Interesting tale of greed and counterfeit goods in Australia. Title makes it sound like a young adult book but it's quite a complicated adult tale of a missing and quite mysterious man.

Firstly, thank you Luke Gracias and Netgalley for this ArC of Dogboy V Catfish.

This is my first book from Luke and I wasn't disappointed, I felt that Katherine and Lindsey were well fleshed out and felt human, with faults and flaws that felt realistic. The story line was very well written. I really liked the twists and turns which made me question whether Lindsey was either Dead or alive! I kept swapping and I like that about a book that keeps me guessing. Being set in Australia, it's interesting how their laws work which again the author explains in wonderful language. The pay off to the end of the book is great and well delivered.

Im going to be looking out for more books from Luke!

When I first saw the title of this book, I thought it must be for kids, as the title was reminiscent of an old 2000's movie (Sharkboy and Lavagirl anyone?), but once I read the description it quickly became clear that this was very much an adult story. The premise was intriguing, and the cleverness of the names was clearly a draw (way to grab an audience!) so I sallied forth into their world.

I wish I could've enjoyed it more, but the writing kept me at a constant distance. The dialogue was extremely stilted, and the story was all tell, tell, tell. There were points where it felt like reading a report rather than being engaged in a story. It also came across with vague misogynistic overtones which were somewhat offputting. I think it was a good plot that just wasn't realized well enough for my tastes.

My thanks to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There's a difference between a book being bad and a book being not my thing. Therefore, I'd like to preface this by saying there's a good chance that this book just wasn't my thing. But let me separate my feedback into objective, and subjective feed back.

Objective Good Feedback: This book was obviously very well researched. The author clearly put a great deal of time into representing the Australian criminal underworld believably, if not entirely true to form (I say believably because I am not qualified to judge its accuracy). The author has a meticulous attention to detail that makes this book feel very methodical. The book also has an intricate plot for a book of its length. The author also exhibits a large vocabulary and some interesting knowledge of idioms and terms. His theme is quite clearly conveyed.

Subjective good feedback: I like that the author is daring and focused in his approach to themes, regardless of my agreement with them. I also think he attempted to establish levity through quiet levels of absurdity, which was interesting. The influencer angle was also fun to read. I love books that pay attention to chapter titles, so that was nice. Characters are clear and easy to separate.

Objective negative feedback: This book seems poorly edited. There were numerous typos and errors--"except" instead of expect in Chapter 11, and "focussed" instead of focused exactly seven times: once in Chapter 6, once in Chapter 7, three times in Chapter 26, and twice in Chapter 34. While I acknowledge that this is a rare Austronesian variety/slang spelling, I'm not sure it's appropriate for prose in a serious work. In addition, chapters often ended extremely abruptly, which made the book feel rather choppy and disconnected. Dialogue was often unnatural and stilted, and narrative could be too. Example: "Freya gave Michael a platonic hug on the cheek" from Chapter 4 felt very stilted and robotic.

Subjective feedback: Every sentence that contained an expletive (and there were quite a few superfluous ones) was punctuated with an exclamation mark. It may be a stylistic preference, but I found that made them less impactful, somehow, especially when the expletives did not stand alone. I also wasn't fond of the unexplained relationship certain characters have with dogs. It felt like an element that was added fairly quickly to make the title make sense. I also found that even though the book was packed with action, I struggled to get through several of the scenes/connect with the way it was written. The writing style is a lot of telling and little showing which isn't my personal preference. Finally, I disliked the way almost every female character in the book was portrayed. They were either presented as evil vixens (Kath and sometimes Freya), alarmingly vapid (Sabina's ineptitude in Bangkok comes to mind), or sexual objects (Kath again. Why was her lawyer looking at her bosom? That was ew). Sometimes all three at once (again Kath). The author seemed to rely upon underscoring women to make his point about male mental health. (Side note: male mental health is an important topic, and it's important for men and women to write about. I just think it can be done without relying on the "wives make their husbands suicidal!" trope.)

This book was around three stars for me. I'm trying to rate it objectively, and acknowledge the author's efforts, although it wasn't my thing. The ending, I will say, was satisfying, and I will applaud the author for the amount of research he obviously did! Would recommend to anyone that wishes to explore the criminal underworld in an unconventional/unique fashion.

I loved this book. I liked the characters from the very first page - Dogboy and his friends were great and it was very easy to dislike Catfish, moreso as the story progressed. The book was teally well written and full of twists and turns. Can't wait to read more from this author.

Dogboy v Catfish is cleverly thought out, plotted story that is full of intrigue that had the lights on way past midnight.

Kathy ( aka Catfish0) attempts to files for divorce (after 18 months) which now entitles her to half her her husband's Dogboy's ( Lindsay) estate plus child support.

Catfish is not a nice person to put it mildly but a determined gold digger and on a mission to get what she wants no matter the price.

Dogboy however has gone missing.

The police are positive foul play is involved but there is no body.

Luke Gracias has written a gripping story that will have you turning the pages as twist after twist comes your way.

Its a journey the reader must take for themselves and one they wont soon forget.

I am a new fan Luke Gracias. Cant wait to read more of your books.

Thanks to NetGalley for the privilege to read and review Dogboy v Catfish. Loved it.

I picked this book up because I was intrigued by the title; didn't even know what it was about. I found that this is a terrific story that I couldn't put down and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good thriller.

Description:
On the day of her second wedding, Katherine Fisher, aka ‘Catfish,’ set the date for her divorce. In precisely 18 months, she would be entitled to half of their combined assets and receive maintenance payments until her five-year-old daughter, Emma, turns 18. Just as Catfish was about to take her husband, Lindsay ‘Dogboy’ Kramer (a successful businessman and dog whisperer) to the cleaners, he goes missing.

The police investigation into Dogboy’s disappearance 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?

My Thoughts:
This book has themes of divorce, wealth, greed, corruption, revenge, friendship, drug smuggling, money laundering, and the domestic legal system in Australia. Quite a mix! This clever novel is full of twists and surprises. It was fun to read and I couldn't put it down, and actually hated for it to end (even though I liked the ending). The book stood out to me because I don't think I've ever read one with a storyline like this. The way Dogboy got his name was an interesting story in an of itself. The plot had a good amount of tension and I couldn't wait to find out what happened, so it kept me awake reading into the night. Luke Gracias is a new author for me and I see he has written a couple more books that I'm going to check out soon.

Thanks to Luke Gracias through Netgalley for a review copy of this book.

Katherine Fisher (Catfish) marries for the second time and somehow her wedding day is also the day that she sets the day for her divorce from Lindsay (Dogboy) Kramer.

The novel plays on the idea of the Australian law in 2013 which said that after 18 months of marriage a partner (or, by that time, ex partner) is entitled to maintenance. This would, for Catfish, entitle her to payments for her and her young daughter. However, at the crucial time, Dogboy disappears, which kicks into action a complex legal shenanigans basically meaning the cunning plan Catfish had is now blown apart. It also kicks off some plot and pinch-points which develop the characterisation of Catfish and deepens the plot into a particularly complex and dark place. I enjoyed that, but there were times when I had to re-read or flick back to make a couple of plot points make sense. They did. It was probably me, being tired. Perhaps.

It's certainly complex and there's an intelligence to it. Highly recommended, but keep your wits about you.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for th ARC.

Twenty years before his very drunk college friends were attacked by robbers. They watched as Lindsay Kramer’s summoned stray dogs. The dogs protected them and chased the robbers away.
Now, Lindsay Kramer is a wealthy businessman, nicknamed DogBoy, because of the incident. He falls in love with a beautiful widow named Katherine Fisher.
Katherine Fisher’s nickname is ‘Catfish’. Her first husband was murdered, leaving her with a five-year old child to care for. When she marries for the second time it is not out of love. She has a plan – a short-lived marriage, and a quick divorce and loads of alimony. Lindsay Kramer is perfect for her trap.
Now as she sets everything goes awry. Her husband goes missing. Since this is unusual for him, foul play is expected. His assets are frozen. Catfish is trying to grab what she can of Lindsay’s fortune before the police zero in on her. She has a lot to fear since she’s involved in some shady dealing.
Lindsay’s hands are not clean. Is he dead? Is he running from people who want him dead?
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
I posted this review on Goodreads

I wasn’t sure what to expect with DOGBOY V. CATFISH, only that reviews suggested it was worth reading. And, oh, yes it is! I must admit, I found the beginning a bit awkward. I thought perhaps this was author Luke Garcias’ first book, but apparently not. It is not a graceful beginning, in terms of the writing; it feels awkward. The transitions between scenes and from conversations to thoughts are just a bit off. But at about the 20% point, I found myself ignoring the writing style and really paying attention to the story. At one-third of the way, I was hooked and unable to put the book down. An untrustworthy woman seeks an overly favorable divorce settlement from a man that everyone, especially dogs, trust implicitly. The details of the divorce are unique to Australia but the characters and the plot machinations are global and as compelling as they are convoluted. This is a wonderfully satisfying mystery that is a delight to read. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

This book was great fun! I'm not sure exactly what genre it would be - there's elements of police, crime, and influencers, yet in a way it is just about people.
Had I heard all that, I may not have been tempted to read it, but that would be a shame, as I thoroughly enjoyed it, and had my nose fairly glued to the screen as I read it! The plot is a little twisty and involved, but that produces a fascinating read, and I can happily say it is not like anything I have read.

Dogboy v. Catfish by Luke Gracias

We first meet Dogboy aka Lindsay at Melbourne college with a group of friends. Those friends included Freya Keogh, Michael Kaynes, with more in the group and they were all headed to a pub. That’s what university students do, right? On their way home from the pub, well into a drunken state and singing the school song as loud as they could, Lindsay shouted for them to be quiet. The group was stunned and startled because Lindsay was normally a very shy, quiet young man. When Lindsay shouted a couple of dogs that had been following Lindsay began to snarl. More dogs came out of the woods and surrounded the group of students. They were about to be attacked by a group of six hoodlums, who fled when the dogs attacked them. From this point on Lindsay was nicknamed Dogboy.

We next meet Lindsay Kramer through his high brow wife in Freya Keogh’s law office many years later. Freya has become a powerful lawyer and Lindsay’s wife is there for a divorce. Her name is Katherine Kelly Fisher, and she was a runner up in the Miss Melbourne competition in 2001. Richly dressed from head to toe, she reeked of money. She also owns a boutique called Catfish Kelly’s. Why the name Catfish? Katherine made the name famous when she did a campaign for Catfish Wines after the beauty pageant. In fact, many started calling Katherine Catfish because the ad campaign was so successful.

After Katherine’s first husband, Darren died unexpectedly on a business trip to Bangkok, Katherine had to earn money to support her and her 7 year old daughter Emma. That’s how she met her second husband, Lindsay Kramer (Dogboy). He rented her the space for her high end boutique, where she sold designer shoes, bags and clothing. They were married just under 18 months when Lindsay had to go away. He didn’t return. Katherine wasn’t happy in the marriage so took the opportunity of his absence to arrange for a divorce.

Freya didn’t trust Katherine and refused to take her on as a client unless Katherine paid $250,000 up front, which was more than twice her normal fee. She was suspicious of the way Katherine earned her money. And Freya also mistrusted the story she presented.

You will not want to put this book down. It’s an intriguing story of lies and deception with the possibility of murder thrown in. Freya involves Michael Kaynes also a lawyer who has remained good friends with Dogboy. Together with detectives Green and Findlay they trace Lindsay’s tracks and are able to figure out Katherine’s unique way of earning a ton of money. I’ve discovered an interesting fact reading this book. You have to be a very smart person to be a crook. And having no soul doesn’t hurt either.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Authors Up Front for allowing to me to review this book.

Great read. I was actually a little unsure whether to carry on when catfish visited Freya but I’m glad I persisted in the end. I found that part a bit too full of difficult jargon. But it’s well worth a read with money laundering, murder, a missing person and a bitter divorce. I recommend.

This is a fresh contemporary thriller which centres on the marriage/divorce of Lindsay (Dogboy) Kramer and Katherine Fisher. When Lindsay suddenly disappears without trace, Katherine makes a grab for all his assets, feigning a loving marriage and concealing her recent request for a divorce. How she is thwarted by the missing Lindsay is the thrill here, in an adrenaline-fuelled narrative which explores big brand designer fraud, drug smuggling and money laundering.

Gracias’ novel is a complex and convoluted story. I learned a lot. My small complaint would be that the writing doesn’t feel polished or well edited. Dialogue sometimes feels forced, and the text is repetitious in places. Events are related in a matter-of-fact way which doesn’t allow for much emotional connection with the characters. The “dogboy” sections are intriguing but they don’t advance the plot and I didn’t quite grasp why the author chose to use them, other than to create a catchy title. But other readers may disagree. Gracias is clearly a talented writer who, I suspect, has more excellent yarns up his sleeve. On the whole I enjoyed the novel and would recommend it on the basis of its plot which deviates from the usual crime narrative.

Book Review 📚
Dogboy Vs Catfish by Luke Gracias - 4.5/5 ⭐

I was intrigued by this book based on the cover (stunning by the way) and title. I didn't read the blurb and went in blind. To say it was utterly amazing is a huge understatement. I was so engrossed and entertained throughout.

Gracias has such a terrific writing technique, it's truly awe inspiring. He created scenes with depth and description like you can't even believe. It was so descriptive and beautifully done. The characters were phenomenal and the world building was fantastic.

The story itself was gripping! Once I started reading, I could not finish until I was done. It was such an amazing piece of work and I was lost for words throughout most of the story. The plot was well thought of and the authors note at the beginning made the world of difference.

Don't miss out on this one. Thank you to NetGalley and Dialogue Books for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.

I loved this book. The title gave nothing much away! In actual fact it proved to be most entertaining and I scrambled through the pages quickly to keep up with the exciting plot!

Luke Gracias has delivered a creative and exciting plot that I found surprisingly educational. I now know a little more about a variety of subjects like “cross border crime”; “terms of divorce”; “money-laundering”; “drug-dealing” and “designer goods fraud”. I also loved the visual locations of Thailand and Australia.

I will definitely read more books by this author!

When I first read the title, Dogboy v Catfish, I thought that it sounded silly, and was skeptical as to whether I would enjoy the book. I hope others are not turned off by it, as this novel about crime and deception is anything but inane.


Millionaire Lindsay “Dogboy” Kramer vanishes close to the eighteen-month mark of his marriage to a former Miss Australia finalist Katherine “Catfish” Fisher. She is a popular social media influencer and owns a designer clothing and accessory shop. This is her second marriage, as her first husband supposedly committed suicide in Thailand.


First, Katherine files for divorce, but her high-priced attorney feels that something just isn’t right. Weeks after his disappearance, Katherine claims that he is dead and wants access to his bank accounts and assets. That’s when the story gets interesting.


A Melbourne detective and inspector investigating the disappearance also feel something is shady. When Katherine finds that she can’t get her hands on the money, she uses her social media influence to try and change the legal system.


The two officers find more than what they bargained for, which takes them to Bangkok. What ensues is a whirlwind of drug smuggling, gun running, money laundering and murder.


In addition to the family law attorney with a conscience, there are a host of other fascinating characters that add depth to the story.


It is important that you read the “Author’s Note” following the story. Author Luke Gracias discloses his motivation for writing the book, and how a friend’s divorce and attempted suicide provided the basis for the book. The author also claims that the Australian family court system usually favors the women, some of whom are unscrupulous and set out to abuse the system. He believes that there is a connection to why seven out of nine suicide victims in Australia are men.


As I am unfamiliar with Australian family law and legal system, I can only attest that this fast-paced story will keep you engaged until the last page.

(The review has been posted on UnderratedReads)

This book was not what I was expecting at all and in a great way!!! This book is may seem to have a simple plot right from the start but then things quickly morph into a more complicated thriller.

Lindsay "Dogboy" Kramer finally thinks he found his forever love with Katharine "Catfish" Fisher. But once the marriage is close to the 18 month mark, Catfish as no intentions of staying with her husband and just wants the money. But don't count Lindsay out, as he is far smarter than his wife believes and is always one step ahead. I was. immediately caught up in this story and was turning pages as fast as I could read them. I enjoyed the characters that were Brough out in this story as they were relatable. The police officers that are used were diligent and the author didn't make them ridiculously smart or extra. The friends that are supportive of Lindsay are loyal and realistic. The book will make you go back and forth on if the main character is alive or dead.

This was the first book I have read by this author and it will not be the last. The writing was spot on and engaging. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

An attractive woman approaches a family lawyer with a view to starting divorce proceedings after only less tan a year and a half of marriage to a rich, successful businessman. Almost simultaneously he goes missing. The police investigating the disappearance soon conclude that not all is as it seems. Soon an intrigue develops around counterfeit goods and money laundering related to the woman's high end designer goods business.. An intriguing and complex plot, based partly on the Australian law which entitles the woman to at least half of a couple's assets, more if they have children, after 18 months of marriage.. Its well written and moves along at pace, a rattling good read.

"Dogboy v Catfish" by Luke Gracias is a gripping and fast-paced thriller that delves into the intriguing world of counterfeit designer goods, money laundering, and drug smuggling.

Gracias does an excellent job of weaving a complex and suspenseful plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story is rife with unexpected twists and turns, and the author's meticulous attention to detail adds an authentic touch to the technological aspects of the narrative. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, adding depth and diversity to the narrative.

The pacing of the novel is relentless, with each chapter building upon the tension of the previous one. The author's writing style is crisp and engaging, making it a page-turner that is difficult to put down. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, adding to the overall immersive experience.

In conclusion, "Dogboy v Catfish" is a captivating thriller. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers, this book is definitely worth a read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review a captivating thriller!!!!!