The Family

by Mandasue Heller

HER BOYFRIEND'S A DREAM. HIS FAMILY'S A NIGHTMARE.
Since her mother died of an overdose, kind-hearted Cheryl's always had to look out for herself. Until Dale Moran walks into her life.

Dale and his family have just bought the house across the street, and within a day, he's chased off the violent thugs who've been threatening Cheryl for her ex-boyfriend's debts.

Dale is devastatingly handsome and a fierce protector. It's no wonder Cheryl falls fast and hard. But when Cheryl finally meets the family; when she notices that they go quiet as she enters rooms; when she hears gunshots in the middle of the night on their estate, she has to wonder whether her new romance has taken her out of the frying pan and into the fire...

Cheryl's not sure how wrapped up Dale is in his family's secrets. But she's certain of one The Morans are hiding something. And unfortunately for Cheryl, finding the truth could mean losing her life...

Don't miss out on the thrilling and unputdownable new read from million-copy-bestselling author Mandasue Heller - order a copy of The Family NOW! Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Jessie Keane and Martina Cole.

Genres: Fiction, Crime

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2024

About the author

Mandasue was born in Cheshire and moved to Manchester in 1982. She spent ten years living in the notorious Hulme Crescents which have since become the background to her novels. Not only is she a talented writer, but she has also sung in cabaret and rock groups, seventies soul cover bands and blues jam bands.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rating

I've not read one of her books in a long time. My favourite read of hers is Broke..Cheryl Taylor, who works in a cafe she enjoys being independent and she doesn't live the safest area she helps a neighbour named Bob giving him butties left overs from the cafe to him and his cat.her friend Anna sees new neighbours moving in and a handsome guy named Dale Anna is boy mad Dale has eyes for Cheryl they fall for each other and he introduces her to the family some of the members don't seem to like her,they have hidden secrets....a fantastic read the ending was cut short you still find out what happens in the epilogue...looking forward to reading more of her books...

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

The queen of Manchester crime is back, I love all this authors work.
The Family is one of the most fascinating reads on my list so far.
Cheryl Taylor lives on the Langley estate Manchester, after finishing her shift at the Bluebell Cafe in the market hall in the Arndale centre, she pops in to her neighbour old Bob Baker with a few left over butties that will only be binned, she looked after him more than his selfish daughter did. Old Edna's house has been sold after her death and Bob said been a lot of racket going on, the workmen are getting it into shape for the new owners Cheryl finds out its Sonia and Alfie Moran and they plan on renting it out. Her mate Anna Johnson clasps eyes on the son Dale Moran he is hot, and soon enough their friendship is over as Cheryl is gobsmacked when he asks her out.
Little does she know what she is letting herself in for been involved with this family and everything happens so quick for her.
This book gave me the creeps as I was reading and what this family is capable of to get what they want. It's grips you into the story and is one hell of a story you wont be able to put down.
You find a dream handsome boyfriend, his family's a nightmare, this mind-blowing read has it all for me. LOVED IT!!!

[Zoe Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheryl Taylor’s life isn’t what everyone dreams of but she is happy, with her little house on the Langley Estate and running Bluebell Cafe in the Arndale she is content with what she has. Popping in to check on elderly neighbour Bob and observing the sale of old Edna’s house across the road she notices the buyers young handsome son Dale and is blown away when he asks her on a date. Things move super fast for Cheryl and Dale, and Cheryl is also juggling Bobs addict daughter who has come back into his life, the slowing of the business at the cafe and her ruined friendship with best mate Anna. What Cheryl doesn’t know is how Dales family operate and as the pages turn we learn of their true intentions for Cheryl, her future and her life.

I havnt read a book by Mandasue Heller for a long time and was delighted when I was gifted an eARC (thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher) This was a great crime thriller, focusing on the dark side of Manchester and has reignited my love of this genre and author

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandasue Heller is back and it was with excitement started to read ‘The Family’ as have never read anything but a top read from this author ( and have read every book spanning many years, Mandasue’s books helped me through some very trying medical times )

I wasn’t disappointed

As always the characters are so real that the story feels like you are a part of it right from the first page

We meet Cheryl, lovable, kind and naïve who falls head over heels with the son of the man who has bought the house opposite, Dale, he seems too good to be true and as the story hots up we find out why

Cheryl ( and we the readers ) is suddenly immersed into a family and a world from her worst nightmare’s where unimaginable things are occurring….her fight to survive begins

A fast moving family/gang family story with everything to make this a 5 star plus read, my only disappointment being when I got to the end page and it finished

Sterling stuff from one of my favourite ever authors

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great gangland crime thriller.
Cheryl works in a cafe and is happy with her job and her house on a nearby estate. She checks in on her elderly neighbour Bob each day and makes sure he’s ok.
When some unfamiliar faces start work on the house opposite, Bob and Cheryl are intrigued.
When one of them comes over to help Cheryl when she has some unwanted visitors, she’s extremely grateful. Dale has taken a shine to Cheryl and she likes him too, but it’s clear he’s hiding things from her.
Cheryl soon falls pregnant and when Dale proposes, she couldn’t be happier. Dale’s Mum tells her she needs to have the wedding before she’s showing and Cheryl is soon caught up in the whirlwind of wedding arrangements.
When she visits Bob he tells her there’s some strange things happening at the house that Dale’s parents now own but when Cheryl starts asking questions, things don’t work out as she imagined.
Dale and his parents are very close and Cheryl soon realises that there’s more to their family than meets the eye.
This is a great read that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

we have been waiting patiently for a new book from this author and it's amazing a very addictive read. Cheryl gets buy in life she has a job running a cafe no boyfriend as he got her in debt then left. she has a friendship with her elderly Neighbour Bob and makes sure he is ok. on the estate there a derelict house and someone has bought it when her and her friend look out the window, they see a man who they both think nice looking his name is Dale and he asks Cheryl out she is smitten with him then she meets his family very good read lies deceit and greed a very addictive read.

[Pol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen of Manchester crime is back to doing what she does best and that is writing her books, oh how I love reading Mandasue Heller books they pull you in and keep you so much in the story that you don’t want to stop till get to the last page
Worth so much more than the 5 stars I could give
It definitely was a 10 from me

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 356

Publisher - Orion

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

HER BOYFRIEND'S A DREAM. HIS FAMILY'S A NIGHTMARE.
Since her mother died of an overdose, kind-hearted Cheryl's always had to look out for herself. Until Dale Moran walks into her life.

Dale and his family have just bought the house across the street, and within a day, he's chased off the violent thugs who've been threatening Cheryl for her ex-boyfriend's debts.

Dale is devastatingly handsome and a fierce protector. It's no wonder Cheryl falls fast and hard. But when Cheryl finally meets the family; when she notices that they go quiet as she enters rooms; when she hears gunshots in the middle of the night on their estate, she has to wonder whether her new romance has taken her out of the frying pan and into the fire...

Cheryl's not sure how wrapped up Dale is in his family's secrets. But she's certain of one The Morans are hiding something. And unfortunately for Cheryl, finding the truth could mean losing her life...


My Review

Cheryl is having a time of it, trying to dodge the thugs who are pressing her for cash her ex owes, a best friend who is a shady biscuit can anything ever go right? Well when handsome Dale scares off the thugs and lets Cheryl know he has no interest in her pal well spark fly. Cheryl feels she has landed on her feet, Dale is head over heels, his mum loves her, his sister in law is a cold fish and clearly doesn't like her. Things are moving super fast but is Dale what he seems to be or has Cheryl jumped from the frying pan into the fire?

Well this book has some really bad shady characters, lots of dealings in the underworld and sweet Cheryl has no idea what is in store. We see some of the darkest sides of humanity, people who do not care for anything or anyone bar themselves and everyone has a price.

Whilst Cheryl is sweet she really irritated me at times, like some of her choices and that best pal needed to go in the bin, pals like that who needs enemies. I so wanted Cheryl to be strong but often she was so blinkered I could have screamed and or her trust in people I was like GIRL COME ON but the book keeps you hooked. You absolutely wanted to know what was coming next, will X get their comeuppance, will Cheryl find a backbone and can we actually trust anyone! Drugs, murder, manipulation, SA, some really dark stuff, coercion and much more, 4/5.

[Sammy Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up there with Martina Cole, this was a great read as they always are

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book. Mandasue Heller is a great storyteller and never lets you down. Could not wait for the ending .

[Lovetoread2023 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, the author delivers another winner,this would be more a domestic rather than gangland thriller for me with some upsetting parts and unsavoury characters.
The storyline was a strong one, and even though I did guess where it was all leading to, it never deflected from my enjoyment.
Another hit from Mandasue Heller .
Recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Orion Publishing group for the ARC.

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

I didn’t hate it enough to DNF but fml the main character was so dumb. Felt like I was reading a Wattpad fanfic but I kinda needed that

[Court Milburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

Pains me, but this one has to be 3 star! I’ve read every single mandasue heller book she’s one of my favourite authors and majority of her books are 5⭐️ but I just didn’t love this one! I found the storyline really flat and was constantly waiting for the storyline to pick up and I really feel like it didn’t and it was just ‘meh’ this definitely wasn’t one of my favs from her, the last 100 (or so) pages were really good and I really enjoyed them but I think it would’ve been better to see this in more detail as it felt when it all came out everything was very skipped over! Just my opinion! I will still continue to read all of her books!😂🫶🏼

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheryl lives on a council estate having kicked her boyfriend Chris out for cheating on her. She runs the Bluebell Café where she enjoys serving her regular customers and passing the time of day with them. Apart from home and work, Cheryl doesn’t have much else in her life. Her circle of friends has declined and she can ill afford to spend money on anything but essentials as she is paying off the loans her Chris secretly took out in her name.

Just then, Dale Moran walks in to Cheryl’s life and sweeps her off her feet. He is charming, good looking and treats Cheryl like a princess. Soon Cheryl meets Dale’s family and the Moran’s take her into the fold without hesitation. Cheryl is swept along by the close-knit family and embraces family life as it’s one she hasn’t previously been familiar with.

Sonia Moran is the matriarch of the family and treats Cheryl to things that have never been within her reach before, spending hundreds of pounds on her at a time. When Dale proposes to Cheryl, Sonia is ready and waiting with her pen and notepad to arrange the wedding with Cheryl’s ‘help’.
As the wedding gets nearer, Cheryl slowly realises that the Moran family aren’t what they first appeared and she has bitten off way more than she can chew. As the story unfolds, the layers fall away revealing some terrible truths which leave Cheryl in grave danger.

I absolutely love Mandasue Heller’s books and this one is no exception. It is gritty, compelling and extremely difficult to put down. Initially, I felt that although Cheryl has a big heart, she is pretty gullible and the main plot was so obvious that I couldn’t believe she hadn’t realised what was going on, even in part. This didn’t make me love the book any less and for me, Cheryl’s naivety is part of the charm of the book as I found myself championing her and keeping my fingers crossed that everything would turn out right for her in the end.

An absolutely brilliant book which I adored from beginning to end. Mandasue has an amazing back catalogue and she has another great book in The Family to add to her already incredible collection.

[Jenny Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheryl lives on a rough council estate in the North of England. She is a salt-of-the-earth type who works hard and is kind to her elderly neighbour. When an old lady dies and a new family buy the large house over the road to house the workers in their chain of old people’s residential homes, Cheryl’s life changes when she gets together with the good-looking, wealthy and charming son of the family, Dale. But it soon becomes apparent that all is not quite as it seems.

I enjoyed the writing style which is down to earth and tells a good story in a matter of fact way. The first half of the book was particularly enjoyable in terms of the storyline which moved along at a good pace. Whilst there is crime involved in the novel, it is not a classic crime novel in which a detective (or detectives), either amateur or professional, find the culprit and solve a crime. In this instance, as the reader, we know who the perpetrator is, we just don’t know the exact nature of the crime that has been committed. There are mysteries and secrets aplenty within the new family and these are gradually revealed as the drama unfolds.

However, this book went from the (almost) sublime to the ridiculous and went downhill and unravelled as it progressed. The storyline became increasingly implausible, with ever more extreme scenarios presenting themselves at every turn. And Cheryl, who had hitherto come across as pragmatic and the voice of reason, seemed to lose all her endearing qualities and become quite irritating as she ignored all the tell-tale signs of looming problems in her relationship with Dale and dubious goings-on involving his family. Even allowing for her obsession with Dale, her refusal to confront the facts in the face of glaring indications was out of character and became both exasperating and unbelievable.

I had never come across this author before although she seems to be quite prolific. If I was looking for an easy read that wasn’t going to challenge me, I would certainly consider another of her books although I would not actively search them out.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since her mother died of an overdose, kind-hearted Cheryl's always had to look out for herself. Until Dale Moran walked into her life. Dale and his family have just bought the house across the street, and within a day, he's chased off the violent thugs who've been threatening Cheryl for her ex'boyfriends debts. Dale is devastatingly handsome and a fierce protector. It's no wonder Cheryl falls fast and hard. But when Cheryl finally meets the family; when she notices that they go quiet when she enters the room; when she hears gunshots in the middle of the night on her estate, she has to wonder whether her new romance has taken her out of the frying pan and into the fire....

Be prepared, this is an addictive read. Cheryl works in a cafe. She had enough to get by on, but her ex-boyfriend left her with a lot of debt. Someone had bought the house across the street from her. She has a good neighbour in Bob, he used to look out for everyone, do odd jobs for the neighbours, now Cheryl looks in on him to make sure he's ok. The night Dale Moran come to her rescue changed her life in more ways than she thought imaginable.

The Moran's are one of the worst families I've read about. Cheryl is so naive to what is really going on. This is a gritty and gripping story, 70% of the characters are despicable, and I was hooked. Filled with secrets and lies, you just want to keep reading to find out what was taking place. There are not a lot of books that make my blood boil, but this one did because of some of the things that were going on. Loved this book.

Published 18th July 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #OrionPublishingGroup and the author #MandasueHeller for my ARC of #TheFamily in exchange for an honest review.

[Claire Coan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this in less than 24 hours, such a fast paced amazing read.
Cheryl lives on the Langley Estate, it’s not the best area but she loves it there. She works long hours in the Bluebell Cafe, she takes any leftover sandwiches to her elderly neighbour (and cat), her life is simple but she’s content.
When the rundown house across the road is finally sold, the new owners son Dale catches Cheryl’s friend Anna’s eye. Dale however comes to Cheryl’s rescue later that day when bailiffs come knocking for a debt she’s inherited from her ex.
Dale soon makes it clear he’s interested in Cheryl and they both enter into a fast paced relationship. When Anna finds out she is so cruel to her, walking away from the friendship because of this.
Cheryl is happy thought and so wrapped up in Dale, when a few things start to happen which she doesnt like he soon apologises, why should she have anything to worry about, he’s her protector.
When she meets his family, his mum and dad welcome her but she can’t help but feel the stares or whispered comments from others.
Cheryl’s life changes almost overnight and Dale and his parents are there to look her. Then when lies his family hold start to unravel I was literally on the edge of my seat. The ending seemed fairly abrupt but thankfully the Epilogue pulled it all together.
Thank you NetGalley, Mandasue Heller and the Orion Publishing for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

[The Book Review Café · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love my gritty gangland crime thrillers, so whenever I’m looking for such a read one author I turn to is Mandasue Heller. As she’s one of my favourite author’s in this genre and delivers time and time again. The Family is now firmly one of my favourite reads thanks to skulduggery, and the goings on of a toxic crime family. One of Mandasue’s strength is her ability to bring each character to life. So much so that you’re living their story alongside them. Fuelled by treachery, lies and betrayal, The Family begs to be read in one hugely satisfying sitting.

Cheryl is one of the good guys, kind, lovable and unfortunately for her, she’s very gullible! When she meets ‘perfect’ Dale Moran its love at first sight. But as the old saying goes, ‘If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is’ and once she’s introduced to the Moran family, alarm bells start ringing. It’s obvious to the reader that Cheryl is being manipulated at every turn, I wanted her to ‘wake up and smell the coffee’. The Moran’s idea of family loyalty is twisted to say the least! So unfortunately for Cheryl, the story takes a chilling turn, which is one of the reasons I found The Family to be such an addictive read. Highly recommended.


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[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheryl lives on a housing estate; it is a close-knit community, and she knows everyone on it. She notices Edna’s house has been sold and workman fixing up the place that has been run down over the years. One day she meets Dale who owns the house. It is part of the family business, and he sweeps her off her feet. Far cry from the last relationship she was in. When she meets his rich family, she can’t believe her luck and when Cheryl finds out that she is pregnant she scared that Dale might think after all they have only been together a few months. But when she tells him he is ecstatic, and they decide to get married. But once she moves into the family home, secrets are soon revealed, and the family are not as they seem. There is a darker side to them. Cheryl is worried about her safety.
I am kicking myself why I haven’t read more from this author because ‘The Family’ by Mandasue Heller is a fabulous gritty gangland thriller and a brilliant page turner from start to finish. I couldn’t put this down because I wanted to find out what the secrets the family had. That I read so much that I read it to the small hours of the morning. I can’t wait to read more f this author. 5 stars from me.

[Julie Haigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it, a cracking read. 

Mandasue Heller writes crime fiction based in Manchester. She was born in Warrington, Cheshire, and has had many different jobs throughout her life-so she has a wide variety of experiences to call upon for her writing. 

Cheryl had lived on a grim council estate, in the Manchester region, for ten years. Her ex Chris had been cheating on her, and it'd come to light he'd taken out loans in her name and landed her in debt.

This is the first Mandasue Heller book I have read. I've read quite a few of Martina Cole's novels years ago, and really liked them: Mandasue Heller seems to be like a Northern version of Martina, so I looked forward to a good read. Chapter one was a great start; easy, quick reading.  The book was a mix of romance, and gritty crime.  It has a steady start, and builds to a great story.

A very good read; it surprised me. I was expecting great things, then wasn't sure at first if it would excel- but it's a cracking read.

Very enjoyable, with plenty of action to keep you glued to the pages.  I will certainly read more by this author. 

[Khurshid Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was highly anticipating the release of this book and was not disappointed. The way this author writes her gangland crime books is brilliant as it keeps us readers invested.

We have all the saying that if something sounds too good to be true then it is true. Meet Cheryl. She has entered into a relationship with a guy who on paper sounds great. Let us do the checklist:-

✅ Good Looking
✅ Charming
✅Intense
✅Smitten with her
✅Wants to marry her

So far nothing dangerous.

How about if I add
He has threatened her best friend
He is part of a crime family syndicate
He has murder on his hands

Before long Cheryl starts to notice small things.
Before long she becomes trapped and has no way out.

Are you interested to know Cheryl, then I highly recommend reading this book.

If you love Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers, Kerry Barnes then you will love this

[michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally write reviews but I feel this one deserves one. I was lucky enough to win a proof copy of this and when I say you need to read it I really mean it! I have been a fan of mandasue heller since the beginning and her books always have many twists and turns but this one is up there with my favourites.
I'll try not to give any spoilers but there are characters you will love and others you love to hate but it grips you from the very start and makes you not want to put the book down!
I honestly didn't want the book to end.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not everyone is as they seem… A fitting introduction to this story.
Cheryl is a working class girl living a quiet life when she meets the charismatic, well off Dale and his family. Cheryl is quickly bought into the family hold, cared for and welcomed into the family home, before she realises that she may not be as safe or secure as she thought….
A top notch gangland thriller from Mandasue Heller. I have read all of her books and enjoyed this immensely. If you like authors such as Kimberley Chambers, Jessie Keane and Jacqui Rose this is a book for you.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of this book was kinda blah. It felt like an amateur writing a book that had no deep or meaningful plot or characters, it was all very basic and simple. It was easy to read though and so I carried on and thankfully the second half began to pick up and become a lot more interesting, the plot had more depth to it and I began to like and sympathise with Cheryl.
In the end I really enjoyed it and this being my first read of a Mandasue Heller book, I will definitely read more in the future.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

“I would like to thank the publishers for the advance copies of this book sent to our book club to read and review.”
This book started off so well. The informal chatty style was very readable, and I got halfway through the book in next to no time. HOWEVER, the further I got into the book the more disbelieving I became in the naivety of the main character, and the storyline became more TV crime drama than novel.
Not for me, I’m afraid, but I am sure this book will appeal to the author’s wide fan base.

[CJ Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always known Mandasue Heller as one of the queens of gangland crime writing and have not read one of her books for so long that I thought I would reacquaint myself with her writing.

As soon as the book begins you are thrown into the underworld and the plight of the characters within the story, Heller writes with detail and clarity that has you invested in the outcome of the vulnerables.

A fast paced gritty, intense read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[D.S. Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, gritty, and unputdownable read! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mandasue Heller is one of my favourite authors. I've loved all of her previous books, but Mandasue has outdone herself with THE FAMILY. Her storytelling is unmatched with characters so vivid they leap off the page.
The twists and turns in THE FAMILY kept me hooked until the very end. Highly recommended!
Hugely grateful to Mandasue and Leodora at Orion for giving me an advanced copy.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a story the Moran family would give the Adams family a run for their money.
with a twist and turns
The Family is a brilliant story of manipulation. and deception.
There is a lot about what the family is up to and how devious they are, especially the Matriarch, Sonia. She is dangerous and vile.
This book is mind-blowing, and you will find yourself rushing back to get another dose. It deserves a fantastic five stars.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Family by Mandasue and boy what a family to get mixed up in!!, I don’t think cheryl believed the carnage she was about to be involved with and how her life would unravelled in such a catastrophic way!
I have read all of Mandasue Hellers novels and this one did not disappoint, every single book she has wrote has been amazing, I absolutely recommend The Family.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Mandasue has done it again. A page turning gripping read that I couldn’t put down. So much is happening in this book I was just one more chapter oh maybe just one more and ended up reading it in one go. I highly recommend this book and make sure you have some time to read as I guarantee you won’t want to stop reading