Reviewed by JD Jung)
#CommissionsEarned
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.
