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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
219 people are currently reading
1007 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Keane
45 books386 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 107 reviews
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!...
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July 22, 2018Ben bunu 2012 sularında okumuştum. Az önce kitaplığımda denk geldim de Goodreads'e hiç eklemediğimi hatırladım.
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.
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 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! ...
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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.
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 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.
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.
May 31, 2010
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 !!
November 24, 2013
Can't wait to get started in book 2 !!
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
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
April 15, 2015
absolutely brilliant. thrilling read from start to finish. Will have u turning the pages all night
August 26, 2018
Fairly run of the mill London 1960's gangland crime with no surprises and no shocks.
May 28, 2019
Loved it. Brilliant story
December 16, 2019
What a great book. Short chapters (always a bonus for me), great storyline.
September 2, 2012
great book couldn't put it down
September 27, 2021
The genre doesn't suit the author at all. She's not "tough" or "assertive enough" to pull off this kind of story. Jessie Keane has the writing style and flow of those generic summer authors who set quaint little tales in pretty Cornwall villages where everyone is good looking and everything is "nice". That's what makes this such a strange book, the severity and grittiness of the characters never really comes across. There're a lot of empty and cringey threats like school children who have fallen out. The characters are very shallow. We're told about them but we never really see anything in terms of depth. I think it's written almost as if the author thinks we already know the story and just need reminding of the basics. There's too many characters in general, with very few distinguishing features. The cover of my copy features the quote, "Martina Cole fans will love this." I'm not even a Martina Cole fan particularly, but Martina Cole writes these sorts of books with substantially greater depth, as does pretty much everyone in this field.
January 10, 2021
Enjoyed the plot and story line but was a bit disturbed at the amount of swearing and graphic sex scenes.
I enjoyed the plot of this book very much the storyline was superb and it made a good change to be in amongst the bad boys in a thriller rather than fol!owing the police procedure. I only marked book as a 3 because I was quite disturbed at the amount of swear words and bad language contained in the book. Some readers might find it offensive so I fe!t a mention necessary. If you take the plot and story part of the book it is excellent but the over reliance on sex and swearing, sometimes when I thought not necessary Will put some people off reading it. As I enjoyed the storyline I Will read another Jessie Keane novel at a later date. If you don't like too much bad language and sex I would recommend you avoid this book but if you are broad minded and not easily offended I give this book a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Tag.
I enjoyed the plot of this book very much the storyline was superb and it made a good change to be in amongst the bad boys in a thriller rather than fol!owing the police procedure. I only marked book as a 3 because I was quite disturbed at the amount of swear words and bad language contained in the book. Some readers might find it offensive so I fe!t a mention necessary. If you take the plot and story part of the book it is excellent but the over reliance on sex and swearing, sometimes when I thought not necessary Will put some people off reading it. As I enjoyed the storyline I Will read another Jessie Keane novel at a later date. If you don't like too much bad language and sex I would recommend you avoid this book but if you are broad minded and not easily offended I give this book a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Tag.
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.
December 10, 2020
Couldn't really get into this one. I did enjoy parts of it, particularly the last 20% or so, which I found quite gripping. I found Orla and Redmond quite interesting and would have liked to have read more about them, and I also liked the group working at the Limehouse parlour. Apart from that, I didn't really feel a connection with any of the characters and found the story a little dull. It was kind of trashy, almost like the book equivalent of East Enders- which isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just not what I'm into.
Really hated that Annie ended up with Max, I felt the book romanticised his possessiveness and willingness to cheat on his wife, which I didn't like.
Really hated that Annie ended up with Max, I felt the book romanticised his possessiveness and willingness to cheat on his wife, which I didn't like.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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
January 1, 2024
3 stars. This was gang crime fiction with a romantic subplot...but definitely not a romance. I liked the main character, Annie, and felt like many of the characters were well-rounded: there was no perfect "Mary Sue". Everyone's got a shade of bad in them in this book. I honestly didn't like Annie's love, Max, AT ALL...their relationship is so toxic. But again, this is not a Romance so it didn't fully ruin the story.
This is a series but I probably won't continue on. It wrapped up nicely in this book.
This is a series but I probably won't continue on. It wrapped up nicely in this book.
November 5, 2023
Jessie's first novel. Similar style to Mandasue Heller and Martina Cole at her best, where rather than a specific plot line the story is more a rolling potrayal of life in two criminal underworld families in 1960s London. The writing was both emotional and thrillingly atmospheric with all strong characters, never losing it's high momentum over 500 plus pages. A thoroughly enjoyable read. 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews