What do you think?
Rate this book
Annie Carter #3
Scarlet Women
She was a madam in a brothel, then a gangster’s moll. Now Annie Carter owns the East End of London, and God help anybody that crosses her…
It’s 1970, London, and there’s a killer on the loose.
When gang boss Annie Carter gets a call, suddenly it’s personal. A close friend of hers is the latest victim, and another is in the frame for the murder.
With the hated Delaney gang still causing trouble, and NY mob boss Don Constantine Barolli’s family making no secret of the fact that they hate her, she senses a feud blowing up in all their faces very soon.
To save her old friend, Annie has to try to find out who’s been targeting the girls. Before long she’s diving head-first into the seedy underbelly of the streets.
How long before the killer strikes again? And who will be the next victim?
It’s 1970, London, and there’s a killer on the loose.
When gang boss Annie Carter gets a call, suddenly it’s personal. A close friend of hers is the latest victim, and another is in the frame for the murder.
With the hated Delaney gang still causing trouble, and NY mob boss Don Constantine Barolli’s family making no secret of the fact that they hate her, she senses a feud blowing up in all their faces very soon.
To save her old friend, Annie has to try to find out who’s been targeting the girls. Before long she’s diving head-first into the seedy underbelly of the streets.
How long before the killer strikes again? And who will be the next victim?
547 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2009
123 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Keane
45 books388 followersNow what about me? I’ve done a lot of writing, but way back before I even dreamed I could be a professional writer I was just the youngest in a big family. My Dad was a surveyor with an edge of brilliance. My Mum was from gipsy roots and used to drive around in a goat-cart (yes, really!) when she was little. Once we were rich (although I didn’t know it then, and it was all thanks to my Dad’s ingenuity) and then suddenly – pretty shockingly, really – we were poor (thanks to greedy people who exploited his kindness). I have to tell you, rich is better. But the great thing about life is, even painful events pass, and if you make bad choices, hopefully you learn from them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 31, 2017
Genre perfection!
I don't think this type of gritty, London based, gangland crime thriller could have been any better.
Constantine and Annie were just awesome to read, in fact the entire cast of characters were.
Seriously happy to have 3 more books in the series to listen to... Talking of which, Karen Cass' narration was nothing short of brilliant. She's completely bringing this series to life - stunning job.
I don't think this type of gritty, London based, gangland crime thriller could have been any better.
Constantine and Annie were just awesome to read, in fact the entire cast of characters were.
Seriously happy to have 3 more books in the series to listen to... Talking of which, Karen Cass' narration was nothing short of brilliant. She's completely bringing this series to life - stunning job.
October 29, 2017
It's been a long time since I read a thriller. Gripping!
September 25, 2018
I am now officially addicted to Jessie Keane books!
Scarlet Women is a brilliant story of London's gangland life. There are the girls, the thugs, the trouble and the everyday lives of the people living there. There is also the Mafia link.
Annie Carter is running her late husband's manor and is coping with being a woman in a predominantly male dominated world of sex, drugs and gangs. There is trouble with another gang from a neighbouring manor and Annie has to watch her back, or she'll pay the ultimate price, just like her best friend Aretha.
Annie Carter is a strong woman, who never backs down from a fight and who'll stand by her friends through thick and thin.
Scarlet Women is a brilliant story of London's gangland life. There are the girls, the thugs, the trouble and the everyday lives of the people living there. There is also the Mafia link.
Annie Carter is running her late husband's manor and is coping with being a woman in a predominantly male dominated world of sex, drugs and gangs. There is trouble with another gang from a neighbouring manor and Annie has to watch her back, or she'll pay the ultimate price, just like her best friend Aretha.
Annie Carter is a strong woman, who never backs down from a fight and who'll stand by her friends through thick and thin.
February 14, 2016
I'm loving Jessie Keane's Annie Carter series. Found this book hard to put down once I'd started it. So excited about starting the next, and final, book in the series 'Playing Dead'. Is Max really dead? Will life finally settle down for Annie now? I can't wait to find out!
June 14, 2015
Fab just like all the others
October 27, 2021
Good storyline, good twist at the end. For me this did not flow smoothly and I found it a bit long winded.
February 11, 2015
Gripping, Page Turner!
August 8, 2024
I listened to this on audiobook.
Book 3 of a 6 book series.
This was absolutely brilliant, loved reading every page, so much gritty drama addictive stuff, could not put the book down. The story was excellent, very well written. Jessie sure does know how to write a story and to keep the readers engaged.
So in this story, we focus a lot more of Annie Carter, but with her being in control, having taken over from Max, always as getting her new club up and running although she has some hurdles to overcome with that. We also see Annie on the hunt for a serial killer, getting in deep and a little too close for comfort to the point that she puts her own life at risk. Some parts of the story were pretty nail biting intense to say the least. We also see a complete new side of Redmond Delaney, compared to what we have seen of him in books 1 & 2. I’ll say no more on that as wouldn’t want to ruin the story with any spoilers. You’ll just have to read the story yourself so as to discover it all.
Jessie Keane is definitely on par with author Martina Cole that’s for sure. Right without further ado, as I am still very much hooked, I’m starting book 4 to this series.
Book 3 of a 6 book series.
This was absolutely brilliant, loved reading every page, so much gritty drama addictive stuff, could not put the book down. The story was excellent, very well written. Jessie sure does know how to write a story and to keep the readers engaged.
So in this story, we focus a lot more of Annie Carter, but with her being in control, having taken over from Max, always as getting her new club up and running although she has some hurdles to overcome with that. We also see Annie on the hunt for a serial killer, getting in deep and a little too close for comfort to the point that she puts her own life at risk. Some parts of the story were pretty nail biting intense to say the least. We also see a complete new side of Redmond Delaney, compared to what we have seen of him in books 1 & 2. I’ll say no more on that as wouldn’t want to ruin the story with any spoilers. You’ll just have to read the story yourself so as to discover it all.
Jessie Keane is definitely on par with author Martina Cole that’s for sure. Right without further ado, as I am still very much hooked, I’m starting book 4 to this series.
March 4, 2025
1970, East End of London and Annie Carter and her friends are back in the third instalment in the series of books.
I always like to read books in order and have done so far but I do think that this book can be just picked up without reading the other two. There are plenty of flashbacks for the reader to get the gist.
In this instalment of Annie's life, she's trying to continue after Maxs death in a very man world. Its not easy and its made worse for her when prostitutes are getting murdered. This series of books are very much in the vain of Martina Cole. I don't think they are as course as MC books but still are in keeping with their setting.
The book was an enjoyable read and the character's lives have plenty going on and its clear there is more to follow in the next book. I won't be in a rush to go snd get thd next book but wouldn't not ignore it either.
I always like to read books in order and have done so far but I do think that this book can be just picked up without reading the other two. There are plenty of flashbacks for the reader to get the gist.
In this instalment of Annie's life, she's trying to continue after Maxs death in a very man world. Its not easy and its made worse for her when prostitutes are getting murdered. This series of books are very much in the vain of Martina Cole. I don't think they are as course as MC books but still are in keeping with their setting.
The book was an enjoyable read and the character's lives have plenty going on and its clear there is more to follow in the next book. I won't be in a rush to go snd get thd next book but wouldn't not ignore it either.
December 12, 2018
Not my regular kind of read...but the mystery was a good one. Escorts being murdered and the killer apparently caught. Everyone believes that he is guilty except for one determined Gang leader, and she has to cross many a hurdle before she reaches the real culprit, including being stuck in a crusher.
The story is engrossing and more often than not you want Annie to end up with Hunter instead of the "Silver Fox"...note the rolling of my eyes...
Good read for anyone interested in the mystery/detective/crime solving genre...
The story is engrossing and more often than not you want Annie to end up with Hunter instead of the "Silver Fox"...note the rolling of my eyes...
Good read for anyone interested in the mystery/detective/crime solving genre...
February 16, 2021
Brilliantly written
Really love Annie Carter great series , best read in order , the chapter in scarlet women that really made me chuckle was the chapel of rest , Annie aways up for any challenge lol, dad to lose a main character but living this series thank you Jessie Keane 10 /10 and also great narrator🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟highly recommend this series a a must read if you like Martina Cole you will love this story line 😊
Really love Annie Carter great series , best read in order , the chapter in scarlet women that really made me chuckle was the chapel of rest , Annie aways up for any challenge lol, dad to lose a main character but living this series thank you Jessie Keane 10 /10 and also great narrator🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟highly recommend this series a a must read if you like Martina Cole you will love this story line 😊
July 12, 2022
This was a very good thriller about the gangland culture of London. Annie Carter a widowed gangster who took over from dead husband Max running his empire gets embroiled in murder sleaze and brutality. It is a good fast paced thriller which is unusual because it is not based on the police side, but on the underworld sorting out it’s own problems. A very good read.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
November 8, 2025
This book been on a shelf at home for almost 20yrs, finally read it & surprised how good its been.
wishing i'd read the 2 before it 1st & hoping there'll be a sequel to this 3rd book about Annie Carter.
Didn't see the twists coming at the end which im usually good at spotting so impressed.
highly recommend..but read in the correct order unlike i did!
wishing i'd read the 2 before it 1st & hoping there'll be a sequel to this 3rd book about Annie Carter.
Didn't see the twists coming at the end which im usually good at spotting so impressed.
highly recommend..but read in the correct order unlike i did!
May 21, 2018
Enjoyed this book but let myself down by reading book number 4 first so knew what was going to happen so there wasnt the build up of suspense as there was with the others. However I have loved this series and this writer.
August 23, 2020
Book 3 in the Annie Carter series. I've really enjoyed following her story and look forward to each new book. This one takes on us a wild ride with a perfect conclusion. Discovering this series of books has been marvellous. If you love Martina Cole...you'll also love Jessie Keane.
May 14, 2025
Annie was married and had it all, finally Mrs Max Carter. But Max was gone and Annie needs to find her way to run the patch.
Then women start turning up dead and she can't help but try and find out what's happening.
Good book, didn't grip me quite as much a book one but still worth a read.
Then women start turning up dead and she can't help but try and find out what's happening.
Good book, didn't grip me quite as much a book one but still worth a read.
December 15, 2018
Very fun book. Full of lots and lots of detailed and lovingly crafted character. None of which you would like to meet on a dark night, but still a very enjoyable read.
May 5, 2019
Another really good read; the series just gets better and better! As all her books, it evoked emotion, books you in and makes you part of that world whilst you are reading it. Really good read
December 21, 2019
Couldn’t put this fine! I loved it
February 27, 2020
Another great read from Jessie Keane. "Scarlet Woman" is equally as good as the first two in the Annie Carter series, looking forward to reading the next one.
December 2, 2020
Another great read from Jessie Keane. Looking forward to the next one.
July 10, 2021
It was a very good book. I didn't enjoy it as much as some of her others though. There were a few graphic scenes in this book that made me grimace. Overall, well worth reading
December 16, 2021
She’s back.
Anne is back and after revenge and I just cannot take to Constantine I feel he is always hiding something and don’t trust him. I love Dolly.
Anne is back and after revenge and I just cannot take to Constantine I feel he is always hiding something and don’t trust him. I love Dolly.
January 15, 2022
Easy reading page turner. Excellent
April 10, 2022
Brilliant
Jessie Keane does not disappointed.
Love the twists and turns
Lots of action, didn't want the story to end. .. now on to book 4.
Jessie Keane does not disappointed.
Love the twists and turns
Lots of action, didn't want the story to end. .. now on to book 4.
June 20, 2022
Really enjoying this series of books. Took a while to get going with this one, but glad I persevered as it was another good one!
September 24, 2023
Another good read now for the next part
December 24, 2023
Superb
October 19, 2025
I've read four books in this series and they've all been brilliant. Not disappointed at all. More London gangland tales between the Carters and the Delaneys.
October 16, 2013
Time taken to read - 4 days
Blurb from Goodreads
She was a madam in a brothel, then a gangster’s moll. Now Annie Carter owns the East End of London, and God help anybody that crosses her.…
It’s 1970 and there’s a killer on the loose in London.
When gang boss Annie Carter gets a call, suddenly it’s personal. A close friend of hers is the latest victim, and another is in the frame for the murder.
With the hated Delaney gang still causing trouble, and NY mob boss Don Constantine Barolli’s family making no secret of the fact that they hate her, she senses a feud blowing up in all their faces very soon.
To save her old friend, Annie has to try to find out who’s been targeting the girls. Before long she’s diving head-first into the seedy underbelly of the streets.
How long before the killer strikes again? And who will the next victim be?
My Review
Annie is back home in London and ready to establish her businesses and as head of the Carter cartel. Before she can cut her teeth into all that needs done she gets a call that her friend has been killed and her associate is the prime suspect. Annie is torn between fixing her business, finding out who killed her friend, keeping the Delaney's at bay and keeping her mind off Constantine Barolli. Before too long Annie is in the deep of it and could lose everything she has worked so hard for and her life is in danger. You can't tread on so many toes without making enemies and Annie has many, could this be the end for Annie Carter?
The book starts on a cliff hanger, Annie is in a life threatening situation, death is imminent and she goes over the recent past to how she got here. She has a blast from the past she needs to try and protect which brings her to the wrong side of the Delaney twins. The police aren't looking for anyone else for her friends murder but Annie knows they have the wrong guy and that is just scratching the surface. There is lots going on in this book and a lot of action to keep your interest however this book feel a bit short for me compared to others in the series. For example in the last book Annie went through hell with her little girl yet in this book she is passed off to others whilst she deals with business. I just felt that whilst she wouldn't want her in the path of what was going on, you wouldn't just put her to the side to deal with all the dangerous stuff she does throughout this book.
The issues with the silver fox Don from America also annoyed me a little, it was very, I felt, almost teen angst. Not how an established woman like Annie would react really and especially, how it transpires much later in the book. I just felt Annie's character flipped around a bit which annoyed me a bit, otherwise though the story was quite good and does draw you in. I sincerely hope in the next installment we see some faces that have seemingly left the story reappear, one can only hope. Still a good read and it does cover a bit of history of the previous books so you could pick this up and read as a stand alone but I would suggest going back and reading the others in order, 3/5 for me this time though.
Blurb from Goodreads
She was a madam in a brothel, then a gangster’s moll. Now Annie Carter owns the East End of London, and God help anybody that crosses her.…
It’s 1970 and there’s a killer on the loose in London.
When gang boss Annie Carter gets a call, suddenly it’s personal. A close friend of hers is the latest victim, and another is in the frame for the murder.
With the hated Delaney gang still causing trouble, and NY mob boss Don Constantine Barolli’s family making no secret of the fact that they hate her, she senses a feud blowing up in all their faces very soon.
To save her old friend, Annie has to try to find out who’s been targeting the girls. Before long she’s diving head-first into the seedy underbelly of the streets.
How long before the killer strikes again? And who will the next victim be?
My Review
Annie is back home in London and ready to establish her businesses and as head of the Carter cartel. Before she can cut her teeth into all that needs done she gets a call that her friend has been killed and her associate is the prime suspect. Annie is torn between fixing her business, finding out who killed her friend, keeping the Delaney's at bay and keeping her mind off Constantine Barolli. Before too long Annie is in the deep of it and could lose everything she has worked so hard for and her life is in danger. You can't tread on so many toes without making enemies and Annie has many, could this be the end for Annie Carter?
The book starts on a cliff hanger, Annie is in a life threatening situation, death is imminent and she goes over the recent past to how she got here. She has a blast from the past she needs to try and protect which brings her to the wrong side of the Delaney twins. The police aren't looking for anyone else for her friends murder but Annie knows they have the wrong guy and that is just scratching the surface. There is lots going on in this book and a lot of action to keep your interest however this book feel a bit short for me compared to others in the series. For example in the last book Annie went through hell with her little girl yet in this book she is passed off to others whilst she deals with business. I just felt that whilst she wouldn't want her in the path of what was going on, you wouldn't just put her to the side to deal with all the dangerous stuff she does throughout this book.
The issues with the silver fox Don from America also annoyed me a little, it was very, I felt, almost teen angst. Not how an established woman like Annie would react really and especially, how it transpires much later in the book. I just felt Annie's character flipped around a bit which annoyed me a bit, otherwise though the story was quite good and does draw you in. I sincerely hope in the next installment we see some faces that have seemingly left the story reappear, one can only hope. Still a good read and it does cover a bit of history of the previous books so you could pick this up and read as a stand alone but I would suggest going back and reading the others in order, 3/5 for me this time though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews