The Dog That Whispered

April 25, 2016
Kraus, well known for his animal stories (The Dog That Saved Stewart Coolidge), charms fans again with his latest canine tale. In present-day Pittsburgh, Penn., 85-year-old Gretna Steele adopts black Lab mix Thurman on a whim. When she learns of her retirement community’s “no pets” rule, she must hand him off to her reclusive son, Wilson. It seems Thurman was meant to be with Wilson all along, as the dog begins to pull the isolated professor and Vietnam vet out of his self-induced “sweet invisibility.” Wilson keeps his past deeply buried, but Thurman draws him out with growls and yips that seem to be actual words—at least to Wilson. Across the continent in Portland, Ore., Hazel Jamison discovers a mysterious photograph and key when she clears out her mother’s home. The key changes Hazel’s life and the photo sets her on a journey of discovery that intersects with Wilson and Thurman in unexpected ways. This sweet novel is for readers who love tales of sentient pets, or just well-told, simple stories of redemption and forgiveness. Agent: Chip MacGregor, MacGregor Literary.

June 1, 2016

In Pittsburgh, Wilson Steele is a Vietnam vet trying to outrun his memories. When his elderly mother's matchmaking attempts fail, she saddles him with a rescue dog named Thurman, whose growls and mumbles are suspiciously reminiscent of human speech. While out walking Thurman, Wilson meets Emily, widowed after her husband committed suicide upon his return from Vietnam. The two find solace in their shared experiences and something that feels a little like love. Meanwhile, in Portland, OR, Hazel Jamison discovers a photograph of her late mother with a soldier. On the back of the picture are the words "our wedding." Her mother said she never married Hazel's father. Now, Hazel faces a decision: track down the mysterious man or let it go. Kraus's (The Dog That Saved Stewart Coolidge) absorbing and sometimes funny story of the healing effects animals have on our lives will become a favorite for dog lovers and fans of John Grogan's Marley and Me. VERDICT With themes of forgiveness and rediscovering one's faith, this heartwarming tale is destined to become a classic.

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