Member Reviews

This is such an incredible book - cant think how to explain it. It is based on the Australian divorce laws at the time, I remember listening to my father complaining, but I didn't really understand. This helped. I got so engaged. with the story and just kept reading it one afternoon. Catfish was such an interesting character but Dogboy was the silent introvert who you just wanted to know what was happening to him and how. Loved the ending.

I was given a copy by the author via netgalley but the review is entirely my own.

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This was an interesting read with an important message. The story is set in Australia where after 18 months of being in a defacto relationship in Australia, the courts can determine that the assets of both parties are split equally. Seven out of every nine suicides in Australia are male. Seven!

The story is about Katherine Fisher, aka Catfish and Lindsay Kramer aka
Dogboy. When Lindsay Kramer, marries Katherine Fisher, he doesn't know that he is marrying a gold-digger….or does he? She is planning to divorce him after those 18 months and take everything she can get her hands on. Prepared for this day Katherine finds a lawyer and has all the paperwork required to start the divorce case, which raises red flags. When Lindsay disappears we follow the police investigation, while furious Katherine is doing everything possible to get the assets. The big question is if Dogboy committed suicide (TW), got murdered or is he still alive?

This book reads like a documentary and has a lot of details about Counterfeit designer goods, money laundering and drugs trafficking. I didn't mind this way of writing, but it wouldn't be for everyone as there is more telling than showing so it doesn't really leave a lot for imagination. I would have liked to hear more from Dogboy as now you hear ‘about’ him from other characters. The character building felt a bit flat, but that is more because of the writing style. It's written in 3rd person and has multiple POVs. The story has a complex story plot and is full of tensionthat keeps you engaged. Overall I enjoyed this fast-paced story.

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Dogboy and Catfish is a most intriguing novel set in Melbourne which commences at the end of Melbourne Universities’ annual rowing regatta, where a group of friends are completing their day with a Pub crawl. A somewhat disturbing incident occurs and Lindsay, or Dogboy to his friends, uses his uncanny ability to work with dogs to save his friends from a vicious attack.
Time passes, everyone moves on and Lindsay, always the outsider, meets and marries Katherine “Catfish” Fisher, an influencer, fashionista and former Miss Australia entrant. They have been married for eighteen months, when Cat decides she wants a divorce and the money.
She approaches one of the top Divorce lawyers, a woman known for her success rate: she is well prepared, has already worked out what she wants and will stop at very little to get her own way. There is one problem, Lindsay has gone missing, possibly committed suicide, but whatever has happened he is gone and there is no body yet discovered.
So begins what is a fascinating tale of greed, corruption, deceit, obsession and the value of friendship, which ranges across the world of money laundering, drug smuggling and counterfeit designer goods with links to several crime syndicates.
Written in a clear, concise, almost report like style the mystery unfolds in carefully constructed sections which, in an almost clinical manner holds a fascination as to what happens next. In a wry twist, justice is seen to be done, but at what cost.
The conclusion while not completely unexpected, ties up many loose ends, but also delivers a moment for reflection on friendship, and the impact of a kind word at the right time, can make a very large difference.
Based on a true story, Luke Gracias has created an intriguing story that looks at the many aspects of humanity and the results of what could be considered as the ruthless narcissism prevalent in the world of today.

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Dogboy v Catfish is an intriguing Australian crime thriller about the investigation into the disappearance of a shy tech millionaire just when his former beauty queen wife is preparing to take him to the cleaners in a divorce. I was invited to read it post publication by NetGalley, and liked the striking cover image and tantalising title, so decided to take a chance on a new author to me. I’m glad I did as I was immediately swept up in the story, which explores an area of the law that doesn’t usually appear in crime fiction, and exposes the way it can be abused by the unscrupulous.

I really liked how different this is, both in plot and writing style - it’s almost like a newspaper report, carefully describing a series of events, but the reader knows from the start who the villain is in this battle. The Melbourne police officers investigating Dogboy’s disappearance are sympathetic and diligent, and you cheer them as they take on the manipulative Katherine Kelly Fisher aka Catfish, and he scheming lawyers and dubious associates. Soon they are discovering links to international organised crime but the mystery lies in what exactly has been going on in the world of high-priced designer goods. Who knew that the market for fake handbags was quite so profitable!

I thoroughly enjoyed this for the characters and the twisty plot, and fully expect it to appear on my Top 5 books of this year. Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy; I am posting this honest review voluntarily. Dogboy v Catfish is available now.

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Thank you for this ARC. Not my usual type of book but once I started reading I couldn’t put it down, it just flowed.
Would recommend to others.

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This is the first book by this author I have read. I loved the storyline. After I read the synopsis, I couldn’t wait to read it. The premise is unique and well delivered. I wasn’t as much a fan of the author’s writing style. The sentences were short and lacked description. I think the story would have been so much better with more character development and more descriptive language. In my opinion, the writing was very simple.

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This is a voluntary review for a complimentary ARC kindly provided by NetGalley and the author/publisher.

There are only a handful of books that hook me from the first chapter and this is one. Dogboy v Catfish opens with a glimpse of why Lindsay Kramer earned his nickname. Next we begin to see hints that Katherine “Catfish” Fisher is not the person the world thinks she is. Lindsay has disappeared and therein begins the story that the authorities investigate which peels like the layers of an onion with everyone they encounter.

At its heart, this story is about those who exist to work the system. Abuse of the imperfect Australian law becomes the center of Catfish’s focus and the complex story is untangled and wrapped around criminals, drugs, money laundering, and counterfeit designer goods.

The original and consistently engaging plot drives the events with brilliant unexpected twists creating a unique legal/mystery read. This is one of those books that’s worth more than 5-stars, and is hands down my favorite book of 2023.

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Interesting and disturbing concept. I didn't enjoy the writing style but was interested in the story itself. Certainly makes one want to be aware of a persons past.

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Review of eBook

When a group of students from the University of Melbourne are threatened by a gang of thieves, they are saved by dogs that come to their defense, seemingly at the command of Lindsay Kramer. Because of his rapport with the animals, Lindsay, the dog whisperer, is able to save the group from the gang.

Sixteen years later, Lindsay, known as Dogboy, is missing and his wife, Katherine, is seeking a divorce [and access to all of Lindsay’s money]. But Lindsay has gone missing.

Katherine’s first husband, Darren Berrington, died under somewhat mysterious circumstances. Could the same fate have befallen Lindsay? Or is there some other explanation for Dogboy’s sudden disappearance?

=========

This twisty mystery keeps readers involved in the telling of the tale from the outset. Strong characters, a unique plot, and unexpected twists and revelations keep readers guessing until the final page.

Here readers will find believable characters, a story told from several points of view, and a complex plot that touches on marriage, friendship, infidelity, designer goods, counterfeiting, drug smuggling, and money laundering. The obvious greed of one of the characters, the procedures of the police throughout the investigation, and the ever-present question of Lindsay’s whereabouts work together to create a suspenseful tale that readers will find difficult to set aside before turning the final page.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from Luke Gracias and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#DogboyvCatfish #NetGalley

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First runner up to Miss Australia, Catfish, comes to a college friend to represent her as she divorces her husband, Dogboy, Then Dogboy disappears. Did he commit suicide or become a runner? What follows in Dogboy v Catfish, by Luke Gracias, takes lawyers, police, and private investigators into the underworld of counterfeit high end fashion, drugs, and money laundering. This is written in a no nonsense, Dragnet, style which was very entertaining.

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Dogboy v Catfish by Luke Gracias was a fantastic read.
I read this book in less than 24 hours… So gripping, it had me hooked and unable to put it down until I finished the last shocking page.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Luke Gracias for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.

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"Dogboy v Catfish" by Luke Gracias is a thrilling and suspenseful tale of intrigue, deception, and the complexities of relationships.

Katherine Fisher, known as 'Catfish,' plans to divorce her husband, Lindsay 'Dogboy' Kramer, on the day of her second wedding. Her strategy is to claim half of their assets and receive maintenance payments until their daughter, Emma, turns 18. However, just as Catfish is about to set her plan into motion, Dogboy goes missing.

The police investigation into Dogboy's disappearance uncovers a web of criminal activities, including counterfeit designer goods, money laundering, and drug smuggling. As Dogboy's assets are frozen, the case evolves from a missing person's inquiry to a potential homicide investigation. Catfish must now race against time to secure Dogboy's assets before the authorities close in. The central question remains: Is Dogboy dead or alive?

Gracias expertly crafts a narrative full of twists and turns, keeping readers guessing and fully engaged in the high-stakes world of deception and disappearance. The characters are well-developed, and their complex relationships add depth to the story. Gracias's writing is atmospheric, creating an immersive reading experience.

This book is an exhilarating read that will satisfy fans of thrillers and suspense novels. The themes of the story also touch upon the challenges of personal relationships and the complexities of the legal system. "Dogboy v Catfish" is a rollercoaster ride of suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

#DogboyvCatfish #LukeGracias #Mystery #Thriller #BookReview #NetGalley

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How conniving can the woman you love be when she thinks she is entitled to live an easy life as a socialite? In this mystery novel, elements of family law, crime and psychology combine to expose how unfair Australia's legal system can be when one participant in a divorce is much more wealthy than the other.

Dogboy v Catfish is a relaxing read, not a thriller, which makes it an accessible look into how international crime can find its way into everyday Australian life. While the police are trying to unravel what is going on with both Dogboy and Catfish, the lawyers and associates of each party are drawn into a web of carefully laid plans. But whose are they?

The reader is on tenterhooks right to the end wondering who is going to get the better of who? Will the criminals get away with their dirty deeds or will the cops finally manage to slice the head off the snake? Will the police uncover what has happened to missing person Lindsay Kramer? Did he really kill himself? Are those knock-off designer handbags genuine after all? And what do a couple of porn stars have to do with it?

You will have to read Dogboy v Catfish to find out!

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I almost didn’t request this book as the title didn’t inspire me and I thought the cover was a little odd. Until I read the description I thought it was aimed at young teens. However, the book got off to a really promising start. I loved Dogboy immediately and was really looking forward to more of his dog whispering skills. Sadly, there wasn’t much more. It wasn’t long before I realised I wasn’t enjoying the writing style. To be honest, at times I felt as if I was reading an instruction manual or a report, and the stilted dialogue was awful. There seemed to be a lot of repetition throughout and I got totally confused and bored with all the details we were given about the designer bags/trash/drugs crime. I enjoyed that a certain dreadful person got what they deserved in the end, and I enjoyed that it was the end! Sorry, but thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this.

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This book had an interesting concept but it was hard to read. I was more interested in the relationship between the husband and wife and thought there would be more about the cat and mouse game between them. The style was a little stilted and the investigation for a missing husband became more of an investigation into fake good and money laundry, which wasn't long, detailed and not very interesting. I liked the beginning and the end more

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On the day she marries her second husband, Katherine "Catfish" Fisher, starts planning for her divorce in eighteen months. That is when she would be entitled to half of their combined assets and receive maintenance payments until her five- year-old daughter, Emma, turns 18. However, just as Catfish was about to take her husband, Lindsay 'Dogboy' Kramer (a successful businessman and dog whisperer) to the cleaners, he goes missing, while away on a business trip. As the police begin investigating Dogboy's disappearance, it leads them into the dark world of counterfeit designer goods, money laundering, and drug smuggling. With Dogboy's assets frozen and the mob protecting their interests, the missing persons case escalates to homicide. Catfish is in a race against time to get hold of Dogboy's assets before the police get hold of her. One question remains - is Dogboy dead or alive?

I was unfamiliar with this author before reading this book, but I enjoyed it so immensely, I plan to check out the other books he has written as well. This was a non-stop thrill ride, with the police not only trying to determine whether or not Dogboy was alive, but also determining that Catfish was up to something illegal, and then trying to untangle her network of criminal enterprises. Catfish was truly a despicable person, so it was fun to see her get thwarted over and over by plans Dogboy had set in place before he went on his business trip. There was a lot of nail biting, waiting to see if Catfish and her cronies would get what was coming to them, and wondering about the fate of Dogboy. If you are a fan of mysteries or thrillers, then you should definitely check this out!

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Gives new meaning to gold digger. Everything is not as it seems. The book had just the right amount of twists for a good story. Even though I am not familiar with the setting fo the book it was top notch.

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The dialogue in this was so stilted it was borderline not readable. It's just... not how people talk. I was so intrigued by the premise and cover of this one but it just did not work for me whatsoever.

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How does Lindsay get the nick name "Dogboy"? Well, dogs are instantly enamoured with him at first meeting and enjoy obeying his every command whether a soft word or the lifting of a finger. You could say he's a combined dog whisperer and Pied Piper. How does a former beauty queen and social media 'Influencer' get the nick name "Catfish"? CATherine FISHer, simply by combining segments of her name. Thereby, we now have our two main characters and the title of the book.

These two polar opposites, she, the extroverted narcissist and he, the introverted shy-guy, have been married just short of eighteen months. In Australia, our story's location, there is a law whereby a spouse can be eligible for over 60% of the value of her husband's assets should the marriage fail. Catherine has been previously married and has a five year old daughter, Emma. Her first husband was murdered while on a visit to Thailand.
The daughter and the murder are important to the story.

Lindsay has done well financially and is worth a substantial amount of money. He also has to spend a lot of time on business trips. He has bankrolled Catherine in setting her up in a high-end retail outlet dealing in designer accessories, clothing and handbags.

The story becomes very quickly catapulted into high gear when Catherine sees a lawyer and Lindsay vanishes while on one of his business trips. She is making a legal foray into divorcing him after the eighteen-month magic moment puts her in reach of opulence. He is nowhere to be found, seemingly as a puff of smoke. His hotel room has clothing in the closet, no packed bags, phone in the charger, the leavings of a meal on the table, wet towels in the bathroom, shaving gear on the counter, etc.

Weeks pass. Police have found no clue as to Lindsay's whereabouts, there is no body and Catherine cannot claim Lindsay legally dead until seven years have passed. It is during the uneventful investigation into Lindsay's disappearance that troubling information surfaces causing police to unearth cryptic clues leading them Into drug smuggling, money-laundering and counterfeit designer goods. We, the readers, are now on a wild ride.

We watch Catherine's ever escalating frustration and anger as she tries unsuccessfully to get her hands on Lindsay's assets while Lindsay's friends and the police trace trails leading to Thailand and Portugal.

Is Lindsay (Dogboy) dead or alive? Does Catherine succeed in lying and cheating her way to riches? The author keeps the foot on the accelerator throughout the book. There are no slow passages. It's a satisfying, whirlwind read keeping you guessing and questioning the whole way.

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What a fun quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery suspense, police procedural with a side of domestic drama. This story is well-written with many twists and turns just the way I like it! The Australian author wraps everything up in the end in a satisfying way. Highly recommend this book to those who are drawn to this genre.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.

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