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The Glass Family #1
Family
Family – might be the death of you…
The Glass family business is crime, and they’re good at what they do. Vengeance took Luke Glass behind bars – but now he's free and he's never going back. Luke wants out of the gangster life – all he has to do is convince his family to let him go.
His brother holds the reins of the South London underworld in his brutal hands - nobody tells Danny Glass no and expects to live - not even DCI Oliver Stanford, bent copper and one of the Met's rising stars. The way Danny sees it, his younger brother and sister Nina owe him everything. The price he demands is loyalty, and a war with their arch enemy gives him the leverage he needs to tie Luke to the family once more.
Luke can't see a way out, until Danny commits a crime so terrible it can't be forgiven. Love turns to hate when secrets are unearthed which pit brother against brother. Left with no choice but to choose a side, Nina holds the fate of the family in her hands.
In the Glass family, Owen Mullen has created a crime dynasty to rival the Richardsons and the Krays. Heart-pounding, jaw-dropping with non-stop action, Family is perfect for fans of Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller.
The Glass family business is crime, and they’re good at what they do. Vengeance took Luke Glass behind bars – but now he's free and he's never going back. Luke wants out of the gangster life – all he has to do is convince his family to let him go.
His brother holds the reins of the South London underworld in his brutal hands - nobody tells Danny Glass no and expects to live - not even DCI Oliver Stanford, bent copper and one of the Met's rising stars. The way Danny sees it, his younger brother and sister Nina owe him everything. The price he demands is loyalty, and a war with their arch enemy gives him the leverage he needs to tie Luke to the family once more.
Luke can't see a way out, until Danny commits a crime so terrible it can't be forgiven. Love turns to hate when secrets are unearthed which pit brother against brother. Left with no choice but to choose a side, Nina holds the fate of the family in her hands.
In the Glass family, Owen Mullen has created a crime dynasty to rival the Richardsons and the Krays. Heart-pounding, jaw-dropping with non-stop action, Family is perfect for fans of Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller.
429 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2021
399 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Owen Mullen
24 books191 followersBestselling author Owen Mullen is a McIlvanney Crime Book Of The Year long-listed novelist.
Owen Mullen graduated from Strathclyde University, moved to London and worked as a rock musician, session singer and songwriter, and had a hit record in Japan with a band he refuses to name; Owen still loves to perform on occasion. His great love for travel has taken him on many adventures from the Amazon and Africa to the colourful continent of India and Nepal. A gregarious recluse, he and his wife, Christine, split their time between Glasgow, and their home away from home in the Greek Islands where all of his crime thrillers were created.
New and exciting things are happening in 2021 and if you'd like to know all about them ahead of time, subscribe to my newsletter. You won't be spammed but you will be sent exclusive competitions and giveaways, and oh yeah...get all the inside gen...
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Copyright
Owen Mullen graduated from Strathclyde University, moved to London and worked as a rock musician, session singer and songwriter, and had a hit record in Japan with a band he refuses to name; Owen still loves to perform on occasion. His great love for travel has taken him on many adventures from the Amazon and Africa to the colourful continent of India and Nepal. A gregarious recluse, he and his wife, Christine, split their time between Glasgow, and their home away from home in the Greek Islands where all of his crime thrillers were created.
New and exciting things are happening in 2021 and if you'd like to know all about them ahead of time, subscribe to my newsletter. You won't be spammed but you will be sent exclusive competitions and giveaways, and oh yeah...get all the inside gen...
Sign up here 😃 bit.ly/JOINNEWSLETTER
If you would like a set of questions for book group discussions please contact me.
linktr.ee/OwenMullen
Copyright
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
January 21, 2021
EXCERPT: There was no warning. The car left the road, lifted by the force of the blast. Pieces of metal and glass ripped through a bus queue waiting for the 185 to Victoria. In that moment lives were irrevocably changed: people fell to the ground, blood pouring from wounds they hadn't had a second ago; the windscreen of a Vectra coming in the opposite direction shattered, blinding the driver, who lost control and ploughed into a West Indian fruit and veg shop, crushing a teenage assistant at the beginning of only her second day on the job; on the pavement, a man in his thirties hurrying to the beat from his iPod suddenly collapsed, his leg severed at the knee.
In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, silence hung in the smoke, then the full horror hit, people with blood on their faces screamed and ran and burst into tears. Sam lay in the gutter, undamaged apart from a patch of singed fur. The device had been hidden under the driver's seat so the new guy didn't exist any more.
Cheryl and Rebecca Glass died without knowing it.
ABOUT 'FAMILY': Family – might be the death of you…
The Glass family business is crime, and they’re good at what they do. Vengeance took Luke Glass behind bars – but now he's free and he's never going back. Luke wants out of the gangster life – all he has to do is convince his family to let him go.
His brother holds the reins of the South London underworld in his brutal hands - nobody tells Danny Glass no and expects to live - not even DCI Oliver Stanford, bent copper and one of the Met's rising stars. The way Danny sees it, his younger brother and sister Nina owe him everything. The price he demands is loyalty, and a war with their arch enemy gives him the leverage he needs to tie Luke to the family once more.
Luke can't see a way out, until Danny commits a crime so terrible it can't be forgiven. Love turns to hate when secrets are unearthed which pit brother against brother. Left with no choice but to choose a side, Nina holds the fate of the family in her hands.
MY THOUGHTS: I have read everything that Owen Mullen has written to date and have loved every word of every book. Family is no exception.
I approached Family with trepidation. Organised crime and gang warfare are not my thing. But once started, I couldn't put this down, and read it overnight. My day didn't start until I had turned the last page, sighing with regret that it was finished. I hadn't expected to get so immersed in the lives of this family.
Mullen has created a superb cast of characters, from the cruel and manipulative Danny, scion of the Glass family, to Luke the younger brother who has spent nearly a decade in jail for a revenge killing, to Nina, their sister who, although she never wanted it, is part of their organisation. There are bent cops, a greedy accountant, a reluctant prostitute, and a rival gang who cause more than a few problems for Danny, who becomes an unwitting and unwilling YouTube star.
This is a gritty, gripping gangland crime thriller and, honestly?, I hope there's more to come.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#Family #crimethriller #gangland
THE AUTHOR: Owen Mullen graduated from Strathclyde University, moved to London and worked as a rock musician, session singer and songwriter, and had a hit record in Japan with a band he refuses to name; Owen still loves to perform on occasion. His great love for travel has taken him on many adventures from the Amazon and Africa to the colourful continent of India and Nepal. A gregarious recluse, he and his wife, Christine, split their time between Glasgow, and their home away from home in the Greek Islands where all of his crime thrillers were created.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to author Owen Mullen for providing a digital ARC of Family, published by Boldwood Books for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, silence hung in the smoke, then the full horror hit, people with blood on their faces screamed and ran and burst into tears. Sam lay in the gutter, undamaged apart from a patch of singed fur. The device had been hidden under the driver's seat so the new guy didn't exist any more.
Cheryl and Rebecca Glass died without knowing it.
ABOUT 'FAMILY': Family – might be the death of you…
The Glass family business is crime, and they’re good at what they do. Vengeance took Luke Glass behind bars – but now he's free and he's never going back. Luke wants out of the gangster life – all he has to do is convince his family to let him go.
His brother holds the reins of the South London underworld in his brutal hands - nobody tells Danny Glass no and expects to live - not even DCI Oliver Stanford, bent copper and one of the Met's rising stars. The way Danny sees it, his younger brother and sister Nina owe him everything. The price he demands is loyalty, and a war with their arch enemy gives him the leverage he needs to tie Luke to the family once more.
Luke can't see a way out, until Danny commits a crime so terrible it can't be forgiven. Love turns to hate when secrets are unearthed which pit brother against brother. Left with no choice but to choose a side, Nina holds the fate of the family in her hands.
MY THOUGHTS: I have read everything that Owen Mullen has written to date and have loved every word of every book. Family is no exception.
I approached Family with trepidation. Organised crime and gang warfare are not my thing. But once started, I couldn't put this down, and read it overnight. My day didn't start until I had turned the last page, sighing with regret that it was finished. I hadn't expected to get so immersed in the lives of this family.
Mullen has created a superb cast of characters, from the cruel and manipulative Danny, scion of the Glass family, to Luke the younger brother who has spent nearly a decade in jail for a revenge killing, to Nina, their sister who, although she never wanted it, is part of their organisation. There are bent cops, a greedy accountant, a reluctant prostitute, and a rival gang who cause more than a few problems for Danny, who becomes an unwitting and unwilling YouTube star.
This is a gritty, gripping gangland crime thriller and, honestly?, I hope there's more to come.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#Family #crimethriller #gangland
THE AUTHOR: Owen Mullen graduated from Strathclyde University, moved to London and worked as a rock musician, session singer and songwriter, and had a hit record in Japan with a band he refuses to name; Owen still loves to perform on occasion. His great love for travel has taken him on many adventures from the Amazon and Africa to the colourful continent of India and Nepal. A gregarious recluse, he and his wife, Christine, split their time between Glasgow, and their home away from home in the Greek Islands where all of his crime thrillers were created.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to author Owen Mullen for providing a digital ARC of Family, published by Boldwood Books for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 27, 2021
3★
“‘Goodbye, Albert.’ He fell into space, mouth open, starting on his back and rolling with the grace of a gymnast, slowly getting smaller and smaller.”
Luke is remembering what sent him to prison for seven years - for protecting his older brother, Danny, a South London kingpin. Gang leader, more like it. Like a Mafia don in New York. The boys – men now, of course – have a younger sister, Nina, the three of them are what's left of the Glass Family.
They lost their parents young, and Danny had taken over. The Boss.
“As kids we’d learned to look after ourselves. I was young, maybe eight or nine, the first time my brother used me to distract the Indian guy in the corner shop while he reached behind the counter and stole fags. On the dodge, he’d called it – Nina’s introduction came later. And Team Glass was born.”
Whenever the opportunity presents itself, Danny reminds his siblings what they owe him for raising them. He acknowledges Luke’s spending seven years in prison for avenging a dastardly move against Danny’s family by a rival boss, but there’s no way he’s going to let Luke opt out of Team Glass and the family business, much as Luke wants to.
This began with a bang, several of them, in fact, with good pace and a lot of excitement. Parts of the story are told in first person by Luke and parts are third person with an omniscient narrator. I read a preview copy, so I hope someone has fixed up the lapses where the voice moved from one to the other with no warning or break in the text. I quite enjoy a change of narrator, but I appreciate a new chapter for each.
Danny is one of those all-powerful manipulators who has a senior cop in his pocket and plenty of clout. That’s good for a bad guy, but as the story goes on, he becomes more and more unstable and psychotic. He delights in poking fun and laughing at Luke’s being out of touch since he’s been out of circulation for so long.
“It was forced and fake and made me uncomfortable. A lot of people had reason to fear my brother. I hadn’t ever been one of them. Until now. It was as if he’d suddenly become a different person, scoring points.”
Danny is one who splashes the cash around so people get accustomed to a lifestyle they can’t afford without him. Luke is not sucked in so much as he can’t seem to get out. Then there is Nina, who wants out from Team Glass under her own terms. She’s worried about big brother, too.
“She gripped the arm of the couch and leaned nearer. ‘He isn’t sane, Luke. I’m serious. Our brother isn’t sane. Tell the truth, he’s never been right, has he? And yeah, I’m not forgetting what he did for us in that hellhole of a house. But even back then, don’t you remember?’”
Heavies, hookers, bent cops, bombs, sex, torture. And lots of characters. All the ingredients seem to be here, but I didn’t find myself connecting with any of the people, even Luke, who is the most sympathetic. Because of that, I wasn’t interested enough to really read the last half, so I skimmed and stopped in a few places.
The ending is left to lead smoothly into a Glass Family #2, and I’m sure there will be plenty of fans who will be waiting for it. I expect the author will attract a healthy following. I could see a good scriptwriter developing some of the characters and making a good action film or series from this.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the copy for review.
“‘Goodbye, Albert.’ He fell into space, mouth open, starting on his back and rolling with the grace of a gymnast, slowly getting smaller and smaller.”
Luke is remembering what sent him to prison for seven years - for protecting his older brother, Danny, a South London kingpin. Gang leader, more like it. Like a Mafia don in New York. The boys – men now, of course – have a younger sister, Nina, the three of them are what's left of the Glass Family.
They lost their parents young, and Danny had taken over. The Boss.
“As kids we’d learned to look after ourselves. I was young, maybe eight or nine, the first time my brother used me to distract the Indian guy in the corner shop while he reached behind the counter and stole fags. On the dodge, he’d called it – Nina’s introduction came later. And Team Glass was born.”
Whenever the opportunity presents itself, Danny reminds his siblings what they owe him for raising them. He acknowledges Luke’s spending seven years in prison for avenging a dastardly move against Danny’s family by a rival boss, but there’s no way he’s going to let Luke opt out of Team Glass and the family business, much as Luke wants to.
This began with a bang, several of them, in fact, with good pace and a lot of excitement. Parts of the story are told in first person by Luke and parts are third person with an omniscient narrator. I read a preview copy, so I hope someone has fixed up the lapses where the voice moved from one to the other with no warning or break in the text. I quite enjoy a change of narrator, but I appreciate a new chapter for each.
Danny is one of those all-powerful manipulators who has a senior cop in his pocket and plenty of clout. That’s good for a bad guy, but as the story goes on, he becomes more and more unstable and psychotic. He delights in poking fun and laughing at Luke’s being out of touch since he’s been out of circulation for so long.
“It was forced and fake and made me uncomfortable. A lot of people had reason to fear my brother. I hadn’t ever been one of them. Until now. It was as if he’d suddenly become a different person, scoring points.”
Danny is one who splashes the cash around so people get accustomed to a lifestyle they can’t afford without him. Luke is not sucked in so much as he can’t seem to get out. Then there is Nina, who wants out from Team Glass under her own terms. She’s worried about big brother, too.
“She gripped the arm of the couch and leaned nearer. ‘He isn’t sane, Luke. I’m serious. Our brother isn’t sane. Tell the truth, he’s never been right, has he? And yeah, I’m not forgetting what he did for us in that hellhole of a house. But even back then, don’t you remember?’”
Heavies, hookers, bent cops, bombs, sex, torture. And lots of characters. All the ingredients seem to be here, but I didn’t find myself connecting with any of the people, even Luke, who is the most sympathetic. Because of that, I wasn’t interested enough to really read the last half, so I skimmed and stopped in a few places.
The ending is left to lead smoothly into a Glass Family #2, and I’m sure there will be plenty of fans who will be waiting for it. I expect the author will attract a healthy following. I could see a good scriptwriter developing some of the characters and making a good action film or series from this.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the copy for review.
August 26, 2021
FAMILY is a gangland thriller featuring the Glass Family, a south London Gangster, a family business that sticks together through good times and bad times, by Scottish author, Owen Mullen. The novel, reminds me of “The Godfather”, with strong ties to gangland feuds, thuds settling old scores or control of territory.
The Glass family business is crime, and they’re good at what they do. The Family consists of Danny the eldest and the leader and sister Nina and brother Luke who has just came out of Wandsworth prison after 7 years, after killing rival gangland north London boss, Albert Anderson. Vengeance took Luke Glass behind bars – but now he's free and he's never going back. Luke wants out of the gangster life – all he has to do is convince his family to let him go. But his brother Danny wants him back in the business.
Nina and Luke both owe Danny everything after he brought them up from a young age, and protected them, after the death of their father and disappearance of their mother…but they both want out! Nina has never got on with Danny, and has her own ideas for the future.
Danny holds the reins of the South London underworld in his brutal hands - nobody tells Danny Glass no and expects to live - not even DCI Oliver Stanford, a bent copper on Danny’s payroll. The way Danny sees it, his younger brother and sister Nina owe him everything. The price he demands is loyalty, and a war with their arch enemy gives him the leverage he needs to tie Luke to the family once more.
But then Danny’s grip on reality starts to slip, and Danny commits a crime so terrible it can't be forgiven. Love turns to hate when secrets are extracted which pit brother against brother. Left with no choice but to choose a side, Nina holds the fate of the family in her hands.
In the Glass family, Owen Mullen has created a crime dynasty about a gangster family with bent policemen, rival gangs, torture, murder and non-stop action, a disturbing story of revenge between two rival gangster families, both committing heinous crimes. I loved this book and it provided a welcome change from the psychological thrillers that I mostly read. I was totally engrossed in the characters and the storyline and couldn’t put it down. Loved the major twist at the end of the story, that I didn’t see coming! Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my digital copy.
The Glass family business is crime, and they’re good at what they do. The Family consists of Danny the eldest and the leader and sister Nina and brother Luke who has just came out of Wandsworth prison after 7 years, after killing rival gangland north London boss, Albert Anderson. Vengeance took Luke Glass behind bars – but now he's free and he's never going back. Luke wants out of the gangster life – all he has to do is convince his family to let him go. But his brother Danny wants him back in the business.
Nina and Luke both owe Danny everything after he brought them up from a young age, and protected them, after the death of their father and disappearance of their mother…but they both want out! Nina has never got on with Danny, and has her own ideas for the future.
Danny holds the reins of the South London underworld in his brutal hands - nobody tells Danny Glass no and expects to live - not even DCI Oliver Stanford, a bent copper on Danny’s payroll. The way Danny sees it, his younger brother and sister Nina owe him everything. The price he demands is loyalty, and a war with their arch enemy gives him the leverage he needs to tie Luke to the family once more.
But then Danny’s grip on reality starts to slip, and Danny commits a crime so terrible it can't be forgiven. Love turns to hate when secrets are extracted which pit brother against brother. Left with no choice but to choose a side, Nina holds the fate of the family in her hands.
In the Glass family, Owen Mullen has created a crime dynasty about a gangster family with bent policemen, rival gangs, torture, murder and non-stop action, a disturbing story of revenge between two rival gangster families, both committing heinous crimes. I loved this book and it provided a welcome change from the psychological thrillers that I mostly read. I was totally engrossed in the characters and the storyline and couldn’t put it down. Loved the major twist at the end of the story, that I didn’t see coming! Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my digital copy.
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August 23, 2020The book I was always going to write...
This book was born the moment I stepped off the overnight train at Euston Station, in thrall with the city and looking to find success.
London captured and captivated me with a hold it would never relinquish.
This fascination came together with my love of bad guys and crime fiction when I realised I was not born to play the music that had driven me South, but to write about what lay hidden in my subconscious mind, patiently waiting for the day I'd release them onto the pages of this book.
Family is full of colour and characters from my time in London... be careful or you might meet them, too.
This book was born the moment I stepped off the overnight train at Euston Station, in thrall with the city and looking to find success.
London captured and captivated me with a hold it would never relinquish.
This fascination came together with my love of bad guys and crime fiction when I realised I was not born to play the music that had driven me South, but to write about what lay hidden in my subconscious mind, patiently waiting for the day I'd release them onto the pages of this book.
Family is full of colour and characters from my time in London... be careful or you might meet them, too.
July 1, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
If plunging to your death was an Olympic event, he’d have been in the medals for sure.
And the women… if ugly was contagious they’d be in quarantine. I’d move if I were you.
The phone dropped from his trembling fingers. Danny’s eyes bulged in his skull, his face so red I thought it might explode. Nobody did rage as he did: rising from his core, spewing like lava, scaring those around him to the bone.
Insanity explaining itself – the scariest thing I’d ever heard.
My Review:
I finished the book in a quandary as to how I felt about it, how to rate it, and even how to write a review. I was flummoxed until I perused my favorite passages, which removed all doubt. Mr. Mullen has mad skills! The book was superbly written with compelling characters and multi-textured and intriguing storylines that were intense and taut with tension. It was also cleverly snarky, distressingly violent, gruesome, gritty, heartbreaking, and oh, so, very, twisted.
I had trouble putting it down although I needed to walk away from it every so often when I found I was clutching my Kindle so tightly my hand was cramping. But even then, I continued to contemplate the characters’ dilemma in dealing with a vicious and unstable psychopathic criminal kingpin, and extra complications abound when all that mess is a sibling.
Twenty-four hours after being released from prison with the mindset to break from his family and start over clean, the main character of Luke had barely avoided death, had a massive hangover, been with a hooker, and was already drawn back into his vile brother’s brutal world of cruel and savage barbarism. The unsettling insights were brilliantly paced and shrewdly plotted. What a disturbingly cunning creature Mr. Mullen must be, I hope for their sake his neighbors take heed, keep the noise down, and frequently ply him with sweets.
If plunging to your death was an Olympic event, he’d have been in the medals for sure.
And the women… if ugly was contagious they’d be in quarantine. I’d move if I were you.
The phone dropped from his trembling fingers. Danny’s eyes bulged in his skull, his face so red I thought it might explode. Nobody did rage as he did: rising from his core, spewing like lava, scaring those around him to the bone.
Insanity explaining itself – the scariest thing I’d ever heard.
My Review:
I finished the book in a quandary as to how I felt about it, how to rate it, and even how to write a review. I was flummoxed until I perused my favorite passages, which removed all doubt. Mr. Mullen has mad skills! The book was superbly written with compelling characters and multi-textured and intriguing storylines that were intense and taut with tension. It was also cleverly snarky, distressingly violent, gruesome, gritty, heartbreaking, and oh, so, very, twisted.
I had trouble putting it down although I needed to walk away from it every so often when I found I was clutching my Kindle so tightly my hand was cramping. But even then, I continued to contemplate the characters’ dilemma in dealing with a vicious and unstable psychopathic criminal kingpin, and extra complications abound when all that mess is a sibling.
Twenty-four hours after being released from prison with the mindset to break from his family and start over clean, the main character of Luke had barely avoided death, had a massive hangover, been with a hooker, and was already drawn back into his vile brother’s brutal world of cruel and savage barbarism. The unsettling insights were brilliantly paced and shrewdly plotted. What a disturbingly cunning creature Mr. Mullen must be, I hope for their sake his neighbors take heed, keep the noise down, and frequently ply him with sweets.
January 18, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
‘Family’ is the latest novel from the pen of Scottish author, Owen Mullen. We’re introduced to Team Glass; Danny and his younger siblings, Nina and Luke. Danny built up his empire after the death of his alcoholic father and now holds an area south of the River Thames in a vice like grip. The story is told in the past tense and we see some of the action through the eyes of Luke and his sections are written in the first person, with the remainder in the third person.
Luke has served a seven year prison sentence for his involvement in the death of a rival gang boss, Albert Anderson. Now released, he wants to start a new life away from his brother’s Machiavellian influence but someone is watching his every move and that someone wants to make him suffer for the past. Events soon supersede his plans and the stage is set for a gangland war to rival any in London’s history.
This book definitely packs a punch with a shocking opening scene. Its relentless pace takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride through the streets of London, from seedy pubs and clubs to the luxurious house owned by the senior police officer that Danny has in his pocket. Rollie Anderson, Albert’s son, has made Danny look foolish; we know Danny will retaliate but how and when?
The plot and subplots lay before us many negative human emotions; fear, disgust, shame, hatred, greed, envy, revenge and guilt. In contrast, we have small glimmers of positivity in the form of hope, trust, loyalty and love. The structure is tight and the characters complex. We witness Luke’s struggle with his conscience; the old life dragging him back into crime, against a chance of freedom to start afresh. We see how Nina resorts to desperate measures to cover her tracks and we watch as Danny descends from mindless cruelty to sadistic madness as his grip on reality diminishes. In addition, we glimpse into the lives of some peripheral players so that they can then act out memorable and heart-wrenching cameos.
In the world of the gangster, you have to be ruthless and without exception, the main participants in this story fit the bill. This is a tale of survival of the fittest; back the vanquished side and you’re literally dicing with death. There are a host of literary devices on display here, all playing their part in bringing this multi-layered, slick plot to its conclusion. We have foreshadowing in abundance and I am particularly impressed with the misdirection that the author slips in, and commend him for his ingenuity.
‘Family’ will appeal to fans of the hard-hitting thriller genre but if you’re of a delicate disposition some of the scenes may be upsetting. For me, it was a great read and I have no hesitation in awarding five stars.
‘Family’ is the latest novel from the pen of Scottish author, Owen Mullen. We’re introduced to Team Glass; Danny and his younger siblings, Nina and Luke. Danny built up his empire after the death of his alcoholic father and now holds an area south of the River Thames in a vice like grip. The story is told in the past tense and we see some of the action through the eyes of Luke and his sections are written in the first person, with the remainder in the third person.
Luke has served a seven year prison sentence for his involvement in the death of a rival gang boss, Albert Anderson. Now released, he wants to start a new life away from his brother’s Machiavellian influence but someone is watching his every move and that someone wants to make him suffer for the past. Events soon supersede his plans and the stage is set for a gangland war to rival any in London’s history.
This book definitely packs a punch with a shocking opening scene. Its relentless pace takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride through the streets of London, from seedy pubs and clubs to the luxurious house owned by the senior police officer that Danny has in his pocket. Rollie Anderson, Albert’s son, has made Danny look foolish; we know Danny will retaliate but how and when?
The plot and subplots lay before us many negative human emotions; fear, disgust, shame, hatred, greed, envy, revenge and guilt. In contrast, we have small glimmers of positivity in the form of hope, trust, loyalty and love. The structure is tight and the characters complex. We witness Luke’s struggle with his conscience; the old life dragging him back into crime, against a chance of freedom to start afresh. We see how Nina resorts to desperate measures to cover her tracks and we watch as Danny descends from mindless cruelty to sadistic madness as his grip on reality diminishes. In addition, we glimpse into the lives of some peripheral players so that they can then act out memorable and heart-wrenching cameos.
In the world of the gangster, you have to be ruthless and without exception, the main participants in this story fit the bill. This is a tale of survival of the fittest; back the vanquished side and you’re literally dicing with death. There are a host of literary devices on display here, all playing their part in bringing this multi-layered, slick plot to its conclusion. We have foreshadowing in abundance and I am particularly impressed with the misdirection that the author slips in, and commend him for his ingenuity.
‘Family’ will appeal to fans of the hard-hitting thriller genre but if you’re of a delicate disposition some of the scenes may be upsetting. For me, it was a great read and I have no hesitation in awarding five stars.
December 9, 2020
I didn’t enjoy this as much as I hoped too as I kept on thinking that it wasn’t as good as Martina Cole which I always enjoy and have read a lot of her books. At times I found this book dragged and I was loosing concentration, I struggled through it and was glad to have finished it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 21, 2021
Danny, Luke and Nina Glass are siblings and Danny, being the eldest has always looked out for them.
With Luke having just been released from prison for killing a rival gang leader, Danny wants him back in the fold but Luke wants out.
This isn’t a story about any old family, this is a story of a gangster family. With bent policemen, rival gangs, torture and murder, this is a book that will keep you on your toes!
I couldn’t put this book down, it kept me engrossed from start to finish. This book is a white knuckle ride that I was happy to stay on! I’m really excited for the second book.
With Luke having just been released from prison for killing a rival gang leader, Danny wants him back in the fold but Luke wants out.
This isn’t a story about any old family, this is a story of a gangster family. With bent policemen, rival gangs, torture and murder, this is a book that will keep you on your toes!
I couldn’t put this book down, it kept me engrossed from start to finish. This book is a white knuckle ride that I was happy to stay on! I’m really excited for the second book.
December 12, 2020
Family is everything, especially to the Glass family. A south London Gangster family. Which consists of Danny the eldest and the leader and sister Nina and brother Luke who has just came out of Wandsworth prison after 7 years. Who was involved in the death of one of their rivals.
Luke after spending time in prison wants out of the family business. He wants a quite life and not one that is always looking over his shoulder to see if someone is out to get him. He wants to retire and have a quite life. But his brother Danny has other ideas and wants him back in the fold, like old times and get straight back into the business. As he meets his brother after seven years. Not much has changed for him. He still has the old juke box in his office and a picture of the queen on the wall. Also, it is going to be difficult to leave the business and as the rival gang wants him dead. His sister Nina hates Danny and has her own plans going on, but things start to go wrong.
I am a fan of gangland thrillers and I really enjoyed Family by Owen Mullen. It is a gritty, unputdownable, gripping thriller from the author. It couldn’t get enough. This had great likeable characters and storyline and I hope this is the first book of many of this story as I would like to see how it would develop. 5 stars from me.
Luke after spending time in prison wants out of the family business. He wants a quite life and not one that is always looking over his shoulder to see if someone is out to get him. He wants to retire and have a quite life. But his brother Danny has other ideas and wants him back in the fold, like old times and get straight back into the business. As he meets his brother after seven years. Not much has changed for him. He still has the old juke box in his office and a picture of the queen on the wall. Also, it is going to be difficult to leave the business and as the rival gang wants him dead. His sister Nina hates Danny and has her own plans going on, but things start to go wrong.
I am a fan of gangland thrillers and I really enjoyed Family by Owen Mullen. It is a gritty, unputdownable, gripping thriller from the author. It couldn’t get enough. This had great likeable characters and storyline and I hope this is the first book of many of this story as I would like to see how it would develop. 5 stars from me.
January 7, 2021
Danny Glass is running the dark underworld of South London when his wife and daughter are killed by a bomb attached to their car. His brother, Luke goes in search of the man responsible and makes him pay. After serving 7 years for murder he is released but he wants out of the family business. Danny is not going to let him go easily. Luke and his sister, Nina were looked after by Danny when their father died and it is now payback time, they are expected to spend their lives doing Danny's bidding. But Danny is verging on insane the violence is ramping up and Nina and Luke are no longer fully invested in 'Team Glass'.
This is a very gripping, twisty turny story which had me turning page after page all the way to the shocking end. Fraud, corruption, lies, jealousy, love, hate and revenge all play a part in this brilliant book.
As I expect from Owen Mullen the characters are totally unique and fit the story perfectly. The sadistic ruthlessness of Danny the fiesty Nina and then Luke the softer option a character with compassion who is revulsed by the actions of Danny but is he the sensitive soul that he appears to be or is it that events have forced him to act out of character. You will have to read the book to find out.
A brilliant read I hope there is more to come from Luke and Nina
Thank you to Netgalley, Bombshell Books and the author for the advance digital copy. This is my unbiased review.
This is a very gripping, twisty turny story which had me turning page after page all the way to the shocking end. Fraud, corruption, lies, jealousy, love, hate and revenge all play a part in this brilliant book.
As I expect from Owen Mullen the characters are totally unique and fit the story perfectly. The sadistic ruthlessness of Danny the fiesty Nina and then Luke the softer option a character with compassion who is revulsed by the actions of Danny but is he the sensitive soul that he appears to be or is it that events have forced him to act out of character. You will have to read the book to find out.
A brilliant read I hope there is more to come from Luke and Nina
Thank you to Netgalley, Bombshell Books and the author for the advance digital copy. This is my unbiased review.
December 14, 2021
Ohhh my, this book got all the stars from me. What a read!
I really don't know what I was expecting when I dived into this book, but oh my it was better than anything I could have expected. Wow. I loved it.
This was my kind of book, A gritty, thrilling Gangland thriller. I'm not going to compare this book to other authors in this genre because I felt it was just in a class of it's own. I will certainly be watching for future books from this author.
For some people Family is everything, for others it's nothing.
Luke has just gotten out of prison and has decided the 'family firm' isn't for him. Way too much has gone on in the past and he needs to move on. However with a Brother like Luke's it may not be Possible. Danny is a control freak, dangerous and not a bit nice. He wants everything done his way.
There are some great shockers in this book and twists I can say 'I really didn't see them coming'
The more you read of this book the more you either like or hate the characters, The more you read, the more you can not put it down, but then you get to the point that as much as you need to carry on reading, you really dont wont it to end.
Bravo ~owen Mullen. Loved it and hope there will be more to follow.
I really don't know what I was expecting when I dived into this book, but oh my it was better than anything I could have expected. Wow. I loved it.
This was my kind of book, A gritty, thrilling Gangland thriller. I'm not going to compare this book to other authors in this genre because I felt it was just in a class of it's own. I will certainly be watching for future books from this author.
For some people Family is everything, for others it's nothing.
Luke has just gotten out of prison and has decided the 'family firm' isn't for him. Way too much has gone on in the past and he needs to move on. However with a Brother like Luke's it may not be Possible. Danny is a control freak, dangerous and not a bit nice. He wants everything done his way.
There are some great shockers in this book and twists I can say 'I really didn't see them coming'
The more you read of this book the more you either like or hate the characters, The more you read, the more you can not put it down, but then you get to the point that as much as you need to carry on reading, you really dont wont it to end.
Bravo ~owen Mullen. Loved it and hope there will be more to follow.
November 30, 2020
The Glass family is like no other!
Well outside of the South London mob family that is.
Don't turn your back on any of them, even if you are part of that family.
Luke has served his time and is back in South London with Danny and Nina . No way is he going back to prison and does not really want any part of the underworld.
Yet somehow I cheered Luke on.
Family has it all, murder, corrupt police, secrets and betrayal.
The action is fast , you will cringe, you will cry and you will cheer.
I certainly hope there is a Book 2 with the Glass family.
Off to check out Owen Mullen's other books.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the opportunity to meet the Glass family. A family I wont forget anytime soon.
Well outside of the South London mob family that is.
Don't turn your back on any of them, even if you are part of that family.
Luke has served his time and is back in South London with Danny and Nina . No way is he going back to prison and does not really want any part of the underworld.
Yet somehow I cheered Luke on.
Family has it all, murder, corrupt police, secrets and betrayal.
The action is fast , you will cringe, you will cry and you will cheer.
I certainly hope there is a Book 2 with the Glass family.
Off to check out Owen Mullen's other books.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the opportunity to meet the Glass family. A family I wont forget anytime soon.
January 18, 2021
4.5 stars
If you are looking for a totally addictive story about what family means and what lines can the members cross to keep them together, this is the best book for it.
I’m blown away by this novel.
Dark, twisted and unpredictable moments kept coming up with each chapter and I was so intrigued by everything that I literally couldn’t stop reading till the last page.
I really hope there will be more books in this world because I need more and the author is a must read for me now.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy
If you are looking for a totally addictive story about what family means and what lines can the members cross to keep them together, this is the best book for it.
I’m blown away by this novel.
Dark, twisted and unpredictable moments kept coming up with each chapter and I was so intrigued by everything that I literally couldn’t stop reading till the last page.
I really hope there will be more books in this world because I need more and the author is a must read for me now.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy
January 19, 2021
You like crime fiction. You'll love this!
January 6, 2021
Family – might be the death of you…
The Glass family are a force to be reckoned with, Danny is the eldest and is in charge of the South London underworld, his younger siblings, Luke and Nina, owe him everything after he literally brought them up from a young age, but they both want out. Luke is fresh out of prison after killing rival gangland north London boss, Anderson and he wants to get away from crime, Nina has never got on with Danny and is hatching her own plan to go it alone, but Danny Glass will not let go that easily, constantly reminding them both what he did for them when they were younger, to him it's 'Team Glass' all the way and he doesn't like it when anyone goes against him, even DCI Oliver Stanford, who is well and truly in Danny's pocket. Then Danny starts to spiral out of control, committing a crime that Luke can never forgive, secrets are uncovered and Luke knows he has to stop his brother once and for all, but at what cost?
Family is an action packed gangland thriller depicting what happens in the dark underworld of crime, a deeply disturbing story of revenge between two rival gangster families, both committing heinous crimes. It's an extremely well crafted tale of murder, torture, betrayal and bent coppers. This book is definitely not for the feint hearted because Mullen doesn't pull any punches in his graphic descriptions throughout. I was completely pulled in from the start, I hated Danny with a passion and couldn't wait to see if he got his comeuppance, but when Mullen delivered THAT twist it was like a sucker punch to the gut, I was not expecting that. If you like your thrillers dark and gruesome then this is one for you. It gets a massive five stars from me and I can't wait for the second book.
I'd like to thank the author for inviting me to read an advanced copy, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
The Glass family are a force to be reckoned with, Danny is the eldest and is in charge of the South London underworld, his younger siblings, Luke and Nina, owe him everything after he literally brought them up from a young age, but they both want out. Luke is fresh out of prison after killing rival gangland north London boss, Anderson and he wants to get away from crime, Nina has never got on with Danny and is hatching her own plan to go it alone, but Danny Glass will not let go that easily, constantly reminding them both what he did for them when they were younger, to him it's 'Team Glass' all the way and he doesn't like it when anyone goes against him, even DCI Oliver Stanford, who is well and truly in Danny's pocket. Then Danny starts to spiral out of control, committing a crime that Luke can never forgive, secrets are uncovered and Luke knows he has to stop his brother once and for all, but at what cost?
Family is an action packed gangland thriller depicting what happens in the dark underworld of crime, a deeply disturbing story of revenge between two rival gangster families, both committing heinous crimes. It's an extremely well crafted tale of murder, torture, betrayal and bent coppers. This book is definitely not for the feint hearted because Mullen doesn't pull any punches in his graphic descriptions throughout. I was completely pulled in from the start, I hated Danny with a passion and couldn't wait to see if he got his comeuppance, but when Mullen delivered THAT twist it was like a sucker punch to the gut, I was not expecting that. If you like your thrillers dark and gruesome then this is one for you. It gets a massive five stars from me and I can't wait for the second book.
I'd like to thank the author for inviting me to read an advanced copy, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
October 29, 2020
What a BRILLIANT book it grips you from the start and keeps hold.Danny,Luke and Nina Glass are siblings but danny is boss and a vicious one.When Luke Glass leaves Wandsworth prison after serving time he walks out to be met by Nina and determined to avoid danny but for how long.This book is the story a gangster and family and has you guessing whats coming next,i am so glad i have had the chance to review it and have already spread news of it.EXCELLENT and worth more than 5*
November 6, 2020
Family don't mess with the Glass family.
We have Danny head of the Glass's, sister Nina and young brother Luke who is fresh out of prison.
A gritty read full of the underworld of gangland crime and going to war with rivals Anderson and Co.
Family stick together though thick and thin don't they or do they stab you in the back?
I totally loved this from Owen, page turning and gripping throughout.
I hope this is just the beginning.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We have Danny head of the Glass's, sister Nina and young brother Luke who is fresh out of prison.
A gritty read full of the underworld of gangland crime and going to war with rivals Anderson and Co.
Family stick together though thick and thin don't they or do they stab you in the back?
I totally loved this from Owen, page turning and gripping throughout.
I hope this is just the beginning.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 15, 2021
On his release from prison, Luke wants a fresh start but is immediately catapulted back into the family business. Unfortunately that business is tied up with the London gangland. His brother is still behaving in the way he was seven years ago and continues to see any one wanting to move away from the family as a traitor. Bent coppers, lots of violence – a crime dynasty novel.
I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 9, 2022
5 Star Thriller .....
Danny Glass head of the Glass Family, a psychopath, a brother. determined to keep the family together.
Luke Glass has just got out of prison after serving 7 years for killing a gang rival. Now wants out of the family business.
Nina Glass the youngest and a thorn in Danny's side.
When a tragic event in the family happens, the repercussions will never be the same for any of the Glass Family.
A story of revenge and where ...........
Right from the first few pages, I knew this was going to be a favourite of mine.
Gritty, explosive and thrilling. Set in the city of London it has a dark atmospheric feel to the writing than the other books I've read in this genres.
Twist after twist, shock after shock, a real page turner.
This is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read the next installment.
Hold onto your hats. Its a hell of a ride..
Danny Glass head of the Glass Family, a psychopath, a brother. determined to keep the family together.
Luke Glass has just got out of prison after serving 7 years for killing a gang rival. Now wants out of the family business.
Nina Glass the youngest and a thorn in Danny's side.
When a tragic event in the family happens, the repercussions will never be the same for any of the Glass Family.
A story of revenge and where ...........
Right from the first few pages, I knew this was going to be a favourite of mine.
Gritty, explosive and thrilling. Set in the city of London it has a dark atmospheric feel to the writing than the other books I've read in this genres.
Twist after twist, shock after shock, a real page turner.
This is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read the next installment.
Hold onto your hats. Its a hell of a ride..
January 13, 2021
If you love gangsters and crime thrillers then this is the book for you. I’ve not read any books by this author before so was unsure what to expect. This story is the tale of the Glass family. Danny Glass brought up his younger brother and sister Luke and Nina from a young age. He started off small nicking cigarettes from the local newsagents but was soon running South London. Danny was always an unsteady character but the death of his wife and daughter made him worse. There is so much going on in this book from the very start that means you won’t want to put it down. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of what Owen has to offer.
December 19, 2020
I've never read a book by this author before, so I didn't know what to expect. What I got was a gripping page-turner of a read that kept me hooked all the way through!
It starts off a bit slowly, but soon picks up pace, with a few twists and shocks along the way. With rival gangs in London, corrupt police officers, horrendous crimes and justice meted out, this is a story where family means everything and revenge is their number one priority.
It shows the hard, gritty life of a gangster, and as can be expected, there are a few shocking scenes and gore. But it also shows the fragility of someone continuously living on the edge, where a single event can lead to a descent into madness from which there is no return.
A great plot, well-developed characters who get under your skin, and subtle layers to the story that will keep you thinking after you've finished reading, tie together to make this a great read. Highly recommend!
It starts off a bit slowly, but soon picks up pace, with a few twists and shocks along the way. With rival gangs in London, corrupt police officers, horrendous crimes and justice meted out, this is a story where family means everything and revenge is their number one priority.
It shows the hard, gritty life of a gangster, and as can be expected, there are a few shocking scenes and gore. But it also shows the fragility of someone continuously living on the edge, where a single event can lead to a descent into madness from which there is no return.
A great plot, well-developed characters who get under your skin, and subtle layers to the story that will keep you thinking after you've finished reading, tie together to make this a great read. Highly recommend!
December 7, 2020
I've savoured every minute of this book, making it last. It's one of those that you can't put down but don't want to end!
The characters are so well written, I liked, hated & felt for them.
The ending had me shouting at my kindle!! I'll definitely look out for this brilliant author in the future & am really looking forward to the sequel. Congratulations Owen, on your fantastic book!! A five star read.
The characters are so well written, I liked, hated & felt for them.
The ending had me shouting at my kindle!! I'll definitely look out for this brilliant author in the future & am really looking forward to the sequel. Congratulations Owen, on your fantastic book!! A five star read.
January 2, 2021
Fast paced gangland thriller
Two opposing London gangster families with scores to be settled.
Luke Glass, younger son of the powerful Glass family, comes out of prison and wants to change his life, get away from the family business, and go straight. His sister Nina has life and death personal matters to worry about. Luke’s older brother Danny is intent on keeping Team Glass on track and on top.
As with all of Owen Mullen’s books this thriller starts with drama. Tensions run high throughout and with plenty of action and drama included everyone’s nerves are stretched from beginning to end (the characters’ and the reader’s!) Twists, turns and police corruption make this an exciting and gripping read.
4*s from me, because I found it a little too gritty for my tastes, but even so a great read. Gangland thrillers probably aren’t really my thing, I prefer at least some of the characters to be the sort of person I might enjoy an evening out with. However this author is so brilliant I may have to review my thoughts about this genre. Rumour has it that a second book in this series in on the way 😊 . I’ve read all of this author’s thrillers, and all of them are exciting and great reads.
Two opposing London gangster families with scores to be settled.
Luke Glass, younger son of the powerful Glass family, comes out of prison and wants to change his life, get away from the family business, and go straight. His sister Nina has life and death personal matters to worry about. Luke’s older brother Danny is intent on keeping Team Glass on track and on top.
As with all of Owen Mullen’s books this thriller starts with drama. Tensions run high throughout and with plenty of action and drama included everyone’s nerves are stretched from beginning to end (the characters’ and the reader’s!) Twists, turns and police corruption make this an exciting and gripping read.
4*s from me, because I found it a little too gritty for my tastes, but even so a great read. Gangland thrillers probably aren’t really my thing, I prefer at least some of the characters to be the sort of person I might enjoy an evening out with. However this author is so brilliant I may have to review my thoughts about this genre. Rumour has it that a second book in this series in on the way 😊 . I’ve read all of this author’s thrillers, and all of them are exciting and great reads.
March 13, 2021
I was waiting to review this as I’m waiting to listen to the audiobook but decided no! Review it as it’s too good to not tell you about it.
Crime, gangsters, bent coppers, just the lot to be honest.
As Owen Mullen does, well written & depth.
Read it well worth it!
Edited to add
Audiobook review
Fab! It’s excellent & racing & just so worth a read & a listen.
Do it. I dare ya
Crime, gangsters, bent coppers, just the lot to be honest.
As Owen Mullen does, well written & depth.
Read it well worth it!
Edited to add
Audiobook review
Fab! It’s excellent & racing & just so worth a read & a listen.
Do it. I dare ya
January 27, 2021
Family by Owen Mullen was a compelling, crime novel. This is my first read from this author and certainly won’t be my last.
Family did start off a bit slow, so I read this over a few sittings. However, once it picked up, I became invested. There are lots of twists a long the way. Quite a compelling tale of gangs, corrupt police, and justice.
I enjoyed the characters and the writing. This is a gritty novel, with some gnarly violence that stays true to the themes of this book. The downward spiral of humans who live on the edge is both fascinating and sad.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. If crime fiction is for you, then check this out.
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources to review honestly on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
Family did start off a bit slow, so I read this over a few sittings. However, once it picked up, I became invested. There are lots of twists a long the way. Quite a compelling tale of gangs, corrupt police, and justice.
I enjoyed the characters and the writing. This is a gritty novel, with some gnarly violence that stays true to the themes of this book. The downward spiral of humans who live on the edge is both fascinating and sad.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. If crime fiction is for you, then check this out.
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources to review honestly on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
October 28, 2020
meet the glass family .Danny Luke Nina . Danny brought his brother and sister up and he never lets them forget it . Luke has just come out of prison for killing rival gang boss for the murder of his sister in law and niece . but the rival gang want s Luke died . meanwhile Luke meets Mandy . Nina hates Danny so much she having her own little scheme that starts to go wrong meet Oliver the most corrupt police detective to get want he wants . but Danny is losing the plot there was one part i had tear s in my eyes this book is so dam good its like a rollercoaster ride once you start you wont want to stop i have a new gangster author its just brilliant so cannot wait for second book
January 21, 2021
Family is an excellent read which has kept me very well entertained over the last few days. Losing myself in a book has always been my favourite hobby but given the state of world at present it’s more needed than ever. Losing myself in a book like Family, which is about as different to my life as you can possibly get (thankfully!), has been good. I know many families are complicated, but to say the Glass family are dysfunctional would be a massive understatement! All they have known is a life of crime. How do you escape such a life once it has a firm grip on you?
Danny Glass is a terrifying character. The fear of him seems to control many, including some police officers who’s job it is supposed to be to protect people from psychopaths like Danny.
Luke Glass is a likeable character despite serving a seven year sentence for murder. He is released at the beginning of the book and he could not possibly be prepared for what life is going to throw at him next. Having said that he knows being Danny’s brother means he’s not likely to ever live a quiet life.
Their sister, Nina, is an understandably flawed character given how she was brought up. She’s quite fearless and I wondered how far her risks would get her.
I found the Glass family, and their stories, fascinating despite the horrific violence throughout. I was shocked by jaw dropping truths which are uncovered along the way.
This is a tense, hard hitting read full of dodgy characters, secrets, and lies with deadly consequences.
Brilliant writing. I loved it!
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2021/01/2...
Danny Glass is a terrifying character. The fear of him seems to control many, including some police officers who’s job it is supposed to be to protect people from psychopaths like Danny.
Luke Glass is a likeable character despite serving a seven year sentence for murder. He is released at the beginning of the book and he could not possibly be prepared for what life is going to throw at him next. Having said that he knows being Danny’s brother means he’s not likely to ever live a quiet life.
Their sister, Nina, is an understandably flawed character given how she was brought up. She’s quite fearless and I wondered how far her risks would get her.
I found the Glass family, and their stories, fascinating despite the horrific violence throughout. I was shocked by jaw dropping truths which are uncovered along the way.
This is a tense, hard hitting read full of dodgy characters, secrets, and lies with deadly consequences.
Brilliant writing. I loved it!
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2021/01/2...
January 16, 2021
Family - the very title of this book evokes all sorts of emotions as family can mean all sorts of things to different people. Mullen is a crafts-person with a versatile style that can take us from the streets of Pakistan (Out of the Silence) to the streets of Scotland (Games People Play) t - and now we're walking the streets of London with the Glass family.
With a strong family dynasty behind him, Luke Glass could be forgiven for thinking he could look forward to better times on his release from prison. However, the head of the Glass dynasty thinks differently. How could Luke possibly think he could go straight after all he is a Glass.
This is a ferocious and compelling insight into 'family' dynamics and from the very first page I was gripped. Mullen has a knack of gripping you by the throat and defying you to put the book down.
His characters are compellingly visceral, addictively devious, and completely believable - especially if you've heard of the Krays or read Martina Cole.
The plot has been devised to keep you on your toes and to make sure you're never entirely sure what might happen next. I particularly loved Nina - who is the lynch pin in this entire novel. She holds more power than either of her brothers should she choose to use it.
Another brilliant read!
With a strong family dynasty behind him, Luke Glass could be forgiven for thinking he could look forward to better times on his release from prison. However, the head of the Glass dynasty thinks differently. How could Luke possibly think he could go straight after all he is a Glass.
This is a ferocious and compelling insight into 'family' dynamics and from the very first page I was gripped. Mullen has a knack of gripping you by the throat and defying you to put the book down.
His characters are compellingly visceral, addictively devious, and completely believable - especially if you've heard of the Krays or read Martina Cole.
The plot has been devised to keep you on your toes and to make sure you're never entirely sure what might happen next. I particularly loved Nina - who is the lynch pin in this entire novel. She holds more power than either of her brothers should she choose to use it.
Another brilliant read!
June 16, 2025
2025 52 Book Challenge - Summer Connections Mini Challenge - 4) Published The Same Year As The Previous Book (my previous book was Serial Killers Canada, which was published in 2021)
Honestly, I had no idea what was going on in this entire book. I was confused the entire way through.
Honestly, I had no idea what was going on in this entire book. I was confused the entire way through.
January 5, 2021
Is there any genre Owen Mullen can't write? I've read everything he's written and every single time he blows me away. It's not just the variety of concepts, it's also the brilliance of their execution. This gangland book, set in London, is not for the feint hearted. Some terrible and inhumane acts take place. But the evolving story of Danny, Luke and Nina was heart in your mouth, scary stuff. As for the twist, well I never saw that coming. Gripping, captivating, with superb characters and excellent dialogue, this must surely be another hit for Mr Mullen. I await its arrival to the big screen.
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