What do you think?
Rate this book
Annie Carter #5
Ruthless
Annie Carter, Barolli hasn’t always played by the rules, but she’s a survivor. She went from East End wild child, to queen of the Eastend, taking on the bad boys of gangland London and beat them all.
She’d done everything, brothel and nightclub owner, Gangster’s moll and the toughest job of all, a mother. Now her daughter is old enough to take care of herself and she’s working on the right side of the law, but how long will it be before the sins of her mother come back to haunt them all?
She’d done everything, brothel and nightclub owner, Gangster’s moll and the toughest job of all, a mother. Now her daughter is old enough to take care of herself and she’s working on the right side of the law, but how long will it be before the sins of her mother come back to haunt them all?
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
115 people are currently reading
476 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 79 reviews
July 21, 2013
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2013 and it did not disappoint. I discovered Jessie Keane early last year when I devoured the Annie Carter series in a week. Finally, I thought, an author who can actually compete with Martina Cole. Early Martina that is, not her recent stuff. I discovered Kimberley Chambers around the same time too, another author who is as good as Martina in the early days. People have compared Mandasue Heller with Martina but I can't see it myself. Heller's books just have something missing for me (a story and decent characters usually).
Jessie is a fantastic writer. Unbelievably every single one of her books has been unputdownable. It is rare for an author to consistently write books that are so fantastic. Strong characterisation and gripping stories is something she does so well and this latest release shows that Jessie has no signs of deteriorating like so many authors do after a few releases. This was one of her best books yet and I am just gutted to have reached the end. Of all her books the Annie Carter ones are the best. Annie is a fantastic character and I love the relationship she has with Max Carter. Talk about love/hate...
Many years ago Annie survived death and thought that the Delaney twins had been sent to theirs shortly after. But had they? The book skips back and forth between time periods showing us exactly what happened the night that Orla and Redmond were believed to have died. We also learn more about Annie's life and the rather troublesome relationship she has with her daughter Layla, who is very much a daddy's girl. It's hard to talk too much about the book without giving away too much of the plot but needless to say it is a gripping story which once started is extremely hard to put down. All the old cast are back too, Annie's old driver Tony. Ex-brothel madam Dolly. Ellie and Chris. Alberto Barolli. Jessie creates some great characters.
I didn't have any idea where this book was going towards the end as with these sorts of books you are used to the main character(s) coming out on top and so all the troubles they face throughout the book don't affect you because you know it'll all work out in the end but Jessie writes in such a way that anything could literally happen which does lead to a few shocks throughout the book. I also thought that the ending was quite open ended also which leaves me hoping that a future Annie Carter book is in the works? I did hope for another Ruby Darke book but I now want to read more from Annie and Co!
Jessie is a fantastic writer. Unbelievably every single one of her books has been unputdownable. It is rare for an author to consistently write books that are so fantastic. Strong characterisation and gripping stories is something she does so well and this latest release shows that Jessie has no signs of deteriorating like so many authors do after a few releases. This was one of her best books yet and I am just gutted to have reached the end. Of all her books the Annie Carter ones are the best. Annie is a fantastic character and I love the relationship she has with Max Carter. Talk about love/hate...
Many years ago Annie survived death and thought that the Delaney twins had been sent to theirs shortly after. But had they? The book skips back and forth between time periods showing us exactly what happened the night that Orla and Redmond were believed to have died. We also learn more about Annie's life and the rather troublesome relationship she has with her daughter Layla, who is very much a daddy's girl. It's hard to talk too much about the book without giving away too much of the plot but needless to say it is a gripping story which once started is extremely hard to put down. All the old cast are back too, Annie's old driver Tony. Ex-brothel madam Dolly. Ellie and Chris. Alberto Barolli. Jessie creates some great characters.
I didn't have any idea where this book was going towards the end as with these sorts of books you are used to the main character(s) coming out on top and so all the troubles they face throughout the book don't affect you because you know it'll all work out in the end but Jessie writes in such a way that anything could literally happen which does lead to a few shocks throughout the book. I also thought that the ending was quite open ended also which leaves me hoping that a future Annie Carter book is in the works? I did hope for another Ruby Darke book but I now want to read more from Annie and Co!
September 4, 2013
Well I have to start off this review by saying that if you haven't read the other Jessie Keane books in the series (and you plan on doing so), then please do not read this review. Obviously if you are on the first or second book, there will inevitably be spoilers in this review! I was really looking forward to reading the next book in this series, especially with all the drama that has gone on in the past. We start off by seeing the Delaney twins making plans, yet as far as Annie Carter knew the Delaney twins were dead and buried. Of course, nothing is simple in Annie's life, yet when things start getting dangerous a little closer to home she realises things are not that easy any more. She has her adult daughter Layla with her and her safety always comes first.
The one thing I love about this series is Annie Carter herself. She makes a brilliant lead character and I have always loved her and her husband, then ex-husband Max. One thing I forgot is just how damn good looking these two are (in my head of course). They are typical characters for the sort of lives they lead and they have to be hardened to things that normal people couldn't cope with. The time frame for the Carter's has now moved on to the eighties, and we also get to see Annie's friend Dlly again, albeit briefly.
The story was gripping from the very beginning as you wonder whether the Delaney's will actually make good on their plans. Added to this, we get to know Layla as a young adult and this is something that I think makes a great platform for a continuation of the Carter series of books (YAY). I have no idea if we will get to see any of the Carter's again but I can live in hope:-) In this latest offering, we see the plot move between London and Ireland and it's done (as usual) seamlessly. Jessie Keane has once again created a brilliant, gripping and thrilling book which I didn't want to put down. The Carter's have become one of my favourite series and I cannot wait for the next Jessie Keane book. It seems like the more she writes, the better she becomes. I can honestly say that if you haven't read Jessie Keane before then you are seriously missing out.
The one thing I love about this series is Annie Carter herself. She makes a brilliant lead character and I have always loved her and her husband, then ex-husband Max. One thing I forgot is just how damn good looking these two are (in my head of course). They are typical characters for the sort of lives they lead and they have to be hardened to things that normal people couldn't cope with. The time frame for the Carter's has now moved on to the eighties, and we also get to see Annie's friend Dlly again, albeit briefly.
The story was gripping from the very beginning as you wonder whether the Delaney's will actually make good on their plans. Added to this, we get to know Layla as a young adult and this is something that I think makes a great platform for a continuation of the Carter series of books (YAY). I have no idea if we will get to see any of the Carter's again but I can live in hope:-) In this latest offering, we see the plot move between London and Ireland and it's done (as usual) seamlessly. Jessie Keane has once again created a brilliant, gripping and thrilling book which I didn't want to put down. The Carter's have become one of my favourite series and I cannot wait for the next Jessie Keane book. It seems like the more she writes, the better she becomes. I can honestly say that if you haven't read Jessie Keane before then you are seriously missing out.
September 5, 2024
I listened to this on audiobook.
Book 5 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. I swear this series just gets better and better.
Well this has been another excellent story to the series, this one was slightly different in that we fast forwarded quite a few years ahead, so Layla is now an adult in her 20’s which meant that we got to know her much more as she became one of the main characters with a storyline all of her very own. Annie and Max were both there too and still played main starring roles, but it was definitely nice having the new edition of Layla.
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 heading straight into book 6 to this series.
Book 5 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. I swear this series just gets better and better.
Well this has been another excellent story to the series, this one was slightly different in that we fast forwarded quite a few years ahead, so Layla is now an adult in her 20’s which meant that we got to know her much more as she became one of the main characters with a storyline all of her very own. Annie and Max were both there too and still played main starring roles, but it was definitely nice having the new edition of Layla.
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 heading straight into book 6 to this series.
November 23, 2017
Violent, passionate, gripping and beautifully detailed.
It's well narrated by Karen Cass, I'm impressed by her characterisation.
Honestly, I can't get enough of this series!!
It's well narrated by Karen Cass, I'm impressed by her characterisation.
Honestly, I can't get enough of this series!!
July 28, 2013
thrilling and gripping
what a great series this would make for TV.
As usual another great book by Jessie Keane. I dont know how these authors manage it nowadays. so many great authors yet they still manage to make their own books unique and totally individual.
This book has twists and turns at every opportunity, i dont want to give any spoilers, but if you havent read any of the other Annie Carter books yet, then dont start this until you have.
Really good read from start to finish, i know how much i've enjoyed a book when nearing the end i just cant wait to finish it, but at the same time i dont want it to end.
i like how in this book Layla has grown and changed, from what seemed like a spoilt brat that couldnt bear to be around her mother, to a grown woman who is so much like her mother, they finally seem to be mother and daughter.
Max and Annie.. well some people are just ment to be together, i think that was proved in one of the earlier books.
I like how the book ended, there just has to be another one....PLEASSSSEEEEE... and i cant wait for it..
SHE THOUGHT SHE'D SEEN THE BACK OF THE DELANEYS. HOW WRONG COULD SHE BE . . . Annie Carter should have demanded to see their bodies lying on a slab in the morgue, but she really believed the Delaney twins were gone from her life for good. Now sinister things are happening around her and Annie Carter is led to one terrifying conclusion: her bitter enemies, the Delaney twins, didn't die all those years ago. They're back and they want her, and her family, dead. This isn't the first time someone has made an attempt on her life,yet she's determined to make it the last. Nobody threatens Annie Carter and lives to tell the tale . . .
About the Author
Jessie Keane was born rich. Then the family business went bust and she was left poor and struggling in dead end jobs, so she knows both ends of the spectrum and tells it straight. Her fascination with London and the underworld led her to write the No.1 Heatseeker Dirty Game, followed by best sellers Black Widow, Scarlet Women, Jail Bird, The Make and Playing Dead. She now lives in Hampshire. You can reach Jessie on her website
https://www.facebook.com/MyBookBlog?r...
what a great series this would make for TV.
As usual another great book by Jessie Keane. I dont know how these authors manage it nowadays. so many great authors yet they still manage to make their own books unique and totally individual.
This book has twists and turns at every opportunity, i dont want to give any spoilers, but if you havent read any of the other Annie Carter books yet, then dont start this until you have.
Really good read from start to finish, i know how much i've enjoyed a book when nearing the end i just cant wait to finish it, but at the same time i dont want it to end.
i like how in this book Layla has grown and changed, from what seemed like a spoilt brat that couldnt bear to be around her mother, to a grown woman who is so much like her mother, they finally seem to be mother and daughter.
Max and Annie.. well some people are just ment to be together, i think that was proved in one of the earlier books.
I like how the book ended, there just has to be another one....PLEASSSSEEEEE... and i cant wait for it..
SHE THOUGHT SHE'D SEEN THE BACK OF THE DELANEYS. HOW WRONG COULD SHE BE . . . Annie Carter should have demanded to see their bodies lying on a slab in the morgue, but she really believed the Delaney twins were gone from her life for good. Now sinister things are happening around her and Annie Carter is led to one terrifying conclusion: her bitter enemies, the Delaney twins, didn't die all those years ago. They're back and they want her, and her family, dead. This isn't the first time someone has made an attempt on her life,yet she's determined to make it the last. Nobody threatens Annie Carter and lives to tell the tale . . .
About the Author
Jessie Keane was born rich. Then the family business went bust and she was left poor and struggling in dead end jobs, so she knows both ends of the spectrum and tells it straight. Her fascination with London and the underworld led her to write the No.1 Heatseeker Dirty Game, followed by best sellers Black Widow, Scarlet Women, Jail Bird, The Make and Playing Dead. She now lives in Hampshire. You can reach Jessie on her website
https://www.facebook.com/MyBookBlog?r...
August 5, 2015
4.5 stars
One thing that I love about this author is that you know as soon as you pick up one of her books that you'll be treated to an excellent and entertaining book. This was no exception, all the characters were back and the book was every bit as good as the others in the excellent Annie Carter series.
One thing that I love about this author is that you know as soon as you pick up one of her books that you'll be treated to an excellent and entertaining book. This was no exception, all the characters were back and the book was every bit as good as the others in the excellent Annie Carter series.
September 20, 2013
couldn't wait for this next installment of Annie Carter. As usual Jessie Keane does not disappoint. I was kept on my toes throughout the book not knowing what to expect. Bring on the next 1 I'd luv to hear more bout layla's adventures...
November 7, 2015
I was eager to read this next installment of Annie and Max and once again it did not disappoint. As with all Jessie's books this was a fantastic gripping story and I can't wait for the next one.
August 17, 2013
Brilliant!! Jessie keane never dissapoints me i hope there will be another book kept me gripped the whole way through.
September 30, 2018
I couldn't put this book down. I had to keep reading it to find out what happened next.
Annie Carter is newly divorced, living in London with her stroppy teenage daughter Layla. Layla blames her mother for the divorce and Max Carter accuses Annie of having an affair with her stepson, Alberto Barolli, who is the image of his dead father, Mafia godfather Constantine Barolli. The accusation is unfounded, but Max is jealous of Annie's business trips to New York.
Back in London, there is more trouble to be had from the Delaney clan. Orla and her twin brother Redmond were presumed dead after a plane crash as they flew back to Ireland. Orla survives and after many years, reappears to try and kill Annie Carter. The plan fails, as do several others in the mission to wipe out the Carter family.
Eventually, after beatings, bombings, peripheral IRA involvement and murder, the Carter clan survives to fight more battles.
I hope Jessie Keane never stops writing. I love her books. They are really fantastic page-turners..
Annie Carter is newly divorced, living in London with her stroppy teenage daughter Layla. Layla blames her mother for the divorce and Max Carter accuses Annie of having an affair with her stepson, Alberto Barolli, who is the image of his dead father, Mafia godfather Constantine Barolli. The accusation is unfounded, but Max is jealous of Annie's business trips to New York.
Back in London, there is more trouble to be had from the Delaney clan. Orla and her twin brother Redmond were presumed dead after a plane crash as they flew back to Ireland. Orla survives and after many years, reappears to try and kill Annie Carter. The plan fails, as do several others in the mission to wipe out the Carter family.
Eventually, after beatings, bombings, peripheral IRA involvement and murder, the Carter clan survives to fight more battles.
I hope Jessie Keane never stops writing. I love her books. They are really fantastic page-turners..
July 19, 2022
Again this was a great book to read. When I read my first Jessie Keane novel I only gave it 3 as I liked the story, but I found the swearing and sex a bit over the top, but now I have read more of her books I overlook the swearing and sex and judge the story as a story. Every story is terrific, I read all the Ruby Darke books and I have just one more of the Annie Carter books to read which I will do today. This one is a cracking action packed tale set in London’s Underworld. Rival gangs and franchises up against each other.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
September 6, 2017
This is part of a series, which is really hard hitting. All of it revolves around Annie Carter. She comes from a poor family background. So she starts off knowing what she wants from a teenager. She's conniving & calculating & out for herself. Trying to get herself a better lifestyle & have money to spend. But you can't help loving her character & feeling sorry for her. If you love Martina Cole then you'll love Jessie Keane.
February 21, 2021
Cracking read
Another great read by Jessie Keane , love Annie Carter's character , she's amazing , great story line also brilliant narrating along with theses books what is in store next for Annie , I'm coming to the end of this series, I really hope we hear more from
Annie Carter , on too next book , thank you Jessie Keane for all your time and all your hard work that went into this series 10/10 and 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 highly recommend this series as a must read ☺
Another great read by Jessie Keane , love Annie Carter's character , she's amazing , great story line also brilliant narrating along with theses books what is in store next for Annie , I'm coming to the end of this series, I really hope we hear more from
Annie Carter , on too next book , thank you Jessie Keane for all your time and all your hard work that went into this series 10/10 and 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 highly recommend this series as a must read ☺
November 10, 2018
Well what can I say other than it was very close to being a Mills and Boon.
So ridiculous, hardly worth the paper it was written on.
No basis, no story, no plausible characters.
Won't bother with KEANE again.
So ridiculous, hardly worth the paper it was written on.
No basis, no story, no plausible characters.
Won't bother with KEANE again.
June 24, 2019
Another page Turner from Jessie
A great follow up to the trilogy of Annie Carter books, a must read of you've read the previous books although does stand up to a one off read as well.
A great follow up to the trilogy of Annie Carter books, a must read of you've read the previous books although does stand up to a one off read as well.
May 16, 2020
Love these books there are six In The carter Series I’m now on the last one, I just hope there’s an happy ending in this one as Annie Carter as been to hell and back. I just think she needs a break from the Delaneys. If you like Martina Cole and Mandasue Heller you will love this author.
September 14, 2020
Once again a good read from end to end. Her characters really come alive. This author consistently captures the vibe of the part of England this is set in. The Annie Carter series has been fabulous to read and I can't wait to read the final book in the series: Stay Dead.
February 16, 2018
This book took a while for me to get into and parts of it seemed kind of long winded but once I got into it I was hooked and didnt want to put it down.
January 27, 2020
Excellent thriller
This book takes you through so many different scenarios and really questions you in where it is going from start to finish!
This book takes you through so many different scenarios and really questions you in where it is going from start to finish!
September 8, 2020
This has got to be one of my favourite series of books, and this one didn't disappoint. Hooked you from the start and just kept picking up the pace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2020
Annie Carter
I have read all the Carter books never fail to enthral me. Love the characters Annie and Max so much in love so much pashion.
I have read all the Carter books never fail to enthral me. Love the characters Annie and Max so much in love so much pashion.
July 20, 2021
good read .
December 16, 2021
I was gutted when Max and Annie split. Also loved Layla and what happened at the end. Glad she got her ending. So far that is.
March 12, 2022
This was a fantastic installment in the Annie Carter series, I definitely need to read the other books.
I highly recommend this one.
I highly recommend this one.
April 27, 2022
Love love love book 5
Wow Jessie Keane did it again
Had me on the edge of my seat reading and not been able to put the book down.
On to book 6
Wow Jessie Keane did it again
Had me on the edge of my seat reading and not been able to put the book down.
On to book 6
February 4, 2023
Could not put it down great storyline. New to this author will read all of them now
July 23, 2023
Really enjoyed
August 27, 2023
Best yet in the series!
October 15, 2023
Another can’t put down book , and on to the last one in the collection.
September 8, 2024
Really enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews