Good Boy

by Michelle Wright

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Pub Date Mar 31 2026 | Archive Date Feb 02 2026

Allen & Unwin

General Fiction (Adult)

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Description

Every dog—and every human—deserves a second chance..

It's September 1997 and Cookie, an inmate in a minimum-security prison, is serving the last six months of his sentence when he signs up for a last-chance rehabilitation program for abandoned dogs.

He's assigned Nigel—whom he renames Good Boy—an anxious soul with a talent for gnawing his way through walls. Cookie has his work cut out preparing him for the upcoming behavioural assessment that will decide his fate: pass, and Good Boy will be up for adoption and the chance of finding a loving home for the first time in his life; fail, and he will be put down. When Cookie realises that Good Boy is almost certain to flunk the test, he decides to escape in a bid to save him.

On the run, Cookie must evade detection until he can find someone to care for Good Boy. As their feet pick out new paths and their friendship deepens, the old bonds that shaped Cookie draw him back, revealing truths that leave him questioning his past and future.

Good Boy movingly explores the bonds between dogs and their humans, and how hope might move us beyond punishment and towards redemption.

Every dog—and every human—deserves a second chance..

It's September 1997 and Cookie, an inmate in a minimum-security prison, is serving the last six months of his sentence when he signs up for a...

Advance Praise

'Good Boy is a deeply moving, tender portrayal of the powerful bond between one man and his dog. It's a story that's stayed with me long after the final pages. I loved it.' Mark Brandi, author of Wimmera and Eden

'A beautiful, heartbreaking story of connection, loss and redemption.' Mark Smith, author of Three Boys Gone

'I fell helplessly under the spell of this deeply affecting story and its vivid exploration of the redemptive power of love and hope. Good Boy haunted me for days.' Lucy Treloar, author of Days of Innocence and Wonder

'Wright compels you gently along the road with Cookie and Good Boy, until you can't turn back or look away. A powerful and deeply empathic tale of love, rupture and reparation.' Myfanwy Jones, author of Cool Water

'Good Boy is a tender, heartfelt story about finding redemption and sacrificing everything for love.' Toni Jordan, author of Tenderfoot

'Good Boy feels destined to become an instant Australian classic. … Wright has managed to gift us a book that is both a thrilling page turner about a man on the run and a profoundly moving tale of resilience, forgiveness and connection … I can't wait for readers to find and fall in love with this extraordinary novel.' Melanie Cheng, author of The Burrow

'In this deeply moving novel, a broken man finds the strength to protect another broken creature. Good Boy is a beautifully written paean to the power of trust and redemption.' Paddy O'Reilly, author of Other Houses

Available Editions

EDITION	Paperback
ISBN	9781761473159
PRICE	A$34.99 (AUD)
PAGES	356

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Additional Information

Average rating from 5 members

Featured Reviews

Leanne D, Reviewer

This story will stay in my heart forever. It cements the unbreakable bond between humans and dogs. I cried many tears but I was wishing for the best outcome.

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Laura T, Reviewer

I had a feeling when I read the blurb on this book that it would be one of my top reads this year and (plot twist!!!) it is!

Any story about a dog just hits me in the feels and this book hit hard. Following Cookie on his journey as he starts to care so deeply about Good Boy is beautiful. When he goes on the run, just desperate to find someone to care for him so he won’t get put down, only to have to face his past in the process.

The end made me sob. Like whole body shaking sobs. But I loved every second of this book and how beautiful put together it was.

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Clare R, Reviewer

This book will break your heart. Conveyed in exquisite prose, 'Good Boy' is a novel to read in quiet contemplation and visions of a better future.
The characters are flawless, and the observation of the human-canine relationship is one of the most insightful I've read.
Cookie, a prison inmate, takes part in a program designed to assist stray, unloveable dogs prepare for foster care and a chance at a new life.
The journey of dog and man is skilfully and delicately unpicked, with a clear vision about how and why creatures with hearts get so damaged.
Go ahead, break your heart. You'll be very glad you read this wise and tender story.