If you aren’t allergic or a robot, you probably like cats and/or dogs. Pets bring a lot of joy into our lives – and they’re good for us too. Just holding and stroking a purring cat lowers your blood pressure; when you laugh at the antics of a puppy, your brain releases endorphins. So it’s no mystery why pets make an enjoyable reading experience. There are so many writers who feature dogs or cats it’s impossible to list them all, so today we’ll talk about some of the most popular ones.
First we’ll start with cats. Probably the best known of these authors is the late Lilian Jackson Braun, author of the Cat Who … series. The main characters are investigative journalist Jim Quilleran, his Siamese cats Koko and YumYum, and his various friends. Quilleran uses his wits to solve many a puzzler, and Koko – seemingly just a cat – often gives him hints and clues. We’re not sure if Koko has a sixth sense or if Quill just thinks so, but at any rate the plots are fun and leave you with a feel-good vibe.
Another popular cat-fiction series is written by the very southern Rita Mae Brown. Her mysteries take place in the town of Crozet, Virginia, and feature Mary Minor Haristeen (called Harry) and her two cats, Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, plus her Corgi Tucker. These are also gentle mysteries that might make you nostalgic for small-town ambiance (Crozet is a real town, by the way), lifelong friends, and the simple life. The first title in the series is “Wish You Were Here.”
In a previous column I’ve mentioned Miranda James, who writes light mysteries featuring librarian Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon Diesel. These are also very southern stories involving mostly good people. Only those who deserve it get murdered! You’ll like the Old South manners and charm of Athena, Mississippi. (And thanks to Jimmy Cochran for introducing me to this author.)
If you’re partial to fiction featuring cats there are many more writers to recommend. Some of their stories feature cats doing supernatural things as part of the plotline, and some just let the cats be normal (if you can call any cat normal). These authors include Marian Babson, Blaize Clement, Carole Nelson Douglas, Sofie Kelly, and Leann Sweeney.
Time for the dogs to be represented. I’ll start with my favorite dog book ever, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein. Enzo the dog tells his own story from the time he was adopted by Denny, mechanic and race car driver. His reassuring presence – and prescience – get Denny through some horribly bad times and crushing sad times. And Enzo has the soul of a philosopher, offering up wisdom to the the reader that he can’t express in speech. This book will make you laugh and cry, and the ending will knock your socks off.
Bruce Cameron is the author of some wonderful books beginning with “A Dog’s Purpose.” Like the Stein book it’s told by the dog, Bailey, about his search for the right human and for the true purpose of his life – or in this case, lives – for Bailey goes through several incarnations with different humans. His story is hilarious, heart-tugging, and insightful.
For more laughs, try “A Dog’s Life” by Peter Mayle. Boy, a dog living in France, can’t wait to tell his story. He speaks of his free-wheeling bachelor days, his dislike of hunters and plumbers, and his odd affection for chickens, among other things. This book would make a great gift for any francophile you know.
On a more somber note, there is “The Darkest Evening of the Year” by Dean Koontz. Its main character is Amy, a rescuer of abandoned and endangered dogs. She finds her canine soulmate in a female golden retriever named Nickie, who brings delight and joy into her life. But Nickie’s arrival also sets into motion a series of eerie and nerve-jangling events. Very atmospheric, as you’d expect from Koontz. This author also wrote “The Watchers,” a spooky tale about two laboratory-modified creatures, a dog who is extremely intelligent and pure good, and a monster called “the Outsider,” who is angry and murderous. Both creatures escape from the lab, and – oops, I’ll stop before I give anything away.
In addition to those discussed, here are some other writers of dog-based fiction: Donna Ball, Laurien Berenson, Susan Conant, Sofie Kelly, and David Rosenfelt.
Goodness, our time is up and I’ve barely scratched the surface of books about dogs and cats! I can promise we’ll revisit this subject later. Happy reading!
