Savage Blood

by Heather Atkinson

The latest gritty, action-packed gangland thriller from bestseller Heather Atkinson. Perfect for all fans of Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane. When a turf war breaks out on Glasgow’s schemes, there’s only one thing for it – the Savage Sisters and the Blood Brothers will have to fight as one.

Carly Savage has lost the two people she loved the most – first her father and then Jack, local gangland boss and love of her life, was brutally attacked and died in Carly’s arms. Grief has changed her. Carly’s sisters Jane and Rose are worried she may never recover.

But the need for revenge drives Carly now and she will stop at nothing to destroy her enemies, Cole Alexander and her cousin Dean. When the Savages’ boss, Queen of Glasgow Toni McVay’s reign comes under attack from Cole, Carly realises this is her chance. If she can bring Cole down, then the Savages’ place in Toni’s gang will be secure and she can have her revenge.

As rebellions break out, tensions build and Toni’s kingdom looks more fragile than ever, the Savages know they need help. There’s only one other gang Toni trusts, the notorious Blood Brothers from the rough Gallowburn estate. Carly knows that together they’d be an unstoppable force. Now all she has to do is persuade them…

Bestseller Heather Atkinson’s page-turning Savage Sisters series comes to a shattering climax but who will survive? Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Jessie Keane and Kerry Barnes.

‘Heather is a bright star in the world of gangland writing...Read it, you won't be disappointed.' Jacqui Rose

Readers love Heather

‘I had to take a breath before I wrote this. This story has took me on such an emotional rollercoaster. Just when you think you have the plot figured out BAM another shocking twist hits you in the face. Violence heartbreak and love. You've done it again Heather Atkinson. You brilliant genius.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh my once again I've been blown away by the fantastic writing of Heather Atkinson. I couldn't guess how the book was going to end. This book had everything, murders, deceit, love, I even had a tear at one point. I'm only sorry that I've finished it tbh. Definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an exciting read.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘WOW! Heather Atkinson. Yet another incredible series.** What a brilliant autho**r. The story lines throughout are compelling, great twists & turns.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow I couldn't put this book down, and what a twist at the end. I’ve read the full series and look forward to reading more of Heather Atkinson books, such a brilliant author.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Gripped me from the start. One of the best series I read in a long time, kept you page turning, my poor eyes are so heavy as I couldn't put the book down.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2025

About the author

**MY NEXT TRADITIONALLY PUBLISHED BOOK, A SAVAGE INHERITANCE (SAVAGE SISTERS SERIES #4) IS NOW AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON PRICED £2.84. RELEASE DATE 7TH OCTOBER 2024**

**MY NEXT SELF PUBLISHED BOOK, DEADLY GAMES (BLAGGER'S CODE SERIES #6) WILL BE RELEASED ON 29TH SEPTEMBER 2024 ONLY ON AMAZON KINDLE**

Author of over seventy books so far. Living on the beautiful west coast of Scotland with my husband, twin daughters and a cat called Mavis, although I am originally from Lancashire in the north of England.

My tastes in all things are eclectic, which extends to my writing. Although I primarily write crime books - especially gangland thrillers - I also write gothic historical romance and fantasy. I publish on Amazon Kindle and some of my novels are available in paperback too. I also have a traditional publishing contract with Boldwood Books.

When I'm not writing - which isn't very often - I enjoy reading Daphne Du Maurier, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, MR James and the Brontes, among many others. I also enjoy swimming, walking and spending time with my family.

Reviews

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you're following a fantastic series like this one, the next book can never be published soon enough. The day you finally get to read it feels like a true holiday.

The previous story was intense—as always—but also deeply emotional. The grief that Carly still carries with her is slowly but surely pulling her under. She knows she needs to pull herself together, but does she even want to? She's still supported by her close family, but nothing seems able to change her mind. She’s torn between overwhelming sadness, which makes her lose interest in everything—except for one thing: her thirst for revenge. And you can’t help but feel for her.

The Savage family once again gets caught up in all kinds of conspiracies, having to battle rival families and form alliances with others to combine their strength. And it’s all because of one person...

And this person always seems to be one step ahead. Who’s the mole?

But gangland crime stories aren't just about violence and power struggles. There’s also plenty of room for love—between partners, within family—and new bonds are forged.

For me, it was once again a disappointment that I had already finished the book. I wish stories like this one never had to come to an end. I thought it was another brilliant read, and I hope many more will follow.

Definitely 5 stars.
Thank you.

[Bookstagramshaz Sharon Logue · Rating 5 out of 5]

My turn for the Book Blog tour today … thanks @rachelsrandomresources , for the organisation you do and to be allowed to read /review these books. 🔴Book 5 - Savage Sisters (final book in the series).

📖 Out - 20th May 2025. ❤️📚❤️📚❤️📚❤️📚❤️📚. Carly Savage has lost the two people she loved the most - first her father and then Jack, local gangland boss and love of her life, was brutally attacked and died in Carly’s arms. Grief has changed her. Carly’s sisters Jane and Rose are worried she may never recover.
But the need for revenge drives Carly now and she will stop at nothing to destroy her enemies, Cole Alexander and her cousin Dean. When the Savages’ boss, Queen of Glasgow Toni McVay’s reign comes under attack from Cole, Carly realises this is her chance. If she can bring Cole down, then the Savages’ place in Toni’s gang will be secure and she can have her revenge.
As rebellions break out, tensions build and Toni’s kingdom looks more fragile than ever, the Savages know they need help. There’s only one other gang Toni trusts, the notorious Blood Brothers from the rough Gallowburn estate. Carly knows that together they’d be an unstoppable force. Now all she has to do is persuade them... for it being the final book, it was the perfect end to the sisters journey. What a journey they have had! Was nice to see the girls get some well deserved happiness. Also nice to see how their relationship with their uncle, became so much more, after losing their dad. Thanks you @heatheratkinsonauthor @netgalley @theboldbookclub

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

And breathe! . . . . . . . . .Savage Blood by Heather Atkinson is the 5th book in the superb Savage Sisters series and I am sad to say the last 😭 within this series. Noooooooo. This was a series I didn't want to end, but the ending was excellent and it did not disappoint. If you love Gangland book's this is a series for you it's gritty, and action-packed
with great characters, I loved the Savage sister's they were brilliant.


When Carly Savage has lost the two people she loved the most – first her father and then Jack, local gangland boss and love of her life, was brutally attacked and died in Carly’s arms. Grief has changed her. Carly’s sisters Jane and Rose are worried she may never recover.

But, nothing was going to stop Carly, the need for revenge drives Carly and she will stop at nothing to destroy her enemies, who are Cole Alexander and her cousin Dean.
When the Savages’ boss, Queen of Glasgow Toni McVay’s reign comes under attack from Cole, Carly realises this is her chance. If she can bring Cole down, then the Savages’ place in Toni’s gang will be secure and she can have her revenge.

Will Carly bring Toni McVay's reign down and take revenge?

Savage Blood is full of brilliant twists and turns throughout that will have you gripped and turning the pages quickly to find out what happens next! Bloody Brilliant!

I highly recommend this series, it was one of the best you can get your teeth into

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC's of this excellent series.

[lindsey harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book

Savage Blood is the explosive finale to Heather Atkinson’s Savage Sisters series, and what a gripping end it is. As the fifth and final book, it delivers everything fans have come to expect—intense action, emotional depth, and complex, compelling characters. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the Savage sisters, the conclusion is satisfying and powerful.

The story follows Carly Savage, who has already endured unimaginable loss—her father and the love of her life, Jack. Jack's brutal murder in Carly's arms leaves her devastated and forever changed. Consumed by grief and driven by vengeance, Carly becomes determined to take down her enemies—Cole Alexander and her cousin Dean.

Set in the gritty, dangerous underworld of Glasgow, Carly sees an opportunity to strike when Toni McVay, the feared Queen of Glasgow, comes under attack. If Carly can eliminate Cole and bring down Toni’s empire, the Savages will not only be safe but could rise even higher in the criminal ranks.

Atkinson masterfully weaves heartbreak, loyalty, and raw determination into a fast-paced narrative full of twists and tension. Carly’s transformation is especially gripping, and her sisters, Jane and Rose, add richness to the story’s emotional core. The action is fierce, the stakes are high, and the conclusion will leave readers breathless.

If you enjoy gritty gangland thrillers with strong female leads, Savage Blood is a must-read. It’s the perfect end to a stellar series—and one that will stay with you long after the final page.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage Sisters #5

Cathy Savage has lost the two people she loved the most - first her father and then jack, local gangland boss and love of her life, was brutally attacked and died in her Carly's arms. Grief has changed her. Carly's sisters Jane and Rose are worried she may never recover. But the need for revenge drives Carly now and she will stop at nothing to destroy her enemies, Cole Alexander and her cousin Dean. When Savage's boss, Queen of Glasgow Toni McVay's reign comes under attack from Cole, Carly realises this is her chance. If she can bring Cole down, then the Savages place in Toni's gang will be secure and she can have her revenge.

In the previous book, A Savage Inheritance, Jack was brutally murdered and he died in Carly's arms. Carly went away for a year, but returned for her sister's wedding. But Cole Alexander is set on getting revenge on Carly.

What a twisted read. I was on the edge of my seat. The suspense builds throughout and the pace is steady in this gripping read. There's a little romance. I loved how the book ended. This is a series that you must read in order.

Published 20th May 2025

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

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of gangland crime books and found Savage Blood to be a good and entertaining read. I haven't read the previous book and would recommend you do as initially I struggled with the characters and their histories and didn't like Carly at all. As the story progressed she slowly started to grow on me and I found myself rooting for her, her sisters and family. The authors writing is good and the story flows well. The plot line is well done and Carly has to watch her back and face her past when someone wants revenge at all costs. Can everyone be trusted though and are they on Carly's side? Once I'd got used to the characters and they'd slotted into place in my mind the story really began to pick up and quickly became one of those moreish reads that was very hard to put down. It is full of thrills and action and I liked the romance element. The ending is good and sets up the next book nicely, and I'll definitely want to read it to see what is in store for the Savage sisters. If you like gangland crime give this book a go, I'd recommend it although you really need to read the series in order.

4 stars

[Sarah Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book and found it very hard to put down. I loved the characters and Carly. I think I was a little thrown at first as this is part of a series, and I haven't read the other four books, but now I'm excited to read more from this author. This is a definite page turner that I would recommend. My favourite thing about the story is the setting and the fact that the accent is written into the prose. I've read a number of books were this has been attempted and its been very bad, but this author writes it fantastic. I managed to highlight a lot of parts in the text for future reference. The pace is consistent and I love the Savage sisters, especially Rose. Without giving to much away for anyone who hasn't read this, the ending took me by surprise and I loved the final conformation, It certainly had me on edge I was reading it. I will definitely be checking out Heather Atkinson's other books, including the rest of the Savage Sisters Books.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and read it in two sittings. It was so good I didn’t want it to finish. This is the second book I’ve read by this author. Both have been from the Savage sisters series and I’ve read them out of order but didn’t feel this was a problem and I was able to easily work out what was happening. I’m definitely going to read the other three books in the series.

Carly Savage is still mourning the death of her boyfriend Jack and can’t stop thinking of his brutal murder. The two people responsible - her ex Cole and her cousin Dean- are both still in hiding but she knows they will show up at some point. Carly is forever looking over her shoulder as Cole swore he would get her for the damage she inflicted on his face.

This was a fast paced and engrossing read. It was full of suspense and I didn’t want it to finish.

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

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a read the Savage sisters series certainly delivers with every book. In book 4 Carly sees Jack brutally murdered and he dies in her arms. This really changes her and she turns to drink to try and escape the pain. Her sisters try their best to help her but Carly is in a black hole of despair. In the end fed up with her sisters trying to babysit her to stop her drinking she leaves Haghill and goes off travelling. True to her word she returns a year later to see her sister get married. Unfortunately for the Savage family Cole Alexander is determined to get revenge on Carly for the brutal attack that left him badly disfigured. This book is a fast paced page turner as the sisters with their family and friends try and stop Cole in his revenge. There is a nice crossover with also some of the great characters from the blood brothers series. I highly recommend all of Heather’s books.

[Caroline O'Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Blood is book five in the Savage Sisters series and neatly crosses over into the Gallowburn series of the Blood Brothers too.


This book revolves around the theme of revenge that Carley Savage is determined to serve for the loss of Jack, the love of her life. It seems that the Savage sisters need some back up on this occasion and that comes in the form of a collaboration with the Blood Brothers. It’s not easy putting trust into another gang but needs must in order to stop Cole Alexander, Jack’s killer.

This is an action packed gangland thriller and delivers from the very first page. Heather Atkinson is a great writer and this fifth book packs as much of a punch as the first book in the series. Here’s hoping that there are more to come in the future as I will definitely be waiting to read them!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carly Savage is struggling with the grief of losing the love of her life and her sisters are beyond worried. Carly is determined to exact revenge and a turf war is breaking out at the same time so the Savage sisters team up with The Blood Brothers. Things turn dicey and much blood is shed. I felt so excited to read this book and I was not disappointed in fact it exceeded my expectations by a million. It has the regular dirty, gritty, heartstopping gangland moments but it also has love and I even shed a few tears. The plot is full of twists that keep the reader excited to continue. I have loved the series and I hope this isn't the end although the ending is wrapped up nicely I would truly miss the sisters.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like gangland thrillers, and this is another good read from the author. I would recommend reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment. I like the characters although it took me some time to have empathy with Carly. There is plenty of action and suspense, with a bit of romance thrown in and a steady pace. The ending sets us up neatly for the next in this consistently good series which I recommend to lovers of gangland thrillers. Readers won't be disappointed. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE GANG ARE BACK!!!!
After Jack died in Carly Savages arms at the hands of her her ex Cole Alexander and Dean, her cousin, Carly, wants to know where Dean is, but her uncle won't tell her. Cole wants revenge on Carly for scarring his face, but how far will he go? Another gang under Toni Mcvay direction joins forces with the Savages, but who? They will be a force to be reckoned with. .... The infamous frying pan makes an appearance ..... love the plot. Fast-paced, loved the joining of the 2 gangs, I was absolutely glued to it highly recommend

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so going to miss this series, Carley has lost her way with the murder of her boyfriend Jack, she has hit rock bottom the drink has got her, and she is very unpredictable her sisters and uncle and her cousin try and help her and then she goes away and comes back as the old Carley someone wants to take Toni s throne so the family and the blood brother unite to stop it it's an amazing read and we meet the new family for the next series ,

[donna Hehir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but far fetched

The only thing I don't like is slim women knocking out 6ft muscle men with one punch. They never get hurt but all the men do. So that is unbelievable to me. And the gangs name like mad bitches. I suppose young teenage girls would like it, if they think they are hard bitches

[Judy Tarver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and the best one of the series. Full of the action and surprising plot twists throughout the book with of course some of the most shocking things at the end. The Savage series was great and it was also a bonus to read more about Toni Mcvay, who I first read about in another of this author’s books. Five stars again well deserved!

[Maria Hubble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!!!

Wow! Wow! Wow! Heather has done it again. Everything this lady writes is just pure gold. I couldn’t put this down. Brilliant storyline as usual and plenty of twists, suspense and a few laughs too. Absolutely outstanding from start to finish.

[Mrs A. J. Turbfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting sequel

A very fitting continuation to the previous book. It makes this author stand out as a go-to read, But exciting and fast paced an outstanding read. Brilliant.

[Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

No spoilers, but this book has good twists and turns. Is a must read. Can't wait for the next instalment.

[Angela Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripped

Another great read. Could not put it down from beginning to end. Loved the whole series of the Savage Sisters

[Mrs E Etchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unstoppable

Housework ditched. Couldn't put this latest book down. I had to wrench myself away from it even just to make a cuppa. Canne wait for the next in the series.

[Kelly Egan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another top class installment to the Savage Sisters series! I can't find anything wrong with the series... lovable characters and a storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat

Can't wait to see what's next in store for this ever growing family ❤️

[Carol Ann Rooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this series of books and loved the ending. Well recommended.