sheepdog trials

Debut

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. read more