Executive Overview

Renowned behaviorist, acclaimed author, and animal science expert Patricia B. McConnell is crossing a major literary threshold. Known globally for her insightful, non-fiction explorations of human-animal bonds—including bestselling works such as The Other End of the Leash and The Education of Will—McConnell is stepping boldly into the realm of narrative fiction. Her debut mystery novel, Away to Me, is officially slated for publication by Kensington Books on February 24, 2026. Available now for pre-order across major platforms like Bookshop, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, the novel blends McConnell’s lifelong passion for the mystery genre with her deep, intimate knowledge of rural environments, animal behavior, and the high-stakes world of sheepdog trials.

The novel follows protagonist Maddie McGown, a skilled behaviorist thrust into the harrowing investigation of her best friend’s murder—a tragedy that kicks off in the opening chapter at a rural sheepdog competition. While the jump from non-fiction author to novelist may seem unconventional to casual readers, McConnell’s journey offers a fascinating masterclass in the mechanics of creative writing, the grit required to secure a traditional publishing contract, and the intricate, collaborative choreography of bringing a book from a raw draft to bookstore shelves.

Simultaneously, McConnell continues to balance her bustling life on the farm, moving seamlessly from the high-pressure world of book publicity and editorial revisions to local conservation fundraisers, hay deliveries, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Midwest Championship Sheepdog Trial.

Mystery Novel is Available for Pre-Order!

Detailed Chronology: From First Spark to the Printed Page

The genesis of Away to Me dates back years before its official acquisition. For McConnell, a lifelong devotee of the mystery genre who often stops reading mid-sentence just to appreciate a brilliantly turned phrase, transitioning to the other side of the page was an exercise in both absolute liberation and agonizing precision.

The Evolution of a Sentence

Writing fiction, as McConnell notes, presents a distinct paradox: "Anything can happen! You get to make it all up! On the other hand—how challenging! Anything can happen! You have to make it all up!" Every single narrative beat requires a deliberate choice regarding voice, pacing, setting, and character consistency.

This evolution is perhaps best illustrated by the novel’s opening line. In August 2019, with only a loose plot outline and a clear vision for her protagonist and setting, McConnell drafted the initial concept:

The woods stood dark and silent, an audience to the mist rising in an amphitheater of spring-green grass inside the forest.

Years of workshops, critiques, and meticulous edits transformed that early sentence into its final, published iteration:

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 stylistic shift is profound. By substituting "mist" with "fog" and anchoring the opening with the visceral simile "burned into my brain like a cattle brand," the author instantly establishes the stakes. It foreshadows a horrific event, builds atmospheric tension, and firmly roots the reader in a gritty, rural environment.

The Collaborative Anatomy of a Novel

Though a novel bears a single author’s name on its spine, McConnell is quick to emphasize that bringing Away to Me to life required a village. Her network of support included:

The Madison Writers’ Studio: Working closely with writing coach Susanna Daniel and participating in local workshops.
Peer Workshops: Exchanging monthly drafts, critiques, and encouragement with New York Times bestselling author Cat Warren (What the Dog Knows).
Literary Representation: Channeling guidance and industry insights from agent Jennifer Gates of Aevitas Creative.
Editorial Direction: Partnering with Wendy McCurdy at Kensington Books, whose rigorous feedback led to cutting an entire chapter, merging two others, and refining character arcs.

Supporting Context & Metrics: The Modern Publishing Labyrinth

The path to publication for a debut novelist is paved with strategic decisions, industry timelines, and emotional resilience. Authors today face a tripartite choice: self-publishing, partnering with a hybrid publisher (where authors pay for curated, professional vetting and production), or pursuing the traditional route.

Traditional vs. Hybrid Publishing Metrics

The Hybrid Route (e.g., Little Creek Press): Offers agility and speed. Had McConnell chosen this path through Mineral Point, Wisconsin, Away to Me could have hit shelves as early as spring 2025.
The Traditional Route (Kensington Books): Demands profound patience. Kensington acquired the manuscript in August 2024, setting a publication date eighteen months later in February 2026. In the traditional publishing landscape, a two-year pipeline is standard. This extended runway allows major houses to systematically execute line edits, typesetting, cover design, and advanced publicity campaigns.

The Cover Art Battleground

For visually oriented primates, a book’s cover can single-handedly dictate its commercial fate. Authors signing with major publishing houses typically hold "consultation rights" rather than final veto power. McConnell is no stranger to the high-stakes drama of cover design, recalling a near-disastrous first draft for The Other End of the Leash that prompted her to declare she wouldn’t be in the same room with it. Thanks to a sympathetic editor who fast-tracked a replacement photo, that crisis was averted.

With Away to Me, the process brought its own brand of suspense. After waiting anxiously for Kensington’s creative team to unveil their vision, McConnell was initially struck by the boldness of the design:

"The cover is so powerful and creative that it took me a minute to settle with it, and/but I LOVE it now. I made a few tiny suggestions, which they listened to with so much care and respect that I still feel like sending them flowers."

Official Statements & Industry Insights

As the countdown to February 24, 2026, continues, McConnell finds herself navigating the whirlwind phase of public relations. This includes finalizing lists for Advance Review Copies (ARCs), securing early endorsements, and scheduling upcoming media appearances.

Yet, the publishing world operates under the constant shadow of unpredictability. Reflecting on the fragility of book launch timing, McConnell shares a sobering industry reality:

"Life happens, and who knows what will be going on in the world when your book is launched. A friend of mine had a book come out on 9/12… Once the book’s time is past, it’s past. If something dramatic happens when your book comes out, your interviews are cancelled, and that is that. The freight train of new books never stops, and if your book gets run over, there’s little to do but start the next one."

This philosophical resilience underscores McConnell’s transition. Writing fiction is not merely a lateral career move; it is an endurance test that rewards tenacity, adaptability, and an unyielding love for the written word.

Future Outlook: Farm Life, Conservation, and Beyond

While the PR freight train for Away to Me builds momentum ahead of its early 2026 release, life on the farm maintains its grounding, rhythmic cadence.

Conservation and Community: McConnell and her husband, Jim, recently celebrated a successful fishing trip on a pristine Wisconsin lake—a reward for winning a fundraising auction hosted by Wisconsin Green Fire, an organization where McConnell and Adrian Wydeven previously presented collaborative talks on dogs and wolves. The trip included expert guidance from Tom Hauge, who retired after a 37-year career with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Seasonal Labor: Farm operations remain active with the recent delivery of winter hay. While McConnell documented the unloading process from behind the lens—watching younger crew members like Bently, Gary, Luke, Gus, and Justin handle the heavy lifting—the community spirit of rural Wisconsin remains a vital source of creative energy.
The Sheepdog Circuit: The couple recently attended the Midwest Championship Sheepdog Trial, soaking in the crisp early fall weather, the intricate intelligence of working sheep, and the breathtaking athleticism of elite border collies like Rose Anderson’s Deri.
Travel and Respite: Fall excursions, such as a scenic day trip to take in the sweeping harbor views from Duluth’s Skyline Parkway, offer necessary pauses before the intense media schedule resumes.

As Patricia McConnell temporarily sets aside her keyboard to focus on her own dogs and the changing seasons, anticipation reaches a fever pitch. Away to Me promises to deliver a masterclass in suspense, informed by an author who understands both the dark recesses of human behavior and the fiercely loyal heart of an animal companion.