The Broken

Byrne Family #2

by Casey Kelleher, Jen Austen (Narrator)

They took her dad, but she won’t let them take her.

Nancy Byrne was the apple of her daddy’s eye. He might have been one of the most-feared gangsters in London, yet Jimmy Byrne idolised his little Nancy. But now Jimmy is dead, gunned down in cold blood - and Nancy vows to avenge his death.

She’s only twenty years old, but as the new head of the ruthless Byrne gang, running a lucrative world of drugs, sex and violence, she’s in over her head. Keeping her family together all while Joanie, her beloved grandma, falls apart, and her brother Daniel goes off the rails forces Nancy to grow up - fast.

But while Nancy takes the men on at their own game, there’s a greater danger hiding on the dark streets. Jimmy’s killer is on her trail - and will stop at nothing to shut her up.

Blood might be thicker than water, but soon, Nancy realises she can't trust anyone. Not even her own family.

Especially her own family.

Genres: Mystery

Audible Audio

Published July 28, 2025

About the author

Casey Kelleher was born in Cuckfield, West Sussex. Growing up she became an avid reader, loving in particular gritty crime thrillers and gangland books.

The Books

Standalone Psych Thrillers
The Perfect Guest
The Missing Mother
The Babysitter's Secret
MINE
I'll Never Tell
Only Child
The Babysitter's Secret

Gangland/crime thrillers

standalones
Bad Blood
The Taken
The Promise
Rotten to the Core
Rise and Fall
Heartless

Griffin Estate Trilogy
No Escape (book 1)
No Fear (book 2)
No Going Back (book 3)

The Byrne Trilogy
The Betrayed (Book 1)
The Broken (Book)
The Forgotten (Book 3)

For all offers and news on Casey's new releases, click the FOLLOW button on Casey's Amazon page, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Casey-Kelleh...

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Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ Another Fantastic Gritty Read By Casey Kelleher! A Must Read

The Broken is a gritty, addictive read about Revenge, Family Drama, Criminal Underworld, Secrets, Lies, Deception.
I love Casey's Books so when I see this one I just had to read it and it didn't disappoint!

Nancy's Father the Infamous Jimmy Byrne was brutally murdered. Jimmy was no Angel, he was the king pin of the London underworld. Dealing in drugs, and prostitution he was a force to be reckoned with. Alongside his partner Alex Costa.

On the day of the funeral Nancy takes off to be on her own. However someone is following her. As she tries to escape this person pays her a message!... Back off stop looking for information!
Then he beats her to make sure she's gets it loud and clear!

You see Nancy knows exactly who killed her father and we find out fairly early.  Which I kind of liked.

I adored Nancy's character. She was kick Ass, a force to be reckoned with, hard as nails but had a softer side at times.
I loved that she stepped up to the challange to run the family business. She was fearless and people were scared of her yet respected her!
But with sibling rivalery she has more than enemies to worry about.

There was alot of characters and there stories weaved together perfectly. It takes a lil while to get to grips with who everyone is, but you soon get to know them as their paths cross over.

I love reading about the criminal underworld, it's always Gripping, oozes danger, sadistic characters and seedy underworld. The Broken is no exception to this. It oozes pure danger.

If you enjoy Criminal Underworld books with a thriller twist then you will love The Broken.
Who needs enemy's when you have a twisted family.

Who really killed Jimmy Byrne?? You will just have to read The Broken to find out!

Thank you to Bookouture for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Broken by Casey Kelleher is a thriller that takes readers into the gritty underside of a crime family. When starting this one it felt a bit like being dropped into the action so after a bit of investigating I discovered that this book does seem to be a continuation of at least one of the author’s other books, The Betrayed.

Now not having read the previous novel myself I can’t say where the story left off or when it picked up exactly. The Broken joins in the Byrne family’s story as they are just having to bury the father, Jimmy, who had been a huge gangster and had been training his daughter, Nancy, to take over the family business.

The story pretty much covers any little bit of crime you would expect from the family of a gangster. There’s drugs, deception, murder and mayhem galore as you explore this dark side of crime. There’s also rape included among the violence for those that may be bothered by such things.

I could see while reading this book that Casey Kelleher really could bring these characters and the crime family to life with it showing in her nice writing. I do believe though I would have connected a bit better and rated a bit higher if I had known this was a continuing story, there were just those missing elements which seems to be expected when jumping in and I always try to avoid doing so unless books aren’t clearly marked like this one. In the end I found this a good tale but I’d wished I had read the first leaving me to rate this at 3.5 stars.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy is daddy's girl... and now daddy has been murdered. She is determined to find out who killed her father and take over his business. Welcome to a world of clubs, drugs, murder, lies and betrayal.. can Nancy really trust anybody in this world or is she truly on her own.

This book is the second in this series and I am sure not the last. I haven't read the first book and this read fine as a stand alone. That being said I will go back and read the first book, and others by this author as I really enjoyed the writing and the fast paced story and unlikeable characters.

Thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for a copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Book Addict Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Casey Kelleher’s books and with her past few releases she has become one of the best gangland crime writers out there. I had The Broken read in less than a day because I became so consumed by this story.

I highly recommend reading The Betrayed before picking up this book because not only was that in itself a fantastic read, it allows the reader to understand these characters more and also know everything that has happened in their pasts and I feel it will make readers enjoy The Broken more. I can’t say too much about the story except to say that the focus is on the children of the murdered gangster, Jimmy Byrne. Nancy finds herself in charge of her father’s criminal enterprises, and her brother Daniel is less than happy about that. Even I could never have predicted just what a rollercoaster ride of a read would ensue after a chilling opening to the story.

What I’ve always said about Casey is she is not afraid to write about all the negative aspects of human life. This story contains so many hateful characters, each out for themselves and what they can get. It’s shocking in places just where the story goes with underage drug taking, brutal murders, revenge plans and untold twists and turns, and it’s all just amazing. Whilst the focus is on Nancy taking over her father’s empire, the story actually features a whole cast of characters connected to the Byrne family. As the story progresses so much happens to these characters that I couldn’t read quick enough to see how it would all conclude. I often wondered just whether Nancy was up to the job of becoming a ruthless gangster, and you’ll have to read the book to find out just how ruthless she actually is.

As I neared the end of The Broken I didn’t want the story to end, I could’ve read on and on. As the book took place in 2003 I was hoping for a cliffhanger ending and that’s exactly what we got. I won’t say my jaw dropped because it wasn’t that shocking but it did still surprise me and I really hope that Casey’s next book is a continuation of the Byrne family because there’s so much left to explore with this dysfunctional family and I simply cannot wait to see what Casey comes up with next. She is a truly phenomenal author who is yet to deliver a bad book and she’s currently at the top of her game and one of this genres most exciting authors.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars



Jimmy Byrne was one of the most feared gangsters in London. But now hes dead and his daughter Nancy not only knows who killed him but wants revenge.


Nancy is now the head of the family but her family all have secrets of their own and with are ready to explode those secrets at anytime, Nancy feels everything is beginning to fall apart around her. She has been warned off by a mystery attacker.


In a world of drugs, sex clubs and violent gangs this 20 year old girl may have taken on where her father left off but she will not suffer the same fate as her father.
But is she strong enough to belong in this violent world?
And will she be able to avenge her fathers killer.




My thoughts,
I wasn't too sure how I was going to feel about Nancy's story. But then you get to a chapter that totally becomes a game changer.
I was totalled enthralled after that and loved the twists that appeared from nowhere.


Alfie Harris is the owner of the nightclub. He's also a face in London's criminal world. Although he's ready to put all that behind him. He's someone that you wouldn't want to mess with.
He was my favourite character, so when his daughter becomes involved with some shady characters you know its not going to end well.



Casey Kelleher never disappoints and once again she's produced another great gritty crime book.

**ARC provided by Netgalley via Bookouture in return for an honest review***

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Broken follows on from The Betrayed. Whilst it could be read as a stand alone, I think you would enjoy it so much more if you read The Betrayed before reading this one.

Nancy is a young lady with her head screwed on the right way. She maybe a chip off the old block when it comes to her father but to a certain extent there is a much softer side. She won’t be taken for a mug though and is out to prove to everyone she is someone not to be messed with. She is still very much grieving for her father, so really has her plate full with trying to run the business as well as try and keep the family together.

Daniel I so wanted to try and understand him as I know he hasn’t had the happiest of upbringings due to his parents, but he is very much a cold fish and constantly at battle with his sister. If anything the death of their father seems to be pushing the wedge between them both even more.

This is such a dark and gripping read, I really couldn’t get enough. It had me go through so many emotions at what I was reading and the events that were taking place in the book.

The Broken is yet another novel by the author that grabs you right from the off and doesn’t let go until the very bitter end. If you love stories set in the criminal underworld that will thrill and chill you to the core, look no further!

My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Stephen Clynes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nancy Byrne is just 20 years old when her father Jimmy Byrne is murdered. He was a leading light in the London criminal underworld and now Nancy steps up to the plate to continue the family business involving drugs and sex.

The Broken is a gritty tale of criminal life with a large portion of violence woven into the story. This story is told from many points of view but each character has a dodgy moral code.

I did not like any of the characters in this book. They all had a dodgy side to them, were happy to be involved with illegal activity and also to take the law into their own hands.

I did not like how very early on in this novel you were told who murdered Jimmy Byrne. So the story revolved about how Nancy dealt with the family business after her father’s death.

The violence was extreme and the treatment of Reece was very graphic indeed. I can very easily imagine the pain he went through and the poor quality of life the assault put him into.

I did not think the plot was great but more of a “bad day at the office” scenario. I found the whole story quite miserable and there seemed no hope for any of the characters as they continued to be nasty to each other.

I was really looking forward to reading The Broken because I have read Casey’s earlier novel The Promise, which I thought was brilliant and got the top score of 5 stars from me. However I was disappointed with The Broken and did not think it was a thrilling or thought provoking read. I took nothing away from this novel and had it been a television series, I would have given up within the first episode, like I have with The Split, starring Nicola Walker. I thought The Broken was a POOR 2 star read and if Casey continues with Nancy Byrne into another novel, count me out.

There was a very small bit of gay sex which was okay but Casey really fails with her tiny bit of hetrosexual sex. It was so short and brief that it will not even raise your pulse, never mind those muscles further down. I can’t see why Casey bothered to write the scene as it was such a throwaway paragraph…

It all happened so quickly, so passionately. Seconds later, they were merely two bodies writhing as one. Entwined together. Jack could feel Nancy’s nails digging into his back, tearing down his skin as she moved beneath him. An arch of her back, and then a long, trembling shudder. Jack came then too, before collapsing on top of her.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.

[The Book Review Café · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I read The Betrayed I’ve been hoping and praying Casey Kelleher would write a follow up and lo and behold my book prayers were answered with The Broken, the second instalment in an explosive and gritty series. This book takes the reader into the dark belly of the criminal underworld where violence is par for the course and revenge is deadly. It’s a world I want no part of but my oh my I do love reading about it! The Broken is brutal and “heart thumping” thrilling, it’s one of those books you will be hard pressed NOT to read in one sitting. I would highly recommend you read The Betrayed first if you haven’t already, as the two books go hand in hand.

The most-feared gangsters in London, Jimmy Byrne is dead and Nancy his beloved daughter finds herself head of the ruthless Byrne gang, running a lucrative business involving drugs, sex and violence. If that isn’t enough to cope with, her fathers killer has never been caught and it looks like Nancy could be their next victim. Oh boy what a dysfunctional family the Byrne’s turned out to be, this is a family with HUGE issues, jealousy, deadly secrets and vengeance all have a part to play, but my god it certainly made for a gripping read. Casey Kelleher has a knack of creating vibrate character that come the end of The Broken you feel like you know them intimately. Some characters you will love and others you can’t help but loathe, as the reader I found myself hoping that certain characters got their comeuppance, which certainly added an overwhelming sense of tension to the plot.

From the opening chapter the reader is hurled into the sordid and brutal criminal world, as you can imagine there is plenty of violence and choice language but personally I felt it made for a more realistic read. Fast paced and jam packed with drama there is no let up in pace, my definition of the “perfect” crime thriller. If I have one small gripe it’s that Casey Kelleher is compared to authors such as Martina Cole in my opinion I think this author has made this genre her own, with vibrant characters and gritty plot’s and her own unique style of writing, I personally believe Casey Kelleher is an extremely talented author in her own right. Highly, highly recommended. I’m thrilled to see there is going to be a third book in the series and personally I can’t wait.

All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com

[Kavita Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars !!

Wow ! that was intense ! It was like a spin off of The Godfather, only difference that the Byrne family was British and totally dysfunctional ! The synopsis of the book represents the gist of the story, "She could not even trust her family".

The book begins with the funeral of gangster Jimmy Byrne, murdered in cold blood, shocking the gangster community and many big-shots have joined in sharing their experiences about Jimmy. Nancy, Jimmy's daughter, who that she was the closest to, realizes she didn't really know her father at all.. Nancy, whom Jimmy had trained to keep the book from a very young age and then possibly succeed him in this business, finds herself in a very tough spot. With her father out of the scene so early, there are heavy burdens and responsibilities on her shoulders. Her family is crumbling, her leadership needs to be proved, the Legacy needs to be saved and the worst of it all is, she needs to bring her father's muderer to justice..And that is the toughest for her, since she was a witness to the murder and knows who needs to be punished for it !

She has a cop on her side or is he really ? Her father's business partner or was he more ? Her mother now takes care of her family or does she ? Her brother seems to be off a different path or is he hiding something? Her grandmother seems to be losing her mind or is someone manipulating it ??
Everyone is hiding something.. Everyone has ulterior motives..Everyone is faking..

She needs to keep her friends close and her enemies closer.. Nancy is one tough nut to crack and I loved reading about her ruthlessness..



Daniel, Nancy's brother, seems to have his own plan and even hated his father. But how deep did the hate run ? Everyone is sellable around the Byrnes and that makes the circumstances so complicated and untrusting.Her thorough and detoured plan to bring the killer to justice was absolutely phenomenal. When the plan was set into motion, Nancy was not in the picture at all and I was actually beginning to think if she had the balls to be the leader her father had envisioned her to be.. But them WHAM !! What a twist !!



The end to the book also suggests of a sequel to this story since not all demons are dead..not all liars are exposed.. add the complications of newer twist in Nancy's life to this already riveting plot and I am sure the sequel is going to have an amazing plot as well ! I enjoyed this book a lot !


Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for generously providing me this ARC in exchange of my honest review.

[Dee]

Heavy on tell, confusing dialogue - not sure if it's present or past tense, but I am sure the narration is not for me.

Sampled only - no rating.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read - it’s gritty and is packed full of family feuds and revenge.
This is the first book of Casey Kelleher’s that I’ve read and I will definitely be reading more in this series.
Nancy is left shocked by the sudden death of her father but is determined to get revenge on his killer.
The Byrnes are a family made rich by crime but I really connected with Nancy and felt her pain.
Her brother Daniel is annoyed that he’s not been made head of the family now his father has died and soon starts to react to this situation in ways you won’t be able to imagine.
There’s drugs, violence and power struggles within this story and it all comes to a nail biting ending.
The last few chapters will take your breath away and leave you wanting the next instalment immediately - hopefully we won’t have to wait too long!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure you read book one The Betrayed before you read The Broken as this is where the story continues on.

Nancy Byrne vows to avenge the death of her father Jimmy. As head of the family and the Byrnes gang she’s had to grow up quickly.

I absolutely loved this story. I read it straight after reading The Betrayed. Although this can be read as a standalone I definitely recommend you read the previous book as it’s just so good. It’s action packed and I didn’t wanna put it down.
This author is fast becoming one of my favourite authors with this fast paced gritty read.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author and of this series.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't realised this was a sequel when I requested on NetGalley and read as this book as a standalone - it worked really well although I may have had a better connection with the characters had I read The Betrayed first.

It's a fast paced and gritty gangland novel following Nancy taking over the 'family business' (prostitution, drugs etc) of her murdered father. Determined to avenge her father's death and prove herself fit to fill his boots she faces plenty of challenges. including the dealing with complex family dynamics, drink spiking, rape and holding her own with the big players of the London crime scene.

A definite page turner and one that fans of Martina Cole will really enjoy 3.5- 4 stars

Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I need to get the #fangirling out of the way – I absolutely ❤LOVE❤ Casey Kelleher and in true #fangirl style, I have followed the author right from the start! Her edgy, gritty and gangland-style reads, ALWAYS have me clearing my day to make sure I read the book from first page to last …and The Broken was no exception!

Set in London, the reader is faced with revenge, loss, anger, organised crime/violence, secrets, guilt, betrayal of the worse kind, mistrust, disloyalty, shame, relationships, greed, manipulation, control and the search for answers …whether the answers were wanted or not!

Well OMFG! What an 💥 explosive 💥 start! I knew that once I started this book, there was nothing that would stop me! The pace was perfect, a fabulous character driven read and a bloody riveting plot – what more could you friggin ask for, right!? The first in this series, The Betrayed – was a cracking read…but Casey Kelleher cranked it up for this one. #AllTheFrigginBooms! 👊🏻 Once again, the underbelly of the London gangland is brought to life with Kelleher’s descriptions, narrative and characterisations and the OMG-moments bloody FLOORED me! Un-friggin-believeable! I want to say more, but can’t in case I give away spoilers but I am thrilled to see that Casey Kelleher is still bashing out these badboys and they get better and better each time!

I do love my characters and this is another area that Casey excels in. I won’t go through them all but I will mention a few that just had me! Nancy Byrne- strong, fiesty, stubborn, as bold as brass – she makes the decision to take over her father’s “businesses” and we soon learn she is NOT a woman to be messed with. This young lady can certainly hold her own when she comes face-to-face with some of the worst in the business!

Her brother, Daniel – HUGE chip on this guys shoulder…mahoosive!! As much as I tried, I just could not find one quality I liked about this guy- but I’m pretty sure that was the plan! Despite his ‘secrets’, most people saw right through his facade and know that he is a liability that needs to be watched…

DI Jack Taylor – I really liked this character..well…most of the time! 😉 Although he works for the Met, he is not averse to a bit of extra curricular activity – and his relationship with Nancy was conflicting but I loved how it all played out – what secrets does he know and what consequences will he face? 🤔🙊

The last character I’m going to mention is Alfie Harris. Now I know I shouldn’t have liked him…he is definitely not a likeable guy..but I did! #MyBad! Fiercely protective, he has other plans which get turned head over heels and then it’s no holds barred for Mr Harris! Bloody brilliant character!

Would I recommend this book? Hmmm 🤔 let me think about that… You bet your sweet ‘ol arse I would! Edgy, gritty, dark and gripping – this book had me racing through the pages at full, bloody speed! I personally think it can easily be read as a stand alone, however to appreciate the true form of this compelling series, I would say read The Betrayed first. What can I say, Casey Kelleher you SMASHED IT again and I can’t wait to see what is next in store for the Brynes!

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read The Betrayed, this is a direct follow-up featuring the Byrne family. I have seen that people say they hadn't read the first book and still got into it, but I would definitely recommend reading that book first and you then get a real feel for the family and its history. Also, as a note if you haven't read the first one and plan on doing so it may not be wise to read this review as it will inevitably contain spoilers.

Jimmy Byrne was a face and now that he has been gunned down, it falls on the shoulders of his daughter Nancy to take the lead. Nancy's brother Daniel is not a happy bunny to say the least and this causes huge conflict within the family. It was pretty clear from early on that Daniel is one of those characters you just love to hate as a reader. It seems like on the surface things are falling apart with Jimmy's partner Alex seemingly losing the plot and the workers up in arms with what happens next.

The book takes us on Nancy's journey as she tries to take the business and get it back on track even with all the problems she is facing. There is certainly a lot going on in this latest book and to be honest the writing was seamless and the pace excellent making for a book you didn't really want to walk away from for too long. I found myself reading it in two sittings and thoroughly enjoyed each and every chapter. There are however some unanswered questions which I assume will be addressed in the next book! As much as I loved this book, it wasn't on of my favourites hence the 4 star and not 5, but that's me being ultra critical. Another belter from the lovely Casey and I will certainly look forward to the next book!

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

Oooh I loved this book!! Casey is a brilliant writer and she really takes you on a rollercoaster ride with this one, it is gritty and so additive, I didn't want to stop reading until I got to the very end!

Everything about this book worked for me. The plot is superb and I loved reading every page. The characters are great, it is hard hitting and shocking at times and that's what makes it soooo good.

This is a sequel and I really do recommend that you read the previous book (which is also excellent) before starting this one or you will get spoilers - both books are brilliant so you are in for a treat!!

5 stars from me for this one - brilliant book!!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Byrne was the wonderful daughter of Jimmy Byrne .At 20 she has to lucrative the drugs and violence because of her father has been shot down .blood makes her thicker and she finds that it is over for the family . I received an arc copy from Netgalley

[Book Him Danno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never read anyone else reviews before writing and posting my own but this time I had to see what others were saying.

This is one heck of a ride that will keep readers hooked and needing more when the story ends.

Case Kelleher takes the story of the Godfather and turns in upside down and backwards in the most unique and captivating way.

I had know idea this was the second in the series but the author catches readers up fast in a way that readers will have no idea there was a book before this one.


The story ends with a cliffhanger and questions that still need answering and this readers needs those answers.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well after reading that I'm feeling kind of broken! In a good way of course! Casey Kelleher has just taken me on a breakneck journey where I certainly read past my bedtime and spent the whole day at work worrying about one of the characters at one point such is this woman's exceptional talent at writing realistic and totally compelling grit lit!

The Broken starts off with that killer hook that just grabs you and drags you straight into the plot. Nancy Byrne is seeking some solitude from the crowds that have gathered at her father's wake. But perhaps a walk along a deserted canal was not the best idea that she had had that day. Someone is determined to warn her off looking any further for the murderer. Her dad, Jimmy Byrne, one of the top faces in London has been murdered and Nancy is determined to bring the killer to justice but her hunt will unearth secrets and lies and a whole hornet's nest of mistrust and deceit.

The Betrayed, the first book in the series, introduced us to the Byrne family but with Jimmy's demise there have been a few changes to the pecking order; the staunch and hard faced matriarch, Joannie Byrne has fallen to pieces since the murder of her son, Michael Byrne is lording it up now that his son is not there to keep him in line and his wife Joannie is no longer her sharp tongued self and Jimmy's wife, Colleen has stepped up to the plate to care for her mother in law in her time of need. OMG, these family dynamics are dynamite!

Nancy is certainly a chip off the old block, her father's steely determination and ruthlessness are clearly in her blood as she is quick to step up to the plate and take over his business dealings now that he is gone; her brother Daniel is hellbent on self-destruct mode and the family scenes in this book just highlight what a jaw-droppingly dysfunctional lot they are! Seriously you will be reading this with your mouth hanging open...but you best watch your heart doesn't fall out of your mouth as that's where it is going to be sitting throughout this read! It soon becomes clear that nobody is to be trusted, not even your own family!

Along with the Byrne family dynamics, The Broken brings us prostitution, drug dealing,  and murder in the streets of London reminiscent of the days of the Kray twins. A whole host of seedy and downright nasty characters are introduced in this hard-hitting, gritty and realistic picture of reality for some of those who seek the streets paved with gold. At times this is not an easy read and my stomach was churning at points in the book, this was a good thing, seriously, Casey has created a cast of characters in this book that I am emotionally invested and engaged with; I care about what happens to them (to the point that I spent the whole day worrying about one of them at one point!); I understand the thirst for revenge and I found myself cheering at times when some well-deserved revenge was meted out! I cannot find the words to say how much I love this series, these characters, the storylines and the sense of realism that Casey Kelleher has created. If you like your crime brutally raw and honest, heartwarming and heartbreaking then this one is for you!

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

To get the full benefit of this book I highly recommended that you read Casey's previous book before this one called The Betrayal as that's where it all began and this new book continues the story.

I absolutely loved this second instalment to the ongoing story about the Byrne family, found it to be highly intense and a real page turner right from the get go. Completely gripping and fast paced, it had me guessing throughout as to what would happen next and in some places I was very much on the edge of my seat in anticipation of how it would all end. There was a lot of wow moments.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Nancy develop as a character and seeing how she coped with everything that came her way and the things that she had to deal with.

There's going to be a third book, the conclusion/final story to the Byrne story, I'm already looking forward to it, so can't wait.

If you like Martina Cole then you should definitely give Casey's books ago.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having loved the first book in the series from Casey Kelleher, The Betrayed, I was excited to get my grabby hands on The Broken! I was totally wrapped up in the exploits of the Byrne family and couldn’t wait to get stuck in and find out what was going to happen next. Would Colleen finally grow that backbone? How would Joanie get by without her precious son Jimmy? Now that Nancy knew who her father’s killer was what would she do?

All my questions were answered and a few new ones were thrown in for good measure. The Byrne family have a new boss in Nancy and she takes no shiz from anyone. She is as hard and brutal as her father but wrapped in a glamourous package. Don’t let that front fool you – she is not one for getting her hands dirty but makes sure that justice is delivered and delivered with vicious results. You would not want to mess with this lady!

Her brother Danny is a different story; he would like to think he is his father’s carbon copy but he just doesn’t meet the mark. Far more willing to dabble in the dodgier side of the gangland dealings than his sister but slowly unravelling mentally which makes him a dangerous adversary. Truth is revealed and lies exposed in The Broken and they will blow your mind.

And Colleen, their poor mother who was beaten down in the first book? Well, it would appear that her and Joanie have made amends which was a surprising turn of events….yeah…saying no more but it’s the perfect story arc.

I loved this book and that can be taken as high praise as this wouldn’t normally be my genre of choice. Casey Kelleher has smashed through my misgivings and delivered another brain blowing, heart pounding book. I can’t wait for the final book in this series.

Five stars from me!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an addictive book having read betrayed then this as i really wanted to know what was going to happen.Colleen has suffered over the years with Joanie being queen bitch but i was so happy that she revenge.Daniel a mirror image of his father but unloved by his father i knew he was going to have problems with Nancy as she was adament her fathers business was going to thrive.Alfie Harris a father trying to raise his daughter Megan alone only to find out that he was too strict and it was megan who suffered.But if you want to know the whole story you need to read the book.Well worth 5*

[M T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.

This is the second in the series following the exploits of the Byrne family. Nancy was the apple of her father's eye and has been groomed by him to take over the family business. She is out for revenge after the murder of her father.

This is a violent gritty tale of gangland life. I just had trouble believing a 20 year old could gain the respect of hardened criminals. Having said that I would read the next part to see where the story heads next.

[Myreadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the covers of this series and this author's other books.

We find Nancy Byrne there she was loved by her father Jimmy but they took her because being one of the most formidable gangsters in London. When she's 20, her father's killer will do anything to find her. She'll only have to trust herself.

A second book that I loved, a captivating story, moving full of suspense and twists, eager to read the rest soon.

[Kev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant page turner. I thought losing a big character in the first book was going to harm the story going forward, but instead it took the story to another level. It’s great that there are not many nice people, but yet you find yourself still caring for some of them, even though they are guilty of something.

[~ Cariad ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!
Next please, Casey!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book. I have loved all of Casey kelleher’s books and I can honestly say I think this is her best one so far. It had me hooked from the first page and I read it in two sittings. It’s very gritty and not for the faint hearted but I would definitely recommend it

[Fiona Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sequel and book one must be read first in order to fully understand what is going on in this book. The author throws us right back into the action with a bang. This book has it all - violence, intrigue, romance and bad language. If you are easily offended this is not a book for you. But if you like your gangsters with grit, determination, and a whole lot more, then this book will provide that. The ending suggests more to come and I can’t wait.

I received a copy of this via Netgalley, many thanks to Bookouture.

[Shell Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a massive fan of Casey's writing since 2011 when Rotten to the Core was first published thanks to Katherine Everett at Best Crime Books and More for the recommendation. Since then I have read all of Casey's books and her writing has gone from strength to strength. So when I heard that The Broken was the second book in the series after The Betrayal I couldn't wait to get stuck into it. Has much as I love a standalone you can't beat a series when it comes to grit lit.

I am totally blown away this book deserves all the OMG's!!! Casey has totally nailed it with this belter of a story.The Broken is without a doubt the author's best book to date.....I freaking love it!

In this story we caught up with the Byrne family and what a twisted family they are. I wont talk about the plot to much because although this can be read has a standalone I would advise reading The Betrayal first to get a better insight to the family. The one thing I will say is that this story explores drugs and Casey has portrayed a fantastic story line and all I keep thinking was OMG.... no way that's exactly why I have never touched drugs in my whole life. But you will have to read the book yourself to understand what I am talking about.

The twists and turns in this are brilliant making it one pulse racing, hardcore read.The author has a way of making you feel right there in the story. I could feel the emotion, tension and anxiety through the descriptions which takes you on a white knuckle ride.

I seriously cannot wait to read the next book now....Did I mention the ending?! OMFG I so wasn't expecting that. I loved this book that much, I really don't know what to read next it has certainly given me a book hangover.

If you are looking for something gritty then this is the book for you...... I cannot not recommend it enough giving it 5 big fat freaking stars!

Thank you to Noelle Holton at Bookouture for Inviting me to take part in this epic tour.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Broken by Casey Kelleher

Another twisted tale set in London’s underbelly with the Byrne family dealing with the death of the “godfather-like” presence of Jimmy and what will happen once he is gone. With two children vying for power, other gangs wanting to take over, a dysfunctional family and revenge being sought it wasn’t surprising there were murders, torture, twists and turns and evil aplenty between the pages. The book ends but leaves a hook for the third book that no doubt will be written.

What I Liked:
*true to the genre: gritty, dark and wicked
*Nancy’s strength – though she has to be a bit warped to do some of the things that she did
*the twists and turns
*the weaving together and plotting of the story

What I Didn’t Like:
*who and what I was supposed to not like
*not being in the right frame of mind to do the book justice (my situation – not the book’s)
*having the book end without knowing what will happen next
*maybe…just maybe…that Nancy at twenty could be as ruthless as she was

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars