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Ruby Darke #1
Nameless
Nameless is a gripping underworld thriller by bestselling author Jessie Keane.She never forgot, and she'll never forgive . . .In 1941, mixed race Ruby Darke is born into a family that seem to hate her, but why? While her two brothers dive into a life of gangland violence, Ruby has to work in their family store. As she blossoms into a beautiful young woman she crosses paths with aristocrat Cornelius Bray, a chance meeting that will change her life forever. When she finds herself pregnant, and then has twins, she is forced to give her children away. At that point she vows never to trust another man again. As the years pass, Ruby never forgets her babies, and as the family store turns into a retail empire, Ruby wants her children back. But secrets were whispered and bargains made, and if Ruby wants to stay alive she needs to forget the past, or the past will come back and kill her.Nameless is followed by the thrilling sequel, Lawless.
572 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
202 people are currently reading
628 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 97 reviews
August 21, 2024
It's been a while since I have read a crime led thriller, but I did really enjoy this. When I first picked this up I was questioning whether it needed to be so long, but as I got going I understood. This book spans over 30 or so years, following a fairly small group of characters who become intertwined with one another.
For a crime book this had a lot of heart to it, Ruby story is a really sad one and her struggle over 30 years is pretty heart breaking. Something I really liked about this book is it didn't always go the way you thought it would, there were some shock moments. I thought each character was written fairly well, but there was a lot more thought gone into some rather than others. Charlie was a character I would have actually liked to see more of than we did, he's a big part of the first section of the book but his involvement comes to an end quite abruptly.
Another things I enjoyed quite a lot was the way everything connect, this plot was structed so well everyone had a story and everything came full circle in the end. I find in crime books sometimes that characters are just thrown in sometimes for a quick death or to build up the numbers, but not this one it was so well thought out - very impressive. It is spilt up into three books and I suppose almost three timelines, each section has it's own main plot which all tied into a bigger story.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and after this one I don't think it will be the last. It took me back 10 years when I used to read Martina Cole, after this book it might be a genre I look into again.
For a crime book this had a lot of heart to it, Ruby story is a really sad one and her struggle over 30 years is pretty heart breaking. Something I really liked about this book is it didn't always go the way you thought it would, there were some shock moments. I thought each character was written fairly well, but there was a lot more thought gone into some rather than others. Charlie was a character I would have actually liked to see more of than we did, he's a big part of the first section of the book but his involvement comes to an end quite abruptly.
Another things I enjoyed quite a lot was the way everything connect, this plot was structed so well everyone had a story and everything came full circle in the end. I find in crime books sometimes that characters are just thrown in sometimes for a quick death or to build up the numbers, but not this one it was so well thought out - very impressive. It is spilt up into three books and I suppose almost three timelines, each section has it's own main plot which all tied into a bigger story.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and after this one I don't think it will be the last. It took me back 10 years when I used to read Martina Cole, after this book it might be a genre I look into again.
February 21, 2016
I always enjoy Jessie Keane's books and this was no exception. It focuses on twins, born to a mixed race mother and separated at birth, and the difficulties endured by all those affected by the "scandal". Loved it!!!!
July 24, 2016
It's been a long time since I've read a crime novel and I'm glad it was this one. Loved everything about it from the prose to the flawed but relatable characters. Can't wait to read more from Jessie Keane.
March 11, 2018
Absolutely brilliant!
Straight onto the second one...!
Straight onto the second one...!
September 5, 2012
Why? Every time I buy a Jessie Keane I promise myself I will take my time. But no, who am I kidding? I do what I always do, get thoroughly engrossed and then race through the book only to feel disappointed that I have again finished a JK book and now have the long wait until the next one! When I realised that Jessie Keane was introducing a new character I was pretty excited. Having said that, I wasn't sure whether they would live up to the fantastic characters that feature in the Annie Carter series
In this book we meet Ruby Darke who is a mixed race girl being brought up in War torn London by her abusive father and two elder brothers. While her two elder brothers get involved in the criminal underworld, Daisy works in the family shop and tries her best to keep everybody happy. When she is encouraged to lead a secret life she goes along not knowing that she will be swept off her feet by the dashing aristocrat Cornelius Bray. When she finds herself pregnant and gives birth to twins she is forced into giving them away. What happens next is that the book tells us Ruby's life story. We see her become a success in business but forgo love because of her desperate desire to never be hurt again.
I was truly engrossed from the very first few pages. Ruby Darke is a young girl with real spirit and you really get a feel for how she is treated in the 40's for being mixed race. Her family are nothing short of awful but it made me feel like I had to keep willing her on in my mind because she was such a likeable girl. Every few chapters there would be a slight time change and the years start to progress and we see how each passing year changes things for her.
We see some absolutely blinding characters emerge and they all form part of the story in different ways. Michael Ward is a pretty central character and I really liked him from the get go, along with many other characters that just add to the authenticity of the story. Jessie Keane has an uncanny knack of taking you back to that time and really making me feel like I could grasp a little more what the street s of London were like around the war. As the years progress I got more and more caught up in the story and as more shock twists were thrown in I wondered what on earth else could happen. One particular part of the ending shocked me (not impressed) but the other part had me shrieking towards the ending as I wanted to see what happens next.
All I can say is that Jessie Keane is a force to be reckoned with in the crime genre now. Not only has she produced a great series (Annie Carter) she has also written some absolutely blinding stand alones. With this latest addition, Jessie Keane is quickly proving herself to be un-stoppable. Nameless has only made me want to read more (I sincerely hope this is going to have a follow up!) and as usual Jessie Keane does not disappoint. BLINDING!!!
In this book we meet Ruby Darke who is a mixed race girl being brought up in War torn London by her abusive father and two elder brothers. While her two elder brothers get involved in the criminal underworld, Daisy works in the family shop and tries her best to keep everybody happy. When she is encouraged to lead a secret life she goes along not knowing that she will be swept off her feet by the dashing aristocrat Cornelius Bray. When she finds herself pregnant and gives birth to twins she is forced into giving them away. What happens next is that the book tells us Ruby's life story. We see her become a success in business but forgo love because of her desperate desire to never be hurt again.
I was truly engrossed from the very first few pages. Ruby Darke is a young girl with real spirit and you really get a feel for how she is treated in the 40's for being mixed race. Her family are nothing short of awful but it made me feel like I had to keep willing her on in my mind because she was such a likeable girl. Every few chapters there would be a slight time change and the years start to progress and we see how each passing year changes things for her.
We see some absolutely blinding characters emerge and they all form part of the story in different ways. Michael Ward is a pretty central character and I really liked him from the get go, along with many other characters that just add to the authenticity of the story. Jessie Keane has an uncanny knack of taking you back to that time and really making me feel like I could grasp a little more what the street s of London were like around the war. As the years progress I got more and more caught up in the story and as more shock twists were thrown in I wondered what on earth else could happen. One particular part of the ending shocked me (not impressed) but the other part had me shrieking towards the ending as I wanted to see what happens next.
All I can say is that Jessie Keane is a force to be reckoned with in the crime genre now. Not only has she produced a great series (Annie Carter) she has also written some absolutely blinding stand alones. With this latest addition, Jessie Keane is quickly proving herself to be un-stoppable. Nameless has only made me want to read more (I sincerely hope this is going to have a follow up!) and as usual Jessie Keane does not disappoint. BLINDING!!!
January 5, 2017
Fantastic read
I really loved this story. It was interesting and gripping. Great writing and fab characters. Can't wait to read Lawless next
I really loved this story. It was interesting and gripping. Great writing and fab characters. Can't wait to read Lawless next
December 8, 2013
This time round, I wanted to read something different, not a who-dunnit, a police procedural or some blood-soaked horror book, so I picked up this book, ‘Nameless’ by Jessie Keane. ‘Nameless’. I must confess that as I was browsing on line for a new book, it was the title that first caught my attention. Nameless? What does this title imply? What is it referring to? Although I had never read any of her books, I knew that Jessie Keane's books are always top ranking. When I read the short description, I had no doubts that this was going to be my next great read and it sure did. I loved it from beginning to end. The short chapters made it even a more enjoyable experience for me.
Nameless is the story of Ruby Darke, a mixed race woman, her skin the colour of 'pale milky coffee', born in the 1920's to a family consisting of her dad and two older brothers, all 'milk white' in colour. Her mother died giving birth to her. Ruby couldn't understand and was never told by her family why her skin colour is different or why her father and eldest brother Charlie seem to hate her so much. In fact she was frequently bullied and brutally beat by them. While her two brothers were involved in underworld criminal activities, she helped her father in the running of their small corner shop.
During the war, a very beautiful and attractive Ruby caught the attention of Cornelius Bray, a handsome young man, an uppercruster with dubious underworld ties. They soon began an affair, him being married, and Ruby fell deeply in love with him. However, shortly afterwards their blissful relationship turned sour when she became pregnant. This was a big problem as in those days an unmarried woman with children was regarded with contempt. Her family’s name was at stake and they certainly wouldn't tolerate such a scandal. Cornelius also had his reputation to safeguard. She then gave birth to twins, a white girl and a dark boy. Both were taken away from her at birth. In her state and situation, poor Ruby could do nothing to retain her children.
Many years go by and we find that Ruby is now a wealthy business woman and the owner of a very successful chain of department stores. Though she seems to be living an ideal, sumptuous life, deep down she feels gutted. She never forgot her babies and she could never forgive those that took them away from her. With the help of a powerful man, she embarks on a personal mission to trace her twins and bring them back to her even if this may mean risking her own life or losing them again forever. Will she succeed? Find out by reading 'Nameless' by Jessie Keane. The characters in the novel will remain with you even after you have finished reading.
Nameless is the story of Ruby Darke, a mixed race woman, her skin the colour of 'pale milky coffee', born in the 1920's to a family consisting of her dad and two older brothers, all 'milk white' in colour. Her mother died giving birth to her. Ruby couldn't understand and was never told by her family why her skin colour is different or why her father and eldest brother Charlie seem to hate her so much. In fact she was frequently bullied and brutally beat by them. While her two brothers were involved in underworld criminal activities, she helped her father in the running of their small corner shop.
During the war, a very beautiful and attractive Ruby caught the attention of Cornelius Bray, a handsome young man, an uppercruster with dubious underworld ties. They soon began an affair, him being married, and Ruby fell deeply in love with him. However, shortly afterwards their blissful relationship turned sour when she became pregnant. This was a big problem as in those days an unmarried woman with children was regarded with contempt. Her family’s name was at stake and they certainly wouldn't tolerate such a scandal. Cornelius also had his reputation to safeguard. She then gave birth to twins, a white girl and a dark boy. Both were taken away from her at birth. In her state and situation, poor Ruby could do nothing to retain her children.
Many years go by and we find that Ruby is now a wealthy business woman and the owner of a very successful chain of department stores. Though she seems to be living an ideal, sumptuous life, deep down she feels gutted. She never forgot her babies and she could never forgive those that took them away from her. With the help of a powerful man, she embarks on a personal mission to trace her twins and bring them back to her even if this may mean risking her own life or losing them again forever. Will she succeed? Find out by reading 'Nameless' by Jessie Keane. The characters in the novel will remain with you even after you have finished reading.
October 5, 2012
Is it possible for this woman to write a bad book? Maybe it's because I've only just finished it and have spent the past few days with these characters, and my opinion might change in the future but I actually think this book is better than the Annie Carter books. I could easily have read this in a day but I didn't have the time unfortunately, but it is a book that you will not want to put down until you have reached the final page.
The book tells the story of Ruby Darke who you can't help but like. I don't think she was as good a character as Annie Carter but she was a very likeable character who just couldn't overcome the problems she faced with her family at home. It's hard to talk about this book without giving spoilers away but even though certain parts of the story were obvious (and I think that was intentional because it was too obvious not to be), the story flowed really well but it was kind of annoying that certain characters didn't work certain things out earlier but then the book wouldn't have had much of a story if they did. But you'll work that gobbledegook out when you read it! It was kind of similar to Playing Dead where it was obvious . It was just mad how real this story could be.
Jessie says she got the idea for this book from reading about but what she has ended up with is a cast of characters which could easily have their stories continued in future books, I certainly would love to read about Ruby, Daisy and Kit again and see where they go in the future. In fact I would say that certain parts of this book were possibly a bit rushed and could have actually been dragged out/carried on in future books. But Jessie is a fantastic author and I would say that this book is one of her best, but it's hard to say that as they are all fantastic. I just hope that she can continue to write these five star books and never loses her way unlike other authors of this genre.
An absolutely fantastic book that you would be mad not to read.
The book tells the story of Ruby Darke who you can't help but like. I don't think she was as good a character as Annie Carter but she was a very likeable character who just couldn't overcome the problems she faced with her family at home. It's hard to talk about this book without giving spoilers away but even though certain parts of the story were obvious (and I think that was intentional because it was too obvious not to be), the story flowed really well but it was kind of annoying that certain characters didn't work certain things out earlier but then the book wouldn't have had much of a story if they did. But you'll work that gobbledegook out when you read it! It was kind of similar to Playing Dead where it was obvious . It was just mad how real this story could be.
Jessie says she got the idea for this book from reading about but what she has ended up with is a cast of characters which could easily have their stories continued in future books, I certainly would love to read about Ruby, Daisy and Kit again and see where they go in the future. In fact I would say that certain parts of this book were possibly a bit rushed and could have actually been dragged out/carried on in future books. But Jessie is a fantastic author and I would say that this book is one of her best, but it's hard to say that as they are all fantastic. I just hope that she can continue to write these five star books and never loses her way unlike other authors of this genre.
An absolutely fantastic book that you would be mad not to read.
December 21, 2012
As usual, another blinding novel from Jessie, she never disappoints.
Ruby Darke a mixed race girl who was brought up in war time London and
abused by her father and brothers who are involved in the criminal world.
The book tells of Rubys life story of how successful she becomes due to the hurt she has endured in her life and giving everything into her business to block out that hurt and making sure she never will be again.
The characters within this book are fab, so real and believable.
I have read all of Jessie Keanes books and each time I have finished one they make me want to read more and more, gutted at the moment as there is not another one out yet. Come on Jessie get the next one going pleaseeeeeeee.
Ruby Darke a mixed race girl who was brought up in war time London and
abused by her father and brothers who are involved in the criminal world.
The book tells of Rubys life story of how successful she becomes due to the hurt she has endured in her life and giving everything into her business to block out that hurt and making sure she never will be again.
The characters within this book are fab, so real and believable.
I have read all of Jessie Keanes books and each time I have finished one they make me want to read more and more, gutted at the moment as there is not another one out yet. Come on Jessie get the next one going pleaseeeeeeee.
February 16, 2022
This is one of those books that started out with great promise and then just sort of trundled along.
I was really invested in Ruby and Cornelius and their dynamic and how the twins would change that, but by the time we properly meet Daisy and Kit I'd lost interest.
Maybe the other books in the series will be better.
I was really invested in Ruby and Cornelius and their dynamic and how the twins would change that, but by the time we properly meet Daisy and Kit I'd lost interest.
Maybe the other books in the series will be better.
January 8, 2015
Definitely wouldn't win any literary prizes and it's one to avoid if you only do "high brow" novels. Other than that though a great page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed....(would have given 4.5 stars had that been an option!)
February 11, 2015
Heartfelt & Engrossing Masterpiece! I Loved It!
January 27, 2019
I couldn't stop reading this book. I wanted to find out what happened.
Ruby Darke is a strong character. Born to a white mother and a black father, Ruby is rejected by her mother's husband because of her colour. Over the years, after her mother's death in childbirth, Ruby is bullied and beaten, not only by her father, but by one of her older half brothers, Charlie. Joe doesn't intervene.
Ruby's life changes during World War Two when she gives birth to twins, a white girl and a black boy. The twins' father and his wife buy the daughter and the baby boy is given away by Charlie Darke, Ruby's brother.
After the war is over, lives move on and eventually Ruby is reunited with her children in unusual circumstances. There's gangland trouble over her contact with Daisy, her daughter. Kit, Ruby's son. can't forgive his mother for abandoning him to a life of children's homes and living rough.
A compromise is reached and their lives remain intertwined.
Jessie Keane is a fantastic writer. I never want to put her books down till I've finished them.
Ruby Darke is a strong character. Born to a white mother and a black father, Ruby is rejected by her mother's husband because of her colour. Over the years, after her mother's death in childbirth, Ruby is bullied and beaten, not only by her father, but by one of her older half brothers, Charlie. Joe doesn't intervene.
Ruby's life changes during World War Two when she gives birth to twins, a white girl and a black boy. The twins' father and his wife buy the daughter and the baby boy is given away by Charlie Darke, Ruby's brother.
After the war is over, lives move on and eventually Ruby is reunited with her children in unusual circumstances. There's gangland trouble over her contact with Daisy, her daughter. Kit, Ruby's son. can't forgive his mother for abandoning him to a life of children's homes and living rough.
A compromise is reached and their lives remain intertwined.
Jessie Keane is a fantastic writer. I never want to put her books down till I've finished them.
August 12, 2018
I love this book because Ruby's got a heart of gold and a will of steel.
Growing up unloved and unwanted by her Father, Ted Darke, she constantly faces abuse-physical, psychological, emotional and social, growing up and there's no help from her brothers, Charlie and Joe. She gets pregnant, has twins: a white girl and a black boy, and the girl is taken up by Cornelius Gray and the boy is cast away by her brother, Charlie.
But, Ruby never forgot and she swore she will never be weak again or let a man fool her again.
There's this shift in Ruby that you cannot miss, somewhere between being forced to give up her babies and coming into her own.
I love the pace, the writing and characters and one I'm watching is her son, Kit Miller and as the series progresses, I'd love to read more on his growth.
Growing up unloved and unwanted by her Father, Ted Darke, she constantly faces abuse-physical, psychological, emotional and social, growing up and there's no help from her brothers, Charlie and Joe. She gets pregnant, has twins: a white girl and a black boy, and the girl is taken up by Cornelius Gray and the boy is cast away by her brother, Charlie.
But, Ruby never forgot and she swore she will never be weak again or let a man fool her again.
There's this shift in Ruby that you cannot miss, somewhere between being forced to give up her babies and coming into her own.
I love the pace, the writing and characters and one I'm watching is her son, Kit Miller and as the series progresses, I'd love to read more on his growth.
August 22, 2023
Book 1 of a 3 book series, or should I say trilogy.
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 felt for the character of Ruby, she really did have to go through a lot and cope with stuff that was thrown her way, but despite it all she kept fighting for what she wanted and believed in. There were quite a few characters to get to know, some you like and some you don’t. There were a couple of shocking surprises along the way too.
Jessie Keane is definitely on par with author Martina Cole that’s for sure. Right without further ado, I’m starting book 2 to the trilogy.
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 felt for the character of Ruby, she really did have to go through a lot and cope with stuff that was thrown her way, but despite it all she kept fighting for what she wanted and believed in. There were quite a few characters to get to know, some you like and some you don’t. There were a couple of shocking surprises along the way too.
Jessie Keane is definitely on par with author Martina Cole that’s for sure. Right without further ado, I’m starting book 2 to the trilogy.
February 2, 2019
I originally read this back in 2012 when it was first published. The third book in the series has just been released so I decided to read them again from the beginning. I love Ruby Darke she's an awesome character, (her story reminds me of Emma Harte in Barbara Taylor Bradford's series of books, even though the genre is completely different). Ruby's upbringing is quite sad but she makes her future successful. She's a career woman starting from a little corner shop to an empire. There's violence/crime in the book but that's what Jessie does best.
I would highly recommend this series, you won't be disappointed if you enjoy un-putdownable books.
I would highly recommend this series, you won't be disappointed if you enjoy un-putdownable books.
February 20, 2021
A superb tale which is moving on all the while.
This is the 2nd book by Jessie Keane that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed this one with its story starting in the 1920'S and going through till the 1970'S. The plot was good all based on Gangland London both pre war and post war. The main character Ruby Darke was a women who had an abused childhood and made good. The sex and swearing was quite regular but took nothing away from a superb crime novel. I am now going to read LAWLESS the ,2nd book of three in the trilogy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if you can accept the sex and swearing.
This is the 2nd book by Jessie Keane that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed this one with its story starting in the 1920'S and going through till the 1970'S. The plot was good all based on Gangland London both pre war and post war. The main character Ruby Darke was a women who had an abused childhood and made good. The sex and swearing was quite regular but took nothing away from a superb crime novel. I am now going to read LAWLESS the ,2nd book of three in the trilogy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if you can accept the sex and swearing.
December 12, 2024
Enthralling! This book had me gripped from cover page down to the very last word. Definitely one of my favourites!
Nameless by Jessie Keane (30-Aug-2012) Paperback
Nameless by Jessie Keane (30-Aug-2012) Paperback
February 1, 2021
Brilliantly written
A strong story line , has me hooked from the first page , and what a character Ruby is and to have to go through so much , highly recommend this book 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and 10/10 on too next book it this series 😉
A strong story line , has me hooked from the first page , and what a character Ruby is and to have to go through so much , highly recommend this book 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and 10/10 on too next book it this series 😉
November 14, 2021
Another exciting, gripping page turner from Jessie Keane. Filled with great characters, some pretty toxic, some you can’t help but root for. Despite life being tough for some of them, there are great uplifting moments to make you smile.
June 12, 2022
This book is just awesome.
Keeps you hooked up from page one and maintains a steady pace throughout.
The writing style, charcter build up, and story all are amazing.
The way she put up England's underworld is just mind-blowing, it feels so real.
Very excited to read the 2nd book now.
Keeps you hooked up from page one and maintains a steady pace throughout.
The writing style, charcter build up, and story all are amazing.
The way she put up England's underworld is just mind-blowing, it feels so real.
Very excited to read the 2nd book now.
May 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and flew through it in 3 days whilst on holiday. I couldn't stop thinking about it afterwards, and actually re-read it not long after. With short chapters and interesting characters, it was almost impossible to put down- Brilliant book!
February 28, 2025
I enjoyed this book.
I was hooked throughout wanting to know if Ruby was going to be reunited with her children.
There was unexpected twists in this storyline some that I didn't expect and some I guessed very quickly.
I was hooked throughout wanting to know if Ruby was going to be reunited with her children.
There was unexpected twists in this storyline some that I didn't expect and some I guessed very quickly.
October 6, 2025
A really tough read for me throughout this book. However it was written with great skill and it was great to read. One the highlights of my year! I look forward to book 2 where I expect more heartache! I highly recommend this book!
October 28, 2016
Better than I was expecting. Bit less gangland violence then her other stuff . Will defo read book 2
October 12, 2017
Brilliant book
October 21, 2017
Enjoyed this book, I haven’t read many by her but they are interesting stories.
April 27, 2018
gripping....beautiful tale.
October 23, 2018
Eva phillips
Brilliant book couldn't put the book down, ready for the next books what a brilliant author Highly reccommend it folks
Brilliant book couldn't put the book down, ready for the next books what a brilliant author Highly reccommend it folks
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