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Redemption
Growing up in one of Manchester's roughest council estates Mark (Macca) McNeil's life seems already written for him until joining forces with rough boy Todd Brown to form a gang offers him a way out.He is finally changing his life but then, there is Joanne … She is more than a fling and although they come from the same estate she is heading places. She loves his lavish gifts and the life he is promising her, but she doesn't want to see what Macca is capable of.And when the gang leads him down an irreversible path, what will Macca choose, his past or his future?Redemption is the newest standalone gangland thriller from Heather Burnside, in her Manchester Thrillers series.
416 pages, Paperback
Published September 28, 2023
134 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Heather Burnside
29 books121 followersHeather Burnside is a Manchester based author whose novels are set in her home city. She has published fifteen gritty urban crime novels to date most of which have become Amazon Category Bestsellers.
More recently Heather has written two psychological thrillers, which will be published in 2026. She is currently working on her third psychological thriller.
Before writing novels, Heather completed a creative writing course. During that time, she had various articles published in well-known UK magazines and went on to run a writing services business.
Her novels include: The Riverhill Trilogy, The Manchester Trilogy, The Working Girls Series of five novels, and four standalone novels.
You can find out more about Heather’s books by signing up to her mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/CP6YP to receive regular updates, or by viewing her website: www.heatherburnside.com.
More recently Heather has written two psychological thrillers, which will be published in 2026. She is currently working on her third psychological thriller.
Before writing novels, Heather completed a creative writing course. During that time, she had various articles published in well-known UK magazines and went on to run a writing services business.
Her novels include: The Riverhill Trilogy, The Manchester Trilogy, The Working Girls Series of five novels, and four standalone novels.
You can find out more about Heather’s books by signing up to her mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/CP6YP to receive regular updates, or by viewing her website: www.heatherburnside.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 31, 2023
Heather Burnside is one of my favourite authors, I love her ‘Working Girls’ series and have also enjoyed her ‘Manchester Stand Alones’
In ‘Redemption’ ( also a Manchester stand alone ) we follow a gang of friends as they negotiate the end of their life at School and go forward into their careers…of crime, the book then follows what happens to them all with the main character ‘Macca’ ( Mark ) being the focus
We meet some interesting folkon the way as ‘Macca’ and the others get into all kinds of strife and bad life choices
Well written as always the book keeps you involved and paints a realistic picture of what life was like for these friends, good and bad and everything inbetween and I enjoyed it being sent mainly in the 80’s ( although does move on in time as the story progresses )
Another enjoyable read from this author
In ‘Redemption’ ( also a Manchester stand alone ) we follow a gang of friends as they negotiate the end of their life at School and go forward into their careers…of crime, the book then follows what happens to them all with the main character ‘Macca’ ( Mark ) being the focus
We meet some interesting folkon the way as ‘Macca’ and the others get into all kinds of strife and bad life choices
Well written as always the book keeps you involved and paints a realistic picture of what life was like for these friends, good and bad and everything inbetween and I enjoyed it being sent mainly in the 80’s ( although does move on in time as the story progresses )
Another enjoyable read from this author
February 15, 2024
Bravo Heather Burnside. You've done it again. Got me gripped and invested in another brilliant read.
We follow the lives of a group of lads growing up. The things they get up to and the way their lives pan out.
The main Character being Macca is destined for a rough ride. This story takes you back in time and some of the issues mentioned in the book I can clearly remember.
The Strangeways riots.
Shell suits, (how can anyone forget those)
This book highlights how life change so quickly. How the wrong decisions can destroy lives. It also shows that with the right backing and sheer determination how you can change things around. But only if you really want to .
Another gripping yet easy to read story.
enjoyed this immensely
We follow the lives of a group of lads growing up. The things they get up to and the way their lives pan out.
The main Character being Macca is destined for a rough ride. This story takes you back in time and some of the issues mentioned in the book I can clearly remember.
The Strangeways riots.
Shell suits, (how can anyone forget those)
This book highlights how life change so quickly. How the wrong decisions can destroy lives. It also shows that with the right backing and sheer determination how you can change things around. But only if you really want to .
Another gripping yet easy to read story.
enjoyed this immensely
August 3, 2023
Can she save him from himself?
Manchester Macca Mark McNeil and Spinxy Chris Spinx meet the new lad in school Todd Brown he's a right hard case coming from another school a year above him but Macca knows he wont get picked on any more.
After the ending of school Macca along with Todd and the gang do a lot of dodgy dealings to earn their crust to see their mum's alright at home, then Macca meets and falls for Joanne coming from a well to do family and training to be a hairdresser this is more than just a fling, and she gives him choices for their future till everything goes wrong and Macca finds himself doing time for manslaughter and makes a friend for life in JoJo a wise man that wants to make him a changed man on the outside world and include him in his dreams but will Macca take it?
I loved this story, Macca has lost a lot of people close to him throughout the years, It's such a good story right till the end, an easy heart warming read in places a perfect stand alone book to enjoy by readers.
Manchester Macca Mark McNeil and Spinxy Chris Spinx meet the new lad in school Todd Brown he's a right hard case coming from another school a year above him but Macca knows he wont get picked on any more.
After the ending of school Macca along with Todd and the gang do a lot of dodgy dealings to earn their crust to see their mum's alright at home, then Macca meets and falls for Joanne coming from a well to do family and training to be a hairdresser this is more than just a fling, and she gives him choices for their future till everything goes wrong and Macca finds himself doing time for manslaughter and makes a friend for life in JoJo a wise man that wants to make him a changed man on the outside world and include him in his dreams but will Macca take it?
I loved this story, Macca has lost a lot of people close to him throughout the years, It's such a good story right till the end, an easy heart warming read in places a perfect stand alone book to enjoy by readers.
August 17, 2023
Redemption follows the story of Macca and the gang that he joins in Manchester. When their criminal activities escalate, he has a difficult decision to make.
I was instantly drawn into this gripping story.
Heather has perfectly captured a side to Manchester that a lot people might not know about. I really enjoyed the attention to detail on how life in Manchester in the 1980s would have been.
There were so many memorable parts in this book - from tense scenes that had me on the edge of my seat to jaw-dropping moments that I didn't see coming. It really got me thinking about how the choices we make in life can have lasting effects.
I found myself reading this addictive book late into the night, if I hadn't needed to go to sleep I would have got through it in one sitting!
Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I was instantly drawn into this gripping story.
Heather has perfectly captured a side to Manchester that a lot people might not know about. I really enjoyed the attention to detail on how life in Manchester in the 1980s would have been.
There were so many memorable parts in this book - from tense scenes that had me on the edge of my seat to jaw-dropping moments that I didn't see coming. It really got me thinking about how the choices we make in life can have lasting effects.
I found myself reading this addictive book late into the night, if I hadn't needed to go to sleep I would have got through it in one sitting!
Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 14, 2023
Who you hang around with can have a big reaction on the type of life you lead. Macca is a young boy at secondary school who meets Todd a slightly older boy who’d been expelled from another school and sent to the one Macca attended. Making friends from the off they soon have a little gang. Todd seems to be the natural leader and after a little bit of shop lifting they are soon on to bigger things. This book follows the gang and the paths they take. Some join the slippery slope of drug dealing and taking and are soon left behind by the rest of the gang. After prison time Macca has two paths one with his old friend Todd and the other with his cell mate JoJo. Will Macca finally pick the right path and turn into the type of person that his Gran always wanted him to be.
September 17, 2023
This book hits you between the eyes from the first page and when you reach the end of the chapter you breathe out.
Set in Manchester a group of young boys hang around doing the odd shoplifting spree for devilment.
The main character in the book is "Macca".
A new lad Todd Brown joins the school with a reputation for being hard. He has been expelled from many former schools for his temper. He immediately joins up with the gang and befriends Macca. Todd has some ideas to escalate from small crimes to more intense ones.
The story is so easy to read. The characters are easy to follow and you come to love them, especially Macca.
It's quite an up-and-down story with sadness as well as smiles.
I loved this book and happily give it 5 stars.
Set in Manchester a group of young boys hang around doing the odd shoplifting spree for devilment.
The main character in the book is "Macca".
A new lad Todd Brown joins the school with a reputation for being hard. He has been expelled from many former schools for his temper. He immediately joins up with the gang and befriends Macca. Todd has some ideas to escalate from small crimes to more intense ones.
The story is so easy to read. The characters are easy to follow and you come to love them, especially Macca.
It's quite an up-and-down story with sadness as well as smiles.
I loved this book and happily give it 5 stars.
August 3, 2023
Thanks to netgalley for this arc. This is written about a group of lads growing up on a run-down housing estate. Macca and spinxy meet a lad named todd who is known to have a hatd man reputation.. Todd takes macca under his wing, and it's not long before macca is on the wrong side of the law, when he kills a man outside a nightclub after his friend leroy is killed. Macca is sent to prison and meets jojo, who has a great impact on his life and encourages him to stay on the right side of the law when he gets out.. whilst i enjoyed this book, in my opinion, i didn't think it was as explosive as some of the authors previous books.
July 30, 2023
Thank you to #NetGalley, Aria & Aires Publishers and Heather Burnside for the opportunity to read an advance copy of REDEMPTION, to be published 14 August 2023. Five young men in Manchester grow up and learn to live lives of crime, starting with petty stealing, which within several years turns into major crimes for which they are incarcerated. This crime-related novel would be enjoyed by people who like to read about relationships and how criminal behavior begins. 4/5 Stars #NetGalley. #Aria&Aires. #HeatherBurnside. #Redemption
October 19, 2023
Redemption by Heather Burnside was another excellent book that follows the story of Macca and the gang in Manchester. Their criminal activities escalate, he has a difficult decision to make but, will he make the right one? This latest book by Heather, was full of twists and turns from start to finish, especially as it can be read as a stand alone book and a great holiday read.
I highly recommend this book and all of Heathers books. They will not disappoint and always been a 5 star read
Big Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for my ARC.
I highly recommend this book and all of Heathers books. They will not disappoint and always been a 5 star read
Big Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for my ARC.
July 19, 2023
This is a standalone novel from Heather Burnside and up to her high standards as usual.
This tells the story of the ups and downs,(more downs than ups most of the time) of lovable rouge Macca and his sometimes not so likable friends as they navigate their way through life.
This was a steady paced well written book for lovers of crime fiction,ending in a heartfelt conclusion.
Recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria and Aries for the ARC.
This tells the story of the ups and downs,(more downs than ups most of the time) of lovable rouge Macca and his sometimes not so likable friends as they navigate their way through life.
This was a steady paced well written book for lovers of crime fiction,ending in a heartfelt conclusion.
Recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria and Aries for the ARC.
July 30, 2023
there where 5 boys Macca Chris Todd Shay Leroy and they all become firm friends. Each one of them have their own family problems but they all want to make lots of money. they live different parts of the estates in Manchester. Macca starts dating. Joanne but she calls him. Mark to her parents her father would not be happy. The little jobs turn in to very big jobs. But everything in life has consequences. Who will make it. and who will survive a very good read from this author
July 27, 2023
Fab fab fab!!!
Heather Burnside pulls another corker.of a read out of the bag.
I was totally engaged and engrossed throughout, Macca (Mark) didn't have much choice getting involved in what he did he'd do anything to help his mum, I had a real soft spot for him.
Really enjoyed this standalone and look foward to reading more from this wonderful author.
5 stars all round
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heather Burnside pulls another corker.of a read out of the bag.
I was totally engaged and engrossed throughout, Macca (Mark) didn't have much choice getting involved in what he did he'd do anything to help his mum, I had a real soft spot for him.
Really enjoyed this standalone and look foward to reading more from this wonderful author.
5 stars all round
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 4, 2023
Another good read from the author in the gangland genre. Set in Manchester, it's a steady read featuring a group of five friends and their life of criminal activities. I liked the characters, especially Macca, although Todd left me feeling irritated! The pace was steady throughout and I liked the ending, overall a good stand alone read in the genre. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
November 20, 2023
Brilliant read
Wow what a good read .Every chapter was so good and exciting.from start to finish .So much happened that I certainly didn't expect.The ending on macca I didn't think would happen .This one is a really good book and I would certainly recommend it .
I give this brilliant read 5 stars .Well done Heather Burnside can't wait for your next novel.
Wow what a good read .Every chapter was so good and exciting.from start to finish .So much happened that I certainly didn't expect.The ending on macca I didn't think would happen .This one is a really good book and I would certainly recommend it .
I give this brilliant read 5 stars .Well done Heather Burnside can't wait for your next novel.
July 12, 2023
I liked it, I have read all of her books but unfortunately this one wasn’t one of her best, I love her as an author but I really struggled with this, the story wasn’t good and I had to really concentrate on it
October 23, 2023
Redemption
Once you start reading a book with the characters mentioned you soon get the gist of how this book will pan out but the story was different and I couldn't foresee how it would end. Great writing with great characters.
Once you start reading a book with the characters mentioned you soon get the gist of how this book will pan out but the story was different and I couldn't foresee how it would end. Great writing with great characters.
December 30, 2023
Fantastic
One of the best books I've ever read, from start to finish, it's a book you don't want to put down, had me gripped, I would definitely recommend this book, THANK YOU, Clare.
One of the best books I've ever read, from start to finish, it's a book you don't want to put down, had me gripped, I would definitely recommend this book, THANK YOU, Clare.
January 10, 2024
A group of young lads from Manchester all from similar backgrounds the ups & downs from youth to adulthood brilliantly written you can’t help but feel for Macca I didn’t blame Joanne for not wanting anything to do with him Thankgod for jojo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2023
Great read.
Couldn't put this book down. Really enjoyed everything about it. Kept me interested all the way through. Well worth buying.
Couldn't put this book down. Really enjoyed everything about it. Kept me interested all the way through. Well worth buying.
August 29, 2023
I liked the sound of this book and thought I would give it a try. I found it a quick and easy read which I devoured in a day. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author
November 19, 2023
Brilliant as always
February 18, 2024
A great book, likeable and relatable characters and has a bit of everything- ticks all the boxes
March 21, 2024
A new author for me will enjoy finding her other books
October 24, 2023
Heather Burnside always writes a gritty urban story; and in Redemption she knocks it out the park. The character development of Macca, his mates and Joanne is exceptional. You really really care what happens to them. The plot is as deep as the characters' portrayal, and in the mix of this urban gangland tale is a entwinned 'will they, won't they?' romance which adds such depth to the the characters as well as the story. If you want to know what it's like to grow up on an earthy northern council estate: read this book. You'll actually be enchanted. A five-star read.
September 7, 2023
I absolutely LOVE the books by this author. I am always genuinely gripped by her writing and this book was no different.
You know when you find an author … and you KNOW you are just going to love the next book.
Mark (Macca) lives in a run down estate. This book is about the choices he makes, along with gang of friends. All they want is a decent life, but it doesn’t always work out like that. Sometimes you need to make bad choices to survive!
Book out 17th August
You know when you find an author … and you KNOW you are just going to love the next book.
Mark (Macca) lives in a run down estate. This book is about the choices he makes, along with gang of friends. All they want is a decent life, but it doesn’t always work out like that. Sometimes you need to make bad choices to survive!
Book out 17th August
November 2, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This is the first time I have read a book by Heather Burnside and a book of this genre. I had no idea what to expect going into this book but overall It was a book I will gladly over and over again.
I like the main character Macca. The first chapter is Interesting and sets up a good backstory for the main part of the story. It's interesting seeing a book come from this angle as I've never read a book quite like it. Macca has good motives however Todd appears to be very different. This becomes a lot more apparent as the story progresses.
At one point the pace started to slow but when Macca makes a split second decision everything changes. I like the inner thoughts of Macca when he realizes the consequences of his split second actions. . Things can change in a flash and sometimes you don't think of the consequences until it's too late. I was always rooting for Macca and Joanne and I hoped they would eventually get together. For me the ending of the story shows what is possible when people make the right choices. Overall a brilliant read, which I would definitely recommend to others who enjoy the genre. I am keen to read even more stories by this author.
This is the first time I have read a book by Heather Burnside and a book of this genre. I had no idea what to expect going into this book but overall It was a book I will gladly over and over again.
I like the main character Macca. The first chapter is Interesting and sets up a good backstory for the main part of the story. It's interesting seeing a book come from this angle as I've never read a book quite like it. Macca has good motives however Todd appears to be very different. This becomes a lot more apparent as the story progresses.
At one point the pace started to slow but when Macca makes a split second decision everything changes. I like the inner thoughts of Macca when he realizes the consequences of his split second actions. . Things can change in a flash and sometimes you don't think of the consequences until it's too late. I was always rooting for Macca and Joanne and I hoped they would eventually get together. For me the ending of the story shows what is possible when people make the right choices. Overall a brilliant read, which I would definitely recommend to others who enjoy the genre. I am keen to read even more stories by this author.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews