What do you think?
Rate this book
Manchester Trilogy #3
Vendetta
When Adele's brother, Peter, gets banged up for GBH she reluctantly agrees to run his nightclub, The Golden Bell. Strong opposition from Peter's thuggish number two, Glynn, who isn't best pleased about answering to a woman, isn't the only challenge she faces.
The Manchester club scene of the 1990s is a dangerous place, at the mercy of illicit protection rackets and rampaging gangs, and, despite Adele's efforts to keep everything legal, the club is beginning to feel like a poisoned chalice. Meanwhile, Glynn is playing his own ruthless game, and when a savage gang attack has devastating consequences Adele is ready to walk away. But Peter has always stood by her and she owes him big time. Besides, where else would an ex-con find work? And someone has to protect her brother's empire from his enemies. Right now, Adele knows she is the only one that Peter can trust, but the stakes may soon get too high...
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2018
216 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Heather Burnside
30 books121 followersHeather Burnside is a Manchester based author whose novels are set in her home city. She has published fifteen gritty urban crime novels to date most of which have become Amazon Category Bestsellers.
More recently Heather has written two psychological thrillers, which will be published in 2026. She is currently working on her third psychological thriller.
Before writing novels, Heather completed a creative writing course. During that time, she had various articles published in well-known UK magazines and went on to run a writing services business.
Her novels include: The Riverhill Trilogy, The Manchester Trilogy, The Working Girls Series of five novels, and four standalone novels.
You can find out more about Heather’s books by signing up to her mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/CP6YP to receive regular updates, or by viewing her website: www.heatherburnside.com.
More recently Heather has written two psychological thrillers, which will be published in 2026. She is currently working on her third psychological thriller.
Before writing novels, Heather completed a creative writing course. During that time, she had various articles published in well-known UK magazines and went on to run a writing services business.
Her novels include: The Riverhill Trilogy, The Manchester Trilogy, The Working Girls Series of five novels, and four standalone novels.
You can find out more about Heather’s books by signing up to her mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/CP6YP to receive regular updates, or by viewing her website: www.heatherburnside.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 10, 2018
5☆ A Gritty, Thrilling Page Turner I couldn't put down!
Vendetta is a gritty crime/gangster fiction set in Manchester, that had me hooked.
This is the third book in the series, but can be read perfectly well as standalone.
Adele’s brother, Peter is serving time in prison for GBH. He owns the Golden Bell Nightclub.
He asks Adele to help run it whilst he is serving his sentence. She can't refuse as she owes him big time!
However things are not all they seem as on the sideline, Peter's second in command Glynn is running protection rackets, but Glynn doesn't play nice and he will stop at nothing to get what he wants!
Adele doesn't trust Glynn one bit, despite the fact he is her Ex Boyfriend and a complete psycho he doesn't take orders from a women and wants her out!
No matter the cost!
I really enjoyed their power struggle as Adele kicks ass!
I thoroughly enjoy Heather's books, they are always gritty, action packed, realistic, gripping and strong characters.
Vendetta has all of that and more.
It was so good to see a strong, ballsy, determined female lead. Adele holds her own against the rival gangs, her staff, and Glynn! She is not afraid to jump in and get her hands dirty!
The pace is gripping, at times dramatic, there is violence but it does fit in with the nature of the storyline.
As Heather delves the reader into the murky waters of the underground nightclub/protection rackets and criminal activity.
The characters are strong, not all are likeable but to me that makes the perfect gangland thriller, everyone loves to hate villians.
There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages.
Definitely a must read!
I love Heather's books and can't wait for her next one.
Thank you to Aria books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...
Vendetta is a gritty crime/gangster fiction set in Manchester, that had me hooked.
This is the third book in the series, but can be read perfectly well as standalone.
Adele’s brother, Peter is serving time in prison for GBH. He owns the Golden Bell Nightclub.
He asks Adele to help run it whilst he is serving his sentence. She can't refuse as she owes him big time!
However things are not all they seem as on the sideline, Peter's second in command Glynn is running protection rackets, but Glynn doesn't play nice and he will stop at nothing to get what he wants!
Adele doesn't trust Glynn one bit, despite the fact he is her Ex Boyfriend and a complete psycho he doesn't take orders from a women and wants her out!
No matter the cost!
I really enjoyed their power struggle as Adele kicks ass!
I thoroughly enjoy Heather's books, they are always gritty, action packed, realistic, gripping and strong characters.
Vendetta has all of that and more.
It was so good to see a strong, ballsy, determined female lead. Adele holds her own against the rival gangs, her staff, and Glynn! She is not afraid to jump in and get her hands dirty!
The pace is gripping, at times dramatic, there is violence but it does fit in with the nature of the storyline.
As Heather delves the reader into the murky waters of the underground nightclub/protection rackets and criminal activity.
The characters are strong, not all are likeable but to me that makes the perfect gangland thriller, everyone loves to hate villians.
There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages.
Definitely a must read!
I love Heather's books and can't wait for her next one.
Thank you to Aria books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...
October 2, 2018
Hey, firstly to say this is the 3rd in the ‘Manchester’ trilogy by this author but I have not read the previous 2 and it works perfect as a ‘stand alone’
This is a real solid ‘in your face’ Manchester gangster tale and holds no punches as it delves into the world of nightclubs, revenge, double crossing and at times the violent lives of those involved!
Adele is left to run ‘The Golden Bell’ club as her brother Peter is in jail and trying to make her fail is Peters sidekick Glyn, a real nasty piece of work who is most put out answering to a woman!!
The story then goes on to show their power struggle and also to show how other gangs intend to ‘muscle in’on the situation and cause chows, a couple of scenes where the nightclub are attacked by these gangs are harrowing but perfectly described and caused me to have a sweat as it was so realistic ( you know the ‘ playing out in your head as your reading thing?’ well it was 100% in these scenes)
I was pleased, as there can be in this genre, that there was very little repetition or wasted pages and the story sped along nicely with lots of added characters and sub stories that made the story complete
The author as well as pulling no punches also showed great emotion in describing a character being in a coma and how it affected Adele, this was great and showed 2 distinct sides to the writing and style
I loved it, the story flows and the writing involves you and why I am not keen to compare to other writers in this genre it stands out to me as one of the best I have read this year
Action packed and real, superb
10/10 5 stars
This is a real solid ‘in your face’ Manchester gangster tale and holds no punches as it delves into the world of nightclubs, revenge, double crossing and at times the violent lives of those involved!
Adele is left to run ‘The Golden Bell’ club as her brother Peter is in jail and trying to make her fail is Peters sidekick Glyn, a real nasty piece of work who is most put out answering to a woman!!
The story then goes on to show their power struggle and also to show how other gangs intend to ‘muscle in’on the situation and cause chows, a couple of scenes where the nightclub are attacked by these gangs are harrowing but perfectly described and caused me to have a sweat as it was so realistic ( you know the ‘ playing out in your head as your reading thing?’ well it was 100% in these scenes)
I was pleased, as there can be in this genre, that there was very little repetition or wasted pages and the story sped along nicely with lots of added characters and sub stories that made the story complete
The author as well as pulling no punches also showed great emotion in describing a character being in a coma and how it affected Adele, this was great and showed 2 distinct sides to the writing and style
I loved it, the story flows and the writing involves you and why I am not keen to compare to other writers in this genre it stands out to me as one of the best I have read this year
Action packed and real, superb
10/10 5 stars
May 3, 2020
This is the 3rd book in the series had me hooked from page one
August 16, 2020
Loved all these, loved the ending all tied up nicely.
April 3, 2020
Great Triology
This is the third book in the series and it was just as good as the other two.
I really enjoyed it, it was easy reading and I found it really captivating.
I get bored of books especially when they have lots of different characters in them but I couldn't get enough of this Trilogy. All three books were equally as good.
This is the third book in the series and it was just as good as the other two.
I really enjoyed it, it was easy reading and I found it really captivating.
I get bored of books especially when they have lots of different characters in them but I couldn't get enough of this Trilogy. All three books were equally as good.
October 20, 2018
I have been reading books which have been so idyllic that they are too good to be true, or really horrendous thrillers.
This was certainly different. Adele has been thrust into the running of the nightclub owned by her brother who is currently in prison. Everyone in the story has served time, including Adele and it is dealt with very matter of factly and casually in the book. Whether that added to the general effect of lawlessness or the undercurrent feeling that everything was slightly dodgy is another thing.
Adele wants to run the club free of drug dealers but she is up against the implacable Glynn who wants a share of the action and is intent eventually on getting rid of her brother. Though Adele has her suspicions of Glynn she has no concrete proof to present to Peter who is skeptical of his sister's views on the subject. Since she was once involved with Glynn Peter thinks she is a bit sour that he has now found someone else.
The story goes on and you know that it is not going to end well for Peter despite he getting out of prison. Glynn pretends for a little while that he is a friend, but is constantly undercutting Peter and cheating him of his share - whether legally or illegally acquired is a moot point in the story.
The book was different because here we were dealing with characters who all had served time, who did not think twice of cheating, who were involved in the drug trade and who had no qualms how they earned their daily bread.
This was certainly different. Adele has been thrust into the running of the nightclub owned by her brother who is currently in prison. Everyone in the story has served time, including Adele and it is dealt with very matter of factly and casually in the book. Whether that added to the general effect of lawlessness or the undercurrent feeling that everything was slightly dodgy is another thing.
Adele wants to run the club free of drug dealers but she is up against the implacable Glynn who wants a share of the action and is intent eventually on getting rid of her brother. Though Adele has her suspicions of Glynn she has no concrete proof to present to Peter who is skeptical of his sister's views on the subject. Since she was once involved with Glynn Peter thinks she is a bit sour that he has now found someone else.
The story goes on and you know that it is not going to end well for Peter despite he getting out of prison. Glynn pretends for a little while that he is a friend, but is constantly undercutting Peter and cheating him of his share - whether legally or illegally acquired is a moot point in the story.
The book was different because here we were dealing with characters who all had served time, who did not think twice of cheating, who were involved in the drug trade and who had no qualms how they earned their daily bread.
December 5, 2018
Adele is attacked from all sides, by both friends and foe.
This is the last book in the trilogy. Adele is managing the Golden Bell Nightclub, while her brother, Peter, is in prison. She is under pressure from Peter’s second in command, Glynn.
She is targeted by another gang eager to take over from Peter while he is languishing in jail.
The story takes place in Manchester in the 1990s when rival gangs run the city by any means, fair or foul.
This is the second of the three books I have read, and this is the better of the two.
Adele is blind to the violence of Peter's world and is trying to run a legitimate business.
There is plenty of blood and violence which gives the book the atmosphere of the gangland era. Without Adele this book would be good - she spoiled it for me.
If you like Martina Cole, then Heather Burnside will delight you too.
Ellezig
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.
This is the last book in the trilogy. Adele is managing the Golden Bell Nightclub, while her brother, Peter, is in prison. She is under pressure from Peter’s second in command, Glynn.
She is targeted by another gang eager to take over from Peter while he is languishing in jail.
The story takes place in Manchester in the 1990s when rival gangs run the city by any means, fair or foul.
This is the second of the three books I have read, and this is the better of the two.
Adele is blind to the violence of Peter's world and is trying to run a legitimate business.
There is plenty of blood and violence which gives the book the atmosphere of the gangland era. Without Adele this book would be good - she spoiled it for me.
If you like Martina Cole, then Heather Burnside will delight you too.
Ellezig
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.
October 10, 2018
The last in 'The Manchester Trilogy' series 'Vendetta', follows Adele's life running her brother's club in Manchester and the events that follow his release from prison. The book reads well as a standalone, although I have read 'Blood Ties', the second book in the series.
The writing style, which is often in the passive tense, jars with the action-packed plot and pace. Some of the characters in this final novel, as with the previous book are stereotypical. Despite its weaknesses, the pacing is fast, and it's absorbing and easy to read. As a crime novel, it contains violence, but nothing gratuitous and the often unlikeable characters fit with the gritty, edgy lifestyle it portrays. There are no real surprises, but the ending is positive. and one that Adele deserves.
I received a copy of this book from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The writing style, which is often in the passive tense, jars with the action-packed plot and pace. Some of the characters in this final novel, as with the previous book are stereotypical. Despite its weaknesses, the pacing is fast, and it's absorbing and easy to read. As a crime novel, it contains violence, but nothing gratuitous and the often unlikeable characters fit with the gritty, edgy lifestyle it portrays. There are no real surprises, but the ending is positive. and one that Adele deserves.
I received a copy of this book from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 23, 2020
Vendetta by Heather Burnside is the third book in the Manchester trilogy it's gritty crime and gangster fiction set which is in Manchester and I just loved it! I had not read the other two books in this series and it was great read especially as a standalone. I was hooked within the first few pages.
I would highly recommend this book and I will be going back to read the other two books within this great series,
Big Thank you to Aria Fiction the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I would highly recommend this book and I will be going back to read the other two books within this great series,
Big Thank you to Aria Fiction the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 30, 2018
I would like to thank Aria Publishing and the Netgalley website for this partnership.
I was immediately attracted by the blanket, we see the pretty Adèle who after the death of her brother Peter agrees to run his nightclub. She's going to make sure that the actions that happen up there are legal.
A third addictive book full of suspense and twists and turns with a captivating story and engaging characters.
Looking forward to reading the full trilogy.
I was immediately attracted by the blanket, we see the pretty Adèle who after the death of her brother Peter agrees to run his nightclub. She's going to make sure that the actions that happen up there are legal.
A third addictive book full of suspense and twists and turns with a captivating story and engaging characters.
Looking forward to reading the full trilogy.
October 13, 2018
This book is ok.It's the third in the series about Adele and her brother Peter. In this story Adele is running Peter's night club as Peter is in prison. Glynn who is an employee and menace is gradually taking over Peter's businesses, by dealing drugs and violence. Can Adele deal with this? Read on!
October 15, 2018
Great book
After Peter ended up inside Adele is left running the club. Adele faces lots of stressful times when she us constanly meet with barriers from her Ex boyfriend. I am
Sorry that the trilogy has ended but been a fab series. Look forward to more from Heather
After Peter ended up inside Adele is left running the club. Adele faces lots of stressful times when she us constanly meet with barriers from her Ex boyfriend. I am
Sorry that the trilogy has ended but been a fab series. Look forward to more from Heather
January 1, 2019
Manchester Trilogy
I loved the books, I loved the storyline and she wrote the storyline of each of the books. It's so like lots of towns also it is easy reading. It could go either way.I enjoyed the 3 of them and so I looked up and glad there is other books of hers U can read 👌
I loved the books, I loved the storyline and she wrote the storyline of each of the books. It's so like lots of towns also it is easy reading. It could go either way.I enjoyed the 3 of them and so I looked up and glad there is other books of hers U can read 👌
April 18, 2019
excellent
Thoroughly enjoyed this third book I the series. Had ago much going on but if i am honest i did figure out Chris's secret. But still thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you for another great read
Thoroughly enjoyed this third book I the series. Had ago much going on but if i am honest i did figure out Chris's secret. But still thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you for another great read
October 13, 2020
I found this book very slow and drawn out at the beginning and i found i was skip reading, and I thought the content was drawn out. But it picked up about 2 thirds of the way through. Good for a read but not one of my favs
June 13, 2021
The end
I have loved this series ,and was sad to read the last book but will def love to see more Heather Burnside, I'm glad Adelle finally found love she deserves happiness, c Keep your enemies close. Another good read from Heather.
I have loved this series ,and was sad to read the last book but will def love to see more Heather Burnside, I'm glad Adelle finally found love she deserves happiness, c Keep your enemies close. Another good read from Heather.
February 15, 2023
another great read
I love heather burnside, this is the 8th book I have read of hers. This trilogy was great!! Just as good as the working girls book with all the twists and turns. Easy to follow too!! Off to find some more of hers now!!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
I love heather burnside, this is the 8th book I have read of hers. This trilogy was great!! Just as good as the working girls book with all the twists and turns. Easy to follow too!! Off to find some more of hers now!!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
November 5, 2018
A great ending to the Manchester Trilogy.
April 14, 2019
Fabulous
An explosive finale! I've enjoyed every page of these three books. Being from the North myself I found some of the expressions like a warm hug
An explosive finale! I've enjoyed every page of these three books. Being from the North myself I found some of the expressions like a warm hug
May 6, 2019
Brilliant
Amazing loved all the Manchester Trilogy books can't wait to read the others by this author glad I found them
Amazing loved all the Manchester Trilogy books can't wait to read the others by this author glad I found them
January 22, 2020
The Manchester club scene Peter has been put away & Adele has to help out, she has to deal with the staff, the gangs - can she cope? Peter has always been there for her she cannot let him down
October 20, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. It went on at a nice pace. Will be looking to read Helen Burnside books. If u like Martina Cole u will like this.
January 31, 2021
Goodread very addictive
Goodreads very addictive loved all 3 of trilogy not for next few days of lockdown and reading next trilogy thanks
Goodreads very addictive loved all 3 of trilogy not for next few days of lockdown and reading next trilogy thanks
June 3, 2021
Great author. Really enjoyed reading this series. Brilliant characters and Great storyline.
Highly Recommend
Highly Recommend
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews