I have to declare an interest here; Paul Kennedy and I worked together on many occasions covering the many big, small and mediocre events happening in Liverpool and the surrounding areas for local, national and international newspapers.It was after one of the many stake-outs that we were involved-in that on my advice, Paul sold his car, collected the petty cash due to him and took off to Australia on an extended trip, also taking in most of Asia and the United States.When he returned more than a year later he joined the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo, ending up as News Editor. Before joining the News of the World and The People.So when Paul sent me a copy of his first novel, "The Carpet King of Texas" it was with a little apprehension that I started to read it. Would I enjoy it? Would I be able to read it? What if it was badly written, what would I say to him?I am very happy to report that Paul has written a very impressive debut novel and by far the best book that I have read this year.Paul has dedicated his first novel to his Mam & Dad, but does advise them not to read it. This is good advice for those of a delicate disposition or the easily offended; this is the most disturbing book I have ever read. It reaches places I did not know existed, as a book about Liverpool, it will not be popular with those who work in tourism promoting the city, but as a book about the disturbing side of life, this is the template.There are many novels that are of their time. In the sixties "I Jan Cremer" was a sensational book about the sexual exploits of it's hero and immediately banned by the Vatican, which did sales no harm. Also "Last Exit to Brooklyn" was another book that really exposed the underbelly of New York, so pornographic it was nearly 30 years before it was badly filmed. There are so many sensational books that have been of their time probably the most famous is "Lady Chatterleys Lover" which are now acceptable and people wonder what the fuss was all about.This is now the time for "The Carpet King of Texas" a sensational book in the broadest sense. Paul Kennedy has described the Liverpool drug and sex scene very well, a little too well at times. His characters are sharp and you just hope that there will be a happy out come.This is not a book a would review for the "Catholic Pictorial" I am not too sure if the Vatican still ban books or they have given up on censorship. If they do I suggest that Mr. Kennedy sends a copy to the Pope during the Pope's forthcoming visit. The resulting ban will no doubt help sales.This is not a book for the squeamish, there are some very harrowing descriptions, aside from that, this book should be compulsive reading in all schools were teenagers think drug taking is "cool". It also containing the most shocking sexual descriptions I have ever read in a book that I have not bought under the counter.A book of our time, for our time, I recommend you get your hands on a copy, but be warned when word gets out about "The Carpet King of Texas" you will want to read it in the privacy of your own home lying on the carpet, not on the plane to Texas, were possession of this book is probably a criminal offence.