Renowned animal behaviorist and acclaimed non-fiction author Patricia B. McConnell is embarking on a bold new chapter in her storied career. After decades of shaping the field of dog behavior through seminal works, McConnell is set to release her debut mystery novel, Away to Me, on February 24, 2026. Published by Kensington Books, the novel introduces readers to Maddie McGown, a behaviorist caught in the crosshairs of a murder investigation involving a close friend.
The transition from the clinical, evidence-based world of non-fiction to the imaginative, high-stakes realm of crime fiction represents a significant evolution for an author whose previous work has served as the gold standard for dog owners and trainers worldwide.
Main Facts: A New Mystery for Animal Lovers
Away to Me is not merely a genre departure; it is a synthesis of McConnell’s professional expertise and her lifelong passion for mystery literature. The narrative centers on protagonist Maddie McGown, whose world is upended when a dear friend is found murdered during a sheepdog trial.
The novel is currently available for pre-order via major platforms including Bookshop, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. While the plot is fictional, the atmospheric setting and the technical nuances of the sheepdog trial backdrop draw heavily from McConnell’s personal experiences on the farm and in the field.
Chronology of a Creative Shift
The journey to Away to Me began in August 2019, when the first seeds of the plot were planted. For McConnell, the process of writing fiction proved to be a stark contrast to her non-fiction endeavors.
The Evolution of Prose
McConnell emphasizes that the craft of fiction writing requires a rigorous dedication to "editing and editing again." She points to the transformation of the novel’s opening sentence as a testament to this growth:
- Original 2019 Draft: "The woods stood dark and silent, an audience to the mist rising in an amphitheater of spring-green grass inside the forest."
- Published Version: "On that day, burned into my brain like a cattle brand, the woods stood dark and silent, an audience to the fog rising in an amphitheater of spring-green grass."
The revision reflects a sharpened narrative intent, injecting foreshadowing and emotional stakes into the very first line—a necessity for a murder mystery that hinges on tension and atmosphere.
Collaborative Development
McConnell characterizes herself as "Patricia McConnell and a Host of Others," acknowledging the collaborative ecosystem that brought the manuscript to life. Her development team included:
- Susanna Daniel and the Madison Writers’ Studio, providing essential workshops and coaching.
- Cat Warren, author of What the Dog Knows, who served as a peer reader and sounding board.
- Jennifer Gates of Aevitas Creative, who navigated the complex path to traditional publishing.
- Wendy McCurdy, the editor at Kensington Books, whose guidance was instrumental in restructuring the narrative, including the bold decision to merge chapters and refine character arcs.
The Business of Publishing: Traditional vs. Hybrid
The publishing landscape today offers authors a variety of paths, from self-publishing to "hybrid" models and traditional houses. McConnell, having previously enjoyed success with mainstream publishers like Ballantine and Atria, opted for the traditional route for Away to Me.
The Wait for Prestige
The trade-off for the prestige and reach of a publisher like Kensington Books is time. While a hybrid press might have brought the book to market significantly faster, the traditional route requires a lengthy lead time—often 18 to 24 months from acquisition to publication. For an author who has spent her life writing non-fiction, this "long game" is a new challenge.
McConnell notes, "Two years is actually more common [for traditional houses]. The disadvantage is the timing, but with a respected publisher, that’s the name of the game."
The Visual Identity
One of the most delicate phases of the process was the cover design. With traditional publishing, the author holds "consultation rights" but rarely has final say. McConnell recounts the anxiety of waiting for the cover art, noting that in the past, she has had to fight for visual representations that accurately reflected the spirit of her work. Fortunately, the collaboration with Kensington resulted in a cover that McConnell describes as "powerful and creative," a visual hook that she believes will resonate with readers.
Implications of the "Fiction Pivot"
The move into fiction by a high-profile subject-matter expert is a significant development in the literary market. Often, authors of instructional or non-fiction books are pigeonholed into their specific niches. By successfully crossing into fiction, McConnell is demonstrating the fluidity of expertise.
The Influence of Real-World Experience
McConnell’s fiction is deeply informed by her life. Whether it is her recent participation in Midwest Championship Sheepdog Trials or her involvement in conservation efforts with Wisconsin Green Fire, her real-world engagement fuels the authenticity of her writing. Readers of her non-fiction will likely find the same meticulous attention to detail and psychological depth that made The Other End of the Leash a classic, now repurposed for the mystery genre.
The Fragility of Launch Timelines
McConnell’s article offers a sobering look at the reality of the publishing industry, where external factors—global events, media cycles, and industry competition—can drastically impact a book’s reception. She reflects on the "freight train" of new releases and the inherent vulnerability of an author during the launch window. Her candid approach to these professional risks adds a layer of transparency rarely seen in author-to-reader communications.
A Life Beyond the Page
Despite the pressures of a looming book launch, McConnell maintains a balanced life. Her recent activities, from fishing trips with former DNR personnel to the daily rhythms of farm life, highlight the grounding nature of her environment. These experiences serve as a reservoir for her writing, providing the sensory details that populate the world of Maddie McGown.
As the February 2026 launch date approaches, the anticipation is palpable. For fans of Patricia B. McConnell, Away to Me offers a chance to see a familiar voice explore new, darker, and more imaginative terrain.
Summary of Key Information:
- Book Away to Me
- Author: Patricia B. McConnell
- Genre: Mystery
- Publisher: Kensington Books
- Release Date: February 24, 2026
- Protagonist: Maddie McGown, a behaviorist investigating the murder of a close friend at a sheepdog trial.
- Availability: Pre-orders currently accepted at major book retailers.
As McConnell prepares to share this work with the world, her journey serves as an encouraging reminder that the pursuit of craft—whether in the behavior of dogs or the structure of a novel—is a lifelong, iterative process. Whether you are a devotee of her behavioral work or a fan of high-quality mystery, Away to Me promises to be a notable addition to the 2026 literary landscape.
