Reading lists - Purr-fect Partners in Crime

Every good detective needs a loyal sidekick and sometimes it’s the faithful, feline kind.

Murder she meowed by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie

Participating in the annual steeplechase races at Montpelier, postmistress Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen investigates a jockey's murder with the help of her sleuthing tiger cat, Mrs. Murphy.

The cat who could read backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun

A stabbing in an art gallery, vandalized paintings, a fatal fall - this is not what Jim Qwilleran expects when he turns his reportorial talents to art. But with his partner, Koko the Siamese cat, he sniffs out clues and confounds criminals’ intent on mayhem and murder.

Cat in a flamingo fedora by Carole Nelson Douglas

Midnight Louie, the crime-fighting cat, and his human partner, Temple Barr, become embroiled in the murder of comic actor Darren Cooke when they set out find a killer.

What the cat saw by Caroline Hart

Ever since the death of her fiancé, Nela Farley has found herself plagued by a sixth sense: she understands the thoughts of cats when she looks into their eyes. Nela knows that what she’s experiencing is completely irrational.  She wants to ignore what the cat saw, but the idea that the death of former tenant Marian Grant wasn't an accident is something she can't ignore.

Scratch the surface by Susan Conant

The author of a popular series of cat mysteries, Felicity Pride turns sleuth when she finds a cat and a corpse on her doorstep, investigating suspects that range from an avid pet-hater and a highbrow professor to her primary rival in the field.

To catch a cat by Marian Babson

Eleven-year-old Robin wants to join a popular gang at school. They'll accept him, though only if he kidnaps the prize-winning cat of old Mrs. Nordling first. When Robin sneaks into the Nordlings' house in the dark of night, he gets more than just a schoolyard thrill. An argument, strange sounds, a woman's cry, and the cat, hurled out of a room, are all Robin needs to grab the frisky kitty and get packing.

Curiosity thrilled the cat by Sofie Kelly

Small-town librarian Kathleen Paulson had no idea two stray cats could nuzzle their way into her life. But when murder interrupts Maryville Heights' music festival, Kathleen finds herself the prime suspect. She's relying on Owen and Hercules to solve a purr-fect murder.

Cat laughing last by Shirley Rousseau Murphy

When celebrated novelist Elliot Traynor and his wife arrive in Molena Point, strange events begin to occur, and feline sleuth Joe Grey and his cat companion Dulcie must delve into their latest mystery and soon find themselves tracking a killer.

Reading Lists - Dogs in fiction

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.

Unsaid by Neil Abramson

Neil Abramson explores the beauty and redemptive power of human-animal relationships and the true meaning of communication in all of its diverse forms.  The narrator, Helena, was a veterinarian before her death. Now she is a silent observer of the life she left behind—her shattered attorney husband, David; her houseful of damaged but beloved animals; and her final project, Cindy, a chimpanzee trained to use sign language. When Cindy is scheduled for a research experiment that will undoubtedly take her life, an explosive courtroom drama unfolds.

Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson

Tracy Waterhouse leads a quiet, ordered life as a retired police detective—a life that takes a surprising turn when she encounters Kelly Cross, a habitual offender, dragging a young child through town. She makes a snap decision. Suddenly burdened with a small child, Tracy soon learns her parental inexperience is actually the least of her problems.  Meanwhile, Jackson Brodie, a detective, is embarking on a different sort of rescue—that of an abused dog. Dog in tow, Jackson is about to learn, along with Tracy, that no good deed goes unpunished.

I Thought You Were Dead by Peter Nelson

For Paul Gustavson, life is a succession of obstacles, a minefield of mistakes to stumble through.  Still, Paul has his friends at Bay State bar, a steady line of cocktails, and Stella. Stella is Paul’s dog. She listens with compassion to all his complaints about the injustices of life and gives him better counsel than any human could. Their relationship is at the heart of this poignantly funny and deeply moving story about a man trying to fix his past in order to save his future.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

Born mute, speaking only in sign, Edgar Sawtelle leads an idyllic life with his parents on their farm in remote northern Wisconsin. For generations, the Sawtelles have raised and trained a fictional breed of dog whose remarkable gift for companionship is epitomized by Almondine, Edgar's lifelong friend and ally. Edgar seems poised to carry on his family's traditions, but when catastrophe strikes, he finds his once-peaceful home engulfed in turmoil.

Dog on It by Spencer Quinn

Chet might have flunked out of police school (“I’d been the best leaper in K-9 class, which had led to all the trouble in a way I couldn’t remember exactly, although blood was involved”), but he’s a detective through and through. In Dog On It, Chet and Bernie investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl who may or may not have been kidnapped, but who has definitely gotten mixed up with some very unsavory characters.

Dog Tags by David Rosenfelt

A German Shepherd police dog witnesses a murder and if his owner—an Iraq war vet and former cop-turned-thief—is convicted of the crime, the dog could be put down. Few rival Andy Carpenter's affection for dogs, and he decides to represent the poor canine. As Andy struggles to convince a judge that this dog should be set free, he discovers that the dog and his owner have become involved unwittingly in a case of much greater proportions than the one they've been charged with. Andy will have to call upon the unique abilities of this ex-police dog to help solve the crime and prevent a catastrophic event from taking place.

Nose Down, Eyes Up by Merrill Markoe

At 47, Gil is the world’s oldest 22-year-old man, living in relative contentment with his four dogs, including the alpha, Jimmy. When he stumbles upon Jimmy delivering lectures on canine manipulative techniques to the rest of the dogs in the neighborhood, Gil’s not particularly surprised, and his eyes light up with dollar signs. But their money-making venture has barely begun when chatty canine Jimmy realizes the shocking truth: he’s adopted.

A Dog’s Journey by W. Bruce Cameron

Buddy is a good dog. After searching for his purpose through several eventful lives, Buddy is sure that he has found and fulfilled it. Yet as he watches curious baby Clarity get into dangerous mischief, he is certain that this little girl is very much in need of a dog of her own. When Buddy is reborn, he realizes that he has a new destiny. He's overjoyed when he is adopted by Clarity, now a vibrant but troubled teenager. When they are suddenly separated, Buddy despairs—who will take care of his girl?

Walking in Circles Before Lying Down by Merrill Markoe

Dawn’s only source of security and comfort, it seems, is Chuck, a pit-bull mix from the pound. So, when her boyfriend announces that he’s leaving her for another woman, a despairing Dawn turns to Chuck for solace. “I should have said something sooner,” Chuck confides, as he tries to console her. “Couldn’t you smell her on his pants?” Dawn is stunned. It’s one thing to talk to your pets, but what do you do when they start talking back? It’s not just Chuck, either; she can hear all dogs—and man’s best friend has a lot to say.

Reading Lists - Non-Fiction Dog Narratives

They star in movies.  They survive shipwrecks and live on desert islands.  They stop robberies and solve crimes.  They provide service to the needy.  Perhaps most importantly, they fill our lives with love, joy, and excitement.  Yes, dogs truly are man’s best friend.  Here is a list of true stories involving our fine four-legged friends:

A Big Little Life by Dean Koontz

Best-selling author Dean Koontz’s A Big Little Life may be quite different from his suspense novels, but fans of the writer and dog lovers of all kinds  will enjoy this entertaining and emotional narrative.  Koontz and his wife become first-time dog owners after many years of marriage, and the book tells how Trixie, a Golden Retriever, enriches their lives in unexpected ways.

Born to Bark by Stanley Coren

Psychologist and canine expert Coren, author of many dog training manuals, shares the story of the beloved pet that inspired his research.  In training Flint, a rambunctious but lovable Cairn Terrier, Coren gains new insight into the complex inner lives of our canine companions. 

 

A Famous Dog’s Life by Sue Chipperton

A Famous Dog’s Life is the biography of Gidget, a Chihuaha famous for a series of Taco Bell commercials.  Told by her owner and trainer, it is an insightful behind-the-scenes account of a dog trainer’s job in Hollywood.  Also included are many delightful anecdotes of Gidget’s life among the stars. 

A Friend Like Henry by Nuala Gardner

Gardner tells the story of her autistic son Dale and the dog that dramatically changed his life.  The family sees almost instantaneous results when they adopt Henry, a Golden Retriever puppy, to help Dale cope with his autism.  Readers will be brought to tears as Henry helps Dale open up to the world around him. 

Last Dog on the Hill by Steve Duno

When Steve Duno finds an injured Rottweiler mix on a hill by the side of a country road, he rescues the puppy, nurses him back to health, and christens him Lou. From these humble beginnings Lou goes on to amass a long list of impressive achievements, including stopping a rapist and preventing a robbery,  while also providing Steve with 16  years of devoted companionship.

Marley & Me by John Grogan

Marley, a Labrador Retriever, is the world’s worst dog.  He is full of energy and is always getting into trouble, yet Grogan and his family love the adorable rascal anyway.  The author goes into great detail about Marley’s 13 years with the Grogans, from his hilarious puppy mishaps to his heartbreaking final days.  A perfect read for anyone who has adopted a dog as a member of the family.    

 

Merle’s Door by Ted Kerasote

Ted discovers Merle, a Labrador mix, while on a camping trip and decides to bring him home.  Once there, Ted gives Merle the freedom to come and go as he pleases, and the two strike up a unique friendship in which both man and dog learn a great deal from each other.  Merle’s Door is a fascinating book that will cause dog owners to rethink their relationships with their pets.

 

My Dog Skip by Willie Morris

My Dog Skip is a heartfelt memoir about a boy and his dog growing up together in Mississippi in the  1940s.  The tender nostalgia of Morris’s descriptions of a bygone era merge beautifully with his fond memories of his adventures with Skip, his Fox Terrier.  

Part Wild by Ceiridwen Terrill

Part husky and part wolf, Inoyo is adopted by the author for protective purposes.  As Terrill tries to train Inoyo, she begins to question whether the wolfdog can ever be completely tamed.  An engaging mixture of personal testimony and thorough research, Part Wild is extremely informative and powerfully moving. 

Rin Tin Tin by Susan Orlean

The history of Rin Tin Tin, the famous German Shepherd of countless films, is so amazing that one might believe the story was taken straight from a movie.  Found in the bombed remains of a dog kennel near a battlefield in France during World War I, Rin Tin Tin was brought back to Hollywood, where he would become the biggest box-office draw in the nation.

Scent of the Missing by Susannah Charleson

Charleson and her Golden Retriever, Puzzle, work together as a search-and-rescue team for the Metro Area Rescue K9 unit in Dallas, Texas. Charleson writes about her decision to become involved in search-and-rescue, the intense training she and Puzzle must undergo, and the difficult but rewarding nature of the job.

Sophie: The Incredible True Story of the Castaway Dog by Emma Pearse

A genuinely remarkable tale, Sophie relates the details of an Australian cattle dog’s unbelievable adventures as a castaway.  When Sophie is lost at sea during a storm, she beats incredible odds by swimming six miles to a deserted island, where she survives for five months before being reunited with her owners.

Until Tuesday by Luis Carlos Montalván  

Tuesday is a Golden Retriever with trust issues.  Luis is an Iraq War veteran struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and physical injuries.  When Luis is given Tuesday as a service dog, an incredible bond is formed that brings healing into the life of each.