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The Driver
When you play with fire, everyone gets burned ...Joe Weeks is new to the Grange Estate. Tolerant, doesn't mind a bit of weed, doesn't try to pull other men's women. Live and let live is his motto ...Eddie Quinn is the hardest man on the estate. Everyone knows that it's a bad idea to cross him, or his pit bull. But everyone also knows he's honest, as drug dealers go. Joe's pleased when Eddie offers him a job. But then he meets Katya. A prostitute. A slave. And desperate to escape from Eddie.
- GenresCrime
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 2010
74 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Mandasue Heller
36 books448 followersMandasue was born in Cheshire and moved to Manchester in 1982. She spent ten years living in the notorious Hulme Crescents which have since become the background to her novels. Not only is she a talented writer, but she has also sung in cabaret and rock groups, seventies soul cover bands and blues jam bands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 16, 2022
After being kicked out of their flat, and city by his Ex, dark haired, good looking and most-of-all friendly Joe moves to a sink estate ('Projects'), in Manchester, with the majority of residents on welfare, booze and/or... drugs. It's difficult at first as an outsider for Joe to be accepted by the locals, but given time, he starts making friends and bonds. He's also intrigue by Katya, one of the four Eastern European prostitutes he bumps into now and again, who also live on the estate. When some good fortune gets him a job as a driver for the local hardman, his and Katya's world's begin to closen.
I really enjoyed this read, and was really surprised at some of the directions it took. It's a gritty crime-drama, and a lot more realistic, as in 'calmer' than the often slightly over the top works in the gritty UK crime drama sub-genre. What Heller does really well is humanise the poor; I feel she is pretty good at character building; and most of all she adheres to the idea that in these poor communities there is a real sense of belonging and friendship across these places where people are forced to spend so much time with one another for long periods of time, because of their lack of resources/opportunity. Compared to Martine Cole, who's name checked in the book blurb, I would say that is a fair claim, but Heller is smoother, and spins as much positivity as negativity in her story. 8 out of 12, seriously I couldn't put it down.
2022 read
I really enjoyed this read, and was really surprised at some of the directions it took. It's a gritty crime-drama, and a lot more realistic, as in 'calmer' than the often slightly over the top works in the gritty UK crime drama sub-genre. What Heller does really well is humanise the poor; I feel she is pretty good at character building; and most of all she adheres to the idea that in these poor communities there is a real sense of belonging and friendship across these places where people are forced to spend so much time with one another for long periods of time, because of their lack of resources/opportunity. Compared to Martine Cole, who's name checked in the book blurb, I would say that is a fair claim, but Heller is smoother, and spins as much positivity as negativity in her story. 8 out of 12, seriously I couldn't put it down.
2022 read
April 29, 2015
Manchester’s ‘Queen Of Gritty Crime’, Mandasue Heller is the bestselling author of 14 hard-hitting novels. Heller was born in Warrington, Cheshire, England and moved to Manchester in 1982. She spent ten years living in the notorious Hulme Crescents in Manchester which have since become the background to her novels. She is not only a talented writer, but she has also sung in cabaret and rock groups, seventies soul cover bands and blues jam bands. I really enjoy her books and have reviewed some others on this site: Forget Me Not https://bookreviewstoday.wordpress.co..., Two Faced https://bookreviewstoday.wordpress.co....
The Driver is one of Heller’s books that I found in my local library. As I had not read it, I decided to borrow it. The Driver is a good book and an easy read. I really love the author’s writing style and the characters in this novel are great. It starts when the reader is introduced to Joe. He is a nice guy and new to Grange Estate. It does not take him long to fit right in and get to know the goings on of all the people who live on the estate. The women think he is cute and the men are happy that he does not try to make a play for their women. Still, all housing estates have their rough edges, and Grange Estate is no exception.
The local tough guy is Eddie Quinn. Eddie has the build and the attitude and the hard man look about him. Of course, drug dealing represents part of his money-making activity. Eddie is definitely not a man that you would want to cross but he is considered to be honest to deal with. When Eddie offers Joe a job as his driver, Joe is happy to accept. Working for Eddie may be demanding, but it has its benefits. Or so Joe thinks, until he meets Katya, She is one of the prostitutes who work for Eddie.
The last portion of the book saw a rise in tempo and I read it very quickly. The Driver kept me interested throughout the read. I certainly kept turning the pages. This is not the best book by Heller, but I was engaged by the story and the characters. There are a few twists that may surprise the reader. So, I do recommend this The Driver. The story was well rounded and very satisfying.
The Driver is one of Heller’s books that I found in my local library. As I had not read it, I decided to borrow it. The Driver is a good book and an easy read. I really love the author’s writing style and the characters in this novel are great. It starts when the reader is introduced to Joe. He is a nice guy and new to Grange Estate. It does not take him long to fit right in and get to know the goings on of all the people who live on the estate. The women think he is cute and the men are happy that he does not try to make a play for their women. Still, all housing estates have their rough edges, and Grange Estate is no exception.
The local tough guy is Eddie Quinn. Eddie has the build and the attitude and the hard man look about him. Of course, drug dealing represents part of his money-making activity. Eddie is definitely not a man that you would want to cross but he is considered to be honest to deal with. When Eddie offers Joe a job as his driver, Joe is happy to accept. Working for Eddie may be demanding, but it has its benefits. Or so Joe thinks, until he meets Katya, She is one of the prostitutes who work for Eddie.
The last portion of the book saw a rise in tempo and I read it very quickly. The Driver kept me interested throughout the read. I certainly kept turning the pages. This is not the best book by Heller, but I was engaged by the story and the characters. There are a few twists that may surprise the reader. So, I do recommend this The Driver. The story was well rounded and very satisfying.
June 19, 2012
Well first off I have to say I was shocked at the small offering that arrived when the book turned up. I am used to receiving a Mandasue Heller book that is a hefty offering as opposed to this slimmed down version.
I picked up the book hoping that this one was better than her last book as I wasn't that impressed with it. Initially the first few chapters seemed to be going well. We get introduced to Joe and get to know the goings on of all the people who live on the estate. Joe as a character isn't the strongest Mandasue Heller has ever written but he was a likeable guy.
We also see the bad guy Eddie who again I didn't think was that strong a chracater. Yes he seemingly had the right ingredients, the build, the attitude and the hard man look about him. Unfortunately that was all he had!
Around the halfway mark I was beginning to wonder when the gritty storyline would jump in but sadly it didn't materialise. The book wasn't an awful read by any means it just wasn't particularly strong or memorable.
The last portion of the book saw a rise in tempo slightly but it had an air of `unfinished business' about it. In actual fact this was how I felt about 90% of the book. You felt like you got to know the people involved but beyond that, nothing.
I have read all of Martina Cole's books and felt bitterly disappointed that her more recent stuff was nowhere near as good as her original works. Sadly, it seems that Mandasue Heller is suffering the same fate.
The storyline felt very lacklustre and had no real oomph in it. In addition to this, nothing that drastic or meaningful happened. I can tell from the writing style that Mandasue Heller still has a great writing style, but sadly the plot and characters are seriously lacking her usual standards.
I was bitterly disappointed with this and was hoping that we would see a return to her previously wonderful writing. Although the writing is there, it seems that nothing else is there with it.
If I am being honest I wouldn't recommend this book and would say try her earlier works which were brilliant. I can still live in hope that she will return with a vengeance with her next book.
I picked up the book hoping that this one was better than her last book as I wasn't that impressed with it. Initially the first few chapters seemed to be going well. We get introduced to Joe and get to know the goings on of all the people who live on the estate. Joe as a character isn't the strongest Mandasue Heller has ever written but he was a likeable guy.
We also see the bad guy Eddie who again I didn't think was that strong a chracater. Yes he seemingly had the right ingredients, the build, the attitude and the hard man look about him. Unfortunately that was all he had!
Around the halfway mark I was beginning to wonder when the gritty storyline would jump in but sadly it didn't materialise. The book wasn't an awful read by any means it just wasn't particularly strong or memorable.
The last portion of the book saw a rise in tempo slightly but it had an air of `unfinished business' about it. In actual fact this was how I felt about 90% of the book. You felt like you got to know the people involved but beyond that, nothing.
I have read all of Martina Cole's books and felt bitterly disappointed that her more recent stuff was nowhere near as good as her original works. Sadly, it seems that Mandasue Heller is suffering the same fate.
The storyline felt very lacklustre and had no real oomph in it. In addition to this, nothing that drastic or meaningful happened. I can tell from the writing style that Mandasue Heller still has a great writing style, but sadly the plot and characters are seriously lacking her usual standards.
I was bitterly disappointed with this and was hoping that we would see a return to her previously wonderful writing. Although the writing is there, it seems that nothing else is there with it.
If I am being honest I wouldn't recommend this book and would say try her earlier works which were brilliant. I can still live in hope that she will return with a vengeance with her next book.
July 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this story with nice characters. I hadn’t expected the plot to turn the way it did. Another good read by Mandasue.
July 29, 2015
Time taken to read - 2 days
Publisher - Hodder
Pages - 320
Blurb from Goodreads
When you play with fire, everyone gets burned... Joe Weeks is new to the Grange Estate. Tolerant, doesn't mind a bit of weed, doesn't try to pull other men's women. Live and let live is his motto... Eddie Quinn is the hardest man on the estate. Everyone knows that it's a bad idea to cross him, or his pit bull. But everyone also knows he's honest, as drug dealers go. Joe's pleased when Eddie offers him a job. But then he meets Katya. A prostitute. A slave. And desperate to escape from Eddie.
My Review
Joe Weeks has just moved to the Grange Estate. It is rife with drugs, prostitution, violence and a tight leash on it all - held by Eddie Quinn. Joe just wants an easy life after breaking up with his girl. Eddie is hardcore, he will let loose his dog or his temper if pushed and Joe best watch his step. However, once he befriends some of the neighbours and is in need of a job, he finds himself working for Eddie and catching the eye of Katya. Katya works for Eddie, no one messes with Eddie or his business, Joe can't help himself and gets caught up in a tangled web that threatens not only him, but all involved.
Ooooh this was a good read, I love small estate style stories as there is always gossip, nosy neighbours and scandal. Throw in some thugs ruling a small empire, affairs and murder and you would have just some of the things covered in The Driver. This book draws you in fairly quickly, you meet the residents as the main character Joe does, how quickly he gets drawn in and follow him down a slippery slope. The story flows well as Heller always manages, nearing the end we are flung a curve ball which I did not see coming and even now I am finished I am not sure how I feel about it. There is also quite a brutal violent scene in this story and a few issues that reflect the reality of drug addiction, particularly in relation to a dependent child, just a heads up.
Well done, good charactisation and she really brings to life and lifts the estate from the page. 4/5 for me, if you follow my reviews you know I am a huge Heller fan so this won't be my last. I have another on my tbr and look forward to the one she is currently penning. If you haven't read Heller before, you don't mind swearing, gritty crime and some harsh issues then definitely give her a go.
Publisher - Hodder
Pages - 320
Blurb from Goodreads
When you play with fire, everyone gets burned... Joe Weeks is new to the Grange Estate. Tolerant, doesn't mind a bit of weed, doesn't try to pull other men's women. Live and let live is his motto... Eddie Quinn is the hardest man on the estate. Everyone knows that it's a bad idea to cross him, or his pit bull. But everyone also knows he's honest, as drug dealers go. Joe's pleased when Eddie offers him a job. But then he meets Katya. A prostitute. A slave. And desperate to escape from Eddie.
My Review
Joe Weeks has just moved to the Grange Estate. It is rife with drugs, prostitution, violence and a tight leash on it all - held by Eddie Quinn. Joe just wants an easy life after breaking up with his girl. Eddie is hardcore, he will let loose his dog or his temper if pushed and Joe best watch his step. However, once he befriends some of the neighbours and is in need of a job, he finds himself working for Eddie and catching the eye of Katya. Katya works for Eddie, no one messes with Eddie or his business, Joe can't help himself and gets caught up in a tangled web that threatens not only him, but all involved.
Ooooh this was a good read, I love small estate style stories as there is always gossip, nosy neighbours and scandal. Throw in some thugs ruling a small empire, affairs and murder and you would have just some of the things covered in The Driver. This book draws you in fairly quickly, you meet the residents as the main character Joe does, how quickly he gets drawn in and follow him down a slippery slope. The story flows well as Heller always manages, nearing the end we are flung a curve ball which I did not see coming and even now I am finished I am not sure how I feel about it. There is also quite a brutal violent scene in this story and a few issues that reflect the reality of drug addiction, particularly in relation to a dependent child, just a heads up.
Well done, good charactisation and she really brings to life and lifts the estate from the page. 4/5 for me, if you follow my reviews you know I am a huge Heller fan so this won't be my last. I have another on my tbr and look forward to the one she is currently penning. If you haven't read Heller before, you don't mind swearing, gritty crime and some harsh issues then definitely give her a go.
November 7, 2010
‘Welcome to your new home, kiddo.’
Joe Weeks is a newcomer to the Grange Estate, but it doesn’t take him long to fit right in. Joe gets to know the locals: the women think he’s cute and the men are happy that he doesn’t try to make a play for their women. Still, all housing estates have their rough edges, and it seems Grange is no exception.
The local tough guy is Eddie Quinn, and drug dealing represents part of his money-making activity. But while Eddie is not a man that you’d want to cross, he’s considered to be honest to deal with. So, when Eddie offers Joe a job as his driver, Joe is happy to accept. Working for Eddie may be demanding, but it has its benefits. Or so Joe thinks, until he meets Katya, one of the prostitutes who work for Eddie.
While I read this book in a couple of hours and was interested enough to keep turning the pages, I was never really engaged either by the story or any of the characters. There are a few twists that may (or may not) surprise you but overall the story wasn’t satisfying.
‘.. there was no dignity in death these days.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Joe Weeks is a newcomer to the Grange Estate, but it doesn’t take him long to fit right in. Joe gets to know the locals: the women think he’s cute and the men are happy that he doesn’t try to make a play for their women. Still, all housing estates have their rough edges, and it seems Grange is no exception.
The local tough guy is Eddie Quinn, and drug dealing represents part of his money-making activity. But while Eddie is not a man that you’d want to cross, he’s considered to be honest to deal with. So, when Eddie offers Joe a job as his driver, Joe is happy to accept. Working for Eddie may be demanding, but it has its benefits. Or so Joe thinks, until he meets Katya, one of the prostitutes who work for Eddie.
While I read this book in a couple of hours and was interested enough to keep turning the pages, I was never really engaged either by the story or any of the characters. There are a few twists that may (or may not) surprise you but overall the story wasn’t satisfying.
‘.. there was no dignity in death these days.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
September 15, 2016
I was disappointed with this book. The other Mandesue Heller books I have read have been brilliant, and the only reason I persevered with The Driver. I never really got into the book until Chapter 10, as it seemed to be just lots of characters being added and the story going nowhere. If it had been my first Heller book I would have given up on it. However, I was pleased that I continued with it as it did eventually pick up pace. I just wish that I had not paid full price for it. Her other books are much better than this one.
March 10, 2016
This just wasn't my thing. It was very slow. Large parts of the book had nothing going on and I was desperate for them to get to the point. I knew where it was going right from the start but it took an awfully long time to get there. It didn't hold my attention and I felt that reading it was a chore.
June 27, 2017
4.5 stars
I always enjoy a book by Mandasue Heller and this was no exception. As usual the setting was Manchester and the characters all felt very life like. Some of them as in life were horrible but others were nice people. As the story went on there was no inkling at all of the twist it would take and it kept me gripped right until the end.
I always enjoy a book by Mandasue Heller and this was no exception. As usual the setting was Manchester and the characters all felt very life like. Some of them as in life were horrible but others were nice people. As the story went on there was no inkling at all of the twist it would take and it kept me gripped right until the end.
January 9, 2012
Simply excellent read - full review to follow
September 21, 2019
Absolutely brilliant read, was gripped throughout. Will be reading more books by this author.
May 16, 2017
I usually enjoy Mandasue Heller books, unfortunately for me this one didn't quite hit the target
January 7, 2022
Joe moves into a new flat on a council estate, pricking the interest of the fellow residents. There’s single mum Cheryl and her on-again-off-again ex, elderly overweight Molly and her cat, Carl and Mel, nosey racist Kettler, four Ukrainian hookers, and scary Eddie with his girlfriend Chrissie and scary pitbull.
Cheryl throws Joe a welcome party, and he learns that Eddie is the hookers’ pimp as well as neighbourhood drug dealer and extortionist. Over the following weeks and months, he witnesses several of the pitiful personalities suffering under Eddie’s oppression and realises that Eddie keeps the hookers locked up.
Eddie offers Joe a job as his driver while he does his drug runs. Joe becomes matey with Carl, a rather sweet druggie who works for Eddie. Eddie’s other boy Clive also seems less evil than his boss. Joe mostly does what he’s told, but nevertheless comes under suspicion from the gang. Everyone’s side stories come together in a clash on one eventful day at the estate.
This book has no likable characters. The gangsters are monsters; the whores pitiful; the junkies disgusting. Even Joe, the hero, is hardly one you’d bring home to mother. It makes painful reading following the sufferings of the women done wrong by their disreputable menfolk. However, Katya—the prettiest of the hookers—wins one’s sympathy and does the right thing in the end. And Joe musters enough pluck to save the day.
An easy read.
Cheryl throws Joe a welcome party, and he learns that Eddie is the hookers’ pimp as well as neighbourhood drug dealer and extortionist. Over the following weeks and months, he witnesses several of the pitiful personalities suffering under Eddie’s oppression and realises that Eddie keeps the hookers locked up.
Eddie offers Joe a job as his driver while he does his drug runs. Joe becomes matey with Carl, a rather sweet druggie who works for Eddie. Eddie’s other boy Clive also seems less evil than his boss. Joe mostly does what he’s told, but nevertheless comes under suspicion from the gang. Everyone’s side stories come together in a clash on one eventful day at the estate.
This book has no likable characters. The gangsters are monsters; the whores pitiful; the junkies disgusting. Even Joe, the hero, is hardly one you’d bring home to mother. It makes painful reading following the sufferings of the women done wrong by their disreputable menfolk. However, Katya—the prettiest of the hookers—wins one’s sympathy and does the right thing in the end. And Joe musters enough pluck to save the day.
An easy read.
June 28, 2025
This is not a great work of literature by any definition, but is a good light introduction to criminality, particularly drugs and the sex slave trade, in Manchester, UK.
The characters are almost all "druggies" of one sort or another, even if their drug of choice is just an occasional spliff.
Despite this negative background I found myself quite engrossed and able to enjoy my read. I could identify with "the Driver" despite his criminal occupation and hobby drug use, and found myself wanting good things to come to him. As I continued through the novel, from quite early on I suspected he was not all that he seemed and other readers will probably also see this.
The villain Eddie is described on the book cover as "honest, as drug dealers go", but I didn't find that at all. Rather, quite the opposite. He is as nasty as they come and completely full of lies. "The Driver", Jake, comes across as a really nice, kind guy, and one of the sex slaves, Katya, as a lovely young lady. Everyone else, except for Eddie, is a mix of good and bad, which is probably quite an honest depiction of life on a deprived housing estate.
This was an enjoyable read, even if not particularly memorable.
The characters are almost all "druggies" of one sort or another, even if their drug of choice is just an occasional spliff.
Despite this negative background I found myself quite engrossed and able to enjoy my read. I could identify with "the Driver" despite his criminal occupation and hobby drug use, and found myself wanting good things to come to him. As I continued through the novel, from quite early on I suspected he was not all that he seemed and other readers will probably also see this.
The villain Eddie is described on the book cover as "honest, as drug dealers go", but I didn't find that at all. Rather, quite the opposite. He is as nasty as they come and completely full of lies. "The Driver", Jake, comes across as a really nice, kind guy, and one of the sex slaves, Katya, as a lovely young lady. Everyone else, except for Eddie, is a mix of good and bad, which is probably quite an honest depiction of life on a deprived housing estate.
This was an enjoyable read, even if not particularly memorable.
July 29, 2017
This is my first go of a Mandasue Heller book and it was an easy enjoyable read. Im not a fan of comparisons to other authors like in this case it's Martina Cole as I believe it can be a tough task to match up. However I can see where people are coming from and although not quite as gritty this story was worth every minute I spent reading it.
January 11, 2018
The Driver.
The third book in a row I've read by this author and although I guessed the twist from the first page, this did nothing to diminish my enjoyment. Another well written thoroughly enjoyable book. I am now going to begin the next.
The third book in a row I've read by this author and although I guessed the twist from the first page, this did nothing to diminish my enjoyment. Another well written thoroughly enjoyable book. I am now going to begin the next.
September 2, 2018
A group of friends, who live on the same estate, there lives intertwined, drugs, prostitutes, and violence a typical day on this sink estate. Not as good as the previous two I have read, but still a good read.
August 3, 2017
Great read
The characters draw you in from the begining and they are like old friends by the end of the book
The characters draw you in from the begining and they are like old friends by the end of the book
February 2, 2018
A thrilling read with an unsuspected twist one of Heller's best book. Great build up to the climatic ending as well.
February 12, 2018
Brilliant story line and very gripping..can't wait to enjoy more books by Mandasue Heller
November 3, 2018
Not a story I would usually like. It involves drugs, prostitutes & violence. But because of the way Mandasue Heller writes & the way she makes the characters come alive, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 18, 2019
Im a huge fan of Mandasue Heller..and this didn't disappoint. Another fab book!
June 29, 2019
I knew it
I knew what Joe was as soon as he arrived at the grange but still really enjoyed the book great story. Now going to start the next one
I knew what Joe was as soon as he arrived at the grange but still really enjoyed the book great story. Now going to start the next one
July 20, 2019
So glad i re read this. Didn't remember much! It was as always top quality. Had me gripped from start to finish. I love the ending.
September 7, 2019
Fast paced
Racey involves believable characters good read twists and turns everywhere got everything for a good read from beginning to the end
Racey involves believable characters good read twists and turns everywhere got everything for a good read from beginning to the end
November 10, 2019
A bit slow at first but stick with it. Really enjoyed it.
Well worth a read. Once I got into it I couldn't put it down. Looking for my next book now.
Well worth a read. Once I got into it I couldn't put it down. Looking for my next book now.
August 23, 2021
Gripping
I love reading about the other side of life in Manchester knowing it goes on.
But the way it is told by Manda Sue I don't want to put the book down.
I love reading about the other side of life in Manchester knowing it goes on.
But the way it is told by Manda Sue I don't want to put the book down.
March 5, 2022
Enjoyable.
November 12, 2024
Love this book
March 17, 2019
This is my third book by the author and I've loved all three. She writes great thrillers that are easy to read and grab your attention.
This story is fairly straightforward, very black and white. You'll know who to root for from the get go. You'll also know where the story is going, but the journey to the end is interesting. I do think the end was a bit contrived. She brought in a twist but it seemed a little too out of nowhere and didn't convince me entirely.
Heller includes many fringe characters in the story but she manages to save them all a seat at the table. None of them seem unnecessary at any point which is quite an achievement.
A great one time read. I'd definitely pick up more of her novels.
This story is fairly straightforward, very black and white. You'll know who to root for from the get go. You'll also know where the story is going, but the journey to the end is interesting. I do think the end was a bit contrived. She brought in a twist but it seemed a little too out of nowhere and didn't convince me entirely.
Heller includes many fringe characters in the story but she manages to save them all a seat at the table. None of them seem unnecessary at any point which is quite an achievement.
A great one time read. I'd definitely pick up more of her novels.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews