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East End #1
East End Trouble
There’s Trouble Brewing in the East End…Two families. Only one can come out on top. Dave Carter is king of the East End, but someone has their eye on his crown. Martin Morton is determined to make his mark and take down Dave Carter while he’s at it. If anyone stands in his way, he’ll wipe them out. But has Martin bitten off more than he can chew?When his own family start to turn against him, Martin realises there is trouble brewing in the East End in more ways than one.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2016
424 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
D.S. Butler
35 books893 followersAuthor of the Karen Hart series. Ex-biochemist turned crime-writer. Huge Queen fan. Loves to read crime fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 23, 2018
Bloody brilliance
Totally loved this couldn’t put it down fab characters and alway something going on any martina Cole fan or Kimberley chambers fan will love this I’m on to reading part 2 now happy reading ppl
Totally loved this couldn’t put it down fab characters and alway something going on any martina Cole fan or Kimberley chambers fan will love this I’m on to reading part 2 now happy reading ppl
October 30, 2025
I picked up East End Trouble by Dani Oakley expecting a gripping, emotional slice of London life — the kind of raw, character-driven tale she’s known for. Set against the backdrop of the East End, the book follows a young woman trying to hold her family together amid crime, betrayal, and the unspoken rules of the streets. It’s a world of tight-knit loyalties, dangerous secrets, and people trying to escape the shadows of their pasts. On paper, it has everything a solid drama needs: heart, grit, and high stakes.
But while the setup has real potential, the story never seems to find its rhythm. The early chapters introduce interesting conflicts — a troubled home life, a brush with the criminal world, and an undercurrent of danger that promises to explode — yet none of it ever builds into something meaningful. Things just happen. Characters argue, make choices, and face consequences, but it all feels strangely weightless, as though the story is moving forward without any real direction.
Oakley’s writing style is authentic and conversational, and she clearly knows the world she’s writing about. The East End setting feels lived-in — the pubs, the markets, the sense of community and struggle. There are moments of genuine emotion too, especially when she touches on family loyalty and survival. But the pacing is off. Scenes that could have been powerful are cut short, while others drag on without adding much to the plot. It creates this constant sense that something big is about to happen, but it never quite does.
The biggest frustration is how many questions are left hanging. Characters disappear without explanation, conflicts are raised and then forgotten, and key motivations are never explored. By the end, it feels like half the story is missing. You can see glimpses of a deeper, more compelling narrative — one that deals with guilt, revenge, and redemption — but it’s buried under repetitive scenes and abrupt shifts.
It’s not all bad. The dialogue rings true, the atmosphere feels authentic, and there’s a warmth in the portrayal of family bonds that keeps you reading even when the plot stalls. But without a strong through-line or satisfying resolution, it’s hard to feel invested. The book reads more like a series of loosely connected events than a cohesive story.
By the final chapters, I was left wondering what the point of it all was. The premise had potential, the characters had depth waiting to be explored, but the execution fell flat. There’s no real payoff — just unanswered questions and the sense that everything could have meant more if the story had been given a clearer direction.
But while the setup has real potential, the story never seems to find its rhythm. The early chapters introduce interesting conflicts — a troubled home life, a brush with the criminal world, and an undercurrent of danger that promises to explode — yet none of it ever builds into something meaningful. Things just happen. Characters argue, make choices, and face consequences, but it all feels strangely weightless, as though the story is moving forward without any real direction.
Oakley’s writing style is authentic and conversational, and she clearly knows the world she’s writing about. The East End setting feels lived-in — the pubs, the markets, the sense of community and struggle. There are moments of genuine emotion too, especially when she touches on family loyalty and survival. But the pacing is off. Scenes that could have been powerful are cut short, while others drag on without adding much to the plot. It creates this constant sense that something big is about to happen, but it never quite does.
The biggest frustration is how many questions are left hanging. Characters disappear without explanation, conflicts are raised and then forgotten, and key motivations are never explored. By the end, it feels like half the story is missing. You can see glimpses of a deeper, more compelling narrative — one that deals with guilt, revenge, and redemption — but it’s buried under repetitive scenes and abrupt shifts.
It’s not all bad. The dialogue rings true, the atmosphere feels authentic, and there’s a warmth in the portrayal of family bonds that keeps you reading even when the plot stalls. But without a strong through-line or satisfying resolution, it’s hard to feel invested. The book reads more like a series of loosely connected events than a cohesive story.
By the final chapters, I was left wondering what the point of it all was. The premise had potential, the characters had depth waiting to be explored, but the execution fell flat. There’s no real payoff — just unanswered questions and the sense that everything could have meant more if the story had been given a clearer direction.
April 19, 2017
another good east end drama fans of Martina Cole and kimberley chambers will love this
March 5, 2016
This is the first book I've read by this author it it certainly won't be my last . A well written book with just enough violence and shady deals from two separate gang leaders . If you like Martina Cole you'll love this book
5 stars from me
5 stars from me
June 27, 2016
anyone who enjoys reading Martina Cole, will want to read EastEnders trouble a fantastic book could not put it down until I had finished it would have given it more stars if I could have, brilliant read, can,t wait to read sequel book EastEnd diamond.
March 26, 2016
An easy read, bit more basic than Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers and a very rushed ending, would have been 5 stars if not for that, would definitely read more if she did more of this genre of book.
September 13, 2025
The plot starts slowly as the various characters and a little backstory is shared. Pace builds steadily, with mounting tension that keeps those pages turning as you want to find out more. There are times that it felt formulaic but the emotional payoff of the characters was dealt with well,
The dialogue isn't as gritty as in some other gangster driven books and movies but equally it doesn't massively distract.
Overall, East End Trouble is a strong, character-driven story of rival gangsters in the East End but maintains a good hold of the human qualities of people rather than stereotypes alone.that delivers more than just thrills—it offers a deeply human story. It was certainly good enough that I downloaded book 2 as soon as I had finished.
The dialogue isn't as gritty as in some other gangster driven books and movies but equally it doesn't massively distract.
Overall, East End Trouble is a strong, character-driven story of rival gangsters in the East End but maintains a good hold of the human qualities of people rather than stereotypes alone.that delivers more than just thrills—it offers a deeply human story. It was certainly good enough that I downloaded book 2 as soon as I had finished.
November 10, 2017
a gpod read,great way to a series
this was was a new author for me,but as i had this and the next book in the series apready in my kindle i thought id gove it a try and im gpad that i have, just my kind of genre thanks to Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller,Kerry Barnes and now iv found another to add to my list! love the way she explains all about the charachters ansld whats what, i can not wait to read East End Diamond now so i can see what revenge mary gets and what happens to charlie and all the rest. how will jimmy grow up??...im off now to find out l. <3
this was was a new author for me,but as i had this and the next book in the series apready in my kindle i thought id gove it a try and im gpad that i have, just my kind of genre thanks to Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller,Kerry Barnes and now iv found another to add to my list! love the way she explains all about the charachters ansld whats what, i can not wait to read East End Diamond now so i can see what revenge mary gets and what happens to charlie and all the rest. how will jimmy grow up??...im off now to find out l. <3
November 20, 2018
Love love loved this book❤️
Absolutely amazing read... thoroughly enjoyed every page in fact I couldn’t put it down,my husband wasn’t too happy,as I took read my book during working hours, but I know a good book when I read one all I can say is keep them coming.. can’t wait to read the follow on story .. And hopefully a series of the Diamond family ...
kind Regards Mrs Mandy Martin
Absolutely amazing read... thoroughly enjoyed every page in fact I couldn’t put it down,my husband wasn’t too happy,as I took read my book during working hours, but I know a good book when I read one all I can say is keep them coming.. can’t wait to read the follow on story .. And hopefully a series of the Diamond family ...
kind Regards Mrs Mandy Martin
May 15, 2019
Marvellous reading!!!!!
What a brilliantly written book, I've read it in two evenings, it was so hard to put it down. I also liked that it wasn't full of bad language like quite a few of the other writers of east end gangland do, it's not necessary. I'm now going to read the next book in this series. I'm really looking forward to see what happens next.
What a brilliantly written book, I've read it in two evenings, it was so hard to put it down. I also liked that it wasn't full of bad language like quite a few of the other writers of east end gangland do, it's not necessary. I'm now going to read the next book in this series. I'm really looking forward to see what happens next.
May 23, 2019
Great read
I am a big Martina Cole reader and I had this book in my suggested reads all I can say I downloaded the next two books in the series on page 30 I was that booked read the book in 2 days. I was very impressed with the storyline and I am looking forward to reading more of D S Butler books.
I am a big Martina Cole reader and I had this book in my suggested reads all I can say I downloaded the next two books in the series on page 30 I was that booked read the book in 2 days. I was very impressed with the storyline and I am looking forward to reading more of D S Butler books.
June 9, 2024
Very reminiscent of Martina Cole’s earlier books which I really liked but what put me off at the start was the Mr and Mrs until I realised that was the old East end way. The story was violent in places but it also had its share of heartbreaking moments and I’m looking forward to reading the other two books in the series.
May 19, 2017
Good read
This book is quite a good read although not as gritty as similar authors have achieved , characters were good and the plot had a good ending. Look forward to reading the next one in this series.
This book is quite a good read although not as gritty as similar authors have achieved , characters were good and the plot had a good ending. Look forward to reading the next one in this series.
December 10, 2017
Difficult to put down.
I have never read this author before, although I love this genre of books. So i decided to buy the 3 book kindle edition and give them a try.
I have to say, I really loved east end trouble and I'm looking forward to starting east end diamond tomorrow.
I have never read this author before, although I love this genre of books. So i decided to buy the 3 book kindle edition and give them a try.
I have to say, I really loved east end trouble and I'm looking forward to starting east end diamond tomorrow.
April 6, 2018
Good read and story on par with Kimberly Chambers and Jacqui Rose will be following Dani
My friend recommended this book to me and glad she did...so I will tell my other friend readers to buy.
My friend recommended this book to me and glad she did...so I will tell my other friend readers to buy.
June 20, 2019
East End Trouble
I've enjoyed this book, there is so much happening turf wars, gangsters against each other, a very nievie young girl who falls in love with a gangster thinking he will leave his wife and children for her, I won't say anymore, I recommend this book all readers.
I've enjoyed this book, there is so much happening turf wars, gangsters against each other, a very nievie young girl who falls in love with a gangster thinking he will leave his wife and children for her, I won't say anymore, I recommend this book all readers.
November 17, 2019
A good read
Came across this in my , because you have read, suggestions.
A good story that takes you back to a time where fear rules the streets. Has been page turner that I couldn't put down. Have downloaded the next book a!ready.
Came across this in my , because you have read, suggestions.
A good story that takes you back to a time where fear rules the streets. Has been page turner that I couldn't put down. Have downloaded the next book a!ready.
November 23, 2019
Great read
This is the first book I head read by then s author but it won't be the last! The world of the sixties gangsters and villains came alive through the superb writing. Looking for the next book now !!
This is the first book I head read by then s author but it won't be the last! The world of the sixties gangsters and villains came alive through the superb writing. Looking for the next book now !!
February 21, 2017
Nothing like martina cole
Storyline is weak. Characters aren't likeable. Everything seems rushed. Stick to Martina cole and Kimberly chambers this writer is poor comparison.
Storyline is weak. Characters aren't likeable. Everything seems rushed. Stick to Martina cole and Kimberly chambers this writer is poor comparison.
May 13, 2017
Worth a read
I found it quite slow at the beginning but I'm glad I carried on reading it was brilliant once I got into it.
I found it quite slow at the beginning but I'm glad I carried on reading it was brilliant once I got into it.
May 27, 2017
Another East End Tale??
I'm glad to say it matched Martina's for unputdownability can't wait to read East End Diamond next!! Already downloaded on my Kindle.
I'm glad to say it matched Martina's for unputdownability can't wait to read East End Diamond next!! Already downloaded on my Kindle.
November 7, 2017
I found this book a little predictable and hard to really 'get into'
November 15, 2017
Rivals
Good book. Couldn't put it down but would like to hear more of Kathleen friend, recommend to all, next one
Good book. Couldn't put it down but would like to hear more of Kathleen friend, recommend to all, next one
December 1, 2017
Great book
Brilliant story very similar to Martina Cole kept me wanting yo read more and more cant wait for next book
Brilliant story very similar to Martina Cole kept me wanting yo read more and more cant wait for next book
January 17, 2018
Brilliant
Was a good read thoroughly enjoyed this book, need to read the next one. Can't wait to start reading it.
Was a good read thoroughly enjoyed this book, need to read the next one. Can't wait to start reading it.
January 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this 2nd book in the Diamond saga. Great insight to the Easy End back in the 60’s. You get to know all the characters well. Can’t wait for the next book.
February 16, 2018
Great read!!!!
Couldn't wait to turn each page and find out what would happen next.
Book two here i come ☺ might have to consider sleep at some point, but couldn't put it down.
Couldn't wait to turn each page and find out what would happen next.
Book two here i come ☺ might have to consider sleep at some point, but couldn't put it down.
March 28, 2018
Fantastic
I was gripped from the beginning and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series, finished the book in one day and can’t wait to start the next.
I was gripped from the beginning and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series, finished the book in one day and can’t wait to start the next.
April 1, 2018
Brilliantly written
Couldn’t put it down ..I. On To the next one ..highly recommend.If you like Martina Cole you’ll love this .
Couldn’t put it down ..I. On To the next one ..highly recommend.If you like Martina Cole you’ll love this .
June 3, 2018
Gives Martina a run for her money
I chose this rating because I loved the book.
Can't wait to start reading her other books right after writing this
I chose this rating because I loved the book.
Can't wait to start reading her other books right after writing this
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews