My latest release, Silent Partner, has a supporting character that just happens to be a police trained Labrador retriever.  Make no mistake, this story is a cop thriller.  I developed this particular thriller novel where the hero’s partner is a dog.  I personally felt that it actually heightened the suspense and gives readers a little insight into police K9 teams.   

I realized that there are many books that have made their way to my reading list over the years that have dogs incorporated into the story.  I’ve listed below some of the books where the canines have made a lasting impression. 

Here are a few:   

1.      The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford

The wonderful story of three pets, a cat and two dogs, who lose their owners when they are all on vacation. Can they find their way home?

2.      Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

A story about a boy who buys and trains two redbone coonhound hunting dogs.  I read this story when I was in the fourth or fifth grade.  I still remember it today!

3.      White Fang by Jack London

The story takes place in Yukon Territory, Canada during the Klondike Gold Rush at the end of the 19th-century, and details a wild wolfdog’s journey to domestication.  Great book.  (Available free on Amazon Kindle)

4.      Seize the Night by Dean Koontz

As you know by now, I’m a Dean Koontz fan.  One of things that I enjoy about his books is that he incorporates wonderful, intelligent dog characters into the mix.  This is the second book with character Chris Snow who is light-phobic.   

5.      Call of the Wild by Jack London

The plot concerns a previously domesticated dog named Buck, whose primordial instincts return after a series of events leads to his serving as a sled dog in the Yukon during the 19th-century Klondike Gold Rush, in which sled dogs were bought at generous prices.  Another great London book.  (Available free on Amazon Kindle)

6.      Cujo by Stephen King

Okay, this is for all of your Stephen King fans.  I enjoyed this scary tale of a nice, well-mannered St. Bernard… and well, you get the picture.

7.      Watchers & TickTock by Dean Koontz

Here are a couple more Koontz books to check out with some interesting, highly intelligent, government inspired, and even supernatural dogs.  In Tick Tock, I loved the hyper-intelligent black Labrador retriever.  I’m sure you can guess why!

8.      Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

I enjoy all of the Harry Potter books, but I couldn’t leave out Hagred’s huge dog “Fang”. 

9.      The Wizard of Oz

Where would my memorable list be without the happy, little dog “Toto”?  “There’s no place like home… there’s no place like home…”

10.  Dog On It by Spencer Quinn

This is a newly discovered author for me of the Chet and Bernie Mysteries.  This particular canine narrates the adventure with his down on his luck, private eye, human partner.  A fun book that makes me giggle quite a few times during the story.

I would love to hear from you!  Tell me some of your favorite books with canines.