I grew up in Rochdale in the 70s and I enjoyed the realism of the settings, but the unrelenting sexism and the racism got to me. It was too authentic! Well done Trevor Hoyle but I didn't like it. I'm glad I've left that time behind.
I read this back in the 80s and was hooked. Dark and sinister in the world of this Rochdale gang I was surprised how I could not put this down. I believe it has recently been re-released.