Andy Catling makes an impressive fiction debut with “Odds & Sods”, a fast-moving yet deeply character-driven novel that dives into the murky world of British horse racing, con artistry, and revenge. It’s sharp, stylish, and laced with the kind of grit and dark humour that defines great British crime fiction—yet beneath its swagger lies a surprising amount of heart.
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Set between smoky London pubs, backroom betting shops, and the Newmarket racetrack, “Odds & Sods” follows McQueen, a streetwise grifter with a score to settle. When he and his partner, Gabby, team up with French racehorse trainer Françoise Toussaint, they plot an audacious scheme designed to outwit the bookmakers and level a long-standing debt. But the underworld doesn’t forget easily—and when Scottish gang leader Lennox Docherty re-enters the picture, old grudges resurface, forcing the con artists to play a dangerous game where one wrong move could cost everything.
What makes “Odds & Sods” such a captivating read is the balance Andy Catling strikes between the cinematic pacing of a thriller and the quiet, meaningful pauses that let the characters breathe. The story moves with energy—full of clever twists and unexpected turns—but it also takes its time to explore who these people really are and what drives them. McQueen, in particular, feels lived-in and authentic, a man who has clearly spent years operating on the edges of society. Gabby, meanwhile, brings a certain newness and unpredictability, even after years of experience, offering a sharp contrast to McQueen’s hardened worldview.
Among the standout moments are the smaller, more human subplots—such as the touching scenes between Mo and Simon, a gay couple who both, independently, fall victim to McQueen and Gabby’s separate cons. Their story highlights Catling’s ability to find heart within the hustle. When Simon comforts Mo after being conned, it’s a moment of vulnerability that adds unexpected emotional depth to the narrative and reminds readers that every scheme has collateral damage.
Themes of loyalty and redemption run throughout the book, though both are constantly tested. McQueen and Gabby wrestle with the pull of normality versus the thrill of deception—and inevitably, the lure of the con always wins. Beneath the surface tension of the revenge plot lies a persistent anxiety, the shadow of Lennox Docherty looming like a storm that never fully breaks. The result is a story where even moments of calm feel charged with unease, a tension that keeps readers hooked from one chapter to the next.
Stylistically, Catling writes with flair and confidence. His prose is crisp, witty, and undeniably British, peppered with dark humour and the occasional Cockney turn of phrase. The inclusion of a glossary at the end is a welcome touch—especially for readers less familiar with the rhyming slang—and it adds a layer of authenticity to the dialogue. The tone remains consistent throughout, giving the book a cohesive voice that feels grounded in the gritty reality of its setting.
Adding to the novel’s charm are the illustrations by Keith Gorman, which accompany almost every chapter. Each image feels purposefully chosen, offering visual clues or emotional context that enhance the storytelling rather than distract from it. They capture the noir-like quality of Catling’s world—smoky, dangerous, yet strangely inviting.
Without giving too much away, the story builds toward a finale that’s as unpredictable as it is satisfying. Catling isn’t afraid to take risks, and the ending delivers the kind of unexpected turn that feels both earned and inevitable—the mark of a storyteller who knows how to land a punch without telegraphing it.
Andy Catling’s background in the racing world clearly informs every page, but “Odds & Sods” is far more than a novel about horses and hustles. It’s about people—flawed, funny, and fiercely loyal—navigating a world where the line between triumph and disaster is always one bad bet away.
Packed with tension, humour, and a surprising amount of humanity, “Odds & Sods” is a clever and compelling debut that proves Andy Catling is a writer worth keeping an eye on. This one’s a winner from the first furlong to the finish line.
“Odds & Sods”, the debut novel by Andy Catling, which has been published by Troubador Publishing, is available to purchase in e-book format via Amazon Kindle and Apple Books; and in paperback format via Amazon, Waterstones, and Bookshop.org.
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