Love and Hate: A gripping thriller filled with shocking twists

by Dreda Say Mitchell

A Brand New Gangland Crime Series

‘A great book written by a great girl.’ MARTINA COLE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Story grips from page 1.'

THERE’S A THIN DEADLY LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND HATE

LONDON 1967
The East End docks are ruled by one man - Danny Steele, the infamous and ruthless King of the Docks. Blood brothers, Jimmy 'Southpaw' Steele and Bertram Watson, aka, Brother Bertie are rising stars in Jimmy’s father’s gangland empire. Needing cash in a hurry, they go behind Danny’s back and pull a criminal job that threatens to tear the underworld apart.

If Danny discovers what his son and best friend have done, he won't just kill them - he'll make them suffer first. And Danny Steele always finds out.

While Jimmy's sister, Sin chases her dreams in London's glittering fashion scene, she ignites a dangerous, forbidden affair that could destroy them all.

In this brutal, gangland world, family love is the deadliest weapon of all.

Book 1 in the gritty and thrilling Love and Hate Series

WHAT AMAZON READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE LOVE AND HATE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Like Early Martina Cole.'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Best Books I’ve Read This Year!'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ '5 Star Book From Start To Finish!'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Epic!'

Love and Hate
Book 1: Love and Hate
Book 2: Honour and Vengeance
Book 3: Secrets and Lies

Big Mo
Dirty Tricks
Fight Dirty
Wicked Women
Play Dirty

527 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2025

About the author

Her Majesty, The Queen appointed Dreda an MBE in her 2020 New Year’s Honours’ List. Dreda scooped the CWA’s John Creasey Dagger in 2004, the first time a Black British author has received this honour. Dreda and Ryan write across the crime and mystery genre – psychological thrillers, gritty gangland crime and fast-paced action books Spare Room, their first psychological thriller was a #1 UK and US Amazon Bestseller. Dreda is one of twelve acclaimed and bestselling international female writers contributing to a new Miss Marple anthology. Dreda is a passionate campaigner and speaker on social issues and the arts. She has been a frequent guest on television and radio including BBC Breakfast,, Celebrity Pointless and Celebrity Eggheads, The Stephen Nolan Show, Front Row and Woman’s Hour. She has presented Radio 4’s flagship books programme, Open Book. Dreda was named one of Britain’s 50 Remarkable Women by Lady Geek in association with Nokia. She was the 2011 chair of the Theakston Harrogate Crime Fiction Festival. Dreda was born and raised in the East End of London where she continues to live. Dreda’s family are from the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada and her name is pronounced with a long ‘ee’ sound in the middle.

Reviews

[Lovetoread2023 · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Dreda and her partner Tony — who sure do write a great gangland read — Love and Hate is another fantastic addition to their collection. The narrative is so well written: gritty, hard-hitting, and filled with pieces of Caribbean culture that give it real depth and flavour. It’s packed with twists and turns, and, as always, it’s a fast-moving story.
Family feuds, friendship, and love all play a heavy role throughout, making it impossible to put down. Brother Bertie and Jimmy “Southpaw” Steele are my favourite characters, and I can’t wait to see what’s waiting for them in the next book, which is out on 4th September.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just brilliant and we know from the other books that Bertie and Jimmy are enemies so going back to their younger years gave an insight to what possibly led to their falling out, it certainly kept my attention from the first page, word of warning though, do not start this book unless you have time to keep reading as you will not want to put it down

[John Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant! This book was one ofvthe best books I've read this year! A gripping and very entertaining first book. Plenty of twists and turns. Next book cannot come soon enough! Very highly recommend!