What do you think?
Rate this book
Flesh and Blood Trilogy #2
Blood Mother
Book 2 in a trilogy following one family over forty years on an East London estate, BLOOD MOTHER goes back to the 70s to tell the next story in the Flesh and Blood series, perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller.
Babs had all the world ahead of her, until she got pregnant and the father did a runner. Salvation comes in the form of a man who'll look after her. Or so she thinks. Stan Miller is really the devil in disguise... and over the next twenty years, Babs will have reason to regret she ever met him.
Starting in the 70s, BLOOD MOTHER is the second thrilling installment in the Flesh and Blood series, capturing a London that was very different from today but where some things still hold true: be careful what you wish for, and watch out for who you trust...
465 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2017
61 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Dreda Say Mitchell
45 books520 followersHer Majesty, The Queen appointed Dreda an MBE in her 2020 New Year’s Honours’ List. Dreda scooped the CWA’s John Creasey Dagger in 2004, the first time a Black British author has received this honour. Dreda and Ryan write across the crime and mystery genre – psychological thrillers, gritty gangland crime and fast-paced action books Spare Room, their first psychological thriller was a #1 UK and US Amazon Bestseller. Dreda is one of twelve acclaimed and bestselling international female writers contributing to a new Miss Marple anthology. Dreda is a passionate campaigner and speaker on social issues and the arts. She has been a frequent guest on television and radio including BBC Breakfast,, Celebrity Pointless and Celebrity Eggheads, The Stephen Nolan Show, Front Row and Woman’s Hour. She has presented Radio 4’s flagship books programme, Open Book. Dreda was named one of Britain’s 50 Remarkable Women by Lady Geek in association with Nokia. She was the 2011 chair of the Theakston Harrogate Crime Fiction Festival. Dreda was born and raised in the East End of London where she continues to live. Dreda’s family are from the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada and her name is pronounced with a long ‘ee’ sound in the middle.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 10, 2017
This is the second in the Flesh and Blood trilogy but the first one for me. It works very well as a standalone. This is an East End saga about one family with strong women who have suffered, wide boys, thugs, female friendships, betrayal, and murder. It begins with Babs Miller arriving at her fiftieth birthday celebrations covered in blood. The book then goes back to 1972 where a naive and pregnant Babs learns the hard way that men are not to be trusted as Neville, her black boyfriend, turns out to be a man who is involved with multiple women and no longer wants to know her. She then meets Stanley Miller, who in her eyes is the dream man. Oh dear.
Stanley is a man going places, confident in his abilities, and with what appears to be a soft spot for Babs and seems to solve her woes when he marries her and they settle into a council flat. He has some dubious and sleazy business enterprises and is in partnership with Mickey who has a devious and street smart wife, Melanie. There is significant conflict between the three of them as they endeavour to bring each other down. Babs has little idea of what exactly Stan does or the nature of his business practices. She just does exactly what she is told, including signing anything he puts in front of her. She is griefstricken when she loses her new born baby, and her parents disown her. Over the years she has two daughters, Jen and Tiffany, and a marriage that has deeply disappointed her but she is a woman who stands by her man. That is until her bubble starts to burst, as the truth slowly begins to emerge, leaving her shell shocked. She learns to become a strong woman, with close friends, who will do anything to protect her family. We come full circle as we learn the circumstances in which Babs comes to be covered in blood at her party.
This is a fast paced character driven read. In some senses it does have elements which feel a little like a soap opera, it has so much happening and is just full of drama. It does draw you in and you can't help yourself but want to know where it is all going to end. It charts the racism of the early 1970s and just how much things have changed. If you like the thought of reading about the lives and tribulations of a family of Eastenders, this is the book for you. Thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.
Stanley is a man going places, confident in his abilities, and with what appears to be a soft spot for Babs and seems to solve her woes when he marries her and they settle into a council flat. He has some dubious and sleazy business enterprises and is in partnership with Mickey who has a devious and street smart wife, Melanie. There is significant conflict between the three of them as they endeavour to bring each other down. Babs has little idea of what exactly Stan does or the nature of his business practices. She just does exactly what she is told, including signing anything he puts in front of her. She is griefstricken when she loses her new born baby, and her parents disown her. Over the years she has two daughters, Jen and Tiffany, and a marriage that has deeply disappointed her but she is a woman who stands by her man. That is until her bubble starts to burst, as the truth slowly begins to emerge, leaving her shell shocked. She learns to become a strong woman, with close friends, who will do anything to protect her family. We come full circle as we learn the circumstances in which Babs comes to be covered in blood at her party.
This is a fast paced character driven read. In some senses it does have elements which feel a little like a soap opera, it has so much happening and is just full of drama. It does draw you in and you can't help yourself but want to know where it is all going to end. It charts the racism of the early 1970s and just how much things have changed. If you like the thought of reading about the lives and tribulations of a family of Eastenders, this is the book for you. Thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.
March 12, 2017
After reading book 1 in this awesome series I was more than happy when I received book2.
We go back to London in the East End. We've been following a family for over 40 years.
This book 2 goes back to the 1970's.
We are past the swinging 70's now but London still has movement.
When Babs got pregnant the Father was nowhere to be seen.
Luckily for Babs she meets a lovely man willing to look after her.
Or does she?
His name is Stan.
We soon discover the kind of man Stan is. To say he's a Devil in disguise is certainly not pushing the description.
Twenty years is a long time. Will Babs regret her decision.
It's a case of protecting yourself and your family. Who do you trust? Who should you trust?
We have car chases, explosions, guns, fast paced excitement.
Loyalties are broken. Betrayals twists and turns that will keep you spinning.
My thanks to Hodder and Rebecca for my copy.
We go back to London in the East End. We've been following a family for over 40 years.
This book 2 goes back to the 1970's.
We are past the swinging 70's now but London still has movement.
When Babs got pregnant the Father was nowhere to be seen.
Luckily for Babs she meets a lovely man willing to look after her.
Or does she?
His name is Stan.
We soon discover the kind of man Stan is. To say he's a Devil in disguise is certainly not pushing the description.
Twenty years is a long time. Will Babs regret her decision.
It's a case of protecting yourself and your family. Who do you trust? Who should you trust?
We have car chases, explosions, guns, fast paced excitement.
Loyalties are broken. Betrayals twists and turns that will keep you spinning.
My thanks to Hodder and Rebecca for my copy.
April 24, 2017
If you enjoyed Blood Sister, look out for the gripping new novel in the Flesh And Blood trilogy, Blood Mother. In the Blood Mother it's 1972 Babs is a girl in trouble. But when she falls for charmer Stanley Miller the trouble gets worse. Much worse. No one is going to make a divvy out Barbara Wilson. This is another well written story by Dreda Say Mitchell. Don't miss out on ordering your copy coming February 2017. I actually read an extract at the back of one of Dreda Say Mitchell books about Blood Mother. I originally thought that this was going to be a page turner, but after getting Blood Mother I couldn't get into it.
March 4, 2017
Second book in a trilogy and after that ending....I can't wait for book 3! Set in east London in the 70's and up to 2000, this book has lies, betrayal, greed and a whole load of manipulation at the core. Babs is a complex character and at times I felt sorry for her but other times I wanted to slap her! Full of great characters, this book is a real gritty tale. Many thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
December 2, 2017
Dreda Say Mitchell delivers a real tough gritty story with Blood Mother.
London in the 1970's is the scene and really trusting the wrong person, manipulation, lies, betrayal and corruption is the theme.
The characterisation was brilliant & frustrating as I willed Babs to see things, open her eyes and not make the wrong decisions. The pace of the story was brilliant and the descriptive writing really made me imagine the setting. The twists and turns kept me hooked and the grit just made it!.
I really enjoyed this book.
My thanks go to Netgalley, the publisher and author for this arc.
London in the 1970's is the scene and really trusting the wrong person, manipulation, lies, betrayal and corruption is the theme.
The characterisation was brilliant & frustrating as I willed Babs to see things, open her eyes and not make the wrong decisions. The pace of the story was brilliant and the descriptive writing really made me imagine the setting. The twists and turns kept me hooked and the grit just made it!.
I really enjoyed this book.
My thanks go to Netgalley, the publisher and author for this arc.
February 21, 2017
Review to follow...
March 29, 2017
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
I love what I call a grit lit read and there are a few authors books I can always count on to deliver my fix, Dreda Say Mitchell is one of them. Grit Lit to me is a novel that delves deep into the dark side of Life,the characters are tough and the plot brutal, Blood Mother fits this description perfectly. This book is the second book in the Flesh And Blood series, it follows one family over forty years on an East London estate. Blood Mother takes the reader back to the 70s where we learn more about Bab’s who we first met in Blood Sisters, and I just loved her story.
As the plot develops we see Bab’s change from a naive young girl, into the hardened wife of crime boss Stan Miller. Bab’s thinks she’s found the perfect match, a man who will love and protect her, little does she realise Stan is the devil in disguise a master of manipulation and deceit who will use his own wife as a pawn to get what he wants in life. As Bab’s learns more about her husband’s treacherous ways, off come the “rose tinted spectacles” and Barb’s becomes tougher and a much more interesting character. As for Stan what a fabulous character the author has created, he’s evil through and through, he certainly wouldn’t win a father/husband of the year award, so he’s not a character I liked but he certainly adds drama aplenty, as you are never quite sure what his next heinous act will be or who will be caught in the fall out, I so much wanted him to get his comeuppance. Dreda Say Mitchell brings the 70’s to life with her descriptive writing, it’s was an age where prejudice was rife, and Bab’s story very much portrays the harsh reality of life back in the 70’s.
DS Mitchell portrays a gritty picture of the murky and deadly crime world on an East London estate where revenge and retribution are part of every day life. Blood Mother is very authentic, as is the dialogue so be warned this book contains a fair bit of swearing, but in the authors defence it’s very much in keeping with the characters and plot. A gripping tale that revolves around betrayal, survival of the most cunning and family drama, although this book could be read as a standalone I would recommend you read the first book in the series Blood Sister first because it really is such a fantastic series. Blood Mother is a fast paced read, it’s gritty, brutal, which it certainly made for a quick and entertaining read. Personally I can’t wait to read the next book in this highly engaging series.
I love what I call a grit lit read and there are a few authors books I can always count on to deliver my fix, Dreda Say Mitchell is one of them. Grit Lit to me is a novel that delves deep into the dark side of Life,the characters are tough and the plot brutal, Blood Mother fits this description perfectly. This book is the second book in the Flesh And Blood series, it follows one family over forty years on an East London estate. Blood Mother takes the reader back to the 70s where we learn more about Bab’s who we first met in Blood Sisters, and I just loved her story.
As the plot develops we see Bab’s change from a naive young girl, into the hardened wife of crime boss Stan Miller. Bab’s thinks she’s found the perfect match, a man who will love and protect her, little does she realise Stan is the devil in disguise a master of manipulation and deceit who will use his own wife as a pawn to get what he wants in life. As Bab’s learns more about her husband’s treacherous ways, off come the “rose tinted spectacles” and Barb’s becomes tougher and a much more interesting character. As for Stan what a fabulous character the author has created, he’s evil through and through, he certainly wouldn’t win a father/husband of the year award, so he’s not a character I liked but he certainly adds drama aplenty, as you are never quite sure what his next heinous act will be or who will be caught in the fall out, I so much wanted him to get his comeuppance. Dreda Say Mitchell brings the 70’s to life with her descriptive writing, it’s was an age where prejudice was rife, and Bab’s story very much portrays the harsh reality of life back in the 70’s.
DS Mitchell portrays a gritty picture of the murky and deadly crime world on an East London estate where revenge and retribution are part of every day life. Blood Mother is very authentic, as is the dialogue so be warned this book contains a fair bit of swearing, but in the authors defence it’s very much in keeping with the characters and plot. A gripping tale that revolves around betrayal, survival of the most cunning and family drama, although this book could be read as a standalone I would recommend you read the first book in the series Blood Sister first because it really is such a fantastic series. Blood Mother is a fast paced read, it’s gritty, brutal, which it certainly made for a quick and entertaining read. Personally I can’t wait to read the next book in this highly engaging series.
February 23, 2017
Well holy sh*tballs! Where the hell have I been? I cannot believe this is the FIRST book from DS Mitchell that I have read! This author has always been on my radar, and I even have a few of her books on my kindle…but for some reason or another, I foolishly have never started them….that all changes NOW!!
Blood Mother is set in East End, London and covers from the 1970’s up until early 2000’s. Throughout the pages, we get pulled into betrayal; survival; truth; greed & manipulation; relationships; revenge and the search for answers. A whole whirlwind of emotions ran through me and I loved every minute of it. Having not read Book 1 in the series, I thought I may struggle…I didn’t, it rocked!
The story is told in three parts and I was immediately hooked from the start. This is another book where I felt the pace was mixed – in a good way – keeping me, as a reader engaged. When the suspense, twists and OMFG moments kicked in, I was racing through the pages! Where diverse threads were unfolding and building the momentum, I took my time and enjoyed the ride!
For me, in gritty crime fiction it is the characters that will either make or break a story. DS Mitchell has created characters whose voices were distictive and true to form. There were so many great characters in this book, but as per my usual way, I will only mention a few – have to leave you all something to discover for yourselves, right!?
Babs, for instance, really stood out for me as her naivety at the start soon fell away and the fiesty fighter in her grew as she did. She really came into herself by the end of this book – determined, independent and strong, it was clear she would do whatever was necessary to make sure her family were safe.
Stan– well my skin is crawling just typing his name. He was a strange one and I wasn’t sure what to make of him from the start – but I was wary, and my gut told me this guy is no good. #CleverGut - A chancer & charmer, it was easy to see why Babs fell for him – but he certsinly had more to him than meets the eye!
Now Richard Smith – who is this guy!? He was a man of mystery and I was immediately drawn to him- though at times I did wonder whether my instinct was wrong. And OMG- Kieran Scott – we see this kid grow up from a neglected young boy into a tough young man. There is definitely more to him and I cannot wait to see how that develops. Babs took him under her wing and he watched over her when needed. He may not have been a major character but I sensed there was a lot of foreshadowing so I hope I am right!!
I don’t think I even need to say it, but this definitely gets a Hell YEAH recommendation from me! There were twists and bad-ass #Booms which really had my heart racing and I will now go back, read Book 1 and follow with the final in the series, Blood Daughter when it is out in August! If you love the grtty, in your face, raw and real writing of authors like Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers, Mel Sherratt and Casey Kelleher, you will LOVE DS Mitchell!
November 6, 2020
If I could give 10 stars I would it’s gripping book didn’t want to put down was reading till 3 in morning. Can’t wait to read next one
October 1, 2018
So allow me to start this review by saying, WOW. I thought book one, Blood Sisters was outstandingly brilliant and gripping, which it was but I never imagined that this book two, Blood Mother would be able to top it. Well it most definitely has, this book has literally sucked me in and kept me glued and captivated by its pages from beginning to end.
Having read book one, it meant that I knew majority of the characters and so when I dived head first into this book it was because I couldn't wait to reacquaint myself with the characters Babs, Jen, Tiffany and Dee as I really felt like I'd gotten to know them and of course I was looking forward to going back to the past to learn how it all began.
You see this second book of the series takes us back to the seventies back to where Babs story began and what a story it was. It was full on, always lots happening, plus a few grasping OMG moments whereby I had to remind myself to breathe in places as I was just so lost with in the pages of the book. In all that Babs went through and the obstacles that life threw at her, I really did feel for her.
The story was brilliantly well written with such attention to detail with regards to the setting, the time period, location, it was just flawless. As for the characters, they were are all so very well portrayed and believable, some likeable and some not so likable and you just want to hate them.
Last words, the story certainly had me guessing throughout as to what would happen next and in some places I was very much on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what would happen next. As for that bit at the end, well the less said on that the better before I accidentally let loose a spoiler. But what I will say, is that I can't can't can't wait to read book three.
Oh and one more thing, if you haven't discovered Dreda's books yet, then I highly recommend them, they are sooooo goooood.
Having read book one, it meant that I knew majority of the characters and so when I dived head first into this book it was because I couldn't wait to reacquaint myself with the characters Babs, Jen, Tiffany and Dee as I really felt like I'd gotten to know them and of course I was looking forward to going back to the past to learn how it all began.
You see this second book of the series takes us back to the seventies back to where Babs story began and what a story it was. It was full on, always lots happening, plus a few grasping OMG moments whereby I had to remind myself to breathe in places as I was just so lost with in the pages of the book. In all that Babs went through and the obstacles that life threw at her, I really did feel for her.
The story was brilliantly well written with such attention to detail with regards to the setting, the time period, location, it was just flawless. As for the characters, they were are all so very well portrayed and believable, some likeable and some not so likable and you just want to hate them.
Last words, the story certainly had me guessing throughout as to what would happen next and in some places I was very much on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what would happen next. As for that bit at the end, well the less said on that the better before I accidentally let loose a spoiler. But what I will say, is that I can't can't can't wait to read book three.
Oh and one more thing, if you haven't discovered Dreda's books yet, then I highly recommend them, they are sooooo goooood.
September 1, 2017
Time taken to read - 1 day
Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton
Pages - 480
Source - Book shop
Blurb from Goodreads
Book 2 in a trilogy following one family over forty years on an East London estate, BLOOD MOTHER goes back to the 70s to tell the next story in the Flesh and Blood series, perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller.
Babs had all the world ahead of her, until she got pregnant and the father did a runner. Salvation comes in the form of a man who'll look after her. Or so she thinks. Stan Miller is really the devil in disguise... and over the next twenty years, Babs will have reason to regret she ever met him.
Starting in the 70s, BLOOD MOTHER is the second thrilling installment in the Flesh and Blood series, capturing a London that was very different from today but where some things still hold true: be careful what you wish for, and watch out for who you trust...
My Review
This is book two of a trilogy, book one looks at Bab's two kids growing up and their journey into adult hood. This book takes us back to the 1970s when Babs is just a slip of girl and spans over a few decades bringing us to the early 2000s. Babs is pregnant out of wedlock, if that isn't enough to rock the street, the father will shock and bring more grief for Babs. When she meets Stanley Miller he is the answer to all her prayers but nothing is ever free and Babs finds her actions and decisions have consequences that will haunt her and her children!
Ooooh you guys, this is a fabulous book. If you like skulduggery, lowlife characters, schemes, the grittier side of life you will absolutely love this one. You could get away with starting with this one however I would advise to read the first in the series so you get a better feel for the characters. With murder, prostitution, racism, secrets, lies, betrayal and loss the book covers a host of situations that will make some readers feel uncomfortable. It adds an air of authenticity to the depravity and level some folk find themselves when surrounded by poverty but also shows that even in the darkest of times and situations you have things that money cannot buy, friendship and loyalty.
If you enjoy Chambers and Heller then Mitchell is absolutely an author you need to sink your teeth into. Book three is out this week and I cannot wait to sink my teeth into it, highs and lows, sadness, love, laughter and darkness are just some of the themes that will take you on an emotional roller coaster with this one. 5/5 for me this time, I would have devoured it in a few hours if time had permitted, as it was I sunk it in under a day.
Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton
Pages - 480
Source - Book shop
Blurb from Goodreads
Book 2 in a trilogy following one family over forty years on an East London estate, BLOOD MOTHER goes back to the 70s to tell the next story in the Flesh and Blood series, perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller.
Babs had all the world ahead of her, until she got pregnant and the father did a runner. Salvation comes in the form of a man who'll look after her. Or so she thinks. Stan Miller is really the devil in disguise... and over the next twenty years, Babs will have reason to regret she ever met him.
Starting in the 70s, BLOOD MOTHER is the second thrilling installment in the Flesh and Blood series, capturing a London that was very different from today but where some things still hold true: be careful what you wish for, and watch out for who you trust...
My Review
This is book two of a trilogy, book one looks at Bab's two kids growing up and their journey into adult hood. This book takes us back to the 1970s when Babs is just a slip of girl and spans over a few decades bringing us to the early 2000s. Babs is pregnant out of wedlock, if that isn't enough to rock the street, the father will shock and bring more grief for Babs. When she meets Stanley Miller he is the answer to all her prayers but nothing is ever free and Babs finds her actions and decisions have consequences that will haunt her and her children!
Ooooh you guys, this is a fabulous book. If you like skulduggery, lowlife characters, schemes, the grittier side of life you will absolutely love this one. You could get away with starting with this one however I would advise to read the first in the series so you get a better feel for the characters. With murder, prostitution, racism, secrets, lies, betrayal and loss the book covers a host of situations that will make some readers feel uncomfortable. It adds an air of authenticity to the depravity and level some folk find themselves when surrounded by poverty but also shows that even in the darkest of times and situations you have things that money cannot buy, friendship and loyalty.
If you enjoy Chambers and Heller then Mitchell is absolutely an author you need to sink your teeth into. Book three is out this week and I cannot wait to sink my teeth into it, highs and lows, sadness, love, laughter and darkness are just some of the themes that will take you on an emotional roller coaster with this one. 5/5 for me this time, I would have devoured it in a few hours if time had permitted, as it was I sunk it in under a day.
April 23, 2017
A great book,waiting for the 3rd book in this trilogy
May 12, 2019
Audio version of this book 📚- Another cracker, great storyline and fantastic narration, looking forward to the next one
March 17, 2019
Another gripping read by Dreda, I've just started the third book and while I'm curious to see what happens, I hate getting to the end.
March 12, 2017
Having loved the first book in this trilogy, I couldn't wait to get started on the next installment and I wasn't disappointed.
What a fantastic and gripping story Dreda Say Mitchell has written. This is riveting, unputdownable reading, I was torn between not wanting it to end, and bursting to find out what happened next.
This book can be read as a standalone as there is enough backstory but to really understand the characters and their motivations, I'd strongly recommend reading Blood Sister first. `
I can't wait to read Blood Daughter the final part of this trilogy.
What a fantastic and gripping story Dreda Say Mitchell has written. This is riveting, unputdownable reading, I was torn between not wanting it to end, and bursting to find out what happened next.
This book can be read as a standalone as there is enough backstory but to really understand the characters and their motivations, I'd strongly recommend reading Blood Sister first. `
I can't wait to read Blood Daughter the final part of this trilogy.
March 6, 2017
DSM well well well... Another blinder of book here, and it so deserves every single one of the 5*s I'm giving it.
Book 2 in the trilogy following one family over 40 years. Having recently read the first book - Blood Sister, I couldn't wait to get stuck into this one.
I was a little unsure on what to expect as in this book we go back in time, 40 years, and I wasn't sure how I would cope with it, But My My My.... I had nothing to fear at all. I loved every bit of this book, and found it interesting finding out a little more about Babs and her up bringing. Her leap into adulthood and how her life completely changed.
Bab's is facing life as a single mother, "Oh the Shame" It was amazing reading the views of people and realising just how much times have changed. Babs has been left high and dry when she finds herself pregnant and the father is now nowhere to be seen.
Babs then meets the man of her dreams, he's going to make everything ok for her. He is everything she has ever wanted. Or is he?
Stanley Miller, Business man extraordinaire, is pretty much just a criminal ar*e hole. But he's certainly turned Babs into a wreak when she's around him.
He seems to be her knight in shining armour.
Life certainly becomes a roller coaster for Babs and life with Stanley Miller is going to change her forever.
Babs really is a fantastic character and I have loved reading about her and what life has thrown at her. She really is on a journey of survival of the fittest. Can she make it? You will only find out by reading the books.
But OH MY GOD that ending has left me needing and wanting the next book NOW.
This book is another fantastic read, and I'm so glad I have read it, I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it, and could not turn the pages quick enough.
I am so ready for the next one Blood Daughter is out 24th August 2017.
It's funny how you seem to wish your life away when waiting for the next book.
Book 2 in the trilogy following one family over 40 years. Having recently read the first book - Blood Sister, I couldn't wait to get stuck into this one.
I was a little unsure on what to expect as in this book we go back in time, 40 years, and I wasn't sure how I would cope with it, But My My My.... I had nothing to fear at all. I loved every bit of this book, and found it interesting finding out a little more about Babs and her up bringing. Her leap into adulthood and how her life completely changed.
Bab's is facing life as a single mother, "Oh the Shame" It was amazing reading the views of people and realising just how much times have changed. Babs has been left high and dry when she finds herself pregnant and the father is now nowhere to be seen.
Babs then meets the man of her dreams, he's going to make everything ok for her. He is everything she has ever wanted. Or is he?
Stanley Miller, Business man extraordinaire, is pretty much just a criminal ar*e hole. But he's certainly turned Babs into a wreak when she's around him.
He seems to be her knight in shining armour.
Life certainly becomes a roller coaster for Babs and life with Stanley Miller is going to change her forever.
Babs really is a fantastic character and I have loved reading about her and what life has thrown at her. She really is on a journey of survival of the fittest. Can she make it? You will only find out by reading the books.
But OH MY GOD that ending has left me needing and wanting the next book NOW.
This book is another fantastic read, and I'm so glad I have read it, I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it, and could not turn the pages quick enough.
I am so ready for the next one Blood Daughter is out 24th August 2017.
It's funny how you seem to wish your life away when waiting for the next book.
March 2, 2017
Holly freaking hell....When is the next one out?! Blood Mother is the second novel in the Flesh and Blood and goes back 40 years where we follow Babs story. and OMG what a trilogy this is turning out to be. Talk about leaving me hanging! Having read all of Dreda's books this one is without a doubt my favourite. I am actually still hyperventilating from the climax ending.
Set in the 1970's all the way through to 2000, written in three parts. We follow the story of Babs who has all the world ahead of her, until she got pregnant and the father did a runner. Salvation comes in the form of a man who'll look after her. Or so she thinks. Stan Miller is really the devil in disguise... and over the next twenty years, Babs will have reason to regret she ever met him.
What a character Babs is....I loved watching her grow into a strong feisty, independent woman. Stan Miller is one of those characters that starts off has charmer then things soon change and he made my blood boil. But the whole relationship between him and Babs is what makes this story so gritty.
Set on an East End London Estate this story is about lies, betrayal, family drama and fighting for survival. There are plenty of twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat. Seriously from the moment I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a must read, and I would advise starting with Blood Sisters has the story's do weave together.
This is a must read for Kimberly Chambers and Mandasue Heller fans which I highly recommend giving it 5 stars. Roll on Blood Daughter (Flesh And Blood Trilogy 3)
Thank you to Dreda Mitchell for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Set in the 1970's all the way through to 2000, written in three parts. We follow the story of Babs who has all the world ahead of her, until she got pregnant and the father did a runner. Salvation comes in the form of a man who'll look after her. Or so she thinks. Stan Miller is really the devil in disguise... and over the next twenty years, Babs will have reason to regret she ever met him.
What a character Babs is....I loved watching her grow into a strong feisty, independent woman. Stan Miller is one of those characters that starts off has charmer then things soon change and he made my blood boil. But the whole relationship between him and Babs is what makes this story so gritty.
Set on an East End London Estate this story is about lies, betrayal, family drama and fighting for survival. There are plenty of twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat. Seriously from the moment I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a must read, and I would advise starting with Blood Sisters has the story's do weave together.
This is a must read for Kimberly Chambers and Mandasue Heller fans which I highly recommend giving it 5 stars. Roll on Blood Daughter (Flesh And Blood Trilogy 3)
Thank you to Dreda Mitchell for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2017
This is the second in a trilogy and I’m really looking forward to the last instalment. It won’t be long now, I hope anyway.
This book has answered some questions and filled in a couple of gaps from the first book. Its some start to a book when the main character turns up to her 50th party covered in blood, is it her blood or someone else’s? Has she been hurt or hurt someone? Then bang we are back in London during the 60s Babs is pregnant and the father has done a bunk. She gets a job and meets Stanley Miller who she looks at through rose tinted glasses and when he offers to marry her to legitimise her child and give her marital status within the community she can’t believe her luck. She never knew till too late that it was bad luck.
Babs grows into the what we would expect, the hardened mob wife, but, we see her realising its all a lie, that Stan is the exact opposite to what she thought he was, devious and treacherous putting himself first at all times. She soon becomes a force to be reckoned with in her own right.
This is an East End family saga, the language is harsh, the violence is grim and the people are colourful and in some ways absolutely charming, even the ones I wanted to throttle.
Read for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton
This book has answered some questions and filled in a couple of gaps from the first book. Its some start to a book when the main character turns up to her 50th party covered in blood, is it her blood or someone else’s? Has she been hurt or hurt someone? Then bang we are back in London during the 60s Babs is pregnant and the father has done a bunk. She gets a job and meets Stanley Miller who she looks at through rose tinted glasses and when he offers to marry her to legitimise her child and give her marital status within the community she can’t believe her luck. She never knew till too late that it was bad luck.
Babs grows into the what we would expect, the hardened mob wife, but, we see her realising its all a lie, that Stan is the exact opposite to what she thought he was, devious and treacherous putting himself first at all times. She soon becomes a force to be reckoned with in her own right.
This is an East End family saga, the language is harsh, the violence is grim and the people are colourful and in some ways absolutely charming, even the ones I wanted to throttle.
Read for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton
August 5, 2017
Given the many glowing reviews of this book I really wanted to enjoy it, but couldn't. Twenty chapters in, I gave up; the plot clearly wasn't getting better and there were no discernibly sympathetic characters within. Indeed, I felt in need of a good scrub in the shower after grimacing my way through the pages; the scenes move from one filthy dive to the next and is fraught with one low-life character after another. The "heroine", such as she was, is so intellectually needy, naive for her 19 years and plainly stupid, I couldn't feel anything for her at all. And yes, I know the story took place 40-ish years ago, but did they really have to bang on constantly about her pregnancy by a black man? I was a teenager then and, come on, it wasn't entirely unheard of and it didn't bear the pearl-clutching stigma the author wants us to believe in. If sensationalist soap operas are your thing, you might like the book, but I found it annoying.
October 15, 2017
This is the 2nd book in the Miller Trilogy by Dreda Say Mitchell, gotta say, I finished the first and had to carry straight on through the set.
This book concentrated on the back story of Babs and everyone around her, answering questions that came up in the first book. I thought it fleshed out fantastically who the villians were and why certain things happened in certain ways to certain people.
It is very much in the same style of Mandasue Heller, Martina Cole so if you like them, give The blood trilogy a try. you will NOT be disappointed, I promise. carry on the fab work Dreda!! I for one am loving it!
This book concentrated on the back story of Babs and everyone around her, answering questions that came up in the first book. I thought it fleshed out fantastically who the villians were and why certain things happened in certain ways to certain people.
It is very much in the same style of Mandasue Heller, Martina Cole so if you like them, give The blood trilogy a try. you will NOT be disappointed, I promise. carry on the fab work Dreda!! I for one am loving it!
June 19, 2018
wow I was really shocked by this book. it really acceded my expectations in terms of character development and storytelling. the story follows Babs, a woman who was disowned by her family because she had a coloured baby and was forced to engage in a relationship with a violent, dangerous mobster. the story plays out like a soap opera following this family over several decades but unlike a soap opera, instead of relying on campiness, Ott, storylines and so bad it's good laughableness. the story chooses compelling characters, riveting storytelling and non stop action. the story also manages to capture the apmoshere of the east end as well as the racism of the time and is a really interesting social analysis. highly recommend it
March 24, 2017
Wow this is book two in a trilogy and I couldn't put it down. Book one was more about the lives of Babs Miller's daughter's but this book takes you back to the beginning so you find out how Babs got a secret half caste daughter and how she got involved and married to Stan Miller. After no sight of Stan for most of her daughters lives and all of her grandchildren's lives Babs gets on with family life without a second thought to him but the bad penny turns up and turns Babs life and that of her family upside down all over again. Is he a changed man worth a second chance or is he still up to no good. A gripping read and can't wait for book three.
March 10, 2017
Blood Mother is the second in the 'Flesh and Blood' trilogy. The trilogy follows one family over forty years. I was excited to read this book as I enjoyed the first, Blood Sister so much. You can read my review for that and interview with the author here.
Dreda Say Mitchell is by now one of favourite crime writers. She writes with great enthusiam and a passion for the East End. She brings the location alive with her characters, and their unique and individual voices. I will never tire of reading these stories.
Blood Mother takes us back to the 1970's. Babs is full of hope and ambition for the future, but she finds herself completely on her own. Pregnant and with nowhere to turn, Stanley Miller seems like the answer to all Babs prayers, from the outset he seems almost to good to be true. What follows is Babs story.
Stanley Miller is an absolute pig and manipulative with it and some would say that Babs is naive to have got involved in the first place. I loved the way the story unravelled over twenty years. Instead of the downtrodden woman you would expect Babs to be, she is instead not a person to be crossed, a firecracker willing to go to any lengths to protect her daughters.
It was wonderful to revisit the characters from Blood Sister but I would suggest that this book could be read as a standalone, although I personally couldn't not read all three. This is because the stories do cross over.
This book is full of the East End grit, twists and turns and pacing of story that I have come to expect and love from this author. A book where the women are ultimately strong and don't put up with any nonsense. The importance of family is prevalent and looking out for your own. Real and individual characters that just create a tapestry of the time and place.
The ending though, you can't leave a reader hanging like that! I am waiting in urgent anticipation for the final instalment of this brilliant trilogy now.
Dreda Say Mitchell is by now one of favourite crime writers. She writes with great enthusiam and a passion for the East End. She brings the location alive with her characters, and their unique and individual voices. I will never tire of reading these stories.
Blood Mother takes us back to the 1970's. Babs is full of hope and ambition for the future, but she finds herself completely on her own. Pregnant and with nowhere to turn, Stanley Miller seems like the answer to all Babs prayers, from the outset he seems almost to good to be true. What follows is Babs story.
Stanley Miller is an absolute pig and manipulative with it and some would say that Babs is naive to have got involved in the first place. I loved the way the story unravelled over twenty years. Instead of the downtrodden woman you would expect Babs to be, she is instead not a person to be crossed, a firecracker willing to go to any lengths to protect her daughters.
It was wonderful to revisit the characters from Blood Sister but I would suggest that this book could be read as a standalone, although I personally couldn't not read all three. This is because the stories do cross over.
This book is full of the East End grit, twists and turns and pacing of story that I have come to expect and love from this author. A book where the women are ultimately strong and don't put up with any nonsense. The importance of family is prevalent and looking out for your own. Real and individual characters that just create a tapestry of the time and place.
The ending though, you can't leave a reader hanging like that! I am waiting in urgent anticipation for the final instalment of this brilliant trilogy now.
March 3, 2018
5*
I am enjoying this book, glad it's the second one as not sure if I would have enjoyed the first book just as much as I did.
Wow! I didn't see the ending happening however the one thing that did come across was how the typical family units created by the first book were actually created in the second book.
I would say that the book works as a stand alone however feel that the readership would be missing out.
I am enjoying this book, glad it's the second one as not sure if I would have enjoyed the first book just as much as I did.
Wow! I didn't see the ending happening however the one thing that did come across was how the typical family units created by the first book were actually created in the second book.
I would say that the book works as a stand alone however feel that the readership would be missing out.
July 6, 2017
I loved this book all the way through from the first page to the last. It had plenty in it to keep my interest. I loved most of the characters and the way the East End people all look out for their own. It was sad, funny and packed a punch in all the right places. Cant wait for the next in the series. This is i book i would recommend you read
May 8, 2017
Excellent read
Really enjoyed this book, gritty storyline and a lot of action. Quite sad in some ways and exciting in others. Characters are well rounded and believable, although some are evil.
Really enjoyed this book, gritty storyline and a lot of action. Quite sad in some ways and exciting in others. Characters are well rounded and believable, although some are evil.
May 3, 2019
But disapointing
I love this writer but I cudn't understand why this book went back in time, this should have been book one not two, I loved book one, but back to front I think, ready to read book three now
I love this writer but I cudn't understand why this book went back in time, this should have been book one not two, I loved book one, but back to front I think, ready to read book three now
May 16, 2017
Another fantastic book, the second of a trilogy, from the Author. I look forward to the third with baited breathe.
August 5, 2017
Excellent book, love this author, would recommend
September 26, 2017
Wow!!!
I have to give this 5 stars as it hooked from the first sentence till the Last!!! Thank God I have the next one. Absolutely brilliant! A great read and great author.
I have to give this 5 stars as it hooked from the first sentence till the Last!!! Thank God I have the next one. Absolutely brilliant! A great read and great author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews