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Top Dog

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Once you're in, there’s only one way out...

Tired of always doing the dirty work with little reward, Danny McKay wants out of the gangland life. But his boss, Freddie Smith, has other ideas…

As the current Top Dog of the East End, Freddie knows he must protect his reign at all costs and if that means disposing of his much younger, much stronger, number two, then so be it.

Now, with a price on his head, Danny must use all of his wits and connections to stay one step ahead of Freddie – he knows his old boss won’t give up without a fight to the death.

But with a turf war looming, the question is who will survive and who will be crowned Top Dog.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2022

260 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Kerry Kaya

26 books72 followers

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5 stars
1,153 (67%)
4 stars
393 (23%)
3 stars
119 (6%)
2 stars
22 (1%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Mark.
1,687 reviews
August 26, 2022
Firstly ‘Top Dog’can be read as a stand alone as well as part of the series
Brutal, there are no bones about saying that, this is a real no nonsense gangland/family drama, pulling no punches and avoiding nothing….and it’s addictive, the writing and the storyline ( that’s why going straight onto Book 3 in the Series )
We meet some new and some known characters and follow the story of who is to be the new ‘Top Dog’ and how old and well kept secrets are to come into play to make this decision…and when the secrets are exposed all manner of things are let loose
It’s brilliantly written, keeps you reading and emotive…and did I say brutal!
If you love gangland family crime drama this is 100% for you
Right onto Book 3

10/10
5 Stars
181 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2019
Top dog

Kerry’s 2nd book.
Not a follow on from Barking boy.
Danny is seriously miffed off at being Freddie’s number 2 and lack of respect that Freddie has for Danny.
Danny knows the ins and outs of the business and men and is considering getting out of Freddie’s form but how easy will he let him leave.
There is trouble brewing with the Greeks and they are not bothered who is who they want the Top dog status so with 3 people trying to claim the crown who is going to get it....
An already top firm run by Freddie
George the Greek who is already head of his manor
Or Danny no crew as such and just a short fuse....
Lots of blood shed but whose is it???
Gripping page turner that has you sucked in to the east end gangs.
Profile Image for Sandra.
566 reviews22 followers
January 9, 2020
Oh Boy what a gripping read this book was i didn't want to put it down.Danny McKay is a man you do not want to annoy or cross.Danny works for Freddie but is getting fed up of the way he has been treated by freddie and wonders why young boys are joining their crew but one night he decides he has had enough and walks away telling freddie he is out but freddie puts an order out that Danny has to go.I have really enjoyed this book all the charactors and the story have kept me hooked and i am so glad certain people met a very appropriate end.I do so love a bad boy book and thank you Kerry Kaya you have delivered.5*
Profile Image for Pol.
451 reviews9 followers
August 11, 2022
Another great book by Kerry kaya, kept me reading into the night couldn't put down till I had finished it. Worth so much more than 5 stars ✨ Outstanding series.
On book 4 now and cannot wait to see what happens.
Profile Image for Julia Jones.
82 reviews
September 4, 2019
Good Read

Really enjoyed reading this book. First book I've read by Kerry Kaya and will most certainly keep an eye out for other books by her. Couldn't out it down. Would love to see a continuation of this story .
Profile Image for Lauren.
129 reviews5 followers
November 20, 2024
A standalone in the Carter Brothers universe. A new story. The same drama.

Top Dog is the second instalment in the Carter Brothers series by Kerry Kaya.

This book technically could be read as a stand-alone, however, it is set in the same universe as the first book. Top Dog follows Danny McKay and his internal dilemma; he desperately wants to leave gangland life but he can't. Danny needs to find a way to overtake his boss, and finally put things right, even if it means sacrificing those he loves most.

I can't say I was as invested in this book as I was in the previous book, and I think that was because I desperately wanted to know what was next for the Carters. I also really struggled with Danny as a character. I completely understand why he was so frustrated and that his hands were tied, however, there were instances where he came across as incredibly unlikable. His relationship with Maxine became very toxic very quickly. The miscommunication trope is heavy in this book, and for Danny to throw his marriage away and resent his wife because she wants to know what's going on is incredibly disappointing.

Regardless, the action was great and I really enjoyed seeing all of the different conflicts play out and seeing how Danny and the other characters dealt with them. Kerry Kaya is an excellent writer, and the ability to draw the reader in and make them feel as though they are in the thick of the drama is very commendable.

It was also nice to have cameos from characters who played a significant role in the first book, I won't spoil who shows up, but it was nice to see the crossover. I imagine that this is Kaya setting up certain characters to cross paths in future books, which I will be looking forward to.

Even though I didn't enjoy Top Dog as much as I enjoyed Under Dog, I am very much enjoying the Carter Brothers universe as a whole, so I will be continuing with the next book.
5 reviews
June 17, 2020
Too Dog by a Top Crime Writer

Wow... This book is fantastic I couldn't put it down. Gritty gangland at its utmost best ever. Having just read Barking Boy by Kerry Kaya I could not wait to start reading this second book... Now I am itching to start Scorned. I never know what to expect when I read books by a new author and I wasn't disappointed. Kerry girl you killed it.. Absolutely fantastic Top Dig, top author too notch. Congratulations Kerry I can honestly say I love your books and you are in my Top 10. I don't like writing about the plot or what happens because it spoils things for other readers but I certainly highly recommend Kerry's books.
42 reviews
March 3, 2024
Yet another uncompromising gritty read from an author at the top of her game. It’s all been said before ‘page turner, unputdownable’ but this is a rapid read. It’s falls into the dilemma of not wanting it to end but you just need to find out what happens next.
Kaya firmly remains in my top 3 female authors of this genre. Having read several of her books before you are never disappointed with continuing in each of her series.
Not sure I’m totally happy in my enjoyment of the brutal nature of the content but thankfully it’s very rare in the ‘real world’ of today, but at least for the vast majority of readers it remains fiction.
Thank you Kaya and keep up the good work!
147 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2020
A great read

If gangland fiction is your thing you will love this book. We have Danny , he has been in Freddys firm for 20 years and there's nothing he hasn't done along the way but a,likeable chap. Freddy is older, a coke head , paranoid and past it, his reign as top dog is coming to an end , he just doesn't know it yet. We have an edge of your seat page Turner here that is definitely worth a read. I would recommend this book to all.
Profile Image for Kev.
113 reviews
November 26, 2022
A fantastic follow up on the first book. I loved how this book focused on a couple of back characters from the first instalment and how it knitted together both novels together. Oddly, the phrase ‘blowing out the cheeks’ became annoying and I’m not even sure why.

Some very toxic characters and it’s great to see Kerry tackling somewhat taboo subjects.

Looking very forward to book three in this series.
23 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2020
Brilliant

Yet again Kerry has not disappointed.
Been from the east end myself as usual r reading her stories I can visualize the characters.
Love her books so much
She is as good Martina cole
Profile Image for Leeanne Paling.
50 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2020
Book 2

This is a follow up from Barking Boy, you could possibly read it as a novel but I like to read them in order. I'm really enjoying this author, this book is another page turner and I've read the book that follows this one. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Miriam.
952 reviews
May 17, 2020
The second book in the series and just as gripping as the first one. What I like most about Danny despite his tough reputation is that there is a softer side to him which is revealed towards the end. I went straight on to book 3 after finishing this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Donna Louise Kay.
139 reviews
June 20, 2020
Loved it. Recommend highly.

I am now a bone fide Kerry Kaya fan. She's a cracking person and a cracking writer. Now, in to the next book from her. Can't wait so I'm starting now, even if it is 2am
Profile Image for Marc Clegg.
94 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2021
Absolutely fantastic

Kerry has scored again!!!! Wow what a read I thought Barking Boy was brilliant but was even better!!! Kerry certainly know s how to throw a punch into a story!! Now reading her next one,I can't stop! All rise for Kerry Kaya 🥰🥰❤️❤️
3 reviews
November 23, 2021
Must read, if you like crime thrillers this is as good as it gets, all crime fane will love it.

Like the plot and the way it unfolded, as good as any I have read. You won't be disappointed that is for sure.
174 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2022
Wow

This book got everything going on from drug dealing torture and murder. Never a dull moment for Danny and Moray can't wait for the third book in this series. If you like Kimberley chambers you will enjoy this book
32 reviews
October 3, 2022
Gripping

After the slow start if book 1 I really dodnt know what to expect from book 2. Disappointed I was NOT. Excellent storey line, brilliantly written. Edge of the seat reading. Gripping to the very end. Throughly enjoyed this book and on my way to book 3.
2 reviews
January 1, 2023
Amazing couldn't put the book down. Real page Turner.

The Carter family really something. Similar to the Ryan family written by Martina Cole. But Kerry really gets you turning the pages .
5 reviews
January 17, 2020
Amazing!

Yet another AMAZING read! Keep them coming Kerry! I'm just about to start the 3rd book and I'm gutted it's the last for now!
14 reviews
February 10, 2020
Amazing

Loved everything about this book couldn't put it down onto the next one now found a need author xxx


Will be looking out for your books love xxx
2 reviews
February 11, 2020
Excellent read

Excellent read now for the 3rd in the series Thanks Kerry kaya you are definitely 5 star worthy xx xx
Profile Image for Angelique Burton.
126 reviews
February 22, 2020
Fantastic read

Completely enjoyed the second book in this trilogy. Danny has certainly come into his own. Gangland crime at its very best.
4 reviews
March 16, 2020
I loved this book

Plz plz read all of Kerry's books they are amazing I couldn't put this book down I love Danny he is amazing
69 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2020
Kept me gripped.

Just as good as the first one, and now I can't wait to start on the next one. Fantastic book
10 reviews
March 29, 2020
Charaters very realistic. Lots of twists and turns. Kept me interested throuout the book.
Well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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