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The Don: A BRAND NEW gritty, edge-of-your-seat gangland thriller from Gillian Godden
A BRAND NEW gripping gangland thriller from BESTSELLER Gillian Godden. The Lambrianus are back 💎 and this could be their final showdown...💥 Every crown is paid for in blood... 👑
It’s the final showdown for the Lambrianu family, but will bad boy Adam reclaim his birthright or will the family face their downfall once and for all?
Once dismissed as the family’s spoiled playboy, Adam Lambrianu is done being underestimated. He’s ready to prove he’s no pretender. He’s the heir. The boss. The Don.
But in the world of the Lambrianus, loyalty is fragile and betrayal is inevitable.
To reclaim the empire, Adam must show the underworld he’s as ruthless as the man who raised him. Every alliance will be tested. Every weakness will be punished. And when the streets run red, only one truth remains—power isn’t given. It’s taken.
Is this the end for the Lambrianu empire, or will they live to fight just one more day? Read on to find out! 👀
Praise for Gillian
'A gritty powerful story. A must read for fans of gangland crime' Bestselling author Kerry Kaya
'The characters were so real I'm still looking over my shoulder!' Bestselling author Owen Mullen
'Exciting, breathtaking and absolutely fantastic' ★★★★★ Reader Review
'If you are looking for a great gangland, family drama series these books are for you!' ★★★★★ Reader Review
'A fast and rivetting book that will keep you burning the midnight oil!! Highly recommended' ★★★★★ Reader Review
It’s the final showdown for the Lambrianu family, but will bad boy Adam reclaim his birthright or will the family face their downfall once and for all?
Once dismissed as the family’s spoiled playboy, Adam Lambrianu is done being underestimated. He’s ready to prove he’s no pretender. He’s the heir. The boss. The Don.
But in the world of the Lambrianus, loyalty is fragile and betrayal is inevitable.
To reclaim the empire, Adam must show the underworld he’s as ruthless as the man who raised him. Every alliance will be tested. Every weakness will be punished. And when the streets run red, only one truth remains—power isn’t given. It’s taken.
Is this the end for the Lambrianu empire, or will they live to fight just one more day? Read on to find out! 👀
Praise for Gillian
'A gritty powerful story. A must read for fans of gangland crime' Bestselling author Kerry Kaya
'The characters were so real I'm still looking over my shoulder!' Bestselling author Owen Mullen
'Exciting, breathtaking and absolutely fantastic' ★★★★★ Reader Review
'If you are looking for a great gangland, family drama series these books are for you!' ★★★★★ Reader Review
'A fast and rivetting book that will keep you burning the midnight oil!! Highly recommended' ★★★★★ Reader Review
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
80 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Godden
24 books98 followersHello fellow readers. My name is Gillian Godden and i write Gangland crime books. currently published by Boldwood Publishers. i have written many different series on the subject, so if this is your genre please check them out. originally born in London, i now live in Yorkshire. i also work for the NHS.
When I come home I like to wind down and writing is my escape from the mental stresses of my day. My job is not a 9 to 5 job and I work to support my patients when they need me so my days can be long. i enjoy hearing from and meeting readers of my books. just knowing someone out there is reading my books is a bonus ;}
Take a look at my websites and hopefully join my author page for updates on forth coming books.
amazon.com/author/gilliangodden
When I come home I like to wind down and writing is my escape from the mental stresses of my day. My job is not a 9 to 5 job and I work to support my patients when they need me so my days can be long. i enjoy hearing from and meeting readers of my books. just knowing someone out there is reading my books is a bonus ;}
Take a look at my websites and hopefully join my author page for updates on forth coming books.
amazon.com/author/gilliangodden
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 25, 2025
This is the 6th book in the Lambrianus series, and it is an absolute belter. The story is set in the UK and Italy, although they are linked, not everyone knows what is really going on behind the scenes.
Adam Lambrianu is a businessman with his sister, Scarlet. He was in line to inherit the title of Don, but was beaten to it by the conniving nephew, Chris. He l0rds his title and demands respect, but it is obvious he is not as well-liked as his predecessor was.
In the UK, Adam and the rest of the family are continuing life as normal, well as normal as it can be for a family that is legitimate but also has a presence in the gangland world. The family here are pulling together, and Julie Gold has a great part to play, bringing her no-nonsense but conniving style to the front and then parading it as only she can!
There is a lot going on in this book, and while it is quite difficult to explain all that happened in it, the author keeps it clear and concise, cleverly keeping all the threads and subplots in order until she is finally able to pull them together for the finale. And what a finale that was, dramatic and dangerous to say the least.
The Lambrianus are a family that are not to be trifled with, and this book definitely shows them at their best, all on the same page and working together for an end goal. This has been a fabulous series, and I have missed the odd book, but still managed to keep track of past events.
This is a series that is best read in order as the author brings so many different characters, relationships, dynamics and stories together. This creates a family that has far-reaching interests, has developed over time and shows how they have grown.
Fabulous book and series that is a must-read for all gangland crime, thriller fans, and one I would definitely recommend.
Adam Lambrianu is a businessman with his sister, Scarlet. He was in line to inherit the title of Don, but was beaten to it by the conniving nephew, Chris. He l0rds his title and demands respect, but it is obvious he is not as well-liked as his predecessor was.
In the UK, Adam and the rest of the family are continuing life as normal, well as normal as it can be for a family that is legitimate but also has a presence in the gangland world. The family here are pulling together, and Julie Gold has a great part to play, bringing her no-nonsense but conniving style to the front and then parading it as only she can!
There is a lot going on in this book, and while it is quite difficult to explain all that happened in it, the author keeps it clear and concise, cleverly keeping all the threads and subplots in order until she is finally able to pull them together for the finale. And what a finale that was, dramatic and dangerous to say the least.
The Lambrianus are a family that are not to be trifled with, and this book definitely shows them at their best, all on the same page and working together for an end goal. This has been a fabulous series, and I have missed the odd book, but still managed to keep track of past events.
This is a series that is best read in order as the author brings so many different characters, relationships, dynamics and stories together. This creates a family that has far-reaching interests, has developed over time and shows how they have grown.
Fabulous book and series that is a must-read for all gangland crime, thriller fans, and one I would definitely recommend.
November 14, 2025
Thanks to Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a good book with interesting characters and plot, but I struggled to get through his book even though I love the genre. I noticed from the beginning that there was a lot of telling instead of showing meaning I couldn't get immersed in the story and the setting on a number of occasions. This also combined with long info dump about facts I didn't really need to know made me put my phone down many times and do something else. Chapters are quite long. I also had no idea that this book was book six in a series and may be why I had a few issues with this. One of which was the nicknames, especially Knuckles. I also liked the characters. I don't see chapters that are named a lot in fiction, particularly in this kind of fiction and the names match the chapters very well; Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Warm Welcome, A Good Alibi. This a a good book that I would still recommend to people who enjoy the works of Heather Burnside and Heather Atkinson.
This is a good book with interesting characters and plot, but I struggled to get through his book even though I love the genre. I noticed from the beginning that there was a lot of telling instead of showing meaning I couldn't get immersed in the story and the setting on a number of occasions. This also combined with long info dump about facts I didn't really need to know made me put my phone down many times and do something else. Chapters are quite long. I also had no idea that this book was book six in a series and may be why I had a few issues with this. One of which was the nicknames, especially Knuckles. I also liked the characters. I don't see chapters that are named a lot in fiction, particularly in this kind of fiction and the names match the chapters very well; Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Warm Welcome, A Good Alibi. This a a good book that I would still recommend to people who enjoy the works of Heather Burnside and Heather Atkinson.
November 26, 2025
Book 6 of the series featuring The Lambrianu crime family. I haven’t read the previous books but found it easy to pick up the story. The family are based in London even though their roots are in Italy. Well written fast paced read with an exciting plotline.
Briefly, Adam, the rightful heir to the deceased Don, has been usurped by the devious Chris who has taken over all the assets of the family in Italy. The London based family are still thriving but a climax to the feud between Adam and Chris is slowly but surely coming. Meanwhile there are local matters to be dealt with (brutally and bloodily) and an old acquaintance makes her way back into Adam’s life.
In a devious and violent plot, the climax of which takes place in Italy, this is a dark and dangerous gangland thriller. Not my normal genre but it was a gripping read. I expected to dislike the characters but I genuinely found myself quite liking and evening loving some of them…but obviously not all as there are some pretty nasty ones too! An entertaining read.
Briefly, Adam, the rightful heir to the deceased Don, has been usurped by the devious Chris who has taken over all the assets of the family in Italy. The London based family are still thriving but a climax to the feud between Adam and Chris is slowly but surely coming. Meanwhile there are local matters to be dealt with (brutally and bloodily) and an old acquaintance makes her way back into Adam’s life.
In a devious and violent plot, the climax of which takes place in Italy, this is a dark and dangerous gangland thriller. Not my normal genre but it was a gripping read. I expected to dislike the characters but I genuinely found myself quite liking and evening loving some of them…but obviously not all as there are some pretty nasty ones too! An entertaining read.
November 24, 2025
It's the final showdown for the Lanbrianu family, but will bad boy Adam reclaim his birthright or will the family face their downfall once and for all? Once dismissed as the family's spoiled playboy, Adam Labbrianu is done being underestimated. He's ready to prove he's no pretender. He's the heir. The Boss. The Don. But in the world of the Lambrianu's, loyalty is fragile and betrayal is inevitable.
This is the sixth and final book in this series. This is an addictive read, probably more so with this being the last in the series, I was desperate to see how it was going to end. I was not disappointed even though there was a touch of sadness to the story. The characters are all strong and well-developed. All the loose ends have been neatly tied up.
Published 2nd December 2025.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #GillianGodden for my ARC of #TheDon in exchange for an honest review.
This is the sixth and final book in this series. This is an addictive read, probably more so with this being the last in the series, I was desperate to see how it was going to end. I was not disappointed even though there was a touch of sadness to the story. The characters are all strong and well-developed. All the loose ends have been neatly tied up.
Published 2nd December 2025.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #GillianGodden for my ARC of #TheDon in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2025
The Don is another cracking addition to the Lambrianus family series — such an addictive gangland thriller that I couldn’t put it down! The characters are brilliant as always, each with their own strong personalities, and even the bad boys are hard not to love. Julie has been a real standout throughout the whole series — she’s strong, loyal, and just gets better with every book. There are some dark moments in this one, but they’re completely necessary and add so much depth to the story. I’ve really enjoyed watching the characters grow and come together through all the chaos. You can feel how much passion Gillian has for this family — it honestly shines through every page.
This book ties up a lot of loose ends really well, but I’m seriously hoping it’s not the end for the Lambrianus clan. Another brilliant, emotional, and unputdownable read!
This book ties up a lot of loose ends really well, but I’m seriously hoping it’s not the end for the Lambrianus clan. Another brilliant, emotional, and unputdownable read!
December 30, 2025
The final installment of the Lambrianu crime family saga is nothing short of spectacular. This captivating story showcases the Lambrianu family at the height of their power, reigning supreme. However, there is one significant problem: Chris has cunningly positioned himself to oust the rightful Don, Adam, from his leadership role, which he should rightfully hold.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series; it has kept me engaged from the very first page to the last. What a rollercoaster ride it has been! Gillian Godden is a talented writer who crafts amazing stories. This series is a must-read for any crime fiction fans out there.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series; it has kept me engaged from the very first page to the last. What a rollercoaster ride it has been! Gillian Godden is a talented writer who crafts amazing stories. This series is a must-read for any crime fiction fans out there.
October 25, 2025
I had read a couple of the earlier books in this series and while this can be read as a standalone and a little of the back story is revealed briefly, there are obviously a lot of newer characters that the reader would have had to have read the later bookls to find out their part in the storyline I guess this is probably the final of this series. It waa predictable in places and only really picked up towards the end, a good effort but not the book for me
November 20, 2025
This is the final book in the gangland series featuring The Lambrainus family and what a read it is. Filled with the usual quirky characters and tense plotting, it's a worthy conclusion to the series. It's a very addictive series and one I can recommend to lovers of the genre. Beware if you dislike rats though! I look forward to reading the next book from the author who never disappoints. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
December 24, 2025
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A BRAND NEW gripping gangland thriller from BESTSELLER Gillian Godden. The Lambrianus are back 💎 and this could be their final showdown...💥
Every crown is paid for in blood... 👑
Absolutely love this author and I know when it’s going to be a non put down
A BRAND NEW gripping gangland thriller from BESTSELLER Gillian Godden. The Lambrianus are back 💎 and this could be their final showdown...💥
Every crown is paid for in blood... 👑
Absolutely love this author and I know when it’s going to be a non put down
December 14, 2025
Page turner
A brilliant read couldn't wait to turn each page. Best series ending I have read in a long while 🤗
A brilliant read couldn't wait to turn each page. Best series ending I have read in a long while 🤗
December 8, 2025
Gritty! In this suspenseful gangland drama, you never know who you can really trust. Loyalty runs deep, but when it comes to power, it's winner take all- by any means necessary. The characters feel so real! I keep side-eyeing strangers because now they all just seem...suspicious!
If you enjoy gangland crime and family drama, grab this one right away.
If you enjoy gangland crime and family drama, grab this one right away.
December 5, 2025
The 6th and final book in the Lambrainus gangland saga and the author has pulled out all the stops to make this an explosive finale the reader wont forget
We are back with all the characters we have grown to love ( and some not ) and with Chris assuming the role of Head Don in Italy the family are furious the rightful owner of the title,Adam,is unable to claim it……but plans are afoot to change this but they have to be careful at every step and plan it meticulously
Julie Gold is back and in ‘full on’ mode in the book and nothing and no one is going to get in the way of her plans
I have to say not since James Herberts writing have I been so aware of how scary rats are…you have been warned
It is a fantastic end to this wonderful series and the writing is as good as in Book 1,the author captures the gangland world and what they do and are prepared to do brilliantly,I will miss the family and all they got up to but look forward to the authors next book
We are back with all the characters we have grown to love ( and some not ) and with Chris assuming the role of Head Don in Italy the family are furious the rightful owner of the title,Adam,is unable to claim it……but plans are afoot to change this but they have to be careful at every step and plan it meticulously
Julie Gold is back and in ‘full on’ mode in the book and nothing and no one is going to get in the way of her plans
I have to say not since James Herberts writing have I been so aware of how scary rats are…you have been warned
It is a fantastic end to this wonderful series and the writing is as good as in Book 1,the author captures the gangland world and what they do and are prepared to do brilliantly,I will miss the family and all they got up to but look forward to the authors next book
December 1, 2025
What an absolutely brilliant final instalment in what has been a great series. Adam Lambrianu is out to prove that he has exactly what it takes to be head of the family, the Don. However there are those who don’t trust him, those who can’t be trusted and a certain family member who need to dealt with. Each of the characters are so well described that you can really imagine them as real people. How they interact, the thread that runs through the family that connects them and how they value each other is , in my opinion, extremely well written. One thing that I think that Gillian does really well is how although there are some quite gruesome moments she also leaves some to your imagination. Gritty, engaging, twists, turns and a real page turner this is a must read series if you like a good gangland story
November 2, 2025
This is the final book in the series, and what an incredible conclusion! Adam Lambrianu remains the playboy with a ruthless edge. Scarlet is marrying Knuckles, Julie is determined to help Katie and get rid of Chris because Adam deserves to be the rightful Don. Scarlet gives Adam a Pa, and Poppy won't take any nonsense as she stands up to Adam. I won't spoil anything, but it's an amazing read that will make you laugh and cry. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews