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No Regret: the brand new novel from the legendary author
Pre-order the pulse-pounding new novel from queen of crime Martina Cole.
'The stuff of legend' Mirror
'The queen of crime' Woman & Home
'One of the best fiction authors around . . . spectacular' Closer
Readers love the one and only Martina
'Martina Cole is back and back with an unapologetic bang' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Well worth the wait!' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Phenomenal' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Due to health reasons, Martina Cole has chosen to continue her collaboration with writer Jacqui Rose for her latest novel.
- GenresCrime
416 pages, Hardcover
Published October 7, 2025
About the author
Martina Cole
122 books1,806 followersMartina Cole was born and brought up in Essex. She is the bestselling author of fourteen novels set in London's gangland, and her most recent three paperbacks have gone straight to No. 1 in the Sunday Times on first publication. Total sales of Martina's novels stand at over eight million copies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 8, 2025
And I too have none 😃no regrets spending the day reading this book by one of my fav authors and with Jacqui Rose, am not sure who writes which bits but as the previous books they have worked on together I loved it
Fast, furious and full of emotion this story finds us in Maggies life as she goes to the Silver Jubilee in London, the first time she has stepped foot back in the capital she had to leave 14 years ago
We then find out why she had to leave and all about Maggies life…..and what a life she had had
Its as always a uncompromising, vivid, family based drama/adventure, gangland plus and also as always it feels real, raw and flinchingly honest
Am a fan, I could read MC every day and it is always a highlight of my reading year to spend the day with her new book
Fast, furious and full of emotion this story finds us in Maggies life as she goes to the Silver Jubilee in London, the first time she has stepped foot back in the capital she had to leave 14 years ago
We then find out why she had to leave and all about Maggies life…..and what a life she had had
Its as always a uncompromising, vivid, family based drama/adventure, gangland plus and also as always it feels real, raw and flinchingly honest
Am a fan, I could read MC every day and it is always a highlight of my reading year to spend the day with her new book
November 11, 2025
I do love a gangland thriller, the more gritty the better. One of my favourite ‘go to’ author Martina Cole returns with No Regret, a powerful and uncompromising story set in the seedy underbelly of 1960s Soho. From the first page, Martina Cole’s trademark grit comes through in every page, raw and uncompromising.
The novel follows Maggie Riley, a young woman determined to survive the harsh world she’s been born into. Life has dealt her a rough hand, but Maggie’s resilience and courage make her a character you root for from the start. When she crosses paths with gangland boss Rory Sheehan, her life takes a dangerous turn. Caught between survival and desire, loyalty and revenge, Maggie finds herself navigating a world where trust is a luxury and every choice has consequences.
Maggie is a strong, believable heroine, and the setting feels authentically grim and atmospheric. The story grips from the start and doesn’t shy away from harsh realities of the crime world. That said, some side characters lack depth, and long time readers may find the plot treads familiar ground.
No Regret is exactly what I expected from Martina Cole, a fast-paced plot, unapologetically gritty, and full of tension.Fans of her previous work will feel right at home, while newcomers will find this an intense introduction to her world.
The novel follows Maggie Riley, a young woman determined to survive the harsh world she’s been born into. Life has dealt her a rough hand, but Maggie’s resilience and courage make her a character you root for from the start. When she crosses paths with gangland boss Rory Sheehan, her life takes a dangerous turn. Caught between survival and desire, loyalty and revenge, Maggie finds herself navigating a world where trust is a luxury and every choice has consequences.
Maggie is a strong, believable heroine, and the setting feels authentically grim and atmospheric. The story grips from the start and doesn’t shy away from harsh realities of the crime world. That said, some side characters lack depth, and long time readers may find the plot treads familiar ground.
No Regret is exactly what I expected from Martina Cole, a fast-paced plot, unapologetically gritty, and full of tension.Fans of her previous work will feel right at home, while newcomers will find this an intense introduction to her world.
January 20, 2026
wow she did it again what a book
October 30, 2025
I have been reading Martina Cole’s books since the early 2000s. I believe the first book I read was Maura’s Game and I was hooked!! I immediately went and read the books before that and then eagerly waited for each new one to be released.
Now, they are a highlight of my October. Always on pre-order. They remind me of my mum as she loved Martina too and some of the books you can see in the back of the picture were handed down to me.
This year’s release is No Regret and I absolutely do not regret reading this!
It contains everything I have come to expect from Martina…grit, violence, bad language, hard men and strong female characters.
The storyline gripped me from the first page and the heavy subject matters made me want to hug Maggie Riley so hard!
Heartbreaking in places and left me in tears.
Totally binge worthy!!
Now, they are a highlight of my October. Always on pre-order. They remind me of my mum as she loved Martina too and some of the books you can see in the back of the picture were handed down to me.
This year’s release is No Regret and I absolutely do not regret reading this!
It contains everything I have come to expect from Martina…grit, violence, bad language, hard men and strong female characters.
The storyline gripped me from the first page and the heavy subject matters made me want to hug Maggie Riley so hard!
Heartbreaking in places and left me in tears.
Totally binge worthy!!
December 25, 2025
Brilliant
Read in 2 nights hope there is going to be a sequel for Maggie Thomas and Rose.Thank you Martina for another page turning novel x
Read in 2 nights hope there is going to be a sequel for Maggie Thomas and Rose.Thank you Martina for another page turning novel x
August 2, 2026
3.5
The rating is given due to the book's fast pace and overall readability; I was able to get through its 400 pages in the same period it would take me to read a book half its length.
Set in early 1960s London, we meet a young teenage girl Maggie Riley, and the people who play big part in her life; her rather horrible parents, her boyfriend Thomas, and the gangster thugs who end up controlling her life, most notably gangster of the underworld; Rory Sheehan.
Maggie is a typical Cole heroine. She is somewhat feisty and assertive, but also living a life of servitude as well, finally becoming little more than a teen bride for the thuggish Rory to control and dominate. She also has a secret to hide about her pregnancy and who the real father may be.
It's a grim story and Maggie's world is one that doesn't make you yearn for the bad old days, where working class women struggling with poverty also had the fear of violence dominating their existence. It's so common they're quite accepting their lot in life; it's just (to them) one of those things.
As in other Cole books, there are only a few likeable or sympathetic characters. They're there but are small in number. The majority of characters have no redeeming features at all, they're thuggish, brutal, treat women horribly and inflict injuries on rival gangsters without any qualms and seemingly get away with it all. Having bent cops on the payroll helps, of course.
Overall, a fast-moving read. The chapters are all short, and their cliffhanger endings prompt you to keep reading on and on. Which I did. But while I enjoyed reading the book, I noticed (not for the first time) that Cole's books seem to have a sameness about them, the same kind of characters, settings, and plots. Only names and occasionally eras change. The book's epilogue wasn't to be believed; credibility was thrown out the window in an effort to provide a (reasonably) happy ending.
But after all the crap Maggie was put through, a reader can only wish the very best for her. That all will turn out right in the end. So maybe the conclusion wasn't too unsatisfactory after all.
The rating is given due to the book's fast pace and overall readability; I was able to get through its 400 pages in the same period it would take me to read a book half its length.
Set in early 1960s London, we meet a young teenage girl Maggie Riley, and the people who play big part in her life; her rather horrible parents, her boyfriend Thomas, and the gangster thugs who end up controlling her life, most notably gangster of the underworld; Rory Sheehan.
Maggie is a typical Cole heroine. She is somewhat feisty and assertive, but also living a life of servitude as well, finally becoming little more than a teen bride for the thuggish Rory to control and dominate. She also has a secret to hide about her pregnancy and who the real father may be.
It's a grim story and Maggie's world is one that doesn't make you yearn for the bad old days, where working class women struggling with poverty also had the fear of violence dominating their existence. It's so common they're quite accepting their lot in life; it's just (to them) one of those things.
As in other Cole books, there are only a few likeable or sympathetic characters. They're there but are small in number. The majority of characters have no redeeming features at all, they're thuggish, brutal, treat women horribly and inflict injuries on rival gangsters without any qualms and seemingly get away with it all. Having bent cops on the payroll helps, of course.
Overall, a fast-moving read. The chapters are all short, and their cliffhanger endings prompt you to keep reading on and on. Which I did. But while I enjoyed reading the book, I noticed (not for the first time) that Cole's books seem to have a sameness about them, the same kind of characters, settings, and plots. Only names and occasionally eras change. The book's epilogue wasn't to be believed; credibility was thrown out the window in an effort to provide a (reasonably) happy ending.
But after all the crap Maggie was put through, a reader can only wish the very best for her. That all will turn out right in the end. So maybe the conclusion wasn't too unsatisfactory after all.
October 21, 2025
No Regret is the latest thriller from the new writing partnership of Martina Cole and Jacqui Rose, published in October 2025. This is an addictive read of a strong woman in the face of abusive men and the attitudes of the 1960s.
Maggie Riley has no future she is 16 and works a long side her mother in a laundry while running to give money to her father so he can go drinking. Her father uses Maggie and her mother as a punch bag and regularly abuses both.
The only person she has ever been close too is Thomas who happens to be black, which in the 1960s would be hard enough, but to have a white, Irish, girlfriend would have meant his death. Thomas gets beaten up in front of Maggie for being black, and this will bring him into the orbit of Rory Sheehan.
The local villain, Rory Sheehan, has decided no matter what, he is going to make Maggie Riley his wife and his property. He does not really care what anyone, including, Maggie thinks or say. Maggie tries to resist at first but then finds out she is pregnant. An old sage tells her that Rory might be her best bet for her pregnant child.
When Rose is born, Maggie realises that she is going to have to do a runner because when Rory sees her, he will kill her. Maggie goes out on the lamb, but Rory hunts her down and batters her black and blue. Maggie swears revenge and she knows what she must do, but does she have the strength to do it. Especially when Rory is using Rose to taunt Maggie.
This is an addictive read from the Queen of Crime, and a reminder of that where women are concerned, we have not really moved forward since the 60s or 70s.
Maggie Riley has no future she is 16 and works a long side her mother in a laundry while running to give money to her father so he can go drinking. Her father uses Maggie and her mother as a punch bag and regularly abuses both.
The only person she has ever been close too is Thomas who happens to be black, which in the 1960s would be hard enough, but to have a white, Irish, girlfriend would have meant his death. Thomas gets beaten up in front of Maggie for being black, and this will bring him into the orbit of Rory Sheehan.
The local villain, Rory Sheehan, has decided no matter what, he is going to make Maggie Riley his wife and his property. He does not really care what anyone, including, Maggie thinks or say. Maggie tries to resist at first but then finds out she is pregnant. An old sage tells her that Rory might be her best bet for her pregnant child.
When Rose is born, Maggie realises that she is going to have to do a runner because when Rory sees her, he will kill her. Maggie goes out on the lamb, but Rory hunts her down and batters her black and blue. Maggie swears revenge and she knows what she must do, but does she have the strength to do it. Especially when Rory is using Rose to taunt Maggie.
This is an addictive read from the Queen of Crime, and a reminder of that where women are concerned, we have not really moved forward since the 60s or 70s.
June 28, 2026
Time taken to read - 3 days
Pages - 404
Publisher - Headline
Source from Goodreads
Soho 1962.
When Rory Sheehan decides he wants Maggie Riley as his own, her fate is sealed.
Luca Romano knows all too well that what Rory wants, Rory gets. And the violence that erupts between their rival gangs is just the start of it.
Thomas Johnson owes Rory big time, and he must deny his feelings for Maggie to protect her. Faced with no alternative, Maggie throws herself on Rory's mercy, unaware of the brutality that she will face.
But Maggie Riley is a survivor. And the secret she's hiding could be her best weapon . . .
My Review
Oooft talk about dark! This is the third I think I have read of these two authors together. Maggie has it rough, her mother is a cold fish, her father is a drunk and abusive, her friendship with Thomas faces resistance because racism is high where they are. It is also set in the 1960s in England so it is brutal both in its attitudes to anyone not white English male. When Maggie attracts the eye of not just one but two very bad men she is essentially jumping from the frying pan and into the fire.
You know Cole's books always feature bad people, bad actions, the worst of humanity, drugs, selling people, murder, racism, abuse, sa, dv, ca, violence, drug addiction, prostitution honestly it is dark dark stuff and hardly a redeeming person in the whole thing.
Actions, consequences, death, betrayal, murder, you name it it is in it. Short chapters which we love, page turning because you want to see where it is going and if we are going to get retribution. 3.5/5 stars for me this time, I need a genre switch and something lighter because dear lord this was a dark yin, prepare yourselves!
Pages - 404
Publisher - Headline
Source from Goodreads
Soho 1962.
When Rory Sheehan decides he wants Maggie Riley as his own, her fate is sealed.
Luca Romano knows all too well that what Rory wants, Rory gets. And the violence that erupts between their rival gangs is just the start of it.
Thomas Johnson owes Rory big time, and he must deny his feelings for Maggie to protect her. Faced with no alternative, Maggie throws herself on Rory's mercy, unaware of the brutality that she will face.
But Maggie Riley is a survivor. And the secret she's hiding could be her best weapon . . .
My Review
Oooft talk about dark! This is the third I think I have read of these two authors together. Maggie has it rough, her mother is a cold fish, her father is a drunk and abusive, her friendship with Thomas faces resistance because racism is high where they are. It is also set in the 1960s in England so it is brutal both in its attitudes to anyone not white English male. When Maggie attracts the eye of not just one but two very bad men she is essentially jumping from the frying pan and into the fire.
You know Cole's books always feature bad people, bad actions, the worst of humanity, drugs, selling people, murder, racism, abuse, sa, dv, ca, violence, drug addiction, prostitution honestly it is dark dark stuff and hardly a redeeming person in the whole thing.
Actions, consequences, death, betrayal, murder, you name it it is in it. Short chapters which we love, page turning because you want to see where it is going and if we are going to get retribution. 3.5/5 stars for me this time, I need a genre switch and something lighter because dear lord this was a dark yin, prepare yourselves!
October 24, 2025
I always look forward to reading books by Martina Cole. All her books are based around gangland crime and I think it is nice that she does refer to real life gangsters such as The Krays.
If you love having a strong female character in books then you will enjoy reading this authors books.
There are themes of sexual abuse, domestic violence, race and drug addiction.
In the beginning Maggie’s life had been full of hardship and abuse. Her only light had been Thomas until he is snatched away from her.
But
Her life changes when she meets Rory. Her instincts tell her one thing and she ignores it until it is too late.
Rory is obsessed with her
Rory will kill for her
Rory will not let her go
Soon
Maggie is seen with bruises. She has a plan but will it work out in her favour?
Read and find out.
Highly recommend.
If you love having a strong female character in books then you will enjoy reading this authors books.
There are themes of sexual abuse, domestic violence, race and drug addiction.
In the beginning Maggie’s life had been full of hardship and abuse. Her only light had been Thomas until he is snatched away from her.
But
Her life changes when she meets Rory. Her instincts tell her one thing and she ignores it until it is too late.
Rory is obsessed with her
Rory will kill for her
Rory will not let her go
Soon
Maggie is seen with bruises. She has a plan but will it work out in her favour?
Read and find out.
Highly recommend.
January 20, 2026
I really enjoyed No Regret by Martina Cole. It was my first experience with Martina's writing, and even though I found it a slow burn to start with, once I was a good third of the way through, I couldn't put it down.
I found myself talking to Maggie as the story went on. Very much trying to tell her what she needed to do. I was spurring her on and trying to guide her on what to do for her safety. I really felt like I was Maggie's friend, listening to what was happening in her life and giving her the advice she needed.
The way Martina writes truly pulls you into the story and gives you the sense that you are living through all the twists and turns.
Brilliantly gripping story, and utterly captivating style of writing!
I found myself talking to Maggie as the story went on. Very much trying to tell her what she needed to do. I was spurring her on and trying to guide her on what to do for her safety. I really felt like I was Maggie's friend, listening to what was happening in her life and giving her the advice she needed.
The way Martina writes truly pulls you into the story and gives you the sense that you are living through all the twists and turns.
Brilliantly gripping story, and utterly captivating style of writing!
July 7, 2026
A brilliantly fast paced story, recounting the early years of Maggie Riley's life. Born the only child of unloving and uncaring staunch Roman Catholic parents, Maggie never knows love and a carefree childhood. Used and abused, she believes that marriage to local gangster Rory Sheehan will give her the life she craves. Too soon, Maggie realises her mistake, by which time she's trapped and frightened. Walk alongside Maggie as she struggles to move on.
A fantastic book, that catalogues the difficulties for women in the sixties, especially for those who dared to love, and be loved by, a black man, and have a child with him. See how Maggie copes with all the violence and prejudice in her life, and how she overcomes it all.
A fantastic book, that catalogues the difficulties for women in the sixties, especially for those who dared to love, and be loved by, a black man, and have a child with him. See how Maggie copes with all the violence and prejudice in her life, and how she overcomes it all.
July 15, 2026
For me the best so far of Martina Cole, a writer in depth of the harsh crime and world of female disrespect, a hidden story of Oh England my Lionheart.
With a compelling plot and integrated cross plots, this is a story of a young girl Maggie's commitment to survival and protection of these dear to her. Her love for her daughter Rose and Rose's father Thomas is a gift to the end. The evil that raged in London must never be forgotten. But for those who fought it at great price certainly have No Regret. A brave reading. Have a hankey handy at the end
With a compelling plot and integrated cross plots, this is a story of a young girl Maggie's commitment to survival and protection of these dear to her. Her love for her daughter Rose and Rose's father Thomas is a gift to the end. The evil that raged in London must never be forgotten. But for those who fought it at great price certainly have No Regret. A brave reading. Have a hankey handy at the end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2025
I really don’t see the point of the prologue - all it achieves is letting you know the central character survives, eliminating a possible thread of suspense.
And it’s unclear if the “revelation” at the halfway point is intended as a twist, given that it was entirely predictable from very early on.
But it’s well written and keeps a reasonable level of intensity up to the last few saccharine pages.
Maybe 2.5 stars really.
And it’s unclear if the “revelation” at the halfway point is intended as a twist, given that it was entirely predictable from very early on.
But it’s well written and keeps a reasonable level of intensity up to the last few saccharine pages.
Maybe 2.5 stars really.
July 18, 2026
Another very good high momentum and gritty thriller off the pens of Martina and Jacqui.
The story, set in 1960s London, is about a young girl called Maggie who wants to escape her dysfunctional family and becomes caught up in the menace and violence of the London criminal underworld.
Some of the violence and debauchery is a bit too explicit at times but it is a very good well thought out story.
4 stars.
Stay well Martina xx
The story, set in 1960s London, is about a young girl called Maggie who wants to escape her dysfunctional family and becomes caught up in the menace and violence of the London criminal underworld.
Some of the violence and debauchery is a bit too explicit at times but it is a very good well thought out story.
4 stars.
Stay well Martina xx
May 3, 2026
I loved this book so much! So many emotions, most of them upsetting. I love the way Martina Cole writes, her short chapters keep you intrigued throughout. Just when you think Maggie can’t possibly go through anything else… bam! Absolutely loved the ending also, I adore when everything is put right in a world of chaos!
February 8, 2026
Brilliant read
I have all the Martina Cole books and can not wait for her next book to come out ,
I highly recommend No Regrets a great read , great story line , Five 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and 10/10
I have all the Martina Cole books and can not wait for her next book to come out ,
I highly recommend No Regrets a great read , great story line , Five 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and 10/10
February 18, 2026
Simply love this author, have for a long time, I know when I get the book, I know it’s going to be good!
It’s gritty, bloody, couldn’t put it down. Poor Maggie, you are drawn into her world, her life, the hardship and danger.
Classic Martina Cole, can’t wait for her next book!
Bloody brilliant!
It’s gritty, bloody, couldn’t put it down. Poor Maggie, you are drawn into her world, her life, the hardship and danger.
Classic Martina Cole, can’t wait for her next book!
Bloody brilliant!
July 15, 2026
I was completely hooked by this gripping crime story. The characters, the tension, and the emotional twists kept me turning the pages. Martina Cole delivers a powerful tale of loyalty, survival, and revenge that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
July 18, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This is my first book by Martina Cole and it did not disappoint! I did guess a couple of the twists but I did not see that ending coming at all!! A gripping Irish/ Italian mafia style book that I could not put down!!
Maggie Riley, what a woman! The true hero of the book!
This is my first book by Martina Cole and it did not disappoint! I did guess a couple of the twists but I did not see that ending coming at all!! A gripping Irish/ Italian mafia style book that I could not put down!!
Maggie Riley, what a woman! The true hero of the book!
July 22, 2026
5 stars as always
I find it hard to review the works of Martina Cole. The books are always without fail exciting to read, entertaining, blood thirsty with a bit of nookie generally thrown in for good measure, but although the theme is unwavering, they never get boring.
I find it hard to review the works of Martina Cole. The books are always without fail exciting to read, entertaining, blood thirsty with a bit of nookie generally thrown in for good measure, but although the theme is unwavering, they never get boring.
October 17, 2025
Martina and Jacqui's past two books were as fantastic as Martina's earlier work. I did not enjoy this one and the writing was very choppy and repetitive in parts.
October 19, 2025
I do enjoy a good gangland crime.
October 20, 2025
no regret
Slow going.
Doesn’t feel like I’m reading martina Cole !
It’s not her style of writing, I struggled to finish the book.
Slow going.
Doesn’t feel like I’m reading martina Cole !
It’s not her style of writing, I struggled to finish the book.
October 24, 2025
As good as usual
October 27, 2025
My two favorite gangland crime writers nail it again!
Pulse ponding, rip roaring, bad boy east end October fall vibes! Guns, sex, violence and strong women this book has it all!
Brilliant!
Pulse ponding, rip roaring, bad boy east end October fall vibes! Guns, sex, violence and strong women this book has it all!
Brilliant!
Read
October 31, 2025Fantastic book couldn't put it down
November 3, 2025
Another brilliant book from Martina Cole and Jacqui Rose. I couldn't put it down.
November 20, 2025
Always brilliant books by MC
December 11, 2025
Brilliant read as always.
January 6, 2026
all time fav author ... read every single book she's wrote and this latest did not disappoint.
gripping crime thriller that had me hooked
gripping crime thriller that had me hooked
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews