A Dog Called Hero

Author: Birchall, Katy

Reading age: from c 9 years

Published on 11 September 2025 by Scholastic in the United Kingdom.

Paperback / softback | 400 pages
198 x 129 | 0g

Heartwarming and powerful, a young girl and ex-police

dog bond over their grief and work together to solve crime.

Haley has withdrawn from the world and retreated into her shell

ever since her police officer dad was killed in the line of duty

a year ago. Hero is a young police dog who has been retired early

– his handler was injured in the line of duty and he cannot

seem to bond with anyone else. But when Haley and Hero

meet, two lost souls find one another.

As they settle into their new lives, they quickly learn that old

habits die hard when Hero is instantly onto a clue when

the Whittaker Diamond is stolen. And Haley is

furious when DI Doyle, a former rival of her dad's, is assigned

the case and immediately accuses ex-offender Dylan – an employee

of her mum's catering business which offers second chances

and rehabilitation.

Can Hero and Haley crack the case?

Filled with heartfelt emotion and thrilling twists, this is a

brilliant cosy crime story with a gorgeous bond between girl and

dog at its core.

A tale of friendship and mystery for readers aged 9-12.

Perfect for young animal lovers and fans of The Mountain

Rescue Dog and The Last Bear.