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The streets of Battersea are about to get a new leader, one who will rule with an iron fist.

It's the 1930s and Georgina Garrett has risen up from her tough beginnings to become the new boss of the Battersea gang. But not everyone is pleased with a female taking charge...

With rival gangs trying to steal her turf, untrustworthy men in her midst and her dad lost deep in the bottle, Georgina has a lot to tackle. With her friends and family in constant danger and those closest to her questioning her leadership Georgina must use her wits to show that she's made for this job.

The Garrett name is one to be feared and Georgina will begin to change the face of Battersea forever...

Perfect for fans of Peaky Blinders, Martina Cole and Lesley Pearse.

418 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2019

136 people are currently reading
151 people want to read

About the author

Sam Michaels

15 books69 followers
Sam Michaels writes gritty historical crime sagas set in Battersea, South London, which is where she was born and bred, the council estates being her playground.

After leaving school at sixteen with no qualifications, Sam married soon after and had a son. The marriage ended quickly, and as a single mother, she worked in various retail positions until undertaking an Open University degree. This led to Sam becoming an analytical scientist and then into technical sales where she met her husband.

A few years later, they moved from Hampshire to Spain. It was then that her mother, the Sunday Times best-selling author, Kitty Neale, inspired Sam to put pen to paper. She now writes her novels in sunnier climates with the company of her husband, four dogs and six cats.

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5 stars
770 (68%)
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78 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,670 reviews1,690 followers
September 30, 2019
Georgina Garrett #2

Set in the 1930's in Battersea. Georgina in now the new boss of the Battersea gang, but not everyone is happy that she is, especially with her being a young woman. She faces many challenges, some from her own men, but when she punches o e of them in the face, it's not long until all the men are behind her. Rival gangs are trying to muscle in on her turf and her dad's still coming home drunk,Georgina has a lot to contend with.

First off, I loved Trickster, the first book in this series. How was the author going to top that one? Well she has, and she has done a marvellous job too. I was hooked from the first page. I couldn't and didn't want to put it down. There's a lot packed into this book, but not so much that you forget what's happening, it just the right mix. There's also some sadness. Georgina is ruthless when she needs to be, she also makes very deeply about her friends and family. This is shaping up to be a fantastic series. I don't know how Sam Michaels will top this book but I'm sure she will. I cant wait to get my hands on a copy of the next book. I highly recommend this book, but if you haven't already read Trickster, read that first, you won't be disappointed!

I would like to thank NetGalley, Aria and the author Sam Michaels for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for 8stitches 9lives.
2,853 reviews1,724 followers
October 3, 2019
Rivals is the second crime/gangland thriller in the Georgina Garrett series but you needn't have read first book, Trickster, in order to understand what happens here. It centres around Georgina having swiftly become the ruler of the streets of Battersea, London circa 1930s with not everyone liking that a woman is taking charge of a famously male-dominated environment. Many of them see a woman as being an easy target and seek to take over from her but little do they know Georgina is a fighter with tenacity and she will not be a pushover. Having risen to the very top of her gang she will not give up her turf without a fight and she has no problem being as ruthless as needs be to keep her at the top of the game.

This is a dark, gritty and authentic depiction of the gangland lifestyle, and despite her harsh facade/exterior Georgina shows a lot of love and loyalty towards her friends and family but is certainly not afraid of getting her hands dirty if required. It's compelling from the outset and continued to hold me captive for the single sitting I read it in. This is a page-turner and even better than Trickster. Compulsive and addictive with an intriguing conclusion, this is a book I highly recommend if you enjoy fast-paced action with threats around every corner and a cast who are relatable and engaging pick this one up. I look forward to the next thrilling instalment. Many thanks to Aria for an ARC.
Profile Image for Mark.
1,688 reviews
September 24, 2020
Georgina is back and what a welcome return it was to meet up with her again and be back with the clan in Battersea
Rivals starts where Trickster finished and carries on the story of Georgina and basically what she did next, although it might be better to say what she ‘didn’t’ do next, going from tomboy George to all woman Georgina has not softened her, in fact it’s made her more determined to succeed and woe betide anyone who gets in her way, and when they do, the consequences are eye watering both for them and us!
I loved the gay character, it can go either way in a book and Benjamin was fab, his shy nervous way in his work then his flamboyant embracing of the ‘Penthouse Club’ when he was there
Fanny Mipple, probably my most liked character name ever in a book was back and taking no prisoners 😊
This last 36 hours as most of you know has been a worry with both George and Mildred ( our cats ) in hospital for different reasons and I needed an escape in a book with a feeling of familiarity and this book did it, thanks to the author for that
A fantastic 2nd book and I look forward to reading the 3rd instalment ‘Vixen’

10/10
5 Stars
Profile Image for Jeanette.
1,129 reviews62 followers
September 14, 2019
I cannot express how much i enjoyed reading 'Rivals'. What a page turner! Despite being the new Boss and what actions she took against rival gangs, i really did like her character. She not only had her ruthless side, but she also had her caring side where her friends and family were concerned. I am pleased that the ending turned out the way it did. I am not going to write what the story is about as i prefer one to read the book for themselves, but i do highly recommend.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,456 reviews347 followers
October 7, 2019
Rivals follows on from events in the first Georgina Garrett book, Trickster, and in order to bring new readers up-to-date there are by necessity references to key events in the previous book.  Therefore, although Rivals can be read as a standalone, I'd recommend readers who might want to follow the series to start with the first book.  I haven't read Trickster and I'll confess it took me a bit of time to work out the different relationships and who did what to whom in the first book.   

In Georgina Garrett the author has created a powerful woman who is ruthless towards her enemies and will do whatever it takes to protect her family.  She's certainly not afraid to take on the men at their own game. In fact, at times she feels the need to go beyond what they might be prepared to do to counteract the prejudice she experiences. 

The world Georgina inhabits contains some distinctly unsavoury characters and even some of the more likable characters have secrets they will protect at all costs.  It's a world of rival gangs out to protect their patches and involved in activities such as extortion, prostitution, illegal gambling, drugs, alcohol and weapons smuggling...and more besides.  Although Georgina reins in some of the more distasteful elements of the Wilcox operation, she's still up to her neck in some pretty nasty stuff.  And she's not afraid to get her hands dirty when necessary.

With all the twists and turns of the plot and the action-packed confrontations between rival gangs, there isn't much space for the reader to get a sense of the period (the 1930s), aside from a few mentions of the depression, the rise of Hitler and German rearmament.  However, I guess murder, extortion and protection rackets go on regardless of the political backdrop.     

Described by the publishers as 'perfect for fans of Peaky Blinders, Martina Cole and Lesley Pearse', Rivals will appeal to readers who like their crime thrillers dark, violent and populated with ruthless individuals.
Profile Image for Booklover BEV.
1,729 reviews52 followers
October 3, 2019
Its 1934 Battersea London along with Fanny Mipple, Gran Dulcie, Jane wilcox, Widow Molly Wilcox, Georgina Garrett takes over the wilcox brothel business all becoming the maids of battersea and she intends to get Mickey Matchstick and all his weedy little arse-lickers out. Georgina has been trained and raised by her dad Jack dressed as a boy and fight like a man she is now a stunning woman so much like her mum cissy. This author brings the gangland world to be delivered they become so real as you read. Fast- pace, feisty, gripping, authentic and dark.Georgina is not to be crossed her family and friends always come first and her business. I enjoyed it all and with a slap bang cracker of an ending its left me craving more.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,026 reviews56 followers
October 11, 2019
I read, reviewed and loved the first book in the Georgina Garrett series called 'Trickster' and I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of the second book in the series called 'Rivals'. Well ladies and gents, the wait is temporarily over because 'Rivals' was released on 3rd October 2019. I was lucky enough to have a sneaky peek at an early review copy and blimey oh riley I thought that 'Trickster' was good but believe me 'Rivals' is even better and blows 'Trickster' out of the water. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Rivals' but more about that in a bit.
I took to the character of Georgina Garrett from the start even if she did scare the crap out of me. I certainly wouldn't want to cross her or have my back to her because she would probably stab me in it. Georgina is head of a female gang but she is as hard as nails and tougher than any man. For a number of years Georgina was made to live as 'George' by her father, who had wanted a boy. So although Georgina is a female, she has some very masculine personality traits. It's as if she has two personas - George who is a bit of a lad and Georgina who is one of the girls. Georgina acts tough but at the same time underneath her very tough armour exterior she is just as vulnerable as the next person. Georgina takes care of those she loves but upset her at your peril, because she will make your life a misery. As I say she scares the crap out of me.
It didn't take me long at all to get 'into' this book. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first page, I felt as though I had reunited with old acquaintances. I just had to remember who was who and what link they had, if any, to Georgina. However that didn't take me long to remember either. Reading 'Rivals' became seriously addictive and I refused to be parted from this book. As soon as I started to read I knew that was me set for the day. I had to binge read the book over the course of a day because I had to discover how the story panned out and what implications that meant for Georgina and her crew. The pages turned over increasingly quickly as my desperation to finish the book grew and grew. At one point the pages were turning over that quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves. Then all of a sudden the book was at an end, which I was disappointed about. No, I don't mean that I was disappointed with how the book ended because that couldn't be further from the truth but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just wanted the book to continue. For me, 'Rivals' is the true definition of an unputdownable pageturner.
'Rivals' is brilliantly written but then I wouldn't expect anything else from Sam Michaels. She grabs your attention in a similar sort of way to grabbing somebody by the throat and once Sam has your attention she won't release it or you until you have turned the back cover as it were. She drew me into the story from the first word on the first page and I was gripped by the story until the very last word on the very last page. Sam describes things so vividly and so realistically that I felt as though I was part of the story myself.
Reading 'Rivals' was much like being on one heck of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Just when you thought that you could gather your thoughts and catch a breath then off the story would go again. There were a couple of moments which nearly had me diving for cover behind a cushion because certain characters frightened me and I dreaded to think what they were capable of. See I told you I was a scaredy cat wimp.
In short, 'Rivals' is another fantastic book by Sam Michaels and I definitely recommend her books to other readers, but particularly to those readers who like books written by Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers, Jessie Keane etc. I can't wait to read what Sam Michaels comes up with next. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Profile Image for The Book Review Café.
870 reviews238 followers
May 6, 2020
I must confess I’m addicted to this series I picked up author Sam Michaels first book in the Georgina Garret series Trickster and half way through I bought all three books in the series. I’m a huge fan of gangland thrillers especially when they are part of a series, this allows the reader to get a really get to know the characters. If like me you are fan of authors such as Kimberley Chambers, Jessie Keane and Mandasue Heller then you are going to love this book, the authors writing style reminds me of their earlier works. With great characters, violence, drama, and a well thought out plot this book kept me gripped until the very last page. I’m immediately going to start on the third book in the series Vixen as I’m enjoying this series so much
Profile Image for Pol.
451 reviews9 followers
April 16, 2022
Book 2 in this fantastic Series
Set in the 1930s and Georgina Garrett the boss of the Battersea Gang and she one tough lady.
It kept me wanting to read one more page
So much so I read half way threw the night to finish it. Going straight into book 3
Profile Image for Joanne Ridley.
1 review
December 30, 2019
Excellent read

Loving Georgina Garrett........ Looking forward to the next chapter in this series.
Any time line for the next instalment ?
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,758 reviews163 followers
October 7, 2019
Rivals is the second book in the Georgina Garrett series. Georgina is now the leader of Wilcox gang. But this is a male dominated world and other rival gangs are not happy with her status. They do not want a weak woman running the show and they will try anything to get her off her perch. But there is a difference, Georgina although she is a tough woman, and it shows if someone double crosses her she also cares about her family and her workers. She takes over running the brothels and the protection rackets and takes care of her family. The others in the Wilcox gang start to respect her.
When the rival gangs are closing in, she devises a plan to play at the own games to get what he wants and let them show that she is not to be messed with.
This is another gripping, gritty addictive thriller from Sam Michaels. I loved the characters, and the plot and it had it had lots of twists and turns. This another five star read.


Profile Image for Sandra.
566 reviews22 followers
May 31, 2021
An excellent book about Georgina Garrett and how she takes control of the streets of Battersea,not everyone likes a woman being in charge but tough she isn't going anywhere.When people she cares for start getting hurt the Garrett name will be one that puts the fear of god into people.5*
Profile Image for Kim.
482 reviews4 followers
December 28, 2019
What a brilliant book, well written. I loved the characters. I enjoyed every page. This is the 2nd book, the first being trickster.

The book is set around London, mainly Battersea. in the 1930's Georgina Garrett is the new ruthless stunning looking boss of a gang, much to the disgruntled men around her. She is a strong woman who will not be beaten down by any man.
Rival gangs are trying to muscle their way in, seeing her as a mere weak woman who should no way be in charge of a criminal gang but she is standing firm, she has to prove herself to her men punching one of them in the face does the trick. She takes over protection rackets and brothels. She has complete loyalty and love for her family and her close friends, but anybody that crosses her soon knows about it and she deals out revenge with violence.
In Trickster, her dad Jack taught her everything she knows and more, but he has turned to the bottle so is no support to her at all, but she still loves and looks out for him. She has surrounded herself with her Gran Dulcie, Jane Wilcox, Fanny Mipple, and Widow Molly Wilcox, whose husband Billy is the gang leader Georgina has taken over from after his early demise. These women are also known as Maids of Battersea. She is fiercely protective of them and will stop at nothing to look after them.

I loved this book from the very first page and found it addictive and gritty. Watching crime lords lock horns and try to outdo Georgina is intoxicating. If you want a good old London crime book. This is for you. Well done Sam, It's a cracker. Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. xx
Profile Image for Grace J Reviewerlady.
2,135 reviews104 followers
October 4, 2019
Bold, powerful and very exciting .. a fantastic sequel to Trickster!

It was obvious from the first book in this stunning series that Georgina Garrett had great ambition, and this is where we begin to see how she is going to achieve her aims. With gangs from surrounding areas trying to take over her 'manor', Georgina decides now is the time to make her play for power and beat them at their own game. With others depending on her, it's more important than ever that she establishes herself as an equal and not a pushover - female or not . . .

This is a knockout read - in more ways than one! Seamlessly continuing on from the first, the original story came flooding back very quickly as I began to turn the pages on my kindle. Georgina is a strong personality who inspires the women surrounding her to channel their inner steel core and show no fear - even when they are quivering like jelly on the inside. Not everyone masters this, but then not everyone has to cope with what this group have thrown in their path. This is a real page turner - fast moving, heart pounding and attention grabbing from an author who writes about the period with style and panache. The gritty crimes are beautifully balanced with superb characters and a fantastic story line which makes this a complete read all of it's own whilst leaving plenty of scope for the next novel to advance the tale. A really engrossing and rewarding read, completely worth all five stars and a firm recommendation to add this one as soon as you possibly can!
Profile Image for Kim.
482 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2019
What a brilliant book, well written. I loved the characters. I enjoyed every page. This is the 2nd book, the first being trickster.

The book is set around London, mainly Battersea. in the 1930's Georgina Garrett is the new ruthless stunning looking boss of a gang, much to the disgruntled men around her. She is a strong woman who will not be beaten down by any man.
Rival gangs are trying to muscle their way in, seeing her as a mere weak woman who should no way be in charge of a criminal gang but she is standing firm, she has to prove herself to her men punching one of them in the face does the trick. She takes over protection rackets and brothels. She has complete loyalty and love for her family and her close friends, but anybody that crosses her soon knows about it and she deals out revenge with violence.
In Trickster, her dad Jack taught her everything she knows and more, but he has turned to the bottle so is no support to her at all, but she still loves and looks out for him. She has surrounded herself with her Gran Dulcie, Jane Wilcox, Fanny Mipple,and Widow Molly Wilcox, whose husband Billy is the gang leader Georgina has taken over from after his early demise. These women are also known as Maids of Battersea. She is fiercely protective of them and will stop at nothing to look after them.

I loved this book from the very first page and found it addictive and gritty. Watching crime lords lock horns and try to outdo Georgina is intoxicating. If you want a good old London crime book. This is for you. Well done Sam, It's a cracker.
Profile Image for Gia.
193 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2019
Grittier, gutsier, gangbuster!

Georgina Garrett is back.

It’s time for the Maids of Battersea to stand up against the town goons and Georgina Garrett is the only one tough enough to take on the lead. She has plans to take over running Billy’s business - something no man will ever take seriously, never mind accept.

Georgina is as sharp and savvy as she is beautiful and knows exactly how to deal with those who question her authority – with an iron fist. Her retributions are doled out to her betrayers as generously as she shows her gratitude to those who are loyal, and she soon shows who is the boss.

With characters both likable and detestable but completely engaging, and an action-packed storyline set in the heart of the 1930’s mobster era, Sam Michaels delivers a compelling, thrilling page-turner.

I can’t wait to read more of Georgina!

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for the read of Sam Michaels’, Rivals.

Opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Deborah Dare.
154 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2019
Review
Great book! If you like Martina Cole, you’ll love this. It’s gritty and holds no punches. You feel all of the emotions that Georgina Garratt, the protagonist is feeling.

She has taken over a gang in 1930s London; her patch being in Battersea. But she comes up against rival (hence the name of the book Rivals) gangs who try to encroach on her territory. She’s also managing a team of men which they initially struggle with. However, she is able to prove herself time and time again, no matter what is thrown at her.

I enjoyed the book very much. Some parts made me wince (especially when Georgina is told that she may wish to clean her shoe!!). I also enjoyed the author’s writing style; I’ll certainly be wanting to read more of her books.

I rate this book 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.

Thanks
Thank you to the author Sam Michaels and publishers Aria Fiction for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an independent review.
Profile Image for Jane Hunt.
Author 3 books114 followers
October 4, 2019
What appeals about this story is its commitment and honesty. Georgina is a relatable, remarkable, yet ruthless character, who you would want on your side. Her love for her family and friends shines through, even though she commits and sanctions unspeakable acts as the head of a south London crime gang in the 1930s.

When her newly acquired gangland empire is under threat from men who think she should know her place, she only has one response; be better than them, and fight back. She symbolises the female fight for equality. The crimes are gritty, but the story is one of family, and this is why the protagonists are likeable.

A clever plot with plenty of depth and hidden twists complements the complex characters well and makes this a page-turning-chapter of a compelling crime series

I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.


Profile Image for karen.
10 reviews
November 11, 2019
Glad to learn there's 5 books to Georgina Garret,and I'm waiting patiently for part three.

I really enjoyed the second book, hoping I don't have to wait for the third instalment ! Georgina Garret is a force to be reckoned with,very tough in a man's world - where men think it's ok to hit a woman an not face the consequences. This doesn't work or sit well with Georgina Garret she puts those men in their place, and makes sure she delivers her message in a strong manner. She finally sees off some rivals - who think they can out do her, only to find that she's better than they give her credit for. Finally her beau comes back to claim her, and makes her heart melt, but not her persona.
Profile Image for Anne.
759 reviews
December 4, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it is the second in a series. I’d recommend you read these books in the correct order. I was really taken with this book, thought it had a strong story with a feisty main character who was really likeable. The story was fast paced and thrilling. I struggled to put it down and read it in just over a day. It really held my attention and was the kind of book for me where I had to keep reading as I desperately wanted to know what happened next. Will definitely read Sam Michaels first book now. I’d recommend it for fans of Martina Cole, Jessie Keane and the like.
Profile Image for Tracy ann  Robinson.
1,154 reviews27 followers
September 20, 2019
you thought book 1 was good you aint read this yet what a book what a story it has everything this author is very talanted .and she writes from the heart . i so love georgina she is one sassy lady not scared of no one she is a true leader with guts she gets the buisness back but with her own strugless . some one hurts them very bad someone very dear . i so love the caracters . and the men just love her you will laugh and you will be so engrosed with this book and i cried twice a blinder of a read so recomend
Profile Image for Vicki - I Love Reading.
961 reviews58 followers
December 27, 2021
Book 2 in the Georgina Garratt series.
I dived right into this book as soon as i finished book 1. This is turning in to what i know is going to be an adictive series. I am loving the characters and it's great seeing Georgina growing into a strong independant woman.
These stories are not only gripping, but easy to follow. The story lines believable and some great characters.
Following on from book 1, book 2 has you hooked just as quickily. So easy to get lost in as once you start reading you really do not want to stop.
Profile Image for deborah fanning.
93 reviews6 followers
December 29, 2021
Really enjoying this series and the phenomenal character that is Georgina Garrett. This book sees her fall in love and Marry Lash the Gypsy character but will their love run smoothly? I doubt it! There’s a spark between her and rival crime boss David Maynard and I can’t wait to see how that plays out. Lots of action in this book and deaths some deserved others definitely not, I never like to include spoilers . However I do hope Frank the treacherous back stabbing police officer Gets his come uppance.
Profile Image for Diane.
951 reviews16 followers
April 29, 2020
Yet another page turning gripping read from Sam. George becomes Georgina-Garrett and starts to feel her feet. No one believed that a woman could be in the business and take over from Billy Wilcox but they didn’t reckon on Georgina-Garrett. Things are far from smooth sailing and Georgina has to work twice as hard because she’s a woman, but they hadn’t met anyone like her before. I throughly enjoyed book 2 in this series and look forward to reading book three.
Profile Image for Jennifer (Jaye).
1,111 reviews64 followers
November 16, 2020
Did not Disappoint

Georgina Garrett is looking after her patch in Battersea a strong woman dealing with gangster crews and more. She is building up her empire and is also building up her enemies, things get very tricky for her in this instalment, she settles some scores and there are more to settle. I cannot wait for the next instalment. Sometimes the violence is not easy to read but I found myself engrossed in this unputdownable series.
Profile Image for Kirsty Farmer.
122 reviews
February 2, 2020
Well all I can say is the plight of Georgina Garrett continues. This women has balls essentially! Be prepared when reading to get some very graphic ways her victims most of the time ‘deservedly’ get killed. These type of crime books are not usually my cup of tea, but so couldn’t put them down. It was well worth spending time and effort in trying to find the next one in the series!
Profile Image for Khurshid Ali.
846 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2020
This was an excellent read showcasing a desire for a woman to rule and takeover a mans business. This book covers revenge, bitterness, and loyalty.

We get to see Georgina build in character and strength and I can’t wait for the next instalment.

If you love Martina Cole, Mandasue Heller, Kimberley Chambers, Roberta Kray, Jacqui Rose, you will definitely love this book.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,401 reviews140 followers
February 12, 2021
Rivals bt Sam Michaels.
Geogina Garrett #2.
Brilliant read George is back and we carry on from trickster. You do not want to mess with George. But idiots will still try. But George now Georgina has taken over Billy wilcox business. She is one tough lady. I liked her. Cant wait for the next book. I do love this series. 5*.
Profile Image for Leona.
1,509 reviews
March 26, 2021
Book 2 in the Georgina Garrett series and we are back in Battersea with Georgina and her crew. Yet again Sam Michaels has written a super gangland crime thriller that just keeps getting better and better. The characters are wonderful and I love how they develop as the series progresses. Now straight onto Book 3 Vixen
Profile Image for Carol Mageean.
273 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2019
Thank you to Net Galley for permission to read this book. Absolutely loved it and although it has been a while since I read the first book I was hooked straight back in quite easily with all the familiar characters. I found it a very absorbing and gripping read and would highly recommend.
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