The Know by Martina Cole

by Martina Cole

Paperback

Published January 1, 1858

About the author

Martina Cole was born and brought up in Essex. She is the bestselling author of fourteen novels set in London's gangland, and her most recent three paperbacks have gone straight to No. 1 in the Sunday Times on first publication. Total sales of Martina's novels stand at over eight million copies.

Reviews

[Kathy Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterpiece from Martina Cole.

Joanie Brewer is a “tart with a heart”, a prostitute who does what she does to be able to provide for her family. Her eldest son Jon Jon knows what she does and although he doesn’t like it, loves his mum. Next is Jeanette, a rebellious teen who wants to be noticed and is jealous of the attention shown to the youngest, Kira.
But when Kira goes missing we are led into the awful world of child abuse and exploitation.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliant thriller from Martina Cole where we see a strong woman who has not had the best life but does her best for her children. The story is set on a forgotten estate or social housing and high crime rates.

Joanie Brewer is a hardworking woman and will do anything and gives her all for her three kids. She has walked the streets to make sure they are clothed and well fed, there is nothing she will not do for them. Jon Jon her eldest son is already immersed in the crime world and is making a name for himself. Jeanette is fourteen years old and a very streetwise and rebellious teenager. While the youngest, Kira is a protected child and very innocent about the world.

When Kira goes missing the Brewer’s world falls to pieces and Jon Jon takes on the hunt for his precious little sister. There is certainly more chance of him doing that than the local police. Jon Jon starts shaking the trees to see what falls out and what he discovers is unbearable. This sends him in to a spiral of ‘justified’ anger and how the family is holding itself together was an amazing act.

A classic thriller from Martina Cole

[Cass Glaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, although I do like Martina Cole and I think she’s a fantastic story teller, I’m getting a bit bored by her books. The stories are similar and the violence is just now for shock value. I’ve read some before, but decided to start reading them in order and I’ve read ten this year. To be honest though I’m not sure if I can bothered reading any more. I’ve heard all about gangs and child abuse and I’m not sure I can stomach any more!

[Cveta Trajcevska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

[Sue Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant, couldn’t put it down one of the best books I’ve read in a while
A lot of characters recognisable from my childhood sadly.
Language pretty strong, subject incredibly sad.

[Sarah Crossan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in one day as very consumable and fast paced and helps it has uk English spelling after having to read American English so much 4.5stars