I think I have found my new favourite gangland crime author, in Karen Woods. This was the best I have read, so far, and I’ve read a lot.

Gina Gilbert’s gangster husband, Scott, has just been put away for a 10 stretch for conspiracy to supply class A drugs, firearms, and threats to life, amongst other things, which is all in a days work for the man who runs Manchester.

With no money, and the threat of having her beautiful home taken away, Gina and her friends, Jess and Lola, who’s men, Tommy and Mike have also been banged up, decide that they’ve been ‘kept’ women for years, and if they want to survive, then they must start earning some money…fast!!
With the help of Gina’s daughter, Bethany, they do what their men did, and get into ‘the life’.

I was hooked from the very beginning, and couldn’t put it down, it’s so darn good. If you’re into gangland crime fiction, then this is definitely for you. I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.

Thanks to Karen Woods, HarperCollins, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.

5 ⭐️

Release Date: 2nd January 2025

Another great read by this author. The books she writes are amazing. I love the genre. The gritty writing and the twists in the story

This is my first read by this author and I'll definitely be looking at her other books. I really enjoyed The Trade, it is well written and flows easily. I like the main character Gina and this is a great gangland book showing what three women are prepared to do to survive after their partners are convicted for their crimes. The plot is good and realistic and went off in ways I didn't expect. I liked that the story was told through mainly Gina and Scott's perspectives and this changed flawlessly when I was reading. The ending is good and there is more to Gina than what I initially thought. All in all a very good read and I'd recommend this if you like gangland crime books.

4 stars

I have been reading this authors work over a number of years. I have also been and watched the plays she created based on her earlier books. I have to say it was a superb experience.
I enjoy getting stuck in one of Karen Woods books as I enjoy the familiarity with the locations used. I always enjoy a book a little more when I actually know the places where the stories are based.
As always Karen Woods delivers her readers just what they want from this genre. although very enjoyable and a good twist in the story I found this a little less gritty than some of her previous books.
Overall a good read and I would recommend for any fans of this genre.

Really enjoyed this book . It is well worth a read you finish reading it with a smile on your face for Gina . Hope there is a follow up book to this it was really good .

This is a good gangland thriller, filled with action and a few twists along the way. It is set in Manchester and has a host of strong female characters, especially Gina. I liked the plotting, although it was slightly unbelievable at times, but the writing is good and everything was wrapped up neatly at the end. I would like to read more of Gina and see what the future holds for her. If you like gangland thrillers, this is one for you. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

this book was an addictive read but all these authors books are. Gina gilbert has got the biggest fight on her hands her husband gets ten years in prison with his other two friend get the same. so Gina comes up with a plan to make money with her daughter Bethaney's help and the two partners of her husband's men who are in prison with him. Lola and jess help her. what the men don't realize how ruthless their women are. there is a few shocks and tears along the way an amazing read .

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

What a brilliant page turner and such an unexpected ending

Another brilliant book by this author

Great book Karen Woods never fails to delight with every book.
The depth of characters and can feel passion behind each that just can't stop reading
Loved every moment

Another great book by one of my favourite authors, fantastic storyline and I didn’t expect the outcome in the end though, AAA