In The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone, a brilliant teenage boy with Autism, discovers a neighbor's dog has been murdered and sets out to solve the mystery against his father's wishes, ultimately uncovering deeper family secrets and navigating personal challenges. The book includes discussions of domestic violence and infidelity.

Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is widely praised for its unique perspective and compelling narrative. Critics commend the authentic depiction of autism and the engrossing mystery. However, some readers find the protagonist's voice limiting and the plot's resolution lacking depth. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that resonates emotionally and intellectually.

Readers who enjoy The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon are typically fans of unique narrative voices and stories that explore autism. Comparable to those who appreciated The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer.

Mysterious / Challenging / Emotional / Bittersweet / Contemplative

**CHRISTOPHER JOHN FRANCIS BOONE**  
Christopher, a 15-year-old boy with high-functioning Autism, narrates the story in *The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time*. He loves routines, has a passion for mathematics and science, and finds comfort in orderliness. Christopher embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of Wellington, a dog's death, which leads him on an unexpected and challenging journey.

**ED BOONE, CHRISTOPHER’S FATHER**  
Ed Boone, Christopher’s father, runs a small heating repair business. He struggles with personal issues but cares deeply for his son. Their relationship becomes strained as Christopher pursues the dog murder mystery.

**JUDY BOONE, CHRISTOPHER’S MOTHER**  
Judy Boone is Christopher’s mother, who is lively and intense. She leaves the family at one point, which has a significant impact on Christopher's life and emotional development.

**SIOBHAN**  
Siobhan is Christopher's tutor who provides guidance and support. She encourages him to write about his experiences, helping him to navigate his social world and cope with the challenges of Autism.

**EILEEN SHEARS**  
Mrs. Shears is a neighbor of Christopher and his father, Ed. She becomes indirectly involved in the dog's death mystery because of her connection to Wellington, the deceased dog.

**ROGER SHEARS**  
Roger Shears is a neighbor involved in a complicated relationship with Christopher's mother, Judy. He becomes a part of Christopher's investigation due to his connection to Judy and Eileen.

**MRS. ALEXANDER**  
Mrs. Alexander is an elderly neighbor who assists Christopher in uncovering local secrets pertinent to his investigation into Wellington’s murder.

**RHODRI**  
Rhodri is an assistant in Ed Boone's business who sometimes interacts with Christopher, using his talent for arithmetic as a form of entertainment.

**TOBY**  
Toby is Christopher’s pet rat, which he dearly loves and cares for, representing an important part of Christopher's life and emotional world.

**SANDY**  
Sandy is the golden retriever puppy given to Christopher by his father after Toby's death, symbolizing comfort and helping mend the father-son relationship.

**WELLINGTON**  
Wellington is the deceased dog, a French poodle owned by Mrs. Shears. Wellington's death is the central mystery that drives the plot of *The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time*.

- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time won the 2003 Whitbread Book Awards for Best Novel and Book of the Year, an impressive feat for a debut novel.
- The title of the book is inspired by a Sherlock Holmes story called "The Adventure of Silver Blaze," where the curious incident refers to the fact that a dog did not bark, indicating something unusual.
- Mark Haddon, the author, is also an illustrator and he designed the book's original cover art, which features a simple yet striking image of a dog.

Mark Haddon

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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 2-41

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Chapters 2-41 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 43-127

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Chapters 43-127 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 131-157

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Chapters 131-157 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 163-233

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Chapters 163-233 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Character Analysis

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Introduction

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