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Avenged
Thrilling, dangerous and compulsive, Avenged is perfect for fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers.
You make a deal with the devil; you pay your dues…
Franny Doyle has always known that her father Patrick has been up to no good. After all you don’t become one of London’s number one gangsters without ruffling a few feathers along the way. Still, she adores her dad and she knows that he would lay down his life for her – she is his number one girl and he has taught her everything she knows.
But when something terrible happens to Patrick, Franny realises that he has some very dangerous enemies. Delving into Patrick’s past, Franny becomes involved in a high-stakes game. She’s not afraid. Patrick has taught her to be a fighter and she’s determined to make him proud, even if it means paying the ultimate price – her own life.
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 14, 2014
116 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Jacqui Rose
33 books175 followersJacqui Rose is a novelist who hails from Manchester and South Yorkshire, though she now lives in the South East in the countryside, surrounded by her horses and lots of animals. Jacqui first came to appreciate the power of the written word when as a child she charged her classmates a packet of sherbet dips to write their essays for them. Adopted at a young age and always a daydreamer, she felt isolated growing up in a small mining village in South Yorkshire and it was her writing which kept her company.
Jacqui has written a variety of things including
stand-up comedy, radio drams and screenplays.
She is published by HarperCollins and Pan Macmillan and has written over 16 bestselling novels. She is also collaborating with Martina Cole on Martina's new novel, Loyalty.
Jacqui Rose also writes under the name of
J P Rose (not to be confused with the American author!) and has written, The Haunting of Tyrese Walker her first teen/YA novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 18, 2014
Wow is the first thing that comes to mind as I finish this book. This is simply a stunning story told in an exceptional way. I have to say that this book hooked me from the first chapter which then led me to read the whole thing in just two sittings. The quality of the writing makes you progress through the book at great speed. At the end of the book I was almost upset at finishing it so fast as I would not be spending anymore time with my some of my favourite characters.
It is the quality of these characters that makes this book so good. This is the second Jacqui Rose book I have read and on both occasions the quality of character development is what drew me to her writing. Both male and female characters are written with such expertise you find yourself equally drawn to them all. The female characters are portrayed as feminine with enough steel through them that they are engaging. The men are hard on the outside and soft in the middle. The skill of the writer is through her writing of these characters you clearly see their characteristics without being told.
I also like the fact that there are a couple of characters that cross over from her other books in small cameo appearances. I love it when authors do this as it is almost a secret connection that the author used between herself and her fans. Harlan Coben is another author who does this with ease.
This is simply a stunning book which crosses from Ireland to Soho. The second book I have read from this author and certainly not the last.
It is the quality of these characters that makes this book so good. This is the second Jacqui Rose book I have read and on both occasions the quality of character development is what drew me to her writing. Both male and female characters are written with such expertise you find yourself equally drawn to them all. The female characters are portrayed as feminine with enough steel through them that they are engaging. The men are hard on the outside and soft in the middle. The skill of the writer is through her writing of these characters you clearly see their characteristics without being told.
I also like the fact that there are a couple of characters that cross over from her other books in small cameo appearances. I love it when authors do this as it is almost a secret connection that the author used between herself and her fans. Harlan Coben is another author who does this with ease.
This is simply a stunning book which crosses from Ireland to Soho. The second book I have read from this author and certainly not the last.
December 16, 2016
Another perfectly narrated audiobook from the awesome Annie Aldington.
Honestly, I hope authors bow at her feet for how she utterly brings their books to life, being able to play that many characters and narrate in so many accents, I don't know how she doesn't lose track! Unquestionably, she's the best storyteller in the business.
As for this book, it was gritty and gripping but with a massively dark back story of the abuse suffered by both boys and girls by priests in the Catholic Church and the old Irish ways of raising children in fear of them (thankfully it wasn't too graphic).
I loved the grown up characters in the story - could only wish the best for them.
Honestly, I hope authors bow at her feet for how she utterly brings their books to life, being able to play that many characters and narrate in so many accents, I don't know how she doesn't lose track! Unquestionably, she's the best storyteller in the business.
As for this book, it was gritty and gripping but with a massively dark back story of the abuse suffered by both boys and girls by priests in the Catholic Church and the old Irish ways of raising children in fear of them (thankfully it wasn't too graphic).
I loved the grown up characters in the story - could only wish the best for them.
May 24, 2020
I saw this book sitting on the 10 day loan shelf of the local library & grabbed it with other books assuming if it’s on the fast back shelf it’s popular & great.
2 stars & I am being kind.
The idea of the story line is good however the way the story is built and put together I was just rolling my eyes & started speed reading.
To sum this up it’s a book you would read at an airport stop over & leave on the chair for someone else; even if you haven’t finished reading it. As you could just fast forward chapters until you reached the last two chapters without having missed much at all.
2 stars & I am being kind.
The idea of the story line is good however the way the story is built and put together I was just rolling my eyes & started speed reading.
To sum this up it’s a book you would read at an airport stop over & leave on the chair for someone else; even if you haven’t finished reading it. As you could just fast forward chapters until you reached the last two chapters without having missed much at all.
August 2, 2020
A good gangland thriller. The over use of the words 'To be sure' drove me mad though. I'm Irish and we do not say that like this book leads people to believe.
August 10, 2015
Once again Jacqui Rose has blown me away, I just couldn't put this book down I think it is her best yet. The characters were very believable and the plot was full of twists and turns. Jacqui Rose is one of my favourite writers and I look forward to reading her next book. Highly recommended, a definite must read.
October 13, 2018
Wish I could give it more than five stars. I couldn't put it down. I'm sorry I've finished it, because 'Avenged' was just so good.
Franny Doyle is a young woman living in Soho with Patrick Doyle and his friend Cabhan, a black man that Paddy met while in the industrial school in Ireland when they were in their late teens.
Franny is the illegitimate daughter of Paddy's girlfriend, Mary O'Flanagan. Mary was raped in the woods one night, as she waited for Paddy, and was banished to a nunnery until the baby was born. The baby was then to be 'adopted' and Mary sent to a Magdalene laundry, like other unmarried mothers before her. Mary leaves and finds her way to the river near her home, where she commits suicide. A doctor is called and is able to save the baby. Franny is given to Paddy's father, Tommy, who hands her over to Donal O'Sheyenne. Donal takes the baby to Patrick and Cab, who bring her up together.
Move on over thirty years to when Franny is a young woman. She knows nothing of Paddy and Cab's shared past, nor about the local priest Father Matthew Ryan, who is shocked to see Franny in his church. After Paddy's death, Franny takes it on herself to tie up the loose ends that were left.
She is eventually told the truth of Patrick and Cab's earlier lives and how she came to be with them. Most of the story is told to her and Franny goes to Ireland to find Patrick's adoptive father, who married her mother when Franny's biological father entered the priesthood.
There are some softer sides to the story, but there are also a lot of rough and gruesome parts to it. Not for the sensitive reader. Ideal if you like Jack Higgins, Jessie Keane or Val McDermid books.
Franny Doyle is a young woman living in Soho with Patrick Doyle and his friend Cabhan, a black man that Paddy met while in the industrial school in Ireland when they were in their late teens.
Franny is the illegitimate daughter of Paddy's girlfriend, Mary O'Flanagan. Mary was raped in the woods one night, as she waited for Paddy, and was banished to a nunnery until the baby was born. The baby was then to be 'adopted' and Mary sent to a Magdalene laundry, like other unmarried mothers before her. Mary leaves and finds her way to the river near her home, where she commits suicide. A doctor is called and is able to save the baby. Franny is given to Paddy's father, Tommy, who hands her over to Donal O'Sheyenne. Donal takes the baby to Patrick and Cab, who bring her up together.
Move on over thirty years to when Franny is a young woman. She knows nothing of Paddy and Cab's shared past, nor about the local priest Father Matthew Ryan, who is shocked to see Franny in his church. After Paddy's death, Franny takes it on herself to tie up the loose ends that were left.
She is eventually told the truth of Patrick and Cab's earlier lives and how she came to be with them. Most of the story is told to her and Franny goes to Ireland to find Patrick's adoptive father, who married her mother when Franny's biological father entered the priesthood.
There are some softer sides to the story, but there are also a lot of rough and gruesome parts to it. Not for the sensitive reader. Ideal if you like Jack Higgins, Jessie Keane or Val McDermid books.
December 30, 2017
I have read and loved all of Jacqui Roses books to date. I am a big fan of hers, she's a brilliant author.
But for some reason, this one didn't get me like all the others right from the start, I found myself wondering at one point weather to carry on or not, but I did and i'm glad i stuck with it, I am unsure why i felt this way, maybe it was coming out of one book right into another.
The start of the book goes back in time, where we get the build up to the story and how things happened and why.
We are introduced to the characters and I think it's safe to say from early on you do develop the love for some and the hate for others. I always think if you can feel anything towards the characters in a book then the author has done their job and got you involved.
We start off with the younger characters in Ireland. and soon move on to them in the present day in London. How their lives started and how they have changed is fantastically put together.
As I said i am glad i continued to read this, and things did improve and I found myself getting into the book and story, more so when it arrived back to present time.
Then I found i didn't want to put the book down. In true Jacqui Rose style the book really took off. And I began to get really involved, really engrossed. I ended up thoroughly enjoying it.
But for some reason, this one didn't get me like all the others right from the start, I found myself wondering at one point weather to carry on or not, but I did and i'm glad i stuck with it, I am unsure why i felt this way, maybe it was coming out of one book right into another.
The start of the book goes back in time, where we get the build up to the story and how things happened and why.
We are introduced to the characters and I think it's safe to say from early on you do develop the love for some and the hate for others. I always think if you can feel anything towards the characters in a book then the author has done their job and got you involved.
We start off with the younger characters in Ireland. and soon move on to them in the present day in London. How their lives started and how they have changed is fantastically put together.
As I said i am glad i continued to read this, and things did improve and I found myself getting into the book and story, more so when it arrived back to present time.
Then I found i didn't want to put the book down. In true Jacqui Rose style the book really took off. And I began to get really involved, really engrossed. I ended up thoroughly enjoying it.
April 10, 2018
GREAT BOOK cried buckets for poor Patrick, the sad life he had led, first as a boy with the evil Fathers, calling themselves men of god, and later for the loss of the only love of his life, would recommend, but ensure you have tissues as the ready, reading her next one now
June 16, 2017
Good read
This was a page turner. Could not put it down. Typical Soho gangster read but still very entertaining. Would recommend it.
This was a page turner. Could not put it down. Typical Soho gangster read but still very entertaining. Would recommend it.
November 24, 2018
Fairly good read but the author tried too hard to mimic Martina Coles style. It was perfectly readable and good but there was just that special something missing
February 14, 2019
Easy read for a lazy day. Well written but not very taxing.
August 15, 2019
Loved it, hard to put down
May 31, 2020
A good book.
July 3, 2022
Great story line filled with lots of twists & surprises
Great holiday book
Great holiday book
July 4, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. A lot of twists and turns to keep you in suspense
April 9, 2025
Avenged
Another good story line from J. Rose. Really good characters and interesting read. Looking for to get next follow up from this.
Another good story line from J. Rose. Really good characters and interesting read. Looking for to get next follow up from this.
December 18, 2021
A great read from a great author. Can’t wait to read more from Jacque Rose.
July 11, 2014
I think Jacqui Rose has taken a slight step in a new direction by setting the opener of her latest book in Ireland in the late 1970’s. When I started reading I was taken straight back to that time as we met Patrick Doyle as a young boy. I was initially thrown as the synopsis and prologue were set in present day. However a few chapters in and I wasn’t going anywhere. She has done a stellar job of taking the reader back to that time when religion played a huge part in the community and people’s lives were guided by their priests. I don’t want to delve too much into this element of the story (for fear of spoilers) but this was by far my favourite part of the book. Patrick’s childhood and how he came to meet his friend Cabhan Morton take up at least 35% of the book. This section of the book like I said is set in the late seventies in Ireland and in addition to Patrick and Cab, we also meet Father Ryan and Donal O’Sheyenne both whom play an important part in this book.
Just under halfway in and we are fast forwarded to just over 30 years later. 30 years on we get to know Franny Doyle as an adult. Her relationship with her father Patrick and Uncle Cab is the first thing that the reader identifies. Now at this point in the book I felt a crashing disappointment. I really felt like Jacqui Rose had found a new setting in Ireland in the seventies and I really didn’t want to leave that era. I felt like the jump from past to present was too quick and there was something that just didn’t sit right with me.
That aside we then see Franny Doyle start to make dangerous enemies. As we are now in present time the book falls slightly back into the standard ‘gangster’ genre. Don’t get me wrong there is absolutely nothing wrong with that (I myself am a fan of that type of book). However, the second half of the book although enjoyable, just didn’t compare to the first half. I think Jacqui Rose just proved how skilled a writer she is, because I literally didn’t put the book down. The realism of the characters and what they would have had to endure was just first class. Obviously she has a knack of taking you back without missing a beat.
Overall by the time I had finished I was (as usual) a little upset I had finished so quickly. This latest book of hers was a cracking read, but to be honest I so wish she would have maybe jumped between the late 70’s and maybe the 90’s rather than present day (everyone does present day). To have the skill as a writer to make the reader be able to imagine themselves alongside these characters is something special, and Jacqui Rose has that skill! I will await the next no doubt brilliant book from her, and would highly recommend this to people.
Just under halfway in and we are fast forwarded to just over 30 years later. 30 years on we get to know Franny Doyle as an adult. Her relationship with her father Patrick and Uncle Cab is the first thing that the reader identifies. Now at this point in the book I felt a crashing disappointment. I really felt like Jacqui Rose had found a new setting in Ireland in the seventies and I really didn’t want to leave that era. I felt like the jump from past to present was too quick and there was something that just didn’t sit right with me.
That aside we then see Franny Doyle start to make dangerous enemies. As we are now in present time the book falls slightly back into the standard ‘gangster’ genre. Don’t get me wrong there is absolutely nothing wrong with that (I myself am a fan of that type of book). However, the second half of the book although enjoyable, just didn’t compare to the first half. I think Jacqui Rose just proved how skilled a writer she is, because I literally didn’t put the book down. The realism of the characters and what they would have had to endure was just first class. Obviously she has a knack of taking you back without missing a beat.
Overall by the time I had finished I was (as usual) a little upset I had finished so quickly. This latest book of hers was a cracking read, but to be honest I so wish she would have maybe jumped between the late 70’s and maybe the 90’s rather than present day (everyone does present day). To have the skill as a writer to make the reader be able to imagine themselves alongside these characters is something special, and Jacqui Rose has that skill! I will await the next no doubt brilliant book from her, and would highly recommend this to people.
September 16, 2014
"Avenged" is the first book I have received from a Goodreads giveaway. It had been a few years since I last picked up a crime novel - I used to love Martina Cole's books, and Jacqui Rose is advertised as being just as good, which is why I decided to enter.
It was an extremely readable novel, fast-paced and consistent in style. From the early life of Patrick Doyle to modern day Soho, where we follow the exploits of his adoptive daughter Franny, it flows seamlessly. This was my favourite aspect of the novel.
There were a few aspects of the novel that were problematic - the author's gratuitous use of rape as a plot device, for starters. Jacqui Rose is not alone in this trend, far from it. All the same, using rape as a tool to alter a character is deeply unnecessary and trivialises a serious problem. Also, her representation of race left a lot to be desired. The skin of the token black man (considering half of the book was set in London during 2013, having one non-white character isn't even vaguely realistic) is repeatedly compared to velvet or the night sky. With the exception of one mention of Franny's "porcelain" skin colour, no white character was subject to similar descriptions. This romanticised form of othering is also problematic.
The plot was intriguing, if a bit melodramatic, and the writing style was sound, though Rose tended to tell rather than show the reader. Characterisation was consistent, though it felt as though a number of the characters were based on tropes and clichés (i.e. paedophile priests, former prostitutes with a tough exterior and a heart of gold, old school gangsters...) and this prevented them from being fully three dimensional. Franny herself fell into the trope of "exceptional woman", with every imaginable good quality and the admiration of all those around her. How she lost Patrick's considerable fortune, mismanaging his businesses in spite of successfully pulling off high powered deals with the faces of Soho, it a paradox that is never resolved.
If you are looking for an easy and entertaining read, I would recommend this novel provided you are prepared to overlook the clumsy handling of topical issues.
It was an extremely readable novel, fast-paced and consistent in style. From the early life of Patrick Doyle to modern day Soho, where we follow the exploits of his adoptive daughter Franny, it flows seamlessly. This was my favourite aspect of the novel.
There were a few aspects of the novel that were problematic - the author's gratuitous use of rape as a plot device, for starters. Jacqui Rose is not alone in this trend, far from it. All the same, using rape as a tool to alter a character is deeply unnecessary and trivialises a serious problem. Also, her representation of race left a lot to be desired. The skin of the token black man (considering half of the book was set in London during 2013, having one non-white character isn't even vaguely realistic) is repeatedly compared to velvet or the night sky. With the exception of one mention of Franny's "porcelain" skin colour, no white character was subject to similar descriptions. This romanticised form of othering is also problematic.
The plot was intriguing, if a bit melodramatic, and the writing style was sound, though Rose tended to tell rather than show the reader. Characterisation was consistent, though it felt as though a number of the characters were based on tropes and clichés (i.e. paedophile priests, former prostitutes with a tough exterior and a heart of gold, old school gangsters...) and this prevented them from being fully three dimensional. Franny herself fell into the trope of "exceptional woman", with every imaginable good quality and the admiration of all those around her. How she lost Patrick's considerable fortune, mismanaging his businesses in spite of successfully pulling off high powered deals with the faces of Soho, it a paradox that is never resolved.
If you are looking for an easy and entertaining read, I would recommend this novel provided you are prepared to overlook the clumsy handling of topical issues.
July 11, 2014
I have read and loved all of Jacqui Roses books to date. I am a big fan of hers, she's a brilliant author.
But for some reason, this one didn't get me like all the others right from the start, I found myself wondering at one point weather to carry on or not, but I did and i'm glad i stuck with it, I am unsure why i felt this way, maybe it was coming out of one book right into another.
The start of the book goes back in time, where we get the build up to the story and how things happened and why.
We are introduced to the characters and I think it's safe to say from early on you do develop the love for some and the hate for others. I always think if you can feel anything towards the characters in a book then the author has done their job and got you involved.
We start off with the younger characters in Ireland. and soon move on to them in the present day in London. How their lives started and how they have changed is fantastically put together.
As I said i am glad i continued to read this, and things did improve and I found myself getting into the book and story, more so when it arrived back to present time.
Then I found i didn't want to put the book down. In true Jacqui Rose style the book really took off. And I began to get really involved, really engrossed. I ended up thoroughly enjoying it.
September 15, 2014
I was sent a free copy of this book for an unbiased review.
This is the first time i have read anything by this author. I had heard of her before but the comparison was made with Martina Cole and i had started to find her writing in recent books had gone downhill so found that i couldn't get an appetite for Jacqui Rose. It just goes to show how wrong you can be - I was hooked from page 1.
Although the story is much along the same lines as Martina Cole - violence, drugs, prostitution, criminal underworld - it felt fresh and the characters were vibrant.
The book takes us from the childhood of one of the main characters, Patrick Doyle, through to his daughter, Franny, being an adult herself. We learn how Patrick becomes involved in the criminal underworld and how his actions through his life affect his daughter.
I won't spoil this book for anybody but i thoroughly enjoyed it and will now go on to read more by Jacqui Rose. Highly recommended.
This is the first time i have read anything by this author. I had heard of her before but the comparison was made with Martina Cole and i had started to find her writing in recent books had gone downhill so found that i couldn't get an appetite for Jacqui Rose. It just goes to show how wrong you can be - I was hooked from page 1.
Although the story is much along the same lines as Martina Cole - violence, drugs, prostitution, criminal underworld - it felt fresh and the characters were vibrant.
The book takes us from the childhood of one of the main characters, Patrick Doyle, through to his daughter, Franny, being an adult herself. We learn how Patrick becomes involved in the criminal underworld and how his actions through his life affect his daughter.
I won't spoil this book for anybody but i thoroughly enjoyed it and will now go on to read more by Jacqui Rose. Highly recommended.
May 6, 2015
This book was very disappointing for me. A combination of its 'as good as Martina Cole or your money back' guarantee and the reviews on here I was expecting something great. Instead it was a lukewarm, emotionless story which was all over the place and hardly held itself together. The storyline had a basis in something good but chose to wander off, there were no real connections or love between the characters, some characters seemed pointless and useless, there was nobody likeable and even the bits which were close to the knuckle didn't really have any effect.
March 17, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has excitement and moments of extreme tenderness and caring alongside some terrible cruelty and heartlessness. It's all woven together wonderfully well into a very exciting story by Jacqui Rose. This is the first novel that I have read by this author, but it won't be the last.
August 10, 2015
This is the second Jacqui Rose book I have read, also another of my firstreads books. This is much better than her other book 'Trapped'. The characters are believable, but also liked and disliked, well written, but with a sometimes predictable plot, about Irish catholic life and dishonesty within the church.
November 11, 2014
I'm really starting to enjoy Jacqui's writing, she carries the story well and with the bulk of it set in rural Ireland it makes it more appealing to me. The characters are a bit over the top in places but I certainly warmed to Patrick. I thought I had the ending worked out by about 100 pages to go but I was completely wrong I just didn't see the ending coming!! Bring on her next book please!!!
September 19, 2014
One of the best in its genre. Just as good as Martine Cole. I related well to the Irish part of the story, as this could have easily happened to my mum (and me). I want to read more of this author's books.
August 19, 2014
Really disappointed in this book hence the two stars. Have read all Jacqui rose books and found them really enjoyable but this was too slow paced and too much religion and the storyline ending was too predictable have definitely read better
July 12, 2015
I received this book as one of the giveaways. It was a very enjoyable read. It kept my interest right to the end. I would recommend this book. I look forward to reading other books by Jacqui Rose.
October 16, 2016
There were parts of this book that I found really hard to follow. There were a huge amount of characters and leads to get my head around and it all sort of lost me toward the end. This isn't Jacqui's best.
January 22, 2017
This book I believe this book gave a honest look at life in Ireland and the struggles some families go through, living a life in the criminal world whilst trying to do what is right according to the heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews