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Away to Me
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The vivid, immersive nature writing of William Kent Krueger and Peter Heller meets the taut suspense of Louise Penny against the lush, sprawling landscape of rural Wisconsin in the first of a new mystery trilogy by internationally renowned animal behavior expert Patricia McConnell, bestselling author of The Other End of the Leash and The Education of Will.
Maddie is living her best second life on a 40-acre sheep farm in rural Wisconsin. In addition to her passion for training sheepdogs—including her spirited border collie Jack—she sees all manner of dogs with behavioral problems ranging from biting to thunder phobia as part of her local practice. No stranger to trauma herself, Maddie has worked hard to recover from the ordeal of her previous marriage.
But things take a turn when Maddie’s friend and mentor, George, is inexplicably killed by a rifle shot fired from the woods during a sheepdog trial. Maddie is devastated and also baffled—it’s not hunting season, and who could mistake a man, standing alone in a field, for a deer?
She’s still reeling from George’s shooting when a shelter calls her for help with a German shepherd found half dead beside the highway who’s too aggressive to feed and care for. The dog flourishes at the farm, but when Maddie returns one day to find her house invaded, it’s clear that she has stumbled into a situation far more complex and sinister than she realized. And her romantic involvement with an enigmatic young shelter worker soon leads to even more trouble. As Maddie continues to search for answers to George’s death, it quickly becomes apparent that her own life is once again in danger . . .
Maddie is living her best second life on a 40-acre sheep farm in rural Wisconsin. In addition to her passion for training sheepdogs—including her spirited border collie Jack—she sees all manner of dogs with behavioral problems ranging from biting to thunder phobia as part of her local practice. No stranger to trauma herself, Maddie has worked hard to recover from the ordeal of her previous marriage.
But things take a turn when Maddie’s friend and mentor, George, is inexplicably killed by a rifle shot fired from the woods during a sheepdog trial. Maddie is devastated and also baffled—it’s not hunting season, and who could mistake a man, standing alone in a field, for a deer?
She’s still reeling from George’s shooting when a shelter calls her for help with a German shepherd found half dead beside the highway who’s too aggressive to feed and care for. The dog flourishes at the farm, but when Maddie returns one day to find her house invaded, it’s clear that she has stumbled into a situation far more complex and sinister than she realized. And her romantic involvement with an enigmatic young shelter worker soon leads to even more trouble. As Maddie continues to search for answers to George’s death, it quickly becomes apparent that her own life is once again in danger . . .
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 24, 2026
11 people are currently reading
11725 people want to read
About the author
Patricia B. McConnell
30 books470 followersPatricia McConnell, Ph.D., a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, (CAAB) has made a lifelong commitment to improving the relationship between people and animals. She is known worldwide as an expert on canine and feline behavior and dog training, and for her engaging and knowledgeable dog training books, DVDs and seminars. Patricia has seen clients for serious behavioral problems since 1988, and is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, teaching "The Biology and Philosophy of Human/Animal Relationships." For fourteen years she dispensed advice about behavior problems, and information about animal behavior research, on Wisconsin Public Radio's Calling All Pets, which was heard in over 90 cities around the country.
Patricia received her Ph.D. in Zoology in 1988 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison researching dog behavior and communication between professional trainers and working domestic animals.
Patricia received her Ph.D. in Zoology in 1988 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison researching dog behavior and communication between professional trainers and working domestic animals.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this advance copy!
This was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed the descriptions of the setting and the well-rounded characters. It was slower-paced than I expected from the blurb, and felt like more of a cozy mystery than a "thriller" as the description hinted. I think there were more descriptions of Maddie's clients and her farm chores than there were suspenseful moments. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable read, and as someone who doesn't know much about dogs, I enjoyed my peek into the lives of different working dogs. 3.5 stars rounded up for me.
This was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed the descriptions of the setting and the well-rounded characters. It was slower-paced than I expected from the blurb, and felt like more of a cozy mystery than a "thriller" as the description hinted. I think there were more descriptions of Maddie's clients and her farm chores than there were suspenseful moments. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable read, and as someone who doesn't know much about dogs, I enjoyed my peek into the lives of different working dogs. 3.5 stars rounded up for me.
November 3, 2025
Thank you to Kensington Books for the gifted ARC!
This book really kept me on my toes, and I loved every second of it. Maybe it helps that I completely adore dogs/animals, and this book was filled to the brim with love and care for animals/dogs. I went into this book expecting it to just be a murder mystery read, and it was so much more than that. It had really heavy elements of PTSD, domestic violence, found family and a lot of depth.
Maddie was a really cool character. I loved that she was a bit older than your typical FMC. It made it a lot easier to relate to her as someone who is nearing their 40's. She was incredibly smart, kind, personable and caring. Her affection for animals is so admirable and the lengths that she would and did go to to protect and love them was just inspiring. If you love animals you will absolutely love this character and the heavy backdrop of animals in this book.
I will say that the murder mystery aspect of the book really didn't become a focus until almost 40% in. The first half of the book is very focused on her animal behaviorist work and an animal that she has taken special interest in. It does all tie together and is relevant, but it is not purely a book solely focused on a murder. It also gets really into the abuse that she herself experienced, so I would probably check your triggers if you're going to read this.
When it comes to mysteries or thrillers, I want to guess everything wrong and be surprised. And that's what happened here, I didn't guess a single thing correctly and it kept me on the edge of my seat and needing to read the next chapter to find out what was happening. I would absolutely recommend this, especially if you're an animal lover.
*This ARC was given by Kensington Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
This book really kept me on my toes, and I loved every second of it. Maybe it helps that I completely adore dogs/animals, and this book was filled to the brim with love and care for animals/dogs. I went into this book expecting it to just be a murder mystery read, and it was so much more than that. It had really heavy elements of PTSD, domestic violence, found family and a lot of depth.
Maddie was a really cool character. I loved that she was a bit older than your typical FMC. It made it a lot easier to relate to her as someone who is nearing their 40's. She was incredibly smart, kind, personable and caring. Her affection for animals is so admirable and the lengths that she would and did go to to protect and love them was just inspiring. If you love animals you will absolutely love this character and the heavy backdrop of animals in this book.
I will say that the murder mystery aspect of the book really didn't become a focus until almost 40% in. The first half of the book is very focused on her animal behaviorist work and an animal that she has taken special interest in. It does all tie together and is relevant, but it is not purely a book solely focused on a murder. It also gets really into the abuse that she herself experienced, so I would probably check your triggers if you're going to read this.
When it comes to mysteries or thrillers, I want to guess everything wrong and be surprised. And that's what happened here, I didn't guess a single thing correctly and it kept me on the edge of my seat and needing to read the next chapter to find out what was happening. I would absolutely recommend this, especially if you're an animal lover.
*This ARC was given by Kensington Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Read
January 24, 2026Reading this was similar in a way to reading The Martian by Andy Weir. The author is first and foremost an expert in a very specific field — in this case, dog behavior — and that was fascinating to read and learn about.
Interview forthcoming from Cap Times.
Interview forthcoming from Cap Times.
November 29, 2025
📚Away to Me
✍🏻Patricia McConnell
Blurb:
The vivid, immersive nature writing of William Kent Krueger and Peter Heller meets the taut suspense of Louise Penny against the lush, sprawling landscape of rural Wisconsin in the first of a new mystery trilogy by internationally renowned animal behavior expert Patricia McConnell, bestselling author of The Other End of the Leash and The Education of Will.
Maddie is living her best second life on a 40-acre sheep farm in rural Wisconsin. In addition to her passion for training sheepdogs—including her spirited border collie Jack—she sees all manner of dogs with behavioral problems ranging from biting to thunder phobia as part of her local practice. No stranger to trauma herself, Maddie has worked hard to recover from the ordeal of her previous marriage.
But things take a turn when Maddie’s friend and mentor, George, is inexplicably killed by a rifle shot fired from the woods during a sheepdog trial. Maddie is devastated and also baffled—it’s not hunting season, and who could mistake a man, standing alone in a field, for a deer?
She’s still reeling from George’s shooting when a shelter calls her for help with a German shepherd found half dead beside the highway who’s too aggressive to feed and care for. The dog flourishes at the farm, but when Maddie returns one day to find her house invaded, it’s clear that she has stumbled into a situation far more complex and sinister than she realized. And her romantic involvement with an enigmatic young shelter worker soon leads to even more trouble. As Maddie continues to search for answers to George’s death, it quickly becomes apparent that her own life is once again in danger . . .
My Thoughts:
This book really kept me on my toes, and I loved every second of it. Maybe it helps that I completely adore dogs/animals, and this book was filled to the brim with love and care for animals/dogs. I went into this book expecting it to just be a murder mystery read, and it was so much more than that. It had really heavy elements of PTSD, domestic violence, found family and a lot of depth.
Maddie was a really cool character. I loved that she was a bit older than your typical FMC. It made it a lot easier to relate to her as someone who is nearing their 40's. She was incredibly smart, kind, personable and caring. Her affection for animals is so admirable and the lengths that she would and did go to to protect and love them was just inspiring. If you love animals you will absolutely love this character and the heavy backdrop of animals in this book.
I will say that the murder mystery aspect of the book really didn't become a focus until almost 40% in. The first half of the book is very focused on her animal behaviorist work and an animal that she has taken special interest in. It does all tie together and is relevant, but it is not purely a book solely focused on a murder. It also gets really into the abuse that she herself experienced, so I would probably check your triggers if you're going to read this.
When it comes to mysteries or thrillers, I want to guess everything wrong and be surprised. And that's what happened here, I didn't guess a single thing correctly and it kept me on the edge of my seat and needing to read the next chapter to find out what was happening. I would absolutely recommend this, especially if you're an animal lover.
Thanks NetGalley, Kensington Publishing Corp. and Author Patricia McConnell for the advanced copy of "Away to Me" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#KensingtonPublishingCorp.
#PatriciaMcConnell
#AwaytoMe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Patricia McConnell
Blurb:
The vivid, immersive nature writing of William Kent Krueger and Peter Heller meets the taut suspense of Louise Penny against the lush, sprawling landscape of rural Wisconsin in the first of a new mystery trilogy by internationally renowned animal behavior expert Patricia McConnell, bestselling author of The Other End of the Leash and The Education of Will.
Maddie is living her best second life on a 40-acre sheep farm in rural Wisconsin. In addition to her passion for training sheepdogs—including her spirited border collie Jack—she sees all manner of dogs with behavioral problems ranging from biting to thunder phobia as part of her local practice. No stranger to trauma herself, Maddie has worked hard to recover from the ordeal of her previous marriage.
But things take a turn when Maddie’s friend and mentor, George, is inexplicably killed by a rifle shot fired from the woods during a sheepdog trial. Maddie is devastated and also baffled—it’s not hunting season, and who could mistake a man, standing alone in a field, for a deer?
She’s still reeling from George’s shooting when a shelter calls her for help with a German shepherd found half dead beside the highway who’s too aggressive to feed and care for. The dog flourishes at the farm, but when Maddie returns one day to find her house invaded, it’s clear that she has stumbled into a situation far more complex and sinister than she realized. And her romantic involvement with an enigmatic young shelter worker soon leads to even more trouble. As Maddie continues to search for answers to George’s death, it quickly becomes apparent that her own life is once again in danger . . .
My Thoughts:
This book really kept me on my toes, and I loved every second of it. Maybe it helps that I completely adore dogs/animals, and this book was filled to the brim with love and care for animals/dogs. I went into this book expecting it to just be a murder mystery read, and it was so much more than that. It had really heavy elements of PTSD, domestic violence, found family and a lot of depth.
Maddie was a really cool character. I loved that she was a bit older than your typical FMC. It made it a lot easier to relate to her as someone who is nearing their 40's. She was incredibly smart, kind, personable and caring. Her affection for animals is so admirable and the lengths that she would and did go to to protect and love them was just inspiring. If you love animals you will absolutely love this character and the heavy backdrop of animals in this book.
I will say that the murder mystery aspect of the book really didn't become a focus until almost 40% in. The first half of the book is very focused on her animal behaviorist work and an animal that she has taken special interest in. It does all tie together and is relevant, but it is not purely a book solely focused on a murder. It also gets really into the abuse that she herself experienced, so I would probably check your triggers if you're going to read this.
When it comes to mysteries or thrillers, I want to guess everything wrong and be surprised. And that's what happened here, I didn't guess a single thing correctly and it kept me on the edge of my seat and needing to read the next chapter to find out what was happening. I would absolutely recommend this, especially if you're an animal lover.
Thanks NetGalley, Kensington Publishing Corp. and Author Patricia McConnell for the advanced copy of "Away to Me" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#KensingtonPublishingCorp.
#PatriciaMcConnell
#AwaytoMe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an excellent debut from animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell, whose main character, Maddie McGowan, is also an animal behaviorist who goes to sheepdog trials in her spare time. She takes her beloved dog, Jack, to trials, and he is still learning the ropes a bit. The book opens with a bang. Maddie is at a trial with her mentor, George, who offers her encouragement before her “run” with Jack, and then the worst happens. George is shot and dies, and everyone at the trial feels it must have been a hunting accident.
Maddie deals with her grief by staying centered and working, so we as readers are treated to her animal clients, and these parts of the book are completely fascinating. If you like animals at all (but especially dogs) you’ll no doubt enjoy these parts as well. Like fellow “dog” writers Paula Munier and Margaret Mizishima, McConnell obviously loves dogs and understands them. It shines through in her writing.
Maddie also volunteers at the local animal shelter, and it’s there she meets a bag of bones named Cisco. The shelter is about ready to put him down, but they call on Maddie as a last resort. He won’t let anyone get near him – however, not only is Maddie able to get near him, she falls in love with him and wants to take him home as a foster. She also realizes that Cisco must have been some kind of drug detection or K9 dog.
McConnell is excellent at setting up Maddie’s matrix – the people around her that she works with as well as her dog related friends and her neighbors. After a life trauma, Maddie has found a Wisconsin farm to call home, where she lives in isolated beauty with sheep, a horse, a couple dogs and a couple cats. Cisco is added to the mix. And then there are the flashbacks to what happened to her in the past – these are teased out throughout the narrative, adding complexity to the mystery of George’s death but to another later death as well.
The mystery part of this is not as strong as the characters and setting, but those parts are so outstanding that I didn’t really care. The resolution was not unexpected, but the path McConnell takes to get to it is. She creates a suspenseful story grounded in her life and the life of her animals – again, similar to Munier and Mizushima – but she has a few pacing issues to sort out. Still, this was a really enjoyable read and I learned as I read, but in a way that was organic and not shoved in front of me. Maddie is a wonderful character, and I would definitely be interested in her next adventure.
Maddie deals with her grief by staying centered and working, so we as readers are treated to her animal clients, and these parts of the book are completely fascinating. If you like animals at all (but especially dogs) you’ll no doubt enjoy these parts as well. Like fellow “dog” writers Paula Munier and Margaret Mizishima, McConnell obviously loves dogs and understands them. It shines through in her writing.
Maddie also volunteers at the local animal shelter, and it’s there she meets a bag of bones named Cisco. The shelter is about ready to put him down, but they call on Maddie as a last resort. He won’t let anyone get near him – however, not only is Maddie able to get near him, she falls in love with him and wants to take him home as a foster. She also realizes that Cisco must have been some kind of drug detection or K9 dog.
McConnell is excellent at setting up Maddie’s matrix – the people around her that she works with as well as her dog related friends and her neighbors. After a life trauma, Maddie has found a Wisconsin farm to call home, where she lives in isolated beauty with sheep, a horse, a couple dogs and a couple cats. Cisco is added to the mix. And then there are the flashbacks to what happened to her in the past – these are teased out throughout the narrative, adding complexity to the mystery of George’s death but to another later death as well.
The mystery part of this is not as strong as the characters and setting, but those parts are so outstanding that I didn’t really care. The resolution was not unexpected, but the path McConnell takes to get to it is. She creates a suspenseful story grounded in her life and the life of her animals – again, similar to Munier and Mizushima – but she has a few pacing issues to sort out. Still, this was a really enjoyable read and I learned as I read, but in a way that was organic and not shoved in front of me. Maddie is a wonderful character, and I would definitely be interested in her next adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was expecting more of a mystery/thriller from the blurb for Away To Me by Patricia McConnell (the title is a trigger word for sheep herding dogs) so it took me a while to get into it, but I enjoyed it once I did. We get a lot of Maddie working on her farm and with various dogs as an animal behaviourist. The book starts off with the murder of her good friend but gets a little bogged down in grief and no real investigation or talk about why someone is murdered in the middle of a field surrounded by working dogs, other people and sheep. The book picks up about a third of the way in when the other bits of the story start to come together and more people get involved.
It has some dark chapters as Maddie relives the trauma of her abusive ex husband and mentions of harm to animals (seriously, why? I get taking Cisco but why?). I found after a while that the working with various dogs helped break up the darker parts of the storyline. I suspected the killer for absolutely no reason at the beginning so it wasn't a complete shock when they were revealed but plenty of twists and others involved to keep you guessing.
It says this is the first in a new mystery trilogy and I am looking forward to the others. Will Maddie end up dating either of the guys from the end of the book? Will Cisco ever be a working dog and that plays into an investigation? Her found family are well represented, a mix of people who all now have to get over everything that happened as life carries on for them. Away to Me sets up the characters well for the future books.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing for the advance copy for review through Netgalley
It has some dark chapters as Maddie relives the trauma of her abusive ex husband and mentions of harm to animals (seriously, why? I get taking Cisco but why?). I found after a while that the working with various dogs helped break up the darker parts of the storyline. I suspected the killer for absolutely no reason at the beginning so it wasn't a complete shock when they were revealed but plenty of twists and others involved to keep you guessing.
It says this is the first in a new mystery trilogy and I am looking forward to the others. Will Maddie end up dating either of the guys from the end of the book? Will Cisco ever be a working dog and that plays into an investigation? Her found family are well represented, a mix of people who all now have to get over everything that happened as life carries on for them. Away to Me sets up the characters well for the future books.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing for the advance copy for review through Netgalley
September 17, 2025
Patricia McConnell’s Away to Me is a quietly gripping mystery that unfolds in the pastoral beauty of rural Wisconsin, where sheepdogs, secrets, and second chances collide. With the lyrical nature writing reminiscent of Peter Heller and the emotional depth of Louise Penny’s suspense, McConnell crafts a story that’s as much about healing as it is about solving a murder.
Maddie, the protagonist, is a woman rebuilding her life on a sheep farm, surrounded by dogs with troubled pasts and her own lingering trauma. Her bond with Jack, a spirited border collie, is heartwarming and authentic—clearly drawn from McConnell’s deep expertise in animal behavior. But when her mentor George is shot during a sheepdog trial, the serenity of her world begins to unravel. The mystery is layered and atmospheric, with just enough menace to keep you turning pages, but it’s the emotional resonance that lingers. Maddie’s journey through grief, trust, and unexpected romance with a shelter worker adds texture to the suspense. And the German shepherd she rescues—feral, broken, and slowly blooming—is a metaphor for Maddie herself.
McConnell doesn’t just write about dogs—she writes through them. Their presence is never gimmicky; it’s soulful, grounding, and essential to the story’s heartbeat.
Away to Me is a beautiful start to a trilogy that promises depth, danger, and a whole lot of heart. If you love mysteries with emotional intelligence and a strong sense of place, this one’s worth herding onto your shelf.
With thanks to Patricia B McConnell, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Maddie, the protagonist, is a woman rebuilding her life on a sheep farm, surrounded by dogs with troubled pasts and her own lingering trauma. Her bond with Jack, a spirited border collie, is heartwarming and authentic—clearly drawn from McConnell’s deep expertise in animal behavior. But when her mentor George is shot during a sheepdog trial, the serenity of her world begins to unravel. The mystery is layered and atmospheric, with just enough menace to keep you turning pages, but it’s the emotional resonance that lingers. Maddie’s journey through grief, trust, and unexpected romance with a shelter worker adds texture to the suspense. And the German shepherd she rescues—feral, broken, and slowly blooming—is a metaphor for Maddie herself.
McConnell doesn’t just write about dogs—she writes through them. Their presence is never gimmicky; it’s soulful, grounding, and essential to the story’s heartbeat.
Away to Me is a beautiful start to a trilogy that promises depth, danger, and a whole lot of heart. If you love mysteries with emotional intelligence and a strong sense of place, this one’s worth herding onto your shelf.
With thanks to Patricia B McConnell, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 28, 2025
4.5 stars!
This was a delightful read that offered a refreshing change from my usual choices. With dogs in the story and a little detective work, I was hooked right away!
Maddie, a sheepdog trainer and animal behavior expert, is starting anew on her Wisconsin farm after a troubled marriage. Her life is upended when her mentor, George, is shot during a sheepdog trial. While dealing with this tragedy, she rescues an aggressive German shepherd but soon discovers her home has been invaded, indicating deeper troubles. Her romance with a young shelter worker adds to the chaos as she unravels the mystery of George’s death, putting her own safety at risk.
Maddie is a lovely character with a heart of gold. She dedicates herself to helping those who cannot speak for themselves, and she does it brilliantly. Smart, knowledgeable, and resolute, she is determined to reunite with her new canine family member.
The cozy setting is vividly described, and I appreciated the insights into dog training sprinkled throughout. I truly enjoyed this suspenseful mystery set in a small town, especially with some adorable four-legged friends contributing to the storyline. Reading about working pups and learning about sheepdogs was an absolute treat. Maddie really seems to live the dream on her farm until things take an unexpected turn. Don’t miss out on this captivating, suspenseful mystery featuring some furry sidekicks!
Thank you, Kensington Publishing, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a delightful read that offered a refreshing change from my usual choices. With dogs in the story and a little detective work, I was hooked right away!
Maddie, a sheepdog trainer and animal behavior expert, is starting anew on her Wisconsin farm after a troubled marriage. Her life is upended when her mentor, George, is shot during a sheepdog trial. While dealing with this tragedy, she rescues an aggressive German shepherd but soon discovers her home has been invaded, indicating deeper troubles. Her romance with a young shelter worker adds to the chaos as she unravels the mystery of George’s death, putting her own safety at risk.
Maddie is a lovely character with a heart of gold. She dedicates herself to helping those who cannot speak for themselves, and she does it brilliantly. Smart, knowledgeable, and resolute, she is determined to reunite with her new canine family member.
The cozy setting is vividly described, and I appreciated the insights into dog training sprinkled throughout. I truly enjoyed this suspenseful mystery set in a small town, especially with some adorable four-legged friends contributing to the storyline. Reading about working pups and learning about sheepdogs was an absolute treat. Maddie really seems to live the dream on her farm until things take an unexpected turn. Don’t miss out on this captivating, suspenseful mystery featuring some furry sidekicks!
Thank you, Kensington Publishing, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First, big thanks to NetGalley & Kensington Publishing for the ARC!
Everything related to animals automatically gets a big fat “++++” star from me, so this book had a head start.
We follow Maddie, who rebuilt her life after a rough, abusive marriage and now runs a peaceful farm in rural Wisconsin. She trains sheepdogs, helps rehabilitate shelter dogs with behavioral issues and basically lives her best second life surrounded by fur and fields. So yeah, she’s awesome.
Unfortunately, things take a dark turn during a sheepdog trial when her friend and mentor, George, is killed by a single shot. Was it an accident? Or something far more sinister? While Maddie tries to piece together what really happened, she’s called to help with a severely injured, aggressive German shepherd and, of course, she takes him in. Under her care, the dog transforms completely… until one day she comes home to find her house ransacked and her dog missing.
From there, things spiral into a tangle of murder and betrayal.
I’ll admit, this one felt more cozy mystery than high-stakes thriller, but that worked in its favor. The pacing was steady, exactly what you’d expect from an author who understands animal behavior so deeply. I loved that Maddie is an older protagonist (40s finally getting some representation), and that we got a touch of romance, even if it didn’t end quite how I wanted (sigh…).
Overall, it’s a lovely balance of mystery, healing, and love for animals, wrapped in a rural setting that feels beautifully alive. A solid 3.75★ from me and yes,all the dogs totally stole the show.
Everything related to animals automatically gets a big fat “++++” star from me, so this book had a head start.
We follow Maddie, who rebuilt her life after a rough, abusive marriage and now runs a peaceful farm in rural Wisconsin. She trains sheepdogs, helps rehabilitate shelter dogs with behavioral issues and basically lives her best second life surrounded by fur and fields. So yeah, she’s awesome.
Unfortunately, things take a dark turn during a sheepdog trial when her friend and mentor, George, is killed by a single shot. Was it an accident? Or something far more sinister? While Maddie tries to piece together what really happened, she’s called to help with a severely injured, aggressive German shepherd and, of course, she takes him in. Under her care, the dog transforms completely… until one day she comes home to find her house ransacked and her dog missing.
From there, things spiral into a tangle of murder and betrayal.
I’ll admit, this one felt more cozy mystery than high-stakes thriller, but that worked in its favor. The pacing was steady, exactly what you’d expect from an author who understands animal behavior so deeply. I loved that Maddie is an older protagonist (40s finally getting some representation), and that we got a touch of romance, even if it didn’t end quite how I wanted (sigh…).
Overall, it’s a lovely balance of mystery, healing, and love for animals, wrapped in a rural setting that feels beautifully alive. A solid 3.75★ from me and yes,all the dogs totally stole the show.
September 19, 2025
I was so excited when I saw this book! I love all things Border Collie and sheep herding, and it's rare to see a novel set in that world. The cover and title grabbed me right away, and the book did not disappoint, keeping me turning pages right to the end. Maddie was an engaging character, equal parts plucky (I'm sure she'd hate that label!) and aggravating, seeming to invite trouble. I loved the supporting cast of animals, especially Jack, the BC, who, to me as a long-time Border Collie owner, was totally relatable. The physical setting was like a character all its own. My only question is, when does the next book come out? I can't wait to read more.
Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 8, 2025
Away to Me is a perfect mix of cozy small town vibes and nail biting suspense. Maddie is starting fresh on her Wisconsin sheep farm with her border collie Jack. I loved the way her past trauma quietly shaped how she saw the world. The animal behavior details were fascinating without ever dragging down the story. The murder of Maddie’s mentor George kicks things into high gear, and I honestly couldn’t stop reading once the mystery deepened. The pacing is fast, but still gives room for gorgeous and earthy descriptions of farm life. If you like mysteries, dogs, and beautiful settings add this one to your TBR!
September 20, 2025
This was my first book by Patricia MCConnell and I was not disappointed. It was a refreshing change to read a book themed around a specialist dog behaviouralist and this played a key part in the storyline. When Maddie’s mentor, George, is shot and killed Maddie struggles to understand why anyone would shoot him. A chance encounter at his funeral and an emaciated dog found at the side of the road all form part of this intriguing, multi-layered story line.
Highly recommended if you like thrillers with emotionally literate lead characters and, like me, you can’t resist a dog related storyline:
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book.
Highly recommended if you like thrillers with emotionally literate lead characters and, like me, you can’t resist a dog related storyline:
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book.
September 13, 2025
I loved the rural setting of this book and absolutely adored Maddie as a main character. The dog training/sheepdogs made for a unique part of the plot. Loved the theme of being haunted by the past and also grief. There was a lot of mystery and thrills in this book. I was so anxious to see what happens in the end that I read this in a single sitting. This book has great character development too. It was certainly an enjoyable read for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 16, 2026
Went in blind and spent the first few pages wondering if I was the problem. Turns out I was reading a book about dogs, farmers, small towns and danger! …and somehow ended up loving it. Like no bs!
Part thriller, part mystery, part survival story, part farm-dog education. I’m not even a dog person, but this was such a fun read for me. I learned many new things. I got sucked back in after a brief lull, and I definitely teared up a little. When you get to it, you’ll know :,)
Very unexpected and very memorable! #bromance
Part thriller, part mystery, part survival story, part farm-dog education. I’m not even a dog person, but this was such a fun read for me. I learned many new things. I got sucked back in after a brief lull, and I definitely teared up a little. When you get to it, you’ll know :,)
Very unexpected and very memorable! #bromance
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this mystery. I learned a lot about dog training/sheepherding, etc., but the central mystery was also compelling and I really liked Maddie (and her animals). The rural Wisconsin setting was also vividly described. I am glad this is the first in a trilogy; I look forward to the second!
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2025
Away to Me was a great read with engaging characters and a solid storyline that felt refreshingly different from what I’ve read before. It was a bit slower paced than I usually prefer, but the writing and depth made up for it. My first read by Patricia McConnell, and I’ll definitely be checking out more of her books. 4.5 stars!
January 29, 2026
Enjoyable book about a dog behaviorist and her dogs. With an interesting story line and enough to keep my attention. Lots of PTSD episodes included and well and some very difficult and scary situations.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This looked like a cozy mystery on the surface, but packs a punch in terms of trauma, abuse, and healing. Maddie is a 40 year old sheep farmer in rural Wisconsin. Her life was largely quietly but fulfilling with her animals and border collie. As someone recovering from trauma, Maddie was empathetically attuned to the suffering of others. The murder mystery aspect of this book comes in at almost halfway through when Maddie's friend and mentor is killed. Things take an even darker turn when her home is ransacked. There was a little bit of romance and a whole lot of love of animals in this book.
Thank you Patricia B. McConnell, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for this ARC!
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thank you Patricia B. McConnell, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for this ARC!
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Bring, Borrow, or Bypass?
Bring | ✨Borrow✨ | Bypass
Thank you to Edelweiss and Kensington Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
OVERALL RATING:
★★★★★ / 3.88
Rating each element of the book out of 5★
Characters ★★★
Atmosphere ★★★★★
Writing ★★★★
Plot ★★★
Intrigue ★★★★
Logic ★★★
Enjoyment ★★★★
Pacing ★★★
Dialogue ★★
★ did not like / ★★ it was okay / ★★★ liked it / ★★★★ really liked it / ★★★★★ loved it
(Check out The StoryGraph if you'd like to review any Content Warnings!)
Thank you to Edelweiss and Kensington Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
Enjoyed this first foray into fiction and would read another by this author!
• Descriptions of scenery / weather / animals were so lovely and atmospheric
• Explanations of the dogs she saw in her day to day job as an animal behaviorist were SO interesting and you could definitely see the authors’ real life knowledge come into play 🐾
• Dialogue was a bit clunky at times but there wasn’t a ton of it so mostly giving it a pass
• Plot and the whodunnit was believable to me
• Romance was a bit iffy but I got what I wanted in the end so we’ll forgive it 🙂↕️
• BRB GOTTA GO WATCH BABE NOW (that’ll do pig 🥹)
• NOTE: NONE OF THE PUPPERS DIE
OVERALL RATING:
★★★★★ / 3.88
Rating each element of the book out of 5★
Characters ★★★
Atmosphere ★★★★★
Writing ★★★★
Plot ★★★
Intrigue ★★★★
Logic ★★★
Enjoyment ★★★★
Pacing ★★★
Dialogue ★★
★ did not like / ★★ it was okay / ★★★ liked it / ★★★★ really liked it / ★★★★★ loved it
(Check out The StoryGraph if you'd like to review any Content Warnings!)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews