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Ruby Murphy #2
The Game
Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane, this gangland thriller shows how far one woman will go to protect her family's empire.
___________
She built an empire. Now she needs to protect it.
From the dark underbelly of London to the scorching Spanish riviera, Ruby Murphy has built a crime syndicate to be feared.
When her husband is murdered in cold blood, she is devastated. But with a firm to run and a business partner to please, there's no time for tears.
In Ruby's world, family is everything. So when her beloved daughter gets into trouble, Ruby vows to protect her, whatever the cost. But who can be trusted, and who is out for blood?
Enemies are everywhere. But if you come for the queen, you'd better not miss . . .
___________
She built an empire. Now she needs to protect it.
From the dark underbelly of London to the scorching Spanish riviera, Ruby Murphy has built a crime syndicate to be feared.
When her husband is murdered in cold blood, she is devastated. But with a firm to run and a business partner to please, there's no time for tears.
In Ruby's world, family is everything. So when her beloved daughter gets into trouble, Ruby vows to protect her, whatever the cost. But who can be trusted, and who is out for blood?
Enemies are everywhere. But if you come for the queen, you'd better not miss . . .
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2022
99 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 11, 2024
I spotted this book still in my TBR shelf. I was convinced i'd read it and maybe just forgot to write anything about it,
Decided to start it, to try and jog my memory and knew right away I had not previously read it.
How has this epic read been sat waiting for me for so lone.
This helped me through a tough weekend. At every opportunity I had to pick up my kindle. I had to read it, even if it was just a chapter or paragraph..
This book went from strength to strength, the whole way through the book built up and left me needing to read.
Lies, Deceit, violence, drugs, love, heartache. This book has it all, tenfold and then some more.
A superb Gangland thriller that any fans of this genre will more than enjoy. A family torn apart and a family out for revenge.
The Wilson family have a lot going on. The head of the family Ruby is fighting to get revenge for her late husband. She then has the great concerns of her daughter Cathy and a man that none of the family like.
Can Ruby help her family before it's too late.
Decided to start it, to try and jog my memory and knew right away I had not previously read it.
How has this epic read been sat waiting for me for so lone.
This helped me through a tough weekend. At every opportunity I had to pick up my kindle. I had to read it, even if it was just a chapter or paragraph..
This book went from strength to strength, the whole way through the book built up and left me needing to read.
Lies, Deceit, violence, drugs, love, heartache. This book has it all, tenfold and then some more.
A superb Gangland thriller that any fans of this genre will more than enjoy. A family torn apart and a family out for revenge.
The Wilson family have a lot going on. The head of the family Ruby is fighting to get revenge for her late husband. She then has the great concerns of her daughter Cathy and a man that none of the family like.
Can Ruby help her family before it's too late.
April 10, 2023
The book was a bit disappointing, I had expected a lot more from it.
The characters were stereotypes, none came to my mind as a believable person that could have been met in real life. Maybe I should make an exception for the elderly woman in prison, Sarah.
This character is clearly based upon the writer's own past.
I do respect Linda Calvey for her achievement in writing her novels.
But if I am honest I did not like the almost staccato-style of the writing.
It is possible that I am not the right person who read this book.
For me it is not possible to give it more than 3 out of 5 stars.
The characters were stereotypes, none came to my mind as a believable person that could have been met in real life. Maybe I should make an exception for the elderly woman in prison, Sarah.
This character is clearly based upon the writer's own past.
I do respect Linda Calvey for her achievement in writing her novels.
But if I am honest I did not like the almost staccato-style of the writing.
It is possible that I am not the right person who read this book.
For me it is not possible to give it more than 3 out of 5 stars.
September 27, 2022
Wow and I thought the first one was good
April 18, 2022
Brilliantly written
I loved this book by Linda Calvey and I can't wait for her next one.
From start to finish I was hooked on the characters and storyline, it's so addictive that I found it hard to put down.
Ruby's daughter Cathy decided to go it alone after walking in on her uncle Bobby and his wife Belle having a heated argument where she found out that her mother was responsible for killing her uncle George who had raped her.
She met the father of her children (twins) Levi in a bar that she works in with uncle Bobby. She'd lived a very sheltered life and she naively thought that he loved her. She gets caught with a bag he asked her to pick up and after arriving at the police station she finds out it's full of drugs. Instead of telling the truth she kept quiet and whilst in prison she later finds out that he's already married with children. She give birth then ends up killing herself .
It's an un-put-down-able book from beginning to end.
I loved this book by Linda Calvey and I can't wait for her next one.
From start to finish I was hooked on the characters and storyline, it's so addictive that I found it hard to put down.
Ruby's daughter Cathy decided to go it alone after walking in on her uncle Bobby and his wife Belle having a heated argument where she found out that her mother was responsible for killing her uncle George who had raped her.
She met the father of her children (twins) Levi in a bar that she works in with uncle Bobby. She'd lived a very sheltered life and she naively thought that he loved her. She gets caught with a bag he asked her to pick up and after arriving at the police station she finds out it's full of drugs. Instead of telling the truth she kept quiet and whilst in prison she later finds out that he's already married with children. She give birth then ends up killing herself .
It's an un-put-down-able book from beginning to end.
April 4, 2022
I’ve had the pleasure of reading some well written gangland style books recently and this series is another! I listened to this book whilst on my morning run and it certainly helped the miles disappear.
Ruby Wilson is head of a drug cartel which brings all the danger, double crossing and violence of the criminal underworld. Investing her time in the business she has provided the very best of everything for her daughter, Cathy. After they both witness the bloody murder of Archie, Ruby’s beloved husband and Cathy’s father, Ruby decides to send her daughter to live with her brother and his wife to keep her safe. Little does she know that Cathy is at risk of far greater danger than the criminal underworld namely Irish traveller, Levi.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ruby Wilson is head of a drug cartel which brings all the danger, double crossing and violence of the criminal underworld. Investing her time in the business she has provided the very best of everything for her daughter, Cathy. After they both witness the bloody murder of Archie, Ruby’s beloved husband and Cathy’s father, Ruby decides to send her daughter to live with her brother and his wife to keep her safe. Little does she know that Cathy is at risk of far greater danger than the criminal underworld namely Irish traveller, Levi.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Game by Linda Calvey.
This is the first book I have read by this author and it was a fantastic gritty read!! In fact I would love there to be a follow on from it. Its also very interesting to read that Linda Calvey has spent 18 years inside prison herself.
The book is the story about Ruby who is a strong women, the head of a drugs cartel living out in Spain, until her husband is murdered. She finds out who has done this and then re-enacts her husbands death with the murderer.
Ruby then moves back to England, where her daughter is living and all sorts happens that, some of it I guessed, some of it I didn't guess. I won't say too much as this point, as I don't want to spoil it for you.
If you like Martina Cole, Linda Calvey is definitely an author for you to try. A great, page turning read!!
This is the first book I have read by this author and it was a fantastic gritty read!! In fact I would love there to be a follow on from it. Its also very interesting to read that Linda Calvey has spent 18 years inside prison herself.
The book is the story about Ruby who is a strong women, the head of a drugs cartel living out in Spain, until her husband is murdered. She finds out who has done this and then re-enacts her husbands death with the murderer.
Ruby then moves back to England, where her daughter is living and all sorts happens that, some of it I guessed, some of it I didn't guess. I won't say too much as this point, as I don't want to spoil it for you.
If you like Martina Cole, Linda Calvey is definitely an author for you to try. A great, page turning read!!
May 9, 2022
What a great gangland book through and through, this lady knows her stuff.
I loved all of the characters even Levi who at times I could have smacked one.
The book leads us through first-class crime, lies, deceit, drugs, and on the other side, glamour and a deep-rooted love of family. It has everything you could want and I couldn't put it down.
It is about a family with Ruby Wilson at the head of the drug cartel, and her precious daughter Cathy, among a few other characters, but not too many to confuse and put you off. Full of darkness and danger this book will keep you on your toes from the first to the last page.
The only negative is that I wish there was not the continual mention of the designer names of things being worn and used by the characters, it was unnecessary and became a bit irritating.
As the story goes I highly recommend it.
I loved all of the characters even Levi who at times I could have smacked one.
The book leads us through first-class crime, lies, deceit, drugs, and on the other side, glamour and a deep-rooted love of family. It has everything you could want and I couldn't put it down.
It is about a family with Ruby Wilson at the head of the drug cartel, and her precious daughter Cathy, among a few other characters, but not too many to confuse and put you off. Full of darkness and danger this book will keep you on your toes from the first to the last page.
The only negative is that I wish there was not the continual mention of the designer names of things being worn and used by the characters, it was unnecessary and became a bit irritating.
As the story goes I highly recommend it.
January 4, 2023
A really brilliant and fast paced story. I didn't want the book to end and couldn't put it down.
Ruby Willson has had a tough life, and it gets tougher. She is part of a top drug cartel, and is instrumental in the success of the business, along with her father-in-law and brother-in-law. She has a daughter, who grows up with all the advantages of a wealthy family, but knows nothing of the family business, until she comes home and overhears her aunt and uncle rowing over her mother's secrets.
Cathy goes off the rails, but soon realises she needs her family more than she knew. Cathy ends up paying a high price for her stubbornness.
Linda Calvey writes her characters and story so well. You can feel their highs and lows. She's a really good story-teller.
Ruby Willson has had a tough life, and it gets tougher. She is part of a top drug cartel, and is instrumental in the success of the business, along with her father-in-law and brother-in-law. She has a daughter, who grows up with all the advantages of a wealthy family, but knows nothing of the family business, until she comes home and overhears her aunt and uncle rowing over her mother's secrets.
Cathy goes off the rails, but soon realises she needs her family more than she knew. Cathy ends up paying a high price for her stubbornness.
Linda Calvey writes her characters and story so well. You can feel their highs and lows. She's a really good story-teller.
April 4, 2022
The game by Linda Calvey.
She built an empire. Now she needs to protect it.From the dark underbelly of London to the scorching Spanish riviera, Ruby Murphy has built a crime syndicate to be feared.When her husband is murdered in cold blood, she is devastated. But with a firm to run and a business partner to please, there's no time for tears.In Ruby's world, family is everything. So when her beloved daughter gets into trouble, Ruby vows to protect her, whatever the cost. But who can be trusted, and who is out for blood?Enemies are everywhere. But if you come for the queen, you'd better not miss . . .
This was a really good read. Dark and twisted. I love these reads. 4*.
She built an empire. Now she needs to protect it.From the dark underbelly of London to the scorching Spanish riviera, Ruby Murphy has built a crime syndicate to be feared.When her husband is murdered in cold blood, she is devastated. But with a firm to run and a business partner to please, there's no time for tears.In Ruby's world, family is everything. So when her beloved daughter gets into trouble, Ruby vows to protect her, whatever the cost. But who can be trusted, and who is out for blood?Enemies are everywhere. But if you come for the queen, you'd better not miss . . .
This was a really good read. Dark and twisted. I love these reads. 4*.
April 12, 2022
This is the first book I've read from this author and I jumped at the chance to read The Game by Linda Calvey. WoW! this book did not disappoint, it was brilliant from the beginning till the end I loved it! This book was well written in gangland style, so if you love these books; this is a book for you. It's very powerful, with lots of gangland action in the criminal underworld where blood, violence, lies and deceit are an everyday occurrence with great twists and turns throughout. This will not be the last book I read of Linda's.
I highly recommend this book,
Big thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I highly recommend this book,
Big thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2022
this author has become one of my Favorite s. very gripping from page one Ruby finally finds out who killed her beloved husband Archie so she avenges his death, and leave Spain behind. and leaves all in her brothers capable hands , Ruby goes back to London and cant wait to be back with her daughter Cathy . Cathy is now working at her uncles bar where she meets Levi and falls in love with him she has a big shock for him she is pregnant . Ruby is in for a rough ride and will have to protect her family i wont say no more as will spoil but so dam good and one part made me cry ,
February 8, 2022
This is a powerful book that has you on the edge of your seat as after the burglary and the death of her husband Ruby has to put her own grief aside and protect her grieving daughter Cathy and run the business.This is one of the best gangland books i have read this year you go through all the emotions while reading it.I can't say anymore as that would spoil the book for others,well done to the author an outstanding book i loved it 5* (It deserves more stars)
February 17, 2022
My first book by this author and I look forward to reading many more.
When Ruby's husband is killed in cold blood her world falls apart but she has to go on,she's got a firm to run and when her daughter gets into trouble she must protect her what ever it costs.But when the chips are down who can she really trust?
Violent and gritty keeps you wanting more,highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Welbeck Publishing UK for the ARC.
When Ruby's husband is killed in cold blood her world falls apart but she has to go on,she's got a firm to run and when her daughter gets into trouble she must protect her what ever it costs.But when the chips are down who can she really trust?
Violent and gritty keeps you wanting more,highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Welbeck Publishing UK for the ARC.
February 25, 2022
This book is set in the criminal underworld in Spain and London. It's filled with drug dealing, violence, double crossing and has plenty of twists. There are some interesting characters with Ruby at the top of her game, leading the family "business". When her daughter, Cathy, is threatened Ruby pulls out all the stops to protect her but who can she trust? The book is well written and the ending left me wanting more. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
May 16, 2022
Brilliant read .
This is the follow up from her last book which was really good. The second series is even better .Linda Valley has a good imagination. Reading this book I felt that I was actually there. I couldn't put this book down .Linda is a good author and I have recommended her to my friends. I can't wait for her next book .I give her the full 5 stars and wish I could give her more .
This is the follow up from her last book which was really good. The second series is even better .Linda Valley has a good imagination. Reading this book I felt that I was actually there. I couldn't put this book down .Linda is a good author and I have recommended her to my friends. I can't wait for her next book .I give her the full 5 stars and wish I could give her more .
October 1, 2022
Following on from the Locksmith this is a great book. I don't usually read female gangster novels but these two books were excellent.
The characters felt real and the story line was superbly paced. A shock or a twist and the build up to the finale kept me turning page after page.
I think, in the back if my mind, know that Linda had lived the life, she has walked the walk as they say and she can definitely talk the talk.
The characters felt real and the story line was superbly paced. A shock or a twist and the build up to the finale kept me turning page after page.
I think, in the back if my mind, know that Linda had lived the life, she has walked the walk as they say and she can definitely talk the talk.
April 2, 2022
Excellent story has you gripped from the first page
This is an amazing story often dealing with complex issues and deals with them very well the characters within the story are very much believable and it is a book that keeps you enthralled to the last page of you read only one book this month make it this one you won't be disappointed
This is an amazing story often dealing with complex issues and deals with them very well the characters within the story are very much believable and it is a book that keeps you enthralled to the last page of you read only one book this month make it this one you won't be disappointed
October 16, 2022
Wow!! Fantastic book, brilliant storyline, great characters, kept me hooked from the beginning to the end. Brilliantly written I felt as if I knew all the characters! Carried the story on excellently from the first book, which I didn’t think could have got any better but this author is amazing! Really do hope there will be more from this author.
July 7, 2025
Superb
This is the 1st time I've read anything this author has written and I wasn't disappointed. Such a captivating storyline. 2 books in the series. I was hooked straightaway. I went through so many emotions reading the 2 books. Well worth a read especially if you like books similar to Martina Cole books. Im definitely reading more by this author.
This is the 1st time I've read anything this author has written and I wasn't disappointed. Such a captivating storyline. 2 books in the series. I was hooked straightaway. I went through so many emotions reading the 2 books. Well worth a read especially if you like books similar to Martina Cole books. Im definitely reading more by this author.
February 15, 2022
Thanks to netgalley for letting me review this, i havnt read anything before by this author, but i will be reading more. This is fast paced, set in the criminal underworld where blood, violence, lies and deceit are an everyday occurance. Lots of twists and turns, good to see a women at the helm. If you havnt read this book, you must. Highley recommend
April 27, 2022
Great to read the sequel to the locksmith. I enjoyed the exciting story continuing the lives of Ruby and her family . I love the characters . A fantastic read & I could not put it down so I read it in 2 days! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone .
June 4, 2022
Wonderful
Wonderful book. Had me screaming, effing and jeffing at times but it was a delight to read. A rollercoaster book. Not for the faint hearted. Linda Calvey is fast becoming a fave.
Wonderful book. Had me screaming, effing and jeffing at times but it was a delight to read. A rollercoaster book. Not for the faint hearted. Linda Calvey is fast becoming a fave.
July 16, 2022
This was excellent and hard to put down.
Continuing on from the Locksmith we see Ruby become a wife, mother, widow and avenging angel.
We see her determination, intuition, care grow.
Family is everything.
Continuing on from the Locksmith we see Ruby become a wife, mother, widow and avenging angel.
We see her determination, intuition, care grow.
Family is everything.
July 23, 2022
Loved this book. This and the locksmith are the first I have read in the crime gene. It's nitty and gritty had me at the edge of my seat and sobbing I got that into the story. Loved this and will look for more gangland style books.
June 7, 2023
Didn't disappoint. The follow up to the locksmith. The author makes you feel as if you know the characters personally and feel empathy with them. Dont think there will be a follow on to this but hope there will be
May 20, 2024
Wow I thought the first book was great
This got better the more I read it
Just had to keep picking it up
What a page turner
Look forward to Linda Calvey next book
She didn’t disappoint me
Sad in places, and a edge of me seat read
Brilliant
This got better the more I read it
Just had to keep picking it up
What a page turner
Look forward to Linda Calvey next book
She didn’t disappoint me
Sad in places, and a edge of me seat read
Brilliant
January 16, 2026
The Game
What a fantastic book. I was hooked from the first page, knew I would be cos I read her first book, The Locksmith. Had never heard of Linda until Martina Cole mentioned her. Fantastic author with concrete knowledge of gangland London. Will read all her books now.
What a fantastic book. I was hooked from the first page, knew I would be cos I read her first book, The Locksmith. Had never heard of Linda until Martina Cole mentioned her. Fantastic author with concrete knowledge of gangland London. Will read all her books now.
Read
May 14, 2022I've read some shyte In my time but that was at a level of comics I'd read 50 yrs ago, who in the name of God gave that publisher a license
May 22, 2022
Loved it
Another brilliant read by Linda Calvey. It kept me gripped and wanting more. Sad in places and a few unexpected twists. Definitely worth reading.
Another brilliant read by Linda Calvey. It kept me gripped and wanting more. Sad in places and a few unexpected twists. Definitely worth reading.
July 21, 2022
Love her books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews