectares of forest to development. Turner may not explicitly cite such statistics, but they haunt the edges of his narrative, challenging the reader to question what "green" really means.

Humor as a Survival Mechanism
Will’s self-deprecating humor is more than comic relief; it’s a form of armor. Turner subtly explores how humor shields us from life’s absurdities. When Will faces the disheartening reality of his new job as a "trash dasher," his quip—“My career prospects are empty and intact”—hints at an existential surrender. One might recall Viktor Frankl’s assertion in Man’s Search for Meaning: "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." Will’s journey isn’t about triumph but adaptation—a lesson as relevant today as ever.

Rhetorical Play and Resonance
Why does Turner let Will’s missteps and awkward encounters unfold so slowly? Perhaps to ask: What’s the hurry? In a world obsessed with quick fixes, Turner forces us to sit with discomfort. When Will watches a faux "Make Australia Green Again Music Festival," we’re left pondering: Is modern activism just performance art? And isn’t that, in itself, a kind of art?

Conclusion: A Call to Rediscovery
In the end, Golden isn’t about Will finding a home—it’s about us finding our misplaced empathy, curiosity, and patience. Turner’s brilliance lies in his ability to cloak profound truths within mundane absurdities. Like Hafiz’s quote that opens the novel, "the astonishing light of your own being" is hidden in plain sight, waiting for us to notice.

Would you have the patience to see it? Or are you just another "audience member," waiting for someone else to reveal it?

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will Watson desperately needs a life reset after he loses his job as a Yorkshire park ranger and Heidi, his girlfriend of seven years, dumps him. When he wins a trip to a music festival on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, he makes the snap decision to leave the U.K. and relocate there. The change of location means rebirth into a better version of himself, right? Well, not exactly.

Instead of a Crocodile Dundee version of the land Down Under, where people are amiable, happy eccentrics, the Aussies Will meets in his chosen destination, Maleny, are grumpy, unfriendly, and resentful of transplanted Brits like him. Ben Flinders, president of the village association, is the most obnoxious of them all. Furthermore, as his funds dwindle, Will discovers that finding employment in Maleny is next to impossible. The only job he can land is as a “trash dasher,” a junk collector. His main solace comes from his golden retriever, Mia.

When the local veterinarian diagnoses Mia with an aggressive, incurable form of cancer, Will seeks out Miranda Minsky, a woman who claims the ability to communicate with dead pets. Although Mia isn’t dead, Miranda connects with her, and with the help of some pet ghosts, the dog learns to spell words from letters drawn in the sand. Mia warns Will about skulduggery involving Ben Flinders and the village association, which leads to an unexpected and somewhat comical climax.

I liked Golden, although the idea that a dog can communicate with a human by spelling words is not easy to accept. However, accepting that premise is essential to moving the story along, and after a while, it starts to be more believable. Relating to the story’s main villains as real people is also problematic. Ben Flinders, in particular, comes off as a one-dimensional caricature. Yet neither of these seriously detracts from the reader’s ability to enjoy the book.

While I’ve liked other books better, Golden is a pleasant and entertaining read.

[Vanessa Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

S S Turner’s Golden is indeed a novel of friendship and transformation, as the cover states, but it’s a lot more besides.

First, it’s a well written and at times very amusing, even almost picaresque, tale of one man’s attempt to turn his life around. When Will Watson wins an entry to a three-day music festival in a small town in Queensland shortly after being summarily ditched by his girlfriend of seven years, he decides to use the prize as a launch pad for a new life with his faithful golden retriever Mia.

The book follows Will’s trials and tribulations as he tries to make a new start in Maleny, where he soon begins to suspect that things are not all they seem. What starts as a simple story of one man and his dog becomes multi-layered as Will deals with difficulties and sometimes dangers from some of the townsfolk and an unexpected challenge with Mia’s health (I won’t say more to avoid spoilers).

The novel seamlessly and successfully blends elements of action adventure, mystery and crime with the promised friendship and transformation. Dog lovers (this reviewer included) will love and recognise the author’s vivid descriptions of Mia and Will’s relationship and will laugh and weep with Will.

S S Turner provides a wonderful introduction to many facets of Australia, a country he clearly knows well, and this provides extra texture. The motley cast of eccentric characters are colourfully and convincingly described, as is the non-human wildlife, and the denouement is well executed and very satisfying.

My only issue with this book is that there was no suggestion in its description that some paranormal / magical realism would edge in. Not a genre I seek out, but I’m glad that it wasn’t flagged as I would otherwise have missed a very enjoyable read.

[Peter J · Rating 5 out of 5]

S.S. Turner’s novel Golden is a captivating exploration of personal reinvention and the profound bond between humans and their canine companions. Set in a picturesque mountain town, the story follows a British expatriate’s journey of self-discovery alongside his loyal golden retriever.

Turner’s writing is both engaging and insightful, skillfully balancing moments of levity with deeper reflections on identity and belonging. The author excels in portraying the challenges of cultural adaptation, vividly depicting the protagonist’s struggle to reconcile his idealised vision of his new home with its sometimes harsh realities.

At its core, this book celebrates the transformative power of the human-animal connection. The protagonist’s dog emerges as a pivotal character, serving as both a comfort and a catalyst for personal growth. Turner introduces an intriguing supernatural element to this relationship, which, while initially jarring, ultimately provides a unique lens through which to explore themes of communication and understanding.

S.S. Turner’s evocative descriptions of the landscape are particularly noteworthy, elevating the setting to an integral part of the story. The environment becomes a character in its own right, influencing the protagonist’s evolution and underscoring the novel’s themes of adaptation and finding one’s place in the world.

In conclusion, this is a heartfelt and often humorous tale that will resonate with dog lovers and anyone who appreciates character-driven narratives. The novel is a testament to the unexpected paths that lead to self-discovery and the enduring power of companionship.

[Helena Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was definitely a unique experience for me. I was drawn to it by the dog on the cover and the idea that the story was clearly a love letter to a cherished pet. I am also very familiar with the town of Maleny (and the Sunshine Coast), having a good friend who lived there for several years.

What I loved about the book was Mia's story and the warmth and deep love that the main (human) character, Will, has for his beloved dog. She is not just a pet but a true companion and confidant who supports Will as he faces huge life challenges from being dumped by his long term girlfriend to moving to the other side of the world. While Mia's special gift might be seen as fanciful by some, I thought this part of the story was cleverly done and enjoyed the idea it could be true.

What I found less likeable about the story was the way the community of Maleny was portrayed. While I realise the story is fiction, the fact that it is a small town and a real place (that I know well), felt like it was a true reflection. I think a story like this would have been better set in a fictional place, meaning you could create it to suit your own purposes without casting a shadow over the Maleny community. I also found many of the characters to be stereotypical caricatures of Australians, quite jarringly so at times. I appreciate this is a storytelling device in this book but it did feel overdone and unrealistic. As a reader it felt like the "less is more" approach would have worked better to show up the villains.

Overall I did enjoy this book and its unique storyline but just felt it would have been better in a fictional setting. I would have given 3.5 stars if that was an option.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Will loses his job and his girlfriend dumps him, he didn’t think he could go any lower but the universe said, ‘Hold my beer.’ He won a trip to a music festival in Australia and decided moving there with, Mia, his Golden Retriever would be his new start. That didn’t go exactly to plan because there was something strange going on in the small town he’d moved to.
Golden by S S Turner is an amazing book. You begin by feeling Will’s enthusiasm and, as his sinks, so does yours and you wonder just how bad things are going to get for him before he admits defeat and has to return to the UK.
And then there is Mia – Will’s beloved golden retriever, hence the title of the book. Golden. Mia is the most intelligent dog in the universe and with the help of Miranda who can communicate with dead pets, they devise a plan where Mia can ‘talk’ to Will.
I loved this. It’s basically how dogs love unconditionally and they communicate their love and loyalty in ways we sometimes don’t realise. In the story, Will physically talks to Mia but it’s an interpretation of how our dogs communicate with us, and us with them.
Mia can also talk to every other animal and bird and it’s through her and the pelicans, as well as Will’s motley crew of acquaintances – Jude and Wolf, The Whisperer, Billy Baxter and Mad Jack that they learn about the sinister goings on in the town of Maleny.
Highly recommended.

[Bec Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you ready to embark on a hilarious but deeply meaningful journey? Meet Will Watson, a Yorkshire lad who decides to jump ship from Blighty’s dreary skies to sun-soaked Australia, armed with nothing but a suitcase and his loyal Golden Retriever, Mia. Think of Will as a British tea bag tossed into a sea of espresso—confused, slightly frazzled, and hoping for a warmer experience!

As Will arrives in the picturesque rural town of Maleny, he’s giddy with visions of cocktail-fuelled barbecues and the famous laid-back lifestyle he’d been led to believe was the norm Down Under. But instead, he faces the delightful chaos of people who seem to have skipped the concept of personal space and the unique challenge of deciphering Aussie slang. Spoiler alert: ‘How’s it going, mate?’ doesn’t mean what you think it does! Will also discovers he’s landed smack bang in the middle of a community mystery which only he and Mia can solve.

Through laugh-out-loud encounters—like a barbershop scene that will have you squirming—Will learns that changing scenery doesn’t necessarily mean losing yourself. Turner’s witty prose dances between heart-warming and side-splitting, wrapping you in the comforting vibe of a cosy café you’ve always dreamt of visiting. So grab a cup of something, settle in, and join Will and Mia as they stumble and bumble toward their golden place. Who knew self-discovery could be this entertaining?

[Tim O'Shaughnessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just from the description and the cover, I knew Mia the Golden Retriever was going to be my favourite character. Having said that, I struggled early in the book as the Will’s new situation in Australia got worse and worse. His interactions with Mia and some fellow misfits did little to brighten the story. So the story follows a familiar structure. Life gets harder and harder until there’s a real low point, followed by a turnaround. The group of misfits are called to take on the forces of darkness and evil, before things pick up rapidly towards the end.
They say that you should write what you know, and the author’s knowledge of Australian culture came through well. I also bought into how Mia could speak with her owner by pointing at letters in the sand. I’m also part way through reading “How Stella Learned To Talk”. The author used AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) to allow Stella to communicate what she was thinking – it’s not a flight of fictional fancy.
It wasn’t until the Author’s Note at the end, when it is revealed that Mia was a real dog, who inspired the book, that everything clicked into place for me. I’m hoping that revealing that to other potential readers will lead to them carrying on past the point where I was tempted to give up, where everything was on the verges of too depressing. It’s a fitting tribute to Mia.

[F.E. Beyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will Watson, a rather naive Yorkshireman, turns up in Queensland where the locals delight in winding him up. Yorkshire makes me think of dour characters like the cricketer, Geoffrey Boycott. Will is more your endlessly polite Englishman with a dry, ironic sense of humour. The author had me in stitches with his caustic Aussies needling this newbie Pom. I’ve noticed this anti-Pom sentiment on trips to Australia. It isn’t so prevalent here in New Zealand.

Turner’s ability to create rogues with hearts of gold and entitled villains is top notch. And I can’t deny that the bond between Will and his golden retriever, Mia, is touching.

The description of Will’s job as a ‘trash dasher’ brought back memories of my own time working in the rubbish removal industry in Oz. Will’s trash dashing is balanced by time in nature observing pelicans, platypuses, and other Aussie critters.

The main plot involves communicating with dead dogs and illegal uranium mining. I wasn’t as taken with the story as I was with the characters. I don’t blame the author for this, but rather the publishing industry for its preference for dramatic plots in which all threads have to be tied up.

Reading Golden you can tell the author put a lot of personal experience into this original and funny novel.

[Stanley Caspari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished reading an advance review copy of Golden by SS Turner. It's the story of Will Watson and his Golden Retriever Mia who are trying to find their place in this world despite living in a twisted community which seems determined not to accept them. It's a beautiful story which is easy to read and hard to put down. There's a deep mystery at the heart of the book which Mia is the key to understanding. If I'm honest, I can't remember loving a character as much as Mia. She's the most gorgeous dog and friend, and her presence makes reading Golden feel like home. I felt like she was my own dog by the end of the book. And the ending, oh my god. I won't write any spoilers here but it's surprising, moving, profound, and satisfying all in one. As you can tell, I loved this novel! Highly recommended for lovers of mysterious/profound dog books.

[Josh Webb-Pullman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden: A Novel, was a pleasure to read. It has a feel of being relatable and written by a skilled Author who I can imagine must be down to earth by nature. Will Watson the main character seemed very likeable and with a good heart for his dog Mia.
I found myself wanting to continue reading as the story kept me interested and I felt a sense of care for the Golden Retriever and of the environment which included a stream with a platypus.
Employees can relate to the details of drama behind the scenes of any workplace and loved that in the end it turned out for the best, with Will proving a positive change maker.
As a busy person, it was nice light hearted time out, easily drifting away into the story which is suitable for beginners and the avid reader alike.
Praises to S. S. Turner, thankyou for the enjoyable opportunity to read your work.
Renae

[Tristan Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a dog lover who enjoys entertaining novels, I was a sitting duck to love Golden. After all, it stars a beautiful dog by the name of Mia, it's full of humour, charm, and warmth, and it made it think. At a deeper level, I can't remember the last time I read a book that made me feel so much emotion. I laughed and I cried at various points of the book if I'm honest.

By the end, I loved Mia and Will and all their lives represented, and I loved the amazing journey I'd been on with them. As a result, I felt a little bit lighter and more joyful on the inside, which is about as big a compliment as I can give a novel.

[Lucy Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading an advanced copy of Golden was a true privilege. SS Turner has yet again produced an incredible story with depth and insight which can only come from the true love for another creature and an appreciation for the complexities of life in a small rural town. His ability to weave stories with such depth, surprising twists and turns is a real reflection of his talent as a writer of literary fiction. My only disappointment with this book was having to say goodbye to Will and Mia when I had turned the last page.

[Sandy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had me experiencing many emotions throughout the story. In the beginning I was feeling anger and sadness by the way Will was being treated. Then Mia, Will's beloved dog and companion, was reunited with Will and I felt their love for each other.
The story had several unbelievable (to me) scenes but since it was fictional, they fit in with the strange town's people.
I found the book entertaining. I was very happy with the ending.

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

[Tom Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's my advance review of Golden... This is a funny, mysterious, deep, wild book which keeps you reading not only for the interesting, surprising plot line, but also for the beautiful, deep characters, particularly Mia the dog. By the end of the book, I'd laughed and cried more than I can remember which is the biggest compliment I can give a novel. I reckon if you like dogs and reading, this one is likely to be up your street.

[Stephen Frappell]

Simon Turner has written a moving heartfelt story about Will and Mia his golden retriever which is sure to delight. Challenged by new environments and landscapes, and new people, Will and Mia strive to make a new life in Queensland, Australia from cold dark Scotland. As ever Turner writes with humour as Will and Mia seeks to find a new home in Australia. For all those who love dogs - and in particular golden retrievers - Golden is a gem.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book which effectively blends reality which everyone will relate to with fantasy elements regarding Mia, the dog. Anyone who loves dogs or wonders why so many people do will appreciate and get caught up in this tale. Set in a small town in Australia, but people familiar with small towns in the US or elsewhere will identify with the themes and inspiring messages. The characters are a quirky and memorable melting pot. Most enjoyable novel I've read in a long time.

[Nat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I DNF'd this book 1/3 of the way in. While it wasn't for me, I am sure that other people may love it.

Its an ok book but the stereotypical "Aussie" people depicted in the book are a little over the top, and the writer leans way too much into that stereotype. As an Australian myself the "Aussie" phrases and words got really old, really quick, and I have never met anyone who speaks like that.

[Jess PC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this wonderful novel - what a joy it was to read! S Turner has delivered a beautiful story which truly reflects the incredible friendships that can develop between man and dog. An essential read for any dog-lover, this story of connection, mystery and unconditional love will have you laughing and crying from beginning to end.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grass isn't always greener on the other side. Will and Mia made a choice to live in a different country. We hear about how difficult this was experiencing life in the hills of Sunshine Coast Hinterland and its community along with pure golden retriever love. It is always greener where you choose to water it.

[Ingrid Richter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Golden.

It had all my favorite things in it: dogs, surprises, emotional truths, and a wonderfully satisfying ending that brings the story together.

This is a book for readers who enjoy uplifting stories that leave them feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

S.S. Turner does a great job in writing a funny novel about a wonderful dog. It had my attention and enjoyed the feel of this. I was invested in the story and how everything worked together to the characters.

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

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book that felt like a warm hug. The characters, scenery and plot was so engaging that I couldn't put the book down. Such a heart opening experience to feel the love between a dog and owner. Highly recommend!

[Fleur Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this delightful book. A story of love, challenge, strange happenings and the beautiful connections and communication between Mia and all those around her. A thoroughly wonderful read which brought joy and surprises all the way through!

[Simone Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story overflowing with love, humour and charm. Loved it.

[Meta Otto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having had a beautiful Golden Retriever myself I could completely relate to this charming and heartwarming story. Highly enjoyable and pithy in its observations.

[Yulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this this book 🤍

[Pak Topek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mantap