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The Stretch: The explosive new novel from the iconic queen of crime, back writing solo and at the top of her game
'THE STUFF OF LEGEND'
MIRROR
'THE QUEEN OF CRIME' WOMAN & HOME
'SHE'S A TOTAL ONE-OFF' GUARDIAN
'THERE REALLY IS ONLY ONE MARTINA COLE' CLOSER
THE ICONIC QUEEN OF CRIME RETURNS . . .
Don't miss the brand-new, explosive novel from the one and only Martina Cole, back writing solo and at the top of her game.
Doing time runs in the family . . .
Johnny Raglan's been sent down for life, and to him it's just another adventure.
His mother Dolly has been through it all before, so she knows the score. And she takes it upon herself to show Johnny's wife Janey what it takes to survive.
But Dolly can't control her other son Jimmy. He has taken over the family business, but when rumours start to spread that he isn't to be trusted all hell breaks loose.
For if there's one thing the Raglans won't tolerate, it's disloyalty...
'THE QUEEN OF CRIME' WOMAN & HOME
'SHE'S A TOTAL ONE-OFF' GUARDIAN
'THERE REALLY IS ONLY ONE MARTINA COLE' CLOSER
THE ICONIC QUEEN OF CRIME RETURNS . . .
Don't miss the brand-new, explosive novel from the one and only Martina Cole, back writing solo and at the top of her game.
Doing time runs in the family . . .
Johnny Raglan's been sent down for life, and to him it's just another adventure.
His mother Dolly has been through it all before, so she knows the score. And she takes it upon herself to show Johnny's wife Janey what it takes to survive.
But Dolly can't control her other son Jimmy. He has taken over the family business, but when rumours start to spread that he isn't to be trusted all hell breaks loose.
For if there's one thing the Raglans won't tolerate, it's disloyalty...
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2026
About the author
Martina Cole
86 books1,830 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 9, 2026
How good is it to have a Martina Cole hardback in your hands and know the first Queen of Gangland is back and raring to go
Got to say a very touching, small but poignant message from the author at the beginning
And then we are racing, full on into the world of the Raglans where we go back to 1976 and follow the families ups and many downs right through to the almost present
Everything you would expect and want from a MC novel is here, the harsh realities of gangland life, ‘Dolly’ the matriarch Mum/Nan, the wayward sons and grandsons and ‘Faces’ aplenty
All done with a background of prison life as various members end up in jail doing a stretch
It is bitingly real as always but occasionally a maybe softer side appeared throughout and a distinct lack of trademark sayings although a few did appear
Wonderful stuff from the lady who brought us gangland and for me rekindled my love of reading
Martina Cole is a legend and her writing and stories ‘in the blood’
Perfect
Got to say a very touching, small but poignant message from the author at the beginning
And then we are racing, full on into the world of the Raglans where we go back to 1976 and follow the families ups and many downs right through to the almost present
Everything you would expect and want from a MC novel is here, the harsh realities of gangland life, ‘Dolly’ the matriarch Mum/Nan, the wayward sons and grandsons and ‘Faces’ aplenty
All done with a background of prison life as various members end up in jail doing a stretch
It is bitingly real as always but occasionally a maybe softer side appeared throughout and a distinct lack of trademark sayings although a few did appear
Wonderful stuff from the lady who brought us gangland and for me rekindled my love of reading
Martina Cole is a legend and her writing and stories ‘in the blood’
Perfect
Review of advance copy
Britain’s queen of crime returns with The Stretch, which is yet another masterpiece of writing, who has got under the skin of the criminal family. It is a gripping and enjoyable read and this book is just begging for a second volume as it leaves you wanting more.
Johnny Raglan has just been sent down for the murder of Danny Carver in full view of many innocent witnesses. Johnny is not the first Raglan to do his time in the big house; his father had been in Parkhurst before being killed in another prison. His mother, Dolly would support his Janey at this time and the boys. His brother Jimmy would take care of the family business while he is doing his stretch.
While he is inside his brother’s swagger grows knowing everybody now dances his tune, though he is supposed to be acting on his brother’s orders. But Jimmy does not care for his brother and goes on to prove it. But Jimmy will be sorted out by an unlikely source.
Johnny’s sons JB and Mikey are running the show now, JB with all the swagger and as the eldest up front while Mikey does the books. Things happen around JB that should never happen in a crime family, and it is always left for others to sort out. While Janey spends most of her time with Dolly who is her strength and advisor. Mikey soon proves his metal in the family when things happen and even his father is surprised.
Johnny remains inside throughout the book, and we see some of the life a prisoner has to put up while banged up. But Johnny knows if you can’t do the time, then don’t do the crime. He and Janey hit the brick wall once Dolly has died and becomes clear who was the glue in the family. But it would be great to know what happens next.
A great read.
Johnny Raglan has just been sent down for the murder of Danny Carver in full view of many innocent witnesses. Johnny is not the first Raglan to do his time in the big house; his father had been in Parkhurst before being killed in another prison. His mother, Dolly would support his Janey at this time and the boys. His brother Jimmy would take care of the family business while he is doing his stretch.
While he is inside his brother’s swagger grows knowing everybody now dances his tune, though he is supposed to be acting on his brother’s orders. But Jimmy does not care for his brother and goes on to prove it. But Jimmy will be sorted out by an unlikely source.
Johnny’s sons JB and Mikey are running the show now, JB with all the swagger and as the eldest up front while Mikey does the books. Things happen around JB that should never happen in a crime family, and it is always left for others to sort out. While Janey spends most of her time with Dolly who is her strength and advisor. Mikey soon proves his metal in the family when things happen and even his father is surprised.
Johnny remains inside throughout the book, and we see some of the life a prisoner has to put up while banged up. But Johnny knows if you can’t do the time, then don’t do the crime. He and Janey hit the brick wall once Dolly has died and becomes clear who was the glue in the family. But it would be great to know what happens next.
A great read.
October 22, 2026
I do love a gritty gangland thriller, and Martina Cole is an author I’ve been reading for years. The Queen of Crime is back with a brutal look at the Raglan family, and there’s certainly plenty of trouble going on!
The story follows various members of the Raglan family, with the male members seemingly determined to follow the same path. Each generation makes the same mistakes and ends up doing time. You’d think someone would learn from the generation before them, but apparently not!
Meanwhile, Dolly is the one trying to hold the family together through it all. She’s strong, determined and has plenty to deal with, and I couldn’t help feeling for her having to cope with the chaos around her.
My one niggle? The ending! After following the Raglans through everything, I wanted more of a conclusion. It felt so abrupt that I was left wondering if I’d missed something! Maybe Martina has a follow up planned? If so, perhaps this is more of a cliffhanger than an abrupt ending. I’d certainly be interested to find out what happens next.
Overall, I enjoyed this gritty, brutal gangland read, but I could have done with a little more at the end!
The story follows various members of the Raglan family, with the male members seemingly determined to follow the same path. Each generation makes the same mistakes and ends up doing time. You’d think someone would learn from the generation before them, but apparently not!
Meanwhile, Dolly is the one trying to hold the family together through it all. She’s strong, determined and has plenty to deal with, and I couldn’t help feeling for her having to cope with the chaos around her.
My one niggle? The ending! After following the Raglans through everything, I wanted more of a conclusion. It felt so abrupt that I was left wondering if I’d missed something! Maybe Martina has a follow up planned? If so, perhaps this is more of a cliffhanger than an abrupt ending. I’d certainly be interested to find out what happens next.
Overall, I enjoyed this gritty, brutal gangland read, but I could have done with a little more at the end!
October 10, 2026
Firstly, I am a huge martina cole fan. I have read and own all of her books and will continue to read them as long as she keeps writing them.
However, as much as I enjoy reading them, love her writing style and look forward to every pre order the story lines are now predictable.
Her earlier books were amazing, twists you didn't see coming and memorable story lines that years on, stick in the mind. The likes of broken, goodnight lady and two women are martina classicism and I could read them over and over.
For a long time, most her story's seem to merge into one and I cannot tell them apart.
The stretch didn't really have a story line, just a string of events with no real suspense or surprise. The characters seemed forced and I did not get the ending at all with this one. It felt unfinished. Maybe it means there will be a sequel?
However, as much as I enjoy reading them, love her writing style and look forward to every pre order the story lines are now predictable.
Her earlier books were amazing, twists you didn't see coming and memorable story lines that years on, stick in the mind. The likes of broken, goodnight lady and two women are martina classicism and I could read them over and over.
For a long time, most her story's seem to merge into one and I cannot tell them apart.
The stretch didn't really have a story line, just a string of events with no real suspense or surprise. The characters seemed forced and I did not get the ending at all with this one. It felt unfinished. Maybe it means there will be a sequel?
October 12, 2026
DNF Review – The Stretch by Martina Cole
Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. I found the story repetitive and struggled to stay interested. I couldn’t connect with the characters or feel emotionally invested in what was happening. I kept waiting for something to surprise me or give the plot more excitement, but it never really happened for me.
I’ve enjoyed books by Martina Cole before, so this was disappointing. Sometimes a book simply isn’t the right fit, and sadly, this one wasn’t for me. DNF.
Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. I found the story repetitive and struggled to stay interested. I couldn’t connect with the characters or feel emotionally invested in what was happening. I kept waiting for something to surprise me or give the plot more excitement, but it never really happened for me.
I’ve enjoyed books by Martina Cole before, so this was disappointing. Sometimes a book simply isn’t the right fit, and sadly, this one wasn’t for me. DNF.
October 21, 2026
This unfortunately fell flat to me compared to Martina's previous releases over the past few years. It felt to me like it had no direct plot just short chapters of family, gangland and prison drama. The ending felt rushed and it ended abruptly.
RIP to the great Mandsue Heller who co authored several books with Martina.
RIP to the great Mandsue Heller who co authored several books with Martina.
October 25, 2026
I really hate to leave a negative review because iv read alot of martina cole books and loved what iv read. This 1 just felt a bit flat , it lacked the drive the storys usually have and just seemed repetiative and most of the characters seem the same . Such a shame really. I'm not going to big up a book jist because I like the author, you can still be a fan and dislike a book.
October 21, 2026
I have read all Martina Cole’s books and again with The Stretch she never disappoints, she always hooks you from the very beginning and keeps you wanting to read more, she is one of those authors like James Patterson that you can rely on to never let you down.
October 22, 2026
I hate to say it but it was terrible. As a massive Martina fan I’ve struggled with the last couple as they are very much the same story. This one flitted so much and had no explanation about why the boys were good then turned bad!
I really struggled to finish it
I really struggled to finish it
Review of advance copy
Martina Cole is back!!! Plot taking plave inside a men's prison! So very hear for this! Everything I love about a Martina Cole book was in here! Violence, gangland crime, strong woman, psychological analyzations and in-depth books at the darker sides of human nature!
Love, love, love!
Love, love, love!
October 7, 2026
Back with a bang
Martina Cole you have written another masterpiece
Read in 2 days and a very enjoyable 5 star read
Back to your best and I can’t wait to read your next book!
Martina Cole you have written another masterpiece
Read in 2 days and a very enjoyable 5 star read
Back to your best and I can’t wait to read your next book!
October 10, 2026
Long winded, not the best and not worth waiting for
October 10, 2026
Don’t have the spark of her usual books
didn’t have me hooked and not many twists of any in there as her us style
very disappointing as usually devour her books in a day
didn’t have me hooked and not many twists of any in there as her us style
very disappointing as usually devour her books in a day
October 10, 2026
another great book
Really enjoyed this read just went to quick and there has to be a part two to this one as finished abruptly
Really enjoyed this read just went to quick and there has to be a part two to this one as finished abruptly
October 14, 2026
Brilant
Have read all of Martina Coles books
This was Brilant .suspense and a very real feeling of how people hurt even in a tough environment
Highly recommend
Have read all of Martina Coles books
This was Brilant .suspense and a very real feeling of how people hurt even in a tough environment
Highly recommend
Review of advance copy
It was fine. Easy to read, but didn't really do much more than that. Just very middle of the road.
October 16, 2026
Not her usual good work.
Not her usual good book ! Seems they are getting worse and worse.
Really bad ending and I really had to work hard to get through it.
Not her usual good book ! Seems they are getting worse and worse.
Really bad ending and I really had to work hard to get through it.
October 18, 2026
Not Martina’s usual gritty dark storylines but I really enjoyed this one
October 18, 2026
I rattled through this one, still not as good as her earlier books though.
October 29, 2026
Love any martina Cole book
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews