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Valley Park #1
The Prodigal: Valley Park series #1
Exiled from his beloved Newcastle sixteen years ago, Detective Sergeant Lee Jamieson is returning home in search of the teenage daughter he’s never met. With a good promotion under his belt and his parents gone, he’s ready to return to his roots and the warm Geordie spirit he has missed so much.
Much to his surprise, his first assignment is in Valley Park, a forgotten sink estate and home to some of the worst social deprivation in the country – the estate where he grew up, and where Nicola Kelly, the wife of a renowned local villain, calls home.
As Lee and Nicola’s lives become entwined through a series of dramatic events, they fall in love and embark on a dangerous affair that will change both of their lives forever. Nicola’s husband, Micky, has few scruples, and, as he feels her slipping away, tightens his grip on her affections.
In order for Lee and Nicola to be together, Micky Kelly has to go.
Much to his surprise, his first assignment is in Valley Park, a forgotten sink estate and home to some of the worst social deprivation in the country – the estate where he grew up, and where Nicola Kelly, the wife of a renowned local villain, calls home.
As Lee and Nicola’s lives become entwined through a series of dramatic events, they fall in love and embark on a dangerous affair that will change both of their lives forever. Nicola’s husband, Micky, has few scruples, and, as he feels her slipping away, tightens his grip on her affections.
In order for Lee and Nicola to be together, Micky Kelly has to go.
- GenresCrime
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2015
188 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Nicky Black
5 books82 followersNicky Black writes gritty, North East crime fiction, full of drama, twists and turns. Geordie criminals divide and rule their territories with a mixture of fear, threats and violence.
Nicky Black is a collaboration between two friends, Nicky and Julie, who have known each other for over 20 years. They both had careers in urban regeneration back in the 90s, working at the heart of disadvantaged communities in the North East of England. During that time they experienced the real grit and struggle of peoples' every-day lives, as well as their humour and determination to lead a happy existence, whatever that meant to them.
Julie's scripts have provided the blueprint to Nicky's creation of two novels, both set on the fictional Valley Park estate in Newcastle. Together they've created a winning formula, bringing a new voice to Geordie crime fiction.
Nicky was brought up in Alnwick, Northumberland and worked in Newcastle upon Tyne for twelve years before moving to London in 2002. Julie is a born and bred Geordie, and still lives in the Toon.
Nicky Black is a collaboration between two friends, Nicky and Julie, who have known each other for over 20 years. They both had careers in urban regeneration back in the 90s, working at the heart of disadvantaged communities in the North East of England. During that time they experienced the real grit and struggle of peoples' every-day lives, as well as their humour and determination to lead a happy existence, whatever that meant to them.
Julie's scripts have provided the blueprint to Nicky's creation of two novels, both set on the fictional Valley Park estate in Newcastle. Together they've created a winning formula, bringing a new voice to Geordie crime fiction.
Nicky was brought up in Alnwick, Northumberland and worked in Newcastle upon Tyne for twelve years before moving to London in 2002. Julie is a born and bred Geordie, and still lives in the Toon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
September 18, 2016
An outstanding book that's now in my favourites list! I finished this book last night with that satisfied feeling you get when you've had hours of your life blessed with a darn good read! This one exceeded expectations.
Can anything shine out of the darkest of places?
Sqeeee! I loved that this book is set in my home town of Newcastle Upon Tyne in England, us locals are called "Geordies" and we affectionately call our city "The Toon" which is Geordie slang for The Town. Newcastle is the eighth most popular city in the world to party in and is located in the North East of England, a mere 2 hour drive from Edinburgh in Scotland.
The author(s) did a fine job of portraying life on a local council housing estate, with just enough slang to make it realistic without being too hard for the non-local reader to understand. It's an extremely well written novel.
So, you've read the blurb right? It's a fantastic plot, a gritty novel with plenty of blood and tears, a crime novel that literally lays out a cast of brilliant characters before your eyes. Very rarely have I read a book where I "got" every character. They just popped with realism and authenticity. I could walk to a housing estate in certain parts of my town and find people not so different from the cast of The Prodigal.
It's tense and taut, the plot has an underlying electrical current that zaps you along the way in it's peak moments. Absolutely brilliant. I was on edge more than once eagerly reading events happening on page after page.
The dialogue is memorable, so realistic I could have been watching a TV show which is interesting as the story was originally written as a script for a British crime mini-series then later beautifully crafted into this novel.
The book has some hard to swallow issues presented in black and white such as suicide, drugs, domestic violence, child neglect, adultery and more. All of it makes for a brilliant, tense and memorable read. It's gritty side compensated by some stunning character filled scenes that are quite moving in a strange kind of way.
This is, in the words of a Geordie lass a "dead canny" book. Which interpreted means it's basically really good! Authors to watch! (Yes, read up on that - two talented ladies behind this book). I can't wait for what's next.
Five huge paw prints and lots of purrs from Booklover Catlady for The Prodigal. Another gem to add to my list of brilliant British crime fiction read this year. Don't miss this one.
To read more of my reviews:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Follow me on Twitter too:
https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
Can anything shine out of the darkest of places?
Sqeeee! I loved that this book is set in my home town of Newcastle Upon Tyne in England, us locals are called "Geordies" and we affectionately call our city "The Toon" which is Geordie slang for The Town. Newcastle is the eighth most popular city in the world to party in and is located in the North East of England, a mere 2 hour drive from Edinburgh in Scotland.
The author(s) did a fine job of portraying life on a local council housing estate, with just enough slang to make it realistic without being too hard for the non-local reader to understand. It's an extremely well written novel.
So, you've read the blurb right? It's a fantastic plot, a gritty novel with plenty of blood and tears, a crime novel that literally lays out a cast of brilliant characters before your eyes. Very rarely have I read a book where I "got" every character. They just popped with realism and authenticity. I could walk to a housing estate in certain parts of my town and find people not so different from the cast of The Prodigal.
It's tense and taut, the plot has an underlying electrical current that zaps you along the way in it's peak moments. Absolutely brilliant. I was on edge more than once eagerly reading events happening on page after page.
The dialogue is memorable, so realistic I could have been watching a TV show which is interesting as the story was originally written as a script for a British crime mini-series then later beautifully crafted into this novel.
The book has some hard to swallow issues presented in black and white such as suicide, drugs, domestic violence, child neglect, adultery and more. All of it makes for a brilliant, tense and memorable read. It's gritty side compensated by some stunning character filled scenes that are quite moving in a strange kind of way.
This is, in the words of a Geordie lass a "dead canny" book. Which interpreted means it's basically really good! Authors to watch! (Yes, read up on that - two talented ladies behind this book). I can't wait for what's next.
Five huge paw prints and lots of purrs from Booklover Catlady for The Prodigal. Another gem to add to my list of brilliant British crime fiction read this year. Don't miss this one.
To read more of my reviews:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Follow me on Twitter too:
https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
January 5, 2016
An outstanding debut novel from Nicky Black. This is a gritty, believable crime fiction set on a downtrodden estate in Newcastle. Crime levels are rife and the underground gangs are running the show.
DS Lee Jamieson returns to the borough after 16 years from London with the task of sorting the estate, Valley Park. Things have changed in these years and this proves to be a challenging assignment.
The characters are very strong with realistic depth. Beautifully written and the realism is quite breathtaking. Not without classic Geordie humour and wit, though. This book is high up with the best of crime fiction today.
I would recommend this book to anyone with a passion for this genre. Brilliant!!
DS Lee Jamieson returns to the borough after 16 years from London with the task of sorting the estate, Valley Park. Things have changed in these years and this proves to be a challenging assignment.
The characters are very strong with realistic depth. Beautifully written and the realism is quite breathtaking. Not without classic Geordie humour and wit, though. This book is high up with the best of crime fiction today.
I would recommend this book to anyone with a passion for this genre. Brilliant!!
March 19, 2018
Set around a fictional council estate in the North East of England I feel this is a rather depressing read. The lives of those depicted grim in the extreme, drug abuse, alcoholism, domestic abuse, child neglect and gang warfare. Told through the eyes of a local lad who became a cop, Lee and a young woman married to the estate “hard man” I found this story a quick read, I was undoubtedly drawn to it because it was set in the area I grew up in, though thankfully not in such a deprived environment !
November 11, 2015
This was a fantastic debut novel. As a blogger I love to read debut novels and join the authors journey. These authors did a super job with this story.
Detective Sergeant Lee Jamieson finds himself back in his home town of Newcastle. His first assignment is in the estate he was brought up in. He finds himself falling in love with a local called Nicola. Unfortunately she's married to the local bad guy Micky.
I thought the authors did a great job of portraying the storyline as real. The characters came across as real which I really liked. As much as I liked the whole story I found the last quarter had enough twists to keep my head spinning.
As I was reading this I could easily see this as a tv programme. Loved it. Looking forward to reading more from these authors.
Detective Sergeant Lee Jamieson finds himself back in his home town of Newcastle. His first assignment is in the estate he was brought up in. He finds himself falling in love with a local called Nicola. Unfortunately she's married to the local bad guy Micky.
I thought the authors did a great job of portraying the storyline as real. The characters came across as real which I really liked. As much as I liked the whole story I found the last quarter had enough twists to keep my head spinning.
As I was reading this I could easily see this as a tv programme. Loved it. Looking forward to reading more from these authors.
July 27, 2015
Love amidst loss.
Originally written for the screen, 'The Prodigal Son' is a cleverly woven, fast-paced, gripping story.
Lee Jamieson has returned to Newcastle after a very long absence. He's back in the role of Detective Sergeant, to assist in the regenaration of a very rundown estate - Valley Park, the very place where he grew up. The area is poor, neglected and blighted by crime, robberies and drugs. The residents live in constant fear and the authorities are resolute to take action.
But Lee is also back for personal reasons. He wants to find his daughter, a girl he'd never met. Will he find her? How will Debbie, her mother, react to his return? Will the girl accept this stranger as her dad?
In Newcastle Lee meets Nicola, the beautiful wife of a local hardened criminal - Micky Kelly and from then on his problems start. Nicola lives in fear of her brutal husband, and Lee finds himself attracted to her and willing to help her in her personal tragedies. However, in doing so, the two fall in love with each other. But no one messes with Micky, his family or business...
This story had me hooked from the start. It is very well-written and fast-paced, making you want to keep on reading to see how things will evolve. It is very sad knowing that such hopeless, rundown areas where crime and corruption are rife exist in real life. Thanks to the author's vivid descriptions, I could clearly visualise all characters and sites.
All characters, both good and bad, are very interesting, well-portrayed and realistic. Like Lee, I felt attracted to Nicola - she's a very strong, determined, but also sensitive and sensuous woman struggling to survive. I also loved Margy, her closest ally and friend. She's a very warm, likeable character everyone wishes to have as friend.
I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book to read and review. I really enjoyed it and was surprised at how good and engrossing it turned out to be. Obviously I would highly recommend it and would definitely be looking out for more books written by this author.
Originally written for the screen, 'The Prodigal Son' is a cleverly woven, fast-paced, gripping story.
Lee Jamieson has returned to Newcastle after a very long absence. He's back in the role of Detective Sergeant, to assist in the regenaration of a very rundown estate - Valley Park, the very place where he grew up. The area is poor, neglected and blighted by crime, robberies and drugs. The residents live in constant fear and the authorities are resolute to take action.
But Lee is also back for personal reasons. He wants to find his daughter, a girl he'd never met. Will he find her? How will Debbie, her mother, react to his return? Will the girl accept this stranger as her dad?
In Newcastle Lee meets Nicola, the beautiful wife of a local hardened criminal - Micky Kelly and from then on his problems start. Nicola lives in fear of her brutal husband, and Lee finds himself attracted to her and willing to help her in her personal tragedies. However, in doing so, the two fall in love with each other. But no one messes with Micky, his family or business...
This story had me hooked from the start. It is very well-written and fast-paced, making you want to keep on reading to see how things will evolve. It is very sad knowing that such hopeless, rundown areas where crime and corruption are rife exist in real life. Thanks to the author's vivid descriptions, I could clearly visualise all characters and sites.
All characters, both good and bad, are very interesting, well-portrayed and realistic. Like Lee, I felt attracted to Nicola - she's a very strong, determined, but also sensitive and sensuous woman struggling to survive. I also loved Margy, her closest ally and friend. She's a very warm, likeable character everyone wishes to have as friend.
I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book to read and review. I really enjoyed it and was surprised at how good and engrossing it turned out to be. Obviously I would highly recommend it and would definitely be looking out for more books written by this author.
July 20, 2015
The Prodigal was originally written for the screen but never made it on there and was then given to the author to be turned into a novel instead.
The Prodigal I have to say is just screaming out to be featured on the screen and I am so surprised it never happened but luckily for us readers the author has done a fantastic job in turning it into a novel instead so that we don't miss out on this gripping story.
After years away from the area in which he grew up, Lee Jamieson returns back to Valley park in his role as a Detective Sergeant. Not only does he have his work cut out with having to bring the crime rate down in the area he also has Debbie his ex to face and a daughter that he has never met and who he wants to have a father/daughter relationship with.
On his return Lee meets Nicola, the wife of Micky who is basically running all the crime in the area. Hoping to bring Micky down, Lee doesn't expect to fall for Nicola which then jeopardises everything for both of them.
The Prodigal is quite a hard hitting story that is sadly probably very true to life. Nicola really stands out in this book. Over time she sees the man she married turn into a hardened criminal. She lives in constant fear for herself and their children. She is so used to being strong for her family and friends that she dreams just for once that someone will be there for her for a change.
I really loved how the story unfolds and as I said before it really is crying out for the screen as maybe some sort of series. The whole storyline is compelling and I really wanted to know how things would turn out mainly for Nicola as you can't help but have empathy for her.
For anyone who likes true to life crime books that are hard hitting and gritty you will devour this book. I for one was certainly pleasantly surprised just how good it is. Will certainly be looking out for more by this author.
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Prodigal I have to say is just screaming out to be featured on the screen and I am so surprised it never happened but luckily for us readers the author has done a fantastic job in turning it into a novel instead so that we don't miss out on this gripping story.
After years away from the area in which he grew up, Lee Jamieson returns back to Valley park in his role as a Detective Sergeant. Not only does he have his work cut out with having to bring the crime rate down in the area he also has Debbie his ex to face and a daughter that he has never met and who he wants to have a father/daughter relationship with.
On his return Lee meets Nicola, the wife of Micky who is basically running all the crime in the area. Hoping to bring Micky down, Lee doesn't expect to fall for Nicola which then jeopardises everything for both of them.
The Prodigal is quite a hard hitting story that is sadly probably very true to life. Nicola really stands out in this book. Over time she sees the man she married turn into a hardened criminal. She lives in constant fear for herself and their children. She is so used to being strong for her family and friends that she dreams just for once that someone will be there for her for a change.
I really loved how the story unfolds and as I said before it really is crying out for the screen as maybe some sort of series. The whole storyline is compelling and I really wanted to know how things would turn out mainly for Nicola as you can't help but have empathy for her.
For anyone who likes true to life crime books that are hard hitting and gritty you will devour this book. I for one was certainly pleasantly surprised just how good it is. Will certainly be looking out for more by this author.
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2015
I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review so here it is #bookjunkies!
First can I say that despite my huge "TBR" pile I booted this book up as I had read some good reviews and feared I was missing out on something good. I was wrong...I was missing out on something GREAT! I adored this book! It was a mixture of grit, suspense, mayhem, murder, lust and love. The plot was cleverly written ~ full of twists and turns which had me speechless at times...and that is no mean feat!
I also found the characters to be incredibly believable. I mean they could be your neighbours they are just so....real! I felt a strong connection with a few of them for various different reasons. Even the baddies had some substance to them that at times I was torn...do I "get" them? Is that sympathy I am feeling? Should I be angry? Or do I hate them? See what I mean...torn!
Another thing I really liked was the ending...don't worry, I won't spoil anything but DAMN it was good. There was closure and hope and sadness...was this a crime novel!? (giggle)
Would I recommend this book... HELL YA! In fact, why are you still reading this...get yourself a copy quick!
I really look forward to what is next in store from this author and will be keeping a close eye out for the next book.
First can I say that despite my huge "TBR" pile I booted this book up as I had read some good reviews and feared I was missing out on something good. I was wrong...I was missing out on something GREAT! I adored this book! It was a mixture of grit, suspense, mayhem, murder, lust and love. The plot was cleverly written ~ full of twists and turns which had me speechless at times...and that is no mean feat!
I also found the characters to be incredibly believable. I mean they could be your neighbours they are just so....real! I felt a strong connection with a few of them for various different reasons. Even the baddies had some substance to them that at times I was torn...do I "get" them? Is that sympathy I am feeling? Should I be angry? Or do I hate them? See what I mean...torn!
Another thing I really liked was the ending...don't worry, I won't spoil anything but DAMN it was good. There was closure and hope and sadness...was this a crime novel!? (giggle)
Would I recommend this book... HELL YA! In fact, why are you still reading this...get yourself a copy quick!
I really look forward to what is next in store from this author and will be keeping a close eye out for the next book.
January 4, 2016
A fabulously dark ,gritty book filled with richly written characters, the good, the bad and the broken. Nicky Black takes us on an educational tour into one of the roughest estates where drug money rules, the police are bent or powerless and 'grassers' must face the consequences. The weak are easy targets for the drug pushers and once loving parents can neglect their babies when all hope is lost and the drugs take hold.
Despite the bleakness of their surroundings and the daily fear of domestic violence, the strength, love, loyalty and innate goodness of the lead women, Nicola and the wonderful Margy shines through . Amongst the corrupt or indifferent police a new recruit has come back to the place he grew up, he cares - sometimes too much, but at what cost?
The pace was fabulous and I raced through the book, my stomach knotted in anxiety for Nicky in her fight to break free from a terrible situation . I'm dying to know more and hope this duo are busy on book two 4.5 stars :)
Despite the bleakness of their surroundings and the daily fear of domestic violence, the strength, love, loyalty and innate goodness of the lead women, Nicola and the wonderful Margy shines through . Amongst the corrupt or indifferent police a new recruit has come back to the place he grew up, he cares - sometimes too much, but at what cost?
The pace was fabulous and I raced through the book, my stomach knotted in anxiety for Nicky in her fight to break free from a terrible situation . I'm dying to know more and hope this duo are busy on book two 4.5 stars :)
January 6, 2017
Nicola thought marrying Mickey would be a safe bet. She loved him and with him she was protected. Protected from those on the estate who wouldn’t mess with Mickey Kelly. When things change she realises that leaving him isn’t safe either. Meanwhile Lee has returned to the area after over a decade. Things have changed, as has he. He wants to uphold the law and serve and protect the area he grew up in except things are different, very different to how they were. Two stories alternate until they entwine. A story of crime and love and people and changes. This is an excellently written book with characters that grow on you and become real. A gritty tale with humour along the way. An interesting ending that I hope will be continued in the next book. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
July 22, 2015
This story was initially written for TV and Nicky transformed it into a novel. I have to say I simply loved it. Frank dies and leaves Lee and his mum homeless. Lee eventually gets himself out of Newcastle and comes back 20 years as a DS. He's the man that they hope will turn around crime on the tough Valley Estate. He also forges a relationship with the daughter he never knew he had who is a funny typical teen. He meets Nicola Kelly, wife of local hard man Micky and is drawn to her. We also meet Nicola's friend Margy who supports Nicola through thick and thin. Fast paced and exciting, a gritty true to life story which is full of hardship, love, saddness and humour.
July 28, 2015
About half way through this book I discovered that Nicky Black is actually a combination of two friends called Nicky and Julie ~ Julie originally wrote this as a screenplay for Granada TV, though it was never shown, and then she passed it to Nicky to turn it into a novel. Shame it never became a TV series, it would have been terrific!
Nicky might have been given a readymade, extremely good plot to work with, but the writing of this novel is surely down to her own skill - in the wrong hands it could have been flat, clichéd, the characters ghastly stereotypes, the action tired, etc etc. The Prodigal is none of those things - it's excellent, I enjoyed every page and didn't skip read one word!
London cop Lee Jamieson returns home to Newcastle, and becomes mixed up with Nicola Kelly, wife of local hoodlum Micky. The story is told through the eyes of Lee and Nicola. Lee also gets to know Louise, his teenage daughter who is the result of his own teenage relationship with her mother, Debbie. Valley Park, the council estate around which the novel centres, is fictional, but I am sure it's a well drawn representation of those that exist.
Lee escaped life within the underclass of society after his own family tragedies; there is one particularly emotive passage when he looks into the eyes of Nicola's troubled young brother, Mark, and sees what he might have become had he stayed there.
One of the reasons this novel was of interest to me is that I moved up to live in this area (nowhere like Valley Park, thank goodness!) about six years ago, so I recognised not only the landmarks but also the language; I've always been amused by the sound of teenage girls referring to each other as 'man'! I liked the way the story outlined the differences between the north and south of England that really do exist, and the futility of the regeneration projects in poor areas - as Nicola so rightly points out, it's not the houses or estates that are the problem, but the people who live in them.
The plot's great - I love a bit of gangster conspiracy, and it all fits together nicely, with the twists not being too obvious and nothing unfeasible taking place. Any negatives? Only one - throughout the book there is a fair amount of 'head-hopping', ie, the point of view changing suddenly; I'd think, hang on, I thought I was reading through Lee's eyes, but suddenly I'm seeing it through those of Debbie. This isn't too obtrusive, though, and it probably wouldn't bother most people.
The Prodigal is realistic without being over the top, perfectly paced and held my interest throughout - loved it!
Nicky might have been given a readymade, extremely good plot to work with, but the writing of this novel is surely down to her own skill - in the wrong hands it could have been flat, clichéd, the characters ghastly stereotypes, the action tired, etc etc. The Prodigal is none of those things - it's excellent, I enjoyed every page and didn't skip read one word!
London cop Lee Jamieson returns home to Newcastle, and becomes mixed up with Nicola Kelly, wife of local hoodlum Micky. The story is told through the eyes of Lee and Nicola. Lee also gets to know Louise, his teenage daughter who is the result of his own teenage relationship with her mother, Debbie. Valley Park, the council estate around which the novel centres, is fictional, but I am sure it's a well drawn representation of those that exist.
Lee escaped life within the underclass of society after his own family tragedies; there is one particularly emotive passage when he looks into the eyes of Nicola's troubled young brother, Mark, and sees what he might have become had he stayed there.
One of the reasons this novel was of interest to me is that I moved up to live in this area (nowhere like Valley Park, thank goodness!) about six years ago, so I recognised not only the landmarks but also the language; I've always been amused by the sound of teenage girls referring to each other as 'man'! I liked the way the story outlined the differences between the north and south of England that really do exist, and the futility of the regeneration projects in poor areas - as Nicola so rightly points out, it's not the houses or estates that are the problem, but the people who live in them.
The plot's great - I love a bit of gangster conspiracy, and it all fits together nicely, with the twists not being too obvious and nothing unfeasible taking place. Any negatives? Only one - throughout the book there is a fair amount of 'head-hopping', ie, the point of view changing suddenly; I'd think, hang on, I thought I was reading through Lee's eyes, but suddenly I'm seeing it through those of Debbie. This isn't too obtrusive, though, and it probably wouldn't bother most people.
The Prodigal is realistic without being over the top, perfectly paced and held my interest throughout - loved it!
August 26, 2015
Set in Newcastle, The Prodigal tells the story of Detective Sergeant Lee Jamieson. Having been kicked out of his home after a fight with his father at the age of sixteen, Lee has now returned to the place where he grew up, only to find that, Valley Park, is now home to some of the worse socially deprived people in the United Kingdom. But, there is another reason, Lee has decoded to return to Valley Park, he is in search of his sixteen year old daughter, whom he has never met before. Then Lee falls for the wife of neighbourhood bad boy, Micky Kelly. As Lee and Nicola's lives get more and more entwined, Micky tightens his grip on Nicola.
I wasn't surprised to find out that this was originally written as a television script, because it would make excellent television. It is fast paced and thoroughly gripping. The Prodigal deals with issues such a drugs and domestic violence, which I think was written perfectly. It really shows the issues that can be found in any neighbourhood if you look closely enough, very well. The book is gritty and gets into the heart of Newcastle's organised crime gangs.
The characters in The Prodigal are all very well written, but Micky is one of the best written characters I have ever read. He is a character that you will truly hate from the very beginning, but because of him, you won't be able to put this book down. He is gritty and dirty and you can really see him in your minds eye while reading the book. I loved how the character of Nicola was such a stark contrast to that of her husband. I liked Nicola's character from the very first page, but I feel that she really developed into a great character throughout the book. She is caring and admirable and you want nothing but the best for her. Lee is also a great character. He is the good guy of this story and I liked that he was trying to right the wrongs that he had made in his past, and trying to form a relationship with his daughter.
In the past year, I've started reading crime fiction, but only very little, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed The Prodigal. It isn't my usual type of book, but from now on I will be keeping an open mind when I comes to crime fiction and that is all down to this book. It grabs you from the very first page and keeps your attention throughout. It's gritty, yet entertaining, with an ending that you will not see coming. I will be recommending this book to anyone who'll listen to me.
4/5 stars
I wasn't surprised to find out that this was originally written as a television script, because it would make excellent television. It is fast paced and thoroughly gripping. The Prodigal deals with issues such a drugs and domestic violence, which I think was written perfectly. It really shows the issues that can be found in any neighbourhood if you look closely enough, very well. The book is gritty and gets into the heart of Newcastle's organised crime gangs.
The characters in The Prodigal are all very well written, but Micky is one of the best written characters I have ever read. He is a character that you will truly hate from the very beginning, but because of him, you won't be able to put this book down. He is gritty and dirty and you can really see him in your minds eye while reading the book. I loved how the character of Nicola was such a stark contrast to that of her husband. I liked Nicola's character from the very first page, but I feel that she really developed into a great character throughout the book. She is caring and admirable and you want nothing but the best for her. Lee is also a great character. He is the good guy of this story and I liked that he was trying to right the wrongs that he had made in his past, and trying to form a relationship with his daughter.
In the past year, I've started reading crime fiction, but only very little, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed The Prodigal. It isn't my usual type of book, but from now on I will be keeping an open mind when I comes to crime fiction and that is all down to this book. It grabs you from the very first page and keeps your attention throughout. It's gritty, yet entertaining, with an ending that you will not see coming. I will be recommending this book to anyone who'll listen to me.
4/5 stars
March 3, 2016
I had read so many positive things about this book, and had it recommended to me a number of times, that I thought it was about time I read it. I wasn't disappointed.
There a quite a lot of characters and relationships introduced early in the book. I found that this slowed down my reading a little as I was trying to remember who was who. The story develops nicely though, and both the characters and location mix well together. I liked how the author used just enough 'Geordie' to sound authentic without confusing readers.
I am surprised that this didn't make it onto TV as originally planned as I think it would work well as a crime drama. It's a great story that keeps you turning the pages.
There a quite a lot of characters and relationships introduced early in the book. I found that this slowed down my reading a little as I was trying to remember who was who. The story develops nicely though, and both the characters and location mix well together. I liked how the author used just enough 'Geordie' to sound authentic without confusing readers.
I am surprised that this didn't make it onto TV as originally planned as I think it would work well as a crime drama. It's a great story that keeps you turning the pages.
February 3, 2016
A gritty, warm and engrossing book, which is so much more than a crime novel. The characters are real and rounded people, and even those with flaws are likable, human. The central love relationship is tenderly portrayed, and the overall tension keeps you turning those pages! Just great, and highly recommended.
September 1, 2015
An entertaining book. Once I'd started, I couldn't wait to read more. The story is full of twists and turns and never flags. My only gripe is that the prose is often riddled with excess words. 'The Prodigal' would benefit from some pruning. Otherwise, a great read.
May 19, 2017
The Prodigal takes you on a hard-hitting journey littered with poverty, deprivation, domestic abuse, drugs and gangland warfare. There is just something so intrinsically real about reading Northern based crime novels, the cities lend themselves so well to the plots and as a reader I found myself transported to the streets of Newcastle and firmly entrenched in the lives of the characters as the story unfolded.
Lee is a man with a past firmly rooted in the community he has now been assigned to serve but he is at odds with what he sees play out in front of his eyes and the methods used by those in authority to deal with crime and social deprivation. Residents of Valley Park don't like to play ball with the Police and he has his work cut out trying to make a difference. I got a real sense of depth from Nicky Black's portrayal of Lee's character, he struggles with the apathy of his colleagues, the fear of reprisals from locals who don't want to be seen as "grasses" and his new relationship with the daughter he had never met before. He also has to contend with his guilt for abandoning her mother, Debbie and any residual feelings he had left for her - this is compounded by his growing infatuation with Nicola Kelly and the danger that any relationship with her would bring to those around them.
Nicola plays a major part in the storyline and oh how I could connect with her, I really felt like I got inside her head and faced the struggles she was experiencing as the wife of a local gangster, a member of the community that could potentially turn against her and fighting her feelings for a man who was part of a system that she hated. I watched Nicola grow from a weary and downtrodden woman who thought that she had to put up with her lot to a strong and feisty character who showed a great strength in standing up to those who set out to destroy the lives of others.
Along with other women in the novel, Nicky Black has created an army of strong, resilient and empowered women and has challenged some of the preconceptions that attach themselves to those who live in estates similar to Valley Park. #TheProdigal explores that notion of sink estates as home to an underclass who just don't care, she raises a challenge to the stigma surrounding such estates and the lack of any real thought to the communities who live there from those in authority when development is considered. #TheProdigal helps give a voice to the communities who live there and this is what makes this book such a compelling and realistic read.
If you enjoy true to life, gritty novels with a social conscience then this is one for you! I loved it and hope that there is a second one coming out soon!
Lee is a man with a past firmly rooted in the community he has now been assigned to serve but he is at odds with what he sees play out in front of his eyes and the methods used by those in authority to deal with crime and social deprivation. Residents of Valley Park don't like to play ball with the Police and he has his work cut out trying to make a difference. I got a real sense of depth from Nicky Black's portrayal of Lee's character, he struggles with the apathy of his colleagues, the fear of reprisals from locals who don't want to be seen as "grasses" and his new relationship with the daughter he had never met before. He also has to contend with his guilt for abandoning her mother, Debbie and any residual feelings he had left for her - this is compounded by his growing infatuation with Nicola Kelly and the danger that any relationship with her would bring to those around them.
Nicola plays a major part in the storyline and oh how I could connect with her, I really felt like I got inside her head and faced the struggles she was experiencing as the wife of a local gangster, a member of the community that could potentially turn against her and fighting her feelings for a man who was part of a system that she hated. I watched Nicola grow from a weary and downtrodden woman who thought that she had to put up with her lot to a strong and feisty character who showed a great strength in standing up to those who set out to destroy the lives of others.
Along with other women in the novel, Nicky Black has created an army of strong, resilient and empowered women and has challenged some of the preconceptions that attach themselves to those who live in estates similar to Valley Park. #TheProdigal explores that notion of sink estates as home to an underclass who just don't care, she raises a challenge to the stigma surrounding such estates and the lack of any real thought to the communities who live there from those in authority when development is considered. #TheProdigal helps give a voice to the communities who live there and this is what makes this book such a compelling and realistic read.
If you enjoy true to life, gritty novels with a social conscience then this is one for you! I loved it and hope that there is a second one coming out soon!
August 21, 2017
It's only taken me how how long to read this book after winning a copy on Crime Book Junkie’s giveaway last year! Now I wish that I had read it sooner.
The Prodigal is Nicky Black’s debut novel and the first book which is a brilliant start in a gritty crime drama the Valley Park Series.
Set in Newcastle upon tyne The story starts off in 1977 when Lee was nine years old with a prologue that will leave you wanting more Then we are transported to 1999 Detective Lee Jamieson who returns home in search for his teenage daughter that he has never met.With a new job that takes him back to Valley Park Estate where he grew up.The last thing he expects is to falls in love with wife of villain Micky Kelly
We follow a story about domestic abuse drugs and gangland and of course romance.This is what I call grit lit.
The prodigal is very well written with believe and realistic characters. I loved the use of the Georgie dialogue and humour. Full of twists and turns that will have you hooked from start to finish.
My only question is why didn't it make it has a TV show?! It would brilliant viewing?!
If you're looking for a gritty, gripping page turner this is definitely the book for you which I highly recommend giving it 4 stars.
Massive thank you to Noelle Holten and Nicky Black for my signed book.
The Prodigal is Nicky Black’s debut novel and the first book which is a brilliant start in a gritty crime drama the Valley Park Series.
Set in Newcastle upon tyne The story starts off in 1977 when Lee was nine years old with a prologue that will leave you wanting more Then we are transported to 1999 Detective Lee Jamieson who returns home in search for his teenage daughter that he has never met.With a new job that takes him back to Valley Park Estate where he grew up.The last thing he expects is to falls in love with wife of villain Micky Kelly
We follow a story about domestic abuse drugs and gangland and of course romance.This is what I call grit lit.
The prodigal is very well written with believe and realistic characters. I loved the use of the Georgie dialogue and humour. Full of twists and turns that will have you hooked from start to finish.
My only question is why didn't it make it has a TV show?! It would brilliant viewing?!
If you're looking for a gritty, gripping page turner this is definitely the book for you which I highly recommend giving it 4 stars.
Massive thank you to Noelle Holten and Nicky Black for my signed book.
January 16, 2018
Amazing
Excellent book I was hooked from the beginning. Loved the Geordie phrases throughout and a great ending. Would recommend to Roberta Kray/Martina Cole fans.
Excellent book I was hooked from the beginning. Loved the Geordie phrases throughout and a great ending. Would recommend to Roberta Kray/Martina Cole fans.
August 22, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, I was hooked from the start and read it in two sittings. WIth so much going on it was really hard to put it down. The characters were true to life and likeable (or in some cases detestable) - Lee, the boy done good, moving back to Newcastle from London as a police detective; Nicola married to Micky but feeling the force of his fists if another man so much as looks at her; Margy, Nicola's friend who looks out for her as well as being a one woman citizens advice bureau for the community; Micky who's trying to be top dog in the local crime ring and doesn't care who he sets up or tramples on along the way.
The author has a way with words that had me laughing out loud one minute and holding my breath in apprehension the next. I really admired Nicola for standing up to Micky, which wasn't an easy feat when he was an amateur boxer and nightclub bouncer. Every time he was mentioned I felt the tension building and when Nicola was looking for the names of people in the syndicate I heard every creak of the stairs and actually found myself reading faster before he reached the bottom!
Although set in my native Newcastle, it could be applied to any area of the UK with the variety of topics covered; domestic violence, the inadequacies of the police force, bigamy, criminal gangs and absent fathers. The community spirit, especially in such a deprived area, really evoked the spirit of the North East. They all stick together, perhaps not always for the right reasons, but they look out for one another. The atmosphere of the amazing nightlife in Newcastle really shone through with a few mentions to pubs and clubs I used to frequent as a young ‘un. Every night really is Friday night in Newcastle – orange-faced girls wearing summer clothes in rain, hail or shine.
I think it's a shame this wasn't picked up for TV. I would certainly have watched it - it would have been like the Geordie Sopranos. The interactions between Lee and Nicola fizzed with sexual tension – perhaps a love story in another time, another place - it was really a story of life, unfortunately a life lived by a lot of women suffering domestic violence. It's gritty, realistic, funny and sad - a recommended read.
I received this e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The author has a way with words that had me laughing out loud one minute and holding my breath in apprehension the next. I really admired Nicola for standing up to Micky, which wasn't an easy feat when he was an amateur boxer and nightclub bouncer. Every time he was mentioned I felt the tension building and when Nicola was looking for the names of people in the syndicate I heard every creak of the stairs and actually found myself reading faster before he reached the bottom!
Although set in my native Newcastle, it could be applied to any area of the UK with the variety of topics covered; domestic violence, the inadequacies of the police force, bigamy, criminal gangs and absent fathers. The community spirit, especially in such a deprived area, really evoked the spirit of the North East. They all stick together, perhaps not always for the right reasons, but they look out for one another. The atmosphere of the amazing nightlife in Newcastle really shone through with a few mentions to pubs and clubs I used to frequent as a young ‘un. Every night really is Friday night in Newcastle – orange-faced girls wearing summer clothes in rain, hail or shine.
I think it's a shame this wasn't picked up for TV. I would certainly have watched it - it would have been like the Geordie Sopranos. The interactions between Lee and Nicola fizzed with sexual tension – perhaps a love story in another time, another place - it was really a story of life, unfortunately a life lived by a lot of women suffering domestic violence. It's gritty, realistic, funny and sad - a recommended read.
I received this e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2015
The Prodigal is a brilliant read from start to finish. I read it slowly, as I didn't want it to end.
I loved the opening chapter, which introduces the reader to the characters, setting the scene beautifully. It really grabbed my attention and pulled me straight into the plot, desperate to read more.
Detective Sergeant Lee Jamieson has returned to his roots, following a promotion at work. He was banished by his father 16 years earlier, after his girlfriend became pregnant, and is now determined to find his teenage daughter. He is swiftly drawn into an investigation involving a web of crime on the housing estate. Unfortunately he also falls for Nicola Kelly, whose husband is a well-known local villain.
The Prodigal is a book about murder, crime, love and lust. The author has a great way of showing not telling and grabs the reader by all of the senses. The narrative is hard hitting and very real, yet is also compassionate and humorous at times. The book is fast paced and gritty, yet an enjoyable read, not as heavy as some crime novels with similar themes. The characters are well developed too - and you actually care about what happens to them by the end, even the bad ones.
I'm hoping there's another book to follow, as this was such a pleasure to read.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the opening chapter, which introduces the reader to the characters, setting the scene beautifully. It really grabbed my attention and pulled me straight into the plot, desperate to read more.
Detective Sergeant Lee Jamieson has returned to his roots, following a promotion at work. He was banished by his father 16 years earlier, after his girlfriend became pregnant, and is now determined to find his teenage daughter. He is swiftly drawn into an investigation involving a web of crime on the housing estate. Unfortunately he also falls for Nicola Kelly, whose husband is a well-known local villain.
The Prodigal is a book about murder, crime, love and lust. The author has a great way of showing not telling and grabs the reader by all of the senses. The narrative is hard hitting and very real, yet is also compassionate and humorous at times. The book is fast paced and gritty, yet an enjoyable read, not as heavy as some crime novels with similar themes. The characters are well developed too - and you actually care about what happens to them by the end, even the bad ones.
I'm hoping there's another book to follow, as this was such a pleasure to read.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2015
Lee a police detective returns to Newcastle after 16 years self imposed exile in London. He is given the task of trying to turn round one of the worse estates where crime rules and in particular one man Micky who is the person you don't mess with. Unfortunately Lee falls for Micky's wife Nicola. There is so much to this book. I loved it.
January 8, 2016
A fab debut novel by Nicky Black . The book was very well written and kept true to life with the gang culture on a council estate in Newcastle . Sergeant Jamieson was a trooper . 5 stars from me . More please Nicky
July 3, 2021
Wow 🤩 what a brilliant read, from the first to last page. I thoroughly enjoyed
August 12, 2018
Very good
I like to read different book genres and, after several long, literary very descriptive books, I loved the pace and punchy easy read quality of this book. The characters felt realistic. The dialogue was great and felt really authentic and genuine. I also thoroughly enjoyed the setting. Newcastle was genuinely described with feeling. My daughter in law hails from Newcastle, and I liked reading about the neighbourhoods and communities. It added to my enjoyment of the story.
"Every night was Friday night in Newcastle." I love it when the setting is as important to the story as the action. There is a little head hopping here and there but I enjoyed progressing through the story line from the three main characters point of view. The fairly large cast of characters are handled well. The goodies and baddies are well defined. The situations topical. I was like ... Oh no, here and there ... And smiled wryly here and there too. I felt for Nicola's predicament, had a few starts and surprises, and totally enjoyed the journey through this crime drama.
I like to read different book genres and, after several long, literary very descriptive books, I loved the pace and punchy easy read quality of this book. The characters felt realistic. The dialogue was great and felt really authentic and genuine. I also thoroughly enjoyed the setting. Newcastle was genuinely described with feeling. My daughter in law hails from Newcastle, and I liked reading about the neighbourhoods and communities. It added to my enjoyment of the story.
"Every night was Friday night in Newcastle." I love it when the setting is as important to the story as the action. There is a little head hopping here and there but I enjoyed progressing through the story line from the three main characters point of view. The fairly large cast of characters are handled well. The goodies and baddies are well defined. The situations topical. I was like ... Oh no, here and there ... And smiled wryly here and there too. I felt for Nicola's predicament, had a few starts and surprises, and totally enjoyed the journey through this crime drama.
August 7, 2018
I’m not sure how this book has been on my to be read pile for so long, but I’m so glad I have finally read it. This is one of those books that you just don’t want to put down. The story is tense and gritty with plenty of twists along the way. I really enjoyed the characters in the story, you feel as though you know them well. This is a great read and I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for The Rave by this author, which comes out next week.
September 9, 2018
The prodigal boy Nicky Black.
Exiled from his beloved Newcastle sixteen years ago, Detective Sergeant Lee Jamieson is returning home in search of the teenage daughter he’s never met. With a good promotion under his belt and his parents gone, he’s ready to return to his roots and the warm Geordie spirit he has missed so much.
Much to his surprise, his first assignment is in Valley Park, a forgotten sink estate and home to some of the worst social deprivation in the country – the estate where he grew up, and where Nicola Kelly, the wife of a renowned local villain, calls home.
As Lee and Nicola’s lives become entwined through a series of dramatic events, they fall in love and embark on a dangerous affair that will change both of their lives forever. Nicola’s husband, Micky, has few scruples, and, as he feels her slipping away, tightens his grip on her affections.
In order for Lee and Nicola to be together, Micky Kelly has to go.
This was a fantastic read. I liked Lee. It kept me hooked until the end. I would recommend this book. 5*.
Exiled from his beloved Newcastle sixteen years ago, Detective Sergeant Lee Jamieson is returning home in search of the teenage daughter he’s never met. With a good promotion under his belt and his parents gone, he’s ready to return to his roots and the warm Geordie spirit he has missed so much.
Much to his surprise, his first assignment is in Valley Park, a forgotten sink estate and home to some of the worst social deprivation in the country – the estate where he grew up, and where Nicola Kelly, the wife of a renowned local villain, calls home.
As Lee and Nicola’s lives become entwined through a series of dramatic events, they fall in love and embark on a dangerous affair that will change both of their lives forever. Nicola’s husband, Micky, has few scruples, and, as he feels her slipping away, tightens his grip on her affections.
In order for Lee and Nicola to be together, Micky Kelly has to go.
This was a fantastic read. I liked Lee. It kept me hooked until the end. I would recommend this book. 5*.
July 31, 2015
The idea for this book was originally commissioned as a two part tv drama but it never made it to screen. To be honest, it is unlikely I would have watched it as it would probably have been too violent for me. But as a novel, although it's much darker that I would normally read, I thought it was excellent.
Lee is the Prodigal of the title, a policeman returning to his native Newcastle to sort out the problems on the Valley Park estate. Valley Park sounds like it should be a lovely place to stay but is rife with drugs, violence, theft and other major crimes. No-one wants to stay if they can help it. This is where Lee grew up, the place he turned his back on and the place he sees has deteriorated even in the time he has been away. He sees and is attracted to Nicola in one of the early scenes where a night at the pub turns violent. Slight problem is that she is married to one of the toughest men on the estate, Micky Kelly!
I found myself feeling quite sad at the thought that people live this way, where domestic violence is commonplace, where children swearing and being sworn at is not unusual and where no-one bothers to report crime because what's the point? There are socially deprived communities like this not far from probably everyone who reads the book. But what Nicky Black was really good at in this book was showing that there is hope for such places. Nicola's good friend Margie was a tough woman but she was very vocal in standing up for the rights of the people to have decent places to live and a chance to live a life free from fear. Nicola was a character I really cared about. She was in a seemingly hopeless situation with a violent husband, drugs surrounding her family and affecting it in tragic ways and no chance to better herself. And yet, she found the courage to try to make life better for herself and her children and have a chance at happiness again.
Even the really awful characters showed some positive character traits: a fierce loyalty to family, though often shown in strange ways, a protective love for their children, respect for others in their criminal world, although precious little for the police or authority. Nicky Black created a real sense of humanity in her characters.
The Prodigal was a really fast paced novel with lots of dramatic events and lots of twists. For all its bleakness and the hopelessness felt by some characters, it was very well written, a real page turner and perhaps surprisingly for a thriller, quite a moving read.
Lee is the Prodigal of the title, a policeman returning to his native Newcastle to sort out the problems on the Valley Park estate. Valley Park sounds like it should be a lovely place to stay but is rife with drugs, violence, theft and other major crimes. No-one wants to stay if they can help it. This is where Lee grew up, the place he turned his back on and the place he sees has deteriorated even in the time he has been away. He sees and is attracted to Nicola in one of the early scenes where a night at the pub turns violent. Slight problem is that she is married to one of the toughest men on the estate, Micky Kelly!
I found myself feeling quite sad at the thought that people live this way, where domestic violence is commonplace, where children swearing and being sworn at is not unusual and where no-one bothers to report crime because what's the point? There are socially deprived communities like this not far from probably everyone who reads the book. But what Nicky Black was really good at in this book was showing that there is hope for such places. Nicola's good friend Margie was a tough woman but she was very vocal in standing up for the rights of the people to have decent places to live and a chance to live a life free from fear. Nicola was a character I really cared about. She was in a seemingly hopeless situation with a violent husband, drugs surrounding her family and affecting it in tragic ways and no chance to better herself. And yet, she found the courage to try to make life better for herself and her children and have a chance at happiness again.
Even the really awful characters showed some positive character traits: a fierce loyalty to family, though often shown in strange ways, a protective love for their children, respect for others in their criminal world, although precious little for the police or authority. Nicky Black created a real sense of humanity in her characters.
The Prodigal was a really fast paced novel with lots of dramatic events and lots of twists. For all its bleakness and the hopelessness felt by some characters, it was very well written, a real page turner and perhaps surprisingly for a thriller, quite a moving read.
July 9, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive a copy free of charge, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
After many years away, Detective Sergeant Lee Jamieson is about to return to Valley Park in Newcastle where he grew up, to help tackle crime in the local area and to meet his daughter for the very first time.
Life in Valley Park has been on the decline over recent years, with the area vast becoming a bit of a crime capital. It's not helped by the unemployment rate and unruly kids out pinching cars night after night, which is a far cry from how Lee remembered it all. Keen to help put the hard men behind bars, rid the streets of drugs and generally make Valley Park a place worth living in again, Lee embarks on the seemingly impossible task of clearing out the trash.
When he unexpectedly falls for the wife of local hard man Micky Kelly, things begin to take a sinister twist. An uncooperative work force with out dated ideas, means that Lee has to come up with a new strategy, and fast! Every lead appears to be hampered until he gets the information he so desperately needs - but will this risk the lives of those he loves?
I really don't want to give away any more of the storyline, all I can say is that I tip this to be a big selling hit for 2015 and you really ought to get out there and buy it!!
I had only read the odd excerpt before reading The Prodigal in full, so only had a very small idea of what to expect. A few pages into the first chapter, and I knew this book already had me gripped.
The Prodigal is exceptionally well written and the characters are so well described that you actually live the story with them. Their hurt, pain and joy can all be felt by the reader, so be prepared for giggles, repulsion and even maybe a few tears along the way. The dialogue is spot on and the essence of Tyneside has been captured to a tee making the story a believable one. There are several unexpected twists which keep you gripped and desperate to find out what happens next.
The ending wasn't quite what I expected, but for me I preferred this as it was unpredictable and kept me guessing all the way.
I cannot thank Nicky enough for allowing me to read The Prodigal, I thoroughly enjoyed it and plan to shout about it to everyone I know! I wish Nicky every success and look forward to her next novel with great anticipation.
After many years away, Detective Sergeant Lee Jamieson is about to return to Valley Park in Newcastle where he grew up, to help tackle crime in the local area and to meet his daughter for the very first time.
Life in Valley Park has been on the decline over recent years, with the area vast becoming a bit of a crime capital. It's not helped by the unemployment rate and unruly kids out pinching cars night after night, which is a far cry from how Lee remembered it all. Keen to help put the hard men behind bars, rid the streets of drugs and generally make Valley Park a place worth living in again, Lee embarks on the seemingly impossible task of clearing out the trash.
When he unexpectedly falls for the wife of local hard man Micky Kelly, things begin to take a sinister twist. An uncooperative work force with out dated ideas, means that Lee has to come up with a new strategy, and fast! Every lead appears to be hampered until he gets the information he so desperately needs - but will this risk the lives of those he loves?
I really don't want to give away any more of the storyline, all I can say is that I tip this to be a big selling hit for 2015 and you really ought to get out there and buy it!!
I had only read the odd excerpt before reading The Prodigal in full, so only had a very small idea of what to expect. A few pages into the first chapter, and I knew this book already had me gripped.
The Prodigal is exceptionally well written and the characters are so well described that you actually live the story with them. Their hurt, pain and joy can all be felt by the reader, so be prepared for giggles, repulsion and even maybe a few tears along the way. The dialogue is spot on and the essence of Tyneside has been captured to a tee making the story a believable one. There are several unexpected twists which keep you gripped and desperate to find out what happens next.
The ending wasn't quite what I expected, but for me I preferred this as it was unpredictable and kept me guessing all the way.
I cannot thank Nicky enough for allowing me to read The Prodigal, I thoroughly enjoyed it and plan to shout about it to everyone I know! I wish Nicky every success and look forward to her next novel with great anticipation.
July 26, 2015
The Prodigal – Nicky Black
Blurb:
Exiled from his beloved Newcastle sixteen years ago, Detective Sergeant Lee Jamieson is returning home in search of the teenage daughter he’s never met. With a good promotion under his belt and his parents gone, he’s ready to return to his roots and the warm Geordie spirit he has missed so much.
Much to his surprise, his first assignment is in Valley Park, a forgotten sink estate and home to some of the worst social deprivation in the country – the estate where he grew up, and where Nicola Kelly, the wife of a renowned local villain, calls home.
As Lee and Nicola’s lives become entwined through a series of dramatic events, they fall in love and embark on a dangerous affair that will change both of their lives forever. Nicola’s husband, Micky, has few scruples, and, as he feels her slipping away, tightens his grip on her affections.
In order for Lee and Nicola to be together, Micky Kelly has to go.
My Review:
I was lucky enough to be able to read this book before release, I have to say I did not expect this!
I thought the blurb gave the story away, however I was so wrong, there is action on every singe page. You get hooked, and then you don’t want to stop. I was surprised to find out that this was a collaboration between two ladies, you couldn’t tell that this was the case in the writing.
There are lots of characters in this book, lots of drama and lots of drama. I couldn’t guess what was going to happen, I didn’t see certain parts coming and that is a sign of a good book, I think it has been left so Lee could possibly come back and solve another ‘case’. It is a book that gives you hope that no matter how bad life is or the situation that you are in there is a way around it and things can be done to stop it, and to get away from it.
The descriptions of all the locations and characters were great, if you want a book that will grip you from the start this is it!
4 stars
Blurb:
Exiled from his beloved Newcastle sixteen years ago, Detective Sergeant Lee Jamieson is returning home in search of the teenage daughter he’s never met. With a good promotion under his belt and his parents gone, he’s ready to return to his roots and the warm Geordie spirit he has missed so much.
Much to his surprise, his first assignment is in Valley Park, a forgotten sink estate and home to some of the worst social deprivation in the country – the estate where he grew up, and where Nicola Kelly, the wife of a renowned local villain, calls home.
As Lee and Nicola’s lives become entwined through a series of dramatic events, they fall in love and embark on a dangerous affair that will change both of their lives forever. Nicola’s husband, Micky, has few scruples, and, as he feels her slipping away, tightens his grip on her affections.
In order for Lee and Nicola to be together, Micky Kelly has to go.
My Review:
I was lucky enough to be able to read this book before release, I have to say I did not expect this!
I thought the blurb gave the story away, however I was so wrong, there is action on every singe page. You get hooked, and then you don’t want to stop. I was surprised to find out that this was a collaboration between two ladies, you couldn’t tell that this was the case in the writing.
There are lots of characters in this book, lots of drama and lots of drama. I couldn’t guess what was going to happen, I didn’t see certain parts coming and that is a sign of a good book, I think it has been left so Lee could possibly come back and solve another ‘case’. It is a book that gives you hope that no matter how bad life is or the situation that you are in there is a way around it and things can be done to stop it, and to get away from it.
The descriptions of all the locations and characters were great, if you want a book that will grip you from the start this is it!
4 stars
July 9, 2015
Frank died on his birthday, leaving behind Lee and his wife Jackie, they in turn lose their home due to the fact Frank had been drinking at work and fell 35 ft to his death as a consequence. They were entitled to no compensation.
20 years later Lee is a beat officer and sees Nicky Kelly in a bar. A fight breaks out and Lee somehow gets involved.
Set in Newcastle The Prodigal sums up life perfectly in the North East. Nicky Black has written an extraordinary novel, raw and full of life.
Living near Newcastle myself, I know of the places mentioned so I could vividly picture the surroundings of this group of characters. The Prodigal is a riveting read. It is a book with guts.
Fights, drugs and organized crime, it’s and horrendous look at life in a big city. The gun game Micky plays with Nicola is scary.
Nicky Black knows how to write good drama.
The Prodigal is fabulously written with a touch of everything, humor, sadness, love and most of all reality.
20 years later Lee is a beat officer and sees Nicky Kelly in a bar. A fight breaks out and Lee somehow gets involved.
Set in Newcastle The Prodigal sums up life perfectly in the North East. Nicky Black has written an extraordinary novel, raw and full of life.
Living near Newcastle myself, I know of the places mentioned so I could vividly picture the surroundings of this group of characters. The Prodigal is a riveting read. It is a book with guts.
Fights, drugs and organized crime, it’s and horrendous look at life in a big city. The gun game Micky plays with Nicola is scary.
Nicky Black knows how to write good drama.
The Prodigal is fabulously written with a touch of everything, humor, sadness, love and most of all reality.
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