Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Keys to The Kingdom

Rate this book
For decades the five Italian families have dominated organized crime in New York, controlling the docks, the unions, law enforcement and the influx of drug into the city. But with the longest tenured don on his death bed and the other families on the brink of civil war, greed threatens to destroy The Commission.

Enter Marion Holloway, leader of the wealthy and prestige Holloway family, a shrewd and persuasive business man with strong political connects and stronger street ties. The man the FBI says is the most powerful black gangster in the country. With his oldest son, Mason, campaigning for mayor of New York City and his illegitimate son, Yasin “Sin” Kennedy, overseeing his lucrative drug operation, he is poised to seize control of the city. But when the war between the Mafia families hit close to home, the unrelenting power struggle between his sons, jeopardizes everything their father has built.

Keys to the Kingdom introduces readers to urban fiction’s newest crime family, the Holloways, and the powerful legacy of tradition and blood, the seduction of power and the ultimate game of sibling rivalry.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2015

58 people are currently reading
76 people want to read

About the author

Ty Marshall

13 books117 followers
Ty Marshall is a refreshing voice in crime fiction. The author of the crime family saga, Keys to the Kingdom. His previous titles include the novels 80’s Baby, Gold Blooded and Love Seldom Trust Never. His writing has been called “powerful, gritty and no holds barred” and has received acclaim from critics and readers alike. Ty is also an accomplished screenwriter. A native of Peekskill, NY. He now resides in Atlanta.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
89 (71%)
4 stars
26 (20%)
3 stars
5 (4%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for JasG.
24 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2021
This book had my attention from page 1 all the way to page 286. It's about a middle aged gangster and his family who find themselves in the middle of a war with the Mafia. This book has literally every element-action, drama, sex, comedy, you name it. The best part about this book is that it is so unpredictable. You never know who is about to die. I was on the edge of my seat for the majority of the book.
...excited for Part 2!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
109 reviews10 followers
June 29, 2016
Have you ever had a book take you hostage? This book had me wrapped up from the very beginning, I'm talking chapter one!Ty Marshall brings us fresh new characters, some you will love (Sin) and some you will hate (Emma and her punk son Mason).

I can't remember the last time I fell in love with a character! LOL! Thank goodness for Sin!!! He's a handsome, smart business man with lots of swag. And I'm already anticipating in the next book he will be lethal. I think we only got to see glimpses of Sin in this book, because Marion was calling the shots. But the next book, I'm sure we will feel the wrath of Sin.

What I liked about this book...EVERYTHING! It's action packed and full of surprises. When you think you got it all figured out, you end up being wrong. Like the whole Marion situation! I just knew DiToro was taking out all the families. Right? Maybe? I'm not so sure anymore, that is one of the reasons I need to get my hands on book 2. Not to mention I'm wondering about this love triangle Ashleigh has created with Case and Beans. Ashleigh is the rich girl all hood girls hate. Not because she is rich, but because she pretends to be about that life.When in truth she repping off the reputation of her family name. I can't wait to see what or who makes this little girl have a seat.

There is so much I want to say...but I am trying so hard not to give away this book...just know you will not be disappointed.

~Tiffany (556 Book Chicks)
Profile Image for Kitani.
1,573 reviews
August 1, 2017
I swear I was pulled in from the very beginning and didn't want to put the book down. Sin displayed all the characteristics of a leader and it showed just why Marion was grooming him. Mason was a momma's boy that truly pissed me off. At first I felt bad for Khari but after realizing why Sin avoided her I felt she deserved it because of the choices she made. Learning of her secret didn't make things any better. Emma was so conniving and I don't see how Marion trusted her as long as he did. Ashleigh is beyond green to everything going on and I wish I could snap her neck for helping Case and putting so much trust in him. I so love Ariane and the fact she realized where she needed to be although she almost allowed Emma to cause her to lose focus on what truly made her happy. I hate what happened to Sheik and can only imagine the consequences for Barkim. I'm so ready to jump into part 2 because things are heating up and there's no telling exactly who can be trusted and who can't when it comes down to who'll be left holding the keys to the kingdom.
Profile Image for Pamela Johnston Ward.
1,818 reviews58 followers
February 14, 2016
This book was gifted to me for a book club discussion. It started out kinda slow, but after about the halfway mark, it really started to pique my interest. The story took off from there, and i was so engrossed in it, that i had gotten to the last page before i realized it. The suspense and drama had me anxiously turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. Yasin was a force to be reckoned with. i highly anticipate reading part 2.
Profile Image for Monique.
368 reviews23 followers
May 17, 2022
Just listened to keys to the Kingdom and it was a good book. I listened on Hoopla my library app.

I will admit I had to go about 30 percent in to start my excitement about the book. Once Ariana was introduced it started to be more my speed.

Handsome men with Power and King Pin status trying to keep the empire and family on the pedestal. Jealousy, Family drama and murder threatening to tear everything a part.
In the end snitches get ditches and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Ariana and the Holloway Clan!
Profile Image for Nicole.
153 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2018
Love the relationship Sin had with his father Marion. Happy Adaine anf and Sin hot back together. It was a surprise to find out that Emma was the one to set everything in motion killing her husband kidnapping and the hit on son greed will be her downfall.
Profile Image for Tanisha Stewart.
Author 177 books318 followers
February 1, 2023
Well woven tale

This story was very well done. A few editing issues here and there but they didn't take away from the story. I typically don't finish series, but with that ending I hope there is a part two!
243 reviews4 followers
June 30, 2017
OMG This is Good

One of the best that I have read. I cheated by reading the second novel first. Glad l did. This is one suspense packed book. A must read.
No Sweat
6 reviews
July 23, 2017
Great read!!

I enjoyed from the beginning to the end. I can't wait to read the sequel. Ty is great writer. Enjoy!!
4 reviews
July 24, 2017
Effn page turner

I could not put this book down!!!!!! I can't wait to read the second part..Bravo Ty Marshall Bravo!!!! Job well done
Profile Image for Carmen.
110 reviews5 followers
July 24, 2017
Awesome read

I can't wait to read the next book! I want Emma to get what is coming to her. Who is the mystery person she is dealing with?
105 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2017
Dam,dam

I am so mad,Emma is a real Bitch. I can't to see her ass get hers nice and slow. On to part two
18 reviews
December 25, 2017
WELL DAMN!!!

This book was amazing had me on edge the entire time! I'm definitely looking forward to reading part 2!! This author has a new fan!
Profile Image for Iona Sawyer.
114 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2018
I loved how realistic this was. How I felt each characters tension and emotion. Really loved the ending. Another masterpiece by Ty Marshall. I can't wait til the next one.
Profile Image for Adalis.
90 reviews
July 12, 2019
More like 1 3/4 stars. Not sure I’m gonna read part two. I’m only considering it because the book ended with an explosion, and the widow had her husband murdered and granddaughter kidnapped.
45 reviews
September 29, 2021
Ty Marshall is an awesome writer. Love the storyline and characters. Loss after loss but I hope the strong survive. On to book II📚🍷📖
Profile Image for Lashonda Cooper.
55 reviews
September 19, 2016
Great book

Dam so did she no all this time that Her husband killed her family and waited 37 years wow if so she is good but I really want more of this Sin is my boy I don't tell boys but I can say great job on this one hands down
Profile Image for Francesca Reid.
240 reviews26 followers
July 19, 2015
Keys to the kingdom is proof that Ty Marshall is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the literary world. This is not surprising as he has been co-signed by one of the biggest authors in AA fiction. After reading Keys To The Kingdom, it's clear to see how he received that stamp of approval.

This was such an exciting read. It was full of action and was written so well. Each character was developed fully with detailed personality and physical descriptions, it's almost as if you're watching a movie. The reader is able to connect {or establish their disdain} with/for them very early in the story. I personally have developed an affinity for the main character, Yasin, and can not wait to read more about him, his family, and his crew.

This book could be recommended to all readers of African American fiction. If K'wan, the Coleman's, or Eric Jerome Dickey is on your list of favorite authors, grab this read because Ty Marshall is definitely earning his spot amongst them. Awesome job.
278 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2015
Entertaining

This book has all the action/adventure that I like a book to have. This family has some serious dysfunction and lots of drama which makes this book hard to put down. The characters were well developed and it was easy to follow them. The Holloway's are a tight knit group but are going through a power struggle. Yasin is definitely the backbone even though his brother Mason doesn't want to admit hit. Emma is a worthy adversary who is so far undetected by everyone. Ashleigh is a spoiled brat who is boujie by day and ghetto by night. I love the cliffhanger at the end. This book could easily be made into a TV series. You did your thing, Ty Marshall. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for BEAUTIFUL MEEKA.
521 reviews
June 1, 2015
BOSS STATUS

This book was absolutely amazing. Fast paced action packed and well written. Ty Marshall is the author to watch. He has the skill of an author that has been in the game a longtime. The. Characters are memorable and trust me some you will love to hate. Sin oo my gosh Boss status. He is the Man and his family he will having to protect by any means. He takes the lead after an unfortunate event but Trust me he was the right man for the job. There is drama and trust me the twist and turns of this book will have you winded. I will not offer up any spoilers so go download this book now you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Pamela Johnston Ward.
1,818 reviews58 followers
February 14, 2016
Keys to the kingdom

This book was gifted to me for a book club discussion. It started out kinda slow, but after about the halfway mark, it really started to pique my interest. The story took off from there, and I was so engrossed in it, that I had gotten to the last page before I realized it. The suspense and drama had me anxiously turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. Yasin is a force to be reckoned with. I highly anticipate reading part 2.
Profile Image for HeyYallItsMei.
335 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2016
Page turner!!!

This book was a fast paced page turner. I've never read any books by Ty Marshall but I am very pleased. I loved the fact that all the characters had a full backstory. Sometimes you only get a glimpse into the characters lives. The characters were all very important to the story. I would recommend this book to anybody. Anybody looking for a quick, captivating read. It definitely was not the typical urban lit story and that's what I liked most of all.
32 reviews
July 22, 2015
Omg

This books was great and just what I needed...if any of you have read the cartel and loved it you'll absolutely LOVE this book...page turner and drama after drAma I loved it... this book was definitely a book worth paying for...it will definitely have you on the edge....I CANNOT WAIT for part two!!
641 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2016
Wow

I can't wait for part two. I liked you from your book on Dayvid. I don't want why you left us hanging like this. Did ariane die in the explosion? Did Sin kill Case? Why did Case blame Sin for his friend Dre death? I have a lot of questions. Please hurry with the next book. Did Sin find out about Emma being a snake?
59 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2015
Absolutely amazing

Omg...This will go on my list as one the best books ever read. Ty Marshall you are amazing. Every page kept my wanting more and more. Please, please get the second book out asap!!
Profile Image for Denise Gilliam.
715 reviews21 followers
July 14, 2015
This was a great book. I really enjoyed this book it was kinda slow in the beginning but when it picked up it was a amazing read. Ty Marshall is a author that amazes me every time I read one of his books. Great job you have made a fan for life.
Profile Image for Dee Cherry.
2,945 reviews66 followers
December 17, 2016
This was a good read. The characters all had an important role & carried their roles out precisely. Emma is a snake in the grass but I really think she has underestimated Sin. Storyline well written with plenty of action & drama. Looking forward to reading more about these characters.
Profile Image for Quan.
104 reviews11 followers
June 18, 2015
This is one of the best books I have read this year. I was pulled in from page 1. Sin is a cool cat who has to deal with a lot. Can't wait for part two. be sure to check it out
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.