To the Dogs by Louise Welsh

Jim Brennan is flying high. Against all odds he is a big man at the university, tipped for the head job and an office at the top of the ivory tower. He has a beautiful, accomplished wife and two healthy children. Jim drives an Audi, and his dog is a pedigree bichon frise. Not bad for the son of a hardman who grew up in a room and kitchen. But it is not easy to escape the past. Certain people have been keeping an eye on Professor Jim Brennan. When is son Elliot is arrested on drugs charges and lands in prison after breaking bail conditions, Jim is approached by men he thought he had left behind. Their demands threaten his family, students, and reputation. As threats mount Jim discovers he is more like his father than he thought. The question is, how far will Professor Jim Brennan go to save his life?