The Black Dog

**'Edgy, dark, funny and perceptive' The Herald 'Immensely readable' Jo Brand** **'Brilliant' The Sun 'Vulnerable and raw' Tom Allen** 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? ' Matt Coyne 'Vulnerable and raw - this is a beautiful debut novel from the king of comedic storytelling.' Tom Allen 'It's funny (obviously) and dark (obviously) but tender and surprising, too.' Bobby Palmer 'Watching Kevin, I was sure he was born to be a stand-up comic, but reading his book it is clear he can do absolutely anything he sets his mind to. I look forward to visiting his Michelin starred restaurant and living on his self-built space community. Everything that is great about Kevin's stand up - the characters he creates, the unapologetic root in working class life, the straddling of worlds - is what's great about this book.' Jon Richardson