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Annie Carter #1
Dirty Game
Adultery, murder and dangerous love collide in Jessie Keane’s gritty debut thriller set in the London’s East End. Perfect for fans of Martina Cole and Lynda La Plante.
For longer than she cares to remember Annie Bailey has lived in the shadow of her older sister Ruthie. Now Ruthie has her hands on Max Carter, the much feared head of the Carter family and a top class villain.
Seducing Max wasn't a problem, but the guilt, shame and anger of rejection afterwards was.
Thrown onto the streets Annie finds herself living with Celia, a wayward aunt with a shocking secret. As the months pass Annie's resourceful nature sees her mature and carve out a life for herself, albeit not legal. But if you play with fire, you can expect to get burned and her lavish new lifestyle and connections may be about to come crashing down around her.
Annie has unwittingly placed herself between two rival gangs and upset too many people, and these kind of people don't forget. But as everyone knows, Annie Bailey is no ordinary woman.
For longer than she cares to remember Annie Bailey has lived in the shadow of her older sister Ruthie. Now Ruthie has her hands on Max Carter, the much feared head of the Carter family and a top class villain.
Seducing Max wasn't a problem, but the guilt, shame and anger of rejection afterwards was.
Thrown onto the streets Annie finds herself living with Celia, a wayward aunt with a shocking secret. As the months pass Annie's resourceful nature sees her mature and carve out a life for herself, albeit not legal. But if you play with fire, you can expect to get burned and her lavish new lifestyle and connections may be about to come crashing down around her.
Annie has unwittingly placed herself between two rival gangs and upset too many people, and these kind of people don't forget. But as everyone knows, Annie Bailey is no ordinary woman.
560 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2008
About the author
Jessie Keane
49 books402 followersNow what about me? I’ve done a lot of writing, but way back before I even dreamed I could be a professional writer I was just the youngest in a big family. My Dad was a surveyor with an edge of brilliance. My Mum was from gipsy roots and used to drive around in a goat-cart (yes, really!) when she was little. Once we were rich (although I didn’t know it then, and it was all thanks to my Dad’s ingenuity) and then suddenly – pretty shockingly, really – we were poor (thanks to greedy people who exploited his kindness). I have to tell you, rich is better. But the great thing about life is, even painful events pass, and if you make bad choices, hopefully you learn from them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
March 20, 2020
Dirty Game by Jessie Keane, gangland east London 1960s series predictable fun but kicker is it has a lady boss who is tougher than than you can imagine. Her mantra "dig deep, and stand alone" Annie backs herself and keeps her true emotions well guarded. Starts off with a roar.... shot and dying in the back of an ambulance. Really it's coronation street with a pulse. Riveting good crime fiction at it's dirtiest, it has slayings shootouts backstabbing frontstabbing knockshop high jinks treacherous gangsters the whole friggin caravan of criminal disasterhood. But it has a solid base with a love story between Annie and gangland boss Max Carter. I found it intense with some pulsating fast paced action, it has a bunch off you beauty moments.
September 21, 2017
Loooooved it!
So happy to have found a new, gritty, London gangland, historic to present Audible series.
Next!...
So happy to have found a new, gritty, London gangland, historic to present Audible series.
Next!...
Read
July 22, 2018Ben bunu 2012 sularında okumuştum. Az önce kitaplığımda denk geldim de Goodreads'e hiç eklemediğimi hatırladım.
December 30, 2013
First book of the series and I loved it, totally got absorbed in Max and Anne, forget the crimes going on its the passionate addictive love story that made me turn the pages at such a rate, couldn't put it down and can't wait to read the next one! ...
February 8, 2012
The story of Annie Carter who gets chucked out of her house by her mother (for sleeping with her sister’s fiancé) and goes to stay with her Aunty who coincidently runs a brothel! The recurring theme is that Annie is still in love with Max (her sister’s now husband), yet her sister has turned to drink (just like their mother) and is very bitter about her sister sleeping with her then fiancé (as you would be of course!). Annie ends up running the brothel herself after her Aunty does a moonlight flit.
So the plot revolves around Max and Annie, with appearances from the employees of the brothel, some dimwit (sorry can’t remember his name), who is crucial to the story, but can’t say to much more without spoiling it.
I thought it was OK. It was advertised to be “just like Martina Cole”. I don’t agree with this. I believe fans of Martina Cole may enjoy this, but the style of writing and the pace of the story are different. It’s just the subject matter that is similar and the fact that there is a lot of swear words in the book. I don’t feel that this story really picked up until near the end of the book, and also repeated bits that were unnecessary.
Having said that, it was an enjoyable quick read and I have ordered the sequel from the library.
So the plot revolves around Max and Annie, with appearances from the employees of the brothel, some dimwit (sorry can’t remember his name), who is crucial to the story, but can’t say to much more without spoiling it.
I thought it was OK. It was advertised to be “just like Martina Cole”. I don’t agree with this. I believe fans of Martina Cole may enjoy this, but the style of writing and the pace of the story are different. It’s just the subject matter that is similar and the fact that there is a lot of swear words in the book. I don’t feel that this story really picked up until near the end of the book, and also repeated bits that were unnecessary.
Having said that, it was an enjoyable quick read and I have ordered the sequel from the library.
December 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It was good to find out how Annie Bailey and Max Carter got together.
Annie Bailey had a bad start in life, with no father and a drunkard for a mother. She becomes self-sufficient after almost spoiling her older sister, Ruthie's, wedding day.
Annie leaves the family house and move in with Celia, who is a very interesting character. Annie makes the unlikeliest of friends with some extraordinary people, who see her through some of the worst times in her life.
Somehow, Annie Bailey comes through her bad experiences, not unscathed, but stronger than she thought she ever could have been.
Annie Bailey has a lot of admirable qualities, nestling alongside some that are less endearing. I find myself admiring her, despite her less salubrious side.
Annie Bailey had a bad start in life, with no father and a drunkard for a mother. She becomes self-sufficient after almost spoiling her older sister, Ruthie's, wedding day.
Annie leaves the family house and move in with Celia, who is a very interesting character. Annie makes the unlikeliest of friends with some extraordinary people, who see her through some of the worst times in her life.
Somehow, Annie Bailey comes through her bad experiences, not unscathed, but stronger than she thought she ever could have been.
Annie Bailey has a lot of admirable qualities, nestling alongside some that are less endearing. I find myself admiring her, despite her less salubrious side.
October 17, 2019
Adultery, murder and dangerous love collide in Jessie Keane’s gritty debut thriller set in the London’s East End. Perfect for fans of Martina Cole and Lynda La Plante.
I read the second in the series first and loved it, so it was good to read this first one to explain some things. A thoroughly good read that held my attention right to the end.
I read the second in the series first and loved it, so it was good to read this first one to explain some things. A thoroughly good read that held my attention right to the end.
August 2, 2012
Fantastic I couldn't put it down. Jessie Keane really makes the characters come to life can't wait to start reading Black widow the next novel in the series. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Martina Cole.
February 17, 2020
Out of this world I’ve re read this book about 5 times and it still gets me like it did the first time I love Annie and max and them together are the ultimate power couple I love that she’s down to earth and never forgets her self she’s fair feierce and loyal and never gives up
February 15, 2026
Brilliant read, could not turn the pages over quick enough. Love the ganster era, feels like I have been living with Annie this last week !!
August 13, 2013
Very good read , slightly better than martina cole in my opinon ,just make sure you read follow on books in right order
August 29, 2013
Amazing loved loved this book so much think I've found new favourite author can't believe never read any before
April 15, 2015
absolutely brilliant. thrilling read from start to finish. Will have u turning the pages all night
Read
December 29, 2021DNF @ 45%
This book was terrible. It was like reading something written by a five-year-old with Tourettes. Lots of the same text, a wooden plot, and a cast of cardboard characters. Difficult to find anything positive to say I'm afraid.
This book was terrible. It was like reading something written by a five-year-old with Tourettes. Lots of the same text, a wooden plot, and a cast of cardboard characters. Difficult to find anything positive to say I'm afraid.
May 28, 2026
brilliant
Love this book couldn’t put it down. I will definitely download the next Jesse Keane book as I really liked her character.
Love this book couldn’t put it down. I will definitely download the next Jesse Keane book as I really liked her character.
August 8, 2013
Time taken to read - 3 days
Publisher - Harper Collins
Blurb from Goodreads
Adultery, murder and dangerous love collide in Jessie Keane’s gritty debut thriller set in the London’s East End. Perfect for fans of Martina Cole and Lynda La Plante.
For longer than she cares to remember Annie Bailey has lived in the shadow of her older sister Ruthie. Now Ruthie has her hands on Max Carter, the much feared head of the Carter family and a top class villain.
Seducing Max wasn't a problem, but the guilt, shame and anger of rejection afterwards was.
Thrown onto the streets Annie finds herself living with Celia, a wayward aunt with a shocking secret. As the months pass Annie's resourceful nature sees her mature and carve out a life for herself, albeit not legal. But if you play with fire, you can expect to get burned and her lavish new lifestyle and connections may be about to come crashing down around her.
Annie has unwittingly placed herself between two rival gangs and upset too many people, and these kind of people don't forget. But as everyone knows, Annie Bailey is no ordinary woman.
My Review
This book starts straight from the first few pages, hell even from the first sentence "Annie Bailey knew she was dying." The book opens with Annie Bailey, our main character who has been shot and is recapping her life as it flashes before her eyes. We go back to before her sisters wedding and Annie seduces the bridegroom, spurned she can't help but keep her mouth shut. She finds herself thrown out of the family home and caught up in a new life style, surrounded by her sisters husbands rivals. Soon she becomes trapped between the Carters & the Delaney's and when rivals both want something people always get hurt!
Oooh this is a great read, crime, gritty, murder, sex, betrayal & lies. If you like Martina Cole and Mandasue Heller, Kimberley Chambers etc you will like this. The only thing that I would say is there are a few terms that may offend some people. For example the characters are rough around the edges and derogatory towards one of the gay characters, terms like shirt lifter etc.
There are a few elements to this story, of course the big one is Annie going through the transformation of girl into woman. Learning to stand on her own two feet and learn the ropes of a "knocking shop" and initiating her own ideas for it. The issue of Max Carter, the man she loves who is now married to her sister and furious with her for her indiscretion. As she is shunned from her family and Max she moves further into Delaney territory and soon finding herself in deep water!
I really liked the pace of this book, like I said it pulls you in from the start. I felt a mix of emotions towards Annie but by the end I actually started to like her. 4/5 for me and I will be reading this author again.
Publisher - Harper Collins
Blurb from Goodreads
Adultery, murder and dangerous love collide in Jessie Keane’s gritty debut thriller set in the London’s East End. Perfect for fans of Martina Cole and Lynda La Plante.
For longer than she cares to remember Annie Bailey has lived in the shadow of her older sister Ruthie. Now Ruthie has her hands on Max Carter, the much feared head of the Carter family and a top class villain.
Seducing Max wasn't a problem, but the guilt, shame and anger of rejection afterwards was.
Thrown onto the streets Annie finds herself living with Celia, a wayward aunt with a shocking secret. As the months pass Annie's resourceful nature sees her mature and carve out a life for herself, albeit not legal. But if you play with fire, you can expect to get burned and her lavish new lifestyle and connections may be about to come crashing down around her.
Annie has unwittingly placed herself between two rival gangs and upset too many people, and these kind of people don't forget. But as everyone knows, Annie Bailey is no ordinary woman.
My Review
This book starts straight from the first few pages, hell even from the first sentence "Annie Bailey knew she was dying." The book opens with Annie Bailey, our main character who has been shot and is recapping her life as it flashes before her eyes. We go back to before her sisters wedding and Annie seduces the bridegroom, spurned she can't help but keep her mouth shut. She finds herself thrown out of the family home and caught up in a new life style, surrounded by her sisters husbands rivals. Soon she becomes trapped between the Carters & the Delaney's and when rivals both want something people always get hurt!
Oooh this is a great read, crime, gritty, murder, sex, betrayal & lies. If you like Martina Cole and Mandasue Heller, Kimberley Chambers etc you will like this. The only thing that I would say is there are a few terms that may offend some people. For example the characters are rough around the edges and derogatory towards one of the gay characters, terms like shirt lifter etc.
There are a few elements to this story, of course the big one is Annie going through the transformation of girl into woman. Learning to stand on her own two feet and learn the ropes of a "knocking shop" and initiating her own ideas for it. The issue of Max Carter, the man she loves who is now married to her sister and furious with her for her indiscretion. As she is shunned from her family and Max she moves further into Delaney territory and soon finding herself in deep water!
I really liked the pace of this book, like I said it pulls you in from the start. I felt a mix of emotions towards Annie but by the end I actually started to like her. 4/5 for me and I will be reading this author again.
February 10, 2020
While the storyline was interesting, I didnt find it compelling. I wasnt a fan of the characters and didnt find then that good.
July 20, 2024
Book 1 of a 6 book series.
This was absolutely brilliant, loved reading every page, so much gritty drama addictive stuff, could not put the book down. The story was excellent, very well written. Jessie sure does know how to write a story and to keep the readers engaged.
I felt for the character of Annie, she really did have to go through a lot and cope with stuff that was thrown her way, although some of which she did bring upon herself, but despite it all she kept fighting for what she wanted and believed in. There were quite a few characters to get to know, some you like and some you don’t. There were a couple of shocking surprises along the way too.
Jessie Keane is definitely on par with author Martina Cole that’s for sure. Right without further ado, as I am hooked, I’m starting book 2 to this series.
This was absolutely brilliant, loved reading every page, so much gritty drama addictive stuff, could not put the book down. The story was excellent, very well written. Jessie sure does know how to write a story and to keep the readers engaged.
I felt for the character of Annie, she really did have to go through a lot and cope with stuff that was thrown her way, although some of which she did bring upon herself, but despite it all she kept fighting for what she wanted and believed in. There were quite a few characters to get to know, some you like and some you don’t. There were a couple of shocking surprises along the way too.
Jessie Keane is definitely on par with author Martina Cole that’s for sure. Right without further ado, as I am hooked, I’m starting book 2 to this series.
October 27, 2021
Growing up I was always fascinated with London gangs especially the Krays so this was right up my street. Jessie writes brilliantly about a hard ,fast paced and violent lifestyle. I love Annie’s journey in this book and can’t wait to read more. It’s brilliantly written and so similar to Martina Cole (I’m not sure who came first I just found Martina first!) the whole work surrounding these characters is violent and intricate, what I love in this one is the slight twist at the end! Highly recommend to those who love this style of writing.
December 5, 2021
4.3*
I really enjoyed this book and have become a fan of the author. I will definitely be reading many more of her books. I’m quite strict with my scoring of books and I rarely give 5* because I save that for only my absolute favourites and books that were perfect in my eyes…I think 3* out of 5 is still a reasonable and respectful score for a book I’ve enjoyed but maybe feel something little was missing or there was one thing I didn’t like about it that lowered the score for me. So for me to score this book as 4.3* should tell you how much I enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed this book and have become a fan of the author. I will definitely be reading many more of her books. I’m quite strict with my scoring of books and I rarely give 5* because I save that for only my absolute favourites and books that were perfect in my eyes…I think 3* out of 5 is still a reasonable and respectful score for a book I’ve enjoyed but maybe feel something little was missing or there was one thing I didn’t like about it that lowered the score for me. So for me to score this book as 4.3* should tell you how much I enjoyed it!
February 13, 2022
Great Book
This book is well worth your time,,it is the first of the Annie Carter serious which boasts 6 books and if any of them are half as good as this one,then I'll be glued to my kindle for a long time.I loved Martina Cole books and someone told me Jessie Keane wrote a lot like her so I decided to give her a try and I was NOT sorry,,I've read quite a few of Jessie Keanes books now and have enjoyed everyone of them so go on do yourself a favour and start with Dirty Game you won't regret it i PROMISE YOU
This book is well worth your time,,it is the first of the Annie Carter serious which boasts 6 books and if any of them are half as good as this one,then I'll be glued to my kindle for a long time.I loved Martina Cole books and someone told me Jessie Keane wrote a lot like her so I decided to give her a try and I was NOT sorry,,I've read quite a few of Jessie Keanes books now and have enjoyed everyone of them so go on do yourself a favour and start with Dirty Game you won't regret it i PROMISE YOU
May 9, 2018
absolutely brilliant.
wasn't sure about this t start with as I'm such a big fan of Martina Cole and didn't know if this could live upto hers. but if you love Martina Coles books you will most probably love Jessie keanes. similar settings absolutely amazing book. in fact the whole Annie Carter series is brill
wasn't sure about this t start with as I'm such a big fan of Martina Cole and didn't know if this could live upto hers. but if you love Martina Coles books you will most probably love Jessie keanes. similar settings absolutely amazing book. in fact the whole Annie Carter series is brill
May 30, 2019
This book was amazing! I loved it, I was really invested in the characters and the storyline. Everything about it just made me want to carry on reading. Although I don’t think I would like to read the series, I believe I would like this to be a stand alone book. I don’t think another one could live up to my enjoyment of this one.
April 2, 2013
My favourite author and books ever!!! I freakin love Annie and max carter. My reviews on amazon were lengthy and detailed and even now writing about it make me all girly and excited. I need more Annie and Max ASAP!!!!!
March 25, 2022
Fantastic
A Brilliant read from start to finish.
Love the twists and surprises
A read good read that I didnt want to end.
A Brilliant ending which doesn't happen very often In books.
I love Jessie Keane books and on to the next book
A Brilliant read from start to finish.
Love the twists and surprises
A read good read that I didnt want to end.
A Brilliant ending which doesn't happen very often In books.
I love Jessie Keane books and on to the next book
March 22, 2018
Gritty and hard hitting
Takes you back into the frightening gangland era of fifties and sixties, edge of the seat drama and and even though you know its wrong you can't help liking Annie.
Takes you back into the frightening gangland era of fifties and sixties, edge of the seat drama and and even though you know its wrong you can't help liking Annie.
April 23, 2025
1960s, gangland mobsters, complicated family issues and ladies of the night. What more could you want in a book! Annie is a fantastic main character and she manages to be strong and vulnerable. Really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
November 24, 2013
Can't wait to get started in book 2 !!
February 14, 2016
Not as good as Martina Cole, but an enjoyable read nonetheless. I have several more of Jessie's books lined up, just waiting to be read and I can't wait
August 26, 2018
Fairly run of the mill London 1960's gangland crime with no surprises and no shocks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews