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Kerry Casey #2

Fight Back

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Kerry Casey is now a fully-fledged gangland boss. With her business partner Sharon and her wily lawyer Marty at her side, she is busy ridding her organisation of the drug-dealing, people-trafficking scum her dead brother Mickey got them involved with. But her great dream is still to take the Caseys straight.

Her plan to turn her organisation around hinges on building a property empire in Spain. But Kerry has some deadly rivals - in Glasgow, on the Costa del Sol, and even further afield. They will never believe she has what it takes to defend her turf, and they won't rest until the Caseys are destroyed.

When her enemies strike at the heart of the Casey family, Kerry must prepare for the fight of her life - for her business, her friends and her own survival.

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2019

122 people are currently reading
154 people want to read

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Anna Smith

22 books185 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,676 reviews1,689 followers
April 23, 2019
Kerry Casey #2

Kerry Casey is now a fully fledged gangland boss. With her business partner Sharon and her wily lawyer Marty at her side, she is busy ridding her organisation of the drug dealing, people trafficking scum her brother Micky got them involved with. Her dream is to make the Casey's straight. Her plan to turn her organisation around hinges on building a property empire in Spain. But Kerry has some deadly rivals in Glasgow, the Costa del Sol and even further afield. They won't rest until the Casey's arse destroyed.

I have broken my own rule, i have not read the first book in this series. I did not notice that this was the second book in the series when I requested it. The book is set between Glasgow and the Costa del Sol. Kerry is head of the organisation. She along with her friend Sharon are determined to make the business legitimate. They are both strong characters. Kerry has businesses in both Glasgow and the Costa del Sol. Sharon is overseeing the business in the Costa del Sol. Kerry's businesses are being are being destroyed and her men are being slaughtered, and Kerry soon finds herself fighting a ruthless Colombian. There is a lot going on in this book. I'm sure I missed out some useful information by not reading the first book in this series.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Quercus Books and the author Anna Smith for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tripfiction.
2,048 reviews216 followers
May 30, 2019
Gangland thriller set in GLASGOW and COSTA DEL SOL



Fight Back is a thrill a minute ride switching between Glasgow and the Costa del Sol. Lawyer, Kerry Casey, has inherited her father’s drug-dealing, people-trafficking gang based in Glasgow. The Caseys, and their associates, are not nice people to know. They maim and execute on a whim. Kerry is keen to move away from the past and launder their money into a legitimate property business in the South of Spain. Her business partner, Sharon, has relocated to the Costa del Sol and the dream is set to become reality.

But they reckoned without a Colombian drug gang based in Spain, with ambition to flood Europe with 97% pure cocaine. The Colombians see the Caseys as rivals and enemies – and are determined to put them out of business. They try methods at which even the Caseys flinch. They are completely ruthless. Kerry, Sharon, their loyal lieutenants, and the family lawyer, Marty, have a real battle on their hands. They need to think big and fast to outwit the enemy.

They, of course, do. But not without leaving a trail of blood and bullets behind them…

Fight Back is fast moving and action packed. I read it in an afternoon and was completely drawn in. Not, in all honesty, a book where you wonder over the elegance of the prose – but none the less of an exciting read for that.

Anna Smith clearly knows her stuff. She was a journalist for over 20 years and is a former chief reporter for the Daily Record newspaper in Glasgow. Her knowledge of the city and its ways rings true. Similarly, the descriptions of the Costa del Sol have a flavour of authenticity about them.

Definitely a recommended read for those who love a good thriller, and can cope with the brutality and violence (and suspension of belief) that comes with the territory.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,761 reviews163 followers
April 19, 2019
Fight back Is the 2nd book in the Kerry Casey Series. I have not read the first one yet. But I didn’t have to worry as you into the book, you get the picture of some of the things that went on if the first instalment.
Set in Glasgow and the Costas, Kerry is settled in the head of a gangland business that previously her father ran. She is trying to make the criminal business legit with the help of the long-term gang members in Glasgow and her friend Sharon taking charge of the business in the Costas.
But there are a few things standing in her way. Firstly, there is Frankie Martin which the help of a Colombian drug baron Pepe is all out to take over the Casey empire, and he will do anything to get there even kidnapping Kasey lawyers Marty grandson to blackmail Kasey to giving over her empire.
Anna Smith is a new author for me, and I wasn’t disappointed. I loved this. Gangland crime is becoming a favourite genre of mine. This is a gritty, action packed drama, with lots of twists and a great plot. It also had some great characters especially Kerry. I loved her feisty character and her determination.
Thank you NetGalley and Quercus books for a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings).
1,798 reviews308 followers
June 11, 2019
“Fight Back” is the second in the Kerry Casey series written by Anna Smith. Although I do have other books by this author and not yet read, this was my first introduction to Anna’s writing and I wasn’t disappointed. With not reading the first in the series I was worried I’d miss out on important information but it was fine, plenty of back story was covered within the book to keep me in the loop and to be able to follow the timelines.
“Kerry Casey has fought her way to the top of the Glasgow crime scene. But can she stay there?” Well, yes she can! As a fully fledged gangland boss with her business partner Sharon by her side she’s determined to follow her dream to take the Casey’s straight. But she must be prepared for the fight of her life - for her business, her friends and her own survival! A thoroughly entertaining, fast moving plot with an edge of your seat tension, this book easily matches some of the big name gangland genre authors.
There are a lot of characters involved - as to be expected in a gangland thriller - and once you realise who everyone works for it all fits together and a picture starts to form about which criminal gang is trying to double cross the other.
There is quite a brutal and grisly start to the story and there’s quite a lot of foul language used but it’s all appropriate and nothing caused offence or made me feel squeamish. All the characters were well developed and I could visualise clearly. I liked Cal and Tahir the junior foot soldiers earning their stripes and I though Kerry a feisty, straight and level headed but smart and professional leader of the family business.
I’d happily read more in this series in the future, even going back to read the first to connect even more with the characters and read for myself exactly what happened with her brother Mickey and mother’s death.
Yes, I’d recommend this book and this author and I’d like to thank ‘The Book Club on Facebook’ for my copy of the book which I won in their recent competition.

4 stars
Profile Image for Trish at Between My Lines.
1,138 reviews336 followers
May 11, 2019
I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t have given the book cover of Fight Back by Anna Smith a second glance. It does nothing for me. But the gangland Glasgow setting caught my attention, so I decided to jump straight in to book 2 of this series. Great decision, as WOW I flat-out loved this book.

Thanks to Quercus Publishing for giving me for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.

You don’t need to have read Blood Feud (book 1) to dive into this series, as it recaps events nicely. However I am definitely going to go back and read it, as I’d like more time with these characters. Plus I want to fully understand and appreciate what happened in the past.

3 THINGS I LOVED

Kerry is such a fantastic character. She heads up the Casey gang and never disassociates herself from the violence and criminal roots of her family background. Which has now made her an unwilling leader. However she wants to turn straight, and run legitimate businesses. She reminds me of Jax in Sons of Anarchy, who wanted the same, but just sank deeper and deeper in to corruption.

My anxiety levels went through the roof while reading. It’s full of action, but also full of emotion as I cared about the characters. By page 10, my nerves were already shot.

When I say it gripped me, it really, really did. I decided sleep had to take second place to finishing the book. It was either that or stay awake all night worrying about the characters.

I’m delighted to have found a new author to follow, and when the next book comes out in this series, I’ll be snapping it up.

WHO SHOULD READ FIGHT BACK BY ANNA SMITH

If you are a fan of tv shows like Sons of Anarchy or Peaky Blinders, then I highly recommend this series to you. Or if you like fast-paced, dark books with great characters, and a high danger element. Fans of Marina Cole, Liz Nugent or Jo Spain should also enjoy.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,020 reviews432 followers
October 17, 2019
This is book two in the Kerry Casey series. I should have read book one Blood Feud first however it didn’t deter me from enjoying this story.

Kerry Casey has inherited her fathers organisation. Along with her business partner Sharon they are a force to be reckoned with.

Fantastic read that I couldn’t put down. Well written and fast paced. I’ll certainly be going back and reading book one.
Profile Image for Best Crime Books & More.
1,192 reviews180 followers
January 21, 2019
Wohoooo, the second book in this series is now nearly upon us and when I received my proof I literally couldn’t wait to get started. Kerry Casey is back with a bang! The first thing I will say is that unless you have read the first book, this may not be as engaging and you may struggle to work out exactly what role people play. However, having LOVED the first book I was keen to get stuck in. I would recommend reading the first book because a) it’s a fabulous read and b) it will give you a solid place to kick off book 2 with.

Kerry Casey is the head of the organisation that she runs in place of her Father, although being a Gangland Boss did not come easy. However, it seems that she has settled into her new role with ease now and with her sidekick and friend Sharon with her these two women are determined to make a legitimate business for their future. However, they as an organisation are up against some of the most ruthless people around and they are all looking to take Casey out of the game leaving them free to take the reign.

This book is set in both Glasgow and the Costa and features plenty of recurring people some who work with Kerry and others who are determined to take her down. Kerry’s lawyer Marty becomes the target of the first half of the book which ramps up both the tension as well as the body count. The second half of the book starts to unravel and reveal the mistakes that people are making which sometimes can result in catastrophic results.

I read this in two straight sitting and absolutely loved it. However, I think you definitely need to read the first to have a real understanding of the main players. There were so many elements to this story that had me caught hook line and sinker but I don’t want to go in to detail as it would most definitely be a spoiler for those that haven’t read it. What I will say is I am SO excited to see what happens next. Kerry’s situation at the end of this book will drastically change her life and I cannot wait to see the results!
Profile Image for Sharon.
Author 3 books56 followers
March 26, 2019
Fight Back is the second book in the Kerry Casey series. While you could read it as a standalone, I would highly recommend that you read in order and begin with Blood Feud. Yes, you can read it as a standalone but you will miss out on many of the little connections between characters, the family dynamics and just exactly what led Kerry Casey down the path she is now well and truly following.

From the outset Fight Back is tough, it is brutal and it contains swearing! But hey, it is a story about Glasgow gangland, it’s not Mills & boon guys! And it really would not be authentic without the swearing! When one of Kerry’s longtime family acquaintances and lawyer’s grandson goes missing, my heart jumped smack bang into my mouth as we knew that this little boy had not just simply wandered away. What a hook and from this moment on the tension and the pace just do not let up!

Kerry Casey is one of those women who make you stand back and drop your jaw in awe! Up until her mother’s death, she was totally legitimate. Her mother’s murder threw her into a role that she did not feel ready nor qualified for. This time around her shoes are well and truly under the table and she seems to have taken to it like a duck to water. But she also has her own secrets that she is trying to keep! Will she be able to do this and keep her hold firmly on the reigns of the family business? I’m definitely dying to know what the next step is for the Casey family! So many little tidbits I want to tell you but I’m saying nothing in fear of giving any spoilers!

Fight Back is set between Glasgow and the Costa del Sol. This novel gives you it all, there is kidnapping, drug dealing, gang warfare, and endless dysfunctional relationships.

Kerry’s business partner, Sharon, is looking after the family business over on Costa del Sol. She’s a right tough cookie. Her and Kerry make a dynamite partnership but Sharon is beginning to think she might have bitten off more than she can chew this time around as it soon becomes clear that the Casey’s are messing with some big-time players. Players who will seemingly stop at nothing to get what they want.

Strong female protagonists make this a different kind of grit lit; here, the women are not running the show from behind the scenes; it’s Glasgow and these women are up there, they are leading and hell they are stealing the show!
Everyone who comes into contact with Kerry gets caught up in the crossfire and it is a nail-biting climax to an explosive second book in the series. A great sense of place, some strong and compelling characters, Anna Smith has well and truly placed Glasgow firmly in the gangland crime fiction map with this series! Don’t miss it!
Profile Image for Steph Sheppard.
194 reviews6 followers
March 25, 2019
Fight Back – Anna Smith

If you’re a fan of Kimberley Chambers, Julie Shaw and Kevin Lewis and are happy to take a wander across thee border you’ll enjoy the gangland saga with a Glaswegian attitude and plenty of patter. What I will say is that if you are looking for a psychological thriller this isn’t for you. This is the second book involving Kerry Casey and I personally couldn’t put it down. I feel that to fully appreciate the plot it would be better to read the first book, Blood Feud.

We find ourselves back with Glasgow based gang leader Kerry Casey, Sharon, her solicitor Marty and her ‘family’ following the brutal murder of her mother at her brothers’ funeral. Kerry is trying her damndest to change the family business from illegal drug deals, people trafficking and violence to a legitimate business, just as her father wanted.

Kerry has businesses based in both Glasgow and the Costa Del Sol, her best friend Sharon is overseeing the hotel building site in Spain while Kerry takes care of the Glasgow side. Her businesses are being destroyed and her men are being slaughtered this is a takeover bid. She suddenly finds herself having to fight the biggest fight of her life against a ruthless Colombian who is determined to take them from her by fair means or foul.

We have lies, deceit and treachery all the way through when all Kerry wants is a quiet life especially with her latest bit of news which couldn’t have happened at a worse time in her life. Its not all doom and gloom there are plenty of moments where I chuckled at the Glaswegian humour, I also like the way that the vernacular has been written the way its said rather than being spelt correctly.

Oooo I’ve just read the synopsis for End Game on #Goodreads now I’m even more impatient for the next chapter in Kerry Casey’s tumultuous life. Fingers crossed I don’t have to wait too long.

Anna Smith is an accomplished author and journalist; who writes what she knows about crime and news. The Rosie Gilmour series is equally as good if not slightly better as she touches on more current and relevant subjects in an honest but sensitive way.
Profile Image for Sandra.
566 reviews22 followers
February 10, 2019
I have been waiting to get this book and boy i wasn't disapointed it had me gripped from the first page.Kerry Casey is a woman on a mission to take her family business out of the criminal to legit,but she has trouble to face as they new it wouldn't be plane sailing.Anna has written a really gripping,gritty book and i eagerly wait for her next book as things stand.If i could give more than 5* then i would.Thank you Anna Smith.
Profile Image for Ian Adams.
173 reviews
July 26, 2023
“Fight Back” by Anna Smith (2019)

Overall Rating 8/10 – Banging!

Plot
Kerry Casey finds herself pitted against a Columbian drug Lord. Added to that, her former right-hand man is plotting against her. With drug war erupting, can she steer the family to victory and beat down her enemies?

Writing Style
Easy, flowing, short sentences. Modern, up-to-date. No excess adjectives or verbage. Pretty much ideal.

Point of View/Voice
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (standard convention)

Critique
This is a thriller written from the perspective of “the bad guy” which I did not appreciate when I picked up the predecessor book and began reading. Until now I had always read through the eyes of the “Goody Two-Shoes” or the “Hero”. This was a strange change and it did take a fair bit of adjustment.

Just like the predecessor novel, the authoress displayed a strong undercurrent of misandry in her writing. Personally I would have no issue with this at all except that modern society has rammed down my throat that such conventions (in the reverse) are entirely unacceptable. It is probable that the authoress doesn’t even know she is doing it. (I use “authoress” instead of “author” deliberately to highlight it being unacceptable from a male to female). I enjoy the female perspective and I would not like to see its identity vanquished by modern day “do-gooders” who have nothing better to do than become offended on behalf of others (who aren’t offended) and then attempt to compel everyone else to capitulate.

Apart from that (rant), it was pretty damn good. I have already bought the next book in the series and I am looking forward to it.
Profile Image for Sapphire.
26 reviews2 followers
August 28, 2019
This genre is one that I have always enjoyed and have read many of, although I think this is the first I have read by this author. Although this is the second in the series, there were enough snippets returning back to what had previously occurred for it not to be a problem if you haven’t read the first book.

Set between Glasgow and the Costas, the book centres on Kerry Casey, who has taken over her father’s Glasgow-based gang. Despite her plans to turn the firm into a legitimate business, rather than the drug and people-trafficking business of the past, she discovers it is not going to be simple by any means.

Action-packed, violent and suspenseful, this book is everything you would expect from the genre. However, if you have read a lot of this type of book, you may get the sense of similarities to other books you have read before, but I guess that is to be expected with organised crime-related stories.

Overall, an easy, fast-paced and well-written read and one that fans of the genre will enjoy.
Profile Image for Sienna.
101 reviews
April 23, 2021
I have finally finished reading the first 3 books of the Kerry Casey series after previously reading them in the incorrect order and let me tell you this book has been my favourite yet! There was so much suspension and anticipation plus it was fulled to the brim with action and danger! It was exactly as I had hoped and even more! My favourite thing about this book above all though was the enemies that we face in this book. It felt like a step up from the first book considering we were dealing with dangerous Columbians who know first hand what its like to work in dangerous territory. I cant wait to pick up the forth instalment once the price drops!
Profile Image for jeannette allerston.
329 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2019
Amazing read

Absolutely brilliant, I did,nt think a character could come close to Rosie Gilmore but Kerry Casey is a force to be reckoned with, I really hope that there is more to follow with kerry,s story , a real rollercoaster of a ride, so many different characters to get to know I highly recommend these books as a must read thank you Anna Smith for all your time and the hard work that went into these book,s , I really need to know more about Kerry Casey so please let there be a follow up 😉 10/10 and 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 fingers crossed for a follow-up 🌟🌟
Profile Image for Dleech.
293 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2020
The second instalment of the gritty gangland family the Caseys. Kerry must defend her family and businesses from the Columbian drug lords that want to take over her manor. Will she ever be able to make her family business legit and legal?

Many thanks to the publishers and netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ileana Renfroe.
Author 45 books60 followers
June 16, 2021
Fight Back is definitely a thrilling roller coaster. In this novel Kerry Casey, a gangster, might not be at the top of the Glasgow crime scene much longer.

There are enemies everywhere and she is trying her very best to stay on top. However, when they strike she has to fight back. This book grabs you at the beginning and does not let you go until the very end. WOW!
17 reviews
April 6, 2019
Another great book

I have enjoyed everyone of Anna’s books and this one didn’t disappoint. Full of gritty drama and even more gritty char au haters that you’ll be hooked from the first page.
181 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2019
Fight back

Frankie Martin is still out to take over the Casey empire and he’s siding with the elite Columbian head honcho. There have more money more man power and more balls. The ride for Kerry isn’t going to end well
517 reviews2 followers
April 23, 2019
What an excellent book. I loved the theme with Kerry & Vince. Some of the chapters were very tense. I could only read a chapter at a time, then have a walk around. Brilliant Anna can't wait to read the next book 😀
12 reviews
August 4, 2020
Good story about the bass guys

This is the second installment I've read and enjoyed, my only problem us there are no Police except the ones in the pocket, they never seem to get the jail, not very realistic
175 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2019
Loved it

Anna Smith just gets better with each book.I love following the story of Kerry Casey plenty of murders and drug dealing to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Profile Image for Pam Mc Donnell.
117 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2019
Fantastic book. Highly recommended and cant wait for the follow up.
Profile Image for donna.
17 reviews6 followers
March 28, 2019
Bloody brilliant. Need the next in this series quick 👍🏻😊
Profile Image for Julia Jones.
82 reviews
April 7, 2019
Wow

Well this is having a well deserved 5 star rating from me. Such an amazing book with plenty of twists and turns .
Profile Image for Craig Gillan.
526 reviews8 followers
June 16, 2019
I’ve not read first book but this works well as a stand-alone. Interesting characters and story
Profile Image for Angelique Burton.
126 reviews
July 14, 2019
Great

The plot thickens. Kerry is getting more embedded into the way of gangland life. Can she stay a head of the game? Only time will tell.
Profile Image for Pol.
451 reviews9 followers
July 16, 2019
What a book , cannot wait to read her next book in Kerry Casey series. End Game, but got to wait till Febuary 2020. Will be worth the wait.
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