Susan Conant

Susan Conant is an American mystery author best known for her Dog Lover's Mystery series featuring amateur sleuth Holly Winter, a writer specializing in dog-related topics. She began publishing mystery novels in 1990 with "A New Leash on Death" and has written over 20 books in the genre. The Dog Lover's Mystery series combines detailed knowledge of dog training, breeding, and showing with traditional mystery elements. Conant draws from her personal experience as a dog owner and enthusiast, particularly her work with Alaskan Malamutes, which frequently appear in her novels. Conant has received multiple awards for her work, including the Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America. She has also co-authored books with her daughter, Jessica Conant-Park, including the Gourmet Girl Mysteries series. Beyond her mystery writing, Conant holds a doctorate in human development from Harvard University and has worked in the field of education. She resides in Massachusetts and continues to be active in the dog training community.

Readers praise Conant's accurate portrayal of dog training, breeding, and show culture in her mysteries. Dog enthusiasts note her deep knowledge of Alaskan Malamutes and appreciate the authentic details about dog behavior and care. Multiple reviews highlight the educational value alongside the entertainment. Liked: - Technical accuracy about dogs and training - Strong sense of the dog show community - Light humor and engaging mysteries - Educational content woven into stories - Well-developed supporting characters Disliked: - Some find the dog details excessive - Protagonist Holly Winter can come across as preachy - Later books in series become formulaic - Limited character development beyond dog-related aspects Ratings: - Goodreads: Average 3.8/5 across series - Amazon: 4.2/5 average - Most reviewed: "A New Leash on Death" (4.1/5) One reader noted: "Perfect for dog lovers who want mysteries without graphic violence." Another commented: "Too much dog training minutiae takes away from the plot."

A New Leash on Death - A dog trainer investigates the suspicious death of a fellow trainer after her dogs are poisoned.

Dead and Doggone - Dog trainer Holly Winter searches for answers when a champion show dog disappears and its owner is murdered.

Black Ribbon - Holly Winter becomes involved in solving a murder at a dog show where a judge is killed.

Gone to the Dogs - A murder investigation unfolds after Holly Winter discovers a body at a training school for assistance dogs.

Paws Before Dying - Holly Winter investigates when a respected veterinarian is found dead and a valuable show dog vanishes.

Animal Appetite - The death of a pet food company owner leads Holly Winter into an investigation of the pet food industry.

Bloodlines - Holly Winter becomes entangled in a mystery involving stolen dogs and murder in the world of dog breeding.

All Shots - A routine veterinary visit turns deadly when Holly Winter encounters murder at an animal hospital.

Evil Breeding - Holly Winter investigates suspicious deaths connected to a controversial dog breeding operation.

Stud Rites - The murder of a professional dog handler draws Holly Winter into the competitive world of show dogs.

Ruffly Speaking - Holly Winter investigates when violence erupts at a dog show and threatens the Malamute community.

Gaits of Heaven - A murder at a dog training center forces Holly Winter to uncover secrets in the world of competitive obedience.

All Dogs Go to Heaven - Holly Winter must solve a murder involving a therapy dog program at a nursing home.

The Barker Street Regulars - A Sherlock Holmes-themed dog show becomes the scene of a real crime that Holly Winter must solve.

The Wicked Flea - Holly Winter investigates suspicious deaths connected to a new flea prevention product.

Creature Discomforts - Holly Winter becomes involved in solving a murder linked to animal rights activism.

The Dogfather - Holly Winter investigates when someone begins targeting members of a local dog club.

Bride and Groom - A wedding becomes complicated when the bride is murdered and Holly Winter must find the killer.

Hot Dog - Holly Winter investigates suspicious fires targeting dog-related businesses.

Rita Mae Brown writes mysteries featuring a cat detective named Mrs. Murphy and her human companion in rural Virginia. Her series includes over 20 books with animal characters who help solve murders while exploring small-town dynamics.

Laurien Berenson centers her mysteries around show dogs and the competitive world of dog breeding. Her protagonist Melanie Travis solves crimes while navigating the dog show circuit and training her standard poodles.

Virginia Lanier writes about a female bloodhound trainer who tracks criminals in Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp. Her series focuses on search and rescue operations and law enforcement procedures with working dogs.

Carol Lea Benjamin creates mysteries featuring professional dog trainer Rachel Alexander and her pit bull Dash in New York City. Her books incorporate detailed knowledge of dog behavior and training methods into the crime-solving narratives.

Donna Ball writes the Raine Stockton Dog Training mystery series set in the North Carolina mountains. Her protagonist works with search and rescue dogs while investigating crimes in a rural setting.