Half-Jewish, half-Catholic, and trapped in a passionless marriage, Irishman Ralph Goldstein dreams of something better. He realises his expert knowledge in explosives and gun-running could be the key to the life he craves …
Julie, a hot-tempered young woman from Liverpool, is fiercely protective of her younger sister and fighting for their survival. She’s determined to leave her catastrophic life behind and will stop at nothing to get what she wants … not even murder …
When Julie and Ralph collide, their blend of personality and ambition could be the best thing that ever happened … or the worst.
Apart they are ruthless; together they are merciless. Will Hell have no mercy?
Hello fellow readers. My name is Gillian Godden and i write Gangland crime books. currently published by Boldwood Publishers. i have written many different series on the subject, so if this is your genre please check them out. originally born in London, i now live in Yorkshire. i also work for the NHS. When I come home I like to wind down and writing is my escape from the mental stresses of my day. My job is not a 9 to 5 job and I work to support my patients when they need me so my days can be long. i enjoy hearing from and meeting readers of my books. just knowing someone out there is reading my books is a bonus ;} Take a look at my websites and hopefully join my author page for updates on forth coming books. amazon.com/author/gilliangodden
If you have read the authors previous books you will know Ralph and Julie Gold, this book is a prequel to their lives in the other books and shows how they became the ‘Golds’ that we now know It is a great book, both stories, Ralph and Julie’s are well told and delve into their both very ‘murky’ and at times terrifying pasts, the beginning chapter deals with Julie and her Sister as they are held captive as modern day slaves in Spain and builds a horrifying picture, both are big characters and both a force to be reckoned with in their wheelings and dealings, from terrorism to brothels, that lead ultimately to them meeting....and that is explosive! Well written and really well told thoroughly enjoyed every page and look forward to the next instalment
Gold Digger is my first but certainly not my last read by this author.
Julie is a very likeable character and we can see she will do anything she can to protect her younger sister Frankie. Along with Ralph they are a force to be reckoned with.
I thought this was a well written story with a great storyline. If your looking for a page Turner then get 1-clicking.
this is the first time I have read a book by this author and I am looking forward to reading more by this author. This book was p[previously published as Gold.
The synopsis gives a good idea about who Julie is, and how she is very protective of her sister. The run-up to why Julie takes to the trade she does is told early on in the book. In fact, that opening was an indication as to how gritty this author writes.
Ralph, now he was a bit of a dark horse. With a criminal record, I soon realised that he is not squeaky clean, he and his friend Paddy have ambitions. What I did see was several sides to Ralph, hardworking, loyal and with an edge to him.
The book alternates between Julie and Ralph. They are completely unknown to each other, For a good part of the book, I got to know each of the characters. An important journey as it gave a good idea of their backgrounds and why they have chosen the routes in life they have. It is past the halfway point when things start to slide.
As the synopsis indicates, the two do meet. The combination of the two makes for a great team. They do have a ruthlessness to them it is a story of two people who have both suffered.
This is one for those who like a grittier, urban setting story. One that involves criminals and various criminal acts, it is after all a gangland crime thriller. It is also one I read in one day, once I started I found it really difficult to put down. Thoroughly enjoyed this, the two main characters are excellent and the story totally addictive. I would definitely recommend this one.
First book I’ve read by this author some good characters Julie the young woman bringing up her sister frankie parents alcoholics.I liked Julie a strong woman who dose what she has to do .Them there is Ralph and his mate paddy . Can’t wait for the next book 😄
Gold Digger by Gillian Godden is a gritty and dark story about how far one woman will go to fight for her survival. Gillian Godden is one author whose books I have bought and they are resting on my to be read pile. I think I need to move them up the pile as I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Money talks...And blonde bombshell Julie isn't afraid to ask for what she wants. With her mother locked up for murder, all Julie cares about is protecting her younger sister, Frankie. But penniless and alone on the streets of Liverpool, Julie realises that there’s only one sure fire way to make cash fast – the oldest trade. The men mean nothing to Julie, until she meets Ralph Goldstein, an ex-con who’ll do whatever it takes to make his way to top. And the only man Julie can trust. Separately, Ralph and Julie’s lives are filled with risk and danger. But when they meet, their blend of personality and ambition could be the best thing that ever happened … or the worst. A gangland thriller is one of my (many) favourite genres so I was hoping Gold Digger would hold up to my expectations. I found it a thrilling read that I could not put down from the very start. We are introduced to Julie and Ralph, two really different people who are living their lives and surviving by doing whatever they need to. The story is told by each of their narratives, which I really liked as we find out about them individually and get their own perspectives on everything. I find you get to know the characters a lot better that way. As the story unfolds and Julie and Ralph worlds collide, they find out that they have more in common than first appearances seem to show. Even the fact that not one, but both, are keeping secrets is something they share. Gillian Godden slowly allows us to get to know both of these characters as we discover how their back stories have made them the people they are as they meet. I found these two characters extremely intriguing and along with the story line that is overflowing with drama, tension and suspense as well had me so immersed I found I managed to read it in a day. Really looking forward to book two now! With thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my copy of the book.
Gold Digger by by Gillian Godden was an excellent read especially as Gillian was a new author to me. I was hooked within the first few pages and before I knew it, the birds were singing outside. So, if you are like me; don't start a new book before you go to bed as I did not want to put this book down. It was Superb read!!!! So if you love a gritty gangland thriller this is the book for you! I love the main character Julie and we can see from early on she will do anything she can to protect her younger sister Frankie, who I liked as well. Great new characters for a superb book.
This will not be the last book I will read from Gillian. I highly recommend this book and big fat 5 stars for it as well.
Big Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my copy of the book exchange for a honest review..
This gangland thriller has me hooked by the very first chapter. I struggled to put this down, and I was incredibly impressed by this author’s writing style. As a huge fan of this genre, Gillian Godden had tough competition in my own personal preferences, but I was delighted that she got this spot on!
Julie’s morals may have been questionable but her loyalty to her younger sister Frankie was both profoundly appealing and compelling. The characteristics of Ralph made a dramatic but secretively sensitive main male role within this story. The chapters written in the viewpoints of both lead characters meant this went a lot deeper than just a rag to riches plot. By the end of this, I thought of them as people, not fictional.
I think it’s important that readers are aware that this was originally published as “Gold” and this is a re-release by Boldwood Books, who have recently signed Gillian. I am truly hoping there is more of the same in the future, as I know I will be picking up future publications without hesitation.
A well-deserved five-star review, that has left me eager and hungry for more from both these characters and author!
Thank you to Rachels Random Resources for a place on this book tour and Boldwood Books for a gifted copy of this, in exchange for a honest and voluntary review.
Gold Digger by Gillian Godden is a gritty gangland novel about a woman who will go to extraordinary lengths for her survival. This is my first read by this author, and it certainly won’t be my last, because wow!
Julie is quite an intriguing character. A “blonde bombshell” who isn’t afraid to ask for what she wants, and she’s figured out a way to use her appearance to get the money she needs. She doesn’t trust anyone until Ralph. And when they meet, their lives are filled with risk and danger. Their personalities combined create a very interesting dynamic.
I don’t read a ton of gangland, but when I do, this is the kind of story I hope to find. Gold Digger surpassed my expectations and deserves more than five stars. From page one, I couldn’t put it down, and it is a thrilling read.
Highly recommended!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the review copy and the opportunity to honestly review this book on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
A heart wrenching prequel concerning the life of Ralph and Julie. Having read and enjoyed all the other books it was only sensible to read the prequel and this didn’t disappoint. The heartbreaking escape of Julie and Frankie from their human slavery incarceration left me on the edge of my seat! They escaped but at a cost to them both ! Frankie ravaged and controlled by drug addiction Julie fiercely protective at a cost to her health and lifestyle! Ralph what a hard upbringing! He fought and worked and learnt his trade ! I am just sad he never discovered who was truly behind the untimely demise of his wife and son! That would have been a wonderful revenge ! Great book loved it and the whole series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
i have read all books buy this author and she just gets better and better . Julie is on sassy and kick ass lady . this story is so good how Julie is a survivor who will do anything to protect her little sister . and meet frank oh and PADDIE your worst nightmare the rouge . i so cant wait for her next book hope this series not finished yet this series a must read
Absolutely loved it, couldn’t put it down! Ralph and Julie, what a couple. The book totally flowed with the others and it was great to get the background on these two amazing characters. Well done again Gillian....... next please lol.
Very disappointing !! Had to struggle to read thinking book would get better - glad I read this on Kindle Unlimited and did not go into store and purchase book !!
Another brilliant book by GG. Really warmed to Julie after reading this and see Ralph in a different light. Personally I’d read this after the Lambrianu series.
What a fantastic read, i didn't want it to end, so captivating and exciting, Ive read all her books and could keep on reading, her Tony Lambrianu series are a must read.
This story gets off to a fast and furious start as we meet Julie and her younger sister Frankie fleeing trafficked slavery on a vast Spanish farm where they have already seen those who refuse to comply getting shot to death. Julie took her sister to Spain to dodge the clutches of their stepfather Derek but it seems like they’ve ended up in a worse situation and we first get to witness how cunning and ruthless Julie can be as she engineers their escape. Meanwhile in Ireland, Ralph Goldstein and his best friend (not that he trusts him one inch) Paddy are gearing up for a bare knuckle fight above a pub. Ralph is the fighter while Paddy is the organizer. They were once cellmates together and Ralph is not long out of jail again after a spell for GBH where he had learnt all about explosives from another inmate, hence being able to land a job in the quarry to support his wife Irene and young son Shaun. He thinks there must be more to life than this. Julie and Frankie arrive back in Liverpool to find themselves homeless. Their mother has admitted to killing Derek. Starting with nothing, she has to carve out a future for herself and her sister. Over the next couple of years Ralph and Paddy discover the protection game and then move onto other more serious jobs utilizing their “talents” while Julie uses her best assets to make money. One day they meet by chance and the instant attraction is undeniable. Whenever they are reacquainted it proves to be both compulsive and dangerous. A tart and a thug, both cut from the same cloth and drawn together. They are both very likeable characters despite their tough and often brutal behaviour which they see as necessary for their survival. I really enjoyed the way both of the two characters' stories were told separately and each one would have made for a great book on its own. We follow their lives full of loss and sadness over several years and really get to see what has shaped them as individuals, by the end of which I was dying to see the sparks fly when they finally met each other! It’s only a matter of time until they form an unstoppable partnership and I am eagerly looking forward to meeting them both again in the sequel, Fool’s Gold, out on 14th October. 4*
So I'll be really honest now, I struggled with the first half of this book. Not because it's bad but because it just wasn't what I was expecting.
I stuck at it because I wanted to give the book a fair review and I'm so glad because the second half of the book is so good.
If you enjoy gangland style books then this books is totally for you. I felt it was written so well and you got so much description, but some parts I would have liked more.
The book is written from two people, Ralph and Julie. Both have a hard life and the story follows them both as they are trying to do things to make their lives better and how they come to meet.
This is a stand alone book that dives back in time, to give us the story of Julie and Ralph meeting. It can be read after the other books and fans of Martina Cole are sure to enjoy this one. It takes us back in time and we hear from Julie and from Ralph separately. This gives us a chance to see them as characters in their own right and what made them who they are. What made them the tough characters they evolve into. Not my usual read but still a good escapist read. With thanks to LoveBooksGroup and the author for the review copy of the book.
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a thriller enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!
Thriller writer Gillian Godden has come up with another gripping, action-packed story. Her latest book is appropriately titled GOLD because she has literally struck gold with another winner! The plot, focused on ruthless stop-at-nothing couple Ralph and Julie, is captivating. - Tony Flood, author of crime thrillers Stitch Up! - Killer or Victim? and Triple Tease, and celebrity book My Life With The Stars - Sizzling Secrets Spilled! .
Talented thriller writer Gillian Godden has come up with another gripping, action-packed story. Her latest book is appropriately titled GOLD because she has literally struck gold with another winner! The fast-moving plot, focused on ruthless stop-at-nothing couple Ralph and Julie, is captivating. - Tony Flood, author of crime thrillers Stitch Up! - Killer or Victim? and Triple Tease, and celebrity book My Life With The Stars - Sizzling Secrets Spilled!
Pure gold. Do yourself a favor, read this book, if you are a Gillian Godden virgin, then you have a treat ahead of you, I have read all the books, and Gillian godden is by far my favourite writer. I devoured every word written. I took my time reading this latest installment, I never wanted to finish it 💯 gold. Gillian, definitely knows how to bring her characters to life. julie, and Ralph, are so believable. Can't wait for the next book.😁
Having read Gillian Goddens ofter books I was excited to read this one and it didn't dissapoint. I enjoyed learning about Julie and Ralph's early lives and how they became a couple. Plenty of action and a fast paced story I could'nt put it down. I'm sure there could be more to tell us about this couple going forward I definitely hope so. SOLID GOLD. Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for the chance this read this book.
I have read all the books from this author which are all favourites of mine. They also have Ralph and julie in them so it was nice to read how they got together. This is definitely a must read!!!!
I loved this book & the storyline was good .I enjoyed reading about Ralf & Julie & all the things they went through,if you like Gillian Goddens other books you will enjoy this too ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read the previous books. Loved Julie's character so Was delighted when I found this book. Was great to read how Julie and Ralph got together. Would love to read more books on these two characters.
I have read all the other books and they were brilliant too,so good that after reading where it all began I will read them all again .Well done another great read