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Byrne Family #1
The Betrayed
If you can’t trust your family, who can you trust?
Colleen Byrne is wife to one of the biggest faces on the streets of Soho, Jimmy Byrne. He promised her the life of luxury, but behind the diamonds and fur coats is a dangerous world of violence and lies. With her two children, Nancy and Daniel, Colleen is in too deep, bound to Jimmy forever.
TWENTY YEARS LATER
Nancy has grown into her father’s daughter, strong, calculated – and ruthless, while Colleen blots out the pain of her marriage any way she can. When Jimmy is found brutally murdered, Nancy is hell bent on finding the culprit. She’s going to make them pay for what they did.
Only the perpetrator is someone close to home. Someone who betrayed them all. To catch a killer, mother and daughter must find the secrets tearing their family apart...
Colleen Byrne is wife to one of the biggest faces on the streets of Soho, Jimmy Byrne. He promised her the life of luxury, but behind the diamonds and fur coats is a dangerous world of violence and lies. With her two children, Nancy and Daniel, Colleen is in too deep, bound to Jimmy forever.
TWENTY YEARS LATER
Nancy has grown into her father’s daughter, strong, calculated – and ruthless, while Colleen blots out the pain of her marriage any way she can. When Jimmy is found brutally murdered, Nancy is hell bent on finding the culprit. She’s going to make them pay for what they did.
Only the perpetrator is someone close to home. Someone who betrayed them all. To catch a killer, mother and daughter must find the secrets tearing their family apart...
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2017
562 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Casey Kelleher
33 books357 followersCasey Kelleher was born in Cuckfield, West Sussex. Growing up she became an avid reader, loving in particular gritty crime thrillers and gangland books.
The Books
Standalone Psych Thrillers
The Perfect Guest
The Missing Mother
The Babysitter's Secret
MINE
I'll Never Tell
Only Child
The Babysitter's Secret
Gangland/crime thrillers
standalones
Bad Blood
The Taken
The Promise
Rotten to the Core
Rise and Fall
Heartless
Griffin Estate Trilogy
No Escape (book 1)
No Fear (book 2)
No Going Back (book 3)
The Byrne Trilogy
The Betrayed (Book 1)
The Broken (Book)
The Forgotten (Book 3)
For all offers and news on Casey's new releases, click the FOLLOW button on Casey's Amazon page, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Casey-Kelleh...
http://caseykelleher.co.uk
www.instagram.com/caseykelleher
http://facebook.com/officialcaseykell...
The Books
Standalone Psych Thrillers
The Perfect Guest
The Missing Mother
The Babysitter's Secret
MINE
I'll Never Tell
Only Child
The Babysitter's Secret
Gangland/crime thrillers
standalones
Bad Blood
The Taken
The Promise
Rotten to the Core
Rise and Fall
Heartless
Griffin Estate Trilogy
No Escape (book 1)
No Fear (book 2)
No Going Back (book 3)
The Byrne Trilogy
The Betrayed (Book 1)
The Broken (Book)
The Forgotten (Book 3)
For all offers and news on Casey's new releases, click the FOLLOW button on Casey's Amazon page, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Casey-Kelleh...
http://caseykelleher.co.uk
www.instagram.com/caseykelleher
http://facebook.com/officialcaseykell...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
June 23, 2017
I'm definitely a fan of Casey Kelleher. I have rated the other two books I've read written by her five stars and found them to be super engrossing. I had a hard time connecting or sympathizing with any of the characters in this one, and predicted all of the twists the story took along the way. Does this mean I'm done with the author? Absolutely not. There was just something missing in this one for me. I look forward to her next release. I still found this one to be a decent read, just not quite as absorbing as the other standalones and would rate it a 3.5.
Jimmy Bryne has slowly become one of the most ruthless and respected criminals of the Soho area. Like many others before him, he has legitimate business ventures that bring in a good amount of money. Others are significantly seedier. He has a mother that worships the ground he walks on, and a hapless father under his thumb. Partially due to his mother's nagging, he decides to find a woman to settle down with. This woman has to be different than the usual bimbos he surrounds himself with. She has to be someone who he can father children with. It doesn't take long for him to settle on a suitable candidate: innocent and naive Colleen Walsh. He immediately charms her mother, and it isn't long before he has Colleen wrapped around his little finger as well. It's not long before they're married, and not long at all before their family grows.
Having found out the man she fell in love with was a facade not long after they were wed, Colleen is stuck. Terrified of Jimmy and traumatized from what she's seen and what she knows. She's barely a mother, content to drink and sleep her days away and move around their impressive home like a zombie.
This story is filled with sex, betrayal, violence, and murder. Most of the story takes place in the 1980s and then continues twenty years later, and it's interesting to see what changes and what stays the same. As the synopsis mentions, Jimmy is murdered while still is his prime... and the perpetrator may be closer to the family than anyone suspects.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Jimmy Bryne has slowly become one of the most ruthless and respected criminals of the Soho area. Like many others before him, he has legitimate business ventures that bring in a good amount of money. Others are significantly seedier. He has a mother that worships the ground he walks on, and a hapless father under his thumb. Partially due to his mother's nagging, he decides to find a woman to settle down with. This woman has to be different than the usual bimbos he surrounds himself with. She has to be someone who he can father children with. It doesn't take long for him to settle on a suitable candidate: innocent and naive Colleen Walsh. He immediately charms her mother, and it isn't long before he has Colleen wrapped around his little finger as well. It's not long before they're married, and not long at all before their family grows.
Having found out the man she fell in love with was a facade not long after they were wed, Colleen is stuck. Terrified of Jimmy and traumatized from what she's seen and what she knows. She's barely a mother, content to drink and sleep her days away and move around their impressive home like a zombie.
This story is filled with sex, betrayal, violence, and murder. Most of the story takes place in the 1980s and then continues twenty years later, and it's interesting to see what changes and what stays the same. As the synopsis mentions, Jimmy is murdered while still is his prime... and the perpetrator may be closer to the family than anyone suspects.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
July 14, 2017
5☆ Gritty, enthralling, hard hitting!!!
I am a big fan of Casey Kelleher's books and The Betrayed lives up to her high standards. Another 5+☆ book in my eyes!
Casey's books just keep getting better and better. I can't wait for the next one!!
Once again Casey pulled me into her world. The Betrayed is enthralling, gritty, gripping, captures the essence of the gangland life, and its a hard hitting page Turner that captured my attention the whole way through. Not to mention the pulse racing twists and the ending....left me wanting more!
The characters are your typical gang family.
The Bryne family is unlike no other, The Dad is a good for nothing cheat, Joanie the Mum... she is in my eyes the real head of the family and not without her own secrets !
Then there is Jimmy.... Now he rules the family. He can do no wrong in he's mums eyes. But he worships her.
He tries he's best to do right by her. Indulging her in the very best.
However Jimmy is a brutal thug! When he catches he's Dad in bed with one of he's 'girls' he gives him the beating of he's life!
People fear Jimmy he is not the kind of man you double cross! He's ruthless and will stop at nothing to get what he wants!
Love him or hate him... you will 100% remember him!
When Jimmy meets Colleen her life is about to change forever.
She is young and very innocent. But quickly she falls for Jimmy.
This really reminds me of the Krays as he's wife was very innocent and had no idea of the brutality and lengths her husband did to stay at the top!
This was exactly like Jimmy and Colleen.
I want to write so much more but I feel if I do I'm risking spoiling it, and I really want everyone to pick up The Betrayed and delve into Casey's world.
I love the gangland books. They are gritty, exciting and eye opening.
But don't be fooled they are hard hitting, violent, and really do pack a punch! The perfect way to draw you into the underground world of criminals.
This book really does capture the true essence of the criminal underworld.
There is lots of violence and swearing. Which isn't for everyone but necessary to capture the reality of their world!
The characters are realistic, somewhat a little predictable at times, which I loved!
I really did feel like I was part of the story. Casey literally sucks you in. She has this way of shocking and keeping you on your toes with all the twists.
The Betrayed is a story of secrets, lies, fear, betrayal, family, violence, twists, loyalty, criminal underworld.
If you love Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers then there is no doubt in my mind you will LOVE The Betrayed!
Would I recommend this book..... Without a doubt 100% ....... YES!!!!
Bring on the next book!
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
I am a big fan of Casey Kelleher's books and The Betrayed lives up to her high standards. Another 5+☆ book in my eyes!
Casey's books just keep getting better and better. I can't wait for the next one!!
Once again Casey pulled me into her world. The Betrayed is enthralling, gritty, gripping, captures the essence of the gangland life, and its a hard hitting page Turner that captured my attention the whole way through. Not to mention the pulse racing twists and the ending....left me wanting more!
The characters are your typical gang family.
The Bryne family is unlike no other, The Dad is a good for nothing cheat, Joanie the Mum... she is in my eyes the real head of the family and not without her own secrets !
Then there is Jimmy.... Now he rules the family. He can do no wrong in he's mums eyes. But he worships her.
He tries he's best to do right by her. Indulging her in the very best.
However Jimmy is a brutal thug! When he catches he's Dad in bed with one of he's 'girls' he gives him the beating of he's life!
People fear Jimmy he is not the kind of man you double cross! He's ruthless and will stop at nothing to get what he wants!
Love him or hate him... you will 100% remember him!
When Jimmy meets Colleen her life is about to change forever.
She is young and very innocent. But quickly she falls for Jimmy.
This really reminds me of the Krays as he's wife was very innocent and had no idea of the brutality and lengths her husband did to stay at the top!
This was exactly like Jimmy and Colleen.
I want to write so much more but I feel if I do I'm risking spoiling it, and I really want everyone to pick up The Betrayed and delve into Casey's world.
I love the gangland books. They are gritty, exciting and eye opening.
But don't be fooled they are hard hitting, violent, and really do pack a punch! The perfect way to draw you into the underground world of criminals.
This book really does capture the true essence of the criminal underworld.
There is lots of violence and swearing. Which isn't for everyone but necessary to capture the reality of their world!
The characters are realistic, somewhat a little predictable at times, which I loved!
I really did feel like I was part of the story. Casey literally sucks you in. She has this way of shocking and keeping you on your toes with all the twists.
The Betrayed is a story of secrets, lies, fear, betrayal, family, violence, twists, loyalty, criminal underworld.
If you love Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers then there is no doubt in my mind you will LOVE The Betrayed!
Would I recommend this book..... Without a doubt 100% ....... YES!!!!
Bring on the next book!
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
June 24, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
In the past year or so I’ve become a huge fan of Kelleher’s books, I loved both The Taken and The Promise and have become addicted to her style. What does her style entail? Well to me it’s raw and gritty plot lines that explore the dark depths of humanity coupled with well drawn, realistic characters that you love to hate and the added bonus of twists and turns that never fail to shock me. What more could you want when you pick up a thriller?!
One of Kelleher’s signature moves is to grab the reader with a gripping first chapter and hold tight until the bitter end and The Betrayed didn’t stray from her usual. It begins in the early eighties right before Jimmy and Colleen meet and begin dating and really sets the stage for their entire relationship. At about the halfway point, it jumps to 2003 when they’ve been married for years and have two children together. I was equally hooked by both timelines as they were both chock full of dark, dangerous scenarios and some high octane action.
Kelleher is a bold author who isn’t afraid to get down and dirty, both in the issues she writes about and the characters she creates. She crafts some truly deplorable individuals that mix in the seedy underbelly of society and the things they get up to are shocking and violent. This definitely isn’t a read for a sensitive person, the language is harsh and brash and the descriptions of violence are graphic. BUT if that doesn’t faze you, give this awesome book a try!
In the past year or so I’ve become a huge fan of Kelleher’s books, I loved both The Taken and The Promise and have become addicted to her style. What does her style entail? Well to me it’s raw and gritty plot lines that explore the dark depths of humanity coupled with well drawn, realistic characters that you love to hate and the added bonus of twists and turns that never fail to shock me. What more could you want when you pick up a thriller?!
One of Kelleher’s signature moves is to grab the reader with a gripping first chapter and hold tight until the bitter end and The Betrayed didn’t stray from her usual. It begins in the early eighties right before Jimmy and Colleen meet and begin dating and really sets the stage for their entire relationship. At about the halfway point, it jumps to 2003 when they’ve been married for years and have two children together. I was equally hooked by both timelines as they were both chock full of dark, dangerous scenarios and some high octane action.
Kelleher is a bold author who isn’t afraid to get down and dirty, both in the issues she writes about and the characters she creates. She crafts some truly deplorable individuals that mix in the seedy underbelly of society and the things they get up to are shocking and violent. This definitely isn’t a read for a sensitive person, the language is harsh and brash and the descriptions of violence are graphic. BUT if that doesn’t faze you, give this awesome book a try!
June 24, 2017
This is what I love to read.
Jimmy Byrne is on the up, he's the new face in town .... with his clubs, girls, he's the sort of man that will get whatever he wants and nothing will get in his way.
Edel Walsh is a stubborn woman who isn't scared of anyone.
When a project of Jimmy's runs into problems he knows he will have to use all hischarm on Edel because she is a problem for him and he needs it sorted now..... but then he meets her daughter and it throws a spanner in the works.
Colleen Walsh is a shy and reserved girl.
She has reservations about Jimmy but his smooth talking sweeps her along and its only a matter of time before she is totally consumed by his kindness to her and her mother.
"Their lives had changed so drastically in the past few months and it was all down to Jimmy Byrne. The man was a saint."
Unfortunately for Colleen it's not long that the full extent of Jimmy's lifestyle will start to haunt her.
Jimmy has secrets and people close to him know those secrets.
Someone will be ready to betray him and that person maybe closer to them than you think.
The story spans over 20 years and introduces us to some great characters some more unsavoury than others.
Casey Kelleher is always an author that I will automatically read.
She is really getting up there with the best in this genre.
Once again this is another great gritty gangster crime story.
If your fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers this will be for you.
Jimmy Byrne is on the up, he's the new face in town .... with his clubs, girls, he's the sort of man that will get whatever he wants and nothing will get in his way.
Edel Walsh is a stubborn woman who isn't scared of anyone.
When a project of Jimmy's runs into problems he knows he will have to use all his
Colleen Walsh is a shy and reserved girl.
She has reservations about Jimmy but his smooth talking sweeps her along and its only a matter of time before she is totally consumed by his kindness to her and her mother.
"Their lives had changed so drastically in the past few months and it was all down to Jimmy Byrne. The man was a saint."
Unfortunately for Colleen it's not long that the full extent of Jimmy's lifestyle will start to haunt her.
Jimmy has secrets and people close to him know those secrets.
Someone will be ready to betray him and that person maybe closer to them than you think.
The story spans over 20 years and introduces us to some great characters some more unsavoury than others.
Casey Kelleher is always an author that I will automatically read.
She is really getting up there with the best in this genre.
Once again this is another great gritty gangster crime story.
If your fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers this will be for you.
June 20, 2017
All my reviews can be found at http:/thebookreviewcafe.com
Hells bells Casey Kelleher certainly knows how to drag the reader in with a shocker of a first chapter, this pretty much sets the tone for this gripping book. Spattered with choice language The Betrayed isn’t one I would recommend to the faint hearted there’s lots of swearing and I mean lots! but it’s very much in keeping with the plot and characters. If you enjoy what I personally call “Grit lit”, a story full of violence, treachery and family ties then look no further, this book has all this and so much more.
A lot of the characters in this novel could be seen as your typical stereotypes In a novel of this genre, fortunately for the reader Casey Kelleher has the ability to make her characters standout, love them or hate you certainly won’t forget them! From the ruthless gangster Jimmy, the shy and innocent Colleen who isn’t prepared for the life of a gangsters wife, to the sharp witted Edel who made me laugh out loud with her “one liners” you can’t help but become immersed in their gritty story.
I love a dysfunctional family and the Byrne’s certainly fit the description perfectly, they are a family whose life’s are built on lies, violence and betrayal which you know is going to lead to a whole host of trouble, what follows is a brutal and explosive story, one that I found impossible to put down even for a few minutes.
The Betrayed is a novel that pulls no punches, the authors ability to portray the viciousness of the criminal world made for a gripping read. I would have loved this book to have been longer because it really was so good, I’m really hoping there is going to be a sequel to The Betrayed and if not there really should be. Would I recommend this book? It’s a huge “yes” from me, this is Casey Kelleher best book yet without a shadow of a doubt.
Hells bells Casey Kelleher certainly knows how to drag the reader in with a shocker of a first chapter, this pretty much sets the tone for this gripping book. Spattered with choice language The Betrayed isn’t one I would recommend to the faint hearted there’s lots of swearing and I mean lots! but it’s very much in keeping with the plot and characters. If you enjoy what I personally call “Grit lit”, a story full of violence, treachery and family ties then look no further, this book has all this and so much more.
A lot of the characters in this novel could be seen as your typical stereotypes In a novel of this genre, fortunately for the reader Casey Kelleher has the ability to make her characters standout, love them or hate you certainly won’t forget them! From the ruthless gangster Jimmy, the shy and innocent Colleen who isn’t prepared for the life of a gangsters wife, to the sharp witted Edel who made me laugh out loud with her “one liners” you can’t help but become immersed in their gritty story.
I love a dysfunctional family and the Byrne’s certainly fit the description perfectly, they are a family whose life’s are built on lies, violence and betrayal which you know is going to lead to a whole host of trouble, what follows is a brutal and explosive story, one that I found impossible to put down even for a few minutes.
The Betrayed is a novel that pulls no punches, the authors ability to portray the viciousness of the criminal world made for a gripping read. I would have loved this book to have been longer because it really was so good, I’m really hoping there is going to be a sequel to The Betrayed and if not there really should be. Would I recommend this book? It’s a huge “yes” from me, this is Casey Kelleher best book yet without a shadow of a doubt.
June 22, 2017
I made the mistake of starting this book late one evening. It was a mistake due to when I start one of this authors books I can not put them down until I’ve finished it and this was the case for The Betrayed. Let’s just say it was an extremely late night or you could even say early morning when I finished this book and boy was it worth it.
The main character has to be Jimmy in this novel. I didn’t want to like him as at the end of the day he is a thug but I just couldn’t stop myself from liking him. His mother Joanie is very deluded and her son can do no wrong. I have to admit to disliking her more than her son. Even feeling sorry for her good for nothing husband.
Colleen and her mum are great characters. It’s just a shame that she ever falls into the clutches of Jimmy as her life just becomes destined to be an unhappy one.
I have to admit there were some twists and turns in this story that I wasn’t expecting. The author always manages to write a raw and gripping read that will have you rushing through the pages to see how it will all end. I have to admit to being a bit taken back by the ending as i’m not a big fan of open endings but was ecstatic to see that there is another one in the pipeline which I am thrilled about as it means I get to catch up with the characters again which by the end had fully grabbed me. Even the not so nice ones!
The Betrayed is a brilliantly dark read that had me well and truly hooked. Full to the brim of lies, murders, gangland warfare, relationships, it really did have everything I would want and expect from this genre of book. Brilliant!
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The main character has to be Jimmy in this novel. I didn’t want to like him as at the end of the day he is a thug but I just couldn’t stop myself from liking him. His mother Joanie is very deluded and her son can do no wrong. I have to admit to disliking her more than her son. Even feeling sorry for her good for nothing husband.
Colleen and her mum are great characters. It’s just a shame that she ever falls into the clutches of Jimmy as her life just becomes destined to be an unhappy one.
I have to admit there were some twists and turns in this story that I wasn’t expecting. The author always manages to write a raw and gripping read that will have you rushing through the pages to see how it will all end. I have to admit to being a bit taken back by the ending as i’m not a big fan of open endings but was ecstatic to see that there is another one in the pipeline which I am thrilled about as it means I get to catch up with the characters again which by the end had fully grabbed me. Even the not so nice ones!
The Betrayed is a brilliantly dark read that had me well and truly hooked. Full to the brim of lies, murders, gangland warfare, relationships, it really did have everything I would want and expect from this genre of book. Brilliant!
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
May 8, 2018
A solid 4 star Audible book, leading me straight onto grabbing the next one in the series!
... Thank you for feeding my one-click addiction Audible!
At this rate, I'll have to have a coffin lined with Bluetooth speakers just to get through them all!! Oh and throw my Kindle in please someone...ugh, no way I'm getting through my tbr in this lifetime.
- just saying!!!
... Thank you for feeding my one-click addiction Audible!
At this rate, I'll have to have a coffin lined with Bluetooth speakers just to get through them all!! Oh and throw my Kindle in please someone...ugh, no way I'm getting through my tbr in this lifetime.
- just saying!!!
June 23, 2017
I just love Casey Kelleher books! I came upon them by chance one day when they was recommended for fans of Martin’s Cole and I haven’t looked back since (she may even have overtaken the fabulous Martina in my eyes!) Every book just gets better and better so I’m always desperate to get my hands on her next slice of gritty, homegrown crime drama. Be warned though, her books are not for the faint hearted with scenes of graphic violence and very strong language but they have a strong realism that radiates throughout them so it always seems appropriate to the storyline.
This gangland thriller features characters you will love to hate! What a family! There is the mother-in-law from hell, a father-in-law who’s a bit of a chancer plus a husband and wife who are never quite the same again after a wedding night they will never forget. I loved the surprising pairing of Colleen and Jimmy. I wasn’t surprised though that she fell for the charms of this powerful and attractive bad boy, he played a blinder in his pursuit of the shy and introverted Colleen and it was fascinating watching their relationship develop, just waiting for the dramatic blowout that we could all see coming a mile off. Characterwise, this book really did have it all and a personal favourite was Colleens mother Edel, especially whilst watching her almost comedic moments when she was with her best friend Nellie.
Most of the action takes place in the 1980s and I found it to be an authentic look into this time period. I did have a sly giggle at the wedding fashion of the time but as an 80s bride myself I do have to admit that it’s probably the decade that fashion forgot (just remember all those shoulder pads in the soaps of the time!) so I could tell that Casey had done her research there!
This is a compelling and sometimes shocking gangland thriller that drew gasps of astonishment at the unexpected twists when they came and I couldn’t put it down for the last few chapters even though I was desperate to go to sleep! What an ending! This is one family I would be VERY happy to meet again but on paper only…….they are a scary bunch!!
This gangland thriller features characters you will love to hate! What a family! There is the mother-in-law from hell, a father-in-law who’s a bit of a chancer plus a husband and wife who are never quite the same again after a wedding night they will never forget. I loved the surprising pairing of Colleen and Jimmy. I wasn’t surprised though that she fell for the charms of this powerful and attractive bad boy, he played a blinder in his pursuit of the shy and introverted Colleen and it was fascinating watching their relationship develop, just waiting for the dramatic blowout that we could all see coming a mile off. Characterwise, this book really did have it all and a personal favourite was Colleens mother Edel, especially whilst watching her almost comedic moments when she was with her best friend Nellie.
Most of the action takes place in the 1980s and I found it to be an authentic look into this time period. I did have a sly giggle at the wedding fashion of the time but as an 80s bride myself I do have to admit that it’s probably the decade that fashion forgot (just remember all those shoulder pads in the soaps of the time!) so I could tell that Casey had done her research there!
This is a compelling and sometimes shocking gangland thriller that drew gasps of astonishment at the unexpected twists when they came and I couldn’t put it down for the last few chapters even though I was desperate to go to sleep! What an ending! This is one family I would be VERY happy to meet again but on paper only…….they are a scary bunch!!
June 23, 2017
Colleen Walsh thinks she has met the man of her dreams when encouraged by her mother, she agrees to go out on a date with Jimmy Bryne but are her dreams just about to turn into a nightmare?! A whirlwind romance quickly leads to marriage and before she knows it Colleen is in too deep with no means of escape. Even her two kids, Nancy at Daniel appear to loathe her and she slips deeper into an alcohol-fuelled depression. Meanwhile, Jimmy, is on the up, one of the top Faces on the London gangland scene there is nothing and nobody that will stop him getting what he wants…or will they?
The Betrayed is a dark and extremely tense journey around Jimmy Byrne’s manor and pulls no punches in its storyline! Murder, beatings, prostitution and a ruthless thirst for power had me glued to the pages and unable to put the book down until I’d finished and even then it left me begging for more!
Oh Jimmy, what a bad guy he is, yet there is something about Jimmy, something that lies deep within him that nobody can see. He is a dark and brooding complex character yet he engaged me right from the start. I could see how Colleen was drawn to him despite the fact that they were very different characters – his power was like a magnet, he exuded safety and protection but for Colleen, this illusion was quickly shattered and she had nowhere left to go apart from down!
Joannie, Jimmy’s mother – ooft what a first class b*tch she is! In the first chapter, I kind of felt a bit sorry for her but OMG by half way through the book I wanted to slap that smug look off of her face! Edel, Colleen’s mother, on the other hand, was an absolute delight! I loved that woman! She was mesmerised by Jimmy and protected by Colleen she never got to see what lay beneath the public face he painted. Edel was a breath of fresh air and her put downs to Joannie at Jimmy and Colleen’s wedding were hysterical!
Nancy and Daniel were largely brought up by Joannie as Colleen sank lower and lower; they had no fond childhood memories of their mother and so grew up distant from her and with a disdain for her which was entirely encouraged by Joannie. Nancy – well let’s just say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – a female version of her father, she is a cold-hearted, calculating woman and heaven help those who cross her! Daniel is much softer yet confused by his identity and that of his father as he slowly unpicks and unravels some of the secrets that lie behind the perfect Byrne family facade.
Casey explores the themes of secrets and betrayal and what impact that they have on an entire family – from Jimmy’s father who despises his son and his wife yet terrified to leave because of the threats from his son to Colleen who is broken by her husband from the outset and has to live with his secrets and see them destroy her relationship with her children; even to Joannie, Jimmy’s mother – who dotes on her boy yet her whole life is ruled by who he is and the acts he commits – there is no escape for anyone who is connected to Jimmy and his secrets and betrayals.
This is a powerful and hard-hitting read; it will drag you along at a great rate of noughts and pull you screaming all the way to the bitter and twisted conclusion! An absolute pleasure to read this one! My only criticism of this book was that it ended…I just wanted to keep on reading!
The Betrayed is a dark and extremely tense journey around Jimmy Byrne’s manor and pulls no punches in its storyline! Murder, beatings, prostitution and a ruthless thirst for power had me glued to the pages and unable to put the book down until I’d finished and even then it left me begging for more!
Oh Jimmy, what a bad guy he is, yet there is something about Jimmy, something that lies deep within him that nobody can see. He is a dark and brooding complex character yet he engaged me right from the start. I could see how Colleen was drawn to him despite the fact that they were very different characters – his power was like a magnet, he exuded safety and protection but for Colleen, this illusion was quickly shattered and she had nowhere left to go apart from down!
Joannie, Jimmy’s mother – ooft what a first class b*tch she is! In the first chapter, I kind of felt a bit sorry for her but OMG by half way through the book I wanted to slap that smug look off of her face! Edel, Colleen’s mother, on the other hand, was an absolute delight! I loved that woman! She was mesmerised by Jimmy and protected by Colleen she never got to see what lay beneath the public face he painted. Edel was a breath of fresh air and her put downs to Joannie at Jimmy and Colleen’s wedding were hysterical!
Nancy and Daniel were largely brought up by Joannie as Colleen sank lower and lower; they had no fond childhood memories of their mother and so grew up distant from her and with a disdain for her which was entirely encouraged by Joannie. Nancy – well let’s just say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – a female version of her father, she is a cold-hearted, calculating woman and heaven help those who cross her! Daniel is much softer yet confused by his identity and that of his father as he slowly unpicks and unravels some of the secrets that lie behind the perfect Byrne family facade.
Casey explores the themes of secrets and betrayal and what impact that they have on an entire family – from Jimmy’s father who despises his son and his wife yet terrified to leave because of the threats from his son to Colleen who is broken by her husband from the outset and has to live with his secrets and see them destroy her relationship with her children; even to Joannie, Jimmy’s mother – who dotes on her boy yet her whole life is ruled by who he is and the acts he commits – there is no escape for anyone who is connected to Jimmy and his secrets and betrayals.
This is a powerful and hard-hitting read; it will drag you along at a great rate of noughts and pull you screaming all the way to the bitter and twisted conclusion! An absolute pleasure to read this one! My only criticism of this book was that it ended…I just wanted to keep on reading!
June 25, 2017
Jimmy Byrne is a criminal and bad company. Colleen knows it. Somehow he wins her over. If only she knew.. Jimmy’s father Michael knows all too well..
| Introduction |
Jimmy Byrne would be more than happy to butcher his father, Michael, to death. Jimmy considers him a poor excuse for a man, betraying his wife Joanie, Jimmy’s doting mother. Against all the odds, somehow, Joanie still loves her husband even if all respect for him has gone. Now she keeps him on a short leash and misses no opportunity to put him down. Michael knows he is lucky to still be living but fears for his lifelong ‘imprisonment’ as Jimmy has made it crystal clear that he will watch his father’s every move. Then Jimmy runs into a business obstacle by the name of Edel, the owner of a florist shop. As it happens, Edel has a lovely daughter, Colleen and, even if we want to shout our warnings from afar, it looks like she is falling under Jimmy’s charming spell …
| Storyline |
Jimmy Byrne and his lifelong friend and business partner Alex Costa have it all worked out: the demolition of old flats and the development of a new building with luxurious apartments in Dean Street, Soho. With Westminster Council upgrading Soho, Jimmy and Alex’s apartments for the rich will make Soho “the place to be” and the project will land them in Millionaires Row. Every flat owner has agreed to sell so nothing is stopping them from realising their dream apart from an old lady, Edel, running a florist shop. This causes a major rift between the friends and business partners and they decide to play it hard with Edel but she is not easily scared.
Where Alex wants to notch the heat up a bit, Jimmy decides to try something completely different by courting Edel’s daughter Colleen. If only she knew what she was getting into she would never have gone out with him. But who can withstand a mother’s pressure? Is it for real, the love affair between Jimmy and Colleen? It seems so, at least at first. Alex is far from pleased with these amorous developments and neither is Joanie, Jimmy’s mother, who takes an instant dislike to Colleen, and is determined to maintain control over every aspect of Jimmy’s life. But does she know the depths to which he has sunk in his criminal life, or of his uncontrollable outbursts of violence? It is Colleen who finds out, but too late …
| My Thoughts |
What an extraordinary dark thriller! It is not what I expected when I first started reading about Jimmy Byrne because if you think you get a profound insight into his criminal activities, you are wrong. In fact, I think the outset of the book is something completely different: the impact of a dominating and controlling mother on her son’s life, a woman’s life, crushed by a murderous maniac and of children growing up with a submissive mother and a cold-blooded father who turned out to be … no, I thnk I will leave that to your imagination as in the end, nothing is quite what it seems. Did I like Colleen, the other protagonist? At first, I thought I did and felt she could be the perfect counterpoint to Jimmy, but then she sort of faded away.
The only two really sympathetic protagonists of this story were Jimmy Byrne’s father, Michael (strange as it seems after reading the opening chapter) and Colleen’s mother, Edel. I loved the plot twists and the unexpected characters coming out of the blue, influencing the outcome of events massively. There are so many betrayals and underhand dealings that you could completely get lost in it but one, for me, was the saddest of all and made me think Jimmy Byrne is, in fact, simply pathetic and his carefully construed life nothing more than an empty façade. I read the book in one session as I just had to find out what would happen next with every dramatic event unfolding before my eyes in this steady paced thriller!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/betray...
| Introduction |
Jimmy Byrne would be more than happy to butcher his father, Michael, to death. Jimmy considers him a poor excuse for a man, betraying his wife Joanie, Jimmy’s doting mother. Against all the odds, somehow, Joanie still loves her husband even if all respect for him has gone. Now she keeps him on a short leash and misses no opportunity to put him down. Michael knows he is lucky to still be living but fears for his lifelong ‘imprisonment’ as Jimmy has made it crystal clear that he will watch his father’s every move. Then Jimmy runs into a business obstacle by the name of Edel, the owner of a florist shop. As it happens, Edel has a lovely daughter, Colleen and, even if we want to shout our warnings from afar, it looks like she is falling under Jimmy’s charming spell …
| Storyline |
Jimmy Byrne and his lifelong friend and business partner Alex Costa have it all worked out: the demolition of old flats and the development of a new building with luxurious apartments in Dean Street, Soho. With Westminster Council upgrading Soho, Jimmy and Alex’s apartments for the rich will make Soho “the place to be” and the project will land them in Millionaires Row. Every flat owner has agreed to sell so nothing is stopping them from realising their dream apart from an old lady, Edel, running a florist shop. This causes a major rift between the friends and business partners and they decide to play it hard with Edel but she is not easily scared.
Where Alex wants to notch the heat up a bit, Jimmy decides to try something completely different by courting Edel’s daughter Colleen. If only she knew what she was getting into she would never have gone out with him. But who can withstand a mother’s pressure? Is it for real, the love affair between Jimmy and Colleen? It seems so, at least at first. Alex is far from pleased with these amorous developments and neither is Joanie, Jimmy’s mother, who takes an instant dislike to Colleen, and is determined to maintain control over every aspect of Jimmy’s life. But does she know the depths to which he has sunk in his criminal life, or of his uncontrollable outbursts of violence? It is Colleen who finds out, but too late …
| My Thoughts |
What an extraordinary dark thriller! It is not what I expected when I first started reading about Jimmy Byrne because if you think you get a profound insight into his criminal activities, you are wrong. In fact, I think the outset of the book is something completely different: the impact of a dominating and controlling mother on her son’s life, a woman’s life, crushed by a murderous maniac and of children growing up with a submissive mother and a cold-blooded father who turned out to be … no, I thnk I will leave that to your imagination as in the end, nothing is quite what it seems. Did I like Colleen, the other protagonist? At first, I thought I did and felt she could be the perfect counterpoint to Jimmy, but then she sort of faded away.
The only two really sympathetic protagonists of this story were Jimmy Byrne’s father, Michael (strange as it seems after reading the opening chapter) and Colleen’s mother, Edel. I loved the plot twists and the unexpected characters coming out of the blue, influencing the outcome of events massively. There are so many betrayals and underhand dealings that you could completely get lost in it but one, for me, was the saddest of all and made me think Jimmy Byrne is, in fact, simply pathetic and his carefully construed life nothing more than an empty façade. I read the book in one session as I just had to find out what would happen next with every dramatic event unfolding before my eyes in this steady paced thriller!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/betray...
June 27, 2017
OMG I just love Casey Kelleher books which seem to get darker, grittier and more compulsive with each one that she writes. This one is just dripping awesome. Absolutely loved it as she took me into the heart of the Bryne family, headed by Jimmy. Now there is only one woman that Jimmy will only ever feel anything for at all, in fact I will go as far as to say worship and that woman is his mum Joanie. It is a mutual sort of thing because Jimmy is the sweetest man to walk the earth in her eyes. It sort of reminded me of the Krays and how they treated their mum. Fur coats, a new house and nothing was too good for her. Jimmy was the same with his mum. His dad on the other hand was despised by Jimmy, not that I can blame him he is a loathsome man but bloody hell I was speechless, I mean frozen on the spot speechless talk about scary!
The book begins in 1980 Soho where Jimmy could have any girl he wanted but circumstances and fate throw Jimmy and Colleen together and what began as a fairy story romance for Colleen turns into a living nightmare from the day they marry. Colleen lost her innocence that night in more ways than you could ever dream possible. It was literally like take a bite out of the apple in the garden of Eden and really opening her eyes to the real world. She would never really recover.
This book is pure gangland brutality so if you are at all squirmish and are easily offended by strong language then this book is probably not for you. There are graphic scenes of violence from the very beginning and throughout this book but what a brilliant story. There is no way that it could be written any other way. There are characters in this book that really got under my skin and even hours after finishing the book I would still get that chill that goes from top to toe just by remember a snippet.
Casey Kelleher captured the essence of this charismatic gangland madman that could shock even his hardened partner Alex with the extremes of violence that he reached. Greed, dodgy dealings and murder had built him his empire that by 2003 was at its peak but a moment of carelessness and it soon became a game of Jenga.
I would love to see this made into a series so fingers crossed. A superb book!
The book begins in 1980 Soho where Jimmy could have any girl he wanted but circumstances and fate throw Jimmy and Colleen together and what began as a fairy story romance for Colleen turns into a living nightmare from the day they marry. Colleen lost her innocence that night in more ways than you could ever dream possible. It was literally like take a bite out of the apple in the garden of Eden and really opening her eyes to the real world. She would never really recover.
This book is pure gangland brutality so if you are at all squirmish and are easily offended by strong language then this book is probably not for you. There are graphic scenes of violence from the very beginning and throughout this book but what a brilliant story. There is no way that it could be written any other way. There are characters in this book that really got under my skin and even hours after finishing the book I would still get that chill that goes from top to toe just by remember a snippet.
Casey Kelleher captured the essence of this charismatic gangland madman that could shock even his hardened partner Alex with the extremes of violence that he reached. Greed, dodgy dealings and murder had built him his empire that by 2003 was at its peak but a moment of carelessness and it soon became a game of Jenga.
I would love to see this made into a series so fingers crossed. A superb book!
June 22, 2017
Jimmy Byrne is front and centre with this latest release by Casey Kelleher. Jimmy is a well known gangster who has his fingers in a lot of pies. When his paths cross with Edel Walsh, he discovers her daughter Collen who will change his life plan. The beginning of the book wastes no time in getting to the nitty gritty and the stroy unfolds fast and furiously. Before long Jimmy has his own way and Colleen Walsh goeso n to become hiw wife. The reader is already aware of the betrayals and underhand dealings Jimmy is involved in and it seems the only person who isn't is Nancy. Jimmy is a character you can love to hate and is certainly very readable, alongside his business partner Alex Costa. Although Colleen is likeable there was something too naive about her which stopped me from feeling too sorry for her.
The book is seperated into parts and as such it spans many years which actually works and although there were a couple of sections I felt were rushed to get to the next part of their lives by the end of the story it all made sense as to why the author had written in this way. Alongside Jimmy we also meet his Mother Joanie who plays a large part in Jimmy's life and it's clear that she is the woman thast rules the Byrne family and will always be the 'go-to' woman. With Coleen around, Joanie realises that things may not always be the same. However, nobody could guess what woul pan out and I have to be honest and say I certainly wasn't expecting the story to unfold as it did.
The last part of the book was certainly more of a pull for me where we get to really see the characters for what they are and all the secrets start to be uncovered. The added bonus of the latter parts of the book were the addition of Jimm's children Nancy and Daniel both of whom were great characters that have left the way wide open for a follow up to this book! Another cracking read by Casey Kelleher and I will as always wait for the next book knowing that I am going to get a great read.
The book is seperated into parts and as such it spans many years which actually works and although there were a couple of sections I felt were rushed to get to the next part of their lives by the end of the story it all made sense as to why the author had written in this way. Alongside Jimmy we also meet his Mother Joanie who plays a large part in Jimmy's life and it's clear that she is the woman thast rules the Byrne family and will always be the 'go-to' woman. With Coleen around, Joanie realises that things may not always be the same. However, nobody could guess what woul pan out and I have to be honest and say I certainly wasn't expecting the story to unfold as it did.
The last part of the book was certainly more of a pull for me where we get to really see the characters for what they are and all the secrets start to be uncovered. The added bonus of the latter parts of the book were the addition of Jimm's children Nancy and Daniel both of whom were great characters that have left the way wide open for a follow up to this book! Another cracking read by Casey Kelleher and I will as always wait for the next book knowing that I am going to get a great read.
June 28, 2017
This gritty thriller starts with a punch and then the tension is carried on through until the last page. I am not usually a fan of this genre but the writing style caught me up into the lives of Colleen and Jimmy alongside their mothers Edel and Joanie. Although Jimmy is the top dog of crime in his local area I would say that Joanie held a lot of the power and was pulling the strings behind the scenes. This was made apparent after the events of Colleen and Jimmy’s marriage; Joanie’s behaviour is abhorrent, she is such a cow-bag and that is putting it politely!! It is obvious that no one would ever be good enough for her golden boy Jimmy and she is willing to go to any lengths to exert her power over her weaker willed daughter in law who has entered into this relationship without a clue about its dark heart.
I felt really sorry for Colleen as she slowly had her spirit stripped away by the Byrne family. It was awful to witness her heartbreak and mental breakdown and the thought that even her own flesh and blood thought nothing of her really got to me. Colleen seemed the polar opposite of Jimmy and I kept hoping that she would rediscover some of her old fire and fight back against the old battle axe mother in law! Her own mother Edel was a delight to read even if her radar for a suitable suitor for her precious daughter was slightly off.
The Betrayed features a web of lies and deceit and at its centre sits the Byrne family weaving their own brand of truth and justice in the East End of London. This is the first book of Casey Kelleher’s that I have read but I look forward to more, especially to find out what happens where this story ended.
I felt really sorry for Colleen as she slowly had her spirit stripped away by the Byrne family. It was awful to witness her heartbreak and mental breakdown and the thought that even her own flesh and blood thought nothing of her really got to me. Colleen seemed the polar opposite of Jimmy and I kept hoping that she would rediscover some of her old fire and fight back against the old battle axe mother in law! Her own mother Edel was a delight to read even if her radar for a suitable suitor for her precious daughter was slightly off.
The Betrayed features a web of lies and deceit and at its centre sits the Byrne family weaving their own brand of truth and justice in the East End of London. This is the first book of Casey Kelleher’s that I have read but I look forward to more, especially to find out what happens where this story ended.
February 14, 2018
This is my first read by this author. I’m kicking myself for waiting so long as this was a brilliant read.
Jimmy Byrne is a fearless heartless thug. We read of his journey to get to where he is. He sets his sights on a young and innocent Colleen who he charms and marries. Colleen realises too late what she’s let her self in for and sinks into depression with the help of alcohol.
This is an action packed story from start to finish. It has a strong storyline. It’s a gritty and gripping read that I didn’t wanna put down. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Jimmy Byrne is a fearless heartless thug. We read of his journey to get to where he is. He sets his sights on a young and innocent Colleen who he charms and marries. Colleen realises too late what she’s let her self in for and sinks into depression with the help of alcohol.
This is an action packed story from start to finish. It has a strong storyline. It’s a gritty and gripping read that I didn’t wanna put down. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
December 21, 2019
Good gangland drama
June 26, 2017
Well, now. This is my first introduction to Casey Kelleher (yes, I’ve been living under a rock, shut up) and if her previous work is as fantastic as this, I’ve most definitely been missing out!
Meet Jimmy Byrne. Handsome, charming, respected but also feared. By all appearances a wealthy businessman on the up, he guards quite a few secrets. Not least of all, how he really makes his money.
Then he meets Colleen. Young and shy, she quickly finds herself in the middle of a whirlwind romance which is making her mother, Edel, absolutely ecstatic. Because surely her daughter can’t do any better than Jimmy?
Despite her misgivings, Colleen falls in love with Jimmy. But he’s not who she thinks he is. Underneath the fancy suit, there’s something dark and evil and living a lie.
This is a story of lies, secrets and betrayal with some brilliant characterisation. But it was Edel who stole the show for me. What a fabulous character! A strong personality with an amazing sense of humour, she just wants what’s best for her daughter. No airs nor graces, and not giving a hoot what other people think about her. On the other hand, there’s Joanie. Jimmy’s mother is loathsome and her actions will affect those around her for years to come.
I don’t want to give away too much about the plot, which is also the reason I cut short the description of the book at the top of the page. But suffice to say the ending is left wide open for a sequel and if that happens, I’ll be right there with bells on!
Those closest to you don’t stab you in the back, do they? Yes. Yes, they do! As pretty much every character in this book will find out at some point, you can’t trust anyone. Ever! No, I don’t have trust issues. Why do you ask?
Meet Jimmy Byrne. Handsome, charming, respected but also feared. By all appearances a wealthy businessman on the up, he guards quite a few secrets. Not least of all, how he really makes his money.
Then he meets Colleen. Young and shy, she quickly finds herself in the middle of a whirlwind romance which is making her mother, Edel, absolutely ecstatic. Because surely her daughter can’t do any better than Jimmy?
Despite her misgivings, Colleen falls in love with Jimmy. But he’s not who she thinks he is. Underneath the fancy suit, there’s something dark and evil and living a lie.
This is a story of lies, secrets and betrayal with some brilliant characterisation. But it was Edel who stole the show for me. What a fabulous character! A strong personality with an amazing sense of humour, she just wants what’s best for her daughter. No airs nor graces, and not giving a hoot what other people think about her. On the other hand, there’s Joanie. Jimmy’s mother is loathsome and her actions will affect those around her for years to come.
I don’t want to give away too much about the plot, which is also the reason I cut short the description of the book at the top of the page. But suffice to say the ending is left wide open for a sequel and if that happens, I’ll be right there with bells on!
Those closest to you don’t stab you in the back, do they? Yes. Yes, they do! As pretty much every character in this book will find out at some point, you can’t trust anyone. Ever! No, I don’t have trust issues. Why do you ask?
February 24, 2018
Bookouture and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Betrayed. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
Jimmy Byrne and Alex Costa are partners, working in the underbelly of society. Whether running drugs or handling girls, the pair always has a scheme to make money and be successful. Letting no one stand in their way, Jimmy ends up romancing Colleen, the daughter of a florist shop owner. What happens when she learns Jimmy's true nature? What will the future hold for Colleen and Jimmy?
Honestly, I had a hard time finding something to like about the characters of The Betrayed. The gritty nature of the book, with regards to the violence, degradation of society, and the deception also affected the story as a whole. The author spanned several years, from the lengthy beginning in the past, to the present, but really did not do enough to connect the time frames together. Having read previous books by the author, I was expecting to find more of a balance between the characters, the plot, and the action. For these reasons, The Betrayed was a miss for me and a book that I would be hesitant to recommend to other readers.
Jimmy Byrne and Alex Costa are partners, working in the underbelly of society. Whether running drugs or handling girls, the pair always has a scheme to make money and be successful. Letting no one stand in their way, Jimmy ends up romancing Colleen, the daughter of a florist shop owner. What happens when she learns Jimmy's true nature? What will the future hold for Colleen and Jimmy?
Honestly, I had a hard time finding something to like about the characters of The Betrayed. The gritty nature of the book, with regards to the violence, degradation of society, and the deception also affected the story as a whole. The author spanned several years, from the lengthy beginning in the past, to the present, but really did not do enough to connect the time frames together. Having read previous books by the author, I was expecting to find more of a balance between the characters, the plot, and the action. For these reasons, The Betrayed was a miss for me and a book that I would be hesitant to recommend to other readers.
May 31, 2017
Thank you Netgalley, the publishers and most of all Casey Kelleher for the absolute pleasure of reading this. An absolutely MUST READ for everyone!! O WOW Casey has done it once again!! I had sleepless nights reading it simply because I couldnt put it down!! I even read while I ate during the day!! From the very first page I was totally hooked! And every twist and turn was totally unexpected! Please let there be a sequel because the last page left me crying for more!! Definitely one not to be missed!!
June 23, 2017
Jimmy is a neighborhood celebrity because he's done so well for himself. He's making a lot of money, in legal and illegal ways. When he meets Colleen he's impressed. She isn't after his bank account and his status doesn't mean anything to her. That's why he wants to marry her and while Colleen isn't keen at first, Jimmy always gets his way. They get married and have two children, Nancy and Daniel. However, Colleen never feels at ease around her husband. Jimmy has a secret and Colleen hates him for it, but she's trapped and will have to stay with him.
Twenty years later Nancy is ready to help her father with his business. She's exactly like Jimmy and loathes her mother, because she thinks she's weak. Daniel is a little bit kinder, but Colleen isn't exactly close to either of her children. Her husband has truly broken her and she tries to forget about her traumas by drinking too much in combination with prescription drugs. Will she ever be free of Jimmy or will she be bound to him forever?
The Betrayed is an amazing gripping story. Jimmy is cold-blooded and isn't afraid to take a life. He uses and abuses people and discards them when they lose their usefulness. He's a heartless criminal and tricks Colleen into a life of misery just because it's convenient for him. Colleen used to be talented, levelheaded and sweet. Being with Jimmy has broken her spirit though and my heart ached for her. She's miserable and there's nothing she can do. There's nobody she can confide in and her life is incredibly lonely. I was hoping she'd eventually find a way out and this kept me on the edge of my seat.
Casey Kelleher writes about family, friendship and loyalty in an impressive captivating way. It was interesting to see the world through Jimmy's eyes and his awful character is perfect material for a suspenseful thriller. Some of the scenes are pretty gory and Casey Kelleher makes them come to life in a fabulous vivid way. I was fascinated by the family dynamics, the way Jimmy covers up his mistakes and the ruthless way he's doing his business. Colleen brings the right amount of softness to the story, which makes it balanced and complete. I really liked The Betrayed, it's a fantastic fast-paced story, a book to read in one sitting while biting your nails.
Twenty years later Nancy is ready to help her father with his business. She's exactly like Jimmy and loathes her mother, because she thinks she's weak. Daniel is a little bit kinder, but Colleen isn't exactly close to either of her children. Her husband has truly broken her and she tries to forget about her traumas by drinking too much in combination with prescription drugs. Will she ever be free of Jimmy or will she be bound to him forever?
The Betrayed is an amazing gripping story. Jimmy is cold-blooded and isn't afraid to take a life. He uses and abuses people and discards them when they lose their usefulness. He's a heartless criminal and tricks Colleen into a life of misery just because it's convenient for him. Colleen used to be talented, levelheaded and sweet. Being with Jimmy has broken her spirit though and my heart ached for her. She's miserable and there's nothing she can do. There's nobody she can confide in and her life is incredibly lonely. I was hoping she'd eventually find a way out and this kept me on the edge of my seat.
Casey Kelleher writes about family, friendship and loyalty in an impressive captivating way. It was interesting to see the world through Jimmy's eyes and his awful character is perfect material for a suspenseful thriller. Some of the scenes are pretty gory and Casey Kelleher makes them come to life in a fabulous vivid way. I was fascinated by the family dynamics, the way Jimmy covers up his mistakes and the ruthless way he's doing his business. Colleen brings the right amount of softness to the story, which makes it balanced and complete. I really liked The Betrayed, it's a fantastic fast-paced story, a book to read in one sitting while biting your nails.
June 12, 2017
I love books like this, ones which don't hold back and take you to the depths of humanity. They show you how bad people can be, yet in such a way that you enjoy the read.
Casey Kelleher has once more produced something which puts her in the same league as Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers. She has written a gritty, horrific and honest story about a family who is definitely at the top of the food chain. Woe betide anyone who gets in their way, and that includes people they call family.
I felt so sorry for Colleen in this as her life was never going to be an easy one when she met Jimmy Byrne. I assumed, however, that this was a stand alone book. On reaching the end it turns out that there is far more to come. Having read this book in one, I cannot wait to see what the author brings next. I am desperate to know if my theories are actually correct.
A great read but not for the faint hearted. Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.
Casey Kelleher has once more produced something which puts her in the same league as Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers. She has written a gritty, horrific and honest story about a family who is definitely at the top of the food chain. Woe betide anyone who gets in their way, and that includes people they call family.
I felt so sorry for Colleen in this as her life was never going to be an easy one when she met Jimmy Byrne. I assumed, however, that this was a stand alone book. On reaching the end it turns out that there is far more to come. Having read this book in one, I cannot wait to see what the author brings next. I am desperate to know if my theories are actually correct.
A great read but not for the faint hearted. Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.
June 28, 2017
The Betrayed by Casey Kelleher
Love and betrayal are themes of this book as are crime, drugs, abuse and the seedier side of life. Filial love comes to mind but then…what that means and how it is expressed is another thing entirely…as is maternal…most of the love in this book is not healthy and leads to terrible things. I will say that this book kept me turning pages quickly wanting to know what dark and disturbing thing would happen next. The hook at the end of the book was twisted and left me wondering if anyone would walk away whole, complete and even a little bit “normal”.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boukouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Love and betrayal are themes of this book as are crime, drugs, abuse and the seedier side of life. Filial love comes to mind but then…what that means and how it is expressed is another thing entirely…as is maternal…most of the love in this book is not healthy and leads to terrible things. I will say that this book kept me turning pages quickly wanting to know what dark and disturbing thing would happen next. The hook at the end of the book was twisted and left me wondering if anyone would walk away whole, complete and even a little bit “normal”.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boukouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
June 21, 2017
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I really enjoyed this book, I read it in a day and found myself hooked on the rollercoaster ride that the author created as the plot flowed through to the exciting ending. I loved the characters and how the story built up gradually to the end with the plot picking up pace at an excellent rate to give you the suspense needed for a gritty book like this. Definitely one I would recommend and I have some of the others older books ready to read through – can’t wait to get started!! If they are anything like this one I’m going to love them – 5 stars from me for The Betrayed.
I really enjoyed this book, I read it in a day and found myself hooked on the rollercoaster ride that the author created as the plot flowed through to the exciting ending. I loved the characters and how the story built up gradually to the end with the plot picking up pace at an excellent rate to give you the suspense needed for a gritty book like this. Definitely one I would recommend and I have some of the others older books ready to read through – can’t wait to get started!! If they are anything like this one I’m going to love them – 5 stars from me for The Betrayed.
June 20, 2017
Thanks to Netgalley for the chance of reviewing this book.
As again Casey Kelleher hasn't disappointed with this storyline, with an all out London Crime, gritty story. Based around Jimmy Bryne and his story, he has an over protective mother who would do anything for her son, an alcoholic gambling father who wants to be anywhere other than with his wife.
But Jimmy has plans to be one of the biggest Crime Lords of London, will he get his way or will his future wife Colleen put a stop to his plans?
Well written with a dramatic storyline that took me to a surprising ending that I wasn't expecting, so that was a pleasant surprise.
As again Casey Kelleher hasn't disappointed with this storyline, with an all out London Crime, gritty story. Based around Jimmy Bryne and his story, he has an over protective mother who would do anything for her son, an alcoholic gambling father who wants to be anywhere other than with his wife.
But Jimmy has plans to be one of the biggest Crime Lords of London, will he get his way or will his future wife Colleen put a stop to his plans?
Well written with a dramatic storyline that took me to a surprising ending that I wasn't expecting, so that was a pleasant surprise.
May 30, 2017
When I was chosen to review this book for netgalley I was so excited to start reading it and it didn't disappoint. I was hooked from the first page and didn't see some of the twists coming. I am hoping this becomes a series and literally can't wait for book two. Casey is definitely up there now with the other crime queens like Martina Cole and Kimberly chamber's.
July 15, 2017
Could not stop reading unless I had to, a brilliant book, Casey kelleher ia a great story writer. So looking forward to her next book.
June 27, 2017
Once again I have gone straight into this book not reading the blurb purely because I am a fan of Casey and the fact that she is a grit lit/gangland author so I always know what I am getting. But Casey has pulled out all the punches with this story there I was thinking Jimmy Byrne same old gangland character. But wowsers the story took twists and turns that I totally wasn't expecting and I ended up freaking loving it!!
The story starts off very fast paced OMG opening. Where we meet Jimmy he isn't your normal lovable rogue. He is just the bad guy...plain and simple. Who I didn't like at all.
The author weaves a story written in three parts. in part one we learn how he meets Colleen, who becomes his wife and mother of his children. Jimmy showers her with gifts and promises her the world. And everyone knows what he is really like apart from Colleen. So there I am saying are you that stupid because she really cannot see the real Jimmy. This is where I thought it was going to be the same old. But then has the story develops I found myself feeling sorry for her. Casey is a very talented writer she has a gift of making you connect with the characters, whether they are good or bad people and taking you through a whirlwind of emotions making you happy or angry has the tension builds up. I even found myself laughing out loud in parts.
But just when I thought I had it worked out and knew what was going to happen BOOM the author throws in another shocking revelation keeping me on the edge of my sit. Yes there are plenty of OMG moments in this story and a NO WAY ending the author leaves you wanting more. This book is without a doubt a winner.
What more can I say, but this is one truly gritty read that you won't be able to put down. Which I highly recommend giving it 5 stars.
Massive thank you to Noelle for inviting me to take part in this blog tour.
The story starts off very fast paced OMG opening. Where we meet Jimmy he isn't your normal lovable rogue. He is just the bad guy...plain and simple. Who I didn't like at all.
The author weaves a story written in three parts. in part one we learn how he meets Colleen, who becomes his wife and mother of his children. Jimmy showers her with gifts and promises her the world. And everyone knows what he is really like apart from Colleen. So there I am saying are you that stupid because she really cannot see the real Jimmy. This is where I thought it was going to be the same old. But then has the story develops I found myself feeling sorry for her. Casey is a very talented writer she has a gift of making you connect with the characters, whether they are good or bad people and taking you through a whirlwind of emotions making you happy or angry has the tension builds up. I even found myself laughing out loud in parts.
But just when I thought I had it worked out and knew what was going to happen BOOM the author throws in another shocking revelation keeping me on the edge of my sit. Yes there are plenty of OMG moments in this story and a NO WAY ending the author leaves you wanting more. This book is without a doubt a winner.
What more can I say, but this is one truly gritty read that you won't be able to put down. Which I highly recommend giving it 5 stars.
Massive thank you to Noelle for inviting me to take part in this blog tour.
June 21, 2017
From the very opening chapter you know that this is not going to be your typical family drama. For one thing, in terms of the family dynamics patriarch Michael Byrne is so in name alone. It is his son Jimmy who is the real force in this family; Jimmy and Michael’s dominant wife, Joanie. Not that you can feel the remotest bit of sympathy for Michael, even with what happens to him in the attention grabbing opening chapter, but still. This scene sets the tone of the book from the off – Jimmy Byrne is not a man to be trifled with.
Now as to how the man who shows no mercy comes to woo and marry the shy and quiet Colleen Walsh, you will need to read to find out. They say opposites attract but in this case it is more a case of being blinded to the truth by a lethal combination of charm and money – Jimmy has both in abundance. When a devastating chain of events is set in motion on their wedding day, it will change Colleen’s life forever. But is this one single night really what leads to be biggest mystery of them all – who killed Jimmy Byrne?
After the very difficult subject matter covered in The Promise, The Betrayed showed a marked change in pace. That is not to say that it is any less thrilling or compelling – believe me this book gripped me from the start and had me turning the pages without pause. It is simply different. Jimmy Byrne is a character that has been so well crafted and developed that I found myself developing a soft spot for him, in spite of the heinous crimes he has committed, and the serious sidelines such as prostitution and drug dealing that he is involved with. Casey Kelleher has created the perfect anti-hero in Jimmy. There are elements of his character which appear tender and make you warm to him, just as Colleen did, even though you know that he has the hidden agenda that we as readers are privy to. But then he is the ultimate bad boy, a man whose temper can turn faster than the wind and who is even more adept with his fists than he is with his charm. And this is a truly deadly combination, something Colleen will find out all too late.
Colleen is another well observed character. She is kind and so very caring, everything Jimmy is not, but just when you think she may be able to survive falling in love with Jimmy, disaster strikes. What happens to her then… well it is no wonder that she changes so dramatically. I did like Colleen, willing her to find a strength that she seemed lacking. But then maybe she was the strongest one of all as against all the odds, she survived. And then we have the mothers. Firstly, Jimmy’s mom Joanie, a true Irish Matriarch who needs to control everything, even her grown son’s life. And then there’s Edel, Colleen’s mother, a woman so madcap that you cannot help but love her. There are many other characters in this book, each one skilfully written, enriching the story in their own special way, but of all of them I really did enjoy getting to know Edel the most. Think Mrs Brown with plenty of oomph and a touch of the East-end and you won’t be too far from the truth of it.
Characterisation is something Casey Kelleher excels at, and she has imagined a varied and colourful cast within this book. Not a single one is out of place. Loved it. I didn’t really get enough time with Nancy or Daniel in this books to feel strongly for them either way, but Nancy is definitely a chip off Jimmy’s block. And there was a hidden depth to Daniel, a slyness or cunnning hidden just below the surface, something which, given the way this book ended, I can only hope will be explored in a further episode. It is certainly a story that cries out for that sequel and I for one am more than happy about that. The pair are both young. There is so much more trouble that they could achieve.
There are a couple of violent moments in the book, but I don’t think any were as shocking as in previous books. Perhaps because the victims were, by and large, adults or as near as, and all connected with Jimmy’s murky world so it just seemed to fit. Dare I say that most were deserving victims, and the seemingly natural way in which the violence occurred made it feel less, I don’t know, in your face. None of it was graphically described, yet you got a clear picture of the gangland styling of Jimmy and his business partner Alex without the need for over the top drama.
If you enjoy a well crafted crime family story with a myriad of colourful, dangerous and multi-faceted characters then you absolutely want to read this book. No, there is no major heist to hook you. There is a ‘deal’ of sorts, which the central premise of the story is built around and this alone is enough to hook the reader and reel them in, desperate to see how it will play out. Probably not as you’d expect as it happens. But above all else, Casey Kelleher has captured the spirit and changing face of SOHO and London in the eighties brilliantly, pulling the whole thing together around a dynamic family you cannot help but love to hate.
So. Did I love this as much as I loved The Promise? Of course I fluffing did. And really there is only one thing left to say.
When is book two out?
Now as to how the man who shows no mercy comes to woo and marry the shy and quiet Colleen Walsh, you will need to read to find out. They say opposites attract but in this case it is more a case of being blinded to the truth by a lethal combination of charm and money – Jimmy has both in abundance. When a devastating chain of events is set in motion on their wedding day, it will change Colleen’s life forever. But is this one single night really what leads to be biggest mystery of them all – who killed Jimmy Byrne?
After the very difficult subject matter covered in The Promise, The Betrayed showed a marked change in pace. That is not to say that it is any less thrilling or compelling – believe me this book gripped me from the start and had me turning the pages without pause. It is simply different. Jimmy Byrne is a character that has been so well crafted and developed that I found myself developing a soft spot for him, in spite of the heinous crimes he has committed, and the serious sidelines such as prostitution and drug dealing that he is involved with. Casey Kelleher has created the perfect anti-hero in Jimmy. There are elements of his character which appear tender and make you warm to him, just as Colleen did, even though you know that he has the hidden agenda that we as readers are privy to. But then he is the ultimate bad boy, a man whose temper can turn faster than the wind and who is even more adept with his fists than he is with his charm. And this is a truly deadly combination, something Colleen will find out all too late.
Colleen is another well observed character. She is kind and so very caring, everything Jimmy is not, but just when you think she may be able to survive falling in love with Jimmy, disaster strikes. What happens to her then… well it is no wonder that she changes so dramatically. I did like Colleen, willing her to find a strength that she seemed lacking. But then maybe she was the strongest one of all as against all the odds, she survived. And then we have the mothers. Firstly, Jimmy’s mom Joanie, a true Irish Matriarch who needs to control everything, even her grown son’s life. And then there’s Edel, Colleen’s mother, a woman so madcap that you cannot help but love her. There are many other characters in this book, each one skilfully written, enriching the story in their own special way, but of all of them I really did enjoy getting to know Edel the most. Think Mrs Brown with plenty of oomph and a touch of the East-end and you won’t be too far from the truth of it.
Characterisation is something Casey Kelleher excels at, and she has imagined a varied and colourful cast within this book. Not a single one is out of place. Loved it. I didn’t really get enough time with Nancy or Daniel in this books to feel strongly for them either way, but Nancy is definitely a chip off Jimmy’s block. And there was a hidden depth to Daniel, a slyness or cunnning hidden just below the surface, something which, given the way this book ended, I can only hope will be explored in a further episode. It is certainly a story that cries out for that sequel and I for one am more than happy about that. The pair are both young. There is so much more trouble that they could achieve.
There are a couple of violent moments in the book, but I don’t think any were as shocking as in previous books. Perhaps because the victims were, by and large, adults or as near as, and all connected with Jimmy’s murky world so it just seemed to fit. Dare I say that most were deserving victims, and the seemingly natural way in which the violence occurred made it feel less, I don’t know, in your face. None of it was graphically described, yet you got a clear picture of the gangland styling of Jimmy and his business partner Alex without the need for over the top drama.
If you enjoy a well crafted crime family story with a myriad of colourful, dangerous and multi-faceted characters then you absolutely want to read this book. No, there is no major heist to hook you. There is a ‘deal’ of sorts, which the central premise of the story is built around and this alone is enough to hook the reader and reel them in, desperate to see how it will play out. Probably not as you’d expect as it happens. But above all else, Casey Kelleher has captured the spirit and changing face of SOHO and London in the eighties brilliantly, pulling the whole thing together around a dynamic family you cannot help but love to hate.
So. Did I love this as much as I loved The Promise? Of course I fluffing did. And really there is only one thing left to say.
When is book two out?
January 31, 2019
It was apparent when I was reading ‘The Betrayed’ to see why Casey Kelleher was compared to the legend that is Martina Cole.
Her style of writing deeply mirrored that of the queen herself and at times I had to remind myself that it was in fact a Kelleher book that I was reading and not a Cole.
Set in the heart of East End London the story follows the life of a notorious East End bad boy and his marriage to the unfortunate Colleen.
The writing was superb, and you can see how much research the author had done to write this book. The realism that she portrayed of 1980’s East End was unbelievable to the description of fashion to the language used. She really created a clear image of what it would have been like to live in that era. It was gritty, brash and completely batshit crazy and I really digged it. The last chapter leaves a clear indication that the story isn’t over and I cannot wait to make time to read the next instalment in her trilogy.
The narrative spanned from 1980 to 2003 and one fact that I really appreciated and liked was how the book evolved with the times it was set in. With books of this genre the opening chapters have to be impactful and grasp the attention of the reader and Kelleher did not disappoint in delivering this. She was able to create a book that was heavily laden with violence and treachery and characters that were realistic and memorable. A true ‘grit-lit’ in its best form.
Not for the faint hearted but if you are a fan of homegrown gangland novels then definitely give this book a chance.
p.s. Casey Kelleher this picture was taken just for you. I know how much you are enjoying playing around with different photo editing apps!
Zubs
It was apparent when I was reading ‘The Betrayed’ to see why Casey Kelleher was compared to the legend that is Martina Cole.
Her style of writing deeply mirrored that of the queen herself and at times I had to remind myself that it was in fact a Kelleher book that I was reading and not a Cole.
Set in the heart of East End London the story follows the life of a notorious East End bad boy and his marriage to the unfortunate Colleen.
The writing was superb, and you can see how much research the author had done to write this book. The realism that she portrayed of 1980’s East End was unbelievable to the description of fashion to the language used. She really created a clear image of what it would have been like to live in that era. It was gritty, brash and completely batshit crazy and I really digged it. The last chapter leaves a clear indication that the story isn’t over and I cannot wait to make time to read the next instalment in her trilogy.
The narrative spanned from 1980 to 2003 and one fact that I really appreciated and liked was how the book evolved with the times it was set in. With books of this genre the opening chapters have to be impactful and grasp the attention of the reader and Kelleher did not disappoint in delivering this. She was able to create a book that was heavily ladened with violence and treachery and characters that were realistic and memorable. A true ‘grit-lit’ in its best form.
Not for the faint hearted but if you are a fan of homegrown gangland novels then definitely give this book a chance.
Zubs
Her style of writing deeply mirrored that of the queen herself and at times I had to remind myself that it was in fact a Kelleher book that I was reading and not a Cole.
Set in the heart of East End London the story follows the life of a notorious East End bad boy and his marriage to the unfortunate Colleen.
The writing was superb, and you can see how much research the author had done to write this book. The realism that she portrayed of 1980’s East End was unbelievable to the description of fashion to the language used. She really created a clear image of what it would have been like to live in that era. It was gritty, brash and completely batshit crazy and I really digged it. The last chapter leaves a clear indication that the story isn’t over and I cannot wait to make time to read the next instalment in her trilogy.
The narrative spanned from 1980 to 2003 and one fact that I really appreciated and liked was how the book evolved with the times it was set in. With books of this genre the opening chapters have to be impactful and grasp the attention of the reader and Kelleher did not disappoint in delivering this. She was able to create a book that was heavily laden with violence and treachery and characters that were realistic and memorable. A true ‘grit-lit’ in its best form.
Not for the faint hearted but if you are a fan of homegrown gangland novels then definitely give this book a chance.
p.s. Casey Kelleher this picture was taken just for you. I know how much you are enjoying playing around with different photo editing apps!
Zubs
It was apparent when I was reading ‘The Betrayed’ to see why Casey Kelleher was compared to the legend that is Martina Cole.
Her style of writing deeply mirrored that of the queen herself and at times I had to remind myself that it was in fact a Kelleher book that I was reading and not a Cole.
Set in the heart of East End London the story follows the life of a notorious East End bad boy and his marriage to the unfortunate Colleen.
The writing was superb, and you can see how much research the author had done to write this book. The realism that she portrayed of 1980’s East End was unbelievable to the description of fashion to the language used. She really created a clear image of what it would have been like to live in that era. It was gritty, brash and completely batshit crazy and I really digged it. The last chapter leaves a clear indication that the story isn’t over and I cannot wait to make time to read the next instalment in her trilogy.
The narrative spanned from 1980 to 2003 and one fact that I really appreciated and liked was how the book evolved with the times it was set in. With books of this genre the opening chapters have to be impactful and grasp the attention of the reader and Kelleher did not disappoint in delivering this. She was able to create a book that was heavily ladened with violence and treachery and characters that were realistic and memorable. A true ‘grit-lit’ in its best form.
Not for the faint hearted but if you are a fan of homegrown gangland novels then definitely give this book a chance.
Zubs
June 22, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
How does one start ones review about a book like this?
Wait, one knows exactly how....
OH MY FREAKING GOD. OH MY FREAKING GOD. OH MY FREAKING GOD!!!!! This book is like a never-ending head funk of intense brilliance!
I must admit, the whole Colleen situation - I saw it coming to begin with! It was pretty clear that Jimmy Byrne was amazing at acting, I even found myself falling under his spell a couple of times; giving him the benefit of the doubt. What completely threw me off guard were all of the events that happened after Nancy was born. Oh my god! Just when I thought I feeling steady with the storyline, something completely out of the blue happened which shocked me to the core. I felt extremely on edge, I had no idea which character I could trust or which one was telling the truth; I couldn't turn the pages of the book quick enough!
It seemed as though every chapter contained a brand new shocker, something else to sink our teeth into; 'The Betrayed' really is a book that keeps on giving! Funnily enough, it didn't betray me either!
I'm trying not to delve too deep with this review as I obviously don't wish to give away any parts of the storyline, but, it's quite hard not to scream about a book that nearly tipped you over the edge. No, wait, it actually did. Three quarters of the way into Casey Kelleher's novel, I was far too engrossed with yet another Byrne catastrophe to notice how far on the edge of the sofa my butt was. Let's just say it didn't stay on the edge for long as I fell off the sofa. I'm not even ashamed! It just goes to show how much 'The Betrayed' held my attention and kept me hanging, literally.
Even though the storyline contains a lot of characters, each individual person has their own place in the book and isn't added to make up numbers. I'm not saying that I liked all of the characters, because I didn't. A couple of them aggravated me a lot more than the rest, but as for who they are, I'm keeping my mouth firmly shut!
'The Betrayed' had me hooked from page one, and continued to own my attention until the very last page. There were intense moments, shocking moments, gritty moments, eye-opening moments, stomach churning moments; you name it, Casey Kelleher has included it. This book took me by surprise on more than one occasion, and I am in awe at how the author has managed to include multiple diversions within the storyline, whilst also maintaining the suspense level, yet upping the level of intensity.
Personally, 'The Betrayed' start off good...
.....and it ended with me thinking 'holy shizzles, this book!'. Aka, BRILLIANT.
It really is no wonder that readers love Casey Kelleher's novels with a storyline like this! I am completely addicted to Kelleher's fantastic, vibrant, black and white style of writing, and I am also addicted to her books as of now.
Absolutely phenomenal. Helloooo new favourite author!
Thanks Bookouture!
How does one start ones review about a book like this?
Wait, one knows exactly how....
OH MY FREAKING GOD. OH MY FREAKING GOD. OH MY FREAKING GOD!!!!! This book is like a never-ending head funk of intense brilliance!
I must admit, the whole Colleen situation - I saw it coming to begin with! It was pretty clear that Jimmy Byrne was amazing at acting, I even found myself falling under his spell a couple of times; giving him the benefit of the doubt. What completely threw me off guard were all of the events that happened after Nancy was born. Oh my god! Just when I thought I feeling steady with the storyline, something completely out of the blue happened which shocked me to the core. I felt extremely on edge, I had no idea which character I could trust or which one was telling the truth; I couldn't turn the pages of the book quick enough!
It seemed as though every chapter contained a brand new shocker, something else to sink our teeth into; 'The Betrayed' really is a book that keeps on giving! Funnily enough, it didn't betray me either!
I'm trying not to delve too deep with this review as I obviously don't wish to give away any parts of the storyline, but, it's quite hard not to scream about a book that nearly tipped you over the edge. No, wait, it actually did. Three quarters of the way into Casey Kelleher's novel, I was far too engrossed with yet another Byrne catastrophe to notice how far on the edge of the sofa my butt was. Let's just say it didn't stay on the edge for long as I fell off the sofa. I'm not even ashamed! It just goes to show how much 'The Betrayed' held my attention and kept me hanging, literally.
Even though the storyline contains a lot of characters, each individual person has their own place in the book and isn't added to make up numbers. I'm not saying that I liked all of the characters, because I didn't. A couple of them aggravated me a lot more than the rest, but as for who they are, I'm keeping my mouth firmly shut!
'The Betrayed' had me hooked from page one, and continued to own my attention until the very last page. There were intense moments, shocking moments, gritty moments, eye-opening moments, stomach churning moments; you name it, Casey Kelleher has included it. This book took me by surprise on more than one occasion, and I am in awe at how the author has managed to include multiple diversions within the storyline, whilst also maintaining the suspense level, yet upping the level of intensity.
Personally, 'The Betrayed' start off good...
.....and it ended with me thinking 'holy shizzles, this book!'. Aka, BRILLIANT.
It really is no wonder that readers love Casey Kelleher's novels with a storyline like this! I am completely addicted to Kelleher's fantastic, vibrant, black and white style of writing, and I am also addicted to her books as of now.
Absolutely phenomenal. Helloooo new favourite author!
Thanks Bookouture!
July 8, 2017
Casey has managed to grip me once again and was responsible for me cutting my fingers doing the vegetables for dinner, while I tried to carry on reading, lol
In this book we meet the Byrne family with Michael at the helm, although we are shown in no uncertain terms that he is there under sufferance and the real head of the family is son Jimmy.
Jimmy is a strange man he portrays a lot of your typical London gangster characteristics, the anger, the aggression, the overwhelming need to be the number one Face and if it takes a few beatings and murder, so be it. That said there is a sense of something more to him that we haven’t found out yet.
Colleen Walsh is a shy young thing, and when Jimmy meets woos and appears to love her. He offers her the illusion of safety soon a marriage happens and that’s really when it all starts to go wrong. Once that illusion is shattered Colleen begins her dance with the demon drink, spiralling out of control.
The other members of the family are in their traditional places in the hierarchy, the typical mother-in-law from hell Joanie who bounced off her counterpart with an acerbic tongue cutting Joanie down to size made me literally laugh out loud.
As for the offspring of Jimmy and Colleen, Dan and Nancy what chance did they have?
This really needs a follow up, as there’s so much more that can be done with this family.
Read for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture
In this book we meet the Byrne family with Michael at the helm, although we are shown in no uncertain terms that he is there under sufferance and the real head of the family is son Jimmy.
Jimmy is a strange man he portrays a lot of your typical London gangster characteristics, the anger, the aggression, the overwhelming need to be the number one Face and if it takes a few beatings and murder, so be it. That said there is a sense of something more to him that we haven’t found out yet.
Colleen Walsh is a shy young thing, and when Jimmy meets woos and appears to love her. He offers her the illusion of safety soon a marriage happens and that’s really when it all starts to go wrong. Once that illusion is shattered Colleen begins her dance with the demon drink, spiralling out of control.
The other members of the family are in their traditional places in the hierarchy, the typical mother-in-law from hell Joanie who bounced off her counterpart with an acerbic tongue cutting Joanie down to size made me literally laugh out loud.
As for the offspring of Jimmy and Colleen, Dan and Nancy what chance did they have?
This really needs a follow up, as there’s so much more that can be done with this family.
Read for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews