What do you think?
Rate this book
Mitchell's & O'Hara's #1
The Feud
Two rival families. One East End.
The explosive first novel in the Mitchells & O’Haras trilogy
For more than a decade, two East End families have been locked in a bitter war.
On one side are the Mitchells, a notorious underworld mob from East London’s Canning Town. They have an iron in every fire and will resort to intimidation and violence to get what they want.
On the other side are the O’Haras. The Mitchells’ biggest rivals are a travelling family who live in nearby Stratford. They compete with the Mitchells for pub protection, and the two families hate each other.
Caught between these two families at war are two innocent children, who will grow up to love the wrong people and spark the last terrible act in the long-running feud.
The Mitchells & O’Haras Trilogy
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
295 people are currently reading
916 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
August 4, 2020
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!
What in the ever loving hell just happened?
I want to smack this author for doing this to me.
BLOODY. HELL.
This book is a trainwreck in slow motion. I hated all of the characters. All of them. And yet I grew to love them all.
Eddie
Jess
The twins
Raymond
Harry Mitchell
The Mitchell brothers
Jed
Joyce
And my favorite, Stan
The things they did were despicable and yet with each page I wanted more. There was a lot of screaming, shouting, violence, annoying and weak women, and yet… I. Could. Not. Stop. Reading. This. Book. Simply unputdownable.
I didn’t even love the writing and yet I hungrily devoured every word.
What a clusterfuck of emotions. I laughed my ass off, rolled my eyes and cried like a little bitch and yet… I feel at peace now.
This is a British thriller/drama/tragedy with several love stories. Had I known beforehand how it ended, I would have never start reading it. I’m glad I did though. It’s not for the faint hearted, that’s for sure.
See that half a star missing? That’s for my .
What in the ever loving hell just happened?
I want to smack this author for doing this to me.
BLOODY. HELL.
This book is a trainwreck in slow motion. I hated all of the characters. All of them. And yet I grew to love them all.
Eddie
Jess
The twins
Raymond
Harry Mitchell
The Mitchell brothers
Jed
Joyce
And my favorite, Stan
The things they did were despicable and yet with each page I wanted more. There was a lot of screaming, shouting, violence, annoying and weak women, and yet… I. Could. Not. Stop. Reading. This. Book. Simply unputdownable.
I didn’t even love the writing and yet I hungrily devoured every word.
What a clusterfuck of emotions. I laughed my ass off, rolled my eyes and cried like a little bitch and yet… I feel at peace now.
This is a British thriller/drama/tragedy with several love stories. Had I known beforehand how it ended, I would have never start reading it. I’m glad I did though. It’s not for the faint hearted, that’s for sure.
See that half a star missing? That’s for my .
January 28, 2016
FIVE, Stanley was right all along stars ...
OMG, this fucking book. Jaysus, it took me on a rollercoaster ride. One minute I was laughing my arse off, the other minute I could feel a stress headache coming on ... fanfuckingtastic story.
We have the Mitchell's and the O'Hara's, feuding families.
I sort of went in blind. Saw two reviews from Elaine and Lisa and was hooked.
JIMMY O'HARA
JED, as a kid.
I still cannot picture Eddie in my head.
When they kept mentioning the "Mitchell Brothers", all I could picture was these two geezers.
Spans a number of years. I loved the interaction between Joyce and Stanley. Bless his heart, how he stuck with her is beyond me.
JESSICA
Laughed my ass off a lot of the time but there were definitely some shocking moments in it too. The last 20% of the book had me on the edge of me fucking seat.
Glad to have discovered this new author.
Off to start the next one.
OMG, this fucking book. Jaysus, it took me on a rollercoaster ride. One minute I was laughing my arse off, the other minute I could feel a stress headache coming on ... fanfuckingtastic story.
We have the Mitchell's and the O'Hara's, feuding families.
My daddy told me I should never Play with the gypsies in the wood.
I sort of went in blind. Saw two reviews from Elaine and Lisa and was hooked.
JIMMY O'HARA
JED, as a kid.
I still cannot picture Eddie in my head.
Ed hated the cunt with a passion. Jimmy thought he ruled the world and the silly big prick even had the cheek to call himself King of the Gypsies
When they kept mentioning the "Mitchell Brothers", all I could picture was these two geezers.
Spans a number of years. I loved the interaction between Joyce and Stanley. Bless his heart, how he stuck with her is beyond me.
JESSICA
Laughed my ass off a lot of the time but there were definitely some shocking moments in it too. The last 20% of the book had me on the edge of me fucking seat.
Glad to have discovered this new author.
It's a shame these young girls never thought about the consequences before they opened their legs.
Off to start the next one.
January 27, 2016
Excuse my language Ladies & Gentleman.....as I step into character
but this WAS FCUKING BLINDING and deserves no less than
Eddie Mitchell
Yep you heard me *****6 Stars******
It will never be over between me and Jimmy, not now – not ever”
Literally set in my own back yard so to speak.....this fantastic story set over 20 years, literally consumed me, and I couldn't put this book down.
The Mitchell's....notorious East End gangster family are at war and have a long standing FEUD with the O'Hara's a typical travellers family.
Jimmy O'Hara
Real gritty suspense and a big ole dollop of East End British humour.
The characters are so vivid, and ladies you won't be disappointed with Eddie. But for me, my two most favourite characters had to be Joycie and Stanley.
I loved the everloving stuffing out of Joycie and Stanley....Eddies Mother & Father-In-Law.....they were the absolute bollocks!!
If I had to pick two characters from my entire array of reads over the years... that had me snorting like a farm animal, well these two would come up trumps and be TOP of the list.
I was either like this...
or like this...throughout the entire book!!!
ABSOLUTE CRACKER OF A READ......HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Now where's that large scotch to settle mee nerves.....before I start The Traitor
but this WAS FCUKING BLINDING and deserves no less than
*****6 Stars******
Eddie Mitchell
Yep you heard me *****6 Stars******
It will never be over between me and Jimmy, not now – not ever” Literally set in my own back yard so to speak.....this fantastic story set over 20 years, literally consumed me, and I couldn't put this book down.
The Mitchell's....notorious East End gangster family are at war and have a long standing FEUD with the O'Hara's a typical travellers family.
Jimmy O'Hara
Real gritty suspense and a big ole dollop of East End British humour.
The characters are so vivid, and ladies you won't be disappointed with Eddie. But for me, my two most favourite characters had to be Joycie and Stanley.
I loved the everloving stuffing out of Joycie and Stanley....Eddies Mother & Father-In-Law.....they were the absolute bollocks!!
If I had to pick two characters from my entire array of reads over the years... that had me snorting like a farm animal, well these two would come up trumps and be TOP of the list.
I was either like this...
or like this...throughout the entire book!!!
ABSOLUTE CRACKER OF A READ......HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Now where's that large scotch to settle mee nerves.....before I start The Traitor
February 26, 2017
Quick review....
I've decided to steal a line from my good friend Mo's review (I hope you don't mind) because it sums up my feeling perfectly.
I've decided to steal a line from my good friend Mo's review (I hope you don't mind) because it sums up my feeling perfectly.
OMG, this fucking book. Jaysus, it took me on a rollercoaster ride. One minute I was laughing my arse off, the other minute I could feel a stress headache coming on ... fanfuckingtastic story.
June 19, 2012
Apologies for the length of this review but when a book comes along that is perfect, I feel the need to tell everybody about it. Shockingly, I had not even heard of Kimberley Chambers and only read her first book in October 2010. After reading the first one I realised that I may well have stumbled across a new talent that I feel is fast approaching the title Queen of Crime in the UK. After devouring the first I read her second and third book in quick succession. Her fourth book (this one), is the start of a trilogy featuring the Mitchell and O'Hara family.
As usual her breakneck speed of drawing you in takes you by surprise. We meet the Mitchell clan with the father Harry as the head of the family and his three sons Eddie, Paulie and Ronny. Kimberley Chambers has a fantastic style of writing where she spreads the book over the years without it being too little or too much. You see chunks of their lives as the year's progress and she gets the balance absolutely spot on.
The book starts in the seventies and progresses through to the late eighties. The Mitchell family have always had a long running feud with the O'Hara's and as Harry decides to take a back seat he looks to Eddie to tale over his criminal empire.
Eddie is a fantastic character and he is everything you would expect and underworld gangster to be. He is fearless, ruthless and fiercely loyal. When he meets and marries the young Jessica, her family aren't that keen but are aware they have no say in the matter.
Over the years we see Jessica and Eddie have twins of their own Frankie and Joey. We see them not only as young children but later on as teenagers too. The main characters of the story are Jessica and Eddie and we see what it is really like for a woman being married to a man so high up in the underworld. We also see and learn a lot about Jessica's parents Joyce and Stanley, her brother Raymond as well as he twins Frankie and Joey.
The story itself gives great background to why the feud started and what has happened to keep it at bay. As the chapters speed along we meet the O'Hara's and see the two families interact. As time, and chapters, go by we see the feud start up again and the reasons why.
The story itself doesn't let up pace at all and just rushes towards a huge climax at the end of the book. I was shocked by the turn of results at the end and realise that this has ended well. Kimberley Chambers had finished and answered half the questions regarding the families, but has left it that I have so many more about what is to come.
The writing as usual is gritty and realistic with violence and language being a staple ingredient. If either of these things offends you, then maybe this wouldn't be to your taste. For me, it just makes it so real and I literally could NOT stop reading. I started this last night and finished it this morning.
The only negative is that I have to wait until the second instalment is delivered to my door before I can get stuck in and find out what happens next. This particular book has had 33 customer reviews, and 32 of those rated it as 5 stars, that you won't see very often!
Having only discovered KC as an author a mere 3 months ago, I am shocked that she is not more popular. I for one cannot believe that more people do not know about her. The friends that I have handed her books to are now as addicted as I am. Kimberley Chambers is certainly the BEST British crime writer I have discovered this year. Comparing her to Martina Cole is an insult to the standard of Kimberley Chamber's books. As an ex- Martina Cole fan I can honestly say that Ms Cole should learn a thing or two by maybe picking up one of KC's books.
As usual her breakneck speed of drawing you in takes you by surprise. We meet the Mitchell clan with the father Harry as the head of the family and his three sons Eddie, Paulie and Ronny. Kimberley Chambers has a fantastic style of writing where she spreads the book over the years without it being too little or too much. You see chunks of their lives as the year's progress and she gets the balance absolutely spot on.
The book starts in the seventies and progresses through to the late eighties. The Mitchell family have always had a long running feud with the O'Hara's and as Harry decides to take a back seat he looks to Eddie to tale over his criminal empire.
Eddie is a fantastic character and he is everything you would expect and underworld gangster to be. He is fearless, ruthless and fiercely loyal. When he meets and marries the young Jessica, her family aren't that keen but are aware they have no say in the matter.
Over the years we see Jessica and Eddie have twins of their own Frankie and Joey. We see them not only as young children but later on as teenagers too. The main characters of the story are Jessica and Eddie and we see what it is really like for a woman being married to a man so high up in the underworld. We also see and learn a lot about Jessica's parents Joyce and Stanley, her brother Raymond as well as he twins Frankie and Joey.
The story itself gives great background to why the feud started and what has happened to keep it at bay. As the chapters speed along we meet the O'Hara's and see the two families interact. As time, and chapters, go by we see the feud start up again and the reasons why.
The story itself doesn't let up pace at all and just rushes towards a huge climax at the end of the book. I was shocked by the turn of results at the end and realise that this has ended well. Kimberley Chambers had finished and answered half the questions regarding the families, but has left it that I have so many more about what is to come.
The writing as usual is gritty and realistic with violence and language being a staple ingredient. If either of these things offends you, then maybe this wouldn't be to your taste. For me, it just makes it so real and I literally could NOT stop reading. I started this last night and finished it this morning.
The only negative is that I have to wait until the second instalment is delivered to my door before I can get stuck in and find out what happens next. This particular book has had 33 customer reviews, and 32 of those rated it as 5 stars, that you won't see very often!
Having only discovered KC as an author a mere 3 months ago, I am shocked that she is not more popular. I for one cannot believe that more people do not know about her. The friends that I have handed her books to are now as addicted as I am. Kimberley Chambers is certainly the BEST British crime writer I have discovered this year. Comparing her to Martina Cole is an insult to the standard of Kimberley Chamber's books. As an ex- Martina Cole fan I can honestly say that Ms Cole should learn a thing or two by maybe picking up one of KC's books.
January 18, 2016
6 Unable To Put Down Stars
Very rare does a book take over my day quite like this one did.
Kimberley Chambers has fast become the Queen of crime writing in my opinion.
Totally thrilling edge of the seat read.
The Feud is the story of the Mitchell family and their feud with the O'Hara's over a period of 20 Years...
Review to follow....
Now straight onto The Traitor
Very rare does a book take over my day quite like this one did.
Kimberley Chambers has fast become the Queen of crime writing in my opinion.
Totally thrilling edge of the seat read.
The Feud is the story of the Mitchell family and their feud with the O'Hara's over a period of 20 Years...
Review to follow....
Now straight onto The Traitor
March 9, 2016
Awesome !! Review to come ;)
August 21, 2016
This author is one i have recently come across thanks to a recommendation from a friend who knew I was a fan of Martina cole. My friend said if i liked her I would like Kimberly Chambers for sure. I was planning to start one of her stand alone novels and till i read reviews from a friend on Goodreads advising people who wanted to become a fan of this author to start with the feud. I have to say she did not disappoint me, I was hooked on this book from start to finish and really enjoyed every minute of it. The characters were very realistic for the setting and nature of the book. If you don't like bad Language or violence then this book is not for you. I am not usually a fan of lots of bad language in a book however due to the setting and nature of it I felt it was necessary for this particular story.
This is about an on going feud between the Mitchels and Ohara's two gangster families in the London area. This feud has been going on for years until Harry and the head of the Ohara's butch agreed to call a truest. However when Eddies daughter Franky meats Jed Ohara the Feud is set to resume. Now on to the next instalment of the series. There is a lot more to the story than i have reviewed here but if i say anymore I will give important bits away. 5 out of 5 and i really recommend giving this author a try.
This is about an on going feud between the Mitchels and Ohara's two gangster families in the London area. This feud has been going on for years until Harry and the head of the Ohara's butch agreed to call a truest. However when Eddies daughter Franky meats Jed Ohara the Feud is set to resume. Now on to the next instalment of the series. There is a lot more to the story than i have reviewed here but if i say anymore I will give important bits away. 5 out of 5 and i really recommend giving this author a try.
July 27, 2019
I enjoyed this immensely. It is a good ol’ Chambers family saga with a bit of organized crime and ultra-violence thrown into the mix.
I won’t go over the plot but just to summarize that this book is much more than a feud between two families. The book begins in the Summer of 1970 and ends in a bloody climax in the late 80's. The characters she draws are somewhat simplistic but damn do you want to know what happens next. It was one of those books where you could say not too much happens until the end but the pages just whizz by. You feel invested in the Mitchells. You know that they are gangsters and the head of the family, Eddie, can be downright vicious and his views are not what you’d expect to hear today but you did 30 years ago.
Do not expect any florid writing on the landscape of Essex and the east London suburbs. There is no time for that. This is strictly business. Bang, bosh, boom!
The book builds up so well that you know all hell is going to break loose at the end. The apocalypse in the Essex countryside is guaranteed but boy does it still hit hard when it does happen.
This the first in a trilogy so I am looking forward to the others. I am not sure how this book would translate to those not from England (I would be very interested to hear from you if you have read it) and even those that not born in London. In my life and in my family I see these characters. It is like a trip down memory lane for me.
I won’t go over the plot but just to summarize that this book is much more than a feud between two families. The book begins in the Summer of 1970 and ends in a bloody climax in the late 80's. The characters she draws are somewhat simplistic but damn do you want to know what happens next. It was one of those books where you could say not too much happens until the end but the pages just whizz by. You feel invested in the Mitchells. You know that they are gangsters and the head of the family, Eddie, can be downright vicious and his views are not what you’d expect to hear today but you did 30 years ago.
Do not expect any florid writing on the landscape of Essex and the east London suburbs. There is no time for that. This is strictly business. Bang, bosh, boom!
The book builds up so well that you know all hell is going to break loose at the end. The apocalypse in the Essex countryside is guaranteed but boy does it still hit hard when it does happen.
This the first in a trilogy so I am looking forward to the others. I am not sure how this book would translate to those not from England (I would be very interested to hear from you if you have read it) and even those that not born in London. In my life and in my family I see these characters. It is like a trip down memory lane for me.
November 7, 2015
Another fantastic book I was utterly glued to and couldn't stop reading. Once again Kimberley Chambers has written a gritty fast paced story full of twists and turns and believable characters. I was on the edge of my seat towards the end and immediately started The Traitor after the final page. The whole Mitchell/O'Hara series is just brilliant. Anyone who enjoys books by Martina Cole, Jessie Keane etc will love Kimberley Chambers just as much, if not more! Absolutely unmissable, this is a firm favourite of mine.
March 30, 2015
I felt I was going down a rabbit hole and just getting sucked in deeper and deeper the more I read.
Loved the thrill I felt while reading this and it felt so totally real. Everything that happened in this book was so believable and I felt I was their along with them all.
There are some great characters in this book and some had me having a few LOL moments.
Can't wait to find out what happens with Eddie Mitchell and Jed O'Hara.
Book 2 here I come.
Loved the thrill I felt while reading this and it felt so totally real. Everything that happened in this book was so believable and I felt I was their along with them all.
There are some great characters in this book and some had me having a few LOL moments.
Can't wait to find out what happens with Eddie Mitchell and Jed O'Hara.
Book 2 here I come.
March 20, 2017
**** 4.5 "Family" Stars ****
The story of The Mitchell's will leave you shocked, breathless, annoyed, infatuated, gooey eye and sad.
I am not sure I loved/hated a male H as much as I did Eddie Mitchell. His morals and beliefs will leave you in awe one minute and utterly disgusted the next.
Being married to the beautiful and supportive Jessica should be enough for one man. A wife that stood by her husband when blood was shed and no questions asked. But their love was never enough to end the fued that riddles the family with tears and death.
Kimber Chambers you did it again. A story a love and hate that leads up to an explosive and shocking finale!!
The story of The Mitchell's will leave you shocked, breathless, annoyed, infatuated, gooey eye and sad.
I am not sure I loved/hated a male H as much as I did Eddie Mitchell. His morals and beliefs will leave you in awe one minute and utterly disgusted the next.
Being married to the beautiful and supportive Jessica should be enough for one man. A wife that stood by her husband when blood was shed and no questions asked. But their love was never enough to end the fued that riddles the family with tears and death.
Kimber Chambers you did it again. A story a love and hate that leads up to an explosive and shocking finale!!
June 7, 2025
I like a gangland read and this one did not disappoint! The writing style was easy, the story kept my attention and the character building was also good.
I liked the different themes that run through the story and the twist at the end, although expected, wasn’t what I’d thought it would be.
The reason for the 4* is because I found the ending a bit too abrupt. It may be that the next book in the series will fill the gaps.
I liked the different themes that run through the story and the twist at the end, although expected, wasn’t what I’d thought it would be.
The reason for the 4* is because I found the ending a bit too abrupt. It may be that the next book in the series will fill the gaps.
December 17, 2016
Time taken to read - on and off for 2 days
Pages - 480
Publisher - Preface Publishing
Blurb from Amazon
On one side are the Mitchells, a notorious underworld mob from East London's Canning Town. They have an iron in every fire and will resort to intimidation and violence to get what they want. When Stanley Smith's lovely young daughter, Jessica, announces that she is to marry Eddie, the son of mob boss Harry Mitchell, Stanley is horrified, but too afraid to stand in their way.
On the other side are the O'Haras. The Mitchells' biggest rivals are a travelling family who live in nearby Stratford. They compete with the Mitchells for pub protection and the two families hate each other.
Caught between these two families at war, are two innocent children, who will grow up to love the wrong people and spark the last terrible act in the long-running feud. 1988 was a happy year in many people's lives. Some called it The Rave Year, others The Second Summer of Love. For Eddie Mitchell and his family it is neither. 1988 is the year in which his whole dangerous, violent world explodes around him.
My Review
The first book in a trilogy of the Mitchell's and the O'Hara's, when Jimmy O'Hara slashes Eddie, Eddie retaliates by beating Jimmy half to death with a baseball bat, there in is born a feud that lasts a life time. Both have kids and go their separate ways however fate brings both families together in a way neither could imagine with life changing consequences.
Oooooh what a kick to a new series, the main focus starts with the Mitchell's, their kids, growing empires and family, close and extended. The O'Hara's come in via their son Jed, a cocky young chappy with the looks and chat to snare any female that comes into his path. Forbidden love often draws people together and in the land of gangsters it is no different, a love kicks off a chain of events no one could foresee.
As well as the usual Chambers is well known for, gritty crime, bad language, murders and sex this one has a representative of the times. Set in the 80's we see homophobia and racism raise its ugly head so most assuredly not for the easily offended. I was delighted to find I hadn't read this series and have the other two to batter through, I would have read this in one sitting had work and Christmas prep not got in the way. Definitely in my top 2016 reads, 5/5 for me this time, I am a huge Chambers fan and can't wait to get into the next installment!
Pages - 480
Publisher - Preface Publishing
Blurb from Amazon
On one side are the Mitchells, a notorious underworld mob from East London's Canning Town. They have an iron in every fire and will resort to intimidation and violence to get what they want. When Stanley Smith's lovely young daughter, Jessica, announces that she is to marry Eddie, the son of mob boss Harry Mitchell, Stanley is horrified, but too afraid to stand in their way.
On the other side are the O'Haras. The Mitchells' biggest rivals are a travelling family who live in nearby Stratford. They compete with the Mitchells for pub protection and the two families hate each other.
Caught between these two families at war, are two innocent children, who will grow up to love the wrong people and spark the last terrible act in the long-running feud. 1988 was a happy year in many people's lives. Some called it The Rave Year, others The Second Summer of Love. For Eddie Mitchell and his family it is neither. 1988 is the year in which his whole dangerous, violent world explodes around him.
My Review
The first book in a trilogy of the Mitchell's and the O'Hara's, when Jimmy O'Hara slashes Eddie, Eddie retaliates by beating Jimmy half to death with a baseball bat, there in is born a feud that lasts a life time. Both have kids and go their separate ways however fate brings both families together in a way neither could imagine with life changing consequences.
Oooooh what a kick to a new series, the main focus starts with the Mitchell's, their kids, growing empires and family, close and extended. The O'Hara's come in via their son Jed, a cocky young chappy with the looks and chat to snare any female that comes into his path. Forbidden love often draws people together and in the land of gangsters it is no different, a love kicks off a chain of events no one could foresee.
As well as the usual Chambers is well known for, gritty crime, bad language, murders and sex this one has a representative of the times. Set in the 80's we see homophobia and racism raise its ugly head so most assuredly not for the easily offended. I was delighted to find I hadn't read this series and have the other two to batter through, I would have read this in one sitting had work and Christmas prep not got in the way. Definitely in my top 2016 reads, 5/5 for me this time, I am a huge Chambers fan and can't wait to get into the next installment!
March 5, 2016
Damn, I need a drink. This book pulled me every which way and then really chewed me up at the last. I'm really quite surprised at how sad I feel over the ending.
There was a whole cast of characters in the story, and a lot of them weren't the good kind. Considering all that was going on, it was kind of funny that the one who made me cringe the most was a mom & housewife, sort of. *I'm looking at you, Joyce*
There are two families, the Mitchells and the O'Hara's, and both are the criminal sort, running protections and loan sharking. A feud develops due to The O'Hara's trying to move in on the Mitchell's territory. After a violent, bloody start this feud simmers for more than 15 years, until a series of events causes it to blow up again, with undreamed of tragic consequences.
The story is set in the 70's & 80's mostly in London's East End and the book's atmosphere is phenomenal, completely taking me that time and place. The plot and pacing are fantastic and the characters are vividly drawn, both good and bad. Eddie Mitchell was particularly well done for me. As bad as he was, there was also a lot good about him that made it really hard to hate him, most notably his love for his family and his wife, Jessica.
Amazing storytelling but holy hell, was it emotionally exhausting. Gonna read some hot, light stuff to decompress before moving on to The Traitor because I have a feeling things are about to get much, much worse for our Frankie. :/
There was a whole cast of characters in the story, and a lot of them weren't the good kind. Considering all that was going on, it was kind of funny that the one who made me cringe the most was a mom & housewife, sort of. *I'm looking at you, Joyce*
There are two families, the Mitchells and the O'Hara's, and both are the criminal sort, running protections and loan sharking. A feud develops due to The O'Hara's trying to move in on the Mitchell's territory. After a violent, bloody start this feud simmers for more than 15 years, until a series of events causes it to blow up again, with undreamed of tragic consequences.
The story is set in the 70's & 80's mostly in London's East End and the book's atmosphere is phenomenal, completely taking me that time and place. The plot and pacing are fantastic and the characters are vividly drawn, both good and bad. Eddie Mitchell was particularly well done for me. As bad as he was, there was also a lot good about him that made it really hard to hate him, most notably his love for his family and his wife, Jessica.
Amazing storytelling but holy hell, was it emotionally exhausting. Gonna read some hot, light stuff to decompress before moving on to The Traitor because I have a feeling things are about to get much, much worse for our Frankie. :/
May 30, 2017
3.5 stars
This was a good book with an unexpected ending. It was the first in a trilogy so I can't wait to see how the story continues.
The book is is in the same vein as Martina Cole or Mandasue Heller, however I feel that both authors are better.
This was a good book with an unexpected ending. It was the first in a trilogy so I can't wait to see how the story continues.
The book is is in the same vein as Martina Cole or Mandasue Heller, however I feel that both authors are better.
November 6, 2019
Really?
It can't end there..... I'll admit this story is crazy and so sad. People really don't get how their actions will turn out.
It's a well written story and Chambers has a good way of telling her story.
Just made me cry at the end.
Enjoy
It can't end there..... I'll admit this story is crazy and so sad. People really don't get how their actions will turn out.
It's a well written story and Chambers has a good way of telling her story.
Just made me cry at the end.
Enjoy
January 27, 2021
I have to say I was dubious about meeting the Mitchells after getting so involved with the Butlers but I was not disappointed. So many twists and turns in this book and full of the unexpected I was gripped right from the beginning. The whole book was power-packed, but the ending....who knew? Such a turnaround, so many secrets, so many lies, so much heartbreak all in one book. Can the next book top this? I'm about to find out and I cant wait. Well done Kimberley Chambers You excelled yet again.
September 14, 2018
Having read the addictive series of the Butler family, this first instalment of the Mitchell and 0'Hara's
has set me on another compelling read.
has set me on another compelling read.
August 20, 2018
I started this little series of books as had been highly recommended to me by my mam. I'm an avid kimberley Chambers reader so no doubt the first few chapters I was hooked. An all out war between the Mitchells and O'Hara's gives all the excitement and then some to this story. The characters had me on the edge and feeling sorry for some especially poor Stanley. I found once you've started this series you can't stop, you have to continue to find out what happens. This being the first book of three it just flowed nicely on to the next one. Definitely recommend this.
June 21, 2020
I am sure everyone read the blurb about the book.
It was very little about the feud itself, but more about the Mitchel's family life. It was mainly following Ed. His struggles to be a good family man and a gangster.
Entire book read like a TV serries and for a recorded I would watch it if anyone would do the adaptation.
I found book to be cringy at times and slow. There was not really much happening for the first part of the book.
However towards the second half it gained speed and it wrapped me in drama.
Even thou I really do not care about some of the characters I am really interested what will happen with others so I am planing to continue.
I enjoyed the writing style , especially the way the slang was written. It sounded authentic and believable.
All in all a good book.
It was very little about the feud itself, but more about the Mitchel's family life. It was mainly following Ed. His struggles to be a good family man and a gangster.
Entire book read like a TV serries and for a recorded I would watch it if anyone would do the adaptation.
I found book to be cringy at times and slow. There was not really much happening for the first part of the book.
However towards the second half it gained speed and it wrapped me in drama.
Even thou I really do not care about some of the characters I am really interested what will happen with others so I am planing to continue.
I enjoyed the writing style , especially the way the slang was written. It sounded authentic and believable.
All in all a good book.
November 11, 2025
Oooh I love a book set in the East End, especially ones that are set around a family and set in the 70’s.
Imagine the film Legend but in book form. Full on Kray brother vibes. If you are a fan of Martina Cole, I would now recommend adding some Kimberley Chamber books on your shelf.
I was enjoying the chaos and violence and drama and crime and fully ready to settle into a trilogy where you learn the characters inside out. And what a cast of characters there are. I was just cosying up getting to the end of the book and BAMMMMM! The ending was jaw-dropping!
I went to immediately start book 2 and realised I had book 3 on my shelf but not book 2! Don’t worry I ordered it immediately!
Can’t wait for the next instalment. I have no idea where the story is going to go now but I am ready for it!
Imagine the film Legend but in book form. Full on Kray brother vibes. If you are a fan of Martina Cole, I would now recommend adding some Kimberley Chamber books on your shelf.
I was enjoying the chaos and violence and drama and crime and fully ready to settle into a trilogy where you learn the characters inside out. And what a cast of characters there are. I was just cosying up getting to the end of the book and BAMMMMM! The ending was jaw-dropping!
I went to immediately start book 2 and realised I had book 3 on my shelf but not book 2! Don’t worry I ordered it immediately!
Can’t wait for the next instalment. I have no idea where the story is going to go now but I am ready for it!
May 15, 2015
This was great fun to read! If you're familiar with Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers is a tamer simplified version but still features tales of the underworld and some nail-biting violence!
In a nutshell, this is all about two dangerous families at war and I was at the edge of my seat waiting to hear of the revenge acts and scandals. Warning: There is quite a lot of violence throughout. Like most books out there about the London underworld, expect many many cliches - but I'm sure, like me - you'll love them anyway!
My reason for not awarding this 5-Stars was as follows:
Why oh why are all the women featured in Kimberley Chambers' books such naive airheads? I could let it go for the first few books but now it's getting tedious and infuriating to read. I understand in the criminal underworld, the men ruled the roost but the absolute bimbo nature of the women characters is so farfetched and infuriating! Please Kimberley, write about a woman with balls! Just once!
In a nutshell, this is all about two dangerous families at war and I was at the edge of my seat waiting to hear of the revenge acts and scandals. Warning: There is quite a lot of violence throughout. Like most books out there about the London underworld, expect many many cliches - but I'm sure, like me - you'll love them anyway!
My reason for not awarding this 5-Stars was as follows:
Why oh why are all the women featured in Kimberley Chambers' books such naive airheads? I could let it go for the first few books but now it's getting tedious and infuriating to read. I understand in the criminal underworld, the men ruled the roost but the absolute bimbo nature of the women characters is so farfetched and infuriating! Please Kimberley, write about a woman with balls! Just once!
February 16, 2014
What an unputdownable book this is. if you are a fan of Jessie Keane you will love this novel by Kimberley Chambers, however, I still think Jessie has the edge on Kimberley.
The book is violent with strong language and graphic detail. Its easy to read and fast paced. It starts in the 70s describing the feud between a London protection gang and the local travellers. I loved all the characters who were very believable, Stanley and Joyce were very funny at times and I found myself laughing out loud, Joyce reminded me of my own mother somewhat, lots of interrogation, nosiness and not wanting to miss a trick.!
Overall a very good recommendation.
Thank you Shaun!!
Already written review above, this was a reread as now brought the rest of the trilogy and needed to refresh my memory.
The book is violent with strong language and graphic detail. Its easy to read and fast paced. It starts in the 70s describing the feud between a London protection gang and the local travellers. I loved all the characters who were very believable, Stanley and Joyce were very funny at times and I found myself laughing out loud, Joyce reminded me of my own mother somewhat, lots of interrogation, nosiness and not wanting to miss a trick.!
Overall a very good recommendation.
Thank you Shaun!!
Already written review above, this was a reread as now brought the rest of the trilogy and needed to refresh my memory.
September 3, 2012
I have the pleasure of having Kimberley Chambers as a friend on Facebook! Not only is she a lovely woman she is one talented lady!! You know you are hooked on a book when you read a couple of pages in the car on way to work (I wasnt driving!) just so you are reading right til last minute!! :-) awesome x
February 4, 2018
This book was slow paced compared to other novels I’ve read by this author but once I got to the juicy bits I couldn’t put it down. I’m gutted it ended the way it did. I wanted them to all live happily ever after but of course this is no fairy tale. Just brilliant
May 13, 2010
Fantastic... Roll on October for the next book....
Read
October 2, 2012I loved this book. I couldn't wait to start the next one in the trilogy, The Traitor. Well done Kimberley x x
November 9, 2013
What an amazing book! I now have to read the rest of them but hope I haven't ruined it by reading them out of order.
May 26, 2014
5 OMG! Stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews