Kraus creates a wise, though simple, character in Thurman the dog. Kraus has the ability to make Thurman's thoughts come to life in a way that is believable for a dog- altruistic, loyal, simplistic, and honest. While the idea of a dog talking is obviously far-fetched, this novel is fun and hits on important issues, namely the mental health of veterans. The Dog that Whispered is a fast, yet thoughtful read.

This is a lovely heart warming story about Thurman who is a dog that whispers.

Thurman is adopted by Gretna Steele but when she realises that she can't have pets at her senior residence she foists the dog onto her son Wilson. Gretna promises Wilson that she will find a home for the dog, but she believes Thurman is going to do something wonderful for her son because Thurman told her so.

Wilson decides to humour his mother for a few days and during those few days he realises that Thurman the dog is actually speaking to him in whispers, grunts and growls. Of course Wilson decides that it is just a psychological occurrence and that the Thurman isn't really speaking to him but as time passes he realises the dog is really communicating with him.

Thurman communicates with people in his own way and he also guides people, a bit like what a guardian angel would do. He doesn't speak entire sentences just a word here and there, but it is those words that encourage Gretna and Wilson to reach out for something better. This something eventually emerges in the person of a widow called Emily whose mother in law lives at the same residence as Gretna.

Thurman slowly encourages Wilson to face the past and seek peace. For forty years Wilson has lived in the shadow of the Vietnam war and it left him damaged. Thurman guides and cajoles Wilson to a place where he can open himself up to heal and to believe.

And so Wilson slowly begins to reach for newness and healing but what he doesn't realise is that newness and healing are also searching for him.

I really enjoyed reading this. It is a story about finding hope and new life, and having the courage to take the initial steps of faith. I didn't realsie that the story had religious themes but I really enjoyed this. Overall it is a story of a man who finds new life after many years of being adrift, lonely and lost.

I simply adored Thurman who was the catalyst for Wilson's redemption. Thurman is a kind of encourager, guide and prophetic voice leading Wilson on a journey that he would rather not take. But slowly, slowly Wilson responds and when he does the world around him changes for the better.

A thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming story.

Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.