Category Gangland Crime

The Bad Boy by Gillian Godden @GGodden @rararesources #crime #gangland @BoldwoodBooks #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for The Bad Boy by Gillian Godden. This is not the first time I have read a book by this author and if you are a fan of family-based gangland thrillers then this is one for you.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my copy of this fabulous book.

The Lambrianus are back, and they are badder than ever.

Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Adam Lambrianu understands only too well the fearsome family legacy he’s inherited. He only wants to make his family proud, but as a renowned playboy and bad boy he has a wild and reckless reputation.

Scarlet Lambrianu knows her little brother needs to step up in running the family casino business and empire, but she also worries the old gangland ways don’t interest him anymore. Adam’s sure he can make his own money and build his own legacy in his own unique way.

Desperate to keep Adam in line, old family friend Julie Gold is called in to help. She knows Adam has big plans, but there are rules in their world that must be followed.

But Adam is a Lambrianu and just like his infamous father before him, he knows that if you want to succeed, sometimes rules have to be broken.

MY REVIEW

I like this author’s books and have read a few of them, but I have not seen this series before. This is the 5th book in the series, and it works well as a stand-alone. When I started this book I had not realised it was so far in the series but it worked well. As I was reading I did realise that some things had happened in the past, but there is a character I have come across before; Julie Gold. There is some cross-over that I may have missed, but it doesn’t matter because this book is fabulous.

The Lambrianus Family have their own business and it is run mainly by Scralet but also by her younger brother Adam. He is a ladies’ man, a bruiser, not afraid to get his hands dirty and seems to get away with flashing his blue eyes and exuding charm. Yeah, he is definitely a good baddie! This is where Julie Gold comes in as a friend of the family to try and keep Adam in check and stop him rushing off and causing problems.

He has a new business idea and along with Julie he is in line to make some good profits, but then there is also the other side of his business dealings that have dire consequences. This also brings into play another part of the family.

This is a brilliant book and once I had started it, I read it over the course of a day. It is a gangland crime thriller and does show the dealings the Lambrianus have in the local area and also how they are trying to keep up with changing times. With this being the first time I have read any of this series I was pleased to have been able to keep up with the characters and their relationships within the family group. The author did a great job of adding important details where necessary and I do imagine this is
also great for readers of this series who may need the odd nudge of memory.

There is plenty of action in this story and also a time when you get to see the more family-based side of it. The dynamics are good and the author shows a “human side” to her characters rather than being all business and nothing else.

This is a series that I do wish I had started from at the beginning but reading this book as a stand-alone works amazingly well. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book as it has been left open and I need to know what the family are going to do about the threat that is looming in the future!

This is a gangland thriller and there is a reasonable amount of what you would expect. But this is also more family-based as such, the author shows how Adam is trying to navigate a relationship, how Scarlet is trying to stay the strong businesswoman but how other aspects of her life may be suffering. There is the family in Italy that also needs support and it is all connected and flows so well in the story.

I really enjoyed this book and if you are a fan of gangland family-based crime thrillers then you should look at this book, series and author. It is one I would definitely recommend.

About the Author

My name is Gillian Godden an Indie author and a full time NHS Key worker at a local inner city medical centre in East Hull, East Yorkshire, England. My patients come from all sectors of society and no two days are ever the same. My duty of care is to my patients and during the recent pandemic a lot of frightened and lonely people have relied upon us at the medical centre to offer guidance and support. This year is the 72nd anniversary of the NHS and we do everything we can to support out patients when they need us.

When I come home I like to wind down and writing is my escape from the mental stresses of my day. My job is not a 9 to 5 job and I work to support my patients when they need me so my days can be long.
The medical team at the surgery work together to support all our patients during their time of worry and need.

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A Savage Feud by Heather Atkinson @HeatherAtkinso1 @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #crime #thriller #gangland #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for A Savage Feud by Heather Atkinson. This is a brilliant book and one that fans of gangland crime thrillers should have a look at, this is the 2nd book in the series and I would definitely recommend reading the first book.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of the book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.

In Glasgow’s Haghill, the Savage sisters strike fear into the hearts of their enemies the Alexanders.

Firmly ensconced in the criminal underworld, Carly and Jane Savage, along with girl gang the Unbeatable Bitches, their uncle Eddie and their cousins Dean and Harry, are finally making good money, running dubious errands for the notorious Tallan brothers.

Rod and Neil Tallan wield almighty power over their patch, and their reputation for ruthless revenge on traitors is legendary. The Savage sisters feel invincible until trouble arrives in the form of Jack Alexander. Recently released from notorious hellhole prison, nicknamed Monster Mansion, he’s dangerous, ambitious, and broodingly handsome. Could he persuade the Tallans that the Alexanders are more useful than the Savages?

But as the Alexanders know to their cost, you should never underestimate the Savages, and when their family are under threat, there’s no one more dangerous than a Savage sister…

MY REVIEW

I read Savage Sisters a while ago and loved it, I was eager to get my hands on the next book in the series. A Savage Feud is impressive, action-packed and at times brutal, making it ideal for fans of gangland crime thrillers.

Carly, Jane and Rose Savage are sisters, they live with their ailing father and have recently been reunited with their Uncle Eddie and his sons Dean and Harry. Jane is the leader of a girl gang and works with her cousins and Carly, who work for the Tallan Brothers. The Tallans run debt collecting, own bars, and pubs and are generally the kings of their little empire. They are not to be messed with, but it appears someone is.

There is another family causing waves, the Alexanders, one of which is Carly’s ex, and another who has just got out of prison. The family are getting a bit more cocky and are pushing boundaries. It makes others wonder why this sudden increase in their behaviours and overall manner.

This is fantastic reading and it had me eagerly turning pages. There is a lot of mistrust in this book as you would expect for the subject matter, but this goes deeper than that. There are unseen forces at work and while the characters seem to be getting things worked out something else will happen to throw a curve ball at them.

While this is a story about territory, gangs, affiliations and loyalty, at the heart of it is family. The Savage family protect their own with their all and they definitely live up to their name. Within their community they seem to be well respected, but in other places not so much. As they collect money and do the Tallan’s bidding, there is something that feels off. A gut feeling for them or something that doesn’t quite go as it should makes them edgy. As they have to work they are also aware of how open they are, but they do have friends who will come when called for. But with the mistrust in the air, can they really rely on those they know?

The author has done such a brilliant job with this story, she has shown determination in her characters and you can’t help but like them and loathe the others. The story has a great amount of tension, danger and the odd battle, both physical and battle of wills.

This is one for fans of hard-boiled gangland crime thriller reads. It is loaded with action, set in Glasgow’s Haghill and full of the local vernacular. It is a brilliant story and once again has left me eagerly awaiting the next book! It is one I would definitely recommend, and if you have not read the first book then you really should because it is great as well.

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Justice by Kerry Kaya @KerryKayaWriter @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #crime #thriller #gangland #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Justice by Kerry Kaya. This is the 3rd book in The Tempest series and it is a brilliant book. I would suggest reading this series in order simply because each book is brilliant.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of the book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.

Here comes trouble…

Despite being raised by the notorious Murphy family, Terri Tempest has somehow turned out to be a lovely girl. But when Terri has enough of the abuse from her Uncle Michael, she runs away and takes refuge with Rina and Archie Taylor who own a local pub.

Terri knows she’s a Tempest by blood, but she’s terrified of her half-brothers Ricky and Jamie. Their reputations are even worse than the Murphys.

But when tragedy strikes at the pub, Terri blames herself. She knows there’s only one way to get her revenge and justice and that means joining forces with her brothers and the family firm.

Can Terri prove she is Tempest by name and by nature? Or will she be the Tempests downfall?

Blood will be spilled, but Tempest blood is thicker than most.

MY REVIEW

This is the 3rd book in The Tempest series and we move away from Tracy Tempest and her sons Ricky & Jamie, although they are part of this story, instead, the focus is on Terri. She is a Tempest, but her mother Bianca is a Murphy. Bianca had an affair with Tracy’s husband and Terri was the result. The mUrphy family are not the greatest and Terri’s Uncle Michael doesn’t hold back with his feelings towards her. But, then, neither does Bianca! When she decides that she has had enough she runs away and is taken in by the owners of a pub. Archie and Rina.

This is another explosive book in the series and it was great to see how the main Tempest family were going to react when Terri stepped into the picture. Terri has always been aware of who her family is but she has kept out of the way because they are The Tempests, they are trouble, and they are a strong family who rule their turf with a strong determination.

When another person decides to start making waves things start to change. Terri gets to see another side of people and she also gets to see what she can do. There are other people that are in this story from the previous books and the author does bring up past events to keep you up to speed. I have to say that you would be missing out on some great stories if you decide to read this one as a stand-alone because the previous books are brilliant.

Anyway, I digress… this book sees the family having to make a stand, but who is behind things and why is going to make for some very tense scenes. This author does not hold back, after all these a gangland crime books and so there is a certain amount of bloodshed, violence and anger. Saying that though, the author does get the balance right and goes so far with explanations and then leaves the reader’s head to fill in the gaps!

The character of Terri is fabulous, she is vulnerable but when she finally has something to fight for then watch out. She is a character who has a lot to give and she shows that she can hold her own when it matters and she has found her niche and who she is. This is her story that sees her with nothing and making a stand for the right reasons and it is great to see. I do look forward to seeing what she gets up to next or how she is involved in future books as I know she is going to be a force to be reckoned with.

Another brilliant story in this series, a fast-paced, addictive, gangland thriller through and through and one that I would definitely recommend.

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Judgement by Edie Baylis @ediebaylis @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #crime #thriller #gangland #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Judgment by Edie Baylis. This is a fabulous series and if you are a fan of gritty gangland crime thriller then check out this author.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and my e-copy of the book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.

Judgement
Samantha Reynold and Seb Stoker are looking forward to the future together. With all the recent trials and tribulations from the past seemingly over, their new life together looks brighter than ever…or does it?
Because unbeknownst to them both, danger is circling….
Marina Devlin wants to destroy her sister Samantha once and for all and will stop at nothing to have her revenge. And judgment day is looming.
In this final encounter…only one can survive.
A gripping new gangland story perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Heather Atkinson and Caz Finlay.
Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

When Sam Reynolds first discovered what her father did for a living, it was an eye-opener to say the least. Not one to shy away, she decided to follow in his footsteps. Along the way, she met Seb Stoker from a rival family. Together they have made themselves an unstoppable force. Over the series, the lives of Sam, Seb, family, friends, acquaintances and enemies have all been wrapped in together. The two of them are well-matched, but things are going to get more tense in this story than they have ever been before.

Family come in all shapes and sizes and with different temperaments and personalities. Marina is not the same as Sam, but she does have ruthlessness to her. Seb has his brothers and even they are going to be stretched to breaking point if they are not careful. Tina is trying her best, Linda still has work to do and Vera is waiting to put things to rest. In case you may have not realised, this book marks “the final encounter” and the author has pulled all the stops out for this book.

She has woven characters and storylines into and around each other. There have been strands and threads left tantalisingly to be pulled together. How this is done for this story is brilliant. It does make it a more complex story compared to some of the other books, but my goodness it is done so well! With so many things being juggled and characters that had to have their say, the author has worked wonders.

This is a gangland thriller and there is a certain sense of loyalty and family is important. Family is something that has been a focus of the story and it is more prominent in this one as everyone is being caught up and being pulled like puppets by other characters. It really is a story that leaves you breathless, well it did me as I was racing through the book to find out what was going to happen.

With gangland crime, you are going to get some brutality at some point. Yes, you get it in this book and it is indeed brutal, but also in keeping with how the characters have developed over the previous books. This is where I am going to say that yes, you really should read this series in order as there are some references that go back to the first book that are finally acknowledged and brought out in the open in the story.

A fabulous book, fabulous series and if you love gangland crime and thriller then I would definitely recommend it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edie Baylis a successful self-published author of dark gritty thrillers with violent background settings. She lives in Worcestershire, has a history of owning daft cars and several motorbikes and is licensed to run a pub. She has signed a five-book deal with Boldwood and the first book in her new ganglit series, set in Birmingham, was published in January 2022.

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Forever Diamond by Gillian Godden @GGodden @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #crime #thriller #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Forever Diamond by Gillian Godden. I adore this series and each book gets better and better.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy from Boldwood Books.

Patsy Diamond thought she had her life and her business dealings under control…she was wrong.
Because just as Patsy is hoping for calm – chaos erupts, and Patsy is forced to make decisions that could cost her everything.
The only people Patsy can rely on are her inner circle – her family and her close friends. But with danger and threats seemingly lurking around every corner Patsy must take extra care with who she trusts with her secrets.
So when Patsy meets handsome stable hand Phillipe Carreaux, she’s immediately wary. Can she bring Phillipe into her world or is simply too dangerous?
And is Phillipe everything he appears to be?
With her future on the line, Patsy must think smart if she hopes to hold on to her Diamond reign forever…
Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

From being a hairdresser, Patsy Diamond has certainly come a long way. After her husband Nick died she finally discovered just what his business was. Since then she has learned the ropes and gradually built up her own reputation. This book shows a more dangerous side to Patsy and she is enjoying it.

Patsy is a brilliant character and her role as a leader of gangs is one that she has nurtured. She is tough but she is a fair boss and treats everyone who works for her very well. It is their loyalty that she will need when her hair salon is absolutely trashed. She is surprised by how much respect she has built up but she is definitely glad of the help when she decides to start a turf war in London and it is from Glasgow that her forces travel.

She also has a business partnership in France, this one is a priority as she is part of a European gang, it is exclusive and while travelling for a meeting she is involved in an accident. It is by chance that a local sees her and drags her to safety.

This is another fabulous story in the Diamond series and it sees the family becoming more involved and the core of her friends getting involved in more serious and life-threatening exchanges. The battles are bloody and not for the faint-hearted, and there are some surprising outcomes.

The story flits from Glasgow, London and Paris with a lot of drama and danger in between. This is a big story and there are some serious players and the author uses them to great effect. I liked the way she kept some things cagey and didn’t really let on what was what, but there was the idea there. The thing is as a reader you can never be sure which way an author will go, in my opinion, the author chose some very appropriate routes that made sense.

In amongst the violence, bloodshed, torture and murder, there is a romantic streak in this one, and it works really well and it was a plot line that suited the story.

This is a fabulous series and the author has made Patsy Diamond a character to be reckoned with along with Sheila, Maggie, Victoria ad so many others. Great for fans of gangland crime and a series that has an ongoing storyline. Brilliant reading and one I would recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gillian Godden is a brilliantly reviewed writer of gangland fiction as well as a full-time NHS Key Worker in Hull. She lived in London for over thirty years, where she sets her thrillers, and during this time worked in various stripper pubs and venues which have inspired her stories.

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To Die in June by Alan Parks @AlanJParks @RandomTTours @canongatebooks #crime #policeprocedural #historicalfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 1 Comment

I am delighted to share my review of To Die In June by Alan Parks. This is a brilliant series and I am adoring each one I have read. This is a historical fiction series as well as a police procedural and it is gritty Glasgow Crime at its best.

My huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for my spot on the tour and for arranging my hardback copy from the publisher Canongate Books.

MY REVIEW

I have loved every book in this series and followed each of the steps that Harry McCoy and his partner Wattie have made. They have just been moved to a new police area and as they arrive a body is one of the first things they come across. This is Glasgow, it is now 1975 and the streets are just as mean and there are still some areas that are better avoided.

Harry is concerned that there is someone targeting homeless men, of similar age to his father and tries to see if he can get the word out to be careful of taking unknown drinks as they could be poisoned. For some other officers, the homeless and the destitute are not worth the effort, but as his father is one of those homeless people he has a vested interest.

Alongside this is the usual alliance he has with his old friend Cooper, they came through the orphanages together and without Cooper, Harry may not have made it. The only problem is that Harry is being warned away from Cooper, easier said than done when he is known as a gang leader and expects Harry to be at his beck and call.

As the month of June begins, Harry and Wattie are trying to solve the case of the poisonings, there is a report of a missing person and there are other deaths which may or may not be part of his remit. He also has another secret that he is keeping from everyone, this is mentioned in the synopsis but even though it is part of the story I only felt it was a smaller part, but also potentially could be something that could be more far-reaching.

Harry is a bit of a rough-sounding bloke, but there is more to him than that. If you have read the previous books you will be aware of his past and how he has dealt with what life has thrown at him. It is a good job he has Wattie at his side to help keep him grounded.

The crimes are baffling for the pair as they are not sure who to believe, or even if there is a crime. This leads to some crossed words and at times you do despair for Harry as he does go through some painful moments. He is a vulnerable bloke who is not adverse to challenging, bending or even working in the complete opposite of the rules. The ending of the book I enjoyed, it does leave an opening for something that could be interesting depending on how the author decides to go with it!

This series and this book are dark and gritty it does give a great idea of what the area and the way of policing were all about at the time. A mix of gangland crime, police-procedural and crime thriller with some tough characters and storyline. This was a fabulous read and one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alan Parks has worked in the music industry for over twenty years. His debut novel Bloody January was shortlisted for the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière. His second novel February’s Son was shortlisted for the Edgar Awards. He lives and works in Glasgow.

Bobby March Will Live Forever is the third Harry McCoy thriller.

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Revenge by Kerry Kaya @KerryKayaWriter @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #ganglandfiction #crime #thriller #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Revenge by Kerry Kaya. This is another fabulous read that continues in the Tempest series. Ideal for fans who love gangland crime thrillers.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my copy via the publisher Boldwood Books.

Revenge
Damage will be done…
After the brutal gangland murder of her husband Terry, Tracey Tempest just wants to move on. She’ll never get over Terry’s betrayal, but she’s determined his shady past won’t spoil life for her and her beloved boys Ricky and Jamie.


Max Hardcastle just wants a quiet life and to maybe see how things go between him and Tracey. He knows she’s been hurt in the past, but he’s nothing like Terry and he’ll do anything to keep Tracey happy and safe.


But some people have other ideas.


When Max’s car garage is torched, he’s certain someone still has a grudge to settle. And when the Tempest boys discover one last secret Terry’s been keeping, the fallout could tear their family apart.
Will the Tempests survive this storm? Or will revenge be their downfall?


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

When Tracy Tempest’s husband was killed in a gangland murder, it took her a while to come to terms with just what her husband did for a living. It seems she was the only one who didn’t know just what a devious man he was. Her two sons, Ricky and Jamies, knew and were up to speed with how things had been over the years. Two years later and Tracy is starting to move on, she is in a new relationship with Max Hardcastle, he is no choir boy himself and it seems that someone is out to destroy him and his businesses as well.

This is a brilliant follow on to the previous book, Travy has had to deal with the death of her husband as well as learn some home truths. She is now more aware of the gangs and the lives her sons and new partner are involved in. While she may be aware she is not fully grasp the seriousness of what is to come. Naive, yes she is but loyal and fiercely protective of her sons.

It is great to see another instalment in this series and the author brings you up to speed with some of what happened in the previous book. This one starts with a bang, quite literally as a car dealership goes up in flames, not a simple accidental one either, this one was planned. But who by is the question. Several other gangs are included in this story and they have been mentioned before, but they all have something in common, they cannot be trusted and they will each look out for their own.

This author is brilliant at injecting tension, drama and danger into her novels and this one is no expectation. There are some spectacular twists and scenes that she has worked into this story and it had me on the edge of my seat. I do like the Tempest family and Max, they seem to be the more moral ones in the story, that does not mean they are not brutal or any less dangerous though.

As the story progresses the author brings in other twists and characters, they all have a place in this story but what part they play is not always clear until it needs to be.

If you have not read the previous book I would definitely suggest you do, although it isn’t strictly necessary, it does give a brilliant intro to this family and the events.

This is open for fans who like a hard-boiled, dangerous and toxic gangland crime setting. It is a fabulous book and storyline and one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kerry Kaya is the hugely popular author of Essex-based gritty gangland thrillers with strong family dynamics. She grew up on one of the largest council estates in the UK, where she sets her novels. She also works full-time in a busy maternity department for the NHS.

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Savage Sisters by Heather Atkinson @HeatherAtkinso1 @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #crime #thriller #gangland #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review of Savage Sisters by Heather Atkinson. I adore this author’s gangland crime books and this latest one is an amazing read.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of the book from Boldwood Books. book

Jane, Carly and Rose Savage are savage by name, savage by nature.
Having lost their mum too young, and with a bedridden father too ill to work, the sisters learnt early to stand on their own two feet. The family’s flat in the rough streets of Glasgow’s Haghill is their fortress, but when Carly’s ex-boyfriend Cole Alexander is released from prison, trouble soon comes knocking at their door. The Alexanders have beef with the Savages, so the girls call for back up in the shape of their uncle Eddie and his two gorgeous but dangerous sons, Harry and Dean.
As a turf war breaks out, the Savage sisters have choices to make. Stick to the straight and narrow or fight for what they deserve? And when the vicious girl gang Jane used to lead, the Unbeatable Bitches, are thrown into the mix, their minds might be made up for them. Because once a Savage always a Savage, and when the chips are down, there’s no one more deadly than a Savage sister.


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

What an amazing start to a gangland thriller. It soon became obvious to me that I was not going to put this one down until I had read it from start to finish in one sitting.

Savage by name and savage by nature!

Three sisters Jane, Carly and Rose Savage spend their days either working or caring for their ill father, while the youngest Rose is still in school. They lost their mum to cancer and their dad has early-onset Parkinson’s. He was once a feared man as were his daughters, but priorities change and they are now happy to keep their heads down and out of trouble. This is what was happening until Carly’s ex, Cole Alexander, was released from prison. His elder brother Ross thought Carly was a bad influence on Cole as she wanted to avoid the family gang business. While Coel was inside things had settled but now he is out she and her family are threatened to keep away from Cole. It’s a shame Cole doesn’t keep away, he is desperate to make amends with Carly. It is Carly’s father Alex who finally makes the decision to call his brother and nephews in.

This is a fabulous, fast-paced and danger edge of your seat crime thriller, if you are a fan of gangland crime then this is one you want to keep your eye out for.

The author has created some characters in the Savage family and some absolute psychopathic creations in the Alexander family. That does not mean that the Savage family are all innocent and sweetness, but when pushed they definitely know how to make a stand and defend themselves. Savage is one word for this family another is brutal, but that could apply to all of the characters involved.

This is one of those books that had me so addicted and the more I read the more I needed to know. The stories of the different families and how they are linked and what they have done in the past give some indications of what is to come, but it was the way the author felt like she had given them free-rein to do what was in their nature that really made this a fabulous read for me. I know they are fictional characters but I was so invested in them that they almost became real. The imagery that the author built up was amazing.

I adore this book a huge amount and it is one that I would definitely recommend if you are after a brutal, gangland crime thriller with some great scenes. I should add that there is a bit of a romance in this and it will be interesting to see if this continues in the next book. I can’t wait to see what the auhtor has in store for the Savage Sisters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather Atkinson is the author of over fifty books – predominantly in the crime fiction genre. Although Lancashire born and bred she now lives with her family, including twin teenage daughters, on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. Her gangland series for Boldwood, set on the fictional Gallowburn estate in Glasgow begins with the title Blood Brothers.

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Payback by Edie Baylis @ediebaylis @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #ganglit #crime #thriller #bookreview

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Payback by Edie Baylis. This is a fabulous series and Payback is a brilliant next episode. This is an excellent series for fans of gangland crime thrillers.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my copy of the book from Boldwood Books.

Payback
Revenge will come at a price…


With his once thriving casino business now in ruins, Seb Stoker is certain about two things: One – he will rebuild bigger and better than ever. And two – someone will pay for torching his club.


But until that day comes, Seb has bigger things to worry about and a business deal that could make or break them all…
Sam Reynold knows Seb is out for revenge, and she’ll do anything she can to help him. But Sam has her own enemies and battles to fight – ones much closer to home.


With pressure mounting for both of them, tensions run high.
And payback will be deadly.


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

Just when you think you have read the best book in the series, the author once again comes up with another fabulous read to take that spot. Payback is brutal and so deviously twisted and if you have been following the series then you will be aware of the main characters of Sam and Seb.

Sam has arranged for her mum to go into rehab and Seb is trying to get his money together to rebuild his club. Together they are the golden couple, but the last book showed their weaknesses and left them vulnerable. Still coming to terms with what they have lost and the people that have appeared from their pasts, they still have some work to do. This is where the title is, once again, ideal for this book as it is about Payback.

I do like the combination of Seb and Sam, they are a good couple and she has proven herself tough enough to stand up to Seb and his men. Seb works on the wrong side of the law, having a detective on the payroll is advantageous, but sometimes things still work against you.

The book is brutal at times as the author brings the world of gangland crime to the forefront. Family is important and so is the respect that their names bring. Not everyone respects the name though and this is where the tensions are evident as well as people wanting their part of the pie. The only thing is with these people, they will want to take what they can.

The danger is once again apparent from the outset, the deceiving and conniving that the characters deal with is great. It meant I was kept constantly page-turning to find out if plans would work or if they would go awry. As we all know even the best-laid plans usually have some sort of kink, in the world of Sam and Seb though this kink could mean death.

If you are a fan of gritty gangland crime that has a fabulous ongoing story then this is a series you should have on your radar. There is mayhem, murder and brilliant characters so keep you on your toes. While this is about crime there is also a strong family bond within this series and this is something that I have been enjoying. Another brilliant book in the series and another one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edie Baylis a successful self-published author of dark gritty thrillers with violent background settings. She lives in Worcestershire, has a history of owning daft cars and several motorbikes and is licensed to run a pub. She has signed a five-book deal with Boldwood and the first book in her new gang-lit series, set in Birmingham, was published in January 2022.


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Queen of Diamonds by Gillian Godden @GGodden @rararesources @Boldwoodbooks #crime #thriller #gangland #bookreview

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I am, delighted to share my review today for Queen of Diamonds by Gillian Godden. I have read the previous books in the series and I am thoroughly enjoying them.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and arranging my e-copy from the publisher Boldwood Books.

Is the Diamond reign over?


Head of the Diamond family, Patsy is determined to make a success of husband Nick’s gangland empire – whatever the cost. Nick was ruthless and cold-blooded, but he built a legacy that Patsy wants to protect.


So when a mysterious woman from Nick’s past turns up claiming to be Patsy’s new business partner, she senses trouble. Karen Duret demands Patsy’s help, but it comes with a catch. If Patsy refuses, Karen threatens to expose the Diamond family’s darkest secrets…


Patsy needs the help of her trusted allies more than ever, but when a rival gang start a turf war, the stakes suddenly become deadly.
Torn between loyalties, Patsy knows that blood will be spilled. And as battle commences, the question on everyone’s lips is – who will be crowned the queen of diamonds?


Purchase Link – AMAZON

MY REVIEW

This is the 3rd book in the Diamonds series; they are all fabulous reads. This latest one see’s Patsy Diamond take a step further into her role as the head of the Diamond family and taking on the role of her late husband, Nick. He was ruthless and his work ethic was based on fear. Patsy, however, believes there is a better way of gaining trust and respect. Has she got what it takes though?

This is a brilliant book and sometimes quite hardcore as Patsy makes her mark in the gangland area of Glasgow. In previous books, she has had a lot to deal with, but now she wants to make changes and this means making deals with some of the worst of the worst. As Patsy comes across as quite aloof, the rich bitch, the well-dressed and manicured lady. It gives her a cold and uncaring persona, but she has a few surprises for people and I think she surprises herself with how much she now enjoys this challenge. She has to prove herself.

This one is a gritty and complex story and I adored it. There have always been things that have sprung up out of the woodwork in this series, and before you think there are no more surprises to come, you would be way off the mark. Yet again there are more surprises for the Diamonds and it could jeopardise the family business.

In a world of secrets, death, drugs, prostitution, money laundering and murder you need to be sure of those who are closest to you, a right-hand man is essential to help keep the day-to-day running of the business. There is an awful lot for Patsy to organise and with new deals and alliances to be forged, she really does have her work but out for her. If this isn’t enough there is also something far closer to home that requires her attention, if she gets this wrong it will destroy her.

The author has once again written an amazing book that I devoured in one sitting. It shows the strong woman that Patsy needs to be and it was a side that I didn’t expect to see. While she is strong she is also vulnerable and this brings out a nice balance to her character. Yes, she is naive, but she is also analytical in how she thinks things through and she will not be duped or made a fool of. I have really enjoyed seeing how the author has brought Pasty, the wife of Nick Diamond into the forefront and she is now beginning to stand on her own feet. She is not someone’s wife, she is Patsy or Mrs Diamond and she doesn’t take fools lightly.

Yet again the author has created a fabulous and dangerous story for her characters. This one speeds along at a great pace and there is a real sense of things potentially going very wrong. This is a book for those who love their gangland crime and it is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gillian Godden is a brilliantly reviewed writer of gangland fiction as well as a full-time NHS Key Worker in Hull. She lived in London for over thirty years, where she sets her thrillers, and during this time worked in various stripper pubs and venues which have inspired her stories.

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