What do you think?
Rate this book
Ruby Murphy #1
The Locksmith
With a foreword from Martina Cole, the Queen of Crime.
Most authors write what they know. Linda Calvey writes what she lived.
They grew up with nothing. Just a regular family scraping by, living an honest life while crime ruled the East End. Until all that honesty and all that hard work left them with nothing.
Poor, destitute and hungry, young Ruby decides to pull them from the ashes. It starts as one job, one step outside the law. Yet that one step sets her on a path – straight to the top.
But in the East End you don't build an empire without making a few enemies . . .
Welcome to the underbelly of London, where criminals run the streets and one woman will do anything to protect her family.
The crime debut novel of the year, perfect for readers who loved No Mercy and Queenie.
Most authors write what they know. Linda Calvey writes what she lived.
They grew up with nothing. Just a regular family scraping by, living an honest life while crime ruled the East End. Until all that honesty and all that hard work left them with nothing.
Poor, destitute and hungry, young Ruby decides to pull them from the ashes. It starts as one job, one step outside the law. Yet that one step sets her on a path – straight to the top.
But in the East End you don't build an empire without making a few enemies . . .
Welcome to the underbelly of London, where criminals run the streets and one woman will do anything to protect her family.
The crime debut novel of the year, perfect for readers who loved No Mercy and Queenie.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2021
212 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
February 9, 2023
Calvey makes a solid attempt charting the life of her female protagonist Ruby, from growing up poor but 'honest' in London and evolving into a hard, no-nonsense but very savvy 'face' of the European underworld, with the many toils, troubles and token 'hardman' love affair on the way. The title comes from her brother who is great at breaking into safes, but not so hot at negotiating, so she steps in...
Written by Calvey who spent 18 years incarcerated in the UK prison system and who lived a life in the UK criminal underworld, it can be taken for granted that she writes with a lot of insight, but her experience does not lend her to be that much of a constructive storyteller; but the book does have the bare bones of some interesting characters and is very female centric; I can only wish her the best in all she pursues turning her life around to become a published writer, and it would not come as a surprise to see her work adapted for other media. 5 0ut of 12, Two Star read - It's nigh impossible to break into the white lower class criminal world whilst Martina Cole (who is quoted on the cover and writes the foreword) is still writing books in this sub genre.
2022 read
Written by Calvey who spent 18 years incarcerated in the UK prison system and who lived a life in the UK criminal underworld, it can be taken for granted that she writes with a lot of insight, but her experience does not lend her to be that much of a constructive storyteller; but the book does have the bare bones of some interesting characters and is very female centric; I can only wish her the best in all she pursues turning her life around to become a published writer, and it would not come as a surprise to see her work adapted for other media. 5 0ut of 12, Two Star read - It's nigh impossible to break into the white lower class criminal world whilst Martina Cole (who is quoted on the cover and writes the foreword) is still writing books in this sub genre.
2022 read
March 9, 2021
Poor, destitute and hungry, young Ruby decides to pull them from the ashes. It starts as one job, one step outside the law. Yet that one step sets her on a path - straight to the top. But in the East End you don't build an empire without making a few enemies.
Ruby and Bobby had been told from an early age to steer clear of crime. But when they are left looking after baby George, crime is the only thing Ruby can do for them to survive. Before she know it, Ruby has risen to a Crime Boss. Ruby meets her saviour in Charlie, but when she meets the love of her life, she becomes a powerful woman and a force to be reckoned with. With a fast pace, this is a new gangland crime book. Ruby is a strong character who will stop at nothing to protect her own. Bobby has become a clever locksmith and together they can get the job done.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #WelbeckPublishingUK and the author #LindaCalvey for my ARC #TheLocksmith in exchange for an honest review.
Ruby and Bobby had been told from an early age to steer clear of crime. But when they are left looking after baby George, crime is the only thing Ruby can do for them to survive. Before she know it, Ruby has risen to a Crime Boss. Ruby meets her saviour in Charlie, but when she meets the love of her life, she becomes a powerful woman and a force to be reckoned with. With a fast pace, this is a new gangland crime book. Ruby is a strong character who will stop at nothing to protect her own. Bobby has become a clever locksmith and together they can get the job done.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #WelbeckPublishingUK and the author #LindaCalvey for my ARC #TheLocksmith in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2021
“Villains aren’t born, They’re made.”
Ruby and Bobby grew up with nothing. Just a regular family scraping by, living an honest life while crime ruled the East End. Until all that honesty and all that hard work left them with nothing.
Poor, hungry, orphaned and with a newborn baby brother to look after, young Ruby decides to pull them from the ashes. It starts as one job, one step outside the law. Yet that one step sets her on a path - straight to the top.
But in the East End you don't build an empire without making a few enemies . . .
What a debut novel! You can really tell the author has actually written what she lived!
The minute I started reading the prologue, I was hooked to this book.
This book covers the journey of an exceptional woman Ruby. Brought up with the phrase, “A straight pound is worth three crooked pounds”, she has been honest and straight until tragedy strikes her family, leaving them struggling.
In order to survive and take care of her siblings, she decides to take a step towards the wrong side of the law. Her decisions, choices and actions are definitely wrong, but you can’t help but cheer and root for her.
The writing is excellent and there are enough twists throughout the plot right till the end. It’s exciting and fast paced, so it’s perfect even if you are not a regular reader of this genre.
Having loved this, I hope that there is another book featuring Ruby, because I’m really looking forward to what she does next!
Thank You NetGalley and Welbeck Publishing UK for this ARC!
Ruby and Bobby grew up with nothing. Just a regular family scraping by, living an honest life while crime ruled the East End. Until all that honesty and all that hard work left them with nothing.
Poor, hungry, orphaned and with a newborn baby brother to look after, young Ruby decides to pull them from the ashes. It starts as one job, one step outside the law. Yet that one step sets her on a path - straight to the top.
But in the East End you don't build an empire without making a few enemies . . .
What a debut novel! You can really tell the author has actually written what she lived!
The minute I started reading the prologue, I was hooked to this book.
This book covers the journey of an exceptional woman Ruby. Brought up with the phrase, “A straight pound is worth three crooked pounds”, she has been honest and straight until tragedy strikes her family, leaving them struggling.
In order to survive and take care of her siblings, she decides to take a step towards the wrong side of the law. Her decisions, choices and actions are definitely wrong, but you can’t help but cheer and root for her.
The writing is excellent and there are enough twists throughout the plot right till the end. It’s exciting and fast paced, so it’s perfect even if you are not a regular reader of this genre.
Having loved this, I hope that there is another book featuring Ruby, because I’m really looking forward to what she does next!
Thank You NetGalley and Welbeck Publishing UK for this ARC!
April 25, 2023
The locksmith is the first East End gangster crime book I've read in a long time and it's definitely left me wanting to read more.
I must admit Martina Cole was my favourite author in this genre but I've now found a new one.
Yes it's predicable but the disturbing and darkness and heart break is different, following the story you actually imagine it to be exactly this way.(but maybe it was as Linda Calvey is known as black widow and lived this kind of life)
Definitely looking forward to book 2 and I'd definitely recommend this if you enjoy the east end crime genre 📚
I must admit Martina Cole was my favourite author in this genre but I've now found a new one.
Yes it's predicable but the disturbing and darkness and heart break is different, following the story you actually imagine it to be exactly this way.(but maybe it was as Linda Calvey is known as black widow and lived this kind of life)
Definitely looking forward to book 2 and I'd definitely recommend this if you enjoy the east end crime genre 📚
March 28, 2021
What commenced as a meet ends job and taking care of her younger brother will develop into much more than anything she's ever dreamed about.
The story kept me riveted and on the edge throughout the chapters and while I thought that some parts were predictable as life itself, there are so many tid bits that picked up my interest more than the overall novel.
Having to make her way into a men’s life, I loved how Ruby is becoming that perfect strong heroine, with her maternal instincts and also showing her weakness in moments when no one notices her.She’s courageous, witty and her mind works in a way that she's overshadowing her opponents without a single moment of remorse.
Her dedication and eagerness to prove that she deserves her place in the world, it’s so well done by the author and I honestly don’t think I can recommend another better story.
Linda Calvey is a new author to look up for in the future.
4.5 stars
The story kept me riveted and on the edge throughout the chapters and while I thought that some parts were predictable as life itself, there are so many tid bits that picked up my interest more than the overall novel.
Having to make her way into a men’s life, I loved how Ruby is becoming that perfect strong heroine, with her maternal instincts and also showing her weakness in moments when no one notices her.She’s courageous, witty and her mind works in a way that she's overshadowing her opponents without a single moment of remorse.
Her dedication and eagerness to prove that she deserves her place in the world, it’s so well done by the author and I honestly don’t think I can recommend another better story.
Linda Calvey is a new author to look up for in the future.
4.5 stars
August 16, 2021
I can’t give this more than 1 star as I didn’t actually read much of it. The writing is just terrible & that’s it for me. God knows what the editor was thinking. The start is a caricature of the cheerful “we was poor, but we was honest” cockney trope, complete with music hall cockney banter. The honest dad working darn the yard to give ‘em bangers & mash, while the dodgy geezer next door eats steak & is always on the nick, know what I mean? Simply awful.
March 15, 2021
I was kindly gifted an early release of this book from the publishers.
I've only recently began to get into reading crime, and my previous experience of the genre would have been more TV based. This book could have been a TV show, as we are brought into the vast underworld of the East End and once the action starts it really doesn't stop. It's nice to go on the journey of learning with Ruby and Bobby, as someone who knows nothing about this world they enter, it's good how it is explained and we find out what a lot of terms and phrases associated with this world mean. Some of them did throw me at times but I think generally all were explained and I feel like I'd be prepared to hear these terms in other books now. The world is very intense and everything escalates very quickly, it gives you an understanding into how someone could be so easily swept up into a life of crime. Although at some points it is difficult to sympathise with characters you know are crooks and murderers.
The best part of this book was definitely Ruby's character. She is a powerful and ruthless woman who refuses to be written off as just a pretty face. I also love how she knew she was able to be an independent woman before getting involved with any man.
As someone who isn't entirely used to the genre, it was a great insight into a world unknown to me outside of TV dramas, and the fact it was written by someone with experience of the world gives it some authenticity.
Brilliant book for any fans of crime and anyone that likes to see a powerful female protagonist.
I've only recently began to get into reading crime, and my previous experience of the genre would have been more TV based. This book could have been a TV show, as we are brought into the vast underworld of the East End and once the action starts it really doesn't stop. It's nice to go on the journey of learning with Ruby and Bobby, as someone who knows nothing about this world they enter, it's good how it is explained and we find out what a lot of terms and phrases associated with this world mean. Some of them did throw me at times but I think generally all were explained and I feel like I'd be prepared to hear these terms in other books now. The world is very intense and everything escalates very quickly, it gives you an understanding into how someone could be so easily swept up into a life of crime. Although at some points it is difficult to sympathise with characters you know are crooks and murderers.
The best part of this book was definitely Ruby's character. She is a powerful and ruthless woman who refuses to be written off as just a pretty face. I also love how she knew she was able to be an independent woman before getting involved with any man.
As someone who isn't entirely used to the genre, it was a great insight into a world unknown to me outside of TV dramas, and the fact it was written by someone with experience of the world gives it some authenticity.
Brilliant book for any fans of crime and anyone that likes to see a powerful female protagonist.
May 20, 2023
A woman scorned springs to mind when reading this. Very good debut novel from Linda, who writes from her experience of her own life I think. Good girl turned bad in the book, but you have to feel sorry for her main character Ruby, who does what she does for her family. Family to her means everything
November 28, 2021
The Locksmith By Linda Calvey
One word Boring.
Poor writing, plot was predictable the pacing was poor other than a good opening prologue this book offered nothing.
It gets one star for writing a book but that's about all the praise I can offer.
If your looking for descriptions of jewelry and designer clothes then you may enjoy this, shame the Author didn't spend as much time developing her characters and a good story.
Not for me far superior books in this genre not worth your time or hard-earned cash.
One word Boring.
Poor writing, plot was predictable the pacing was poor other than a good opening prologue this book offered nothing.
It gets one star for writing a book but that's about all the praise I can offer.
If your looking for descriptions of jewelry and designer clothes then you may enjoy this, shame the Author didn't spend as much time developing her characters and a good story.
Not for me far superior books in this genre not worth your time or hard-earned cash.
March 5, 2021
Ruby and Bobby had it drummed into them from an early age to be straight.
When things take a heartbreaking turn and left looking after baby George the only way to survive is to go rogue.
I was totally absorbed into Ruby's world and a great debut from Linda.
Linda knows gangland first hand and written fantastically.
I am looking foward to reading more from this Author.
When things take a heartbreaking turn and left looking after baby George the only way to survive is to go rogue.
I was totally absorbed into Ruby's world and a great debut from Linda.
Linda knows gangland first hand and written fantastically.
I am looking foward to reading more from this Author.
May 23, 2021
A lower end three for me, it just wasn't that compelling and just a bit too convenient. I assume the author infused a lot of her real life experiences in here ... I'd rather read her autobiography (it's on my list).
May 14, 2024
I could not put this book down I just kept reading. What a page Turner it was.
Can't wait for Linda Calvey next book to see what Ruby and Bobby do next. Brilliant book
Can't wait for Linda Calvey next book to see what Ruby and Bobby do next. Brilliant book
March 7, 2024
Brilliant!
April 25, 2021
Easy read. Nice to read a book and hear the dialogue so clearly in head. Enjoyed it.
May 17, 2021
Was a good read but quite a simple read. From Ruby's humble beginnings to drug baron. I didn't warm to her character.
March 14, 2021
I can see why people would enjoy it if they’ve not read any books of this genre before but this was such a disappointment for me. I had high hopes as Martina Cole has recommended it but this book is in no way the same league as Martina Cole’s own books. For me it was too repetitive and lacked any real action.
May 5, 2021
This book is a must .
This is a best novel I have read in a while and could not put it down .Such a powerful read from start to finish and I would highly recommend it .I have just heard of this new author and will give credit where its due Linda Valley is a brilliant author and hope there is a follow-up of this new book of hers called the locksmith. If you are fans of martina Cole ,Kimberly chambers, Jessie kean and many more its definitely worth the money to buy this book .well done .
This is a best novel I have read in a while and could not put it down .Such a powerful read from start to finish and I would highly recommend it .I have just heard of this new author and will give credit where its due Linda Valley is a brilliant author and hope there is a follow-up of this new book of hers called the locksmith. If you are fans of martina Cole ,Kimberly chambers, Jessie kean and many more its definitely worth the money to buy this book .well done .
April 27, 2021
From humble beginnings
Powerful book and hard hitting, we have the East End of London and all that goes along with it. Gangsters, wanna bees, villains and the poor folk just trying to stay afloat and exist by any means they can. We also have poor honest straight as a die working folk and this story starts right there amongst some good folk. We have young Ruby with her stunning green eyes her brother Bobby her mum Cathy and her dad. After some tragedy Ruby was left to raise her young baby brother with Bobby, her world had collapsed and they turned to crime to survive. This is their story. I loved every minute of it and hope there is a follow up. I would definitely recommend this book for a good read that gets you from the first chapter.
Powerful book and hard hitting, we have the East End of London and all that goes along with it. Gangsters, wanna bees, villains and the poor folk just trying to stay afloat and exist by any means they can. We also have poor honest straight as a die working folk and this story starts right there amongst some good folk. We have young Ruby with her stunning green eyes her brother Bobby her mum Cathy and her dad. After some tragedy Ruby was left to raise her young baby brother with Bobby, her world had collapsed and they turned to crime to survive. This is their story. I loved every minute of it and hope there is a follow up. I would definitely recommend this book for a good read that gets you from the first chapter.
April 29, 2021
What an amazing read, coudnt put the book down, i have now ordered linda's first book to read, black widow, i cant wait for 3rd book
April 25, 2021
What a fantastic read. The books was easy to get into & gripping. I loved the characters & it was brilliant story
April 13, 2021
Loved it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it very hard to put it down. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author. I have a feeling she is going to become very popular.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it very hard to put it down. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author. I have a feeling she is going to become very popular.
April 7, 2021
Brother and sister Ruby and Bobby live in a house with their parents Cathy and Louie who are straight as a dye. They don't tolerate crime and believe in working hard for a living whilst all around them are villains and thieves.
After an accident, Ruby is left to raise their baby brother and times become even harder which results in them having no choice but to turn to crime. Bobby has a talent and comes to the attention of the local crime boss.
Life becomes a lot easier with Ruby becoming a very powerful strong woman.
What a cracking book, I couldn't put down. A real crime page-turner full of action and drama.
I really recommend it and it is worth 5 stars.
After an accident, Ruby is left to raise their baby brother and times become even harder which results in them having no choice but to turn to crime. Bobby has a talent and comes to the attention of the local crime boss.
Life becomes a lot easier with Ruby becoming a very powerful strong woman.
What a cracking book, I couldn't put down. A real crime page-turner full of action and drama.
I really recommend it and it is worth 5 stars.
March 14, 2021
My thoughts about this brilliantly written gripping underworld crime thriller, Linda Calvey’s The Locksmith was fantastic, Author Linda Calvey has written a powerful story that is truly remarkable, which is based on her own life experiences is incredible. Linda Calvey has written a powerful story straight from her heart, that makes The Locksmith a well worth read, that is truly magnificent. The Story Of Linda Calvey’s The Locksmith begins were we see the main character Ruby’s who is a powerful character,The Locksmith tells her story on how she begins her journey to becoming London’s crime boss of the underworld, was fantastic. What I liked about the story was Ruby’s remarkable character, that is fascinating, her one decision she becomes a crime boss of London,was fantastic.Ruby would do anything to protect her family is brilliant. If you’re a fan of The Godfather, Mcmafia and Scarface then you will love this one. The enemies Ruby makes is just mindblowing, her enemies she challenges is just incredible.Author Linda Calvey’s The Locksmith is one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year, which is based on the underworld, the other being Saima Mir’s The Khan, which is also based on The Underworld in Bradford, are the two most promising debuts in crime fiction this year. A brilliantly written gripping crime thriller, that takes you on a journey through Darkness of London’s dangerous underworld. Highly recommended. I would like to say thank you to Author Linda Calvey, Publishers Welbeck Books Publishing, for giving me a gifted copy, for me to read and review this outstanding thriller. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
April 10, 2021
Bravo I was hooked
Brilliant can't wait for the next one I read in one sitting and now I'm at a loss hopefully it won't be long well done
Brilliant can't wait for the next one I read in one sitting and now I'm at a loss hopefully it won't be long well done
April 10, 2021
Very good
I really enjoyed this book
Would recommend it
Can’t wait for her next book
So get writing Linda x
X
I really enjoyed this book
Would recommend it
Can’t wait for her next book
So get writing Linda x
X
April 6, 2021
Brilliant reading
I read this book in 2 days. Couldn't put it down. This lady is on par with Martina Cole. Excellent reading
I read this book in 2 days. Couldn't put it down. This lady is on par with Martina Cole. Excellent reading
February 19, 2021
this book is so so good this author has a talent for such a good story .Ruby and her family have lots of love but know hardship her parent work so hard her and her brother Bobby are taught never to steal there neighbours are all living life of crime then something happens and Ruby has to be a mum to her second brother ,then Ruby and Bobby have to turn to crime then she meets her Saviour Charlie he treats them like the children he not had . and then Ruby meets the love of her life and she has become a very powerful women who wont stop at anything to protect her own if you like crime a fast paced and gritty story this for you this new author will go so far just so good there is sad parts and funny parts
February 21, 2021
I love to read of Women who buck the trend and rise well above or on a level with male gangster bosses.Growing up with nothing Ruby and her brother Bobby at least have love and care from their parents but when they are left alone with their baby brother Ruby knows things have to change for them to survive.As Ruby takes charge and goes against everything their parents taught them they begin to become known and then the local Mr big comes calling to offer Bobby a job using his talent as a locksmith.As the years pass their lives change for the better with Ruby making the deals and Bobby doing the jobs.I have cheered for Ruby through this book with the twists and turns this book gives us and i can't wait to read Linda Calvey's next book as she is a BRILLIANT writer 5*
March 22, 2021
This is a fantastic read, if you like the gangster genre then this is the book for you. I was gripped from page one you watch Ruby and her brother Bobby grow up and change to deal with the things that life throws at them. They have a hard life but nothing can break their bond that family gives them. I really hope that Linda is busy writing a sequel as this definitely leaves you wanting more. A well deserved five stars from me.
March 29, 2021
Absolutely loved this book
What a fantastic book, from start to finish I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and the whole story. I can't wait for the next ruby instalment.
What a fantastic book, from start to finish I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and the whole story. I can't wait for the next ruby instalment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews