Pearl

by Gillian Godden

Empires don’t need kings. They need queens.

Freshly paroled from Holloway Prison, Pearl Armstrong returns to Soho not for nostalgia — but to reclaim the empire she built with blood, cunning and grit.

Her sons, Kristian and Daniel, have turned the Armstrong legacy into a shadow of its former self: crumbling clubs, unpaid debts and dangerous alliances. The Oyster Club, once a symbol of power and precision, teeters towards ruin — and now the vultures are circling.

In a city where loyalty is scarce and betrayal lurks in every shadow, Pearl must outthink, outfight and outlast a generation chasing flashbulbs over discipline. As old scores collide with new threats, she’ll learn the hardest lesson of all: empires aren’t inherited — they’re seized, one brutal move at a time.

And Pearl is still a queen with many more moves left to play…

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2026

About the author

Hello 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

Reviews

[Lady MacDeath 🌒🌕🌘 · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Queen of Soho’ Pearl Armstrong, is realeased on parole from prison, after enduring 5 years of a 10 year sentence. She’s looking forward to seeing her family, and reclaiming her clubs and casino empire. Having signed them over to her two sons, Kristian and Daniel, before she was sentenced, Pearl is angry to find that they have run the once thriving, popular venues into the ground. Shabby and crumbling decor, unsavoury clientele, and an abundance of debt.
Pearl vows to regain control of her Soho businesses, but not everyone, including her sons, is happy about her early release.

This is the first book in the new ‘Armstrong’ series, and is set within two timelines, one which is during WWII, in which we find out Pearl’s early life, and how she built her empire, and the other takes place in the swinging 60’s.
There is violence, betrayal, and murder involved, but this ‘Queen’ fought hard for what she has and with the help of her daughter Ruby, is not going to let the circling ‘sharks’ snatch it all away.

I absolutely loved this, and highly recommend to anyone who likes, a British gangland crime thriller, with a strong female lead.

5 ⭐️

Thanks to Gillian Godden, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.

Available: 4 July 2026

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series from the author. I really do like her books, and this one is no exception.

Pearl Armstrong has just got out of prison, released after serving her time. Her return is not as smooth as it should have been. Her two sons have been running the show, and she has a daughter who has her own responsibilities

The author has used Pearl to great effect in this story, showing her as one of an older generation of gangsters, and the sons want to show her that they know what they are doing and that she is not able to keep up in this faster-paced world she has come back to. Pearl still has it, though; she is not daft, too old to know something is going on, and she still has contacts.

This first book sets the scene, the characters and some of the background, and knowing there is more to come and more revelations, keeps the reader invested. I definitely want to know what Pearl does next.

This is a great first book in a series, ideal for fans of gangland crime thrillers and one I would definitely recommend.

[Bookstagramshaz Sharon Logue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from this author. . I always look out for her books coming out!

I couldn’t put it down. I also cannot wait, until book 2 Ruby is out.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely brilliant book by Gillian Godden. From page one I was totally hooked and engaged with this gritty and gripping gangland thriller. It begins with Pearl being released early from prison and planning to reclaim the businesses she made through grit and hard work. However her sons Kristian and Daniel have been more interested in looking good and rubbing shoulders with ‘celebrities’ meaning that the businesses are very close to collapse. With adversaries around every corner, others thinking she is no longer capable and many wanting to see her and her family suffer Pearl must use her quick wit, cunning plans and so much more to prove that she is still a queen. I absolutely devoured this and am so looking forward to the next one in this brilliant new series. I love how Gillian makes the characters so real you believe they actually exist! The storyline flows, the dynamics and the twists and turns make this a read that hooks you in

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoW!!!! . . . . .. . Pearl by Gillian Godden is the first book in a new cracking series called "The Armstrong Empire." All I can say was It was Superb and I love the way Gillian writes, especially as she has a way of drawing you into all her books and this latest one has an excellent new character called Pearl. I loved reading all about her, her 2 sons and a daughter and especially her past life and her life Now! Plus she is here to stay! Yes!!!!

Pearl Armstrong is freshly paroled from Holloway Prison, and now she returns to where she belongs in Soho but not for nostalgia, she has returned to reclaim the empire she built with blood, cunning and grit. She will so anything to get it back in her hands.

Pearl has 2 sons, Kristian and Daniel, sadly they have turned her Armstrong legacy into a shadow of its former self: Her clubs are now crumbling around them with unpaid debts and dangerous alliances. With The Oyster Club, that was once a symbol of power, glamour and precision, teeters towards ruin. Now, sadly the vultures are circling and waiting for the tight moment to ready to pouch to reclaim it as theirs!

Once was a great city and now where loyalty is scarce and betrayal lurks in every shadow you turn, Pearl must by clever and outthink, outfight and outlast a generation chasing flashbulbs over discipline. Now, she has old scores with new threats, she’ll learn the hardest lesson of all: Empires aren’t inherited — they’re seized, one brutal move at a time . . . . . .Pearl will get back what is her's and nothing will stop her . . . . . . She is still The Queen.👩🏼‍🦱

WoW, This was an excellent read and I am so looking forward to the next book within this series. The ending of this book was a big surprise and Perfect.
💕 Well Done Gillian 💕 and other 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

Freshly paroled from Holloway Prison, Pearl Armstrong returns to Soho not for nostalgia - but to reclaim the empire she built with blood, sunning and grit. Her sons, Kristian and Daniel, have turned the Armstrong legacy into a shadow of its former self: crumbling clubs, unpaid debts and dangerous alliances. The Oyster Club, once a symbol of power and precision, teeters towards ruin - and now the vultures are circling. In a city where loyalty is scarce and betrayal lurks in every shadow, Pearl must outthink, outfight and outlast a generation chasing flashbulbs over discipline. As old scores collide with new threats, she'll learn the hardest lesson of all: empires aren't inherited - they're seized, one brutal move at a time. And Pearl is still a queen with many more moves to play.

This story has a dual timeline - the past is set during WWII, and the present day is set in the 1960s. It's also the first book in the Armstrong series. I was pulled in by the end of of the first page. This is a gripping gangland crime story. Pearl is released from prison and we learn of her life and abusive upbringing. Pearl has two sons, Kristian and Daniel, and a daughter, Ruby. Once I picked the book up, I could not put the book back down again.

Published 4th July 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #GillianGodden for my ARC of #Pearl in exchange for an honest review.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dual timelines - one takes the reader back to the Second World War, to see how resourceful the eponymous Pearl was, and how she acquired her businesses. The other timeline is set in the Swinging Sixties in London.

The story begins with Pearl being released early, from a 10 year prison sentence, and in her opinion, not a moment too soon! Her sons, Kristian and Daniel, have been running her clubs / casinos in her absence, or more to the point running the businesses into the ground. They’re more interested in being photographed with celebrities, but supplying said celebrities with free drinks etc means the clubs are no longer financially successful.

Pearl is back and she intends to take back control, after the losses incurred by her celebrity obsessed sons.

However, Pearl’s homecoming isn’t the reunion she hoped for, because her enemies are circling, ready to take what she’s spent years building up - and Pearl isn’t going to give in without a fight!

A terrific start to this new gangland series. Gritty, gripping, fast paced, and very difficult to put down! Recommended.

*Many thanks to Boldwood Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review*

[Lovetoread2023 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping introduction to the Armstrong series, set in the 1960s and filled with family drama and crime.
I really enjoyed how Pearl’s memories of her early life during WWII are woven into the story. These glimpses into her past add real depth to her character and help you understand what has shaped her into the formidable woman she is. Pearl has just been released from prison after serving 5 years of a 10 year sentence. She expects to return home and pick up where she left off, but instead finds her Soho clubs in serious trouble. Her sons, Kristian and Daniel, have been trying to run the Armstrong empire, but things are quickly spiralling, and they are at the centre of its decline.
Determined to regain control of the Armstrong empire, Pearl faces resistance from her sons as well as threats from old enemies. She’s a strong and compelling character, but for me, her daughter Ruby really stood out. Underestimated by her brothers, Ruby proves she’s far more capable and shows she truly is her mother’s daughter.
This is an engaging and well written story with strong characters and plenty of drama. It sets the stage brilliantly for the rest of the series, and I’m really looking forward to the next book because if this is anything to go by, sparks will definitely be flying.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was actually my first Gillian Godden book. I am already looking forward to book 2 Ruby in this series. Can’t believe how many books there are, so I’ll be delving into another series for sure.
This book could be described loosely as a dual timeline. We are mainly based in the 60’s where family Matriarch, Pearl has been recently released from prison ( do we actually find out what ‘crime’ eventually put her behind bars??!?!) and is straight away trying to sort out the mess her sons have made perhaps her businesses in the last 5 years.
The other parts of the book tell Pearl’s back story of surviving and then thriving in WWII London with 2 babies, an absent husband and meeting the love of her life.
A great book, with two strong female characters which give us a strong lead into book 2. Enjoyed the storyline, it’s a great gangland thriller with Pearl cleaning up Soho and paving the way for Ruby.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book about crime and gangland that marks an exciting start to a new series. You are quickly drawn into the story. The main character, Pearl Armstrong, was the queen of a Soho London empire before she was sent to Holloway Prison. Now, after serving half of her sentence, she tastes freedom for the first time and is determined to reclaim her empire.

Before her incarceration, Pearl signed the business over to her sons, who have spent their time partying instead of managing it. As a result, the business is barely surviving, and there are significant debts to confront. Pearl has worked hard to restore it to its former glory, where prestigious venues once aspired to be seen. Faced with threats from all directions eager to take over her empire, she knows she must put in a lot of effort to revive it to the glitz, glamour, and grit it once had.

This story unfolds beautifully, making it an excellent holiday read that won me over right from the beginning.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gillian Godden writes a good book, always, but this start to a new series is a favourite book of the year so far for me

It is set over the past and present and starts as we meet Pearl as she is released early from prison….something only her children are expecting

The book then takes us back to Pearls beginnings and how she amassed her Empire and also now Pearl is free what has ( shockingly ) happened to it

It is an exciting really well written look at gangland family drama and while has its violence and corruption also has a tender side,both done brilliantly

A good ending leading us into Book 2 which is due in Dec

A must for all GG fans and for anyone not read any of the authors previous books and wants to try one, choose this

Outstandingly enjoyable reading time

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those great books that keeps you reading until your eyes--and brain--are begging for sleep! Pearl is released from prison and we see her roots and how she struggled to make something of her life even living in an abusive household. We see the past, the present, the mistakes she makes and witness how a woman who is determined can do anything to rise above poverty and evil!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Dan Burford · Rating 5 out of 5]

explosive when you least expect it

This book was a nice story it went from explosive high action then calm then suddenly out of nowhere bang something else happens

It was like interval sprint training

High octane, fast paced

Then calm sweet melodic

Then bang

Explosive out of nowhere

[Gillian Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best read this month

This is one of the best story lines I have read for some time,I found it hard to put down and didn't want it to end.

[Cressi Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must read

Loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I am so eager to start the next installment hence the very short review

[john · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read with lots of twists and turns,leading up to the next book which comes out in December

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Couldn't put it down. It was great from start to finish. Can't wait to get the next one and get stuck into it

[Julie Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to following this series!

[Bev Baker]

Really enjoyed.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a new series from this author, and I absolutely loved it. Meet the Armstrong family—Pearl, her sons Kristian and Daniel, and her daughter Ruby. Pearl has been in prison, leaving her two sons to run the clubs. Now the day has come for her release, and her son picks her up, but she’s not ready to face anyone until she looks her best. The boys aren’t happy about her return, as they want to keep the power for themselves. When Pearl finally confronts them at her homecoming party, she sees the mess they’ve made, with old enemies circling to claim what’s hers. She’ll have to do whatever it takes to protect herself and her family. It’s such a gripping, addictive read.

[michele walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book 1 of them where you put match sticks in ur eyes coz you want to keep reading..
Pre-ordered the follow on