The Street

The Silvas #1

by Gillian Godden

A BRAND NEW Gangland Series from Gillian Godden - Meet The Silvas... A new start. A deadly past...

As the new owners of the local village pub, Alex and Maggie Silva and their two children, are the picture of respectability…but looks can be deceptive.

Because the Silva family is keeping deadly secrets.

Alex Silva is a man with a dark past and a bounty on his head – one he knows will only be paid with his life. He’ll do anything to protect Maggie and the kids, but one wrong move could cost them everything…

As they settle into suburban life, Alex hopes that by hiding in plain sight his past demons won’t return with a vengeance. But as he watches and waits, he realizes that behind closed doors, the residents of this street are keeping dark secrets of their own.

Secrets that could be deadly. And the Silva family have more to lose than most…

Praise for Gillian

'A gritty powerful story. A must read for fans of gangland crime' Bestselling author Kerry Kaya

'The characters were so real I'm still looking over my shoulder!' Bestselling author Owen Mullen

'Exciting, breathtaking and absolutely fantastic' ★★★★★ Reader Review

'If you are looking for a great gangland, family drama series these books are for you!' ★★★★★ Reader Review

'A fast and rivetting book that will keep you burning the midnight oil!! Highly recommended' ★★★★★ Reader Review

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2024

About the author

Hello fellow readers. My name is Gillian Godden and i write Gangland crime books. currently published by Boldwood Publishers. i have written many different series on the subject, so if this is your genre please check them out. originally born in London, i now live in Yorkshire. i also work for the NHS.
When I come home I like to wind down and writing is my escape from the mental stresses of my day. My job is not a 9 to 5 job and I work to support my patients when they need me so my days can be long. i enjoy hearing from and meeting readers of my books. just knowing someone out there is reading my books is a bonus ;}
Take a look at my websites and hopefully join my author page for updates on forth coming books.
amazon.com/author/gilliangodden

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a new gangland series featuring The Silvas. Alex Silva is a former mafia hitman. However, when the brother of the head of the mafia family disrespected (that’s putting it mildly) Alex’s wife Maggie, Alex took his revenge, but found HIMSELF on the hit list!

After providing information to the police about the various mafia families, the Silva’s end up living under cover in witness protection. In time, Alex and Maggie decide they’ve had enough and are prepared to take their chances in the real world with their own names. And so it is that they and their two teenage kids take on a pub in a posh part of Kent - hopefully to live a normal life doing normal things - we’ll see!


To be honest, Alex sure runs close to the edge for someone who has just come out of witness protection. He really should be keeping a low profile, but as the old saying goes, old habits die hard.

A gritty read, and a good start to the series. We’re introduced to some really interesting characters, but it did end on something of a cliffhanger, and as I have the second in the series, I’ll be catching up with the Silva’s in the near future.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gillian Godden is back and with a new series about ‘The Silva’s’…..now this family have been under witness protection moving from here to there but never settled or happy…Alex has had enough and with wife Maggie and their 2 teenage children decide to leave the scheme and move to Sevenoaks and open a pub….folly it may be but Alex is resolute that his time in exile hiding has to be over one way or another
We then have a high powered gangland family drama that is full of energy and shocks as the family try not to stand out,and fail and then end up in no end of sticky situations
Some brilliant characters such as Percy the neighbour make the story very readable and very good and fast moving
Gillian Godden always writes a full on exciting story and this is no different,look forward to the others in the series.

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A gritty and enthralling Gang-lit Thriller!

What a gripping Gang-lit Thriller.
A great start to an exciting new series.
When hitman to the mafia has no choice but to report the heads of the family and associates to save his family. He has no option but to run.
With the offer of witnesses protection, his family is fed up with living in the shadows.
So they decide to open a pub and live their life, hoping that they're never found.

But Silva just can't help himself and he finds himself embroiled in a whole number of situations.

Can Silva stay undetected and save his family till the trial goes ahead. Or will everything come crashing down.

It has a lil bit of everything, eclectic characters, drama, suspense, Friendships and action.
I really liked getting to know the characters and the Silva family unit was great seeing them support each other and grow, when they knew the threat of danger lurked over their heads.

Overall a really gritty and enjoyable read. This book does end on a kind of cliffhanger, and I'm sooo excited for the next installment!


Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

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

A good start to a new series not as gritty or brutal as I would have liked if it’s a gangland thriller it’s got to be both of these things. The characters were an interesting bunch and I will definitely read the next book in the series though as I’m intrigued to see where the story goes and what lies in wait for the Silvia family.

[Lovetoread2023 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just know when you pick a new book up by a certain author that what you are about to read is going to keep you hooked from the very first page and that how I feel with a Gillian Godden book and this one was no exception.The main characters are very likable but of course have their flaws which make for great reading,their daughter and son are definitely going to be a following in their dad's footsteps I'm sure because after all the mafia underworld is in their blood.
Loved the name drop of a character from a previous series of books hopefully we're hear more from them later on in this series. I can see them fitting into this storyline nicely as it continues.
The Tony Lambrianus series was my favourite by the author, but this has the potential to be just as good, if not better.
It was a really great read that had me reading into the small hour
RECOMMENDED
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a new series and The Silvas are the latest family to be created by this author. She does gangland crime so well and The Street is a great introduction to this new family.

The Silvas have decided that living in barracks under witness protection is not the best thing for them. They need normality, a fresh start and a chance actually to live a life. Alex is known as a grass, he used to be an assassin for the mob, but when he killed the wrong person for the right reasons his life changed. Giving up the heads of the mob has done him no favours but he did need the protection. With a court date looming, is this the right time to step out of hiding?

Alex, Maggie, Deana and Dante have just moved into a Kent pub, a suburban village and they are nervous but excited. Their lives are a long way from their old lives with plenty of money, flash cars and status, but now they have the chance to live a legal life.

The area they have moved into is friendly, but like any area, some things go on. I think what makes this book work so well is the fact that a lot of what happens is relatable to a certain extent, drugs are everywhere and even in the smallest quaintest little village, there is going to be something somewhere. Like minds recognise each other so it does not take Alex long before he finds himself with an opportunity, and it is one he is going to use to get what he needs.

Having a new family in a new series is always exciting, the Silvas have something about them that makes them interesting and even though they are on edge they are trying to live the best life they can. The author throws various obstacles in their way and it is good to see how things change throughout the story.

This starts nicely, a reasonably nice amble into the village and the daily routines of the Silva family. But as things get sorted then the pace definitely starts to build up speed. There are some interesting characters and there are some events that bring reminders back to the family of the life they last had.

This is a great way to start a series and if you have not come across this author before then this is a good place to start. This is a gangland crime, thriller story that has family, loyalty and many other aspects that make it very addictive. It is a fabulous book and one I would definitely recommend.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Street is the first title in a brand-new series revolving around the Silva family from gangland thriller supremo Gillian Godden.

Alex and Maggie Silva seem like the picture of respectability. The new owners of the local pub, the couple are friendly, charming and devoted to their kids, but scratch beneath the surface and one finds a dark and twisted past that makes this family a dangerous one to know. Alex has got a bounty on his head and he knows that if his past catches up with him, then he will have to pay with his life. Alex is willing to do whatever it takes to protect Maggie and the kids but he needs to tread carefully because you just never know who is watching and one wrong move could end up costing him everything.

Alex and Maggie plan to settle into suburbia and become picture perfect residents. However, they quickly realise that they are not the only ones in the village keeping secrets. There could be enemies waiting to strike at the right moment willing to do whatever it takes to make Alex pay for his transgressions. With the stakes being sky high, Alex needs to tread carefully and watch his every move because his past is about to catch up with him – and he’s not going to see it coming.

Gangland thriller fans are in for a wild ride with the latest novel by Gillian Godden – The Street. Dark, twisted and terrifying, this rip-roaring tale of dangerous lies, deadly vengeance and chilling deception will have every single hair on the back of your neck stand on end and keep you turning the pages late into the night.

A terrific read that is hard to put down, I cannot wait to see what the Silva family get up to next!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb!!!!!

The Street by Gillian Godden was, and especially as it's the start of a Brand new and gripping gangland The Silva's series and it was excellent. This book was full of twists and turns throughout that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.

Alex Silva is a man with a dark past, but, he's known as grass now, he was an assassin for The Mob, and this all changed when he killed the wrong person however, for the right reasons. Now, he he has bounty on his head, one he knows will only be paid with his life and he will do anything to protect Maggie and his children, but one wrong move could cost them everything.

They are living in barracks under witness protection, sadly it's not the best way of life for the whole family. But, they need to get back to normality, and a fresh start would be great for them all.

They all decide to moved into a local village pub. No one knows of their past and are the picture of respectability..........…but looks can be deceptive. The last thing they need is for the locals to find out their deadly past!

As they all settle into suburban life, Alex hopes that by hiding in plain sight his past demons -won’t return with a vengeance. But, as he watches and waits, he realises that behind closed doors, the residents of this street are keeping dark secrets of their own.

Secrets that could be deadly. And the Silva family have more to lose than most…......

Wow this book was superb........from start to finish. I loved it. The characters were excellent!

I highly recommend The Street.

Big thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the new owners of the local village pub, Alex and Maggie Silva and their two children, are the picture of respectability.... but looks can be deceptive. Because the Silva family are keeping deadly secrets. Alex Silva is a man with a dark past and a bounty on his head - one he knows will only be paid with his life. He'll do anything to protect Maggie and the kids, but one wrong move could cost them everything. As they settle into suburban life, Alex hopes that hiding in plain sight, his past demons will not return with a vengeance. But as he watches and waits, he realises that behind closed doors, the residents of the street are keeping dark secrets of their own.

I wasn't even at the bottom of the first page, but I know I was going to enjoy this first book in a brand-new series. Alex is trying to build himself and his family a new life away from the criminal lifestyle they were used to. They have had enough of living in witness protection. Now, they are running a pub in a street where everyone has secrets. Some of the things that took place were funny. I can't wait to see where the Silva's will go from here. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Published 19th July 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #GillianGodden for my ARC of #TheStreet in exchange for an honest review.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I loved this book. It was such a good read and I can’t wait to read more about the Silva family and what happens next.

Alex Silva was a mafia member but now has a bounty on his head as he murdered another mafia member. He has been in police protection with his wife Maggie and two children. Alex was due to give evidence in court against other mafia members and he knows his days are numbered.

Alex is fed up of hiding and as a family they decide that they’ve had enough of hiding and living half a life. They take over a suburban pub and go back to living under their real names.

Alex and Maggie soon settle into their new lives but are still wary of any strangers or anyone asking questions. They are still under police protection. Alex gets bored of being in the pub all the time and accidentally happens upon some drugs being grown in a house. Alex soon becomes more involved than he probably should but realises he’s missed the excitement.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st book in a new series by this author, also a first read for me....... I liked it , it was a great ,gritty gangland read .
When Alex Silva turns grass on the crime lord boss he worked for, his family have to keep moving towns so they are not found.
Alex,Maggie, and Deanna and Dante move into a pub and hope to put their roots down in the community, but will they? Its maggies dream. There is a hot out on Alex even tho his old boss is serving life in prison.
Allsorts of things are going on in their new town...... dodgy mechanics, cannabis farms, sky-high electric bills, what is going on???? As the trial looms nearer, people are looking for Alex, but he has plans of his own.... An unexpected knock on the door could have dire consequences, but does it???? Great read. I highly recommend cant wait for the 2nd book
Come

[Jenni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took me waaaaay too long to read a book that has 262 pages. I'd normally do that in one sitting. I'm sorry but this book is like a poor man's Martina Cole. The dialogue is boring and simple and some of the happenings in the story are just ridiculous. Just nips down to his basement to make a quick bomb on the way out the door? Give me a break. For someone who is wanted by every gangster going, Alex sure does stick in nose in business that doesn't belong to him which brings him right back into that world. I felt as though I was reading a 2nd or 3rd book of the series that I missed the one which showed Alex as a hit man and what happened to Maggie. The plot is a good idea just a poor execution

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series about the Silva family. Alex Silva worked for the mafia but after things go wrong he ends up in witness protection with his wife and two teenagers. The family decide that they’ve had enough so Alex comes out of hiding in witness protection. They try and start a new life running a pub in Sevenoaks. Always wary they soon settle in after meeting all the local regulars. Alex is pleased to see his wife smiling and happy again. Unfortunately things start to happen and Alex soon realises suburbia has people with secrets too. There’s lots going on before Alex can get to court to testify about his old boss. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of the series.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of a brand new explosive gangland family drama! The Silvas are in witness protection and Alex Silva is desperate to make a new start with his wife Maggie and their two teenage children. As the family settle down into their new life and neighbourhood community trouble comes calling. You can never truly get away from trouble! With such high power excitement I was flying through the pages. Family drama plotted against murderous gangs with quirky neighbours like Percy made this a fast paced thrilling read!

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Godden is back with a cracking new gangland thriller featuring the Silva family. Whilst I've only ever read several of her books, each one I have has been an instant five star hit.

The Street is a gritty, gripping read that's set in Sevenoaks, Kent where the Silva family have just taken over the local boozer. As you can expect things aren't all plain sailing and it's not all serving pints and pork scratchings. It appears that everyone in 'The Street' has something to hide.

A brilliant start to the new series with some great characters. I can't wait to see where Godden takes us next with the Silva's.

Explosive, engaging and highly enjoyable.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series by the author, featuring the Silva family with dad Alex as a man on the run from his past. There are some likeable, interesting characters but I failed to empathise with any of them, especially Alex. It took a while to get into the book and it just never gripped me like previous reads by the author. Perhaps the next in the series will excite me a bit more. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Bookstagramshaz Sharon Logue · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ Book Review ❤️ Publication - 19th July 2024. Book Tour - 21st July 2024
📕📕📕📕📕📕📕📕📕📕📕📕📕📕. Alex, Maggie & the children arrive at their new home. A pub with a flat above. It needs work but they all chip in! It soon becomes clear that they are ‘hiding ‘ and as the book goes on we find out a lot more about their past life. They want a new life and to fit in… but it seems their customers/neighbours have a few secrets of their own!! First book in a new series and @ggodden2019 I absolutely LOVED IT!!!! can’t wait for the next book - no pressure 😂❤️

[TBHONEST · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Street is a fantastic start to a new series from Gillian Godden. What makes it so intriguing compared to other gangland books is the humourous situations the main characters sometimes find themselves in. It adds depth and is a really good juxtaposition to the violence and secrets. It makes it all seem very believable, an aspect that many other books within this genre quite often lack.

An intriguing read that makes us look forward to the next book in the series.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

another amazing read from this Author, the Silva family have had enough of hiding in witness protection. Alex worked for a mafia family and giving evidence against them. Alex his wife Maggie and their son and daughter are going to run a pub. in Sevenoaks. But every place and occupants have secrets it's a very gripping read and some of the antics are so funny so can't wait for book two

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't say I've ever read a gangland thriller before so this one intrigued me, plus I really like the book cover.

I found the writing to flow really well. The style was simple, and not overly dark and violent. Any one new to the genre is able to get into the book and for me it really allowed me to get absorbed in the story.

I enjoyed the intrigue and would definitely read this author again.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I haven’t read any books by this author before but this one won’t be the last. Thank you to @theboldbookclub for giving me the chance to read it. It is a great introduction to a new family and lays the scene for the next book. It’s about a family that is in witness protection and they have to move around a lot with their trials and twists to the story.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great gangland story.
Gillian has excelled herself alongside the other queens of gangland.
Parts made me have goosebumps.
A great family drama that will have you on the edge of your seats.
I loved every page from start to finish. If it's a gritty thrilling book you are looking for then look no further than this one. absolutely brilliant.

[Mrs.Susan.D>Goodrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, I was hooked right from the start.

I chose this book as it had good reviews on Facebook. What a great storyline, I loved the family trust. Such a great storyline!!! I’m hoping the next instalment to the Silvas family is very soon 🙏🙏🙏

[gaynor rawlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I chose five stars because I absolutely loved hearing about the Silva's. Alex Silva got a bounty on his head but he refused to go in witness protection. They moved to a new area where no one knew them and were running a pub in his wife Maggie's name.

[Maria Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The street

I really enjoyed this book a little tame for gangsters but I appreciate some readers can get offended when reading profanities but it should be noted sometimes it’s required for authenticity

[Lynne Bayliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different Take on Gangland

First book of this author I've read, i couldn't stop turning pages edge of my seat kept me wanting more I couldn't read fast enough.
Can't wait to start the next book.

[CJ Eve · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's appears I am in the minority with my review but this book just didn't do anything for me I found it underwhelming and I just couldn't get interested sorry but not my cup of tea.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I could not put this book down. It really is a good read. I'm looking forward to the next instalment.

[joannehaldane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the silva family.

Brilliant book. Can't wait for next in series. I hope there be more than 2 books. Roll on december now.

[Shirley Handford · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring!

I nearly didn't finish this book but skimmed through last few pages. Not a great story and definitely not exciting