Amy Shojai Books In Order

Publication Order of September Day Books

Publication Order of Plays

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Chicken Soup Books

Amy Shojai is an American author of nonfiction, mystery and thrillers books. Besides writing, she is also a certified animal behavior consultant with over 35 nonfiction pet books. Amy’s books feature themes ranging from cat and dog training, behavior, nutrition, first aid, allopathic health care, and aging pets. Her books have won over a dozen awards, and she has twice won the Friskies Writer of the Year award. Some of Amy’s articles have been featured in FearFreePets.com, Chewy.com, Herald Democrat newspaper, and Readers Digest. She is an active member of the Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Alliance of Independent Authors.

Lost and Found is the first novel in the September Day series. This book is not just another thriller; it’s a narrative that boasts the essence of Shojai’s expertise. It’s a suspenseful tale that resonates with animal lovers and thriller enthusiasts alike. It’s also a Thriller with a BITE novel that introduces readers to a unique blend of suspense, animal behavior, and emotional depth.

We are introduced to the main character, September, as she mourns the death of her policeman husband, Christopher Day, and her beloved search and rescue dog, Dakota. Despite her grief, September’s resilience shines as she dedicates her life to training dogs for roles that range from assisted living companions to search and rescue heroes.

Set against the backdrop of Heartland, Texas, Lost and Found explores September’s return to her roots after years spent away in Chicago and Indiana. The comfort of being near family and the familiar faces of friends provide a bittersweet solace amid her struggles. However, the arrival of a massive blizzard serves as a chilling metaphor for the storm of challenges she faces, both externally and internally.

Lost and Found intricately weaves September’s journey of healing and redemption through her work with Shadow, a young dog she trains to assist her nephew, Steven. At eight years old, Steven grapples with autism, a condition further worsened by his father, Doug refusal to acknowledge his son’s needs and contribute to his medical care. September’s commitment to her nephew highlights her compassionate spirit and dedication to making a difference through her specialized skills. Amidst these personal and professional endeavors, September also embarks on an ambitious project to rebuild her historic home. This subplot adds a layer of complexity to her life and symbolizes the process of reconstructing her own life piece by piece.

Lost and Found exceeds the boundaries of traditional thrillers. It’s a narrative that is as much about the power of human-animal bonds as it is about solving mysteries. Shojai’s expertise in animal behavior enriches the story, providing insightful glimpses into the training and capabilities of assistance dogs and delving into its characters’ emotional landscapes. The story takes readers on a compelling journey through the heart of Texas, where the lines between loss and discovery, despair and hope, are as intricate as the bonds between humans and their canine companions.

Things takes a twisted turn when Steven and his service dog, Shadow, vanish into the grip of a relentless snowstorm. The uncertainty of their whereabouts and well-being casts a shadow of dread over April and September. Shadow’s training is put to the ultimate test as September clings to the hope that it will be enough to safeguard Steven in the harsh weather.

The story is narrated from a third-person perspective, shifting between the various characters’ viewpoints. The protagonist is portrayed with a depth gradually revealed, her backstory influencing her actions and decisions throughout the novel. This gradual unveiling adds a rich layer to the narrative, culminating in a character whose journey is both compelling and transformative. The story is filled with a diverse cast that extends beyond its human characters to include animals, each bringing their unique presence to the story. September, mirroring the author’s expertise, is an animal behavior specialist whose complex relationship with her family and her commitment to her autistic nephew, Steven, form the narrative’s heart. The inclusion of Shadow highlights September’s skills and serves as a testament to the author’s knowledge of animal behavior.

The novel does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, with villains that add a palpable sense of danger to September’s quest. However, it’s the portrayal of Shadow and the nuanced depiction of autism that set the story apart. Shadow’s perspective, informed by Shojai’s understanding of canine psychology, offers a refreshing and insightful viewpoint that enriches the narrative. The portrayal of autism in Lost and Found is handled with sensitivity and insight, reflecting thorough research into the condition. The narrative captures the challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families, including the desperation that can drive parents to seek expensive, unproven treatments.

With its blend of suspense, emotional depth, and a keenly observed canine companion, Lost and Found is a mystery that will resonate with animal lovers and mystery enthusiasts alike. The novel’s ability to weave together tension-filled moments with the intricacies of human and animal relationships makes it a standout read.

Hide and Seek is the second novel in the September Day series by Amy Shojai. The story reintroduces familiar faces from the first book while welcoming new members into September’s community, enriching the tapestry of relationships and setting a vivid life scene in Texas. The plot masterfully interlaces various threads, from the dubious antics of a reality TV star to a mysterious death that reopens old wounds for September and the charming dynamics between Macy (a cat) and Shadow, who bring warmth and fun to September’s world.
As the narrative unfolds, a more sinister plot emerges, involving a threat from September’s past, a missing woman, and a young girl’s innocent affection for cats—all swirling around the enigmatic illness affecting humans and animals. Shojai skillfully crafts a suspenseful tale that navigates through the murky waters of past trauma, media manipulation, and the deep bonds formed between humans and their pets.

Particularly noteworthy is the use of Shadow’s perspective. While Shadow does not narrate the story or engage in detective work, his instincts and actions offer a unique lens through which certain events are viewed, adding depth without humanizing the animal characters beyond the realm of believability.

Hide & Seek is not just a mystery; it explores the emotional attachments that define our lives, whether with animals or humans. Shojai’s talent shines in portraying these connections with authenticity, especially in the tranquil moments shared between Macy, Shadow, and September. These interactions counterbalance the tension driving the main plot, highlighting the comfort and solace pets provide.