Catford Dogs
by Andy Burn
Set against the gritty backdrop of Catford, South-east London in 2003, “Catford Dogs” by Andy Burn delivers a gripping narrative that delves into the murky world of crime and personal redemption. The protagonist, Miles Askew, is a charming yet feckless 38-year-old whose life, marked by privilege, is spiralling out of control. Working for a small-time private investigation agency, Miles’s career and relationships are akin to a car crash, teetering on the edge of disaster.
The story takes a dramatic turn one August weekend when Miles receives a startling ultimatum from his lover. At the same time, what begins as a straightforward investigation into local greyhound racing quickly escalates with the suspicious death of his close friend and colleague, George. This sudden and tragic loss shatters Miles’s complacent existence, propelling him into a dangerous web of criminal conspiracy.
As he grapples with the need for atonement and justice, Miles is confronted by ruthless criminals and forced to navigate his own conflicted loyalties. The narrative is rich with elements of bribery, blackmail, and violent death, all set against the shifting social landscape of Blair’s England and the criminal history of Catford.
Burn masterfully weaves a tale where every move Miles makes could be his last, creating a sense of peril that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The stakes are high, and the odds of Miles escaping unscathed seem increasingly slim as he delves deeper into Catford’s dark underbelly.
“Catford Dogs” is a compelling read that combines the tension of a thriller with the depth of a character study. Andy Burn’s portrayal of Miles Askew’s quest for truth and redemption is both engaging and thought-provoking. Will Miles uncover the truth and redeem himself, or will he become yet another casualty in a world where life and death hang in the balance? This novel is a must-read for those who enjoy a finely crafted tale of intrigue, danger, and the struggle for personal salvation.
Published by Hadfield & Harwood Press on 2024-06-19
Miles Askew
Andy spent years making stuff up for business presentations before pivoting to the novel as a medium for writing fiction. A glittering portfolio career of board level experience in finance, property and media, or an inebriated stagger from one shaky rock to another while trying to dodge the bullet? Opinions vary but either way Andy’s working life has brought him into close contact with the best and worst of the business world. The bullies, the corrupt, the greedy, the charlatans, and the bullshit pedlars, but some pretty decent people too.
He’s also slept in a refugee camp and blown stuff up in North Africa, studied Matisse, and walked hundreds of miles of coastline for good causes.
Life experience peppers his writing. In his spare time he takes divots off golf courses or oils his gun collection. He lives in West Somerset with a very tolerant family and some intolerant dogs.
