Ruby Red

by Jackie Diamond

Welcome to the brutal heart of London’s East End, where loyalty is currency, family is everything, and power comes at a deadly price.

She didn’t choose this life. But now she’s in it, she’ll be damned if anyone takes it from her.

Ruby never wanted to be part of the family business. Sharp, ambitious, and brilliant in the courtroom, she was meant for a life far from the streets her father, Colm Byrne, ruled with fear and favours. But when a violent triad war leaves Colm fighting for his life and the Byrne firm exposed, Ruby is dragged into a world she thought she’d escaped – and quickly proves she’s more dangerous than anyone ever imagined.

As the Byrne brothers crumble under pressure, it’s Ruby who steps up. From shadowy assassinations to cut-throat deals with ruthless allies, Ruby’s transformation into a powerful, calculating leader is as shocking as it is unstoppable. But every decision comes at a cost and as enemies close in, alliances fracture, and bodies fall, Ruby learns the one truth her father never said aloud – the crown might be hers, but it’s built on blood.

And some debts can only be paid in violence.

Because she’s not just Colm Byrne’s daughter anymore. She’s The Matriarch. And she’s only just getting started…
She didn’t choose this life. But now she’s in it, she’ll be damned if anyone takes it from her.

Explosive, emotional, and laced with betrayal, Ruby Red is a hard-hitting saga of family, vengeance, and a woman who will do whatever it takes to protect what's hers.

For fans of Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane – meet your next obsession.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2025

Reviews

[Macy]

DNF - 45%

[Joanne Dickinson]

I would rate this book 6 / 10 due to all the typo errors.
Meet the Bryne family. Colm is the Dad and head of the family. After getting badly injured, it is up to Ruby to take over.

Ruby wanted to walk away and live with her well-off boyfriend. This all changes, and she becomes a hard faced, ruthless person.

Ruby gangster brother is killed, leaving only her and her brother. Novelle, who likes to dress in designer dresses and heels, is always letting the family down.

Ruby says her loyalty is family, but after reading the last chapter, I don't agree

I won't be reading the next 2 books, as they are far too many typo errors.

I personally think Ruby could have looked more glam and hard faced on the book cover.

[Chris Phoenix]

Enjoyable. But…

Shame the proof reader didn’t pick up on the errors. Ruby taking Colm with her to graveyard to visit her father’s grave. Instead of it saying Connor went with her to her father Colm’s grave plus a few others earlier in the book.
Overall the story was good, and dragged you into the murky world of revenge, guns and drugs but above all family.

[Kathy Weyer]

Interesting concept, but I had a tough time coming up against all the typos and errors. Good descriptions, great characters, but I couldn’t get past it. Would have loved to reach out to the author privately, but don’t see a way. No contact info!

[Valerie Watts]

Wattsy

A fast pace page turning read,would have given more then 5stars if I could,can't wait to start the 2nd book in this series,will definitely recommend this book to friends and family.

[Tracy ann Robinson]

A new gangland author and series for me I loved it very gripping from page 1 Ruby is a very clever dangerous lady looking forward to next book in series

[Bernie]

A gritty power struggle between rival London gangs, ending with Ruby rising to the top. I've now pre-ordered Ruby Rising, I enjoyed this new author of East End Crime

[Julia Jones]

New Fan Right Here

Omg I absolutely loved this book. Never read a Jackie Diamond book before but it didn’t disappoint. Looking forward to reading the rest of the Ruby Red series.

[MR STEVE MAYNARD]

Ruby red

Good read hope book 2 is as good no doubt it will be definitely looking forward to book 2.Very good.