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Lolly Bruce #1
Survivor
'Well into Martina Cole territory' Independent
THE ADDICTIVE NEW THRILLER: NO ONE KNOWS CRIME LIKE KRAY
Lolly has always known her mum was different. Sometimes Angela Bruce was ill in a quiet sort of way, but other times she roamed the Mansfield estate shouting about whatever had wormed its way into her head that day. Either way, Lolly was on her own so she learned how to look after herself pretty quickly.
Mal Fury has never got over the disappearance of his daughter all those years ago, but there's still hope because the police never found Kay's body. So when his private investigator turns up a lead that connects Kay to Lolly, Mal needs to find out more. But in doing so, he's delving into a decades-old mystery that could throw Lolly's entire world into chaos and she'll need every ounce of her survival instinct if she's to make it out the other side . . .
THE ADDICTIVE NEW THRILLER: NO ONE KNOWS CRIME LIKE KRAY
Lolly has always known her mum was different. Sometimes Angela Bruce was ill in a quiet sort of way, but other times she roamed the Mansfield estate shouting about whatever had wormed its way into her head that day. Either way, Lolly was on her own so she learned how to look after herself pretty quickly.
Mal Fury has never got over the disappearance of his daughter all those years ago, but there's still hope because the police never found Kay's body. So when his private investigator turns up a lead that connects Kay to Lolly, Mal needs to find out more. But in doing so, he's delving into a decades-old mystery that could throw Lolly's entire world into chaos and she'll need every ounce of her survival instinct if she's to make it out the other side . . .
- GenresCrime
560 pages, Paperback
Published April 17, 2018
160 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 26, 2017
So, before I complete my review I need to know...... Is there a sequel???
Kray writes a great and extraordinary story. She takes you down so many twists and turns that what you thought you knew, you ended up not knowing at all.
It is a well written story. The characters are realistic and Kray puts you right in the East End of London. You find yourself liking and disliking characters. Lolly a thirteen year old girl witnesses her mothers suicide but believes it wasn't suicide. The story mainly revolves around Lolly and her experiences. Lolly is a sweet innocent girl. Pretty streetwise, Well you have to be living in the East End.
This is a really gritty book. I honestly loved it. Kray put you right there. Right in the thick of it. You even feel the frustrations of the people trying to unravel the plot. Reason I asked if there was going to be a sequel is because a lot of questions are left unanswered. For me Kray has set up nicely for the hopefully second book. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Kray writes a great and extraordinary story. She takes you down so many twists and turns that what you thought you knew, you ended up not knowing at all.
It is a well written story. The characters are realistic and Kray puts you right in the East End of London. You find yourself liking and disliking characters. Lolly a thirteen year old girl witnesses her mothers suicide but believes it wasn't suicide. The story mainly revolves around Lolly and her experiences. Lolly is a sweet innocent girl. Pretty streetwise, Well you have to be living in the East End.
This is a really gritty book. I honestly loved it. Kray put you right there. Right in the thick of it. You even feel the frustrations of the people trying to unravel the plot. Reason I asked if there was going to be a sequel is because a lot of questions are left unanswered. For me Kray has set up nicely for the hopefully second book. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
December 5, 2017
5 Plus Stars
I absolutely love this type of book and I knew from the first chapter I was going to be hooked.
Lolly had it hard. Her mum wasn't like other mums and Lolly was often left to fend for herself. Jude is a local boy who looks out for her.
Lolly's life is about to change and she needs to keep her wits about her to survive.
As more and more secrets come out maybe Lolly may not be the person she thought she was....
I can't praise this story enough, I was consumed from the beginning and held my breath to the end.
It wasn't just the twists and turns, it was the mystery to the story, the plot, I just couldn't put it down.
Each chapter left me with a shiver.
Fans of Kimberley Chambers and Martina Cole will love this.
This mystery, thriller is my favourite for 2017
**ARC provided by Netgalley in return for an honest review***
I absolutely love this type of book and I knew from the first chapter I was going to be hooked.
Lolly had it hard. Her mum wasn't like other mums and Lolly was often left to fend for herself. Jude is a local boy who looks out for her.
Lolly's life is about to change and she needs to keep her wits about her to survive.
As more and more secrets come out maybe Lolly may not be the person she thought she was....
I can't praise this story enough, I was consumed from the beginning and held my breath to the end.
It wasn't just the twists and turns, it was the mystery to the story, the plot, I just couldn't put it down.
Each chapter left me with a shiver.
Fans of Kimberley Chambers and Martina Cole will love this.
This mystery, thriller is my favourite for 2017
**ARC provided by Netgalley in return for an honest review***
February 25, 2019
2.5 stars.
Lolly is thirteen years old when her mother dies under mysterious circumstances and she is left to deal with life on the East End of London almost all alone.
She is taken in by a lady who is hoping to get a big pay day from someone rich, but while she stays there she has to beware the sons who are dangerous.
Mal Fury lost his baby daughter thirteen years ago, and has never stopped searching, much to the detriment of his marriage.
When Mal and Lolly's lives intersect, it seems both will get some answers from the past.
The story started out quite good, but kind of fizzled to nothing by the end. I do have another one of her books, but doubt I'll read it. Was a nice easy read.
Lolly is thirteen years old when her mother dies under mysterious circumstances and she is left to deal with life on the East End of London almost all alone.
She is taken in by a lady who is hoping to get a big pay day from someone rich, but while she stays there she has to beware the sons who are dangerous.
Mal Fury lost his baby daughter thirteen years ago, and has never stopped searching, much to the detriment of his marriage.
When Mal and Lolly's lives intersect, it seems both will get some answers from the past.
The story started out quite good, but kind of fizzled to nothing by the end. I do have another one of her books, but doubt I'll read it. Was a nice easy read.
November 13, 2017
Brilliant!
This author is absolutely one of my favourite drop everything and autoread (well, listen!) writers - every one of her books has been terrific and she's so fucking lucky to have Annie Aldington narrate for her, like, ridiculously so.
This author is absolutely one of my favourite drop everything and autoread (well, listen!) writers - every one of her books has been terrific and she's so fucking lucky to have Annie Aldington narrate for her, like, ridiculously so.
April 7, 2018
4.5 out of 5 stars
I received this book via Netgally for an honest review .
I requested this book as I was interested in the author, I have to admit I didn't read the blurb for this book and requested it thinking it was a book about gangland culture in London however I was wrong, this is a book marketed as a thriller but which is really a mystery.
This is a book set in the East End of London during the 50's and 60's, it is a story about a young girl called Lolly, Lolly has had a tough up bringing and her mother has always suffered from mental health issues quite often rambling things that don't make sense and thinking she is being watched, one fateful day Lolly is looking for her mother and finds her dead having jumped from a balcony of a high rise building......secrets and lies come to light and Lolly starts to discover who she really is and that she really is a survivor.
We also have a plot line of a couple who's baby was kidnapped and the nanny was murdered during the attempt, nothing has been seen or heard of this child in 12 years but Mal Fury is determined to find his daughter and has a private investigator on the case, soon Mal and Lolly's lives collide and it becomes clear that there is a link between Lolly and Mal's missing child.
I had no idea how this story would come together, I was kept guessing the whole way through and totally thrown off track by twist after twist. I really got sucked into the story and really felt for Lolly and just wanted everything to be ok for her, the writing style in this book is very simplex but it doesn't really matter as the author still manages to craft an engaging story. It's fast paced, full of emotion and really is a page turner.
This novel was a little different from what I usually read but I will be seeking out more books like this in future.
I received this book via Netgally for an honest review .
I requested this book as I was interested in the author, I have to admit I didn't read the blurb for this book and requested it thinking it was a book about gangland culture in London however I was wrong, this is a book marketed as a thriller but which is really a mystery.
This is a book set in the East End of London during the 50's and 60's, it is a story about a young girl called Lolly, Lolly has had a tough up bringing and her mother has always suffered from mental health issues quite often rambling things that don't make sense and thinking she is being watched, one fateful day Lolly is looking for her mother and finds her dead having jumped from a balcony of a high rise building......secrets and lies come to light and Lolly starts to discover who she really is and that she really is a survivor.
We also have a plot line of a couple who's baby was kidnapped and the nanny was murdered during the attempt, nothing has been seen or heard of this child in 12 years but Mal Fury is determined to find his daughter and has a private investigator on the case, soon Mal and Lolly's lives collide and it becomes clear that there is a link between Lolly and Mal's missing child.
I had no idea how this story would come together, I was kept guessing the whole way through and totally thrown off track by twist after twist. I really got sucked into the story and really felt for Lolly and just wanted everything to be ok for her, the writing style in this book is very simplex but it doesn't really matter as the author still manages to craft an engaging story. It's fast paced, full of emotion and really is a page turner.
This novel was a little different from what I usually read but I will be seeking out more books like this in future.
February 23, 2018
Set in the east end in the world of gangsters and want to be gangsters it follows a young girl trying to find out her parentage. There was a good mix of characters some good and some bad and lots of twists along the way. I did find some bits predictable but it was still an enjoyable read. I would like to have followed on Lolly/Lita's story and also Mal's for a bit longer. You never know maybe a follow on book might be coming.
March 4, 2018
This was my first Roberta Kray book and it won’t be my last. The writing reminds me a lot of Martina Cole
Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review
April 21, 2024
Enjoyed this have another book of hers to read
Good reads has lenght of this book wrong it was 536 pages not 402 so couldn't update progress towards end
Good reads has lenght of this book wrong it was 536 pages not 402 so couldn't update progress towards end
December 10, 2017
This is the first Roberta Kray, that I have read and I wasn't disappointed, great storyline, well written with a great mix of characters.
Lolly the main character does suffer with having a very hard life and it's great to read the ups and downs that she goes through, and Lita or Lolly does end up being someone different by the end.
Lolly's story was really good, I did expect more on the East End gangster side but then the main character is only 13 at the start.
Is this a series as the story could follow nicely into a book two??
Fast paced storyline with lots of twists and turns (some you don't expect) would like to see what happens to the characters in the future.
Lolly the main character does suffer with having a very hard life and it's great to read the ups and downs that she goes through, and Lita or Lolly does end up being someone different by the end.
Lolly's story was really good, I did expect more on the East End gangster side but then the main character is only 13 at the start.
Is this a series as the story could follow nicely into a book two??
Fast paced storyline with lots of twists and turns (some you don't expect) would like to see what happens to the characters in the future.
January 31, 2018
Lolly was told by her mother who was called Angela Bruce that she was her daughter .
Mel Fury tried to find his daughter that he called Kay . He found that lolly was not Kay’s .
Mel Fury tried to find his daughter that he called Kay . He found that lolly was not Kay’s .
November 30, 2017
Survivor was a really enjoyable read, it had a brilliant storyline that had me wanting to keep on reading.
July 27, 2024
I wrote the complete review on my blog. Please check: https://www.bookaapi.com/book-review/...
January 13, 2018
3.5 out of 5
Thank you to Roberta Kray, Little, Brown Book Group UK and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Lolly has always known her mum was different. Sometimes Angela Bruce was ill in a quiet sort of way, but other times she roamed the Mansfield estate shouting about whatever had wormed its way into her head that day. Either way, Lolly was on her own so she learned how to look after herself pretty quickly.
Mal Fury has never got over the disappearance of his daughter all those years ago, but there's still hope because the police never found Kay's body. So when his private investigator turns up a lead that connects Kay to Lolly, Mal needs to find out more. But in doing so, he's delving into a decades-old mystery that could throw Lolly's entire world into chaos and she'll need every ounce of her survival instinct if she's to make it out the other side . . .
This is the first Roberta Kray novels that I have read and I wasn't disappointed. Her style is similar to Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers and like many of their novels, it is based in the East End of London. It has a fast-paced storyline with lots of twists and turns. There is a diverse range of characters, some likeable and some you dislike from the start. Although I enjoyed the storyline I found it a bit predictable and could see the ending coming from quite early on. In saying that, I would definitely read more of Kray's novels as I love this style of writing and these storylines.
For more reviews follow me at:
https://crimeandmysterybookreview.wor...
www.twitter.com/crimemysteryboo
www.facebook.com/crimeandmysterybooks...
Thank you to Roberta Kray, Little, Brown Book Group UK and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Lolly has always known her mum was different. Sometimes Angela Bruce was ill in a quiet sort of way, but other times she roamed the Mansfield estate shouting about whatever had wormed its way into her head that day. Either way, Lolly was on her own so she learned how to look after herself pretty quickly.
Mal Fury has never got over the disappearance of his daughter all those years ago, but there's still hope because the police never found Kay's body. So when his private investigator turns up a lead that connects Kay to Lolly, Mal needs to find out more. But in doing so, he's delving into a decades-old mystery that could throw Lolly's entire world into chaos and she'll need every ounce of her survival instinct if she's to make it out the other side . . .
This is the first Roberta Kray novels that I have read and I wasn't disappointed. Her style is similar to Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers and like many of their novels, it is based in the East End of London. It has a fast-paced storyline with lots of twists and turns. There is a diverse range of characters, some likeable and some you dislike from the start. Although I enjoyed the storyline I found it a bit predictable and could see the ending coming from quite early on. In saying that, I would definitely read more of Kray's novels as I love this style of writing and these storylines.
For more reviews follow me at:
https://crimeandmysterybookreview.wor...
www.twitter.com/crimemysteryboo
www.facebook.com/crimeandmysterybooks...
November 28, 2017
When you see a book by certain authors you know immediately that the book will be as comforting as your favourite TV show or album or food, you know you will love it and you know it will not disappoint..... Roberta Kray writes those books!!
Married to Reggie Kray you get the sense she ‘knows’ and understands well the world she writes about
Her stories always have great plots, wonderful characters who you immediately ‘get to know’ and non stop full drama
Theres always gangsters, brasses, a wise old East End matriarch, a ne’er do well, a pub full of characters and other assorted larger than life people who make the story so ‘welcoming’
This book is no different, its fast paced, has a cracking story line, the right amount of intrigue and nicely takes you along through every page to its surprising finish!!!
As all her books it is a thrilling ride..........but a believable one, this time the story concentrates on a kidnapping of a baby that goes wrong and the far flung consequences of this crime, Who did it? Why? What happened to the baby? What happened to the kidnapper, the parents.......
As said I knew what to expect when started page 1, a nitty gritty drama with a writing style that would make it a genuine pleasure to read
Lovers of Krays works will continue their love affair and anyone reading her work for the first time will wonder why it is their first time and soon look at the back catalogue of previous books
5 stars 10/10
April 8, 2018
Poor Lolly has a hard life in a rough London estate with a mother who isn't much of a parent, but she's the only one she's got so has to make the most of it. Things then take a turn for the worse, much worse. Meanwhile a far more affluent couple are still searching for their baby who vanished whilst out with the nanny. A page turner indeed as Lolly tried to cope with everything life has thrown at her. Lolly was a bit wishy washy though and didn't have too much get up and go and tended to do what she was told. A gritty, inner city tale with some goodies and lots of baddies. A great read for those who enjoy down to earth books with plenty going on! I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2018
Lolly who is only thirteen witnesses her mothers suicide but believes it isn't suicide and there is more to it. In Londons East End Lolly now has to fend for herself and everything she has ever known is thrown in to turmoil further when a private investigator links her to an unsolved case.
I really enjoyed this book, the characterisation was great and the gritty setting made the story come alive. Although I guessed the ending I really enjoyed the twists and turns to get there.
My thanks go the publisher, author and Nertgalley in providing this arc in return for a honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, the characterisation was great and the gritty setting made the story come alive. Although I guessed the ending I really enjoyed the twists and turns to get there.
My thanks go the publisher, author and Nertgalley in providing this arc in return for a honest review.
July 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It is the 1st of 2 Lolly Bruce stories. I am now going to read the 2nd one I feel I am only half way through the story. The mystery revolves around a missing child could it be Lolly who was abducted as a baby. The story goes from London to Kent as the search for the missing child goes on. Lolly’s own history and background is also a mystery and she makes life changing discoveries. Not every thing is solved but hopefully will be in the 2nd book called STOLEN.
This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
November 30, 2017
I do hope there is a sequel to this book. Roberta Kray takes you into the heart of London gangster land in each of her books. A really good book with some interesting characters and a great plot. A kidnapped baby and the far reaching consequences, takes you on a thrilling ride through the pages. Lovers of the author will enjoy this book. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
January 15, 2018
Another cracking story set in the East End of London from an author who seems to know each and every dark alleyway, deprived estate, and tatty corner shop like the back of her hand. Roberta Kray is easily my favourite writer nowadays in this genre, she writes with real authority and verve, and her characters always stick in the mind. Very solid four stars.
April 11, 2018
Absolutely loved reading this book telling the story of Lolly Bruce and her life in Kellston,Lolly has a strange life with her mom always hungry and scavenging anywhere for food.Without any decent friends she has a lone existance always being picked on until things change.I can highly recomend this book well worth 5*
December 28, 2020
Absolutely loved the story of Lolly Bruce! Roberta Kray has done it again! What a great read! It didn't take me long to get through this book because I was hooked from the very beginning. I felt as if I was there with her the entire time, there was so much content which just made Lolly's life so interesting. Would definitely recommend!
May 25, 2021
Addiction to author warning.
Roberta Kray is an amazing writer the characters fly off the pages, the story is addictive and action packed. this is sure to please all crime fiction readers. this will have you gripped from the first to last page wanting more. I can't wait to see what happens to Lolly next.
Roberta Kray is an amazing writer the characters fly off the pages, the story is addictive and action packed. this is sure to please all crime fiction readers. this will have you gripped from the first to last page wanting more. I can't wait to see what happens to Lolly next.
April 14, 2018
roberta s books get better and better lolly is a loveable and very lonely child loves her mum but not is all as it seems if you like a mystery and intrigue this your book beautifully written a can not put down book
July 17, 2018
Very well written but disjointed, PoV jumps a lot and there is a lot of extra embellishment and side plots which didn't really get tied up at the end. It was longer than it needed to be and it was rather predictable.
August 10, 2019
Edge of your seat, brilliant storyline!
I wasn't sure about this book until I started reading it, then I couldn't put it down. It really comes alive and you have to keep reading, the characters have you thirsting for more information!
I wasn't sure about this book until I started reading it, then I couldn't put it down. It really comes alive and you have to keep reading, the characters have you thirsting for more information!
September 25, 2019
Absolutely brilliant read
Amazing story, did hope that Lilly would have turned out to be May in the end.
Amazing read, couldn't put it down, got through this quite quickly that's how good it was. Definitely recommend
Amazing story, did hope that Lilly would have turned out to be May in the end.
Amazing read, couldn't put it down, got through this quite quickly that's how good it was. Definitely recommend
November 22, 2019
A very tough and heartbreaking book to read at times but very uplifting. Gripping from start to finish. So glad i re read it. Looking forward to Stolen! I can highly recommend this book without a doubt.
December 17, 2019
enjoyed this book in places it had me not wanting to put it down a good page Turner
it made the seedy side of life more real a place I would not normally see that the girls are. just trying to exist to earn a living
it made the seedy side of life more real a place I would not normally see that the girls are. just trying to exist to earn a living
August 25, 2023
The book kept me interested and had a few twists and turns and I kept thinking it would all end in a big dramatic ending and it just wasn’t, it was more meh. I would like to read more from Roberta Kray
January 10, 2025
Loved this! Well written (though there are a couple of editing mistakes were the odd word is missing from a sentence!) and a great story. 4 stars because I thought there could have been more to the ‘big reveal’ (can’t say more than that without spoilers!). Would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews