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Ellie Reckless #5
Burn the Debt
"You work for me now, Reckless - or else I'll burn your debts, and everything you love... to ash!"
For years, Ellie Reckless and her team have been the go-to problem solvers for London’s Underworld, initially doing favors to clear her name, and later operating as a legitimate force. But the streets of London are about to get hotter.
But now a new player has appeared; Becky Slade, a fierce bare-knuckle fighter from a family with a vendetta. The Slades have clashed with the Simpsons for control over South London for decades, and now that Ellie has eliminated the Simpsons, Becky wants her on side. Becky’s proposition is join her, handing over all remaining debts to the Slades, or be crushed beneath her feet.
With old friends turning traitor and her back against the wall, Ellie faces an impossible choice. She must either help Becky Slade conquer London, or find a way to rise above her threats. The only hope lies in a piece of advice from an ex-gangster, months to use her debts to seize control first.
But can Ellie do this and still keep her soul, while holding together the team she created and battling a woman who's never lost a fight?
For years, Ellie Reckless and her team have been the go-to problem solvers for London’s Underworld, initially doing favors to clear her name, and later operating as a legitimate force. But the streets of London are about to get hotter.
But now a new player has appeared; Becky Slade, a fierce bare-knuckle fighter from a family with a vendetta. The Slades have clashed with the Simpsons for control over South London for decades, and now that Ellie has eliminated the Simpsons, Becky wants her on side. Becky’s proposition is join her, handing over all remaining debts to the Slades, or be crushed beneath her feet.
With old friends turning traitor and her back against the wall, Ellie faces an impossible choice. She must either help Becky Slade conquer London, or find a way to rise above her threats. The only hope lies in a piece of advice from an ex-gangster, months to use her debts to seize control first.
But can Ellie do this and still keep her soul, while holding together the team she created and battling a woman who's never lost a fight?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2024
517 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Jack Gatland
78 books245 followersJack Gatland is the pen name of #1 New York Times Bestselling Writer Tony Lee, who has been writing in all medias for over thirty years including comics, graphic novels, middle grade books, audio drama, TV and film for DC, Marvel, BBC, ITV, Random House, Penguin USA, Hachette and a ton of other publishers and broadcasters on licenses such as Doctor Who, Spider Man, X-Men, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Doctors, Wallace and Gromit and Shrek. As Tony, he’s toured the country talking to reluctant readers with his ‘Change The Channel’ school tours.
He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.
As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.
The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.
In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.
He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.
He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.
As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.
The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.
In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.
He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 24, 2024
Burn the Debt by Jack Gatland is book 5 in the Ellie Reckless series. Lavie Kaya has been bullied all through school and decided he has had enough. He gets in with the wrong crowd and thinks he is doing alright until he is given a beating. His uncle, Ali Kaya, approaches Ellie and asks for her help. Becky Slade is after Ellie and her favours and Ellie sets out to find out why and how to stop her moving in and taking over territory in London. Most of Ellie’s team is there – Ramsey, Tinker, Joanne and Casey. Even though Ellie mixes with both criminal elements and law-abiding people, she is certainly not interested in becoming a criminal herself. After all, she used to be a copper. It is great to see how she treads this fine line. There are always interesting characters in the Ellie Reckless books. I particularly like Johnny Lucas and Ramsey. I enjoy the references to Jack’s other series involving The Last Chance Saloon. There is a lot happening, so many intricate moves, throughout the book so you need to keep on your toes. It’s a great series, and I’m looking forward to the next book.
October 6, 2025
I love and adore these Ellie Reckless novels.
I love the concept of a cop for criminals. This one, well we see a lot of changes that have happened as a result of her actions in this role, she's definitely destabilized London's underworld.
It didn't surprise me who ended up being who was behind the person who was behind the person trying to get at Ellie, especially when that person's family/parentage is revealed. Very cool.
Sadly, I have to wait for the next one to be recorded for Audible...I'm eager to see where the outcome of the novel leads, (although we do learn a wee bit in Declan's next book.)
I love the concept of a cop for criminals. This one, well we see a lot of changes that have happened as a result of her actions in this role, she's definitely destabilized London's underworld.
It didn't surprise me who ended up being who was behind the person who was behind the person trying to get at Ellie, especially when that person's family/parentage is revealed. Very cool.
Sadly, I have to wait for the next one to be recorded for Audible...I'm eager to see where the outcome of the novel leads, (although we do learn a wee bit in Declan's next book.)
August 16, 2024
Awe, one of my favorite crime series.
You can't go wrong taking a deep dive into Ellie Reckless and her misfits. Each and every character carries the story line behind the making of Ellie. A great read. Can't wait for the next mystery.
You can't go wrong taking a deep dive into Ellie Reckless and her misfits. Each and every character carries the story line behind the making of Ellie. A great read. Can't wait for the next mystery.
August 20, 2024
Reckless, clever as ever!
Ellie Reckless never disappoints. With her crew backing her up she outwits even the most sinister of her enemies. Thank you for another most entertaining tale, can't wait for the next installment!
Ellie Reckless never disappoints. With her crew backing her up she outwits even the most sinister of her enemies. Thank you for another most entertaining tale, can't wait for the next installment!
August 27, 2024
Another solid entry in the Ellie Reckless series. Ellie is directly challenged by Becky Slade, a returned want to be gangster with a complicated past. Ramsey, Casey, Tinker, and Nicky are main characters, along with Johnny Lucas. Enjoyable read.
January 27, 2025
Another Fun Read
Okay, this isn't great literature, but it's a fun read and I enjoyed every minute of it. Ellie and her crew are beyond belief, and sometimes, when the world is going crazy around you, you really need something both fun, and unbelievable! Thank you Jack Gatland!
Okay, this isn't great literature, but it's a fun read and I enjoyed every minute of it. Ellie and her crew are beyond belief, and sometimes, when the world is going crazy around you, you really need something both fun, and unbelievable! Thank you Jack Gatland!
July 1, 2025
The Ellie Reckless is facing one of the baddest—Becky Slade. She’s coming in with fists flying, planning to make London hers…and using Ellie’s favors to take it. However, Ellie doesn’t go down without a fight. Good book.
August 25, 2024
Another quality read by Jack Gatland/Tony Lee. Best one of the series so far. Bought all the players together and opens the door for the next instalment.
February 13, 2025
I love Ellie and her team of misfits! Can’t wait for the next one. You go girl, Reckless!!!
August 4, 2025
Love This Series!
Such a fun book to read as is the whole series. Love the characters and the dog. Get great enjoyment from reading them.
Such a fun book to read as is the whole series. Love the characters and the dog. Get great enjoyment from reading them.
January 10, 2026
Did I enjoy it? Yes. Might have enjoyed it even more if it had been easier to follow.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews