Maddy’s family are talented and ambitious ― sporting trophies, top grades, they collect them all. But Maddy would rather spend time with her best friend, her pug Gusto. When Gusto disappears … her world changes.

Her search for Gusto reveals a surprising talent and Maddy can’t believe her ears. She can understand everything the neighbourhood dogs are saying and suddenly Maddy becomes the go-to canine problem solver. But when more and more dogs go missing, Maddy finds herself with a much bigger problem … and she is going to need a lot of friends – two-legged and four-legged – to help her solve it ...

‘With suspense, humour and a pack of darling dogs, Joe Weatherstone’s debut middle-grade novel is full of heart. Queen of Dogs is a story about loneliness, the power of animals, making new friends, and creating change in local communities. Fans of Kelli Anne Hawkins’ Copycat, Zana Fraillon’s The Way of Dog, and the classics Doctor Dolittle and Nancy Drew will be delighted by Weatherstone’s ability to craft a compelling mystery with a young girl’s unbreakable bond with her dog at the heart of the story.’ Books+Publishing