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The unstoppable Ruby Darke returns as old enemies threaten her family in The Edge, a gripping gangland thriller from top ten bestselling author Jessie Keane.With a mind sharper than a razor blade it was only a matter of time before Ruby Darke fought her way to the top. From humble beginnings she became the queen of London’s retail, but she didn’t get there by obeying the law.Now with her son Kit and daughter Daisy finally by her side she’s ready to start a new chapter in her life, but, unknown to all of them, enemies are circling.There aren’t many who threaten Ruby Darke and live to tell the tale. But this time, she may just have met her match.If you live on the edge, you may just die on it . . .This heart-racing series starts with Nameless and Lawless.

481 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2019

266 people are currently reading
223 people want to read

About the author

Jessie Keane

45 books388 followers
Now what about me? I’ve done a lot of writing, but way back before I even dreamed I could be a professional writer I was just the youngest in a big family. My Dad was a surveyor with an edge of brilliance. My Mum was from gipsy roots and used to drive around in a goat-cart (yes, really!) when she was little. Once we were rich (although I didn’t know it then, and it was all thanks to my Dad’s ingenuity) and then suddenly – pretty shockingly, really – we were poor (thanks to greedy people who exploited his kindness). I have to tell you, rich is better. But the great thing about life is, even painful events pass, and if you make bad choices, hopefully you learn from them.

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5 stars
771 (68%)
4 stars
259 (23%)
3 stars
65 (5%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
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11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Mark.
1,690 reviews
January 7, 2019

Long before I even considered writing reviews and reading more genres I had a few ‘go to’ authors who I would buy every book by and they never let me down, Jessie Keane was/still is one of those, nothing has changed a few years on and I still love her books!
Keane writes series books about gangland families and this is Book 3 in the Ruby Darke series and picks up from where Book 2 finished 😃, it can be read easily as a stand alone but of course works fantastic if you have read the other 2 as well
The story has EVERY element of this genre’s classic elements, the family, the drama, the relationships, the violence, the good from bad and bad from good!, nightclubs, people you cant trust, the old ‘faces’ and the trying to muscle in new ones, armed robberies and in this story a terrible shooting at a wedding...there is however no time spent in prisons in this book!!
Its like a full on action film but in a book, colourful characters described wonderfully and settings you can picture immediately and starts fast and doesnt give up till the last page
Lovers of this genre ( saying that word too much!!!) will adore it, you cant help but do as it pulls you into the family and makes you a honorary member for the duration
Fast, furious and at times brutal
FAB
Has to be 10/10 5 Stars
Profile Image for ~ Cariad ~.
1,926 reviews54 followers
January 27, 2019
Seriously fantastic!!!

Wow this was brilliant to lose myself in.
The writing, story and narration are making this one of my fav London crime romance series on Audible, ever.

Cant wait for a 4th book in the series.
Profile Image for Best Crime Books & More.
1,192 reviews178 followers
July 18, 2019
Well I have to say initially when I read the opening chapters, I wondered whether Jessie Keane had maybe made a bit of a bold error, however having now finished the book I can safely say I am talking rubbish! This book which is number 3 in the series featuring Ruby Darke was released in January and is an absolutely brilliant addition to this series. I have very recently got myself up to date with this series and because of that I went straight into this book without even reading the synopsis.

For people who just happen to pick this book up, I guess you could read it as a standalone, but for me the history and development of the characters is just too important and too damn good a read to miss, so do yourself a favour and start with book 1.

Ruby along with her son Kit and her daughter Daisy are all at a new point in their life and things seem to be on the up, oh yes….until about 2 chapters in when it all comes crashing down. This book literally gives you no time to settle and throws everything and it’s dog under the bus! I was gripped and once again didn’t put this down until I literally was forced to.

I won’t repeat other reviews which detail the story, however what I will say is that this book is pacey, enthralling and an absolute gem of a series. Jessie Keane has always been an extremely talented author, but I love the fact she has matched (and maybe surpassed) expectations with the Ruby Darke series against her previous and very well loved series featuring Annie Carter. Sadly I now only have one standalone book left of Jessie Keanes unread so I guess I will save that one up for a special occassion (does anyone else do that?)
Profile Image for 8stitches 9lives.
2,853 reviews1,724 followers
January 10, 2019
The Edge, the third instalment of the Ruby Darke gangland warfare series, is another exciting, edge-of-your-seat thriller and Ruby is back in business. Keane is one of a few authors that you have no fear of being let down by; she is yet to let me down, and I have been known because of this to purchase her books blind without even reading the synopsis. The name alone is enough for me. This novel starts where the second concluded, and although an astute reader would soon pick up the hints about what has happened in previous books, it's advantageous to have read the others first to see exactly how recurring characters evolve and grow, especially Ms Darke herself.

The plot is a high-stakes and high-octane adrenaline rush which incorporates into the narrative a gangland turf war, deception and duplicity, family drama, secrets and a lot of quite horrific violence. The characters are once again colourful and developed exceptionally well, and in this brutal, often graphic story we barely have time to take a breath. With twists, turns and surprises galore Keane knows how to pen an utterly captivating story of the kind of conflict most of us will hopefully never experience. Roll on the next instalment.

Many thanks to Macmillan for an ARC.
Profile Image for Sandra.
566 reviews22 followers
December 22, 2018
When i heard that there was going to be another Ruby Darke book i was so looking forward to catching up with all the charactors.Ruby is preparing for her daughter Daisy's wedding and all that it entails.Kit still runs his empire with his faithful crew.Things change when a warehouse wages truck is hijacked on Kits manor,as the police investigate it becomes clear that someone is playing dirty.This book is brilliant and i highly recommend you read it,and i will be buying it to read again.well worth more than 5*
Profile Image for Denise.
478 reviews22 followers
January 20, 2019
Another 5⭐️ smash.
I've been a fan of Jessie Keane since her very first book and her latest book The Edge didn't disappoint. From the minute I started this book I was hooked as I always am with this author.

This is book 3 in the series featuring Ruby Darke and can be read as a stand alone but if you haven't read the first two books in the series then I strongly encourage you to do so.
Jessie Keane has a natural gift for creating superb characters, that are larger than life thatyou feel like you know them all personally.
The Edge is another brilliantly written emotional and hard hitting read. The story moves at a rapid pace and as much as you don't want it to end you just have to keep turning those pages to find out what happens next.

Profile Image for Paul.
1,194 reviews75 followers
February 20, 2019
The Edge – A Brilliant Ruby Darke Thriller

Jessie Keane is one of the top thriller writers in the country, and each book she writes is better than the last. The Edge is the third instalment in the Ruby Darke series taking us back to 1980, when the old bill was bent, there were no mobile phones, social media, and personal computing was still a decade away. But we did have Adam Ant, The Specials and Madness, The Sweeney and The Professionals.

Ruby Darke and her son Kit had their own manor in London, and like all good crime lords lived out in Essex, in a big house. Business is good and everything is well in the world for the go getter. Until at one of the warehouses where he offered security, the van delivering the wages was robbed and a name of another underworld boss is named.

Daisy, Kit’s sister is getting married to Rob, Kit’s right-hand man and best friend, everything goes well until Rob is killed by a gun shot along with the wedding photographer. Kit now really knows someone is after him and it looks like it will not stop. Someone has decided they want his manor and him gone, he knows he is the hunted and will have to turn tables and find the hunter first.

The police are trying to investigate the murder and the warehouse robbery, but they are up against Ruby Darke and her son Kit, things are not going to be easy. The police know the Darkes have police on the payroll and need to keep things close to the chest, so the Darkes do not find the killer first.

Jessie Keane is one of those authors who if you enjoy her work and just want more of her, in fact I want her latest thriller before she has even finished it. Her writing just grows on you and reminds you of other female writers who just happen to know how to hit that sweet spot that keeps you hooked.

A brilliant book by a fabulous author.
Profile Image for Pol.
451 reviews9 followers
February 9, 2019
Really enjoy this series about Ruby Darke and her family, another great book by jessie keane.
222 reviews
May 15, 2025
Another great read from JK. Fast paced and easy to read. Not as good as others of hers but I still enjoyed. Onto #4 Gangland now
Profile Image for Lydia Mae Clarke.
48 reviews
September 14, 2025
I didn’t realise this was third in a series so massive oops from me, but this was still 5*! There was hitmen, mobs, love, drama - Jessie Keane, I’m glad I found you.
Profile Image for Grace.
507 reviews11 followers
December 20, 2019
4.5 stars

This had everything that I've come to expect from this author. A great plotline, a cast of characters that were so vividly portrayed they were realistic. It moves you on from the 2nd book in the series and brings you up to date in their lives. If you love Jessie Keane then you'll love this book.
Profile Image for Lainy.
1,983 reviews72 followers
April 3, 2019
Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 461

Publisher - Macmillan

Source - Gift

Blurb from Goodreads

The unstoppable Ruby Darke returns as old enemies threaten her family in The Edge, a gripping gangland thriller from top ten bestselling author Jessie Keane.

With a mind sharper than a razor blade it was only a matter of time before Ruby Darke fought her way to the top. From humble beginnings she became the queen of London’s retail, but she didn’t get there by obeying the law.

Now with her son Kit and daughter Daisy finally by her side she’s ready to start a new chapter in her life, but, unknown to all of them, enemies are circling.

There aren’t many who threaten Ruby Darke and live to tell the tale. But this time, she may just have met her match.

If you live on the edge, you may just die on it . . .


My Review

Ruby Darke and her son Kit have their finger in many pies, on the wrong side of the law, protection money, folk running for them, business is good. When someone targets their patch, their business and then takes a shot at them the family have to pull together to figure out who is after them. In between that the police are breathing down their necks, they want to solve the crimes too and if they can take down the family whilst at it, all the better.

So this is book three in a trilogy and I would advice reading the previous however I read book two five years ago, don't remember too much at all and got on fine with this. The action kicks off quickly and goes from there. Ruby has an old flame who is being fingered for the trouble and could there be a spark still there? Juggling her business and family life Ruby is being pulled in all directions and the threat of harm is hanging over them. It is, as is Keane's usual, pacey, gritty, crime/gangland style although a big focus on the family side of it. We also have a hired gun on the loose so jump between the family and the killer.

If you like Keane's previous books you will enjoy this. Questionable behaviour, death, murder, family, love, lies and deceit. 3.5/5 for me this time, read Keane before and will read her again.

762 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2019
I didn't want this book to come to an end. I love Jessie Keane's style of writing. The story moves on at a fantastic pace. Her characters, for me, are strong and believable, especially the women. I like the way Keane portrays her female characters as being almost as strong, mentally, as her male ones.
'The Edge' is a fast-paced story of love, hate and gangland rivalries. Ruby Darke, businesswoman and mother of grown-up twins, is a complex character. She's tough in her business dealings, legitimate or otherwise, yet she still wants what a lot of other women want---a man to love her and marry her, not just take her as his mistress, then discard her when he's done.
Daisy, Ruby's daughter, loves a you ng man from a council estate, who has a chip on his shoulder about his fiancee's posh upbringing in Brayfield Hall with her father and stepmother.
Kit, Daisy's twin brother, walks a fine line between good and bad. Never gets caught, as his enforcers move round in the shadows.
Then there's Rob's family. Rob, the young man who is to marry Daisy, is not all he appears to be, but he loves Daisy and her twin boys from a previous relationship.
On their wedding day, three shots ring out, leaving two people dead and the wedding guests traumatised. Several others along the way are threatened, beaten or killed to find out the truth behind what's going on.
Eventually, DI Kane has a lucky bit of intuition and the cases are all solved. Three cases that appeared to be linked, albeit tenuously, are successfully closed and a police officer's career is brought to an ignominious end.
All in all, a brilliantly fast paced story, with unforgettable characters...
Profile Image for Robert Day.
Author 5 books36 followers
February 12, 2024
I know, I know - why am I reading books about crime and the seamy underbelly of life? Well, the first was a book in a set I picked up for free. It was clean and had a nice cover and I just worked my way through them.

Unexpectedly I quite enjoyed that first book and so I borrowed the second and third in the series from the library when I'd done. The first book was left in Tobago due to a lack of space in the luggage.

So, having completed the trilogy, I have to say that I quite like the writings of this author for a number of reasons:
- the characters are engaging and likeable
- there is a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter (but not at the end of each book)
- there are love stories at every turn (and who doesn't love love!)
- the action starts at the beginning of the book and continues to the end.

There aren't many things I don't like. I mean, it's all a bit Mills and Boon, but that doesn't detract too much from the story.

Read these books if you've nothing better on, but if you have any sci-fi on your bookshelves then make sure you read those first. That said, if you're on holiday and you don't want to bring books back then these books are ideal.
Profile Image for Gail.
453 reviews6 followers
December 18, 2018
Having read and loved the previous two books in the Ruby Darke series, I was keen to read the third instalment. As well as being reintroduced to Ruby we also again meet her children, Kit and Daisy. Whilst Kit and Ruby are still single, Daisy is about to marry Rob, who is also her Brother’s minder and best mate. The wedding preparations are complete and the ceremony has taken place, then things take a turn for the worst; and the families’ lives change for ever. Who would pull such a bold and shocking move and how is this linked to the other events? The police are investigating, but will the family solve the crimes and discover the perpetrator first?
Jessie Keane’s books are sharp, gripping and a compelling read. I happily read anything she writes without the need to read the back cover first, to see if I will like it. I always look forward to her books as they are both refreshing and captivating.
305 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2019
Another amazing read from the great Jessie Keane. I absolutely loved this book. It's sad because a character who I fell in love with dies (don't want to name character because I don't want to spoil it for other readers). It broke my heart when said character died, because they were just falling head over heels in love, & I thought they would finally find their happy ever after, but alas it doesn't happen.
It's an un-putdownable read, moves at a fast pace with new & old characters intermingling to reach a final climax.
I'm hoping Jessie writes another "Ruby Darke" because I believe, there is still more to this story that needs to be told.
Highly recommend this series, you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Rachel.
158 reviews8 followers
August 18, 2019
I love Jessie Keane books, once they grab your attention, you are hooked.

Ruby Darke along with her twins Kit and Daisy have lead a turbulent life, from humble beginnings to being the Queen of London’s retail to now being not quite so legit.

Daisy is about to marry her sweetheart, but not everything goes to plan. Rob works for her brother Kit, the not so legit businessman, along with his two brothers Daniel and Leon. Weddings usually come with a tragedy and this one is no different... three shots and two deaths - but who and why?

The book takes you on a twisting tale of betrayal, friendship, long lost love and there are plenty of bumps along the way!
Profile Image for Sarah Davies.
465 reviews13 followers
October 15, 2023
This is the third instalment in the Ruby Drake Series.

At last Ruby has her daughter Daisy and son Kit on her side. Ruby's business is going well and she couldn't be happier.

Daisy is about to get married to Rob. Everything is going to plan. Tragedy strikes on the most important day of Daisy's life and puts all the family and others around her in danger.

The world around them starts to become complicated and secrets from the past that were hidden start to come out in the open.

Thrilling rollercoaster of emotions, and unexpected twists and turns and well written as always. Another page turner and best seller on its way.
Profile Image for Ria.
126 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2020
What a page turner!!

This book was gifted to me by a friend who thought I might enjoy it. I haven’t read anything by Jessie Keane before but I will certainly be looking for them in the future.

It’s a thriller about a crime family in London. There are many branches to the story & they all come together at different times. Absolutely compelling, didn’t want to put it down.

It reminded me of the Kimberley Chambers books I’ve read before & it’s only now that I have seen this is the 3rd book in a series about the family so it would be interesting to read the ones before.
Profile Image for Paul Adler.
634 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2021
A good read if you like a good thriller.

This is the 3rd Ruby Darke book I have read. This one varies from the others as Police procedure takes a lot of this book where in the others it was not written about it was all on the villains side. This is the 3rd and last ( at present) of the Ruby Darke trilogy and I must say I enjoyed them all. Got to know all the characters and enjoyed their up’s and downs of which there were plenty. You can really get your teeth into these books which I enjoy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
195 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2021
If you like Martina Cole or Roberta Kray, you will love this, full of gangsters,fights, sexy men, it’s a good yarn!

Ruby Darke, night club owner who fought for everything she’s got whether she obeyed the law or not, felt that now she has her kids Kit and Daisy by her side, she had everything she ever wanted.

When her beautiful daughter Daisy gets married it will be the icing on the cake, but nobody was prepared for the tragedy that followed the service. Who is to blame?

They are surrounded by enemies,who can they trust...




Profile Image for Nessa.
1,858 reviews71 followers
September 5, 2023
Book 3 of a 3 book series, or should I say trilogy.

This was absolutely brilliant, loved reading every page, so much gritty drama addictive stuff, could not put the book down. The story was excellent, very well written. Jessie sure does know how to write a story and to keep the readers engaged.

The whole trilogy of 3 books has been a truly thrilling captivating read from start to finish, certainly had me hooked.

Jessie Keane is definitely on par with author Martina Cole that’s for sure.
181 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2019
Another amazing book

Jessie Keane again keeps up her gripping story of Ruby drake , Daisy and Kit. Someone is out for blood and there is 3 shots fired on a day that’s supposed to be a couples best day of their lives. Who are they for who do they get and who would want them dead... is it another gang wanting to take over the manor or someone who thinks they are owed something. Gripping from the start.
79 reviews
April 6, 2019
I really didn't want to rate this down as I love Jessie Keane's books and I was eagerly awaiting this at the beginning of the year but I found this one boring and a bit dull. I've read that church scene in a few books so it wasn't anything new or exciting. It definitely wasn't a page turner for me. I couldn't wait to finish it so I could get stuck into something better (sorry Jessie!!). I will however keep reading your books as you are normally my go-to author for a great read :)
Profile Image for danny.
230 reviews44 followers
October 4, 2025
Read in Hammersmith police station (2 of 2): I can't even express how disappointed I was to find this book on goodreads and see that it has a 4.58 rating. Only - and I mean this so sincerely - only the specific circumstance of being in a cold cell with only this book and the alternative of staring at the ceiling and walls as my options could have compelled me to turn a single page of this hack copaganda drivel from which the only thing I learned was new kinds of racist British slurs.
Profile Image for Tracy ann  Robinson.
1,154 reviews27 followers
December 27, 2018
this book has been names well as it keeps you on the Edge very page turning book . was so good that jessie has done another to this series the storyline keeps you gripped from page 1 someone wants to bring them down this book has backstabbing loyalty emotional and I so love the woman copper I hope there will be another book to this series its brilliant
155 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2019
Brilliant read.

Jessie Jean you have done it again in this novel this book kept me on the edge right through to chapter after chapter. Hope you write your next novel very soon so we can find out if daisy and Rob get married and kit and the detective . 5 stars plus more . This book is a must buy .
Profile Image for Tina.
245 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2020
Good read

Not my favourite but still enjoyable. Some of it just seemed silly. Like as if a gangster would go to a police safe house for even a second when he is meant to be top of his game but there you go. Also the killers turned out to be nobodies with any clout. Just a bit random
Profile Image for jeannette allerston.
329 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2021
A great series

Highly recommend this series , the highs and lows are like a rollercoaster you don't know what is coming next , I would hope there's another story for ruby and her family fingers crossed 10/10 and 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 thank you Jessie Keane for being rubys story to life , great narrator all g with this series too 😊
4 reviews
January 11, 2019
I think I stopped breathing..

At least it felt like I had! Thrilling rollercoaster of emotions, and unexpected twists and turns. This book has it all! Another cracker of a book by Jessie Keane.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews

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