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The Black Dog cover art

The Black Dog

By: Kevin Bridges
Narrated by: Mr Angus King
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Summary

A life-affirming debut novel from one of Britain's most-loved comedians, Kevin Bridges - exploring dysfunctional friendships, family, and how to face your problems head on.

Declan Dolan has always wanted to be a writer, turning the ideas that spiral in his head into stories on the page. He longs to emulate his hometown hero, renowned writer and actor, James Cavani. Though their lives couldn't be more different, they have a lot more in common than they think.

With his pet labrador Hector and his best friend-turned-mentor Doof Doof by his side, Declan sets out to escape his world of binge-drinking, supermarket shelf-stacking and small-time gangsters. Meanwhile Cavani finds himself drawn back into this world that he thought he had already escaped.

Could it be that fate has a way of bringing two people together when they need it the most?

©2022 Kevin Bridges (P)2022 Headline Publishing Group Ltd

Critic reviews

One of the funniest stand-up comedians in world and now the author of a brilliant novel. Kevin's talent is starting to annoy me now. (Rob Beckett, comedian and author of A CLASS ACT)
Immensely readable, fast moving and an insight into two sides of Kevin Bridges, I really enjoyed it. Kevin's warmth and wit shine through in his first novel. Never a dull moment and an array of engaging, quirky characters. A funny and absorbing read with some great insights into the world of negotiating being famous. (Jo Brand, comedian and author of CAN'T STAND UP FOR SITTING DOWN)
I've just finished The Black Dog with a massive lump in my throat - what a brilliant book. Touching, raucous, visceral and really funny with some moments of real profundity. (Harriet Tyce, author of IT ENDS AT MIDNIGHT)

What listeners say about The Black Dog

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Great story. Happy the pieces came together!

Dark, emotional, but heart warming (all at the same time). Well written! At points I was unclear where it was going, and I was initially unclear how the parts would come together - but it’s nice to end well.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Me
  • 11-09-22

Solid first effort

Good book, bit train spotting, Scottish style. Good like, enjoyable and not a slog

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slow start

I enjoyed this but it was a bit slow getting started. Angus King definitely helped me stick with it. overall I enjoyed the story and it was pretty easy to imagine it happening.

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pure dead brilliant

this book was just an engaging read, couldn't put it down! the characters were so believable and I could picture them in my head. so nice to read a book not set in London not of office eorks or fich loft livers. highly recommended

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1 person found this helpful

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Beautifully immersive

Wonderful debut novel from Kevin Bridges - brilliant from start to finish. I found myself transfixed by the long descriptive scenes and the depth of characterisation. A neat but layered novel which really played out in my head so vividly that I could picture the characters and scenarios as if I was there. 5 stars!


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Fabulous 😁

Loved it. Love Kevin Bridges as a comedian but didn't know what the expect from his fiction book. It was both funny and really interesting so binge listened. Bring on your n next book Kevin 😁

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Excellent debut

As a fan of Kevin's comedy, I really enjoyed this story, I grew up in absolutely the same world as these characters, and they felt really familiar to me. The story ties up brilliantly in the last chapter, and I was chuckling away to myself throughout the finale.

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Range

You’d expect this to be a laugh-a-minute effort from Kevin Bridges but it’s got much more to it than that. Great people observations as you’d expect from a top level comic but more than just playing for laughs. Hope to hear more from him in future

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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A bit disappointing

I love Kevin Bridges' stand up so was excited to learn he'd written a book. I kept waiting for it to get interesting but it didn't happen. I made it halfway before giving up.

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Great First Novel!

I loved this story. Wasn't sure what to expect from Kevin Bridges, but knowing his comedy, I knew he had a flair for highlighting those little things we all have in common, our quirks and habits etc, and bringing them into (not just comedic)focus, so I was hopeful. I thought the characterisation was really excellent, especially James Keveany...the writing of his inner dialogue was masterfully done. All the main characters were well rounded and believable - loved Doof Doof, and Eddie Reynolds was an awesome character! I enjoyed it so much, and drove around in my car just to listen to more of the audiobook!! So much more I could say but I'll just end by saying thank you for this Kevin, and well done!! (and for writing in 'Scottish') Not forgetting Angus King, the narrator who did an amazing job of reading this novel and really brought it to life!

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