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The Hustle: A gritty thriller from the dark side of Manchester, new for 2026
You have to play to win in a game of life and death
Danni had to grow up fast – as a girl, her mother left her alone and she had to raise herself, any way she could. Finding comfort and company in the pubs and clubs of her local streets, she could throw a dart before she was old enough to buy a drink. Hustling at darts was a way to earn a quid – but it also brought her to the attention of local gangster, Marco Reece.
When Danni escapes Marco with a bag of money and a scar that means she won’t go near a dart again, she knows she’s lucky to be alive – and leaves behind everywhere and everyone she’s ever known.
Only when she hears Marco has been sent down does she risk surfacing. Can Danni pull off one last hustle to set her up for good? One match to change everything. But the clock is ticking, and Danni is on dangerous ground. The arrows gave her a life – but they can take it away again too…
Danni had to grow up fast – as a girl, her mother left her alone and she had to raise herself, any way she could. Finding comfort and company in the pubs and clubs of her local streets, she could throw a dart before she was old enough to buy a drink. Hustling at darts was a way to earn a quid – but it also brought her to the attention of local gangster, Marco Reece.
When Danni escapes Marco with a bag of money and a scar that means she won’t go near a dart again, she knows she’s lucky to be alive – and leaves behind everywhere and everyone she’s ever known.
Only when she hears Marco has been sent down does she risk surfacing. Can Danni pull off one last hustle to set her up for good? One match to change everything. But the clock is ticking, and Danni is on dangerous ground. The arrows gave her a life – but they can take it away again too…
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2026
About the author
Karen Woods
66 books48 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperNorth for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately this was a big miss for me.
What first drew me in was the premise of darts being involved. Being a massive darts fan I thought reading a thriller that involved one of my favorite sports would be a fun time. While the plot did sound a bit ridiculous from the beginning, I thought I knew what I was getting into and curbed my expectations accordingly. I thought this would be a fun little thriller, not to be taken too serious, with some darts scenes thrown into it but in the end it wasn't thrilling at all and just fell flat.
Everything was predictable and cliché. I didn't click with any of the characters. They were just very one-dimensional and the tone of the writing was weirdly dramatic. One of my biggest issues was the dialogue, it didn't seem realisitic at all. This being a big trend in the book itself, the lack of any sort of realism. I mean sure it's a mob thriller so it's far off from your normal world but even then the characters' actions were so implausible and the dialogue really cheesy. So I think a big problem was that the plot was too ridiculous to be taken serious but the tone and writing of the book made it seem like it was actually taking itself very serious and that just didn't match at all.
Nothing in this book elicitied any sort of emotion from me, except for occasional frustration. I wasn't touched by anything, I wasn't thrilled at any point, I wasn't shocked either. The only time I felt anything was big frustration at some of the darts scenes because they were so wrong. I'm sure the author took her time to look up darts a bit but clearly not enough. It was written so that if you didn't know anything about darts, you wouldn't understand what's going on anyways cause terms were just being thrown around. But at the same time, if you do know anything about darts you would've known how unrealisitic it was. So it would've been confusing for a person who knows nothing about darts but also confusing for someone who does know something about darts. You're telling me one of the characters threw a nine darter once but can't hit a score above 40? "Every dart a double or treble" - how is that good? If you're aiming at trebles and hitting doubles, you're not someone who's throwing a regular 180 and why would someone suddenly start aiming only at tops in the middle of a leg? Also finishing on a 180?? That's literally not possible in 501 double out... Sorry for the rant but this majorly bugged me cause it was part of the reason I picked this book up and if you're going to include something as a central theme the plot revolves around, it should be accurate.
Anywho, another thing that bothered me was that scenes that could have been interesting were immediately and easily resolved. The entire book was building up to the ending, where two characters would meet again and this whole interaction was like 2 pages and immediately over. And so easily resolved, not matching any of what the characters had been saying this entire book. Just so unrealisitic once again and someone who's been a raging alcoholic for decades just stops drinking from one day to the next? I don't know, I just didn't buy anything that happened in this book. All of what the characters said and did was so off and illogical. You're so terrified of being killed that you hide a gun but at the same time you then move back to the city where the guy who's hunting you lives? Sure you think he's in jail at the time but only for a limited time and you're constantly scared of being discovered. Why would you go?? To move the plot forward obviously but you can't just have characters' actions be a means to an end. They do still have to be somewhat believable.
I don't like sounding so cynical but this is my honest opinion and I think my issues were objective issues so I'm having a hard time finding a crowd to recommend this to. There was a lot of British slang used so maybe if you're someone who is from the area and appreciates that language used, thought I can't judge how accurate it was, that would be a plus point? And I guess anybody who likes dramatic mob stories and doesn't care too much about plausability could spend a few entertaining hours with this book. But alas, I am not that crowd.
Unfortunately this was a big miss for me.
What first drew me in was the premise of darts being involved. Being a massive darts fan I thought reading a thriller that involved one of my favorite sports would be a fun time. While the plot did sound a bit ridiculous from the beginning, I thought I knew what I was getting into and curbed my expectations accordingly. I thought this would be a fun little thriller, not to be taken too serious, with some darts scenes thrown into it but in the end it wasn't thrilling at all and just fell flat.
Everything was predictable and cliché. I didn't click with any of the characters. They were just very one-dimensional and the tone of the writing was weirdly dramatic. One of my biggest issues was the dialogue, it didn't seem realisitic at all. This being a big trend in the book itself, the lack of any sort of realism. I mean sure it's a mob thriller so it's far off from your normal world but even then the characters' actions were so implausible and the dialogue really cheesy. So I think a big problem was that the plot was too ridiculous to be taken serious but the tone and writing of the book made it seem like it was actually taking itself very serious and that just didn't match at all.
Nothing in this book elicitied any sort of emotion from me, except for occasional frustration. I wasn't touched by anything, I wasn't thrilled at any point, I wasn't shocked either. The only time I felt anything was big frustration at some of the darts scenes because they were so wrong. I'm sure the author took her time to look up darts a bit but clearly not enough. It was written so that if you didn't know anything about darts, you wouldn't understand what's going on anyways cause terms were just being thrown around. But at the same time, if you do know anything about darts you would've known how unrealisitic it was. So it would've been confusing for a person who knows nothing about darts but also confusing for someone who does know something about darts. You're telling me one of the characters threw a nine darter once but can't hit a score above 40? "Every dart a double or treble" - how is that good? If you're aiming at trebles and hitting doubles, you're not someone who's throwing a regular 180 and why would someone suddenly start aiming only at tops in the middle of a leg? Also finishing on a 180?? That's literally not possible in 501 double out... Sorry for the rant but this majorly bugged me cause it was part of the reason I picked this book up and if you're going to include something as a central theme the plot revolves around, it should be accurate.
Anywho, another thing that bothered me was that scenes that could have been interesting were immediately and easily resolved. The entire book was building up to the ending, where two characters would meet again and this whole interaction was like 2 pages and immediately over. And so easily resolved, not matching any of what the characters had been saying this entire book. Just so unrealisitic once again and someone who's been a raging alcoholic for decades just stops drinking from one day to the next? I don't know, I just didn't buy anything that happened in this book. All of what the characters said and did was so off and illogical. You're so terrified of being killed that you hide a gun but at the same time you then move back to the city where the guy who's hunting you lives? Sure you think he's in jail at the time but only for a limited time and you're constantly scared of being discovered. Why would you go?? To move the plot forward obviously but you can't just have characters' actions be a means to an end. They do still have to be somewhat believable.
I don't like sounding so cynical but this is my honest opinion and I think my issues were objective issues so I'm having a hard time finding a crowd to recommend this to. There was a lot of British slang used so maybe if you're someone who is from the area and appreciates that language used, thought I can't judge how accurate it was, that would be a plus point? And I guess anybody who likes dramatic mob stories and doesn't care too much about plausability could spend a few entertaining hours with this book. But alas, I am not that crowd.
April 3, 2026
I really liked the core concept of this one as using darts as a way to hustle and survive is definitely something different. Danni is a total "street kid" who had to raise herself in pubs, and you really feel for her. The way the book switches between her perspective and the POV of the criminal Marco gand his family was actually my favorite part; it kept things moving and gave a bit more depth to the drama.
But I have some questions about her logic. Honestly, I felt like she was playing with fire the whole time. If you’ve managed to steal a bag of money from a massive gangster like Marco, why on earth would you stay in the North? She’s got the cash—surely Steve has some links for a fake passport! She should’ve been on the first flight to Spain or France. Moving to Manchester and getting back into the darts scene just felt so risky and she knew that but still did it!
I know Marco was five years into a ten-year stretch, but he’s a "big boy" with links everywhere. Staying in his area just didn’t make sense to me. I also struggled with the portrayal on Manchester as it felt a bit "chavvy" and stuck in a cycle of poverty. Everyone’s on benefits, stealing stuff, or involved in drugs. It didn’t exactly show the city in the best light!
Additionally if you don't know darts (like me!), some of the technical talk is a bit confusing.
The story takes its time building up the tension, which I liked, but then the ending felt like it happened in the blink of an eye. I wish the payoff lasted as long as the build-up did! It was a cool idea and I loved the different perspectives, and the unexpected twists, but I spent half the time wanting to tell Danni to get out of the country and out of the crime “scene” where she would be discovered!
But I have some questions about her logic. Honestly, I felt like she was playing with fire the whole time. If you’ve managed to steal a bag of money from a massive gangster like Marco, why on earth would you stay in the North? She’s got the cash—surely Steve has some links for a fake passport! She should’ve been on the first flight to Spain or France. Moving to Manchester and getting back into the darts scene just felt so risky and she knew that but still did it!
I know Marco was five years into a ten-year stretch, but he’s a "big boy" with links everywhere. Staying in his area just didn’t make sense to me. I also struggled with the portrayal on Manchester as it felt a bit "chavvy" and stuck in a cycle of poverty. Everyone’s on benefits, stealing stuff, or involved in drugs. It didn’t exactly show the city in the best light!
Additionally if you don't know darts (like me!), some of the technical talk is a bit confusing.
The story takes its time building up the tension, which I liked, but then the ending felt like it happened in the blink of an eye. I wish the payoff lasted as long as the build-up did! It was a cool idea and I loved the different perspectives, and the unexpected twists, but I spent half the time wanting to tell Danni to get out of the country and out of the crime “scene” where she would be discovered!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2026
WoW . . . . . . The Hustle by Karen Woods was just an addictive and gritty gangster thriller from the dark side of Manchester, and what an excellent read this was. I was hooked and loved it especially as it was full of brilliant twists and turns throughout, with excellent characters. I loved learning about Danni who was, she had to become a surviver at a very young age, when her mum abandoned her, due to her mum's drinking problem. Danni then spent her young life growing up in clubs and pubs, where she learnt how to play Darts and how to hustle especially as it was a good way to earn extra money. 🎯
Then, one day, Danni drew the attention of a local gangster Marco Reece, and her life changed over night forever, especially when Danni steals a big bag of cash from Marco and he has scared her for life!!! Now, she is unable to look at a dart board ever again, not alone throw a dart! and she is in hiding from him and his gangster friends!!!
Now, as the years went by, the future looks promising for her and her new partner, she can breath again without looking over her shoulder all the time etc. when she hears that Marco Reece has got sent down for a while,
Danni found she could breath again and live a normal life!
But for how long . . . . . . .Time is ticking for Danni . . . . . . Marco is about to be released from prison
WoW. . . .this book was excellent from start to finish. I loved it.
I highly recommend this book. Another 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.
Then, one day, Danni drew the attention of a local gangster Marco Reece, and her life changed over night forever, especially when Danni steals a big bag of cash from Marco and he has scared her for life!!! Now, she is unable to look at a dart board ever again, not alone throw a dart! and she is in hiding from him and his gangster friends!!!
Now, as the years went by, the future looks promising for her and her new partner, she can breath again without looking over her shoulder all the time etc. when she hears that Marco Reece has got sent down for a while,
Danni found she could breath again and live a normal life!
But for how long . . . . . . .Time is ticking for Danni . . . . . . Marco is about to be released from prison
WoW. . . .this book was excellent from start to finish. I loved it.
I highly recommend this book. Another 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Hustle is a great read that balances drama without feeling too heavy. Set in Manchester, the story feels realistic and grounded, with characters who genuinely feel real and relatable as they deal with lives that aren’t always easy.
While it isn’t as raw as some of Karen Woods’ other novels, it’s still a dramatic and engaging story that I really enjoyed. Friendships are at the heart of the book, focusing on both making new connections and reconnecting with old ones, which adds warmth and depth throughout.
The outcome involving a certain pair of characters comes completely out of nowhere and is a real surprise. There are also several interesting characters who feel like they have more stories to tell—I’d love to see a follow-up.
While it isn’t as raw as some of Karen Woods’ other novels, it’s still a dramatic and engaging story that I really enjoyed. Friendships are at the heart of the book, focusing on both making new connections and reconnecting with old ones, which adds warmth and depth throughout.
The outcome involving a certain pair of characters comes completely out of nowhere and is a real surprise. There are also several interesting characters who feel like they have more stories to tell—I’d love to see a follow-up.
January 30, 2026
W.O.W What a gripping read !!
I was hooked, gangland at its best
When Steve and Danni move back to Manchester, to run the Fox pub, is there a reason? Danny is running but from what ? Or who? Two competeting gangs are trying to get steve to pay protection money, which one succeeds? There are lots of shady things going on in the pub!! Dennis exactly Marco has put a price on her head as she left him and stole 50 grand of his money. Will Marco catch up with Danni?
All is not as it seems, I never saw the end coming.. Brilliant
I was hooked, gangland at its best
When Steve and Danni move back to Manchester, to run the Fox pub, is there a reason? Danny is running but from what ? Or who? Two competeting gangs are trying to get steve to pay protection money, which one succeeds? There are lots of shady things going on in the pub!! Dennis exactly Marco has put a price on her head as she left him and stole 50 grand of his money. Will Marco catch up with Danni?
All is not as it seems, I never saw the end coming.. Brilliant
January 15, 2026
This was such an addictive read. Danni Cox just wants a normal life after spending some time in hiding. When Steve buys a pub in Manchester, she feels it might be safe to return, especially with Marco in prison, and she finds herself back in her old stomping grounds. Danni becomes interested in her ladies’ darts team, and as you read, you’ll understand why. It’s a fast-paced, gripping story that will make you feel for Danni.
January 30, 2026
The thing with gangland crime is you love to hate the bad boys lol and as usual Karen woods has done it again love gangland crime when you think you know what’s going to happen think again I wish there was a second part to this
When Karen has a new book out I rush to get it they are amazing can’t wait for more
When Karen has a new book out I rush to get it they are amazing can’t wait for more
February 8, 2026
Karen has written another captivating crime novel. Her detailed storytelling draws you into the narrative, making it easy to follow along. Set in Manchester, this gritty tale keeps your attention until the very last page. While it features gangland violence, it also has a softer side. The characters are well-developed and engaging.
April 21, 2026
Slow
I like karen woods books.
This one is too slow and not enough action
Enjoyed the ending and didn't expect the end but waited to long for Marco to find Danni
Disappointed
I like karen woods books.
This one is too slow and not enough action
Enjoyed the ending and didn't expect the end but waited to long for Marco to find Danni
Disappointed
January 21, 2026
Another brilliant book by Karen Woods. highly recommend reading this one x
January 27, 2026
Great book really enjoyed it
February 1, 2026
I’m a big fan of Kate woods. Whilst I enjoyed this book, I didn’t get that feeling that I couldn’t put it down, as I have with every other book
I enjoyed it nonetheless
I enjoyed it nonetheless
February 3, 2026
good read
This was a great read the twist towards the end caught me completely off guard
Highly recommend if you like crime and suspense
This was a great read the twist towards the end caught me completely off guard
Highly recommend if you like crime and suspense
March 3, 2026
Great book
I really enjoyed this book, great storyline and characters. And I loved the ending. Cannot wait for Karen's next book
I really enjoyed this book, great storyline and characters. And I loved the ending. Cannot wait for Karen's next book
March 10, 2026
Fantastic
Brilliant read it in two days never expected the end glad she was not the loser and got revenge on her abuser
Brilliant read it in two days never expected the end glad she was not the loser and got revenge on her abuser
March 19, 2026
powerful
Amazing couldn’t put it down. A fantastic read, Karen woods is a fabulous author. Can’t wait to read more of her books
Amazing couldn’t put it down. A fantastic read, Karen woods is a fabulous author. Can’t wait to read more of her books
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews