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Stay Dead is the heartstopping sixth book in Jessie Keane's bestselling Annie Carter series.

Annie Carter finally believes that life is good.

She and Max are back together and she has a new and uncomplicated life sunning herself in Barbados. It's what she's always dreamed of.

Then she gets the news that her old friend Dolly Farrell is dead, and suddenly she finds herself back in London and hunting down a murderer with only one thing on her mind . . . revenge.

But the hunter can so quickly become the hunted, and Annie has been keeping too many secrets. She's crossed and bettered a lot of people over the years, but this time the enemy is a lot closer to home and she may just have met her match . . .

449 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2016

108 people are currently reading
331 people want to read

About the author

Jessie Keane

45 books388 followers
Now what about me? I’ve done a lot of writing, but way back before I even dreamed I could be a professional writer I was just the youngest in a big family. My Dad was a surveyor with an edge of brilliance. My Mum was from gipsy roots and used to drive around in a goat-cart (yes, really!) when she was little. Once we were rich (although I didn’t know it then, and it was all thanks to my Dad’s ingenuity) and then suddenly – pretty shockingly, really – we were poor (thanks to greedy people who exploited his kindness). I have to tell you, rich is better. But the great thing about life is, even painful events pass, and if you make bad choices, hopefully you learn from them.

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5 stars
1,116 (66%)
4 stars
369 (22%)
3 stars
134 (8%)
2 stars
30 (1%)
1 star
21 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Pol.
450 reviews9 followers
September 27, 2016
jessie keane just gets better,with each book a great end to the annie carter series. Roll on for her next book can,t wait.
Profile Image for Paul.
1,191 reviews75 followers
February 9, 2020
Stay Dead – Classic Annie Carter

Stay Dead is the six book in the Annie Carter series and takes us back to 1994, when she is back in the Caribbean, and Max is somewhere else in the world. When she receives a call, that her eldest friend Dolly has been shot and killed in her flat.

Annie vows to find out the truth about who killed Dolly and deal with them the underworld way. When she gets back to London, she is not welcomed back with open arms, but hostility and she just cannot understand what is going on. When she is snatched off the street and given a beating she really knows something is going on.

When Max turns up things become a little clearer, and he thinks she has been having an affair with her ‘dead’ mafia boss husband. Which means she has been getting the cold shoulder as they think he has been wronged.

Annie starts to put together what has been happening, even with the police sticking their noses in, she has to figure out that the past may have finally caught up with Dolly. While at the same time the mafia pledge of never talking has caught her out. Max wants to kill her dead husband, while he has to be reminded Annie and Max’s daughter also happens to be the daughter-in-law of said mafia boss.

Will Annie finally be able to convince Max there is nothing going on between her and her ex-husband? Will Max kill him when they meet? More importantly will Dolly’s killer be found, and the underworld justice be dealt out. For that to happen she really needs Max to believe her and be on her side. That would also bring a network of contacts into her world.

Jessie Keane really knows how to write a thriller that is a page turner, and even though the clues are there, can you work out who did what before the reveal? Keane knows how to keep the reader entertained and this thriller is proof of that.
Profile Image for Jaffareadstoo.
2,936 reviews
October 12, 2016
This is the sixth book in the Annie Carter series and I sure that there are legions of this author's work who devour her books as soon as they hit the bookshelf. As this was my first book by this author and therefore my first foray into the complicated world that Annie Carter inhabits, it must be said that I struggled with the story. Not because the writing lets it down, far from it, the plot and characterisation are very good, as the author clearly knows how to target her book towards her audience, but for me, it was more that without the benefit of knowing the series so far, I couldn't quite grasp the hidden nuances which make up so much of the story's overall effect.

There's no doubt that the author writes at a cracking good pace. The story moves along well and the hint of trouble and the constant threat of danger ensures that the story sits comfortably within the gangland crime/thriller genre. If you are already a fan then I am sure that you will love to see where Anna and Max's story moves along too, however, if like me you are new to the Anna Carter series then it's probably better that you start at the very beginning, it seems like a very good place to start to get to know the fierce and feisty, Anna Carter.
Profile Image for Kim Richards.
1,338 reviews7 followers
October 21, 2019
I am so bad, this is not my first time reading this book, but I never reviewed it when I first read it.
I was pulled into this book right from the get go and that is where I stayed until I had read every single word that was written.
There are twists, turns and surprises within the pages of this book, some of the surprises you may see coming where as others you won't. Some of the surprises are large, while others are small, but each and everyone holds the same importace with regards to making this book the fantsastic read that it is.
I felt each and every emotion that the characters went through, I did find myself getting frastrate a time or two at a few of the characters, a couple I would of loved to smack, but they redeemed themselves, by the end of the book.
I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Paul Adler.
632 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2022
This was the 6th and final (although I hope there may be more) of the Annie Carter novels. In this one two long dead (or we thought they were) return to cause problems for Annie and Max. Annie is devastated when her best friend Dolly is found dead in the club she manages. A search covering many places starts to find her killer. Despite all the Red Herrings the murderer comes at the end as a great surprise. This is a very enjoyable book as all the Annie Carter books have been. Hope this is not the last one. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Profile Image for Grace.
507 reviews11 followers
June 21, 2017
This was a good book in the series but for me, not as good as some of the previous ones. It's still worth a read though.
Profile Image for Vicki - I Love Reading.
961 reviews56 followers
December 30, 2018
Go me, another book read from my back log of books. Good old Amazon informed me I'd purchased this book in 2016, I really thought I was up to date with this series, but clearly I wasn't. It was only after I'd just read LAWLESS that I decided to check what other outstanding books I had by this author and come across this one.
I've loved my little Jessie Keane binge, it's cemented again my thoughts that this lady certainly can write a page turner. Annie Carter at her best, this book I have read in just over a 24hour period, not sleeping very well certainly had it's advantages for me.
Some brilliant twist and turns in this book and a lot I really didn't see coming, I love when a book can surprise me and this one certainly did that.
Personally I have to say, that to fully enjoy this book then the series needs reading in order. It really will help to have the back history of a lot of the characters.
When Annie Carter receives news that her friend Dolly Farrell is dead, she heads back to London. What then unfolds is a roller coaster of a ride, heart pounding, nail biting read. I was hooked from the beginning and I know we say it a lot about good books, but I really couldn't put this down.
There is an awful lot packed into these pages, and it was good to read it over a short time period so my little mind didn't get lost. Some of our favourite characters from this series really show their colours here.
How or where Jessie Keane gets her story idea's from I don't know, I just hope they continue for a long time to come.
Thrilled to have finally caught up, and absolutely loved this book.
It's a big 5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Marie.
185 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2017
Annie Carter Series No.6

Stay Dead is the heartstopping sixth book in Jessie Keane's bestselling Annie Carter series. Annie Carter finally believes that life is good. She and Max are back together and she has a new and uncomplicated life sunning herself in Barbados. It's what she's always dreamed of. Then she gets the news that her old friend Dolly Farrell is dead, and suddenly she finds herself back in London and hunting down a murderer with only one thing on her mind ...revenge. But the hunter can so quickly become the hunted, and Annie has been keeping too many secrets. She's crossed and bettered a lot of people over the years, but this time the enemy is a lot closer to home and she may just have met her match ...

I have really enjoyed the Annie Carter Series from the beginning. Unlike some of the female characters, Annie Carter is not one to be taken advantage of, she's strong-minded with a heart of gold. The writing style is fast-paced and the story moves smoothly throughout. If you have read the previous books in the series then you will be dying to know how the love story between Annie and Max plays out. If you haven't read the other books in the series, you're best starting at the beginning with Dirty Game which, like this book, is hard to put down, which is why I took it on holiday with me.

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Profile Image for Best Crime Books & More.
1,191 reviews180 followers
April 1, 2019
Mmmmm, I had kind of mixed feelings about this book but ultimately it was still a cracking read. It's been (covers head in shame) 5 years (yes you read that correctly) since I last read a Jessie Keane and I was a little concerned at how relevant it would feel in my mind. However, that little worry was unfounded as the minute I started reading it all came rushing back. What I would say is that to really enjoy this book you are better reading the series in order to allow you a little bit more background knowledge.We join Annie in Barbados where she feels like her life is finally returning to some normalcy. However she then receives a call that changes everything and her whole world looks like it's about to end. Her long time friend Dolly has been found dead and it looks like murder. Annie jumps straight back on a plane to London with a view to finding who is responsible and making them pay. What Annie didn't account for was her own people turning on her and she is surprised to find out that she isn't sure why.There were elements of this story that I loved but there were also elements that just didn't sit right with me. Seeing how certain people treated Annie, it felt like a stretch but maybe that's because I have had such a long gap between books. That aside, it was great to see some closure on one particular element of the story. The writing was excellent as it always is, but I think maybe now her other series is more in the front of my mind and maybe Annie Carter and Co could take a back seat for a while.
79 reviews
January 23, 2017
I LOVED it!! Jessie Keane can spin stories and each plot was well entwinned with no loose ends. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it was certainly worth the wait. Was difficult to source as it never popped up in the supermarkets or bookstores near me which I found strange! Definitely best read in a long time. Well done Jessie :)
Profile Image for TS Tan.
150 reviews
August 30, 2017
My first Annie Carter story ... I like the main character, Annie Carter, even though I am starting on book 6 of the series. I wasn't aware that this is book 6, there were plenty of flashbacks to let the story stand alone. Annie Carter comes across as a very strong woman, with a high enough push factor, to stand her in good stead among the boys she is running with.
Profile Image for Kim Richards.
1,338 reviews7 followers
August 10, 2018
Brilliant

I have read an enjoyed every book so far written in this series.
I was pulled into the story right from the start and stayed there until I had read the last word on the page.
This book has a lot going on but it is easy to keep up with.
I highly recommend this series. I feel you do need to read them in order or you won't know what is going on.
Profile Image for Lisa.
95 reviews
January 19, 2019
Another great book that gives us more in the lives of Annie and Max Carter. Enough detail to draw the picture of the scenes but not OTT in the gore. We say goodbye to one of the main characters from the previous books, as well as seeing where loyalties lay. A nice twist as well, which could be seen as obvious but well written and developed new and old characters.
Profile Image for jeannette allerston.
329 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2021
Great read

Brilliant conclusion to a great series , needs to be read , and love the character of Annie Carter so strong , sad to have finished this series highly recommend this series as a must read, thank you Jessie Keane 10/10 and 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and the narrator really brought this series to life thank you Karen Cass ☺
Profile Image for Kev.
113 reviews
September 23, 2021
The final chapter into the lives of Annie and the rest of characters from a gripping tale of twists and turns and just like the five books before this, it does not disappoint. I felt a mixture of happiness and sadness as I finished this saga. I will surely miss Annie and all those who came into her life through the years.
17 reviews
March 7, 2022
The Annie Carter series is a brilliant read

This book is the 6th book in the Annie Carter series and it was every bit as good 👍as the 1st one "Dirty Game" I have been hooked every night for about 2 and a half wks reading these books,,instead of buying them one at a time like I did for £3.99 and £2.99 you can buy the 1st 4 for £9.99 and then books 5&6 desperately I would recommend these books to anyone who likes to read or is just fed up and if I just want to see if you'd like 👍them just buy book 1 "Dirty Game"I promise you that you will be hooked
Profile Image for Jo Donnelly.
202 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2025
3.5 if I could. I didn't realise this was sixth in a series, so was at a bit of a disadvantage. It's a gritty read and not my usual genre but is well written and kept me interested. It tied things up well in the end and was a satisfying read. There was one gap - in flashbooks Annie and Dolly don't get on and it doesn't really address how that changed and they became friends.
2 reviews
March 20, 2017
Brilliant book loved the whole Annie Carter series of you like Martin's Cole then you will like this book. A gripping read didn't put it down

I read the other Annie CArter books and this was a bonus. Good book gripping story you don't want to put it down
Profile Image for Joy.
166 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2017
Excellent. Another great instalment in the Carter series of East End gangland stories. Revisiting old characters and resolving some unfinished stories from previous books. Recommend Jessie Keane books to everyone!
Profile Image for Monika.
944 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2024
Kryminał z tego jest bardzo słaby. Dużo więcej tu obyczajówki i romansu niż kryminału.
Do tego opowieści o mafii, to jednak nie dla mnie. Oh on zabijał, ale dla mnie jest taki dobry.... Wolę bardziej realistyczne podejście.
6 reviews
April 3, 2025
Love this book series. Jessie Keane knows how to hook you in to a book early on and it's rare I read a book of hers that I cannot put down. This is no different, had to read it all as quickly as I could. Great book and brilliant addition to the Annie Carter series.
Profile Image for Anita Hargreaves.
748 reviews18 followers
August 12, 2017
I love Annie Carter and this finishes up loose ends on her marriage to Italian Mafia boss and his death. Shocking death at start of a loveable character but vengeance is sweet.
360 reviews
September 6, 2017
Love the Annie Carter books. They are fast moving & a good read.Similar to Martina Cole novels.
4 reviews
November 11, 2017
Brilliant Read

This is a brilliant read. Fantastic ending to the series
Well worth getting reading Looking forward to next books. I
Profile Image for Mary.
663 reviews9 followers
August 18, 2019
First book by this author very like mandasue Heller and Martina Cole great read
Profile Image for Rosalyn.
445 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2020
Different twist and a good ending have enjoyed the series
Profile Image for Linda.
184 reviews
February 25, 2020
I love Jesse Keane's books and I did enjoy this one but some of it was a little far fetched, I can't put what as it would be a massive spoiler.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

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