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The Trade
Life is tough. Women are tougher.
When Gina Turner’s husband, Scott, is sent down for a ten-year stretch, her world falls apart. It’s not just that she misses her husband, but the fact that the Proceeds of Crime team are gunning for all the couple her home, her lifestyle, her safety could all be snatched from under her.
But she’s not alone. Her friends Lola and Jess have seen their partners get slammed in jail too. Gina has an idea that could save all of them, but it means no more turning a blind eye – instead it’s an eye for an eye…
While the women find out if they’ve got what it takes to navigate the Manchester underworld, Scott Turner must face up to the fact his biggest rival has landed in the same jail as him and to survive, both men may need to make a pact.
For husband and wife, on the inside and out, it’s time to work out who they can trust – enemies, lovers, friends…or no-one?
When Gina Turner’s husband, Scott, is sent down for a ten-year stretch, her world falls apart. It’s not just that she misses her husband, but the fact that the Proceeds of Crime team are gunning for all the couple her home, her lifestyle, her safety could all be snatched from under her.
But she’s not alone. Her friends Lola and Jess have seen their partners get slammed in jail too. Gina has an idea that could save all of them, but it means no more turning a blind eye – instead it’s an eye for an eye…
While the women find out if they’ve got what it takes to navigate the Manchester underworld, Scott Turner must face up to the fact his biggest rival has landed in the same jail as him and to survive, both men may need to make a pact.
For husband and wife, on the inside and out, it’s time to work out who they can trust – enemies, lovers, friends…or no-one?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2025
187 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Karen Woods
60 books45 followersGoodreads also has books by me listed as Karen S Woods and Karen S. Woods.
I write fiction and nonfiction.
When I was a young college instructor, if anyone had told me that I would be making my living as a writer, I would have told him that he had the wrong woman. Oh, I had stories and characters dancing in my head, clamoring to get out. Writing, however, was something I did strictly for my own amusement, as I had done since I had written my first short story at the age of five. I simply had plans for my life other than writing. I was quite happy teaching undergraduates. Hey, I had to use my degrees for something, didn't I? I do quite enjoy teaching. But, it dawned on me that I could and did write tales that were as good or better than the ones I read in my leisure time.
As for me at this stage of my life, I tease that I live a quiet life. Well, maybe it's quiet in comparison to a Category Four hurricane. I've been married to my best friend since 1979.
I write fiction and nonfiction.
When I was a young college instructor, if anyone had told me that I would be making my living as a writer, I would have told him that he had the wrong woman. Oh, I had stories and characters dancing in my head, clamoring to get out. Writing, however, was something I did strictly for my own amusement, as I had done since I had written my first short story at the age of five. I simply had plans for my life other than writing. I was quite happy teaching undergraduates. Hey, I had to use my degrees for something, didn't I? I do quite enjoy teaching. But, it dawned on me that I could and did write tales that were as good or better than the ones I read in my leisure time.
As for me at this stage of my life, I tease that I live a quiet life. Well, maybe it's quiet in comparison to a Category Four hurricane. I've been married to my best friend since 1979.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 17, 2024
I think I have found my new favourite gangland crime author, in Karen Woods. This was the best I have read, so far, and I’ve read a lot.
Gina Gilbert’s gangster husband, Scott, has just been put away for a 10 stretch for conspiracy to supply class A drugs, firearms, and threats to life, amongst other things, which is all in a days work for the man who runs Manchester.
With no money, and the threat of having her beautiful home taken away, Gina and her friends, Jess and Lola, who’s men, Tommy and Mike have also been banged up, decide that they’ve been ‘kept’ women for years, and if they want to survive, then they must start earning some money…fast!!
With the help of Gina’s daughter, Bethany, they do what their men did, and get into ‘the life’.
I was hooked from the very beginning, and couldn’t put it down, it’s so darn good. If you’re into gangland crime fiction, then this is definitely for you. I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to Karen Woods, HarperCollins, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
5 ⭐️
Release Date: 2nd January 2025
Gina Gilbert’s gangster husband, Scott, has just been put away for a 10 stretch for conspiracy to supply class A drugs, firearms, and threats to life, amongst other things, which is all in a days work for the man who runs Manchester.
With no money, and the threat of having her beautiful home taken away, Gina and her friends, Jess and Lola, who’s men, Tommy and Mike have also been banged up, decide that they’ve been ‘kept’ women for years, and if they want to survive, then they must start earning some money…fast!!
With the help of Gina’s daughter, Bethany, they do what their men did, and get into ‘the life’.
I was hooked from the very beginning, and couldn’t put it down, it’s so darn good. If you’re into gangland crime fiction, then this is definitely for you. I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to Karen Woods, HarperCollins, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
5 ⭐️
Release Date: 2nd January 2025
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December 7, 2024I have been reading this authors work over a number of years. I have also been and watched the plays she created based on her earlier books. I have to say it was a superb experience.
I enjoy getting stuck in one of Karen Woods books as I enjoy the familiarity with the locations used. I always enjoy a book a little more when I actually know the places where the stories are based.
As always Karen Woods delivers her readers just what they want from this genre. although very enjoyable and a good twist in the story I found this a little less gritty than some of her previous books.
Overall a good read and I would recommend for any fans of this genre.
I enjoy getting stuck in one of Karen Woods books as I enjoy the familiarity with the locations used. I always enjoy a book a little more when I actually know the places where the stories are based.
As always Karen Woods delivers her readers just what they want from this genre. although very enjoyable and a good twist in the story I found this a little less gritty than some of her previous books.
Overall a good read and I would recommend for any fans of this genre.
December 9, 2024
This is my first read by this author and I'll definitely be looking at her other books. I really enjoyed The Trade, it is well written and flows easily. I like the main character Gina and this is a great gangland book showing what three women are prepared to do to survive after their partners are convicted for their crimes. The plot is good and realistic and went off in ways I didn't expect. I liked that the story was told through mainly Gina and Scott's perspectives and this changed flawlessly when I was reading. The ending is good and there is more to Gina than what I initially thought. All in all a very good read and I'd recommend this if you like gangland crime books.
4 stars
4 stars
January 16, 2025
I have read many of Karen Woods's books, and each one is thrilling. This particular book is incredibly exciting! If you're a fan of gangland crime, you won't want to miss it; it is packed with action that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The story is fast-paced, filled with unexpected twists and turns, and it draws you in from the very beginning to the last page. It’s a fantastic gangland crime thriller, and I loved the characters! I have read many of Karen Woods's books, and each one is thrilling. This particular book is incredibly exciting! If you're a fan of gangland crime, you won't want to miss it; it is packed with action that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The story is fast-paced, filled with unexpected twists and turns, and it draws you in from the very beginning to the last page. It’s a fantastic gangland crime thriller, and I loved the characters! I have read many of Karen Woods's books, and each one is thrilling. This particular book is incredibly exciting! If you're a fan of gangland crime, you won't want to miss it; it is packed with action that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
January 17, 2025
WoW......The Trade by Karen Woods was a gripping thriller which is set in the dark side of Manchester and if you love gangland crime books this is an author for you. I just love the way Karen writes all her books. The Trade was a fast-paced, which was filled with unexpected twists and turns throughout. Especially as it draws you in from the very beginning to the last page. I loved the characters!
It’s another fantastic gangland crime thriller from Karen, and I highly recommend this latest book. Superb read,
It’s another fantastic gangland crime thriller from Karen, and I highly recommend this latest book. Superb read,
November 24, 2024
this book was an addictive read but all these authors books are. Gina gilbert has got the biggest fight on her hands her husband gets ten years in prison with his other two friend get the same. so Gina comes up with a plan to make money with her daughter Bethaney's help and the two partners of her husband's men who are in prison with him. Lola and jess help her. what the men don't realize how ruthless their women are. there is a few shocks and tears along the way an amazing read .
November 28, 2024
This is a good gangland thriller, filled with action and a few twists along the way. It is set in Manchester and has a host of strong female characters, especially Gina. I liked the plotting, although it was slightly unbelievable at times, but the writing is good and everything was wrapped up neatly at the end. I would like to read more of Gina and see what the future holds for her. If you like gangland thrillers, this is one for you. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
December 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for advance copy
Life is tough. Women are tougher.
When Gina Turner’s husband, Scott, is sent down for a ten-year stretch, her world falls apart. It’s not just that she misses her husband, but the fact that the Proceeds of Crime team are gunning for all the couple had: her home, her lifestyle, her safety could all be snatched from under her.
But she’s not alone. Her friends Lola and Jess have seen their partners get slammed in jail too. Gina has an idea that could save all of them, but it means no more turning a blind eye – instead it’s an eye for an eye…
While the women find out if they’ve got what it takes to navigate the Manchester underworld, Scott Turner must face up to the fact his biggest rival has landed in the same jail as him and to survive, both men may need to make a pact.
For husband and wife, on the inside and out, it’s time to work out who they can trust – enemies, lovers, friends…or no-one?
What I love about gang land crime is women are always tougher and one step ahead this book was no exception and throughly enjoyed it always look forward to a new book by this author never fails to disappoint
#ganglandcrime #crime #toughwomen #netgalley #pageturner
Life is tough. Women are tougher.
When Gina Turner’s husband, Scott, is sent down for a ten-year stretch, her world falls apart. It’s not just that she misses her husband, but the fact that the Proceeds of Crime team are gunning for all the couple had: her home, her lifestyle, her safety could all be snatched from under her.
But she’s not alone. Her friends Lola and Jess have seen their partners get slammed in jail too. Gina has an idea that could save all of them, but it means no more turning a blind eye – instead it’s an eye for an eye…
While the women find out if they’ve got what it takes to navigate the Manchester underworld, Scott Turner must face up to the fact his biggest rival has landed in the same jail as him and to survive, both men may need to make a pact.
For husband and wife, on the inside and out, it’s time to work out who they can trust – enemies, lovers, friends…or no-one?
What I love about gang land crime is women are always tougher and one step ahead this book was no exception and throughly enjoyed it always look forward to a new book by this author never fails to disappoint
#ganglandcrime #crime #toughwomen #netgalley #pageturner
January 2, 2025
After Scott Gilbert’s criminal firm are arrested and successfully prosecuted receiving lengthy prison sentences, the wives and girlfriends are left in the lurch both financially and emotionally. Penniless the women decide to try their hand at the underworld dealings.
The storyline is good and there are many twists in the tale. An enjoyable read.
The storyline is good and there are many twists in the tale. An enjoyable read.
February 13, 2025
Gripping
Amazing book from start to finish I really enjoyed reading it. I'm devastated it's finished had lots of twists and I can't wait for the next one I would highly recommend to all my friends.
Amazing book from start to finish I really enjoyed reading it. I'm devastated it's finished had lots of twists and I can't wait for the next one I would highly recommend to all my friends.
May 5, 2025
I soon got through this book, I thought it was a bit lightweight and unbelievable. I do not think it would be that easy for three women to rob money and drugs from a rival gang. Nor would it be that easy for a top gang boss to escape from prison. All that the book has going for it is that it's entertaining.
December 23, 2025
Another brilliant and gripping read from Karen. This book had me gripped from start to finish. What a brilliant well grafted book with twists and turns! This book and all of Karen's comes with a 5 star recommendation!
January 3, 2025
A great gangland read. This is a fast paced story with lots of twists and turns along the way. There was happy and sad moments in it but I throughly enjoyed the read.
January 5, 2025
Brilliant
Literally couldn't stop reading this. Amazing. A brilliant writer with an excellent grasp of this world and all of its intracisies
Literally couldn't stop reading this. Amazing. A brilliant writer with an excellent grasp of this world and all of its intracisies
January 10, 2025
Absolutely brilliant !! Really enjoyed reading this book
January 20, 2025
All of Karen Woods books are page turners
Another great read couldn’t put it down till I finished this one
Another great read couldn’t put it down till I finished this one
February 27, 2025
Disappointed
This isn't as good as Karen Woods' other books.
Bit slow in parts, some good twists near the end.
Some of the story lines are too unbelievable
This isn't as good as Karen Woods' other books.
Bit slow in parts, some good twists near the end.
Some of the story lines are too unbelievable
March 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Parts of it were really unexpected.
May 25, 2025
Brilliant
As good as ever better than martina Cole hope there is sequel to the book. Find out about the other wives
As good as ever better than martina Cole hope there is sequel to the book. Find out about the other wives
September 4, 2025
Brilliant
Gina jess and lola, three best friends, great story from the start the ups and downs of gangland lifestyle gripped me from the start didn't want it to end
Gina jess and lola, three best friends, great story from the start the ups and downs of gangland lifestyle gripped me from the start didn't want it to end
October 29, 2025
Girl power
I really enjoyed this. A book about women's wins a very good read. Found a new author to read as well
I really enjoyed this. A book about women's wins a very good read. Found a new author to read as well
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews