Abingdon library staff were successful in replacing an American citizen’s prized book after her signed copy was eaten by her dog.

Teresa Bennett, from Indianapolis in the United States, is a fan of the British mystery and thriller novelist Mick Herron.

Ms Bennett had a signed copy of Mr Herron’s book ‘Slow Horses’ but unfortunately her rescue dog, Cora, destroyed the book which she had borrowed.

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Oxford Mail: Teresa Bennett's dog CoraTeresa Bennett's dog Cora (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

Staff at Abingdon Library were contacted by Ms Bennett as they were hosting a Mick Herron book signing event last November.

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Ms Bennett told the staff that she was “desperate to organise a new, signed copy to replace the destroyed one”.

Oxford Mail: Book ripped up on the floorBook ripped up on the floor (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

Jess Williams, customer service advisor at Abingdon Library, said: “Last November, we were lucky enough to welcome Mick Herron to Abingdon Library to promote his newest story collection, 'Standing by the Wall'.

Oxford Mail: Staff at Abingdon LibraryStaff at Abingdon Library (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

“Shortly before the event, I was contacted by a lady from the USA, who explained her dog had chewed a prized copy of a Mick Herron book she had borrowed.”

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Ms Williams said Ms Bennett struggled to get her hands on a copy of the book, particularly a signed one, as it had been “adapted into a TV show”.

Ms Williams worked around the clock to try and get a copy of the book to the library in time for the event and eventually Ms Bennett was successful in getting a second-hand copy delivered to the library in time.

However, when this book arrived it was in a very bad condition so the Abingdon Library team made sure the new copy was delivered in time for Mr Herron’s book signing event.

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Ms Williams said that when she explained to Mr Herron about the “international efforts undertaken to get this book to him, he absolutely loved it”.

She explained: “Not only did he sign the book but he also asked to get in touch with Teresa directly”.

Speaking about the experience of sourcing the book, Ms Williams said it was “amazing that somebody all the way in Indianapolis called on Abingdon Library for help and I was delighted to play my part in the story of a dog, a book and a thriller writer”.

Since the event took place, Mr Herron has arranged for Ms Williams to receive a signed copy of ‘Standing by the Wall’ and inside the book he left the following message: “Teresa and Cora – another tasty book …. with my best wishes, Mick Herron.”

Service manager for libraries and heritage at Oxfordshire County Council, Mark McCree, said: “This story just shows how much a love of literature can unite us all over the world and how much our library staff will go above and beyond to help people get their hands on a book.

“Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries, including Abingdon, regularly hold events, most of which are free of charge, for people of all ages, from rhyme time for young children to knit and natter for adults.”