Rawhead

by David Bowker

For struggling author Billy Dye, ghostwriting the memoirs of Manchester gangster Malcolm Priest seems like a great way to make a quick buck, but when Priest tires of the wry writer he hires a vicious hitman to take him out. When the assassin named Rawhead turns out to be a school friend he hasn't seen in years, Billy's life is spared and the killer vows to protect him. As the tension mounts and the bodies pile up, Billy discovers that his friend is a terrifying psychopath who will stop at nothing to defend him. And when Rawhead takes an interest in Billy's career, no one-not even in the publishing world-is safe. Violent, fast-paced, and laced with razor-sharp wit, the novel builds to a stunning climax that is sure to jolt the most jaded suspense reader and leave them breathless.

Genres: Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Noir

Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Born in Manchester but now living in Cambridge, David Bowker is author of six novels, including The Secret Sexist, From Stockport with Love and, most recently, Rawhead and Rawhead in Love. He was voted 'Manchester Writer of the Year' by City Life magazine.

Reviews

[RandomAnthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why isn't this book a movie already? I've read this twice, over two years, and each reading was satisfying. Imagine James Elroy grows up in Manchester, England, watches a lot of action and horror films, reads the books on which the movies are based, drinks some magical talent concoction, and writes a book. "The Death You Deserve" (as well as its sequel) draw you in and make you read a little further than you had planned in any one sitting. Plus, you're hard pressed to find a character as cool as "Rawhead". People who read a lot and people who don't read much but like these types of stories will like Bowker. I don't know why he's not more popular.

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brutally funny novel about murder and revenge. Can be gory in parts but has a good twist at the end.

Back Cover Blurb:
Struggling author Billy Dye agrees to ghost the memoirs of Manchester gangster Malcolm Priest. But Priest soon wearies of Billy's big mouth and hires his best hitman to take the writer out. The assassin, Rawhead, turns out to be a schoolfriend Billy hasn't seen for twenty years, so he spares Billy's life and hides him away in an old dark house. After Priest learns that Billy is still alive, he lays a trap for Rawhead. As the violence escalates, Billy discovers that his old friend is a terrifying psychopath who will literally stop at nothing to protect him. And when Rawhead takes an interest in Billy's career, no one - not even in the publishing world - is safe.

[Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be careful who you recommend this book to. Some people might be offended by the violence while others might focus on the brutal and forthright human truths that are revealed. Definitely not for the faint-hearted. I'm coming back for more.

[Bettie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betties Books

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

also published as "Rawhead"
PROTAGONIST: Billy Dye, horror author; Rawhead, hitman
SETTING: Manchester, UK
SERIES: #1 of 2
RATING: 4.25
WHY: Although he's had 4 books published, horror author Billy Dye has had zero commercial success. After he interviews noted gangster Malcolm Priest, Priest hires him to write his autobiography. When he tires of Billy, he puts out a contract on him. His "killer" turns out to be a childhood friend, Steve Ellis, aka "Rawhead" who has a strong tie to Billy but now an accomplished hitman. Priest's minions take on the two of them, with disastrous results. Billy's main problem is that he can't resist making completely sarcastic remarks in any situation he faces. Funny, but very dangerous! The book is totally quirky and hilarious, which I loved. However, there were several detailed digressions about horror books and movies that didn't interest me at all. The book itself becomes a horror tale. Recommended.

[Tom Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story; thought it was going to proceed along the lines of the film "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" which was a humorous setting involving British hoods and their quaint (yet violent) ways. The story started out that way, but went to a level of violence I was somewhat uncomfortable with. It didn't help that there was no one, including the "hero", who I could say I liked. Still, it did have some humorous bits. Overall, probably wouldn't recommend it.

[Punk]

Recommended by elide.

[Nashwa S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. I need more books like this in my life. Would make such an awesome movie!

[Margaret · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry, couldn't get past the harsh language. It spoiled it for me!

[Sarah Crysler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this more than I thought I would, it was surprisingly funny although the plot was a little predictable