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Barking Boy
When nineteen-year-old Tommy Carter throws away a promising career as a professional boxer to work for local villain Davey Abbott, everyone thinks he’s made a huge mistake - collecting debts and working in strip clubs is no life for a young lad just starting out in life.
Everything to gain.
A brutal fighter, Tommy quickly earns a reputation for himself – feared and respected by everyone - and becomes Davey’s trusted right-hand man. But when Davey is murdered Tommy is shocked to learn that Davey has left his business empire to him – Tommy’s the boss now.
No one believes Tommy will succeed. But there is only one rule Tommy lives by…always back the underdog. Because Tommy is on the way up.
This book was previously published as Barking Boy.
Another gripping gangland read by Kerry Kaya. Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Martina Cole, Heather Atkinson and Caz Finlay.
Everything to gain.
A brutal fighter, Tommy quickly earns a reputation for himself – feared and respected by everyone - and becomes Davey’s trusted right-hand man. But when Davey is murdered Tommy is shocked to learn that Davey has left his business empire to him – Tommy’s the boss now.
No one believes Tommy will succeed. But there is only one rule Tommy lives by…always back the underdog. Because Tommy is on the way up.
This book was previously published as Barking Boy.
Another gripping gangland read by Kerry Kaya. Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Martina Cole, Heather Atkinson and Caz Finlay.
- GenresCrime
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2018
379 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 5, 2022
( book previously published as Barking Boy in 2018 )
Knew I would love this, a great gangland author, a new 4 part family series and set in Barking, an area know well, there was nothing not to like…..and I was right, I loved every page of it
We follow the early life ( late teens, early 20’s ) of the Carter boys ( 6 of them ) the main focus being on the eldest 3 and the mishaps and dramas they get into as they become a force to be reckoned with in their chosen ‘field’
Great characters, a tense and exciting storyline and a book that within a few minutes you are involved in and part of, really love these kind of books where you feel like you are there with them
Cant wait to be back with the Carters in Book 2 and see what they get up to next
Brilliant writing and fab read for any lover of this genre
10/10
5 Stars
Knew I would love this, a great gangland author, a new 4 part family series and set in Barking, an area know well, there was nothing not to like…..and I was right, I loved every page of it
We follow the early life ( late teens, early 20’s ) of the Carter boys ( 6 of them ) the main focus being on the eldest 3 and the mishaps and dramas they get into as they become a force to be reckoned with in their chosen ‘field’
Great characters, a tense and exciting storyline and a book that within a few minutes you are involved in and part of, really love these kind of books where you feel like you are there with them
Cant wait to be back with the Carters in Book 2 and see what they get up to next
Brilliant writing and fab read for any lover of this genre
10/10
5 Stars
April 17, 2022
I really enjoyed Under Dog as a huge fan of gritty gangland thrillers, I’m surprised I have never read a book by this author. This book has all the elements you would expect in this genre, family feuds, turf wars, and plenty of violence. Certainly worth a read if your a fan of this genre
November 4, 2022
I have never read a Kerry Kaya book before I instantly loved it
It was right up my street will definitely be reading more 10 out of 10 for me
It was right up my street will definitely be reading more 10 out of 10 for me
April 22, 2019
Amazing debut
Tommy Carter is wanting to make a jake for himself and is doing in the boxing circuit. This isn’t exciting enough for Tommy though and becomes bored of what his dad wants him to do. Meeting Davey Abbott is the chance he’s been waiting for bit his he up for the challenges set.
Tommy Carter is wanting to make a jake for himself and is doing in the boxing circuit. This isn’t exciting enough for Tommy though and becomes bored of what his dad wants him to do. Meeting Davey Abbott is the chance he’s been waiting for bit his he up for the challenges set.
June 21, 2019
Kerry Kaya ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this book from the start.I love crime saga books & there is so much more for other books as there's so many good characters in this book. This is my first time reading this author & I will definitely be reading her other books,I hope this is a series fingers crossed ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this book from the start.I love crime saga books & there is so much more for other books as there's so many good characters in this book. This is my first time reading this author & I will definitely be reading her other books,I hope this is a series fingers crossed ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 7, 2020
What a gripping book this is and it keeps you wanting more.Tommy Carter is a young man who had a boxing career ahead of him until he meets Davy Abbott.Tommy and his brother Jimmy are collectors for davy and soon forge a career out for themselves as men to be feared.I won't spoil the book but this is brilliant and i am already onto the next book.5*
June 2, 2019
Brilliant
Great read lots going on in a gangster world couldn't put the book down would definitely recommend five big stars
Great read lots going on in a gangster world couldn't put the book down would definitely recommend five big stars
October 6, 2019
Great book
Great book..
Couldn't put down
Great book..
Couldn't put down
Great book..
Couldn't put down
Great book..
Couldn't put down
Would recommend
Great book..
Couldn't put down
Great book..
Couldn't put down
Great book..
Couldn't put down
Great book..
Couldn't put down
Would recommend
November 20, 2019
Brilliant Read
Definitely worth the 5 stars totally believable characters had me booked from start to finish can't wait to read more by this author
Definitely worth the 5 stars totally believable characters had me booked from start to finish can't wait to read more by this author
February 14, 2020
Brilliant
Coming from the eastend
myself I found this book such a good read. I couldn't wait to pick up my book each day for further reading. Loved it
Coming from the eastend
myself I found this book such a good read. I couldn't wait to pick up my book each day for further reading. Loved it
February 16, 2020
A good start to a good crime/gangland drama, lots of these about and this is one of the better ones, looking forward to reading more of them.
March 23, 2024
Great book! I tend to avoid books with descriptions of pregnancy and childbirth as it's so triggering, but this one was a gift. I really enjoyed the other elements of the story and felt the characters were realistic and likeable! I'd read another in the series. Also love that it's set in areas that are familiar to me.
May 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this book a must read if you are a fan of Martina Cole you will love this book great characters and can relate to some of the places mentioned in the book
February 14, 2020
Brilliant reading.
I have now read all the books but unfortunately not all in order but every book I read was brilliant . All the novels kept me in m seat and I will certainly be looking for more of her books . From start to finish page from page was really a good read . I would certainly out her in the same category as Kimberly chambers.Jessie Jean what a brilliant read . Worth more then 5 Stars cannot wait for her next book to come out . I didn't know much about this author thought I would give it a try and glad that I did I would recommend this book of fans of martina Cole and many others .
I have now read all the books but unfortunately not all in order but every book I read was brilliant . All the novels kept me in m seat and I will certainly be looking for more of her books . From start to finish page from page was really a good read . I would certainly out her in the same category as Kimberly chambers.Jessie Jean what a brilliant read . Worth more then 5 Stars cannot wait for her next book to come out . I didn't know much about this author thought I would give it a try and glad that I did I would recommend this book of fans of martina Cole and many others .
February 23, 2020
Tommy Carter and his brothers, were from an estate in Barking.
Their mother loved her boys.
Tommy was the oldest and working, collecting debts.
He gets his other brother working too.
I just thought he was ducking and diving but he was good at what he did. He was a provider.
Where there’s boys, there’s girls.
I had to laugh, when
Tommy decided to do another job. I thought he wasn’t ready but he was determined. He and his brothers were lucky, I thought.
Do one thing and succeed, then try the next.
There’s a lot more to this story and you won’t be able to stop reading.
Loved it and would love it to continue.
Their mother loved her boys.
Tommy was the oldest and working, collecting debts.
He gets his other brother working too.
I just thought he was ducking and diving but he was good at what he did. He was a provider.
Where there’s boys, there’s girls.
I had to laugh, when
Tommy decided to do another job. I thought he wasn’t ready but he was determined. He and his brothers were lucky, I thought.
Do one thing and succeed, then try the next.
There’s a lot more to this story and you won’t be able to stop reading.
Loved it and would love it to continue.
February 19, 2020
Brilliant
What a Corker of a find . Early hrs of the morning, but had to finish it. Well done Kerry. It's up there with Sandra Prior and Karen Clow. Love the Carter's cant wait to read the next episode. Love Jimmy bless him.
It's a ten from me and a deffo must read .if u like this genre, you will love it
On to Scorned now ❣❣❣❣❣⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a Corker of a find . Early hrs of the morning, but had to finish it. Well done Kerry. It's up there with Sandra Prior and Karen Clow. Love the Carter's cant wait to read the next episode. Love Jimmy bless him.
It's a ten from me and a deffo must read .if u like this genre, you will love it
On to Scorned now ❣❣❣❣❣⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 22, 2020
Book 1
Really enjoyed this page turner. The first book published by Kerry Kaya. I try to read books in the order they are published so I don't get out of sync if they belong in a series. Top Dog is the next book and then it's Scorned. Thanks Kaya for an interesting read, looking forward to the rest.
Really enjoyed this page turner. The first book published by Kerry Kaya. I try to read books in the order they are published so I don't get out of sync if they belong in a series. Top Dog is the next book and then it's Scorned. Thanks Kaya for an interesting read, looking forward to the rest.
January 13, 2020
Great book
Hadn't heard of Kerry kaya before until I received a friends request & I'm glad I did, this story is a great gangland crime where u feel your in the story getting to know all the characters, I love Tommy Carter
Hadn't heard of Kerry kaya before until I received a friends request & I'm glad I did, this story is a great gangland crime where u feel your in the story getting to know all the characters, I love Tommy Carter
February 16, 2020
Gripping story from start to finish
This book was so easy to get into, you get to know all the characters ,love the fact it was a family like the Carters, I am definitely now a big fan of Kerry Kay's
This book was so easy to get into, you get to know all the characters ,love the fact it was a family like the Carters, I am definitely now a big fan of Kerry Kay's
August 9, 2020
Wow, wow, wow, cracking book. Gritty gangland book, with some great characters.
November 15, 2019
Great read and love the Carter family.
February 14, 2020
Really good .. looking forward to her next two books
May 12, 2020
What a fantastic read! I was gripped from start to finish and can’t wait to start the next in the series.
June 10, 2020
Brilliant
I enjoyed every second of this. I recommend it if you love Kim Chambers, Kerry Barnes and all the others. Now I'm off to read the next. Brilliant work Kerry! Fab
I enjoyed every second of this. I recommend it if you love Kim Chambers, Kerry Barnes and all the others. Now I'm off to read the next. Brilliant work Kerry! Fab
November 20, 2024
A young boy. A tempting industry. Under Dog is the epitome of gangland drama.
Under Dog is the first instalment of the Carter Brothers series by Kerry Kaya.
This book has everything you want in a gangland thriller — action, familial drama, conflict and romance. The Carter brothers are all complex characters, making for a great read. Tommy Carter, in particular, has to deal with wanting to prove himself as the eldest son, whilst also facing the reality of needing to provide for his pregnant girlfriend, Stacey.
As a reader, I usually gravitate towards romantasy novels, however, I desperately needed a change in pace. Last year, I picked up a gangland-related novel and really enjoyed it, so I figured I would give the genre another go and I'm so glad I did! Immediately, I was gripped by the conflict of Tommy Carter making the rounds in the boxing scene but wanting to provide for his family. He decides to become a debt collector and boy, is he a good one. Tommy becomes a reliable figure to the almighty Davey Abbott, and we start to see trouble arise when Tommy is promoted to managing a local club.
Arguably, my favourite character has to be Stacey. I admire her loyalty and love for Tommy, but it doesn't take away from the fact she is intuitive and headstrong. The female characters in the book feel as though they are just as important as the male characters, even though they aren't actively driving the plot.
It was interesting to see Tommy navigate how to run a business, especially one where things can turn sour quickly. He is determined to prove himself and come out on top, and that makes for good drama as people around him, including his own family, are worried he won't make it.
I was obsessed with reading Under Dog and finished it within a day. Kerry Kaya did a brilliant job at writing both characters who are adored and hated and creating a plot which makes you want to continue reading.
I will be picking up the next book in the series, and I can't wait!
Under Dog is the first instalment of the Carter Brothers series by Kerry Kaya.
This book has everything you want in a gangland thriller — action, familial drama, conflict and romance. The Carter brothers are all complex characters, making for a great read. Tommy Carter, in particular, has to deal with wanting to prove himself as the eldest son, whilst also facing the reality of needing to provide for his pregnant girlfriend, Stacey.
As a reader, I usually gravitate towards romantasy novels, however, I desperately needed a change in pace. Last year, I picked up a gangland-related novel and really enjoyed it, so I figured I would give the genre another go and I'm so glad I did! Immediately, I was gripped by the conflict of Tommy Carter making the rounds in the boxing scene but wanting to provide for his family. He decides to become a debt collector and boy, is he a good one. Tommy becomes a reliable figure to the almighty Davey Abbott, and we start to see trouble arise when Tommy is promoted to managing a local club.
Arguably, my favourite character has to be Stacey. I admire her loyalty and love for Tommy, but it doesn't take away from the fact she is intuitive and headstrong. The female characters in the book feel as though they are just as important as the male characters, even though they aren't actively driving the plot.
It was interesting to see Tommy navigate how to run a business, especially one where things can turn sour quickly. He is determined to prove himself and come out on top, and that makes for good drama as people around him, including his own family, are worried he won't make it.
I was obsessed with reading Under Dog and finished it within a day. Kerry Kaya did a brilliant job at writing both characters who are adored and hated and creating a plot which makes you want to continue reading.
I will be picking up the next book in the series, and I can't wait!
May 21, 2023
Having read book 4 in this series, I now know how it all started. :)
Sometimes a person can show a lot of promise as a young age. People can taken them then under their wing and help them to work towards a great future, which is great of course.
This being a gangland crime means the boy Tommy is being guided into becoming a good and thus fierce debt collector and afterwards promoted to manager of a club. Tommy shows he certainly has potential and having proven to be a good boxer certainly is an asset in this line of work.
When, one day, Tommy gets the surprise of his life, good times are thrown his way and it feels like it makes him a bit too cocky and maybe a tad overconfident...
Tommy can be really charming, but he can sometimes be to focused on what he wants without taking the others or the consequences in consideration. I admire Stacy, his wife. She must love him to bits. ;)
Anyways, a great entertaining story that had me laughing out loud on a few occasions. 5 stars
Thank you
Sometimes a person can show a lot of promise as a young age. People can taken them then under their wing and help them to work towards a great future, which is great of course.
This being a gangland crime means the boy Tommy is being guided into becoming a good and thus fierce debt collector and afterwards promoted to manager of a club. Tommy shows he certainly has potential and having proven to be a good boxer certainly is an asset in this line of work.
When, one day, Tommy gets the surprise of his life, good times are thrown his way and it feels like it makes him a bit too cocky and maybe a tad overconfident...
Tommy can be really charming, but he can sometimes be to focused on what he wants without taking the others or the consequences in consideration. I admire Stacy, his wife. She must love him to bits. ;)
Anyways, a great entertaining story that had me laughing out loud on a few occasions. 5 stars
Thank you
April 16, 2022
great read
As usual Kerry has done herself proud. Compelling reading, I’ve read this in a matter of hours. Couldn’t put it down. Great characters and a story that keeps you turning the pages. Straight in to the next one. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for the Carters!
As usual Kerry has done herself proud. Compelling reading, I’ve read this in a matter of hours. Couldn’t put it down. Great characters and a story that keeps you turning the pages. Straight in to the next one. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for the Carters!
July 24, 2022
Wow
This is the first book I've read by this author and it certainly won't be not last. I loved it. It's got a bit of wheeling and dealing a few murders a bit of everything. If you like Kimberley chambers you will enjoy Kerry Kaya
This is the first book I've read by this author and it certainly won't be not last. I loved it. It's got a bit of wheeling and dealing a few murders a bit of everything. If you like Kimberley chambers you will enjoy Kerry Kaya
September 29, 2022
Good read
After what I considered a slow start, picking up speed this turned into a gripping, on the edge of your seat read. Could not wait to get to the end to see what happened to the Carter's. Looking forward to book 2.
After what I considered a slow start, picking up speed this turned into a gripping, on the edge of your seat read. Could not wait to get to the end to see what happened to the Carter's. Looking forward to book 2.
November 23, 2022
I stumbled on this author while looking up books from Kimberley Chambers and Kerry Barnes. What a wonderful find. I quickly became immersed in to the story and was rooting for some of the characters pretty quickly. I’m moving straight on to the second book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews