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A Means to an End
Raymond had known hardship from a very early age. He witnessed his mother’s suicide and his father’s alcoholism. Throughout his teenage years he had suffered pain and neglect and swore to make something of himself – whatever the cost. Driven by ruthless ambition and a passion for cooking almost as strong as his passion for women, he became a chef. But he wanted more.
Diane, a girl he met at a nightclub, seemed the answer to his prayers. But he didn’t account for Madge, her mum. No one was good enough for her beautiful little girl. And she would stop at nothing to get rid of him. How could he win her over? And how far would he go to satisfy his ambition and greed?
A tale of love, loss, lust, about what people will do to satisfy their needs, and how it can make or break them.
Diane, a girl he met at a nightclub, seemed the answer to his prayers. But he didn’t account for Madge, her mum. No one was good enough for her beautiful little girl. And she would stop at nothing to get rid of him. How could he win her over? And how far would he go to satisfy his ambition and greed?
A tale of love, loss, lust, about what people will do to satisfy their needs, and how it can make or break them.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2018
170 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Peter Martin
174 books29 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Blurb:
Raymond had known hardship from a very early age. He witnessed his mother’s suicide and his father’s alcoholism. Throughout his teenage years he had suffered pain and neglect and swore to make something of himself – whatever the cost. Driven by ruthless ambition and a passion for cooking almost as strong as his passion for women, he became a chef. But he wanted more.
Diane, a girl he met at a nightclub, seemed the answer to his prayers. But he didn’t account for Madge, her mum. No one was good enough for her beautiful little girl. And she would stop at nothing to get rid of him. How could he win her over? And how far would he go to satisfy his ambition and greed?
A tale of love, loss, lust, about what people will do to satisfy their needs, and how it can make or break them.
Blurb:
Raymond had known hardship from a very early age. He witnessed his mother’s suicide and his father’s alcoholism. Throughout his teenage years he had suffered pain and neglect and swore to make something of himself – whatever the cost. Driven by ruthless ambition and a passion for cooking almost as strong as his passion for women, he became a chef. But he wanted more.
Diane, a girl he met at a nightclub, seemed the answer to his prayers. But he didn’t account for Madge, her mum. No one was good enough for her beautiful little girl. And she would stop at nothing to get rid of him. How could he win her over? And how far would he go to satisfy his ambition and greed?
A tale of love, loss, lust, about what people will do to satisfy their needs, and how it can make or break them.
April 4, 2019
Vividly drawn characters driven by intoxicating and dangerous desires...
A Means to an End by Peter Martin is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel, with brilliantly drawn characters driven by love, loss and lust. The author weaves a well-crafted emotional drama with intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. Skillfully constructed, the story revolves around the internal dynamics of family life.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Raymond had known hardship from a very early age. He witnessed his mother’s suicide and his father’s alcoholism. Throughout his teenage years he had suffered pain and neglect and swore to make something of himself – whatever the cost. Driven by ruthless ambition and a passion for cooking almost as strong as his passion for women, he became a chef. But he wanted more.
Diane, a girl he met at a nightclub, seemed the answer to his prayers. But he didn’t account for Madge, her mum. No one was good enough for her beautiful little girl. And she would stop at nothing to get rid of him. How could he win her over? And how far would he go to satisfy his ambition and greed?’
Now, if that’s not enough to get your curiosity juices flowing, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. It’s my first time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed.
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class emotional drama with perfect pacing.
A Means to an End had every element a good story should have. An intriguing plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I really look for in a good book.
It’s one of those stories that come along once in a while that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!
I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Peter Martin in the future. Recommended. Five stars.
A Means to an End by Peter Martin is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel, with brilliantly drawn characters driven by love, loss and lust. The author weaves a well-crafted emotional drama with intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. Skillfully constructed, the story revolves around the internal dynamics of family life.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Raymond had known hardship from a very early age. He witnessed his mother’s suicide and his father’s alcoholism. Throughout his teenage years he had suffered pain and neglect and swore to make something of himself – whatever the cost. Driven by ruthless ambition and a passion for cooking almost as strong as his passion for women, he became a chef. But he wanted more.
Diane, a girl he met at a nightclub, seemed the answer to his prayers. But he didn’t account for Madge, her mum. No one was good enough for her beautiful little girl. And she would stop at nothing to get rid of him. How could he win her over? And how far would he go to satisfy his ambition and greed?’
Now, if that’s not enough to get your curiosity juices flowing, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. It’s my first time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed.
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class emotional drama with perfect pacing.
A Means to an End had every element a good story should have. An intriguing plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I really look for in a good book.
It’s one of those stories that come along once in a while that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!
I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Peter Martin in the future. Recommended. Five stars.
December 6, 2020
10-11/2010, Diane Slater & Glenda (BFF) out on the floor were dancing to the beat.
Dave introduced himself to Diane.
He started dancing with her before she could reject him.
Dave would have a shiner in the morning.
The bouncers threw them all out.
Raymond “Ray” tried to comfort Diane & Glenda.
He dropped Glenda off at her place, & then Diane.
She gave him her cell.
Diane (bank teller) said good night to her parents: Madge (wife/mother) & Gerald (husband/father).
Saturday. It was time for Raymond “Ray” (25, Apollo restaurant chef) to meet them.
A few Saturday’s later he cooked the family a feast fit for the Queen.
12/2010, Raymond took Diane to Wales, UK for the W/E.
She was now his fiancé.
Diane had a visitor Bessie Tomkins (Raymond’s ex-lover, mother) & their 3-month old son.
Raymond & Diane got married & she was 6 months pregnant.
Dexford General Accident Emergency waiting area. Maternity ward. Dr Roberts announced it was a premature boy.
6-weeks later, Diane & Raymond Wilson brought Daniel home.
Raymond lost his job & was looking for another 1.
8/2012, Tony Ridgeway & Donald Ridgeway (brother) interviewed Raymond.
Ridgeway’s Brewery chain of pubs Raymond was offered the Head catering mgr. in Portisby.
9/2012, He wasn’t getting to see much of Diane & Daniel.
Dexford. Bea watched Daniel while Diane worked.
He was going to take the 2 of them to Disneyland Paris for the W/E.
St James’s Church. The funeral was held for Gerald (husband/father/grand), the eulogy was read, followed by the burial & dinner. Everyone gave their condolences to the Madge & Diane.
3/7/2013, What were Raymond, Madge (63) & Diane discussing?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written family drama book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great family drama movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will only rate it at 3/5.
Thank you for the free author; Mobi BookRebel; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Dave introduced himself to Diane.
He started dancing with her before she could reject him.
Dave would have a shiner in the morning.
The bouncers threw them all out.
Raymond “Ray” tried to comfort Diane & Glenda.
He dropped Glenda off at her place, & then Diane.
She gave him her cell.
Diane (bank teller) said good night to her parents: Madge (wife/mother) & Gerald (husband/father).
Saturday. It was time for Raymond “Ray” (25, Apollo restaurant chef) to meet them.
A few Saturday’s later he cooked the family a feast fit for the Queen.
12/2010, Raymond took Diane to Wales, UK for the W/E.
She was now his fiancé.
Diane had a visitor Bessie Tomkins (Raymond’s ex-lover, mother) & their 3-month old son.
Raymond & Diane got married & she was 6 months pregnant.
Dexford General Accident Emergency waiting area. Maternity ward. Dr Roberts announced it was a premature boy.
6-weeks later, Diane & Raymond Wilson brought Daniel home.
Raymond lost his job & was looking for another 1.
8/2012, Tony Ridgeway & Donald Ridgeway (brother) interviewed Raymond.
Ridgeway’s Brewery chain of pubs Raymond was offered the Head catering mgr. in Portisby.
9/2012, He wasn’t getting to see much of Diane & Daniel.
Dexford. Bea watched Daniel while Diane worked.
He was going to take the 2 of them to Disneyland Paris for the W/E.
St James’s Church. The funeral was held for Gerald (husband/father/grand), the eulogy was read, followed by the burial & dinner. Everyone gave their condolences to the Madge & Diane.
3/7/2013, What were Raymond, Madge (63) & Diane discussing?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written family drama book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great family drama movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will only rate it at 3/5.
Thank you for the free author; Mobi BookRebel; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 14, 2019
Raymond has had a hard life. His mother committed suicide, and he grew up with an alcoholic father. But, he has one good thing going for him: He has a wonderful talent for cooking which is why he became a chef.
He dreams of having is own restaurant, but that requires money. And lots of it. So, Raymond cooks up a scheme to get that money. The result is an emotional thriller that involves relationships with multiple women.
Does Raymond get what he wants in the end? You’ll have to read to find out, and I guarantee you that the ending will shock you.
My thoughts about this book:
The plot seems to move slowly, and I felt a bit like I was reading a soap opera because the story revolves around the daily lives of ordinary people and their struggles with getting a job, an apartment, having kids, dealing with in-laws, etc. However, the writing is good, and I didn’t get bogged down in any of the details or description.
The story flows with plenty of action on every page, and I didn’t want to stop reading because I really wanted to find out what Raymond was up to and how all his scheming was going to play out.
When I got to the end, I was blown away because it certainly wasn’t what I was expecting at all. Because of that, this book has left a lasting impression on me. It’s a book that you don’t easily forget. So, kudos to the author, Peter Martin, for achieving that.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in an exchange for an honest review.
He dreams of having is own restaurant, but that requires money. And lots of it. So, Raymond cooks up a scheme to get that money. The result is an emotional thriller that involves relationships with multiple women.
Does Raymond get what he wants in the end? You’ll have to read to find out, and I guarantee you that the ending will shock you.
My thoughts about this book:
The plot seems to move slowly, and I felt a bit like I was reading a soap opera because the story revolves around the daily lives of ordinary people and their struggles with getting a job, an apartment, having kids, dealing with in-laws, etc. However, the writing is good, and I didn’t get bogged down in any of the details or description.
The story flows with plenty of action on every page, and I didn’t want to stop reading because I really wanted to find out what Raymond was up to and how all his scheming was going to play out.
When I got to the end, I was blown away because it certainly wasn’t what I was expecting at all. Because of that, this book has left a lasting impression on me. It’s a book that you don’t easily forget. So, kudos to the author, Peter Martin, for achieving that.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in an exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2019
A Means to an End
By Peter Martin
2019
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 4 stars
With flashing lights and blasting music Diane dances with her best friend, Glenda. Dave approaches Diane on the dancefloor, quickly groping her and ignoring her plea to be left alone.
“A voice came from behind. ‘Is he bothering you?’
Diane turned to see a tall dark curly-haired guy approaching.”
What follows is a punch to Dave’s eye, a brawl, leading to the bouncers unfairly throwing out the two girls and Raymond, their champion.
Such begins this story in October 2010 when Raymond and Diane first meet.
The definition of the phrase “a means to an end” is “something that you do because it will help you achieve something else,” making it a most appropriate title for this novel as readers get to know Diane, Raymond, Glenda, and Diane’s parents more intimately as the story develops.
A Means to an End has been described as “A tale of love, loss, lust, about what people will do to satisfy their needs, and how it can make or break them.”
Readers will keep reading as they follow the couple through tumultuous years absorbed in their actions and interactions until the surprising conclusion in July 2013.
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist, author, and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. www.AngieMangino.com
By Peter Martin
2019
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 4 stars
With flashing lights and blasting music Diane dances with her best friend, Glenda. Dave approaches Diane on the dancefloor, quickly groping her and ignoring her plea to be left alone.
“A voice came from behind. ‘Is he bothering you?’
Diane turned to see a tall dark curly-haired guy approaching.”
What follows is a punch to Dave’s eye, a brawl, leading to the bouncers unfairly throwing out the two girls and Raymond, their champion.
Such begins this story in October 2010 when Raymond and Diane first meet.
The definition of the phrase “a means to an end” is “something that you do because it will help you achieve something else,” making it a most appropriate title for this novel as readers get to know Diane, Raymond, Glenda, and Diane’s parents more intimately as the story develops.
A Means to an End has been described as “A tale of love, loss, lust, about what people will do to satisfy their needs, and how it can make or break them.”
Readers will keep reading as they follow the couple through tumultuous years absorbed in their actions and interactions until the surprising conclusion in July 2013.
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist, author, and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. www.AngieMangino.com
January 5, 2021
Raymond has a talent for cooking and a thirst for women. He find the woman he believes will serve as a means to the end he wants more than anything. He marries her in spite of the (now) mother-in-law from hell and they have a son. 'Poor' Raymond is trying to balance his other woman and child, another woman, a job, his wife, son, and her parents. It isn't easy. Things build up along the way, and suddenly Raymond finds himself alone with his wife's mother.
Great story. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Ending wasn't the way I thought it might be, which made the story even better. No problem giving it five stars.
Great story. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Ending wasn't the way I thought it might be, which made the story even better. No problem giving it five stars.
May 22, 2022
The author says this is a tale of love, loss, lust, about what people will do to satisfy their needs, and how it 87cws-0qaszan make or break them. Our protagonist has suffered a hard life. His mother committed suicide, his father an alcoholic. He had to fight hard to make something of himself. He wants what he wants and nothing stands in his way. Until he met the girl of his dreams, and her mother stands in his way. He is a tough man - how will he solve this problem? How far will he go to eliminate what he sees as the problem? This is my true and honest review.
January 21, 2019
Diane is the only daughter of elderly, over-protective parents, and her mother has put a damper on every boyfriend she’s taken home. When it comes to Raymond, she rebels, but will Mum give in?
This is a brilliantly observed story of the internal mechanics of family life and it kept me guessing until the end. My only complaint was the date. Supposedly, it’s set in the twenty-first century, but if this hadn’t been stated I’d have placed in the 1970s or 80s.
This is a brilliantly observed story of the internal mechanics of family life and it kept me guessing until the end. My only complaint was the date. Supposedly, it’s set in the twenty-first century, but if this hadn’t been stated I’d have placed in the 1970s or 80s.
October 5, 2022
Peter Martin has a very devious mind. This book chops and changes. One minute I thought it was going to end one way and the next minute I realised it might not.
It is a story of love, betrayal, lust and a difficult mother who wants to hang on to her daughter at all costs.
I did not expect that ending, but it was good - much better than the way I thought it was going to end.
I enjoyed reading this book.
It is a story of love, betrayal, lust and a difficult mother who wants to hang on to her daughter at all costs.
I did not expect that ending, but it was good - much better than the way I thought it was going to end.
I enjoyed reading this book.
January 25, 2021
Wow
Good read. I wish there were more stars I would have given more. I read this book all the way thru. I could stop reading. .I did not lose interest at all. The last chapter blew me away did not see that ending coming. I will be reading more from you. I recommend your writing to anyone that likes a good story.
Good read. I wish there were more stars I would have given more. I read this book all the way thru. I could stop reading. .I did not lose interest at all. The last chapter blew me away did not see that ending coming. I will be reading more from you. I recommend your writing to anyone that likes a good story.
August 27, 2023
I really liked this book. Usually story starts out interesting then everything goes awry! It becomes unbelievable and at times outrageous and predictable. Not this book! Wasn't sure how it would end, had my guess, but was in for a surprise ending. Being an American, dialogue was interesting. It had phrases I'd never heard of. Looking forward to reading another book by Peter Martin.
January 2, 2021
Hilarious to heartbreaking
The mother is definitely crazy, trying to run her daughter’s life.
With a sweet father, daughters two-timing boyfriend and the craziness begins! It’s a enjoyable read on a cold rainy day.
The mother is definitely crazy, trying to run her daughter’s life.
With a sweet father, daughters two-timing boyfriend and the craziness begins! It’s a enjoyable read on a cold rainy day.
November 8, 2021
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
Excellent and so well written. How the threads we weave change our lives, a well thought out selection of characters for a good yarn! How unexpected was that ending.
Excellent and so well written. How the threads we weave change our lives, a well thought out selection of characters for a good yarn! How unexpected was that ending.
June 11, 2019
A Means to an End
I didn’t care for the story line. I will read another book by the author to see if I like it.
I didn’t care for the story line. I will read another book by the author to see if I like it.
January 23, 2021
Loved it.
I loved it. I kept wondering what would happen. Then I would of never guessed the ending. I had to read straight through all Aton e. No errors in the writing either.
I loved it. I kept wondering what would happen. Then I would of never guessed the ending. I had to read straight through all Aton e. No errors in the writing either.
October 10, 2021
As a story a means to and end started out slowly
And I nearly gave up I But as I got further into it I was hooked. It is an unusual treatment of the love triangle.
And I nearly gave up I But as I got further into it I was hooked. It is an unusual treatment of the love triangle.
November 23, 2023
Poor Diane. Talk about being the meat in the sandwich between her manipulative mother and her womanising boyfriend.
November 11, 2024
An okay book.
Thanks to the author for my digital copy.
Thanks to the author for my digital copy.
January 13, 2021
A good book am glad Diane got out and left them both.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews