Dr. Patricia McConnell Ventures into Fiction with Debut Mystery "Away to Me," Exploring Canine Worlds and Human Connections

Renowned applied animal behaviorist Dr. Patricia McConnell, PhD, a towering figure in the field of canine communication and training, has broadened her literary horizons with the upcoming release of her first mystery novel, Away to Me. Set within the intricate and passionate world of dog enthusiasts, the novel marks a significant pivot for an author celebrated for her influential non-fiction works such as The Other End of the Leash and her poignant memoir, The Education of Will. The novel, set for publication on February 24th, has already garnered keen interest among her established readership and mystery aficionados alike, promising a unique blend of suspense, compelling characters, and an authentic portrayal of the human-canine bond.

The unveiling of Away to Me was a focal point of a recent interview with Dr. McConnell on "The Pawsitive Post in Conversation," hosted by fellow canine experts Zazie Todd, PhD, and Kristi Benson. The conversation delved into the genesis of her transition to fiction, the meticulous craft of mystery writing, and the deeply personal motivations behind creating a narrative that resonates with both dog lovers and those seeking an engaging whodunit. The interview, available across major podcast platforms and YouTube, provided an early glimpse into the world of Maddie McGowan, Away to Me‘s protagonist, and the rich tapestry of characters, both human and canine, that populate the novel.

A Pioneer’s New Path: From Non-Fiction Authority to Fictional Storyteller

For decades, Dr. Patricia McConnell has been an authoritative voice in applied animal behavior, shaping contemporary understanding of dog-human interactions through her scientific rigor and accessible writing style. Her work, which often bridges the gap between scientific research and practical application, has been instrumental in advocating for positive reinforcement training methods and fostering empathetic relationships with animals. The Other End of the Leash, for instance, revolutionized how many perceive their role in their dog’s life by focusing on human behavior and its impact on canine companions. Her memoir, The Education of Will, offered a candid and inspiring account of navigating trauma with the help of a rescue dog, demonstrating her profound belief in the healing power of the animal-human connection.

The decision to venture into fiction, particularly a mystery novel, represents a bold new chapter in Dr. McConnell’s illustrious career. As she explained during the interview, the transition was driven by a deep-seated love for storytelling and the creative freedom that fiction offers. "I love writing my nonfiction books," Dr. McConnell stated, "and some of my favorite parts of writing were the scenes… I love that part." This affinity for narrative description, honed over years of illustrating complex behavioral concepts through relatable anecdotes, laid the groundwork for her fictional debut. She credits her collaborative writing journey with Cat Warren, author of What the Dog Knows, as a crucial factor in navigating the intricacies of fiction writing. Their monthly discussions provided a supportive framework for exploring this new literary terrain, highlighting the communal aspect of creative endeavors.

"Away to Me": A Deep Dive into the Dog World Mystery

Away to Me introduces readers to Maddie McGowan, an animal behaviorist living on a small farm, whose life, intertwined with her border collie Jack, sheep guarding dog Bo Peep, and rescue terrier Clementine, becomes entangled in a murder mystery following a shooting at a sheepdog trial. The novel’s setting, deeply embedded in the specialized world of competitive dog sports and animal behavior, offers a fresh backdrop for the mystery genre. This niche setting not only provides an authentic atmosphere but also allows Dr. McConnell to subtly educate readers about the nuances of animal behavior, weaving factual insights seamlessly into the narrative.

A distinguishing feature of Away to Me, and one that was a point of discussion during the interview, is Dr. McConnell’s explicit assurance that "no dog dies in the making of this novel." This statement, initially a point of contention with her editor who viewed it as a plot giveaway, was defended by Dr. McConnell as essential for her target audience. "If people think, you know, [there’s] going to be dog dying in it, they’re not going to read it," she articulated, underscoring a prevailing sentiment among animal lovers. This commitment reflects a broader understanding within the pet-owning community, where the emotional impact of animal suffering in fiction can be a significant deterrent. The "no dog dies" trope has gained traction in recent years, with websites like "DoesTheDogDie.com" serving as popular resources for sensitive readers, indicating a significant market for stories where beloved animal characters are safe.

Crafting Characters: Humans, Canines, and the Fabric of Rural Life

The interview provided rich insights into Dr. McConnell’s character development process. Maddie McGowan, the central figure, is meticulously crafted as a mid-40s animal behaviorist who, while reserved about her past, finds sanctuary and purpose on her farm and through her deep connection with animals. Dr. McConnell described Maddie’s evolution as akin to a photograph developing in a dark room: "Maddie became like a developing photograph. She just got richer and clearer and more and more colorful." This organic development allowed the author to truly understand her protagonist, fostering a genuine affection that she hopes readers will share.

The canine characters—Jack, Bo Peep, Clementine, and a fostered German Shepherd named Cisco—are equally central to the narrative. They are not merely props but fully realized entities, each with distinct personalities that sometimes annoy, sometimes delight, but always enrich Maddie’s life. Kristi Benson highlighted the authenticity of these relationships: "The main character could… feel exasperated with her dog without me going, ‘oh God, is she going to mistreat the dogs?’" This realism, combined with Dr. McConnell’s deep understanding of animal psychology, ensures that the dogs are portrayed with respect and nuance, reinforcing the positive reinforcement ethos she has long championed. The discussion touched upon the importance of "giving ourselves grace" as positive reinforcement trainers, acknowledging that frustration is a normal human emotion, distinct from mistreatment.

Beyond the core characters, the novel cleverly integrates "secondary characters" in the form of dog cases that Maddie handles. These cases, often inspired by Dr. McConnell’s own client experiences (with careful modifications for privacy), serve multiple purposes: they illuminate Maddie’s professional life, provide insight into her character, and subtly educate readers about the diverse challenges and rewards of animal behavior work. "I love letting people have a window onto what is life like as an animal behaviorist," Dr. McConnell noted, challenging common romanticized perceptions of the profession. This narrative technique not only moves the plot forward but also enriches the reader’s understanding of a specialized field, a hallmark of well-crafted genre fiction.

Sensory Immersion and Thematic Depth

Dr. McConnell’s approach to world-building extends beyond character and plot to a profound engagement with sensory detail. The interview specifically highlighted her use of bird sounds to evoke setting and atmosphere, a deliberate choice aimed at immersing the reader fully in Maddie’s rural world. "You need to include all of the senses," she explained, contrasting this with the often visually-dominated descriptions in many narratives. This meticulous "word craft," as she terms it, transforms the setting into a living entity, making the reader feel the humidity, hear the birdsong, and smell the farm, enriching the overall reading experience.

The title itself, Away to Me, carries a dual significance. While literally a command in sheepdog trials to send a dog counterclockwise, it also serves as a metaphor for Maddie’s internal conflict: "Stay away. Oh, come to me, please." Similarly, "Lonely Owl Farm," Maddie’s residence, reflects her solitary nature while hinting at a deeper loneliness. These subtle metaphorical layers demonstrate Dr. McConnell’s nuanced approach to storytelling, where every element contributes to the novel’s thematic richness.

Friendship, Community, and the Promise of a Trilogy

A powerful undercurrent in Away to Me is the exploration of friendship, both human and canine. Maddie, initially guarded due to past trauma, relies on a tight-knit circle of friends, including her dogs. Dr. McConnell emphasized the inherent human need for connection: "What is more important than our connections, you know, than our connections to people?" The novel portrays these friendships as vital anchors, highlighting how community, often forged through shared passions like dog training, can provide solace and strength.

Perhaps the most exciting revelation for fans during the interview was the announcement that Away to Me is intended to be the first installment in a trilogy. The subsequent books are tentatively titled Come By (a sheepdog command for clockwise movement) and That’ll Do (signifying a dog’s work is complete). This commitment to a serialized narrative, even at 77 years old, speaks volumes about Dr. McConnell’s passion for her new fictional world. She expressed eagerness to return to writing Come By, promising both the continuation of beloved relationships and the introduction of new, "interesting men" into Maddie’s life, adding another layer of intrigue for future installments. The prospect of a trilogy allows for deeper character arcs and a more expansive exploration of the themes introduced in Away to Me, ensuring readers can anticipate a sustained journey with Maddie and her canine companions.

Motivation and Legacy

Dr. McConnell’s transition to fiction at a point when many would embrace full retirement underscores her enduring intellectual curiosity and creative drive. Having retired from seeing clients and teaching at the university, she was "not ready to do nothing." What began as a personal enjoyment project, "literally for the hell of it," evolved into a challenging yet deeply fulfilling endeavor. Her ADHD, she mused, might play a role in her intense immersion in new projects, but ultimately, it is a profound love for the craft of writing and storytelling that propels her forward.

Away to Me is more than just a mystery novel; it is a testament to Dr. Patricia McConnell’s multifaceted talent and her lifelong dedication to understanding and celebrating the animal kingdom. By blending her extensive knowledge of animal behavior with the compelling narrative structure of a mystery, she offers readers an enriching experience that entertains, educates, and inspires. The novel’s forthcoming release is poised to captivate her existing followers and introduce a new generation of readers to her unique voice, solidifying her legacy not only as a leading animal behaviorist but also as a compelling storyteller in the world of contemporary fiction. Her venture into fiction not only expands her own creative output but also enriches the literary landscape with narratives that genuinely reflect the profound and often complex relationships between humans and their animal companions.