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The Knock
A young woman finds herself on the wrong side of the law in The Knock, a gripping gangland thriller from top ten bestselling author Jessie Keane.
Dora O’Brien had a good start in life, but things went bad when she began to mix with the wrong company. Pregnant by her gangster lover, she found herself on the streets and then in the grips of a bent copper called Donny Maguire.
When her daughter Angel is born, Dora is already under the influence of drink and drugs, and handed around to Donny’s mates. Growing up in the shadow of her mother’s abusive relationship, Angel is nothing like her mother, but when matters turn murderous, Angel is forced to grow up fast and survival becomes the name of the game.
For some, being on the wrong side of the law is the safest place to be . . .
No one uncovers the underworld like Jessie Keane.
Dora O’Brien had a good start in life, but things went bad when she began to mix with the wrong company. Pregnant by her gangster lover, she found herself on the streets and then in the grips of a bent copper called Donny Maguire.
When her daughter Angel is born, Dora is already under the influence of drink and drugs, and handed around to Donny’s mates. Growing up in the shadow of her mother’s abusive relationship, Angel is nothing like her mother, but when matters turn murderous, Angel is forced to grow up fast and survival becomes the name of the game.
For some, being on the wrong side of the law is the safest place to be . . .
No one uncovers the underworld like Jessie Keane.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published January 9, 2020
273 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Keane
45 books388 followersNow 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
December 8, 2019
Jessie Keane is one of those authors that has a really big loyal following and ‘if you read her books, you read her books’, I have loved every one and in this 560 page turner it reaffirms why
Dora is beautiful, and knows it and she is attracted to all the wrong types, when an opportunity comes her way to be with a gangland boss she jumps at it but then things go badly wrong and she finds herself pregnant, but not to him.....this causes violence and ‘murders’ and Dora finds herself in the safety of a policeman’s arms......but he has revenge against Dora on his mind...and he is an abuser,
Angel is born and grows up to see her Mum ( Dora ) addled with drink and the victim of sexual violence and then the abuser starts on her.....
The story then follows Angel’s life and the many characters who come in and out of her life, all colourful, some horrendous, some not but all of them wonderfully portrayed
There is even a cameo role for Annie Carter and Max, stars of some of her other books
I found myself rooting for Angel early on and that loyalty carried on throughout the book, the author writes so well you believe you are
In the midst of a real time drama
If you have read any of the authors previous books then you know exactly what I am trying to say, her writing style and character rich stories keep you hooked from page 1
There are some tough subjects covered and the author is never one to shy away from telling it as it really is.....
A stonking 10/10 5 Stars
September 14, 2023
This was my first read from Jessie Keane. The cover gave a sense of a gritty underworld drama and this decade spanning epic.
One word of caution is that the blurb on the back gave away some element of the second half of the novel and in-turn ruined a highly emotional moment in Dora O'Briens life.
Aside from that, the chapters were so snappily short that it kept me wanting to turn the page.
It also helped that I liked the main character and her plight felt realistic for the period.
One word of caution is that the blurb on the back gave away some element of the second half of the novel and in-turn ruined a highly emotional moment in Dora O'Briens life.
Aside from that, the chapters were so snappily short that it kept me wanting to turn the page.
It also helped that I liked the main character and her plight felt realistic for the period.
February 4, 2020
An excellent good old-fashioned gangland crime thriller!
A highly engaging read with multiple layers and the interwoven tales of context, family history, ongoing cycles of abuse, neglect, crime and drive to be better than those who went before.
This novel begins with Dora and concludes with her daughter Angel. Spanning many decades between the two of them, the reader knows the characters intricately by the end. It is seldom I find such character-rich crime novels.
Be warned it is 560 pages long but wonderfully written.
A new author discovery for me but one I will certainly be reading again.
A highly engaging read with multiple layers and the interwoven tales of context, family history, ongoing cycles of abuse, neglect, crime and drive to be better than those who went before.
This novel begins with Dora and concludes with her daughter Angel. Spanning many decades between the two of them, the reader knows the characters intricately by the end. It is seldom I find such character-rich crime novels.
Be warned it is 560 pages long but wonderfully written.
A new author discovery for me but one I will certainly be reading again.
January 9, 2020
Dora O’Brien has a good start in life. Her sisters are jealous of her as Dora is beautiful and her sisters are just plain looking. She is having a lot of admirers especially a local gangster, who she dates. But things go badly wrong Dora is left alone and pregnant. She is found by bent copper Donny Maguire who abusers her to punish her for what happened to his family. Blaming Dora for everything.
When Dora’s daughter Angel is born and grows up Dora is now a different person, she is an alcoholic and after the sexual abuse that she has received, life doesn’t seem worth living when she sees Donny turns to Angel and starts on her too! With more beauty then her mother, Angel’s life is a mixed bag when she meets all these shady characters along the way. Only her cousin Tom sees her for who she truly is.
Thank you Pan Macmillian for a copy of The Knock by Jessie Keane. This is the first book from this author I have read and wow, I will be looking forward to reading other books from this author. From the very first page it had me gripped full of twists and turns and suspense. Lots of shady gangland characters. But, also descriptions of sexual abuse that were a bit hard to swallow. But, this was a great story that if you are a fan of gangland crime you will love.
When Dora’s daughter Angel is born and grows up Dora is now a different person, she is an alcoholic and after the sexual abuse that she has received, life doesn’t seem worth living when she sees Donny turns to Angel and starts on her too! With more beauty then her mother, Angel’s life is a mixed bag when she meets all these shady characters along the way. Only her cousin Tom sees her for who she truly is.
Thank you Pan Macmillian for a copy of The Knock by Jessie Keane. This is the first book from this author I have read and wow, I will be looking forward to reading other books from this author. From the very first page it had me gripped full of twists and turns and suspense. Lots of shady gangland characters. But, also descriptions of sexual abuse that were a bit hard to swallow. But, this was a great story that if you are a fan of gangland crime you will love.
December 25, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! It’s a gritty gangland crime thriller that is a real page turner.
Dora gets involved with the leader of a notorious gang and is soon trapped by him. She’s desperate to get away but when she does manage to escape, his men are close behind her.
Dora is pregnant and fears for the life of her unborn child and soon another man is hot on her tail.
Her family have long since disowned her for the company she kept, so she has no-one to turn to until Donny offers her a lifeline.
This comes at a cost and soon Dora is trapped in another abusive relationship.
With her gorgeous daughter Angel growing up fast, she fears for her and soon turns to drink to cope.
Angel knows their situation is not right and learns the hard way that she needs to get away from Donny.
We then follow Angel and at first life is great, but the past soon catches up with her and the lives of her and her family hang in the balance.
This is a real addictive read that had me hooked from the first few pages.
If you’re a fan of Martina Cole or Kimberley Chambers, then you’ll love this too.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Dora gets involved with the leader of a notorious gang and is soon trapped by him. She’s desperate to get away but when she does manage to escape, his men are close behind her.
Dora is pregnant and fears for the life of her unborn child and soon another man is hot on her tail.
Her family have long since disowned her for the company she kept, so she has no-one to turn to until Donny offers her a lifeline.
This comes at a cost and soon Dora is trapped in another abusive relationship.
With her gorgeous daughter Angel growing up fast, she fears for her and soon turns to drink to cope.
Angel knows their situation is not right and learns the hard way that she needs to get away from Donny.
We then follow Angel and at first life is great, but the past soon catches up with her and the lives of her and her family hang in the balance.
This is a real addictive read that had me hooked from the first few pages.
If you’re a fan of Martina Cole or Kimberley Chambers, then you’ll love this too.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
October 26, 2019
Dora o Brien, is a happy go lucky pretty girl. Her two sisters Lil and June are dull in comparison, her mother dotes on her and sneaks her treats unbeknown to her sisters. They live an ordinary existence but because of her beauty, she attracts the wrong attention. She is "the adored".
William Maguire lived in the same road as the O Briens, growing up she knew he had a terrible crush on her of which she did not reciprocate.
She meets up with spiv Dickie Cole and after being wooed and fall in love with, she falls pregnant by him, her father is appalled and throws her out. She is still being pestered by William and tells Dickie, who goes on to beat him so badly that he ends up in a wheelchair never to walk again. Dickie ends up in prison, although he's not done anything wrong, but taken the rap for his boss Frank Pargeter, although a lot older and nothing to look at Frank takes pity on her and offers her a life of luxury and security for her favours in return. Frank murdered a man in front of a group of people Dora being one of them.
William has an older brother Donny, who is a police officer and suspects Dora and Dickie having something to do with his brother's accident. He doesn't care that he's a police officer he has a dodgy past anyway and bullies new recruits, all he wants is revenge and he will stop at nothing to make Dora pay. He catches up with her telling her that he knows what Frank Pargeter did and she is the star witness in the case to put him away for a very long time. Frank is picking off each witness one at a time to prevent any of them talking and Donny threatens Dora that if she doesn't give evidence he'll throttle the life out of her.
Dora has her baby who she names Angel, she is a beautiful child like her mother, but they live in squalor at the hands of Donny. He rapes her nightly, keeps her prisoner in a two up two down dump and makes all the decisions in her life. . Dora turns to the bottle and is constantly drunk and out of it when Angel comes home from school. After the years have taken their toll Donny's had enough of Dora and turns his attention to Angel.
Things take a turn for the worse and Angel leaves the flat and becomes involved with her cousin Tommy, her aunt Lil's son, they soon strike up a friendship. He introduces her to his boss Max Carter who owns a club and looks like a rock god. Max falls for her big time and they get married. They live in a magnificent house, with all mod cons, she wants for nothing. Then he gets arrested and goes down, he has told her nothing of his illegal activities and she is so upset, she refuses to see him and divorces him.
The story carries on, but i don't want to spoil it for you just to say that it gets better and better. I really enjoyed this story which gripped me from the beginning to the end.
A very deserved 5 stars.
William Maguire lived in the same road as the O Briens, growing up she knew he had a terrible crush on her of which she did not reciprocate.
She meets up with spiv Dickie Cole and after being wooed and fall in love with, she falls pregnant by him, her father is appalled and throws her out. She is still being pestered by William and tells Dickie, who goes on to beat him so badly that he ends up in a wheelchair never to walk again. Dickie ends up in prison, although he's not done anything wrong, but taken the rap for his boss Frank Pargeter, although a lot older and nothing to look at Frank takes pity on her and offers her a life of luxury and security for her favours in return. Frank murdered a man in front of a group of people Dora being one of them.
William has an older brother Donny, who is a police officer and suspects Dora and Dickie having something to do with his brother's accident. He doesn't care that he's a police officer he has a dodgy past anyway and bullies new recruits, all he wants is revenge and he will stop at nothing to make Dora pay. He catches up with her telling her that he knows what Frank Pargeter did and she is the star witness in the case to put him away for a very long time. Frank is picking off each witness one at a time to prevent any of them talking and Donny threatens Dora that if she doesn't give evidence he'll throttle the life out of her.
Dora has her baby who she names Angel, she is a beautiful child like her mother, but they live in squalor at the hands of Donny. He rapes her nightly, keeps her prisoner in a two up two down dump and makes all the decisions in her life. . Dora turns to the bottle and is constantly drunk and out of it when Angel comes home from school. After the years have taken their toll Donny's had enough of Dora and turns his attention to Angel.
Things take a turn for the worse and Angel leaves the flat and becomes involved with her cousin Tommy, her aunt Lil's son, they soon strike up a friendship. He introduces her to his boss Max Carter who owns a club and looks like a rock god. Max falls for her big time and they get married. They live in a magnificent house, with all mod cons, she wants for nothing. Then he gets arrested and goes down, he has told her nothing of his illegal activities and she is so upset, she refuses to see him and divorces him.
The story carries on, but i don't want to spoil it for you just to say that it gets better and better. I really enjoyed this story which gripped me from the beginning to the end.
A very deserved 5 stars.
March 18, 2020
As always from this author, a stunningly good book - loved every bit of it :)
January 8, 2020
OMG The Queen of gangland Books is back!!!
Oh boy what a Cracker Jessie Keane's new book Called "The Knock" was!!!!
I was Hooked within the first few pages, but Jessie is one of my favourite all time authors and she has always had she has a great way of getting people hooked in reading her books and following all her series of books she has written. This new book of Jessie's is full of twists and turns and with sadness. You could become a part of this great story and all the characters are believable. I really felt for the main character Dora, is beautiful and she spoilt when she was a child. She had everything she wanted. But, She didn't get on with her two sisters and they resented her!
Dora meets a Handsome young man called Dickie at a wedding and falls in love with him. She soon finds out he is a local gangster, nothing stops her falling more in love with him. They start to see each other but has to keep their relationship a secret from others especially Dora's parents. One night Dora wants to go with him to a local Club, things go terribly wrong for Dickie and is put into prison for a crime he did not do.
Dora finds out she is pregnant with Dickie's baby and is on the streets. She can't go home!!!! She meets a bent copper Donny Maguire and he has a hold over her. Dora gives birth to a beautiful girl and calls her Angel. Dora becomes dependant on alcohol and drugs which is supplied by Donny. There's a big party at Donny's and he hands Dora round for his mates to have fun with. Dora becomes more dependant on Alcohol and drugs to take the pain of life away. Angel is growing up in the shadow of her mother, she is becoming more beautiful than her mother was when she was younger. Angel has to grow up fast if she wants to survive and become an adult!
Will she grow to become an adult? without Alcohol and drugs becoming her best friend?!!!
You will need to read The Knock to find out. You will not be disappointed! It's a brilliant book and a Must read.
Plus, I loved that Annie Carter Popped up within this book.........
I highly recommend This new Book by Jessie Keane. Fingers cross we will read more about Angel etc
Oh boy what a Cracker Jessie Keane's new book Called "The Knock" was!!!!
I was Hooked within the first few pages, but Jessie is one of my favourite all time authors and she has always had she has a great way of getting people hooked in reading her books and following all her series of books she has written. This new book of Jessie's is full of twists and turns and with sadness. You could become a part of this great story and all the characters are believable. I really felt for the main character Dora, is beautiful and she spoilt when she was a child. She had everything she wanted. But, She didn't get on with her two sisters and they resented her!
Dora meets a Handsome young man called Dickie at a wedding and falls in love with him. She soon finds out he is a local gangster, nothing stops her falling more in love with him. They start to see each other but has to keep their relationship a secret from others especially Dora's parents. One night Dora wants to go with him to a local Club, things go terribly wrong for Dickie and is put into prison for a crime he did not do.
Dora finds out she is pregnant with Dickie's baby and is on the streets. She can't go home!!!! She meets a bent copper Donny Maguire and he has a hold over her. Dora gives birth to a beautiful girl and calls her Angel. Dora becomes dependant on alcohol and drugs which is supplied by Donny. There's a big party at Donny's and he hands Dora round for his mates to have fun with. Dora becomes more dependant on Alcohol and drugs to take the pain of life away. Angel is growing up in the shadow of her mother, she is becoming more beautiful than her mother was when she was younger. Angel has to grow up fast if she wants to survive and become an adult!
Will she grow to become an adult? without Alcohol and drugs becoming her best friend?!!!
You will need to read The Knock to find out. You will not be disappointed! It's a brilliant book and a Must read.
Plus, I loved that Annie Carter Popped up within this book.........
I highly recommend This new Book by Jessie Keane. Fingers cross we will read more about Angel etc
July 23, 2020
The Knock is a gritty crime thriller set in the gangland world. It tells the story of Dora, the girlfriend of a gang ‘boss’. She’s pregnant, but the baby isn’t his……
When Angel is born, she grows to see her mum, now a mess due to booze and violence. Will Angel be another victim?
This is a pulse racing thriller, it’s dark and violent with great characters, some of which are truly reprehensible. You are willing Angel on, with the hope she will escape. A character driven tale that’s a real page turner……
Thank you to Emma at Busy Bee PR for an ARc of The Knock. This is my honest and unbiased review.
When Angel is born, she grows to see her mum, now a mess due to booze and violence. Will Angel be another victim?
This is a pulse racing thriller, it’s dark and violent with great characters, some of which are truly reprehensible. You are willing Angel on, with the hope she will escape. A character driven tale that’s a real page turner……
Thank you to Emma at Busy Bee PR for an ARc of The Knock. This is my honest and unbiased review.
March 10, 2020
OMG what a fantastic gangland Thriller. Jessie Keane smashed it again. I just wanted to keep reading The knock, pulled me in from page one, did not want it to end. Love all of her books. Worth so much more than 5 stars.
March 23, 2021
Absolutely loved this fast paces book especially loved the reference to Max and Annie Carter as love all of Jessie Keane's books
Read
May 20, 2021DNF
Didn’t like the writing style
Didn’t like the writing style
November 1, 2023
Another great book by Jessie Keane. I was gripped all the way through.
November 23, 2019
Excellent! Another great book by Jessie Keane, it has everything I have come to expect from this talented author to keep you turning the pages.
One of Jessie's best with a brilliant cast of characters, this is a hard hitting, heartfelt and utterly engrossing story.
A superb read, fast paced with lots of twists and turns and gripping to the end. Highly recommended.
One of Jessie's best with a brilliant cast of characters, this is a hard hitting, heartfelt and utterly engrossing story.
A superb read, fast paced with lots of twists and turns and gripping to the end. Highly recommended.
July 5, 2020
4.5 stars
This started out as a bit of a slow burner but quickly gathered pace.
It told the story of a young girl who got her head turned by the wrong person. This unfortunately led to a series of consequences that ruined her life and almost had the same effect on her daughter.
Once I got into this, I found it hard to put down. If you're a fan of Jessie Keane, you will enjoy this book.
This started out as a bit of a slow burner but quickly gathered pace.
It told the story of a young girl who got her head turned by the wrong person. This unfortunately led to a series of consequences that ruined her life and almost had the same effect on her daughter.
Once I got into this, I found it hard to put down. If you're a fan of Jessie Keane, you will enjoy this book.
May 10, 2020
Dora OBrien was a lovely woman
She was told she was beautiful by William
Then she met a man called Dickie Cole
She fell pregnant with Angel her daughter.
This was a brilliant book
I had an ARC from Macmillan
She was told she was beautiful by William
Then she met a man called Dickie Cole
She fell pregnant with Angel her daughter.
This was a brilliant book
I had an ARC from Macmillan
February 25, 2020
The Knock is a fabulous gangland thriller that had me glued to my seat whenever I had it in my hands! It’s the unputdownable, compelling story of a mother and daughter, who both struggle to escape the attention their looks have brought them, as they constantly await the next knock at the door. And there are plenty of those knocks throughout this thrilling narrative and most of them are very unwelcome indeed!
Dora O’Brien was her mother’s favourite daughter and her two sisters have never forgiven her for it. But when she begins dating a man they disapprove of, she ends up getting involved in some pretty serious crimes. Unfortunately, after she becomes pregnant she’s left to cope on her own-especially now her “baby daddy” is locked away in prison for the foreseeable future. And once Angel is born it looks like the sins of the mother are hard to escape for her daughter as well…
Jessie Keane knows how to write a gripping gangland drama and here she brings us a stand-alone novel featuring Dora and her daughter Angel (Although the eagle eyed amongst you may notice a guest appearance from a character you might know!) If this is your first Jessie Keane then I know you’re going to want to read through her entire back catalogue after The Knock. But if you’re already a huge fan (like me!) then you are going to be thrilled by this new standalone book! With its short chapters that instantly suck you in, it makes “just one more chapter” an impossibility as you remain addicted to this harrowing storyline. The Knock takes a dysfunctional family relationship and then explodes it to the next level. Mother/daughter relationships are difficult enough at times but for Angel, her mothers decisions always seem to make her life just that little bit more difficult than it surely could have been. I wasn’t completely sure I particularly liked Dora much at times but her circumstances were difficult and who knows how far you could walk in another woman’s shoes so it just wasn’t feasible to hate her for what she does. She was just a victim of her own bad choices in the past and had no way out-even though to begin with she did try her best.
The Knock is shocking, eye-opening and gritty with a large helping of realism thrown in for good measure. I loved every single page from start to finish and it’s definitely the best book within its genre so far this year. Highly recommended!
Dora O’Brien was her mother’s favourite daughter and her two sisters have never forgiven her for it. But when she begins dating a man they disapprove of, she ends up getting involved in some pretty serious crimes. Unfortunately, after she becomes pregnant she’s left to cope on her own-especially now her “baby daddy” is locked away in prison for the foreseeable future. And once Angel is born it looks like the sins of the mother are hard to escape for her daughter as well…
Jessie Keane knows how to write a gripping gangland drama and here she brings us a stand-alone novel featuring Dora and her daughter Angel (Although the eagle eyed amongst you may notice a guest appearance from a character you might know!) If this is your first Jessie Keane then I know you’re going to want to read through her entire back catalogue after The Knock. But if you’re already a huge fan (like me!) then you are going to be thrilled by this new standalone book! With its short chapters that instantly suck you in, it makes “just one more chapter” an impossibility as you remain addicted to this harrowing storyline. The Knock takes a dysfunctional family relationship and then explodes it to the next level. Mother/daughter relationships are difficult enough at times but for Angel, her mothers decisions always seem to make her life just that little bit more difficult than it surely could have been. I wasn’t completely sure I particularly liked Dora much at times but her circumstances were difficult and who knows how far you could walk in another woman’s shoes so it just wasn’t feasible to hate her for what she does. She was just a victim of her own bad choices in the past and had no way out-even though to begin with she did try her best.
The Knock is shocking, eye-opening and gritty with a large helping of realism thrown in for good measure. I loved every single page from start to finish and it’s definitely the best book within its genre so far this year. Highly recommended!
January 30, 2020
This was such a good book that I was sorry it came to an end. Jessie Keane knows how to keep readers turning the pages.
Dora O'Brien is the third of three girls. She is pampered and spoiled by her mother, who is warned she's making a rod for her own back.
When Dora is in her teens, she attends her sister Lil's wedding, where Dora meets a local spiv. They start seeing each other, but Dickie Cole lies to Dora and she's besotted with him. One evening, Dora and Dickie go to a party, where there's the inevitable trouble. Frank Pargeter commits a crime and fits Dickie up for it. When Dickie's in prison, Frank starts a relationship with Dora, but he gets angry when she tells him of her pregnancy by Dickie. Dora goes on the run, but is tracked down by a bent copper called Donny Maguire. Donny's brother and mother both committed suicide and he blames Dora for it. Dora has her baby, but eventually has enough of Donny's abusive behaviour and she runs away. Her family still disown her and eventually Donny takes her back and Dora give evidence against Frank Pargeter.
When Pargeter is released from prison, he takes his revenge out on Dora's family, until he's caught by the police.
Cory Farmer, an honest copper, reinvestigates the disappearance of Donny Maguire, but is constantly being warned off.
Angel, Dora's daughter, grows up in poverty with her mother and Donny. Dora dies as a result of Maguire's abusive behaviour. Angel struggles to cope, but has her cousin Tom for support.
Angel's life takes several interesting turns, before she eventually gets some happiness.
Dora O'Brien is the third of three girls. She is pampered and spoiled by her mother, who is warned she's making a rod for her own back.
When Dora is in her teens, she attends her sister Lil's wedding, where Dora meets a local spiv. They start seeing each other, but Dickie Cole lies to Dora and she's besotted with him. One evening, Dora and Dickie go to a party, where there's the inevitable trouble. Frank Pargeter commits a crime and fits Dickie up for it. When Dickie's in prison, Frank starts a relationship with Dora, but he gets angry when she tells him of her pregnancy by Dickie. Dora goes on the run, but is tracked down by a bent copper called Donny Maguire. Donny's brother and mother both committed suicide and he blames Dora for it. Dora has her baby, but eventually has enough of Donny's abusive behaviour and she runs away. Her family still disown her and eventually Donny takes her back and Dora give evidence against Frank Pargeter.
When Pargeter is released from prison, he takes his revenge out on Dora's family, until he's caught by the police.
Cory Farmer, an honest copper, reinvestigates the disappearance of Donny Maguire, but is constantly being warned off.
Angel, Dora's daughter, grows up in poverty with her mother and Donny. Dora dies as a result of Maguire's abusive behaviour. Angel struggles to cope, but has her cousin Tom for support.
Angel's life takes several interesting turns, before she eventually gets some happiness.
May 22, 2021
This book seems like your run of the mill East end of london gang fiction - and is exactly that. It doesn't differ massively from any of the other books I've read in this genre, but that unfortunately means it's a touch forgettable. I really like how excellently it is written, and that it packs no punches. It is gritty and intriguing. However, there seems to be no light relief whatsoever for the duration of the book. Other authors tend to put in touches of sentimentality or humour where Keane seems to miss it out, and it would be so welcome as a lot of the book is very grim and depressing.
I think the plotline makes little sense, with the whole family being pulled into the revenge thing (why?) and then the final showdown with Frank and Bruno seems to last only minutes and be resolved far too easily. I think, whilst the book overall is very readable, it's way too long for what it needs to be, and drags on in some places and skims over in others. Also on a separate note...the name Dora O'Brien sounds very like the comedian Dara O'Brien, which really threw me off when reading the blurb. Just a small thing but you'd think the author wouldn't want that sort of link being applied.
The ending is very simple and easy and doesn't seem to fit with the grittiness of the book overall. It's a nice happy ending but quite unrealistic. For Farmer to fall so in love with Angel in a space of days? I don't know. His character seems a bit more astute than that.
I would say it's more like holiday fiction. Readable but forgettable - more than a touch indulgent.
I think the plotline makes little sense, with the whole family being pulled into the revenge thing (why?) and then the final showdown with Frank and Bruno seems to last only minutes and be resolved far too easily. I think, whilst the book overall is very readable, it's way too long for what it needs to be, and drags on in some places and skims over in others. Also on a separate note...the name Dora O'Brien sounds very like the comedian Dara O'Brien, which really threw me off when reading the blurb. Just a small thing but you'd think the author wouldn't want that sort of link being applied.
The ending is very simple and easy and doesn't seem to fit with the grittiness of the book overall. It's a nice happy ending but quite unrealistic. For Farmer to fall so in love with Angel in a space of days? I don't know. His character seems a bit more astute than that.
I would say it's more like holiday fiction. Readable but forgettable - more than a touch indulgent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2022
📚BOOK REVIEW 📚
The Knock by Jessie Keane - publication date 9th Jan 2020.
So this book is one I purchased and not an ARC. I’ve read Jessie Keane’d books before and I absolutely wasn’t disappointed with this one.
Genuinely didn’t want to put it down. When I had to, I could t wait to pick it up again!! I’m trying to catch up on purchased books as well as ARCS 🤣🤦🏽♀️!
Dora O’Brien is such a beauty. She catches the eye of local gangster in Liverpool and becomes pregnant. She has to go it alone without any support, until Donnie Maguire (who was her neighbour and now a policeman) offers her help and support. Is it for the right reasons though it for his gain only!!
A story of how just one decision, can change the whole course of a lifetime.... and then some!!
Jessie Keane’s books are exactly the type of books I have come to love. There are so many authors out there, that write in this style, but Jessie Keane is one of a few I love, that still manage to keep you gripped!!
Loved it!!
#crime #book #jessie #keane #bookstagram #woody #music #police #london #reading #disney #live #law #books #brawlstar #song #uk #brawl #iphonexphotography #news #bookworm #rosie #instagood #art #read #spike #alhamdulillah #murder #bookish #bookstagramshaz
The Knock by Jessie Keane - publication date 9th Jan 2020.
So this book is one I purchased and not an ARC. I’ve read Jessie Keane’d books before and I absolutely wasn’t disappointed with this one.
Genuinely didn’t want to put it down. When I had to, I could t wait to pick it up again!! I’m trying to catch up on purchased books as well as ARCS 🤣🤦🏽♀️!
Dora O’Brien is such a beauty. She catches the eye of local gangster in Liverpool and becomes pregnant. She has to go it alone without any support, until Donnie Maguire (who was her neighbour and now a policeman) offers her help and support. Is it for the right reasons though it for his gain only!!
A story of how just one decision, can change the whole course of a lifetime.... and then some!!
Jessie Keane’s books are exactly the type of books I have come to love. There are so many authors out there, that write in this style, but Jessie Keane is one of a few I love, that still manage to keep you gripped!!
Loved it!!
#crime #book #jessie #keane #bookstagram #woody #music #police #london #reading #disney #live #law #books #brawlstar #song #uk #brawl #iphonexphotography #news #bookworm #rosie #instagood #art #read #spike #alhamdulillah #murder #bookish #bookstagramshaz
January 18, 2020
Dora O’Brien is beautiful, sassy and has always been adored by her mother, much to the chagrin of her two older sisters.
As a teenager Dora falls in with bad company, becomes embroiled in a relationship with a local gangster and finds herself pregnant. After witnessing a serious crime, she ends up in the clutches of the abusive Donny Maguire. Following the birth of her daughter, Dora’s life spirals out of control with the help of alcohol and the abuse continues and is now witnessed by Dora’s daughter, Angel.
Angel grows into a beautiful young lady and soon Donny’s attention moves to her. After the death of her mother, Angel is on her own and the story then focuses on her. Angel must grow up very quickly and finds herself thrown into a dangerous world, thanks to the legacy of her mum.
Jessie Keane is a ‘go to’ author, who you know will always deliver the goods. Her books are powerful, gripping and leave you wanting more. I loved the cameo appearance by Max and Annie Carter and the way that the threads of the story tie together. Another great book with a compelling plot not to be missed.
As a teenager Dora falls in with bad company, becomes embroiled in a relationship with a local gangster and finds herself pregnant. After witnessing a serious crime, she ends up in the clutches of the abusive Donny Maguire. Following the birth of her daughter, Dora’s life spirals out of control with the help of alcohol and the abuse continues and is now witnessed by Dora’s daughter, Angel.
Angel grows into a beautiful young lady and soon Donny’s attention moves to her. After the death of her mother, Angel is on her own and the story then focuses on her. Angel must grow up very quickly and finds herself thrown into a dangerous world, thanks to the legacy of her mum.
Jessie Keane is a ‘go to’ author, who you know will always deliver the goods. Her books are powerful, gripping and leave you wanting more. I loved the cameo appearance by Max and Annie Carter and the way that the threads of the story tie together. Another great book with a compelling plot not to be missed.
November 11, 2019
Jessie Keane has once again written a cracking thriller which races along at a great pace.It is a standalone thriller but i think there is scope to develop the characters,Dora is growing up in a family with two other sisters June and Lil who are not that friendly to Dora and who over time gets involved with local gangster Frank Pargeter who she is then forced to give evidence against in a murder trial by the bent copper Donny Maguire who then becomes her hated" friend" who controls every aspect of her life including being used by his mates.Angel Dora's baby is born into this chaos and soon becomes involved in Maguire's sick games as Dora becomes more of a drunk and spirals into depression,The book then centres on Angel growing up and the life choices she makes along the way,some good some bad.As with all Jessie Keane's books it is a hard hitting thriller in the gangland genre she writes about so well and without a doubt she is up there with the best writers of this genre.A cracking 5 star read from Jessie Keane once again.
January 9, 2020
Dora O'Brien is a young woman who has everything in life to live for and her stunning beauty turns heads wherever she goes.
At her sister Lil's wedding she meets loveable rogue Dickie and soon falls in love and pregnant.
After Dora witnessed a murder by gang boss Lenny and Dickie is fitted up by Lenny to take the wrap for it, Dora is scared and goes to the family home but doesn't receive a warm welcome in fact her father kicks her out.
With no money or anywhere to go Dora feels that she has no choice but to go to Lenny who welcomes her with open arms.
Dora is given everything a woman could wish for a five star hotel suite lavish gifts and party's until she yells Lenny that she is pregnant by Dickie.
DI Donny Maguire has a very large grudge against Dora and when he convinces her to testify against Lenny Dora's life spirals out of control and after the birth of her daughter Angel Donny now has full control of both their lives.
At her sister Lil's wedding she meets loveable rogue Dickie and soon falls in love and pregnant.
After Dora witnessed a murder by gang boss Lenny and Dickie is fitted up by Lenny to take the wrap for it, Dora is scared and goes to the family home but doesn't receive a warm welcome in fact her father kicks her out.
With no money or anywhere to go Dora feels that she has no choice but to go to Lenny who welcomes her with open arms.
Dora is given everything a woman could wish for a five star hotel suite lavish gifts and party's until she yells Lenny that she is pregnant by Dickie.
DI Donny Maguire has a very large grudge against Dora and when he convinces her to testify against Lenny Dora's life spirals out of control and after the birth of her daughter Angel Donny now has full control of both their lives.
December 2, 2019
I absolutely LOVE Jessie Keane's books and this one was no different BUT (there is a but), I actually really disliked the initial main character of Dora. Even though I struggled to like her, I felt sorry for er because of the situation she finds herself in. Even though I disliked her, the writing and storyline had me gripped.
When Dora's daughter Angel is born things take an even darker twist. This book does feature some scenes that people may struggle with such as domestic abuse but it's written so well that I think it's fitting with the story. The second half of the book I absolutely LOVED as Angel was a character that has really been through the mill and you just didn't know what would happen next. Overall this was another outstanding read that makes other books seem lacklustre in comparison!
When Dora's daughter Angel is born things take an even darker twist. This book does feature some scenes that people may struggle with such as domestic abuse but it's written so well that I think it's fitting with the story. The second half of the book I absolutely LOVED as Angel was a character that has really been through the mill and you just didn't know what would happen next. Overall this was another outstanding read that makes other books seem lacklustre in comparison!
January 3, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
I’ve read some of Jessie Keane’s books before and enjoyed them so had high expectations with this one. I wasn’t disappointed and this was a thrilling book to read. It it set over a 30 year period and covers issues of domestic abuse, and being controlled by someone. I didn’t like Dora, the main character in the first part of the story. But I could understand her behaviour, actions and feelings though and could empathise with her. Her daughter Angel was really likeable and a strong character despite her upbringing. The book kept and held my attention all the way through and I read it in just over a day. There were twists and turns in the story to keep me absorbed, wondering what will happen next. An absolutely fantastic, compelling read.
I’ve read some of Jessie Keane’s books before and enjoyed them so had high expectations with this one. I wasn’t disappointed and this was a thrilling book to read. It it set over a 30 year period and covers issues of domestic abuse, and being controlled by someone. I didn’t like Dora, the main character in the first part of the story. But I could understand her behaviour, actions and feelings though and could empathise with her. Her daughter Angel was really likeable and a strong character despite her upbringing. The book kept and held my attention all the way through and I read it in just over a day. There were twists and turns in the story to keep me absorbed, wondering what will happen next. An absolutely fantastic, compelling read.
November 3, 2019
It’s a story full of suspense and twists and turns that will keep you up just to turn another page and read what happens next.
There are many characters that are so reliable with real-life people, there are moments of hope, there are graphic descriptions of violence and psychological and physical abuse and everything adds to a story that will make your head spinning.
The writing is great but I had some difficulties to keep up with who is who and how they were related. Needless to say, it’s my first book by the author and apparently, there are characters from the previous books that make appearances in this one and maybe that’s why I felt lost at times.
Overall it’s a good book and I’ll recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good mystery and thrillers story.
There are many characters that are so reliable with real-life people, there are moments of hope, there are graphic descriptions of violence and psychological and physical abuse and everything adds to a story that will make your head spinning.
The writing is great but I had some difficulties to keep up with who is who and how they were related. Needless to say, it’s my first book by the author and apparently, there are characters from the previous books that make appearances in this one and maybe that’s why I felt lost at times.
Overall it’s a good book and I’ll recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good mystery and thrillers story.
January 4, 2020
If you love Jessie Keane books then you will love this one.
Dora O'Brien had a good start in life compared to her siblings, she was beautiful and looks got you pretty much anything and everything. For Dora she found herself in with the wrong crowd and her life quickly goes into a tailspin and not at all as you or she would have imagined. Pregnant by her criminal gangster lover who is serving time for a crime he didn’t commit , Dora finds herself on the streets and then in the grips of a bent copper called Donny Maguire.
When her daughter Angel is born, Dora under the influence of drink and drugs and hasn’t had the best of lives, handed around to Donny's mates at one of his parties, her lust for life summers by the day. Growing up in the shadow of her mother's abusive relationship, Angel, who is more beautiful than her mother is also dealt a bad hand and is forced to grow up faster than she should and for Angel survival becomes her end game.
The latter half of the book we spend with Angel and her topsy turvey life, going from one bad place to another, will she follow in her mother’s footsteps? Or will she get her happy ever after?
As always, Jessie Keane takes the criminal world we have come to know and takes the reader on quite the journey of emotions and tackles subjects such as murder, abuse, grooming, rape, death and so much more. Not one of my favourite books but definitely one worth reading!
Dora O'Brien had a good start in life compared to her siblings, she was beautiful and looks got you pretty much anything and everything. For Dora she found herself in with the wrong crowd and her life quickly goes into a tailspin and not at all as you or she would have imagined. Pregnant by her criminal gangster lover who is serving time for a crime he didn’t commit , Dora finds herself on the streets and then in the grips of a bent copper called Donny Maguire.
When her daughter Angel is born, Dora under the influence of drink and drugs and hasn’t had the best of lives, handed around to Donny's mates at one of his parties, her lust for life summers by the day. Growing up in the shadow of her mother's abusive relationship, Angel, who is more beautiful than her mother is also dealt a bad hand and is forced to grow up faster than she should and for Angel survival becomes her end game.
The latter half of the book we spend with Angel and her topsy turvey life, going from one bad place to another, will she follow in her mother’s footsteps? Or will she get her happy ever after?
As always, Jessie Keane takes the criminal world we have come to know and takes the reader on quite the journey of emotions and tackles subjects such as murder, abuse, grooming, rape, death and so much more. Not one of my favourite books but definitely one worth reading!
January 17, 2020
Wow Jessie has done it again. Written another fantastic book my only complaint is that I couldn’t put it down. It tells the story of Dora O’Brien who spoilt by her Mum as a child ends up getting mixed up with the wrong crowd. Being young and foolish Dora doesn’t really know how to handle when things start to go wrong. Fed up with her airs and graces and her always being put first her sisters wash their hands of her and when she finally plucks up the courage to turn to her family she’s shocked when the door is shut firmly in her face. Dora and her young daughter get stuck in a vicious and abusive relationship which has a huge impact on the rest of her families lives for many years to come.
January 25, 2020
Dora Obrien is a beautiful child/woman who could have had the world at her feet, until she got involved with small time thug Dickie Cole until he was sent to prison and from there on her life just got worse and more complicated.
Angel, her beautiful daughter, grew up in circumstances that no child should see or hear about. As a teenager it looked as though bent cop Donny Maguire has now set his eyes on her and her path would take the same road as her tormented and desperately unhappy mother.
This is nothing short of an amazing and gripping read. I have only read one other book from this author and I can’t wait to now read more.
Highly recommended.
Angel, her beautiful daughter, grew up in circumstances that no child should see or hear about. As a teenager it looked as though bent cop Donny Maguire has now set his eyes on her and her path would take the same road as her tormented and desperately unhappy mother.
This is nothing short of an amazing and gripping read. I have only read one other book from this author and I can’t wait to now read more.
Highly recommended.
March 14, 2020
If you like gangland chick novels then this is for you. Dora O'Brien gets mixed up with a gangster at a young age, who then takes the rap for his bosses murder. When Dora is pressured into testifying by a bent copper, her life goes from bad to worse, as he keeps her for himself so he can abuse Dora and subsequently her daughter, as a punishment for his brother and mothers deaths and the gangland boss promises revenge on her once he gets out.
The story starts in the 50s, moves into the 60s, 70s and finally the 80s and also follows Dora's daughter Angel for some of the story.
Quite a long read, but definitely enjoyable.
I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review
The story starts in the 50s, moves into the 60s, 70s and finally the 80s and also follows Dora's daughter Angel for some of the story.
Quite a long read, but definitely enjoyable.
I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review
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