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Annie Carter #2
Black Widow
In Dirty Game, Annie Bailey was an East End Madam. In Black Widow she’s queen of the gangs and trying to save her daughter’s life…
Annie Bailey had done it all; Madam, mistress and Gangster's moll. Now she's Annie Carter, and she taking over the East End.
Annie knew that it wouldn't last. Everything was going so well; she was living in Majorca, had Max Carter - the head of the Carter firm by her side, and had given him a beautiful daughter, Layla. But if there was one thing life had taught her, it was that everything could change in the blink of an eye. One minute she's lying by the pool, the next she's out cold. When she comes round Max and Layla are gone.
It's not long before she gets the demands. They want money or she'll be getting her little girl back in pieces…
There's only one thing Annie can do, she heads back to the East End of London and gathers the Carter firm together. Someone has snatched her husband and child. Now there's a score to settle, and it's being settled Annie Carter style…
Annie Bailey had done it all; Madam, mistress and Gangster's moll. Now she's Annie Carter, and she taking over the East End.
Annie knew that it wouldn't last. Everything was going so well; she was living in Majorca, had Max Carter - the head of the Carter firm by her side, and had given him a beautiful daughter, Layla. But if there was one thing life had taught her, it was that everything could change in the blink of an eye. One minute she's lying by the pool, the next she's out cold. When she comes round Max and Layla are gone.
It's not long before she gets the demands. They want money or she'll be getting her little girl back in pieces…
There's only one thing Annie can do, she heads back to the East End of London and gathers the Carter firm together. Someone has snatched her husband and child. Now there's a score to settle, and it's being settled Annie Carter style…
560 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2009
109 people are currently reading
723 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 2, 2020
Black Widow by Jessie Keane, Annie Carter ex London brothel owner now a gangsters wife living a peaceful existence in sunny Spain, she blacks out and awakens to her husband Max and daughter missing and her brother in law slain. What follows is Annie's desperate search for her daughter's kidnappers and her balancing act with Max's henchmen and now a Mafia boss, this is a hell of a roller coaster ride set in 1960s , 70s Londons underworld. Dancing a tightrope of total disaster at every step Annie Carters hunt to track a band of ruthless killer kidnappers is on. Such a gripping yarn and characters to get your chops around especially loved fiery Dolly, good honest bs to get your cravings for death and messy mayhem and satisfying your alter ego hard out. Bee you tif full. Wiki Jessie her background sounds gritty and a battler for sure.
June 19, 2012
This second book in the follow up from book 1 (Dirty Game), starts out in Spain with Max and Annie living the perfectly quiet life with their daughter Layla. Annie Bailey is now Mrs Annie Carter and she loves her life as a happily married woman. Max' brother Jonjo is also there and they are all enjoying the sun until everything goes blank for Annie. When she comes round there is no sign of Max, Jonjo is dead and her daughter missing. Armed with nothing but her determination and her passport, a phone call sends her on a plane and back to London. She resorts to staying with her good friend Dolly who runs a brothel to try and work out the mess she is in. Staying there is a dangerous game as it is also in the middle of the Delaney's patch. With the Delaney's being the Carters enemy and arch rival Annie has to carve out her own niche with her husbands firm. Annie has to gain respect from all the boys on the firm to stand a chance at getting her daughter back. Will she be able to, or is it already too late?
Jessie Keane has created a book with characters that you end up loving and loathing in equal measures. I found that the book was so easy to read and follow. The plots were all linked together without being too intricate and it was a very exciting read from start to finish. The opening few chapters are explosive. We pick up from where the previous book left off and this book left me wanting to find out what happens next for Annie Carter. This was certainly left with room for more and that's exactly what I am now waiting for. Am eagerly anticipating her third book and would highly recommend Jessie Keane. If you are a Martina Cole, Mandasue Heller or June Hampson fan this is something you will love.
Jessie Keane has created a book with characters that you end up loving and loathing in equal measures. I found that the book was so easy to read and follow. The plots were all linked together without being too intricate and it was a very exciting read from start to finish. The opening few chapters are explosive. We pick up from where the previous book left off and this book left me wanting to find out what happens next for Annie Carter. This was certainly left with room for more and that's exactly what I am now waiting for. Am eagerly anticipating her third book and would highly recommend Jessie Keane. If you are a Martina Cole, Mandasue Heller or June Hampson fan this is something you will love.
April 18, 2010
DA ENGLISH UNDERWORLD
No , We're not talking about Vampires roaming around England. Nope , this novel is all about the English Gangs and what happens when the two top English gangs have it out on their turf. Meet the Carters and the Delaneys. Annie whom was once involved with the Delaneys is now the wife of the leader of the Carters - Max Carter. Whilst holidaying in Marjoca , their is a hit , Max and his brother Jonjo are dead and their 4 yr old daughter Layla has been kidnapped.
Coming back to England to get her daughter back , Annie decides to mess things up a bit and will do whatever it takes to get her daughter back , even if it means stepping on alot of toes and making amends with others , losing friends and making enemies .
An excellent read , and a nicely paced story. For Fans of Martina Cole and Roberta Kray , Manduse Heller
No , We're not talking about Vampires roaming around England. Nope , this novel is all about the English Gangs and what happens when the two top English gangs have it out on their turf. Meet the Carters and the Delaneys. Annie whom was once involved with the Delaneys is now the wife of the leader of the Carters - Max Carter. Whilst holidaying in Marjoca , their is a hit , Max and his brother Jonjo are dead and their 4 yr old daughter Layla has been kidnapped.
Coming back to England to get her daughter back , Annie decides to mess things up a bit and will do whatever it takes to get her daughter back , even if it means stepping on alot of toes and making amends with others , losing friends and making enemies .
An excellent read , and a nicely paced story. For Fans of Martina Cole and Roberta Kray , Manduse Heller
October 24, 2017
Never, have I been so glad to know that there's another 4 books in a series!!!
This was just awesome!
Wow - Karen Cass, stunning job narrating!!!
This was just awesome!
Wow - Karen Cass, stunning job narrating!!!
February 19, 2023
Book 2 in the Annie Carter series which I listened to through Libby audible. I enjoyed this second book and look forward to reading / listening to the rest in the series.
February 18, 2020
Incredible book! I'd had this on my shelf for years and was never really drawn to it. However, I'm tearing through my unread books and decided it was time to give it a go. I couldn't believe what I had been missing out on!
I ploughed through this book as I genuinely struggled to put it down. I loved all the fast-paced drama, the aggression, the violence, the cursing and the killing. I loved the gang warfare (it reminded me very much of Peaky Blinders) and I loved the gritty narrative. I didn't feel like there was any cushioning of the gruesome parts and for me that just added to the danger of it all.
The ending was a little cliche but I guess who doesn't love a little cliche after such an intense plot!
I would hugely recommend to any crime fiction fans out there! 😍📚💕
I ploughed through this book as I genuinely struggled to put it down. I loved all the fast-paced drama, the aggression, the violence, the cursing and the killing. I loved the gang warfare (it reminded me very much of Peaky Blinders) and I loved the gritty narrative. I didn't feel like there was any cushioning of the gruesome parts and for me that just added to the danger of it all.
The ending was a little cliche but I guess who doesn't love a little cliche after such an intense plot!
I would hugely recommend to any crime fiction fans out there! 😍📚💕
January 8, 2015
This is a violent thriller set mostly in London's East End where we revisit the 1960s and 1970s. The Kray twins have just been jailed for murder and the main character is the wife of another gang boss. He's less deranged, just into making money, but this comes with exploitation of women, seedy clubs and protection rackets. Not to mention disputes with other gang bosses. As his wife Annie Carter is not expected to be involved.
Annie used to be a brothel madam and now suns herself in a Continental villa but one day her life is turned upside down. Her husband and his son are killed and her little daughter is stolen for ransom. Annie at first panics but holds herself together and returns to London to try to raise a ransom. She can't tell anyone that her husband is dead, because she'll get no respect and other bosses will move in on the manor. I don't recall seeing a single police officer.
The personal dilemmas are well presented including Annie's fractured relationship with her own family. The life of the 'brasses' or prostitutes is grittily depicted. While many ordinary decent people also live in these areas, they all have to know about and stay quiet about the crimes if they want to lead a quiet life. I'd have liked the story better if it wasn't so consistently brutal but maybe the lifestyles of the people depicted are like that.
Annie used to be a brothel madam and now suns herself in a Continental villa but one day her life is turned upside down. Her husband and his son are killed and her little daughter is stolen for ransom. Annie at first panics but holds herself together and returns to London to try to raise a ransom. She can't tell anyone that her husband is dead, because she'll get no respect and other bosses will move in on the manor. I don't recall seeing a single police officer.
The personal dilemmas are well presented including Annie's fractured relationship with her own family. The life of the 'brasses' or prostitutes is grittily depicted. While many ordinary decent people also live in these areas, they all have to know about and stay quiet about the crimes if they want to lead a quiet life. I'd have liked the story better if it wasn't so consistently brutal but maybe the lifestyles of the people depicted are like that.
October 21, 2019
I am so bad, this is not my first time reading this book, but I never reviewed it when I first read it.
I was pulled into this book right from the get go and that is where I stayed until I had read every single word that was written.
There are twists, turns and surprises within the pages of this book, some of the surprises you may see coming where as others you won't. Some of the surprises are large, while others are small, but each and everyone holds the same importace with regards to making this book the fantsastic read that it is.
I felt each and every emotion that the characters went through, I did find myself getting frastrate a time or two at a few of the characters, a couple I would of loved to smack, but they redeemed themselves, by the end of the book.
I highly recommend this book.
I was pulled into this book right from the get go and that is where I stayed until I had read every single word that was written.
There are twists, turns and surprises within the pages of this book, some of the surprises you may see coming where as others you won't. Some of the surprises are large, while others are small, but each and everyone holds the same importace with regards to making this book the fantsastic read that it is.
I felt each and every emotion that the characters went through, I did find myself getting frastrate a time or two at a few of the characters, a couple I would of loved to smack, but they redeemed themselves, by the end of the book.
I highly recommend this book.
September 23, 2018
Annie Carter is married to Max, a big name in the gang world so life is always in the fast lane and unpredictable.
When a hit aimed at the Caters' leaves Annie knocked out she comes round to see her life shattered, husband and daughter gone.
Vowing to find them and now head of the Carter clan she vows to find them and seek vengeance on those who did this and make them pay...
Gritty and exciting this is gangland writing at its best, gripping storyline and tough but underneath likeable characters this is a great read.
When a hit aimed at the Caters' leaves Annie knocked out she comes round to see her life shattered, husband and daughter gone.
Vowing to find them and now head of the Carter clan she vows to find them and seek vengeance on those who did this and make them pay...
Gritty and exciting this is gangland writing at its best, gripping storyline and tough but underneath likeable characters this is a great read.
January 3, 2015
I spent hours searching Kindle for anything to do with the Black Widow. This was one of my better catches. Although Natasha Romanoff is not the main character, it is a very good take on the name 'Black Widow'. It was brilliant. The circular narrative was intriguing, and I loved the plot. The ending worked out well, and I didn't scream at the book out of frustration. I recommend this book to anyone who liked a bit of Mafia and doesn't mind curses. There are quite a few.
Martha
Martha
June 16, 2017
Been looking for this book for ages after reading the first one! Loved this one just as much and will be on the look out for the next one on my next library trip! I feel like this book let you get to know the characters you met in the first book even more and kept you guessing as to the kidnappers identity and the involvement of other characters. Little bit of an emotional twister. Can't wait to read the next one x
December 31, 2013
This wasn't quite the same overall addictive page turner as Dirty Game where I couldn't get enough of reading about Max and Anne's relationship in amongst the gangland wars.
Still found I couldnt put this book down, thankfully was on holiday so didn't have too, gripping in parts although I really missed the dynamics she had with Max a lot.
Looking forward to seeing what Anne does next..
Still found I couldnt put this book down, thankfully was on holiday so didn't have too, gripping in parts although I really missed the dynamics she had with Max a lot.
Looking forward to seeing what Anne does next..
May 6, 2016
Started this book on holiday found it on the shelf and looked interesting got really into it bought it the minute I got hope . It's very captivating pulls you in you feel every emotion they feel and you go along with them dying what is going to happen next and how is it all going to end and awesome read
April 16, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Her writing is a little like Martina Cole but with less foul language and less graphic gory details. It was a good story with enough twists and turns to keep you interested to the end. I'll happily read another of hers.
September 22, 2019
Excellent. If you like Martina cole you should read Jessie Keane. This is the second of the Annie Carter series. Although this works as a stand-alone story there are some references to the first (which I intend to read quite soon) Jessie Keane is definitely going on my favourite Authors list.
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November 4, 2019A book to keep you on the edge of your seat
I could not put this book down brilliant story !ine.
Martina Cole reader's will like the Annie Carter series can't wait to get the next in the series.
I could not put this book down brilliant story !ine.
Martina Cole reader's will like the Annie Carter series can't wait to get the next in the series.
December 3, 2013
2nd in the Annie Carter series. Didn't find it as easy to read as the 1st book but still kept me hooked to till the end and looking forward to reading the next
February 14, 2016
An enjoyable read. Didn't grasp my attention as much as Dirty Game, but I'm looking forward to reading the rest of Jessie Keane's books in this series.
February 11, 2015
captivating, Edge Of Your Seat Read! I Loved It!
Read
March 31, 2015Fabulous book, love Jessie Keane Books
October 15, 2016
Brilliant Read
I found this book a brilliant read. Carries on from the 1st book with ease. Looking forward to the next one.
I found this book a brilliant read. Carries on from the 1st book with ease. Looking forward to the next one.
December 27, 2016
Great read.
Well written. Leaves you wanting to read the next in the series., although you don't need to reward them in order to enjoy the book.
Well written. Leaves you wanting to read the next in the series., although you don't need to reward them in order to enjoy the book.
February 28, 2017
I really enjoyed the book, now I will just have to read the first one.
July 30, 2024
I listened to this on audiobook.
Book 2 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, getting to know her, as there is no sign of Max Carter within the pages of this book two. In some parts you can see that she is still finding her feet but having a missing daughter (Layla aged 4) who was kidnapped is clearly plenty of motivation to make her do what she needs to do, even if some of those things goes against everything she believes.
Jessie Keane is definitely on par with author Martina Cole that’s for sure. Right without further ado, as I am hooked, I’m starting book 3 to this series.
Book 2 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, getting to know her, as there is no sign of Max Carter within the pages of this book two. In some parts you can see that she is still finding her feet but having a missing daughter (Layla aged 4) who was kidnapped is clearly plenty of motivation to make her do what she needs to do, even if some of those things goes against everything she believes.
Jessie Keane is definitely on par with author Martina Cole that’s for sure. Right without further ado, as I am hooked, I’m starting book 3 to this series.
May 20, 2024
This is the second book in the Annie Carter series and the book wastes no time in diving straight into the action. You see a new side to Annie Carter now that she's no longer got Max and her daughter has been kidnapped. She has to face quite a few trials and tribulations stepping into Max's shoes especially with being accepted by many around her including Max's boys working for him. This book sets the scene nicely for what we can expect of Annie Carter in the rest of the series and I'm really enjoying her character. This book lost a star for me as I felt the pace dropped off slightly in the middle of the book but it did pick up again and I finished the rest of the book in one sitting and looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 18, 2017
I got to about a third through the book and just sort of lost interest. I'm a very empathetic person, but couldn't bring myself to really feel for Annie. The situation was dire, and yet her reactions seemed so lukewarm - if she's part of the gangster scene, I'm sure there was so much more she could do then just return to London and wait for things to happen. Surely just pretending Max was kidnapped too would have solved most of her problems, and when yet another gangland boss was introduced and asked to help, I decided I didn't care enough about her to find out what happened.
Life's too short to read bad books.
Life's too short to read bad books.
July 28, 2021
I enjoyed the story and the plot. The characters either good or evil were very lifelike. The plot twisted from one crisis to another, and the main perpetrators of the kidnapping and murders was not made clear till the end. I have knocked off 1 star from a 5 as I think the bad language goes over the top. A little swearing and use of the “F” word is ok in the context of a book or story. This book goes well over acceptable levels for bad language. It is a shame really as Jessie Keane is a great author and does not need overuse of bad language to make her books great. Recommended to thriller writers who can except the language.
April 23, 2021
Annie Carter, her Max and their daughter are in Majorca, along with Max' brother Jonjo and his latest blond bimbo. Then there is a kidnapping and a double murder. Annie and Jonjo's blond return to London, where Annie tries to run the Carter manor and raise the ransom money for Layla.
Several people get hurt or killed while trying to help Annie and she feels that all is lost.
Annie then approaches a local Mafia Boss who had been acquainted with Max. He agrees to help her---for a price.
Eventually, Annie gets Layla back and life carries on, but not quite as before.
Several people get hurt or killed while trying to help Annie and she feels that all is lost.
Annie then approaches a local Mafia Boss who had been acquainted with Max. He agrees to help her---for a price.
Eventually, Annie gets Layla back and life carries on, but not quite as before.
November 30, 2018
Another good East-end London ganster book. Didn't enjoy it as much as the first, but still very enjoyable and entertaining. The negatives, would only be the way that Keane seems to like to repeat her self. Sometimes it is good to remind readers what is going on, but I just felt that she was going to far. But it is still a cracking read.
February 13, 2021
Brilliant read
What a rollercoaster of a read I really didn't know what was coming next ,sadly one character lost but the story moves on , I really don't want to give anything away but I do highly recommend this series as a must read 10/10 Jessie Keane and 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 on to next book ☺
What a rollercoaster of a read I really didn't know what was coming next ,sadly one character lost but the story moves on , I really don't want to give anything away but I do highly recommend this series as a must read 10/10 Jessie Keane and 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 on to next book ☺
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews