Book Review - Loyalty by Martina Cole with Jacqui Rose (Urban Crime, UK Crime, Thriller, UK Gangland) Martina Cole was the author that really got me into UK gangland fiction so it is always nice when she releases a new book. This release is a real heavyweight. I was worried that I would notice the changes in writing from Martina and Jacqui but for me it was seamless. It is a very dark book and, as well as dealing with gangland crime, there is a lot involving abuse in a children's home, living with cancer, etc, so it can be a difficult read at times and may cause triggers at times. Everyone will probably take different things from the book but it had me crying at the end. It is a big read and, to be honest, I found it a little difficult to keep up with the characters and to get to know them but I persevered and the second half of the book made the characters more believable and realistic, and really brought each strand of the story together. You know what you are going to get with a Martina Cole book and this book, although a little different, and darker, did not disappoint. I would recommend it to any crime fiction/urban crime fans as a book to read. 5 stars out of 5 for me
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A really great book, exciting twists all through. Best book I've read in a long time. Just brilliant. The End
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For fans of Martina Cole, this doesn't read like a MC book. The only resemblance to one are the quotes throughout the book. We have waited a few years for a new book as the previous books were really beginning to sound the same. The main character, Dara had a strength - but not in a typical MC way. I wanted more revenge, although I know justice is sometimes a long time coming. I really wanted to know what Phyllis motivation was - she was such a hateful, character. Chapter 15 was hard reading. I think the book is more about friendship than loyalty. A good effort- but not a Martina Cole book, so I'm left wondering how much input she had with this book. In fact, I didn't even know that a new MC book was out until I passed Waterstones, I had to go in to check it was new. On the up side, I will try more of Jacqui Rose's books.
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Although this is not an easy book to read. The story is extremely disturbing. I hated all the cruelty and violence. However, the overwhelming love between Dara and Gracie is compelling. I ended up in tears and was sorry the story had ended. Martina Cole excels as a storyteller.
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I am a huge fan of Martina Cole’s gritty gangland crime thrillers, but if I’m being honest, her last few books have been an enormous disappointment. But I’m thrilled to report the queen of crime is BACK! Loyalty is gritty, brutal, and the definition of a “page turner”. Due to health reasons, Martina Cole has chosen to collaborate with writer Jacqui Rose, and what a partnership! Loyalty tells the horrifying story of friends Dara and Grace who meet at Holly Brookes Children’s Home. The two girls unite in the face of horrific abuse and form an unbreakable bond. But when their loyalty is tested, can they rely on each other to do the right thing? Readers who are familiar with the authors' previous books won't be shocked by the violence and swearing, but those new to her work should be warned! The characters definitely have different ideas about what loyalty means to them. Especially those who use it to blackmail, abuse and manipulate. Talking of the characters, they're such a mixed bag. Some you will love, others you will love to hate, and then there are others that you will loathe. Every character is memorable for very different reasons. Judy’s loyalty to her husband will make your blood boil! There’s Phyllis who is never going to win a mother of the year award! But it’s Dara and Grace’s relationship that brings warmth to this dark tale. Martina Cole has always been an author who doesn’t shy away from the horrors of real life and tackles subjects head on. This is definitely not a book for the fainthearted! In fact, there were times when I struggled to read certain passages. Martina Cole and Jacqui Rose have written a cracking read. Loyalty is a chilling, unflinching, and disturbing insight into the live’s of those living in and on the fringes of the criminal underworld. Surprisingly I felt really emotional why I read the ending. Highly recommended.
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Amazing read from Martina Cole yet again, she never disappoints. However one fault this time is I do feel the last couple of chapters seemed rushed to tie everything together.
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I can't really add anything to what Martina fans already know...and if you haven't read any of Martina's books then you really should if you want to know what it was really like back in the day...when children really had no rights however although justice comes too late for some those children will never be forgotten...Martina writes the raw truth...
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Yes, interesting read Throughly enjoyed the twist and turns Little predictable Appreciate MC, highlighting these topics Great Characters 👍 MC, did a great job
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Bought this for a gift for my Mother. Book was in perfect condition. Arrived on time.
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One of those "cannot put down" books, Many twists and turns. enjoyed thoroughly!!!!!!
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calidad y servicio..... Estado del embalaje y contenido 100%.
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Another great Martina Cole story - hard to put down
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Wow, wow! Martina Cole does it again. This book was nothing short of unbelievable. I am actually sad that I finished it.
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