Book Review: Does Mary Robinette Kowal’s The Spare Man Get Service Dogs Right?

Book Review: Does Mary Robinette Kowal’s The Spare Man Get Service Dogs Right?

Service dog handlers don’t often see themselves represented in fantasy, science fiction, or mystery novels. In fact, it’s rare enough to find accurate representation of service dogs here on Earth, so when an author not only gets it right, but brings that authenticity into space, it’s something special.

Enter: The Spare Man, a sci-fi mystery book with a service dog.

This is not a review of The Spare Man’s plot. This is a review of how well the book represents service dogs. So buckle up, because The Spare Man  is set aboard an interplanetary cruise liner traveling to Mars.

The novel follows Tesla Crane, an inventor and heiress who lives with chronic pain and PTSD, and her service dog, Gimlet. While Tesla’s honeymoon takes a turn when her spouse, Shal, is accused of murder on the cruise liner, the book’s real standout is how naturally Kowal blends Gimlet into the story, showing the realities of living with a service dog, even in the outer reaches of space.

Service Dogs Are Always Present in a Handler’s Life

Though the main focus of The Spare Man is a space murder mystery, Kowal does a wonderful job illustrating that a service dog is always present in a handler’s life. Gimlet isn’t a background prop; Tesla relies on her for tasking during high-stress moments and for everyday management.

Despite the dramatic sci-fi backdrop, the story still manages to integrate the presence of Tesla’s service dog without making her a spectacle, showing that Gimlet is a working partner.

Handling Attention and Public Interaction

The book also highlights a reality many handlers face: the constant attention service dogs bring. Kowal shows that sometimes, Tesla can handle the attention, even giving Gimlet a “Go say hi” command to occasionally greet people appropriately when she’s on the job.

But the story also acknowledges how detrimental this can be for service dogs and their handlers. Tesla must firmly assert, “No, she’s a service dog. Touching her will distract her from her job,” when people try to pet Gimlet.

Kowal also illustrates the difficulties of the constant attention that service dogs attract. Tesla and Shal decide to leave Gimlet in their suite so they can enjoy a night out without the constant public attention, showing how overwhelming it can be and much work a service dog requires beyond the obvious tasks.

Realistic Service Dog Behavior

Handlers will appreciate the attention to detail in Tesla and Shal’s private interactions. For example, they remind each other that Gimlet is a service dog, not a robot. Gimlet sometimes barks when she shouldn’t, like when someone delivers something to their suite. But these moments occur when Gimlet is “off duty.” These details will be relatable to many service dog handlers.

Spoilers

While The Spare Man largely gets service dog life right, there is one situation that might pull handlers out of the story. Minor spoilers ahead—though it won’t affect the main mystery: Gimlet temporarily goes missing near the end of the story, and Tesla and Shal prioritize solving the murder over locating their dog.

Anyone with a service dog (or even a beloved pet) might find this decision jarring. Continued spoiler: They do eventually reunite with Gimlet, so it doesn’t derail the story.

Looking for a Sci-Fi Mystery with Accurate Service Dog Representation?

Kowal delivers a stylish, engaging space mystery while portraying Tesla and Gimlet’s partnership with accuracy and nuance. The Spare Man proves that even in an interplanetary story, service dogs can be portrayed authentically. For readers both new to service dogs and those with lived experience, this is a thoughtful, enjoyable, and often amusing depiction of handler life, even millions of miles from Earth.

Looking for other fun novels featuring service dogs? Check out this book review of Sarah Adams’ The Match.