Luke Gracias

A fascinating tale, told almost in a documentary style.

Katherine Fisher (Catfish) it seems, will do almost anything for money. She sees her husband Lindsay (Dogboy) as a gullible and easy target, but doesn't realise he has realised her intentions, and set his own plans in motion, to ensure that not only is the wealth that she aims to capture is moved out of her reach, but also that the police and the authorities will be able to document what she has been up to.

In the long run Dogboy is able to call on friends that Catfish didn't realise that he had, while her own resources are criminals.

This is a real page turner, unusual format, and unique subject matter.… (altro)

I imagine every reader has come across a book they decide to read based solely on some small factor like, oh, the cover art but don’t really expect too much. Only when you read it, it’s like, wow, this was amazing. For me, Dogboy v Catfish was one of those books and it was the title that caught my attention but, once started I was completely sucked into the story and devoured it in one sitting.

The story is set in Australia where wealthy businessman, Lindsay Kramer, aka Dogboy due to his seeming uncanny ability to communicate with dogs, had married Katherine ‘Catfish’ Fisher, a former Miss Australia and present on-line influencer and boutique owner. Lindsay has alway been awkward around women so can’t believe his luck. As it turns out, he shouldn't have. Under Australian law, as long as a marriage lasts eighteen months, the wife can claim two-thirds of the marital assets. Just before the eighteen month mark, she seeks out a lawyer known for being tough in divorce cases, to apply for a separation. Thing is, the lawyer went to uni with Kramer and immediately suspects something is off. But soon after, Catfish calls off the separation because Kramer has gone missing and now, never mind two-thirds, she wants it all.

Dogboy v Catfish by Luke Gracias is one twisty, absolutely addicting page turner and I loved it. Every time I thought I had it figured out, it threw in one more surprise turn. If you’re looking for a mystery full of great characters, plenty of red herrings and a complex plot that’ll keep you glued to the page, this might just be what you’re looking for.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review… (altro)

Unusual thriller!

Wow! Multilayered, unusual and thoroughly engaging story about a rather different man’s journey and those he pulled along with him. This Australian crime/mystery/noir novel was just so unusual. It’s a real page turner.
Four people who’d been students together at Melbourne University are pulled back together again after one of them, ‘Dogboy’ Lindsay Kramer goes missing.
His wife, Katherine Kelly Fisher ‘Catfish’ walks into a family lawyer’s chambers. Freya Keogh is known for her merciless divorce settlements. Katherine is seeking help to divorce her husband. Katherine doesn’t know that Keogh knew Lindsay when she was a student.
Keogh feels right away that something is off.
A month later Katherine decides not to go ahead with the separation. The catch? Lindsay has disappeared. Further reveals show that Katherine’s former husband Darren Berrington had died unexpectedly whilst on a trip to Bangkok.
Two members of Crime Command Victoria, Inspector Sabina Green and Detective Karl Finlay investigate. After many false starts and hours of working blind things start to make some sense.
The story revolves around the endless knot of three headed snakes intertwined and representing three aspects of crime. Grab the right head and the knots unravel.
The three prongs here are drug smuggling, money laundering and high quality knock of designer goods.
The action moves between the wife and her associates, the former friend of ‘dogboy’, and the police inquiry.
This was a mesmerizing read. I enjoyed ever moment of it. Surprises kept being thrown in at the right moment, along with unexpected shocks. Absolutely loved it!

A Luke Gracie’s ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author.… (altro)

An intriguing mystery, where very little is as it seems. Gracias did an amazing job of bringing "Catfish" to life, and it's easy to imagine her as a real person, (just not one you'll like very much). The story has so much tension, it makes it hard to set down. You really get drawn in quickly, with new aspects coming to light and making the puzzle all the more tangled the deeper you go. I loved how Gracias kept the reader engaged, and kept you guessing until the very end. Highly recommend for all mystery lovers!… (altro)