Picture a storyteller who weaves mysteries with a wagging tail and a heart full of fur—meet Susan Conant! Born in 1946, this American author has charmed dog lovers and mystery fans alike with her beloved Dog Lover’s Mysteries series, starring the spirited Holly Winter and her Alaskan Malamutes. With a Harvard doctorate and a knack for crafting cozy, canine-filled whodunits, Conant’s work is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and suspense that keeps readers hooked.
Conant’s stories aren’t just about solving crimes—they’re love letters to the bond between humans and their pets, earning her three Maxwell Awards from the Dog Writers Association of America. From her Cambridge, Massachusetts, setting to her quirky characters, her books are a cozy escape for anyone who’s ever tossed a ball for a furry friend.
The Making of Susan Conant
Growing up in Massachusetts, Susan Conant was surrounded by dogs—pointers named Stuffy and Nonny were her childhood pals. Her love for animals shaped her life early on, leading her to study social relations at Radcliffe College and earn a doctorate in human development from Harvard. Before becoming a full-time writer, Conant’s academic background and passion for dogs set the stage for her unique voice. In 1990, she launched her writing career with A New Leash on Death, the first in her Dog Lover’s Mysteries series, blending her expertise in dog behavior with her flair for storytelling.
Susan Conant’s Unforgettable Stories
Conant’s Dog Lover’s Mysteries series, spanning 19 novels, follows Holly Winter, a dog trainer and magazine columnist in Cambridge, Massachusetts. With her Alaskan Malamutes, Rowdy and Kimi, Holly stumbles into murders and mayhem, solving crimes with wit and canine intuition. A New Leash on Death (1990) introduces Holly as she investigates a strangling tied to her new dog, Rowdy. Bloodlines (1992) tackles the dark world of puppy mills, showcasing Conant’s advocacy for animal welfare. Creature Discomforts (2000) adds a twist with Holly’s amnesia, creating a gripping mystery in Acadia National Park. Gaits of Heaven (2006) dives into dysfunctional family dynamics, proving Conant’s knack for blending humor with suspense.
Beyond dogs, Conant’s versatility shines in the Cat Lover’s Mysteries, starting with Scratch the Surface (2005), featuring cat-loving sleuth Felicity Pride. She also co-authored the Gourmet Girl Mysteries with her daughter, Jessica Conant-Park, blending culinary chaos with crime in books like Steamed (2006). Conant’s writing is conversational, peppered with dog-training tips and social commentary, making her stories both entertaining and educational.
Why Susan Conant Matters
Susan Conant’s impact on the cozy mystery genre is undeniable. Her focus on animal welfare—through Holly’s activism against puppy mills and her work with Alaskan Malamute Rescue—resonates with readers who share her passion. Her Maxwell Awards highlight her ability to craft stories that entertain while advocating for responsible pet ownership. Conant’s Cambridge settings and quirky characters create a vivid world that feels like home for fans, earning her a loyal following. Her influence extends beyond dog lovers, inspiring mystery writers to weave personal passions into their work.
About Susan Conant
- Born: 1946 in Massachusetts
- Key Works: Dog Lover’s Mysteries, Cat Lover’s Mysteries, Gourmet Girl Mysteries
- Awards: Three-time Maxwell Award winner from the Dog Writers Association of America
- Fun Fact: Lives with her husband, Alaskan Malamute Django, and two Chartreux cats
Snag A New Leash on Death and dive into Susan Conant’s tail-wagging mysteries today!