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To the Dogs
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Expected 10 Mar 26Jim Brennan is flying high. Against all odds, he is a big man at the university, tipped for the head job and an office at the top of the ivory tower. He has a beautiful, accomplished wife and two healthy children. Jim drives an Audi, and his dog is a pedigree bichon frisé. Not bad for the son of a hardman who grew up in a room and kitchen.
But for every person who’s watched his progress and wanted to hitch a lift, there’s someone else desperate to drag him back down. When his son Elliot is arrested on drugs charges, Jim is approached by men he thought he had left safely in his past. Their demands threaten his family, students and reputation.
As the pressure mounts, Jim discovers he is more like his father than he thought. The question is, how far will Professor Jim Brennan go to save the life he built?
A TIMES BEST NEW CRIME FICTION OF THE MONTH
But for every person who’s watched his progress and wanted to hitch a lift, there’s someone else desperate to drag him back down. When his son Elliot is arrested on drugs charges, Jim is approached by men he thought he had left safely in his past. Their demands threaten his family, students and reputation.
As the pressure mounts, Jim discovers he is more like his father than he thought. The question is, how far will Professor Jim Brennan go to save the life he built?
A TIMES BEST NEW CRIME FICTION OF THE MONTH
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 18, 2024
29 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Louise Welsh
53 books333 followersAfter studying history at Glasgow University, Louise Welsh established a second-hand bookshop, where she worked for many years. Her first novel, The Cutting Room, won several awards, including the 2002 Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey Memorial Dagger, and was jointly awarded the 2002 Saltire Society Scottish First Book of the Year Award. Louise was granted a Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Award in 2003, a Scotland on Sunday/Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Award in 2004, and a Hawthornden Fellowship in 2005.
She is a regular radio broadcaster, has published many short stories, and has contributed articles and reviews to most of the British broadsheets. She has also written for the stage. The Guardian chose her as a 'woman to watch' in 2003.
Her second book, Tamburlaine Must Die, a novelette written around the final three days of the poet Christopher Marlowe's life, was published in 2004. Her third novel, The Bullet Trick (2006), is a present-day murder mystery set in Berlin.
The Cutting Room 2002
Tamburlaine Must Die 2004
The Bullet Trick 2006
Naming The Bones 2010
Prizes and awards
2002 Crime Writers' Association John Creasey Memorial Dagger The Cutting Room
2002 Saltire Society Scottish First Book of the Year Award (joint winner) The Cutting Room
2003 BBC Underground Award (writer category) The Cutting Room
2003 Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Award
2004 Corine Internationaler Buchpreis: Rolf Heyne Debutpreis (Germany) The Cutting Room
2004 Scotland on Sunday/Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Award
2004 Stonewall Book Award (US) (honor in literature)
She is a regular radio broadcaster, has published many short stories, and has contributed articles and reviews to most of the British broadsheets. She has also written for the stage. The Guardian chose her as a 'woman to watch' in 2003.
Her second book, Tamburlaine Must Die, a novelette written around the final three days of the poet Christopher Marlowe's life, was published in 2004. Her third novel, The Bullet Trick (2006), is a present-day murder mystery set in Berlin.
The Cutting Room 2002
Tamburlaine Must Die 2004
The Bullet Trick 2006
Naming The Bones 2010
Prizes and awards
2002 Crime Writers' Association John Creasey Memorial Dagger The Cutting Room
2002 Saltire Society Scottish First Book of the Year Award (joint winner) The Cutting Room
2003 BBC Underground Award (writer category) The Cutting Room
2003 Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Award
2004 Corine Internationaler Buchpreis: Rolf Heyne Debutpreis (Germany) The Cutting Room
2004 Scotland on Sunday/Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Award
2004 Stonewall Book Award (US) (honor in literature)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
October 15, 2023
*4.5 stars*
University professor Jim Brennan’s life is looking pretty good already, and now he’s being tipped for the top job. Jim’s father had been a drunken hard man who mocked Jim’s attempt to do well at school, and wasn’t afraid to use his fists on both Jim and Jim’s mother. Despite his violent upbringing, Jim has made it, however, there are certain individuals from his father’s past who have been watching Jim’s success, and when his son Eliot is arrested on drugs charges and sent to prison, they appear like ghosts from the past to bring about a nightmare scenario for Jim and his family. However, it appears that Jim is more his father’s son than he thought was, because no one threatens his family and gets away with it - but just how far will he go?
Very dark and gritty storyline as it walks the crime ridden back streets and alleyways of Glasgow. A unique, interesting and gripping plot with a protagonist that you become really invested in. I would love to see what happens to Jim and his family in the future. Highly recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Canongate for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
University professor Jim Brennan’s life is looking pretty good already, and now he’s being tipped for the top job. Jim’s father had been a drunken hard man who mocked Jim’s attempt to do well at school, and wasn’t afraid to use his fists on both Jim and Jim’s mother. Despite his violent upbringing, Jim has made it, however, there are certain individuals from his father’s past who have been watching Jim’s success, and when his son Eliot is arrested on drugs charges and sent to prison, they appear like ghosts from the past to bring about a nightmare scenario for Jim and his family. However, it appears that Jim is more his father’s son than he thought was, because no one threatens his family and gets away with it - but just how far will he go?
Very dark and gritty storyline as it walks the crime ridden back streets and alleyways of Glasgow. A unique, interesting and gripping plot with a protagonist that you become really invested in. I would love to see what happens to Jim and his family in the future. Highly recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Canongate for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
October 12, 2023
4.5 stars
James Brennan, Professor of criminology at Glasgow University, has just got off the flight from Beijing, his university career is also flying high. That is until he receives the news that his 23-year-old son Eliot is in police custody, and is in all probability, looking at serving time for drugs offences. This is just the start of Jim‘s problems as the past catches up with him in a way that could bring down everything he has striven so hard to achieve and leave behind things he’d much rather forget.
I enjoyed this well written, multi layered mystery thriller as Jim desperately tries to juggle everything that is going on in his life. There’s a joint focus on the politics of academia at the University, for example, the source of funding and this takes the storytelling in an interesting direction with several angles that also get personal. This is combined with the domestic angle of the parent/child drama of the situation that Eliot is in which opens up a gateway to Jim‘s past that he’d much rather draw a veil over but does ultimately and cleverly take the storytelling back to the University. I thoroughly enjoy how the author connects everything together.
The plot is very well thought out and there is really a dull moment for Jim as he tries to navigate the pitfalls. Needless to say there is tension in abundance and some very good plot twists.
The characterisation is also good, especially of Jim, who is very intriguing, as he is torn between doing the right thing and protecting his nearest and dearest. He probably more of his father in him than he’d like to admit! There are plenty of nefarious or colourful characters who tread both sides of the line who further add to the intrigue.
This is a gritty storyline in a really good setting which keeps my attention throughout.
PS I really enjoy the play on Barlinnie Prison!!!
With thanks to NetGalleyand especially to Canongate for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
James Brennan, Professor of criminology at Glasgow University, has just got off the flight from Beijing, his university career is also flying high. That is until he receives the news that his 23-year-old son Eliot is in police custody, and is in all probability, looking at serving time for drugs offences. This is just the start of Jim‘s problems as the past catches up with him in a way that could bring down everything he has striven so hard to achieve and leave behind things he’d much rather forget.
I enjoyed this well written, multi layered mystery thriller as Jim desperately tries to juggle everything that is going on in his life. There’s a joint focus on the politics of academia at the University, for example, the source of funding and this takes the storytelling in an interesting direction with several angles that also get personal. This is combined with the domestic angle of the parent/child drama of the situation that Eliot is in which opens up a gateway to Jim‘s past that he’d much rather draw a veil over but does ultimately and cleverly take the storytelling back to the University. I thoroughly enjoy how the author connects everything together.
The plot is very well thought out and there is really a dull moment for Jim as he tries to navigate the pitfalls. Needless to say there is tension in abundance and some very good plot twists.
The characterisation is also good, especially of Jim, who is very intriguing, as he is torn between doing the right thing and protecting his nearest and dearest. He probably more of his father in him than he’d like to admit! There are plenty of nefarious or colourful characters who tread both sides of the line who further add to the intrigue.
This is a gritty storyline in a really good setting which keeps my attention throughout.
PS I really enjoy the play on Barlinnie Prison!!!
With thanks to NetGalleyand especially to Canongate for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
February 20, 2024
Jim Brennan, Professor of Criminology at Glasgow University, is in line for a big promotion and has just returned from a trip to Beijing when he receives word that his 23-year-old son Eliot has been arrested on drug charges.
Louise Welsh is a new-to-me author but I'll definitely be looking into some of her previous novels. I was totally captivated by this story, one of the best I've read lately. It's very well written with lots of tension, authentic characters and unique storylines. The reviews for the book are mixed but I just wanted to keep reading every time I picked it up. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed in the ending. I'm not sure what I was expecting but it seemed a bit abrupt and anti-climactic. 4.5 Stars rounded down.
My thanks to Canongate Books via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication: March 5, 2024
Louise Welsh is a new-to-me author but I'll definitely be looking into some of her previous novels. I was totally captivated by this story, one of the best I've read lately. It's very well written with lots of tension, authentic characters and unique storylines. The reviews for the book are mixed but I just wanted to keep reading every time I picked it up. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed in the ending. I'm not sure what I was expecting but it seemed a bit abrupt and anti-climactic. 4.5 Stars rounded down.
My thanks to Canongate Books via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication: March 5, 2024
December 17, 2023
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“It was the kind of thing people said, a turn of phrase, but he meant it. He was prepared to kill for his family. He would die for them too, if that was what it took to keep them safe.”
A decent enough well-written thriller To the Dogs showcased the lengths a father would take to keep his family safe. Set in Glasgow, To the Dogs is a decent enough thriller about successful and well-respected university vice principal and professor, Jim Brennan and the lengths he would go to to keep his family safe, when his son, Elliot, gets caught up in the criminal underworld of drugs and deceit that inadvertently ties in with his own academic principles and the ghosts of his own father's dark past. 😥
“No matter how much Jim despaired of his son, he would not abandon him.”
Jim was a very meticulous and loyal father; a man with 'a willingness to go further than other men', he's determined to do what's right even at the stake of his own life, but never one to jeopardize his own family's safety. His love for his family was the driving force for many of his actions, and what impressed me was how he had a very good head on his shoulder. 👍🏻 Despite how much trouble their son has given them in the past, he was ready to go the extra mile for him.
He made rational decisions, not to be swayed by his own emotions and strove to do the right thing. He had a strict conscience and he always fought to do the right and honest thing, which was very admirable of him, despite the severe chip on his shoulder of his own father's indecent criminal acts. The situation with his son, Elliot was heart-breaking to read, but oddly, very realistically portrayed, because truly one cannot fight the judicial system. Someone has to pay the price, even at the cost of their own time spent in prison. 😟
“That’s the thing to do. Us guys have to stick together. What goes around comes around.”
I do feel that the story dragged at points; aside from me being a bit under the weather, it shouldn't have taken me quite as long as it did to complete it. The pacing kinda meandered at certain points and it made my own mind wonder what exactly was the point of including this certain point in the story. 🫤 I did appreciate all the supporting characters; well-rounded and believable, and I liked that once the characters were introduced, there was a purpose to them - they weren't just there. 👏🏻 I would have liked to have seen more of the relationship between Elliot and his parents. For a son who's ‘ been in trouble before, but never to this degree’, I would have liked to have seen how the family coped after this difficult trial that they had to endure.
The cover also really does a great job in portraying how alone Jim is in his decision-making - he's tasked with a lot of pressure, but he kept a steady mind and outlook towards everything that he was confronted with. Each challenge brought him even deeper into a past he was hoping never to be a part of, and I appreciated how it gave him a chance to reflect on his relationship with his own father. The impossible responsibilities and his ability to find a way out of it with his smart and clever quick thinking was impressive. 🥺 It was interesting to note how what happened to his son indirectly coincided with his own university academics' and how the forces at work in the dark were so determined to influence his cause. I thought that was nicely done, but still not quite as impactful, because I think it just took a little too long to get to that point - especially when the ending felt rather abrupt and underwhelming. As my first go with this author's work, it wasn't entirely that bad a read, just not exactly a memorable one; still, it's one that I sincerely didn't mind taking a chance on.
*Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
“It was the kind of thing people said, a turn of phrase, but he meant it. He was prepared to kill for his family. He would die for them too, if that was what it took to keep them safe.”
A decent enough well-written thriller To the Dogs showcased the lengths a father would take to keep his family safe. Set in Glasgow, To the Dogs is a decent enough thriller about successful and well-respected university vice principal and professor, Jim Brennan and the lengths he would go to to keep his family safe, when his son, Elliot, gets caught up in the criminal underworld of drugs and deceit that inadvertently ties in with his own academic principles and the ghosts of his own father's dark past. 😥
“No matter how much Jim despaired of his son, he would not abandon him.”
Jim was a very meticulous and loyal father; a man with 'a willingness to go further than other men', he's determined to do what's right even at the stake of his own life, but never one to jeopardize his own family's safety. His love for his family was the driving force for many of his actions, and what impressed me was how he had a very good head on his shoulder. 👍🏻 Despite how much trouble their son has given them in the past, he was ready to go the extra mile for him.
He made rational decisions, not to be swayed by his own emotions and strove to do the right thing. He had a strict conscience and he always fought to do the right and honest thing, which was very admirable of him, despite the severe chip on his shoulder of his own father's indecent criminal acts. The situation with his son, Elliot was heart-breaking to read, but oddly, very realistically portrayed, because truly one cannot fight the judicial system. Someone has to pay the price, even at the cost of their own time spent in prison. 😟
“That’s the thing to do. Us guys have to stick together. What goes around comes around.”
I do feel that the story dragged at points; aside from me being a bit under the weather, it shouldn't have taken me quite as long as it did to complete it. The pacing kinda meandered at certain points and it made my own mind wonder what exactly was the point of including this certain point in the story. 🫤 I did appreciate all the supporting characters; well-rounded and believable, and I liked that once the characters were introduced, there was a purpose to them - they weren't just there. 👏🏻 I would have liked to have seen more of the relationship between Elliot and his parents. For a son who's ‘ been in trouble before, but never to this degree’, I would have liked to have seen how the family coped after this difficult trial that they had to endure.
The cover also really does a great job in portraying how alone Jim is in his decision-making - he's tasked with a lot of pressure, but he kept a steady mind and outlook towards everything that he was confronted with. Each challenge brought him even deeper into a past he was hoping never to be a part of, and I appreciated how it gave him a chance to reflect on his relationship with his own father. The impossible responsibilities and his ability to find a way out of it with his smart and clever quick thinking was impressive. 🥺 It was interesting to note how what happened to his son indirectly coincided with his own university academics' and how the forces at work in the dark were so determined to influence his cause. I thought that was nicely done, but still not quite as impactful, because I think it just took a little too long to get to that point - especially when the ending felt rather abrupt and underwhelming. As my first go with this author's work, it wasn't entirely that bad a read, just not exactly a memorable one; still, it's one that I sincerely didn't mind taking a chance on.
*Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
February 24, 2024
I stuck it out to 40%, during which Jim's son got arrested for dealing drugs, and Jim angsted about it. That's it. I can't even categorise this one. Eliot's crime is off-stage - his criminality and danger merely there to give his father a moral dilemma which he seems incapable of recognising, much less dealing with. But the characterisation is too superficial to class it as straight fiction either. It's one of the emptiest books I've ever read - clichéd dilemma, clichéd characters. As for the Glasgow setting, it's so badly done. Either be realistic or set your story in a fictional city. Why call the prison in Glasgow Linbarley rather than its actual name of Barlinnie? Silly and annoying. This was my first Louise Welsh and I fear it is also my last.
November 3, 2023
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a difficult one to review.
It starts really well, intense with good characters.
Unfortunately it then seems to slow down and drags on.
It is still a reasonable story and worth some time.
This is a difficult one to review.
It starts really well, intense with good characters.
Unfortunately it then seems to slow down and drags on.
It is still a reasonable story and worth some time.
October 14, 2023
I could potentially be a little biased in this review given it is set in the city where I work and the main character works in the University where I am currently studying part time.
Having said that, even if those things weren't true, I would still be highly recommending this book.
Jim Brennan is living his best life. Although growing up with his father was tough, Jim has forged a beautiful life with his wife, two kids, his beautiful home and his career heading to the top.
However, when his son, Elliot, gets in trouble with the wrong people and ends up in prison, Jim soon realises that the life he left behind never really went away and that the ghost of his father still looms over him.
In his desperation to help his son with his troubles, Jim soon realises that the life he has built is as steady as a house of cards with many people from his past waiting to knock it down.
As I say, this was highly enjoyable for me. Very dark in places and very gritty, it is a novel which I think blurs the lines between good and bad. Throughout the novel, we meet a number of characters from the streets of Glasgow. Whilst it is easy to caricature them as being baddies, Welsh does an excellent job of showing the complexity of those trying to survive in a dangerous industry and lifestyle, particularly those trying to fight their way out but struggling due to their past.
I don't want to share too much more for fear of spoilers but I would love to hear others thoughts on the main characters in this novel once they read it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canongate for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Having said that, even if those things weren't true, I would still be highly recommending this book.
Jim Brennan is living his best life. Although growing up with his father was tough, Jim has forged a beautiful life with his wife, two kids, his beautiful home and his career heading to the top.
However, when his son, Elliot, gets in trouble with the wrong people and ends up in prison, Jim soon realises that the life he left behind never really went away and that the ghost of his father still looms over him.
In his desperation to help his son with his troubles, Jim soon realises that the life he has built is as steady as a house of cards with many people from his past waiting to knock it down.
As I say, this was highly enjoyable for me. Very dark in places and very gritty, it is a novel which I think blurs the lines between good and bad. Throughout the novel, we meet a number of characters from the streets of Glasgow. Whilst it is easy to caricature them as being baddies, Welsh does an excellent job of showing the complexity of those trying to survive in a dangerous industry and lifestyle, particularly those trying to fight their way out but struggling due to their past.
I don't want to share too much more for fear of spoilers but I would love to hear others thoughts on the main characters in this novel once they read it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canongate for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 4, 2024
The more interesting side to this book..is seeing just how a large modern city University runs and the challenges it faces.
Jim is one of the Vice Principals...a rising figure whose son is arrested for drug dealing.
This sends him down a path of trying to protect his family while the city's underworld sees opportunities.
The crime side of this book doesn't completely work for me ..the characters are well constructed and interesting..lots of interesting dialogue..but the action is few and far between..to really propel it forward.
Jim is one of the Vice Principals...a rising figure whose son is arrested for drug dealing.
This sends him down a path of trying to protect his family while the city's underworld sees opportunities.
The crime side of this book doesn't completely work for me ..the characters are well constructed and interesting..lots of interesting dialogue..but the action is few and far between..to really propel it forward.
October 20, 2023
Mixed feelings about To the Dogs. It's a fast, engaging read and the premise is intriguing but I don't think it lives up to the promise. The characters all feel generically middle class. I missed the sharp observation and wry humour of the Rilke novels. Much of the plot seems to involve Jim talking to interchangeable middle-aged men about who may help or harm him and his son, Eliot.
Eliot comes across as lazy and petulant and I struggled to believe he had the initiative or the energy to become involved in the kind of high-level crime he was embroiled in.
There are some interesting resonances between Jim's two worlds, corruption, nepotism, identity and imprisonment all feature, as does the mind-numbing routine of a senior corporate figure.
I thought there might be more about Jim's academic work as a criminologist, some irony as his theory and practice collide (something we can all identify with), some spark as Jim returns to his old world, or some twist in Eliot's story to make us all reassess him, but for me it never quite caught fire.
*
Copy from NetGalley
Eliot comes across as lazy and petulant and I struggled to believe he had the initiative or the energy to become involved in the kind of high-level crime he was embroiled in.
There are some interesting resonances between Jim's two worlds, corruption, nepotism, identity and imprisonment all feature, as does the mind-numbing routine of a senior corporate figure.
I thought there might be more about Jim's academic work as a criminologist, some irony as his theory and practice collide (something we can all identify with), some spark as Jim returns to his old world, or some twist in Eliot's story to make us all reassess him, but for me it never quite caught fire.
*
Copy from NetGalley
April 14, 2024
4.5 stars
There is nothing like Scottish crime fiction to get those nerves crackling. Louise Welsh is a new author to me, but I will be searching out her back catalogue as soon as possible. The fluidity of her words, the nice simple easy language, and scenarios that could easily occur in anyone’s lives, given the right sequence of circumstances. Her writing catapults you into the story with only a few words.
James Brennan is a Professor of Criminology at Glasgow University. He’s earmarked for the position of Principal of the university with his boss being diagnosed with cancer. It’s everything he’s worked for but to be entirely honest, it has come at the worst time. He’s just back from Beijing and he has landed to the news that his son has been arrested. It reminds him of everything that he went through with his father. A crime lord in the city. Things were unstable and Jim Brennan was damn sure his life would be different. That his family's life would be different. It has been, but with his son’s incarceration – it threatens to lead him back down a path that he’d destroyed.
I really enjoyed this story. I’ve been craving a well written Scottish crime novel, and this fit the bill. It’s multi layered with different storylines being juggled throughout. I found it intriguing to see how Jim struggled to come to terms between just letting his son deal with what was coming to him-he did break the law, let him deal with the consequences, to doing everything in his power to protect him. The humanity of difficult decisions really shone through.
There is nothing like Scottish crime fiction to get those nerves crackling. Louise Welsh is a new author to me, but I will be searching out her back catalogue as soon as possible. The fluidity of her words, the nice simple easy language, and scenarios that could easily occur in anyone’s lives, given the right sequence of circumstances. Her writing catapults you into the story with only a few words.
James Brennan is a Professor of Criminology at Glasgow University. He’s earmarked for the position of Principal of the university with his boss being diagnosed with cancer. It’s everything he’s worked for but to be entirely honest, it has come at the worst time. He’s just back from Beijing and he has landed to the news that his son has been arrested. It reminds him of everything that he went through with his father. A crime lord in the city. Things were unstable and Jim Brennan was damn sure his life would be different. That his family's life would be different. It has been, but with his son’s incarceration – it threatens to lead him back down a path that he’d destroyed.
I really enjoyed this story. I’ve been craving a well written Scottish crime novel, and this fit the bill. It’s multi layered with different storylines being juggled throughout. I found it intriguing to see how Jim struggled to come to terms between just letting his son deal with what was coming to him-he did break the law, let him deal with the consequences, to doing everything in his power to protect him. The humanity of difficult decisions really shone through.
June 26, 2024
I was given an advance copy of this to review and it is not something I would have picked for myself to read. I don't do dark, gritty thrillers as a rule, but much to my surprise I really enjoyed this book. It is tautly written with characters I found myself able to relate to. The setting is inner Glasgow where Jim lives with his wife Maggie and their 11 year old daughter Sasha. The story begins with their elder 'drop out' son Eliot being arrested for dealing drugs and then quickly rearrested after breaking bail conditions. When he is sent to prison to await trial it quickly becomes clear that Eliot's life is in danger. Jim, son of notorious local villain 'Big Jim' Brennan, has spent his adult life denying his dead father's influence. Choosing academia instead, his raises himself from his bleak, violent upbringing to become a renown professor of criminology at the city's university. There are various subplots including the disappearance of a remote Chinese student in Beijing and the suicide of another student closer to home. Plus controversy and politics about the building of a new university wing and the shady dealings involved. Despite his better judgement Jim appoints former school mate and rough diamond Eddie Cranston as his son's solicitor. It becomes clear that there are other sinister figures lurking in the background with as yet unclear motives. When Eliot ends up in intensive care and Jim receives further anonymous threats involving the safety of his daughter and wife, it becomes clear that his blackmailers mean business. The momentum forces the plot forward at a pace whilst maintaining an even tension throughout, but with enough humour and lightness of touch so that it never becomes self indulgent. I found myself carried along by the action, desperate for resolution. The book reaches a climax in the final twenty pages. I have to say that the ending felt rushed and having finished the book I am looking back on it with mixed feelings. It's certainly well written and engaging, I suppose I just wanted things neatly tied up for Jim and his family. At the risk of any spoilers, I wonder whether the author was leaving things open deliberately in anticipation of a sequel. She already has several previous publication under her belt.
January 6, 2024
Louise Welsh's To The Dogs is a masterclass in storytelling. A page-turning read of deception and intimidation, I savoured every page of this novel. When the safety of Jim Brennan's son is compromised, he must choose to save his son, or the career he has fought hard for. I loved the characters in this novel - even though it was hard to root for them at times. A definite must-read for fans of crime fiction. 5 stars
February 5, 2024
Jim Brennan has worked hard for his life - a happy marriage, a loving daughter, a comfortable home, and the imminent prospect of taking over the top job at the university where he works as a professor of criminology. It's a far cry from his childhood on one of the city's most deprived and violent estates, living at the mercy of his father, a notorious local hardman. So when his son threatens to ruin everything by getting busted for selling drugs, Jim knows he will do whatever it takes to maintain the status quo.
The premise intrigued me, but unfortunately I was underwhelmed by this one, which felt disappointingly pedestrian and under-developed for an established crime author like Louise Welsh.
Every character is either actively unlikeable (Jim's son Eliot, in contention for Scotland's sulkiest, most entitled middle class petty criminal) or made very little impression. Modest attempts at creating depth for characters such as Eddie Cranston, Eliot's lawyer, and his girlfriend, Becca, felt half-hearted and unimaginative, doing nothing to make them relatable or interesting.
Jim himself is an unsympathetic, vaguely drawn character. He is a renowned, published professor of criminology at a prestigious university, yet he seems to have little understanding of crime and criminals - he is consistently surprised by their behaviour and affronted by their requests - and it is unclear how he has managed to achieve such success in his career. He comes across as disingenuous and lacking in principles; he seems willing to assume any position which might serve his purpose and I finished the novel with no clear idea of his stance on any of the issues superficially covered in the story, such as the disappearance of a Chinese student who may have been critical of his country's government, and the controversy over whether or not the university should accept a donation from a Saudi Arabian royal. Indeed, I couldn't even say for sure whether or not Jim likes his own dog!
These subplots, as well as others concerning administrative corruption, range from dull but relevant to the plot to awkwardly forced into the narrative in an attempt to convince the reader that there are some broader, more important stakes at play than Jim's career and the fate of his awful son. Themes are hinted at and connections touched upon between characters who share similarities, but this all feels underdeveloped and as if the reader should fill in the blanks.
Overall, To the Dogs is a mediocre offering which brings nothing new to the table.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canongate for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
The premise intrigued me, but unfortunately I was underwhelmed by this one, which felt disappointingly pedestrian and under-developed for an established crime author like Louise Welsh.
Every character is either actively unlikeable (Jim's son Eliot, in contention for Scotland's sulkiest, most entitled middle class petty criminal) or made very little impression. Modest attempts at creating depth for characters such as Eddie Cranston, Eliot's lawyer, and his girlfriend, Becca, felt half-hearted and unimaginative, doing nothing to make them relatable or interesting.
Jim himself is an unsympathetic, vaguely drawn character. He is a renowned, published professor of criminology at a prestigious university, yet he seems to have little understanding of crime and criminals - he is consistently surprised by their behaviour and affronted by their requests - and it is unclear how he has managed to achieve such success in his career. He comes across as disingenuous and lacking in principles; he seems willing to assume any position which might serve his purpose and I finished the novel with no clear idea of his stance on any of the issues superficially covered in the story, such as the disappearance of a Chinese student who may have been critical of his country's government, and the controversy over whether or not the university should accept a donation from a Saudi Arabian royal. Indeed, I couldn't even say for sure whether or not Jim likes his own dog!
These subplots, as well as others concerning administrative corruption, range from dull but relevant to the plot to awkwardly forced into the narrative in an attempt to convince the reader that there are some broader, more important stakes at play than Jim's career and the fate of his awful son. Themes are hinted at and connections touched upon between characters who share similarities, but this all feels underdeveloped and as if the reader should fill in the blanks.
Overall, To the Dogs is a mediocre offering which brings nothing new to the table.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canongate for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
October 23, 2023
Jim Brennan has done good. From a rough, harsh upbringing, he is now a respected Vice Principal at the University, and loves his work and his position. Married to Maggie, with Eliot, his adult son, and Sasha who is 11 years old, they are the epitome of a successful family. Or at least they would be if Eliot wasn’t such a spoilt, unbearably obnoxious young man. Lured to the dark side of drug dealing, he leaves a lot to be desired. Sadly, Eliot is happy to reap the rewards that dealing brings, but not so happy when the police catch up with him. The repercussions for his parents and sister keep rolling in!
I like Louise Welsh and always look forward to her books. Rilke is superb. Unfortunately this was off the mark for me, and in no way compared to previous works.
The main plot line was good, with Eliot getting his just desserts. But the rest just didn’t pull me in as I expected it would.
Semester One, one year later, a bit of a let down? Start of a series?
An easy read, but no grit.
2.5*
Thank you NetGalley.
I like Louise Welsh and always look forward to her books. Rilke is superb. Unfortunately this was off the mark for me, and in no way compared to previous works.
The main plot line was good, with Eliot getting his just desserts. But the rest just didn’t pull me in as I expected it would.
Semester One, one year later, a bit of a let down? Start of a series?
An easy read, but no grit.
2.5*
Thank you NetGalley.
February 7, 2024
Jim’s son has got into some trouble with the law, how far will a father go to protect his family? Not very far apparently.
This book was not what I expected it to be. The blurb does not do this book justice, and I didn’t find the story interesting enough. A few bits of the book I skimmed over, and found some conversations with the characters to be quite bland and boring - and I often felt myself getting irritated trying to get to the end of the chapters.
The chapters themselves are a mixture of small and really long, I prefer smaller book chapters to have a break when I am reading.
I did like the writing of this book and how the writing flowed, I just found the story itself a little flat and lacklustre which made me want to stop reading a few times, but I saw it through to the end to give an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canongate Books for giving me this ARC to review, however, on this occasion this book was not for me.
This book was not what I expected it to be. The blurb does not do this book justice, and I didn’t find the story interesting enough. A few bits of the book I skimmed over, and found some conversations with the characters to be quite bland and boring - and I often felt myself getting irritated trying to get to the end of the chapters.
The chapters themselves are a mixture of small and really long, I prefer smaller book chapters to have a break when I am reading.
I did like the writing of this book and how the writing flowed, I just found the story itself a little flat and lacklustre which made me want to stop reading a few times, but I saw it through to the end to give an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canongate Books for giving me this ARC to review, however, on this occasion this book was not for me.
May 24, 2025
A nauseating level of unnecessary detail, and a story I couldn’t force myself to care about. The characters were unrealistic and irritating, and the ending barely tied anything up. A novel that sold itself as a dramatic thriller essentially became an argument over a construction project.
October 23, 2023
I have really enjoyed all of Louise Welsh's novels so was excited to see a new one. This is a crime thriller though the police hardly feature. It is set in Glasgow, both the privileged world of academia and the deprived communities around. The plot is as much an investigation of moral issues as a crime thriller: moral issues faced by the main character Professor Jim Brennan both as vice principal of the university and as the father of a young man in prison on drugs charges.
Jim is well written: the son of a Glasgow hard man who has escaped his upbringing and made good, I was disappointed that his successful and supportive wife Maggie was less well developed. The setting, 21st century academia in Glasgow, is also well written, showing the power struggles and ethical dilemmas faced in contemporary university life. Contrasts are made (and similarities exposed) with the criminal underworld which Jim's father inhabited and which lurks too close to the surface of Jim's current life. Although the point was made, rightly, that Glasgow is a small, interconnected, city, I felt some of the apparently coincidental connections were a bit unrealistic.
A number of sub-plots were scattered through the book which were interesting in terms of raising questions about academic responsibility for students and about what might be the best support for deprived and disenfranchised youth but I was not convinced that these contributed greatly to the overall narrative. I found the ending was reached rather too neatly and quickly and, for this reader, not very satisfactorily. Maybe the cover up will be uncovered in a future book about Jim Brennan.
Overall this was a quick and enjoyable read but did not have the grippingness of Welsh's Plague trilogy nor the grittiness of the Rilke books.
Thanks to the publisher, Canongate, for a complimentary ARC of this title in return for an honest review.
Jim is well written: the son of a Glasgow hard man who has escaped his upbringing and made good, I was disappointed that his successful and supportive wife Maggie was less well developed. The setting, 21st century academia in Glasgow, is also well written, showing the power struggles and ethical dilemmas faced in contemporary university life. Contrasts are made (and similarities exposed) with the criminal underworld which Jim's father inhabited and which lurks too close to the surface of Jim's current life. Although the point was made, rightly, that Glasgow is a small, interconnected, city, I felt some of the apparently coincidental connections were a bit unrealistic.
A number of sub-plots were scattered through the book which were interesting in terms of raising questions about academic responsibility for students and about what might be the best support for deprived and disenfranchised youth but I was not convinced that these contributed greatly to the overall narrative. I found the ending was reached rather too neatly and quickly and, for this reader, not very satisfactorily. Maybe the cover up will be uncovered in a future book about Jim Brennan.
Overall this was a quick and enjoyable read but did not have the grippingness of Welsh's Plague trilogy nor the grittiness of the Rilke books.
Thanks to the publisher, Canongate, for a complimentary ARC of this title in return for an honest review.
March 17, 2024
To The Dogs by Louise Welsh - Good
Just how far will you go to protect your children? That's the underlying question of this book.
Jim Brennan is a University Professor climbing the ladder and close to becoming the next Chancellor.
He's just been to China to an outreach of the University when he's recalled because his son has been arrested on drug charges. And that's when things start to spiral. His son is in deeper than anyone could have guessed and Jim is going to have to return to a world he's worked so hard to leave behind to try and save his son and protect his family.
There's also some commentary about disappeared students in China and educational establishments taking blood money from various regimes, but that's just background to the main story.
I'm a big fan of Louise Welsh but I have to admit this one didn't grab me in the way her other books have. I guess I just didn't relate (although I'm not sure how I related to the other books!). It's not that it isn't a good book. Fast paced, well written, all the twists and turns you expect from this genre. It just isn't my favourite.
#review
Just how far will you go to protect your children? That's the underlying question of this book.
Jim Brennan is a University Professor climbing the ladder and close to becoming the next Chancellor.
He's just been to China to an outreach of the University when he's recalled because his son has been arrested on drug charges. And that's when things start to spiral. His son is in deeper than anyone could have guessed and Jim is going to have to return to a world he's worked so hard to leave behind to try and save his son and protect his family.
There's also some commentary about disappeared students in China and educational establishments taking blood money from various regimes, but that's just background to the main story.
I'm a big fan of Louise Welsh but I have to admit this one didn't grab me in the way her other books have. I guess I just didn't relate (although I'm not sure how I related to the other books!). It's not that it isn't a good book. Fast paced, well written, all the twists and turns you expect from this genre. It just isn't my favourite.
#review
November 19, 2023
Jim Brennan was born to a Glaswegian hardman, Big Jim, and vowed to leave the life he was born into. The first in his family to go to university he succeeds in his quest, happily married to Maggie and with 2 children his life is panning out nicely. Vice principal at the same university he attended life is good. Until his son Elliot is arrested for drug dealing and imprisoned. Jim soon finds himself more like his father than he realised as he is prepared to go to any lengths to protect his family.
This was a real gritty read, a story of crossing lines from good to bad and how easy it is to get caught up in wrong doings.
I received this advanced copy from Netgalley and Canongate publishing with no obligation to leave my review
This was a real gritty read, a story of crossing lines from good to bad and how easy it is to get caught up in wrong doings.
I received this advanced copy from Netgalley and Canongate publishing with no obligation to leave my review
December 22, 2023
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
I was gripped by the start of this story: Jim gets back from a flying visit to his university's Beijing campus to find his (utterly obnoxious) son Elliot has been arrested for possession with intent to distribute. He goes to his grandfather's old pub to drown his sorrows and meets up with a former schoolmate (Jim has come up in the world) who is a criminal lawyer and goes on to represent Elliot. There are various other pressures on Jim from his role at the university and after a while the temptations to compromise begin to pile up.
I found the rest of the book uncomfortably dark and morally conflicted, although to be fair, that's exactly what the blurb promises.
I was gripped by the start of this story: Jim gets back from a flying visit to his university's Beijing campus to find his (utterly obnoxious) son Elliot has been arrested for possession with intent to distribute. He goes to his grandfather's old pub to drown his sorrows and meets up with a former schoolmate (Jim has come up in the world) who is a criminal lawyer and goes on to represent Elliot. There are various other pressures on Jim from his role at the university and after a while the temptations to compromise begin to pile up.
I found the rest of the book uncomfortably dark and morally conflicted, although to be fair, that's exactly what the blurb promises.
December 18, 2023
A great book by an author that is new to me. How was Jim who really had bettered himself get out of the predicament he found himself in? Jim’s son gets into deep water over drugs and his father finds himself caught up in the murky Glasgow scene. His whole life and family looked like they were going to be wrecked. The story kept my interest and the characters were well defined so I was able to engage with them. I look forward to reading more by this author. Thanks to Net Galley.
October 23, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this interesting, tense tale about a senior university professor whose son is heavily involved in drugs and whose background is in the depths of Glaswegian crime. When his son is sent to prison, the professor is torn between the life he has built for himself and his family and his background that could hold the secret to his son’s future.
Jim Brennan, the protagonist, leads this gritty drama to a satisfying conclusion and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Thanks to NetGalley and Canongate for the opportunity to preview this excellent read. If you enjoy a well told crime drama, with humour, suspense and intrigue, this is for you.
Jim Brennan, the protagonist, leads this gritty drama to a satisfying conclusion and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Thanks to NetGalley and Canongate for the opportunity to preview this excellent read. If you enjoy a well told crime drama, with humour, suspense and intrigue, this is for you.
February 4, 2024
Gritty, gripping, and complex. A story about a man that will do anything to protect his reputation and family.
I loved the style of writing and the description of the places: from the posh to the seediest in Glasgow.
A well plotted and well done thriller
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I loved the style of writing and the description of the places: from the posh to the seediest in Glasgow.
A well plotted and well done thriller
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 7, 2024
A gripping thriller that keeps readers hooked with its intricate 'who done it' storyline. Welsh masterfully weaves together three compelling narratives, each filled with suspense and intrigue. From the first page, readers are drawn into a world of mystery and deception, unable to put the book down until the final revelation.
January 15, 2024
This was a fascinating story, treading the line between legal and illegal and what a righteous man might do to protect his family. Some great characters and a fast moving storyline, with a great conclusion.
February 1, 2024
Very enjoyable slice of campus crime. Good solid characterisation, but in anyone else’s hands the plot may have been a little too John Grishammy for my liking.
November 7, 2024
The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall a good read!
November 27, 2025
Audiobook
January 7, 2024
What an excellent book this was to read. It really had me gripped from the very beginning. Good characters that you can easily get into and a storyline that has you gripped all the way through trying to work out who is behind it. Definitely a book to recommend!
April 27, 2025
Just wanted a bit more; more of a plot, more of a mystery, more exploration of the father/son dynamic. i NEEDED a deep emotional discussion/argument between eliot and jim and it simply never came.
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