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What Goes Around: 25th Anniversary Edition
320 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 24, 2025
What Goes Around by Ralph Robb is an exciting crime thriller that drew me in to the world of Robbie Walker, a black single father who becomes involved with the IRA through his friend from Belfast. This book has so many authentic characters and scenes packed with action and twists in the plots that keep on coming until the very end. The pacing and setting out of this novel are so skilful, it made me wonder why I have never heard of this author before now. His work preceded The Wire and Top Boy and in my opinion deserves to have the same sort of recognition.
This book is more than a thrill to read, as within its pages are many deep but subtle questions about race, identity, friendship, justice and class. As a reader it is difficult not to put oneself on the streets of Belfast and the Blackmore estate, meet the characters, and then figure if you would act any differently to how they did.
This is an edgy, unsparing novel bringing you into a world where trouble maybe only a step away. What Goes Around is unflinching in its depiction in its descriptions of violence - and its consequences. If you enjoy gritty, urban crime fiction you will love this book.
This book is more than a thrill to read, as within its pages are many deep but subtle questions about race, identity, friendship, justice and class. As a reader it is difficult not to put oneself on the streets of Belfast and the Blackmore estate, meet the characters, and then figure if you would act any differently to how they did.
This is an edgy, unsparing novel bringing you into a world where trouble maybe only a step away. What Goes Around is unflinching in its depiction in its descriptions of violence - and its consequences. If you enjoy gritty, urban crime fiction you will love this book.
October 22, 2025
What a brilliant read-along!!!! Absolutely loved it along with the book! This book was sent to me in a digital form by the lovely @lovebookstours and @ralph_robb_writer . Very detailed and loved the characters. Described well and the story was so descriptive. Loved the style and how easy the story was to follow. I was intrigued to know what happened and loved that I could dip in and out whenever I can or wanted too.
Fabulous read, loved it. ##
Fabulous read, loved it. ##
September 22, 2025
Ralph Robb's novel "What Goes Around" stands out in 2025 for its focus on social justice, realistic urban British settings, and moral complexity, in contrast to many of the year's most prominent crime thrillers which skew toward action-heavy, high-concept or espionage-driven narratives. Robb's work offers more intimate explorations of the impact of violence, community dynamics, and the legacy of injustice, particularly within Northern Ireland and England. It is hard to credit it was written well over a quarter of a century ago as so many of the themes seem so relevant to what is happening in the world today.
What Goes Around is characterized by grounded crime, social fallout, and the personal consequences of past conflicts. Ralph Robb draws on his British-Jamaican culture to imbue an authenticity about the dialogue and descriptive narrative while incorporating events you would swear were drawn from real-life, and they are punctuated by moral dilemmas that keeps you mulling over so many of the scenes hours after you have finished reading them.
The author also displays a light touch – in no way is he sermonising about the social ills he writes about and he skilfully leaves gaps for the reader to fill in a multi-layered description of what life was like for many people in 1990s’ inner-city England. The characters, particularly Robbie Walker, are skilfully drawn. I warmed to so many of them and yet was just as repulsed by others. The author invites us into the inner-workings of Robbie Walker’s mind and it’s through him the story is told in the first person. He is conflicted, admirable and frustrating in equal measure but that’s what makes him so interesting and I found it hard not to root for him and his young son Nathan.
What Goes Around stands apart for its authenticity, direct engagement with gritty moral issues, and its resonance with readers seeking thoughtful, character-driven crime fiction.
Readers interested in a crime novel that delves into real-world injustice and personal conflicts, rather than just fast-paced action or spectacle, may find Ralph Robb's novel refreshingly substantial compared to the dominant ‘commercial’ trends in the genre.
In the foreword the author writes of his hope that the reissuing of his debut novel will promote reflection of how far we have come (as a society) in 25 years and how far we still have to go. He leaves the distance we have travelled up to the individual reader. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and given recent events and the current political trends happening across the world I think readers will find it thought-provoking and worthy of debate.
In summary, 'What Goes Around' is a powerful and authentic crime thriller that stays with you long after the final page. Ralph Robb’s nuanced portrayal of real-world issues, complex characters, and moral dilemmas sets it apart from typical genre fare. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a thoughtful, character-driven story with deep social relevance.
What Goes Around is characterized by grounded crime, social fallout, and the personal consequences of past conflicts. Ralph Robb draws on his British-Jamaican culture to imbue an authenticity about the dialogue and descriptive narrative while incorporating events you would swear were drawn from real-life, and they are punctuated by moral dilemmas that keeps you mulling over so many of the scenes hours after you have finished reading them.
The author also displays a light touch – in no way is he sermonising about the social ills he writes about and he skilfully leaves gaps for the reader to fill in a multi-layered description of what life was like for many people in 1990s’ inner-city England. The characters, particularly Robbie Walker, are skilfully drawn. I warmed to so many of them and yet was just as repulsed by others. The author invites us into the inner-workings of Robbie Walker’s mind and it’s through him the story is told in the first person. He is conflicted, admirable and frustrating in equal measure but that’s what makes him so interesting and I found it hard not to root for him and his young son Nathan.
What Goes Around stands apart for its authenticity, direct engagement with gritty moral issues, and its resonance with readers seeking thoughtful, character-driven crime fiction.
Readers interested in a crime novel that delves into real-world injustice and personal conflicts, rather than just fast-paced action or spectacle, may find Ralph Robb's novel refreshingly substantial compared to the dominant ‘commercial’ trends in the genre.
In the foreword the author writes of his hope that the reissuing of his debut novel will promote reflection of how far we have come (as a society) in 25 years and how far we still have to go. He leaves the distance we have travelled up to the individual reader. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and given recent events and the current political trends happening across the world I think readers will find it thought-provoking and worthy of debate.
In summary, 'What Goes Around' is a powerful and authentic crime thriller that stays with you long after the final page. Ralph Robb’s nuanced portrayal of real-world issues, complex characters, and moral dilemmas sets it apart from typical genre fare. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a thoughtful, character-driven story with deep social relevance.
September 7, 2025
This story did not turn out to be what I thought it was going to be. I thought it was a story of the troubles, and while that was absolutely mentioned, it wasn't what the tale was centred around. I really wasn't even sure where the book was set and found myself confused a lot of the time.
There was obviously racial troubles, and this was tough reading at times. There was a lot of violence and criminality too. This was expected from what I thought the book would be.
The chapters are quite long, my preference is always a shorter chapter to keep my attention better. The chapters also flick back and forth between past and present. I found this quite difficult to keep track of, especially in the longer chapters.
Until the last quarter of the story, I really had no idea what things were ramping up to. I thought that the action in the last few chapters was definitely the most exciting.
It ends with a lot of threads still hanging loose, perhaps there is a sequel in mind for it.
I think fans of violent crime fiction will enjoy this.
There was obviously racial troubles, and this was tough reading at times. There was a lot of violence and criminality too. This was expected from what I thought the book would be.
The chapters are quite long, my preference is always a shorter chapter to keep my attention better. The chapters also flick back and forth between past and present. I found this quite difficult to keep track of, especially in the longer chapters.
Until the last quarter of the story, I really had no idea what things were ramping up to. I thought that the action in the last few chapters was definitely the most exciting.
It ends with a lot of threads still hanging loose, perhaps there is a sequel in mind for it.
I think fans of violent crime fiction will enjoy this.
October 16, 2025
I enjoyed the mystery and suspense in this book. It was definitely thought provoking and covered some very difficult and uncomfortable topics. I found myself really rooting for the main character, Robbie, to uncover what happened to his friends and colleagues, and to get his son to safety. The tension was palpable. I liked how the author was able to put me in the story and have me invested in the characters.
The story was told using dual timelines with a lot of flashbacks. In some chapters, we'd be in the present moment, but then Robbie would drift into a memory, and suddenly the action would shift to something that happened in the past. It sometimes left me a bit confused and threw off the flow of the story.
This book was mostly set in London, following the experiences of Robbie and his friends. We did get flashbacks to events from Ireland that was then built into the ongoing story in London.
There was mystery, action, and a sense of danger and I was invested in find out what happened.
The story was told using dual timelines with a lot of flashbacks. In some chapters, we'd be in the present moment, but then Robbie would drift into a memory, and suddenly the action would shift to something that happened in the past. It sometimes left me a bit confused and threw off the flow of the story.
This book was mostly set in London, following the experiences of Robbie and his friends. We did get flashbacks to events from Ireland that was then built into the ongoing story in London.
There was mystery, action, and a sense of danger and I was invested in find out what happened.
August 15, 2025
From the very first chapter, What Goes Around had me hooked like a thriller junkie in paradise. Ralph Robb doesn’t just tell a story, he straps you into an emotional rollercoaster where loyalty, revenge, and survival twist and turn in ways you never see coming.
Robbie Walker is one of those characters who feels so real you start talking to the book (yes, I caught myself saying, “Don’t do it, Robbie!”). His journey from a man trying to leave his violent past behind to being dragged back into a web of intrigue had my heart racing and my palms sweating.
Every scene is alive with tension, the kind where you can almost smell the danger in the air. And the moral dilemmas? Oh, they’ll haunt you long after you’ve closed the book.
If you love crime thrillers that are gritty, fast-paced, and packed with characters you can’t forget, this is your next obsession. I’m already telling friends, “You have GOT to read this one!
Robbie Walker is one of those characters who feels so real you start talking to the book (yes, I caught myself saying, “Don’t do it, Robbie!”). His journey from a man trying to leave his violent past behind to being dragged back into a web of intrigue had my heart racing and my palms sweating.
Every scene is alive with tension, the kind where you can almost smell the danger in the air. And the moral dilemmas? Oh, they’ll haunt you long after you’ve closed the book.
If you love crime thrillers that are gritty, fast-paced, and packed with characters you can’t forget, this is your next obsession. I’m already telling friends, “You have GOT to read this one!
October 16, 2025
I found this book very interesting. In the one sense, you have a man who was not good to those round him, for many years, but then makes changes to try and better his life. However, karma can get you at any time and sometimes that means being brought back to who you were. However, when you have a family, what do you do?
The main character was interesting. I am not sure how I felt about him as his last really tarnished my thoughts on how much he deserved peace, for fighting against the police, but he also does not deserve bad now. When he gets pulled back in to the centre, you do really worry about what ripple effect this is going to have on those round him.
I did like how we followed along and got to try to find out way through the mess that was wreaking havoc on his life. I felt the pace and level of detail really placed us in the moment and made it very easy to feel part of the moment. Ove, a good read.
The main character was interesting. I am not sure how I felt about him as his last really tarnished my thoughts on how much he deserved peace, for fighting against the police, but he also does not deserve bad now. When he gets pulled back in to the centre, you do really worry about what ripple effect this is going to have on those round him.
I did like how we followed along and got to try to find out way through the mess that was wreaking havoc on his life. I felt the pace and level of detail really placed us in the moment and made it very easy to feel part of the moment. Ove, a good read.
October 10, 2025
This book was very different from my usual reads, I did struggle at times with the dialogue as some of it is Jamaican with a strong accent. I like picturing people saying words when I'm reading and couldn't do that with this as easily as other books. It didn't take away from the story as I got the gist but just a thing I found.
Living in a black community, Robbie and his family are caught up in some trouble and it's hard to get out of. I wasn't sure who I was meant to like and who to be wary of as there was a few groups, Tim with his friends, Robbie and Carmen, Shaka and Errol to name some.
I feel this book needs a re-read to see if I missed bits but it's quite intense at times, g*ns and bullets mentioned, d*eaths and revenge. It really creates a scary world which is likened to now day life in certain places.
Living in a black community, Robbie and his family are caught up in some trouble and it's hard to get out of. I wasn't sure who I was meant to like and who to be wary of as there was a few groups, Tim with his friends, Robbie and Carmen, Shaka and Errol to name some.
I feel this book needs a re-read to see if I missed bits but it's quite intense at times, g*ns and bullets mentioned, d*eaths and revenge. It really creates a scary world which is likened to now day life in certain places.
October 16, 2025
My review...
This wasn't my usual choice of book, but the blurb really intrigued me — especially knowing it was written 25 years ago.
Told through a dual timeline and Robbie's flashbacks, the story uses distinctive dialogue styles to reflect each character's background. It's full of intrigue, betrayal, the 90's and at times quite violent — a powerful exploration of loss, racism, revenge, and the challenges of a flawed police system, along with the loss of faith in it. Set in the troubled times of the past-but how far have we really come?
At times, I found it a little hard to follow, but there were also moments when I thought, this would make a great film. I was invested enough to be hooked right until the end.
This wasn't my usual choice of book, but the blurb really intrigued me — especially knowing it was written 25 years ago.
Told through a dual timeline and Robbie's flashbacks, the story uses distinctive dialogue styles to reflect each character's background. It's full of intrigue, betrayal, the 90's and at times quite violent — a powerful exploration of loss, racism, revenge, and the challenges of a flawed police system, along with the loss of faith in it. Set in the troubled times of the past-but how far have we really come?
At times, I found it a little hard to follow, but there were also moments when I thought, this would make a great film. I was invested enough to be hooked right until the end.
October 16, 2025
Although What Goes Around was written a quater of a century ago, alot of the themes explored still resonate strongly today. But the main theme here is not societal woes, but rather it's about relationships and how then an become strained under pressure. The other main theme being the consequences of communities losing faith and trust in Police, and the aftermath of this loss.
Set mainly in an English city, and in Belfast, with lots of the characters talking in Jamaican or Irish accents, it's a story of loss, anguish and retribution with believable characters that feel real and a storyline that moves along at a nice pace.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Set mainly in an English city, and in Belfast, with lots of the characters talking in Jamaican or Irish accents, it's a story of loss, anguish and retribution with believable characters that feel real and a storyline that moves along at a nice pace.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Read
October 8, 2025I was drawn in by the intriguing blurb. The cover has a very mysterious feel.
The author's writing style made it feel so real, I found myself being drawn into Robbie's life and his struggles to leave his violent past behind him.
I admit I struggled a little with this book, not the writing, but the way it made me feel about humanity and my own beliefs of right and wrong.
I did find the dialog hard to read in places, but I understand it was written in such a way to put across the characters' accents, so it made sense for it to be like this.
The author's writing style made it feel so real, I found myself being drawn into Robbie's life and his struggles to leave his violent past behind him.
I admit I struggled a little with this book, not the writing, but the way it made me feel about humanity and my own beliefs of right and wrong.
I did find the dialog hard to read in places, but I understand it was written in such a way to put across the characters' accents, so it made sense for it to be like this.
November 12, 2025
I’ve savoured this book over the month and it’s a book that really gets you thinking. A crime thriller which is a lot deeper than that, this is the books 25th anniversary set in the 90s about Robbie Walker, he is a black single father who becomes involved with the IRA.
It’s told through a dual timeline and the writing is gritty with some dark subject matters, but it also really well written and follows the characters quest for revenge and justice.
A great read and a book that deserves to be read.
It’s told through a dual timeline and the writing is gritty with some dark subject matters, but it also really well written and follows the characters quest for revenge and justice.
A great read and a book that deserves to be read.
October 16, 2025
Readalong for
What Goes Around by Ralph Robb'.
This was a really good read. I did like the cover of this book. Very tense and gripping. It did keep going back and forward. I really did feel for Robbie's character. There was a lot of action, danger, mystery, and betrayal. I was glad I got a month to read this as I did have to keep putting it down. It was the long chapters for me that I struggled with. I did struggle with the writing style. I liked the story. Overall a good read.
What Goes Around by Ralph Robb'.
This was a really good read. I did like the cover of this book. Very tense and gripping. It did keep going back and forward. I really did feel for Robbie's character. There was a lot of action, danger, mystery, and betrayal. I was glad I got a month to read this as I did have to keep putting it down. It was the long chapters for me that I struggled with. I did struggle with the writing style. I liked the story. Overall a good read.
October 16, 2025
This book wasn't for me. I struggled to vibe with it, to be honest. It is a strong concept, and I'm sure others will love this book. The cover was okay. Just not keen on the weapon, but I understand why it's there. The book is written well and flows cohesively. I liked the Irish setting, and they have had more of their fair share of social and political troubles. The characters were fine although I wasn't too keen on some of them. I recommend the book, but it just wasn't for me.
November 3, 2025
3.5 Rounded to 4.0
This was a good read. It was my first time picking up a book by this author, but after finishing 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝, I’m excited to read more of this author’s work.
I absolutely loved the mystery and suspense in this book. I was on pins and needles almost the entire time, and just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist would come along and put me right back on the edge of my seat. I found myself really rooting for the main character, Robbie, to uncover what happened to his friends and colleagues, and to get his son to safety. The tension and anxiety Robbie felt were so palpable that I ended up feeling just as tense and spooked as he was. I liked how the author was able to put me in the story and have me invested in the characters.
The story was told using dual timelines with a lot of flashbacks. In one chapter, we'd be in the present moment, but then Robbie would drift into a memory, and suddenly the action would shift to something that happened in the past, even before the flashback was fully set up. I did enjoy this style because it added layers to the story, but since it happened so many times, it sometimes left me a bit confused and threw off the flow of the story for me. This made the pacing feel a little off, and the flashbacks slowed the momentum of the story at times.
Besides that, this was an enjoyable read. There was mystery, there was action, there was a real sense of danger that kept me turning the pages. Robbie, as the main character, felt authentic and flawed in ways that made him relatable. I loved the twists, the turns, the tension in the story and I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller with plenty of action!
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃
🧡 Thrilling
💚 Mysterious
🧡 Edge of Your Seat Action
💚 Revenge
🧡 Betrayal
💚 Social | Racial | Political Strife
🧡 Bombshell Revelations
This was a good read. It was my first time picking up a book by this author, but after finishing 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝, I’m excited to read more of this author’s work.
I absolutely loved the mystery and suspense in this book. I was on pins and needles almost the entire time, and just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist would come along and put me right back on the edge of my seat. I found myself really rooting for the main character, Robbie, to uncover what happened to his friends and colleagues, and to get his son to safety. The tension and anxiety Robbie felt were so palpable that I ended up feeling just as tense and spooked as he was. I liked how the author was able to put me in the story and have me invested in the characters.
The story was told using dual timelines with a lot of flashbacks. In one chapter, we'd be in the present moment, but then Robbie would drift into a memory, and suddenly the action would shift to something that happened in the past, even before the flashback was fully set up. I did enjoy this style because it added layers to the story, but since it happened so many times, it sometimes left me a bit confused and threw off the flow of the story for me. This made the pacing feel a little off, and the flashbacks slowed the momentum of the story at times.
Besides that, this was an enjoyable read. There was mystery, there was action, there was a real sense of danger that kept me turning the pages. Robbie, as the main character, felt authentic and flawed in ways that made him relatable. I loved the twists, the turns, the tension in the story and I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller with plenty of action!
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃
🧡 Thrilling
💚 Mysterious
🧡 Edge of Your Seat Action
💚 Revenge
🧡 Betrayal
💚 Social | Racial | Political Strife
🧡 Bombshell Revelations
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews