The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a 2003 mystery novel by British writer Mark Haddon. Its title refers to an observation by the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes (created by Arthur Conan Doyle) in the 1892 short story "The Adventure of Silver Blaze". Haddon and The Curious Incident won the Whitbread Book Awards for Best Novel and Book of the Year.
Christopher John Francis Boone is a 16-year-old boy who has behavioral problems and lives with his father, Ed. He explains in his narration that his mother, Judy, died two years before. Then one day, the boy discovers the dead body of the neighbor's dog, Wellington, speared by a garden fork. Mrs. Shears, the dog's owner, calls the police, and Christopher comes under suspicion. He is arrested, then released with a police caution. He decides to investigate the dog's death. Throughout his adventures, Christopher records his experiences in a book. During his investigation, Christopher meets the elderly Mrs. Alexander, who informs Christopher that his mother had an affair with Mr. Shears.
Ed discovers the book and confiscates it. While searching for the confiscated book, Christopher discovers letters from his mother dated after her supposed death. He is so shocked that he is unable to move. Ed realizes that Christopher has read the letters. He confesses that he had lied about Judy's death; he also admits that he had killed Wellington, after an argument with Mrs. Shears. Christopher decides to run away and live with his mother.
After a long and event-filled journey, evading policemen and feeling ill from the trains and crowds around him, he finally finds his way to the home of his mother and Mr. Shears. Judy is delighted that Christopher has come to her. Mr. Shears does not want Christopher living with them. Very soon after arriving, Christopher wants to return to Swindon in order to take his mathematics A-level. His mother leaves Mr. Shears, their relationship having broken down because of the rejection of Christopher by Mr. Shears. After an argument with Ed, she agrees to let him see Christopher for daily brief visits. Christopher remains terrified of his father and hopes Ed will be imprisoned for killing Wellington.
