South London gangsters and investigators clash in Catford. Pacy and vigorous this is an entertaining read.

This was everything I hoped for. A wise cracking, seat of the pants, dodgy dealing villain, PI story. The first few pages of this book felt like a favourite cosy jumper that is so satisfyingly familiar and comfortable. For me the story got occasionally bogged down in some of the moneyed shenanigans. But you aren’t getting rid of the jumper for a few slight imperfections, because you know it just feels right. That’s the way I felt reading the book. This book just felt right! I look forward to a series of stories for these characters that runs in to many books for Miles and his chums, and more cleverly brought together PI adventures. Thank you to Andy Burn, Literally PR, Hadfield & Harwood Press and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given given.

Set in Catford, South-east London in 2003, “Catford Dogs” follows the life of Miles Askew, a charming yet feckless 38-year-old. Born into privilege, his life is spiraling out of control as he works for a small-time private investigation agency. His career and relationships are in disarray, resembling a car crash.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn during one August weekend when Miles receives an alarming ultimatum from his lover. Simultaneously, what begins as a straightforward investigation into local greyhound racing quickly escalates with the suspicious death of his close friend and colleague, George. This tragic loss shatters Miles’s complacent existence and thrusts him into a dangerous web of criminal conspiracy.

As Miles grapples with the need for atonement and justice, he confronts ruthless criminals while navigating his own conflicted loyalties. The story is rich with elements of bribery, blackmail, and violent death, all set against the backdrop of Blair’s England and Catford’s criminal history. The stakes are high as every move Miles makes could be his last.

"Catford Dogs" by Andy Burn offers an ambitious narrative but ultimately falls short due to its convoluted timeline and confusing structure. The book attempts to weave together multiple threads, but the frequent jumps back and forth in time left me feeling disoriented rather than engaged.

The characters, while intriguing, often seemed underdeveloped as the shifting timelines made it difficult to fully grasp their motivations and growth. Instead of building tension or deepening the story, the nonlinear approach detracted from the overall experience. I found myself struggling to piece together the narrative, which disrupted my connection to the story and its themes.

While Burn's writing has moments of brilliance, the chaotic timeline made it challenging to appreciate the finer details. For readers who enjoy a straightforward narrative, "Catford Dogs" may prove frustrating. Unfortunately, this book did not resonate with me, leaving me more confused than captivated.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.