Hells bells Casey Kelleher certainly knows how to drag the reader in with a shocker of a first chapter it pretty much sets the tone for this gripping book. Spattered with choice language The Betrayed isn't one I would recommend to the faint hearted there's lots of swearing and I mean lots! but it's very much in keeping with the plot and characters. If you enjoy what I personally call "Grit lit", a story of violence, treachery and family ties then look no further, this book has all this and so much more.


A lot of the characters in this novel could be seen as your typical stereotypes In a novel of this genre, fortunately for the reader Casey Kelleher has the ability to make her characters standout, love them or hate you certainly won't forget them! From the ruthless gangster Jimmy, the shy and innocent Colleen who isn't prepared for the life of a gangsters wife, to the sharp witted Edel who made me laugh out loud with her "one liners" you can't help but become immersed in their gritty story.

I love a dysfunctional family and the Byrne's certainly fit the description perfectly, they are a family whose life's are built on lies, violence and betrayal which you know is going to lead to a whole host of trouble, what follows is a brutal and explosive story, one that I found impossible to put down even for a few minutes. The Betrayed is a novel that pulls no punches, the authors ability to portray the viciousness of the criminal world made for a gripping read. I would have loved this book to have been longer because it really was so good,I'm really hoping there is going to be a sequel to The Betrayed and if not there really should be. Would I recommend this book? Most definitely, this is Casey Kelleher best book yet without doubt.

This review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog

Wow what a story. Casey you have excelled yourself. This book is fantastic, I was hooked from the beginning and the story just got better and better. I have read every book you have written, but this book puts you up with the likes of Kimberley chambers and Martina Cole. Can't wait for your next book Casey. You really are one of my favourite authors x

I love books like this, ones which don't hold back and take you to the depths of humanity. They show you how bad people can be, yet in such a way that you enjoy the read.

Casey Kelleher has once more produced something which puts her in the same league as Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers. She has written a gritty, horrific and honest story about a family who is definitely at the top of the food chain. Woe betide anyone who gets in their way, and that includes people they call family.

I felt so sorry for Colleen in this as her life was never going to be an easy one when she met Jimmy Byrne. I assumed, however, that this was a stand alone book. On reaching the end it turns out that there is far more to come. Having read this book in one, I cannot wait to see what the author brings next. I am desperate to know if my theories are actually correct.

A great read but not for the faint hearted. Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.

From the very opening chapter you know that this is not going to be your typical family drama. For one thing, in terms of the family dynamics patriarch Michael Byrne is so in name alone. It is his son Jimmy who is the real force in this family; Jimmy and Michael’s dominant wife, Joanie. Not that you can feel much sympathy for Michael, even with what happens to him in the beginning but still. This sets the tone from the off – Jimmy Byrne is not a man to be trifled with.

Now as to how he comes to woo and marry the shy and quiet Colleen Walsh, you will need to read to find out. They say opposites attract but in this case it is more a case of being blind to the truth by a lethal combination of charm and money – Jimmy has both in abundance. When a devastating chain of events is set in motion on their wedding day it will change Colleen’s life forever. But is this one single night really what leads to be biggest mystery of them all – who killed Jimmy Byrne?

After the very difficult subject matter covered in the promise, The Betrayed is a definite change in pace. That is not to say that it is any less thrilling or compelling – it is simply different. Jimmy Byrne is a character that has been so well crafted and developed that I found myself developing a soft spot for him, in spite of the heinous crimes he has committed and the serious crime such as prostitution and drug dealing that he is involved with. Casey Kelleher has created the perfect anti-hero in Jimmy. There are elements of his character which appear tender and make you warm to him, just as Colleen did, even though you know that he has a hidden agenda that we are privy to. But then he is the ultimate bad boy, a man whose temper can turn faster than the wind and who is more adept with his fist even than he is with his charm. And he is deadly, something Colleen find out all too late.

Colleen is another well observed character. She is kind and so very caring but just when you think she may be able to survive falling in love with Jimmy, disaster strikes. What happens to her then… well it is no wonder that she changes so dramatically. I did like Colleen willing her to find a strength that she seemed lacking. But then maybe she was the strongest one of all as in spite of all the odds, she survived. And then we have the mothers – Jimmy’s mom Joanie, a true Irish Matriarch who needs to control everything, even her grown son’s life; and Edel, Colleen’s mother, a woman so madcap that you cannot help but love her. There are many other characters in this book, each one skilfully written and each adding to the story in their own way.

Characterisation is something Casey Kelleher excels at, and she has imagined a varied and colourful cast within this book. Not a single one out of place. Loved it. I didn’t really get enough time with Nancy or Daniel to feel strongly for them either way, but Nancy is definitely a chip of Jimmy’s block, and there was a hidden depth to Daniel, one which, given the way this book ended, I can only hope will be explored in a further episode. It is certainly a story crying out for a sequel and I for one would be more than happy about that. The pair are both young. There is so much more trouble that they could achieve.

There are a couple of violent moments in the book, but I don’t think any were as shocking as in previous books. Perhaps because by and large the victims were adults and connected with Jimmy’s murky world, it just seemed to fit and the natural way in which the violence occurred made it feel less, I don’t know, in your face. None of it was graphically described and yet you got a clear picture of the almost gangland styling of Jimmy and his business partner Alex without the need for over the top drama.

If you enjoy a well crafted crime family story with a myriad of colourful, dangerous and multi-faceted characters then you absolutely want to read this book. No there is no major heist or deal to hook you, but Casey Kelleher has captured the spirit and changing face of SOHO and London in the eighties brilliantly, pulling the whole together around a dynamic family you cannot help but love to hate.

Yet another great read by Casey, once you start reading you don't want to stop. To the world it looked like Jimmy Byrne had a perfect life with a perfect family, but looks can be deceiving. Colleen Walsh and her Mum Edel's world is turned upside down by thugs terrorising them and their florist shop. Help is at hand in the form of Jimmy Byrne their best customer and Colleen's new boyfriend. Unbeknown to them the hell they are going through is actually being done at Jimmy's bequest. Colleen quickly falls for Jimmy with all his charm, and the help he's given her and Edel seals the deal. A big lavish wedding is soon taking place, and Colleen couldn't be happier, which is more then can be said for her mother in law Joanie, no one is good enough for her boy. After a lovely day Colleen goes of to look for her groom, and what she sees changes her life forever. I don't want to spoil the read for anyone the book follows the ups and downs of a life which is never the same again after the fateful wedding day. I highly recommend this book you won't be disappointed.

One thing you can't argue with is the fact that Casey Kelleher can write an AWESOME book.
​Each book for me seems to get better, I love the style of writing, the story lines, I don't think Casey could write a bad book.
This one had some great characters in it. Some you will love some you will hate, some you'll change your mind on as you go through the book, then probably change again.
Jimmy Byrne, a feared face knows what he wants and isn't bothered how he gets it.
​He sets his sights on Colleen and before long they become Mr and Mrs. But is the life that Colleen wanted.
​A rollercoaster of a ride. Ups and downs of life in the fast lane.
​I really am worried about saying to much in this review as most of what I want to say would give too much away and I don't want to spoil it for anyone that is yet to read it.
​It's one hell of a read. Casey as I have said before can certainly write a bloody good book, this one I wanted and needed to read as much at a time as I could. I really didn't want to put it down, I enjoyed each and every page of this book. I would love to know what come next. And personally I can't wait to read more from this family.

The Betrayed by Casey Kelleher is a gritty tale of the Byrne family whose head is local face Jimmy who has it all the money,women and property.He meets Colleen in his local flower shop which her mum Edel owns,Jimmy soon has Colleen and her mum under his spell but is all that it seems ? The book takes us through the years as Jimmy and Colleen are married and that is when their lives start to unravel when Colleen witnesses a life changing event.Many years later and now with 2 children Colleen is now at breaking point after her children have turned against her thanks to her mum in law Joanie,but Jimmy's life is also falling apart as his past comes back to haunt him.The Betrayed is yet another 5 star read,you always know what to expect from Casey Kelleher and once again she does not disappoint,a superb gritty thriller that delivers from the first page.

Have to say how much I absolutely loved this. Casey Kelleher has definitely taken the place as the Queen of gritty gangster drama. I can honestly say that if I had the choice between one of her books and one of Martina Cole, I would have no hesitation in choosing Casey every time.
Jimmy's character has been so cleverly written, and his relationship with Colleen, although seemingly innocent in its own right, there are ulterior motives behind his courtship of her. Although Colleen initially isn't keen, she agrees to go on their first date to appease her mum, who has developed a soft spot for him as a regular customer of hers in the florist's she runs.
Casey's writing is fresh, the story is more than just the same old spiel we've all read a 100 times and you can tell the thought has gone into all the characters and their relationships.
I thought I had predicted the plot, and possibly who the 'bad guy' was, but once again, was on the wrong path, with the brilliant twists in this. Without giving away anymore of the plot, I'm really hoping we will be seeing some of the characters again in future books, and it would be great to see Colleen rebuild her life, and how Nancy exacts her revenge.

Another brilliant book by Casey Kelleher, she just gets better and better with each book she releases, I was hooked on The Betrayed, brilliant storyline that just flowed perfectly, really hoping there will be a follow up.

Jimmy Byrne is a name amongst the gangsters of Soho, he is equally feared and respected with a savage temper if he is crossed. Colleen Walsh is a shy girl who works as a florist with her mum Edel..

Jimmy’s mum decides she would like to be a grandmother and encourages Jimmy to find someone to share his life with. Jimmy sets his sights on Colleen, Colleen has heard rumours about Jimmy but he puts on the charm and when Colleen and her mum are forced out of their home due to an arson attack, Jimmy is there to help. Colleen agrees to marry Jimmy but on their wedding night finally finds out what sort of man he is.

This is an excellent book, I guessed Jimmy’s secret early on but it didn’t spoil the outcome. A gritty entertaining book which I found hard to put down. I am hoping that this will become a series.

Well, now. This is my first introduction to Casey Kelleher (yes, I've been living under a rock, shut up) and if her previous work is as fantastic as this, I've most definitely been missing out!

Meet Jimmy Byrne. Handsome, charming, respected but also feared. By all appearances a wealthy businessman on the up, he guards quite a few secrets. Not least of all, how he really makes his money.

Then he meets Colleen. Young and shy, she quickly finds herself in the middle of a whirlwind romance which is making her mother, Edel, absolutely ecstatic. Because surely her daughter can't do any better than Jimmy?

Despite her misgivings, Colleen falls in love with Jimmy. But he's not who she thinks he is. Underneath the fancy suit, there's something dark and evil and living a lie.

This is a story of lies, secrets and betrayal with some brilliant characterisation. But it was Edel who stole the show for me. What a fabulous character! A strong personality with an amazing sense of humour, she just wants what's best for her daughter. No airs nor graces and not giving a hoot what other people think about her. On the other hand, there's Joanie. Jimmy's mother is loathsome and her actions will affect those around her.

I don't want to give away too much about the plot but suffice to say the ending is left wide open for a sequel and if that happens, I'll be right there!

Those closest to you don't stab you in the back, do they? Yes. Yes, they do! As pretty much every character in this book will find out at some point, you can't trust anyone.

Thank you Netgalley, the publishers and most of all Casey Kelleher for the absolute pleasure of reading this. An absolutely MUST READ for everyone!! O WOW Casey has done it once again!! I had sleepless nights reading it simply because I couldnt put it down!! I even read while I ate during the day!! From the very first page I was totally hooked! And every twist and turn were totally unexpected! Please let there be a sequel because the last page left me crying for more!! Definitely one not to be missed!! If I could have given The Betrayed more stars I would have. People please get your hands on this book!

I have read several books of this ilk including a previous one by Casey. I find them enjoyable and easy to read. It is completely different from the life I have led and there is something fascinating about reading about the 'other half ', even though it is fiction I think it is probably representative of what many people think and experience. Will be looking forward to the sequel and intrigued to know who the person on the phone is!

When I was chosen to review this book for netgalley I was so excited to start reading it and it didn't disappoint. I was hooked from the first page and didn't see some of the twists coming. I am hoping this becomes a series and literally can't wait for book two. Casey is definitely up there now with the other crime queens like Martina Cole and Kimberly chamber's.

Fantastic read from Casey kelleher as always read it in two sittings full of tension and suspense ended a little too quickly though

Oh Casey, you've done it again... I steamed through this in just a few hours!

I'm really hoping that there's a sequel?! The final chapter left me desperate for more and would read a perfect prologue for a second book.

Full review after publication.

Thanks to Bookouture for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Casey has done it again a top notch read fans will not be disappointed story line brilliant each story is always different i cried on one part

I made the mistake of starting this book late one evening. It was a mistake due to when I start one of this authors books I can not put them down until I've finished it and this was the case for The Betrayed. Let's just say it was an extremely late night or you could even say early morning when I finished this book and boy was it worth it.

The main character has to be Jimmy in this novel. I didn't want to like him as at the end of the day he is a thug but I just couldn't stop myself from liking him. His mother Joanie is very deluded and her son can do no wrong. I have to admit to disliking her more than her son. Even feeling sorry for her good for nothing husband.

Colleen and her mum are great characters. It's just a shame that she ever falls into the clutches of Jimmy as her life just becomes destined to be an unhappy one.

I have to admit there were some twists and turns in this story that I wasn't expecting. The author always manages to write a raw and gripping read that will have you rushing through the pages to see how it will all end. I have to admit to being a bit taken back by the ending as i'm not a big fan of open endings but was ecstatic to see that there is another one in the pipeline which I am thrilled about as it means I get to catch up with the characters again which by the end had fully grabbed me. Even the not so nice ones!

The Betrayed is a brilliantly dark read that had me well and truly hooked. Full to the brim of lies, murders, gangland warfare, relationships, it really did have everything I would want and expect from this genre of book. Brilliant!

You know sometimes you pick up and book and you just cannot put it down...yeah well that was what it was like for me with #TheBetrayed, from page one I was hooked right until the very end!

Colleen Walsh thinks she has met the man of her dreams, when encouraged by her mother, she agrees to go out on a date with Jimmy Bryne but are her dreams just about to turn into a nightmare?! A whirlwind romance quickly leads to marriage and before she knows it Colleen is in too deep with no means of escape. Even her two kids, Nancy at Daniel appear to loathe her and she slips deeper into an alcohol fuelled depression. Meanwhile Jimmy, is on the up, one of the top Faces on the London gangland scene there is nothing and nobody that will stop him getting what he wants...or will they?

The Betrayed is a dark and extremely tense journey around Jimmy Byrne's manor and pulls no punches in its storyline! Murder, beatings, prostitution and a ruthless thirst for power had me glued to the pages and unable to put the book down until I'd finished and even then it left me begging for more!

Oh Jimmy, what a bad guy he is, yet there is something about Jimmy, something that lies deep within him that nobody can see. He is a dark and brooding complex character yet he engaged me right from the start. I could see how Colleen was drawn to him despite the fact that they were very different characters - his power was like a magnet, he exuded safety and protection but for Colleen this illusion was quickly shattered and she had nowhere left to go apart from down!

Joannie, Jimmy's mother - ooft what a first class b*tch she is! In the first chapter I kind of felt a bit sorry for her but OMG by half way through the book I wanted to slap that smug look off of her face! Edel, Colleen's mother, on the other hand was an absolute delight! I loved that woman! She was mesmerised by Jimmy and protected by Colleen she never got to see what lay beneath the public face he painted. Edel was a breath of fresh air and her put downs to Joannie at Jimmy and Colleen's wedding were hysterical!

Nancy and Daniel were largely brought up by Joannie as Colleen sank lower and lower; they had no fond childhood memories of their mother and so grew up distant from her and with a disdain for her which was entirely encouraged by Joannie. Nancy - well let's just say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree - a female version of her father, she is a cold-hearted, calculating woman and heaven help those who cross her! Daniel is much softer yet confused by his identity and that of his father as he slowly unpicks and unravels some of the secrets that lie behind the perfect Byrne family facade.

Casey explores the themes of secrets and betrayal and what impact that they have on an entire family - from Jimmy's father who despises his son and his wife yet terrified to leave because of the threats from his son, to Colleen who is broken by her husband from the outset and has to live with his secrets and see them destroy her relationship with her children; even to Joannie, Jimmy's mother - who dotes on her boy yet her whole life is ruled by who he is and the acts he commits - there is no escape for anyone who is connected to Jimmy and his secrets and betrayals.

This is a powerful and hard-hitting read; it will drag you along at a great rate of noughts and pull you screaming all the way to the bitter and twisted conclusion! An absolute pleasure to read this one! My only criticism of this book was that it ended...I just wanted to keep on reading!

Move over Martina Cole, Casey Kelleher is fast becoming one of the top female authors of this genre! You really do not want to miss this one!