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Diamond
*** THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER ***
'A brilliant historical crime read' Bella
' This thrilling and twisty crime novel is perfect for fans of Martina Cole' My Weekly
'A rollercoaster of crime, revenge and murder' The Sun
BEHIND EVERY STRONG WOMAN IS AN EPIC STORY...
In the early years of the last century, a desperate young girl changes her name and flees the confines of her brutal, dominating gangland family in London. Now calling herself 'Diamond Dupree', she goes to Paris to become an artist's model but the world there is different to what she had supposed it would be and she soon falls on hard times. When she manages to escape at the end of the First World War, she leaves behind her a mystery - and a dead man.
Back home in London, she reluctantly re-joins the Soho family 'firm' she'd once been glad to leave behind. Having grown tougher during her time in Paris, she soon becomes a force to be reckoned with, a feared and respected gangland queen. But then she meets Richard Beaumont, the youngest son of a wealthy aristocratic family, and sparks fly. But can she escape the long arm of the law and the hangman's noose, when the crimes of her past finally catch up with her?
For fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers, as well as viewers of Peaky Blinders , this is historical crime fiction at its most compelling.
' No one delves into the underworld like Keane!' Woman's Weekly
'A gritty and enlightening read' Yours
' Authentically gritty' Crime Monthly
'A brilliant historical crime read' Bella
' This thrilling and twisty crime novel is perfect for fans of Martina Cole' My Weekly
'A rollercoaster of crime, revenge and murder' The Sun
BEHIND EVERY STRONG WOMAN IS AN EPIC STORY...
In the early years of the last century, a desperate young girl changes her name and flees the confines of her brutal, dominating gangland family in London. Now calling herself 'Diamond Dupree', she goes to Paris to become an artist's model but the world there is different to what she had supposed it would be and she soon falls on hard times. When she manages to escape at the end of the First World War, she leaves behind her a mystery - and a dead man.
Back home in London, she reluctantly re-joins the Soho family 'firm' she'd once been glad to leave behind. Having grown tougher during her time in Paris, she soon becomes a force to be reckoned with, a feared and respected gangland queen. But then she meets Richard Beaumont, the youngest son of a wealthy aristocratic family, and sparks fly. But can she escape the long arm of the law and the hangman's noose, when the crimes of her past finally catch up with her?
For fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers, as well as viewers of Peaky Blinders , this is historical crime fiction at its most compelling.
' No one delves into the underworld like Keane!' Woman's Weekly
'A gritty and enlightening read' Yours
' Authentically gritty' Crime Monthly
- GenresCrime
320 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2023
155 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Keane
45 books389 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 82 reviews
January 23, 2022
Diamond Butcher is a beautiful girl and the daughter of Warren Butcher the head of the Wolfe gang who run the streets of Soho. Her mother is Frenchie a woman that her father met whilst in Paris and they fell in love. Diamond also has two brothers Archie and Owen who is a bit simple after an accident at birth.
When Warren is murdered, Victor Diamond’s Uncle worms the way into the family’s life and takes over the family firm and physically abuses Diamond to do his bidding. She fears for her life so much she flees and goes to Paris. But when she gets there the city is not the beautiful one that her mother has portrayed in her stories. It is hard graft, and she meets all sorts of different characters along the way.
Thank you, Hodder, and Stoughton, for a copy of Diamond by Jessie Keane. This is another enthralling book from the author set in Pre-war Gangland London. It written a bit different to her other books but still the gritty, page turner that we have come to love. I really enjoyed this story about rival gangs and her life Diamond portrayed in it. 5 stars from me.
When Warren is murdered, Victor Diamond’s Uncle worms the way into the family’s life and takes over the family firm and physically abuses Diamond to do his bidding. She fears for her life so much she flees and goes to Paris. But when she gets there the city is not the beautiful one that her mother has portrayed in her stories. It is hard graft, and she meets all sorts of different characters along the way.
Thank you, Hodder, and Stoughton, for a copy of Diamond by Jessie Keane. This is another enthralling book from the author set in Pre-war Gangland London. It written a bit different to her other books but still the gritty, page turner that we have come to love. I really enjoyed this story about rival gangs and her life Diamond portrayed in it. 5 stars from me.
January 21, 2022
Jessie Keane is one of my go to authors when I’m looking to read a gritty gangland thriller. Diamond is slightly different to her previous books as it begins in the early years of the last century. It follows the story of Diamond Butcher. Her life isn’t an easy, her story is shocking, and brutal but she’s a formidable character. The supporting characters fit firmly into two categories, good or evil, and there are some truly evil, despicable characters in this book that made this book such an exciting read.
If I had one one small quibble in parts, this book jumps from one character to another within the same paragraph which made the read feel disjointed in parts. Diamond has all the things you would expect to find in gangland thriller, violence, a gritty plot, with a feared and respected heroine. There’s so much going on, it makes for a fast-paced, thrilling read. If you enjoy a gritty, hard-hitting drama, then I would highly recommend Diamond.
If I had one one small quibble in parts, this book jumps from one character to another within the same paragraph which made the read feel disjointed in parts. Diamond has all the things you would expect to find in gangland thriller, violence, a gritty plot, with a feared and respected heroine. There’s so much going on, it makes for a fast-paced, thrilling read. If you enjoy a gritty, hard-hitting drama, then I would highly recommend Diamond.
January 23, 2022
I have read every book buy this author and she never disappoints. this book will keep you wanting to read until the very end. Warren meets Frenchie in Paris they fall in love and get married. they have three children a daughter Diamond. 2 sons Owen and Aiden then they have to flee again as Warren rival. Gustav Wolfe takes there clubs. so they go back to London buy a house and open a club the Milano. but Gustav is back and wants all again tragedy strikes. and there uncle Vincent takes over and is a cruel and heartless man Diamond hates the Wolfe family and will take revenge. but she will cross paths yet again with the son Toro Wolfe and the family wont say no more but so so good
January 5, 2026
Time taken to read - in and out over 4 days
Pages - 543
Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
This thrilling and twisty crime novel is perfect for fans of Martina Cole' My Weekly'A rollercoaster of crime, revenge and murder' The SunIn the early years of the last century, a desperate young girl changes her name and flees the confines of her brutal, dominating gangland family in London. Now calling herself 'Diamond Dupree', she goes to Paris to become an artist's model but the world there is different to what she had supposed it would be and she soon falls on hard times. When she manages to escape at the end of the First World War, she leaves behind her a mystery - and a dead man.Back home in London, she reluctantly re-joins the Soho family 'firm' she'd once been glad to leave behind. Having grown tougher during her time in Paris, she soon becomes a force to be reckoned with, a feared and respected gangland queen. But then she meets Richard Beaumont, the youngest son of a wealthy aristocratic family, and sparks fly. But can she escape the long arm of the law and the hangman's noose, when the crimes of her past finally catch up with her?For fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers, as well as viewers of Peaky Blinders, this is historical crime fiction at its most compelling.'No one delves into the underworld like Keane!' Woman's Weekly'A brilliant historical crime read' Bella'A gritty and enlightening read'
My Review
When Diamond's father faces those they have been running from, noone could know it would change their lives forever. Trying to navigate loss at fourteen is never easy but when her estranged uncle forces his way into their lives things go from bad to worse. Forced to do things she would never by choice she meets Richard Beaumont, a man who has as much affect on Diamond as Diamond has on him.
Ok so I normally love Keane's books, this one is historical fiction, her uncle is an absolute vile abusive ratbag, he avoids doing his duty for his country because why should he risk his life when he could be making a mint! The timeline and reference to the war really is the only historical so it isn't huge to the book although it is more relevant to Richard who is home from serving, ptsd and survivors quilt. We don't hear a whole lot about him in the book until much later so I was a bit meh. Also Diamond, Diamond made me want to pull my hair out at times, the way she reacts to a violent SA encounter, the way she falls for these guys quicker than heels on an ice patch. I know a lot with a book can be impacted upon with the readers mood but the rage I had for some of this, especially after the SA, just no!
Her uncle Victor is just horrible, like we get his card very quickly and he only escalates as the book goes on. DV, SA, drugs, murder, abuse, coercion, cheating honestly the guy has zero redeeming qualities and I just wanted karma through the whole book.
I didn't hate it, I didn't love it. A lot of unsavoury characters, some questionable behaviours and turf war and old grudges over rivals, I can't say gangs because that doesn't fit right but crews or organised crime gangs would cover it, 3/5 for me. I will read her other stuff because I do like her books, I just didn't love this one but I know I am in the minority.
Pages - 543
Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
This thrilling and twisty crime novel is perfect for fans of Martina Cole' My Weekly'A rollercoaster of crime, revenge and murder' The SunIn the early years of the last century, a desperate young girl changes her name and flees the confines of her brutal, dominating gangland family in London. Now calling herself 'Diamond Dupree', she goes to Paris to become an artist's model but the world there is different to what she had supposed it would be and she soon falls on hard times. When she manages to escape at the end of the First World War, she leaves behind her a mystery - and a dead man.Back home in London, she reluctantly re-joins the Soho family 'firm' she'd once been glad to leave behind. Having grown tougher during her time in Paris, she soon becomes a force to be reckoned with, a feared and respected gangland queen. But then she meets Richard Beaumont, the youngest son of a wealthy aristocratic family, and sparks fly. But can she escape the long arm of the law and the hangman's noose, when the crimes of her past finally catch up with her?For fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers, as well as viewers of Peaky Blinders, this is historical crime fiction at its most compelling.'No one delves into the underworld like Keane!' Woman's Weekly'A brilliant historical crime read' Bella'A gritty and enlightening read'
My Review
When Diamond's father faces those they have been running from, noone could know it would change their lives forever. Trying to navigate loss at fourteen is never easy but when her estranged uncle forces his way into their lives things go from bad to worse. Forced to do things she would never by choice she meets Richard Beaumont, a man who has as much affect on Diamond as Diamond has on him.
Ok so I normally love Keane's books, this one is historical fiction, her uncle is an absolute vile abusive ratbag, he avoids doing his duty for his country because why should he risk his life when he could be making a mint! The timeline and reference to the war really is the only historical so it isn't huge to the book although it is more relevant to Richard who is home from serving, ptsd and survivors quilt. We don't hear a whole lot about him in the book until much later so I was a bit meh. Also Diamond, Diamond made me want to pull my hair out at times, the way she reacts to a violent SA encounter, the way she falls for these guys quicker than heels on an ice patch. I know a lot with a book can be impacted upon with the readers mood but the rage I had for some of this, especially after the SA, just no!
Her uncle Victor is just horrible, like we get his card very quickly and he only escalates as the book goes on. DV, SA, drugs, murder, abuse, coercion, cheating honestly the guy has zero redeeming qualities and I just wanted karma through the whole book.
I didn't hate it, I didn't love it. A lot of unsavoury characters, some questionable behaviours and turf war and old grudges over rivals, I can't say gangs because that doesn't fit right but crews or organised crime gangs would cover it, 3/5 for me. I will read her other stuff because I do like her books, I just didn't love this one but I know I am in the minority.
February 4, 2022
Diamond by Jessie Keane.
In the early years of the last century, a desperate young girl changes her name and flees the confines of her brutal, dominating gangland family in London. Now calling herself 'Diamond Dupree', she goes to Paris to become an artist's model but the world there is different to what she had supposed it would be and she soon falls on hard times. When she manages to escape at the end of the First World War, she leaves behind her a mystery - and a dead man. Back home in London, she reluctantly re-joins the Soho family 'firm' she'd once been glad to leave behind. Having grown tougher during her time in Paris, she soon becomes a force to be reckoned with, a feared and respected gangland queen. But then she meets Richard Beaumont, the youngest son of a wealthy aristocratic family, and sparks fly. But can she escape the long arm of the law and the hangman's noose, when the crimes of her past finally catch up with her?
I really really enjoyed this book. Great story and characters. I loved the cover. 5*.
In the early years of the last century, a desperate young girl changes her name and flees the confines of her brutal, dominating gangland family in London. Now calling herself 'Diamond Dupree', she goes to Paris to become an artist's model but the world there is different to what she had supposed it would be and she soon falls on hard times. When she manages to escape at the end of the First World War, she leaves behind her a mystery - and a dead man. Back home in London, she reluctantly re-joins the Soho family 'firm' she'd once been glad to leave behind. Having grown tougher during her time in Paris, she soon becomes a force to be reckoned with, a feared and respected gangland queen. But then she meets Richard Beaumont, the youngest son of a wealthy aristocratic family, and sparks fly. But can she escape the long arm of the law and the hangman's noose, when the crimes of her past finally catch up with her?
I really really enjoyed this book. Great story and characters. I loved the cover. 5*.
March 23, 2022
Absolutely brilliant, God...that was epic. Probably her best book to date, although, they're all fantastic to be fair!
May 17, 2022
Jessie Keane is always enjoyable… so long as you can suspend your belief in reality just enough. Nice easy read, gritty crime drama.
January 21, 2022
Diamond - Jessie Keane
I really enjoyed this story, plunged into gangland London in the early twentieth century, this was a compelling story.
We follow Diamond Butcher and her family, once high up in the echelons of London gangland crime - now forced under the heel of her Uncle Victor who runs things. Diamond longs to escape and have her revenge on the Wolfe family who had such a feud with her family and killed her father.
Diamond escapes to Paris and away from the violence and fear of living with Victor. But soon trouble finds her again…oh this book runs and runs. Leaving behind a dead body and forced to return to London, she meets Richard Beaumont, an aristocratic son, damaged by war but sparks fly between them.
Embroiled back in the family business and trying to walk a tightrope of love and loyalty, a different life beckons but can she outrun her crimes?
This felt like a huge family saga, a cross between Peaky Blinders, Eastenders and Downton Abbey! It’s tough and gritty, but very addictive and I stopped reading anything else so I could finish this.
The oldest and only girl in a family of London thieves, reinvented as Diamond Dupree, the latest Paris ‘it girl’ - the lover of an aristocrat, fearless and beautiful she is so compelling and a great female character. I really loved her, she was the personification of her name.
Although this is set in the past, this book felt quite contemporary to me. It’s honest and believable. There is pain, love and hardship, life laid bare, it’s a real rip roaring piece of historical crime fiction.
Unputdownable, I really want another instalment in the life of Diamond Dupree!
✩✩✩✩✰
Thanks to EdPR, Hodder Books and Jessie Keane for my copy of this book and spot on the tour
I really enjoyed this story, plunged into gangland London in the early twentieth century, this was a compelling story.
We follow Diamond Butcher and her family, once high up in the echelons of London gangland crime - now forced under the heel of her Uncle Victor who runs things. Diamond longs to escape and have her revenge on the Wolfe family who had such a feud with her family and killed her father.
Diamond escapes to Paris and away from the violence and fear of living with Victor. But soon trouble finds her again…oh this book runs and runs. Leaving behind a dead body and forced to return to London, she meets Richard Beaumont, an aristocratic son, damaged by war but sparks fly between them.
Embroiled back in the family business and trying to walk a tightrope of love and loyalty, a different life beckons but can she outrun her crimes?
This felt like a huge family saga, a cross between Peaky Blinders, Eastenders and Downton Abbey! It’s tough and gritty, but very addictive and I stopped reading anything else so I could finish this.
The oldest and only girl in a family of London thieves, reinvented as Diamond Dupree, the latest Paris ‘it girl’ - the lover of an aristocrat, fearless and beautiful she is so compelling and a great female character. I really loved her, she was the personification of her name.
Although this is set in the past, this book felt quite contemporary to me. It’s honest and believable. There is pain, love and hardship, life laid bare, it’s a real rip roaring piece of historical crime fiction.
Unputdownable, I really want another instalment in the life of Diamond Dupree!
✩✩✩✩✰
Thanks to EdPR, Hodder Books and Jessie Keane for my copy of this book and spot on the tour
February 3, 2022
My first read by this author and it won’t be my last. This is historical crime drama at its strongest. A fabulous protagonist in the guise of Diamond Butcher, who reinvents herself as Diamond Dupree, and set in London and Paris in the early twentieth century, covering the period before and after WW1.
Briefly, born into the Butcher family who rule the streets around Soho her life is disrupted when her father is killed in a fight with the local Wolfe gang and her family’s lives are brutally changed with the arrival of her uncle. Fleeing to France to find a friend of her mothers she assumes a new identity and becomes a nude model for an artist. This brings her into the seedy world of Paris in the 1920s and her life is not easy. Following a murder she is forced to leave Paris and return to her family in London becoming a feared gangland queen. There she meets again the handsome Earl, Richard Beaumont and ignites a love affair doomed by the differences in class.
Containing steamy sex scenes, graphic gangland violence, murder and even an execution scene this isn’t a book for the faint hearted but it’s certainly a real page turner. Brilliant gritty read and just could not put the book down. Definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I hope that’s not the last we see of Diamond.
Briefly, born into the Butcher family who rule the streets around Soho her life is disrupted when her father is killed in a fight with the local Wolfe gang and her family’s lives are brutally changed with the arrival of her uncle. Fleeing to France to find a friend of her mothers she assumes a new identity and becomes a nude model for an artist. This brings her into the seedy world of Paris in the 1920s and her life is not easy. Following a murder she is forced to leave Paris and return to her family in London becoming a feared gangland queen. There she meets again the handsome Earl, Richard Beaumont and ignites a love affair doomed by the differences in class.
Containing steamy sex scenes, graphic gangland violence, murder and even an execution scene this isn’t a book for the faint hearted but it’s certainly a real page turner. Brilliant gritty read and just could not put the book down. Definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I hope that’s not the last we see of Diamond.
February 20, 2022
I don't think I'd ever read a historical gangland crime story before I picked up Diamond. Set at the beginning of the 20th century, Diamond Butcher has grown up with the constant backdrop of the feud between her family and the Wolfe family, a bitter tit for tat battle with shocking consequences. Fleeing all she's ever known, she heads for Paris and has a torrid time there before returning to London and rising up in the gangland ranks herself.
Diamond felt like a sweeping story, taking in what felt like enough drama to cover several lifetimes. It's a chunky read but it's fast-paced, helped by short chapters which kept the action moving. I liked Diamond's sassy attitude and the way she learned to stand up for herself and her family. She's a plucky survivor and I was hoping all the way through for a good and safe outcome for her. The baddies are well-drawn too and I certainly wouldn't want to be anywhere near them or in the middle of one of their fights.
This book is non-stop action from beginning to end. It's gritty and hard-hitting with characters to care about. I can imagine more books featuring Diamond, taking forward the partnerships that she made in this one, but even if that doesn't happen I thought the ending was just right.
Diamond felt like a sweeping story, taking in what felt like enough drama to cover several lifetimes. It's a chunky read but it's fast-paced, helped by short chapters which kept the action moving. I liked Diamond's sassy attitude and the way she learned to stand up for herself and her family. She's a plucky survivor and I was hoping all the way through for a good and safe outcome for her. The baddies are well-drawn too and I certainly wouldn't want to be anywhere near them or in the middle of one of their fights.
This book is non-stop action from beginning to end. It's gritty and hard-hitting with characters to care about. I can imagine more books featuring Diamond, taking forward the partnerships that she made in this one, but even if that doesn't happen I thought the ending was just right.
February 4, 2022
Diamond by Jessie Keane.
In the early years of the last century, a desperate young girl changes her name and flees the confines of her brutal, dominating gangland family in London. Now calling herself 'Diamond Dupree', she goes to Paris to become an artist's model but the world there is different to what she had supposed it would be and she soon falls on hard times. When she manages to escape at the end of the First World War, she leaves behind her a mystery - and a dead man. Back home in London, she reluctantly re-joins the Soho family 'firm' she'd once been glad to leave behind. Having grown tougher during her time in Paris, she soon becomes a force to be reckoned with, a feared and respected gangland queen. But then she meets Richard Beaumont, the youngest son of a wealthy aristocratic family, and sparks fly. But can she escape the long arm of the law and the hangman's noose, when the crimes of her past finally catch up with her?
I really really enjoyed this book. Great story and characters. I loved the cover. 5*.
In the early years of the last century, a desperate young girl changes her name and flees the confines of her brutal, dominating gangland family in London. Now calling herself 'Diamond Dupree', she goes to Paris to become an artist's model but the world there is different to what she had supposed it would be and she soon falls on hard times. When she manages to escape at the end of the First World War, she leaves behind her a mystery - and a dead man. Back home in London, she reluctantly re-joins the Soho family 'firm' she'd once been glad to leave behind. Having grown tougher during her time in Paris, she soon becomes a force to be reckoned with, a feared and respected gangland queen. But then she meets Richard Beaumont, the youngest son of a wealthy aristocratic family, and sparks fly. But can she escape the long arm of the law and the hangman's noose, when the crimes of her past finally catch up with her?
I really really enjoyed this book. Great story and characters. I loved the cover. 5*.
March 19, 2022
A gritty crime story
Diamond Butcher is born to loving well-off parents whose father Warren owns clubs and doesn't come by money legally. She has two younger brothers the youngest Owen who was born with the cord around his throat has learning difficulties but is loved no less than diamond or Archie her other brother.
When Warren is murdered the Butcher family is thrown into turmoil. Warren's cruel brother Victor barges his way into their lives, he rapes their mother Frenchie nightly and beats the children. Diamond can take no more after being forced into the sex industry by him, so flees from her home in London to her mother's homeland in Paris in search of her mother's old friend Mimi.
A great twist at the end.
I enjoyed the story and the way Diamond went from a young girl to a strong woman. But found it a little confusing the way it melded from one character to another, when I thought I was reading about one character it had swapped to somebody else and that was a bit irritating.
Diamond Butcher is born to loving well-off parents whose father Warren owns clubs and doesn't come by money legally. She has two younger brothers the youngest Owen who was born with the cord around his throat has learning difficulties but is loved no less than diamond or Archie her other brother.
When Warren is murdered the Butcher family is thrown into turmoil. Warren's cruel brother Victor barges his way into their lives, he rapes their mother Frenchie nightly and beats the children. Diamond can take no more after being forced into the sex industry by him, so flees from her home in London to her mother's homeland in Paris in search of her mother's old friend Mimi.
A great twist at the end.
I enjoyed the story and the way Diamond went from a young girl to a strong woman. But found it a little confusing the way it melded from one character to another, when I thought I was reading about one character it had swapped to somebody else and that was a bit irritating.
February 4, 2024
Another must read from Jessie Keane
I've never read a Jessie Keane book that I haven't loved yet and this was no exception.
It's so different from her other books but at the same time is unmistakably hers.
From page 1 I loved this book, the characters were so well put together with many multi faceted layers of personality and I could see them in my head so clearly.
I found myself trying to fit in as much time as possible to read a bit more and I felt so invested in the story and the life of Diamond, I needed to see how her story progressed and ultimately how it would end.
Diamonds life was never mapped out or set in stone and could have gone in one of many ways but I was thrilled to see how it ended.
I do hope this isn't the end of Diamond, I definitely want to see (read) more of her.
I've never read a Jessie Keane book that I haven't loved yet and this was no exception.
It's so different from her other books but at the same time is unmistakably hers.
From page 1 I loved this book, the characters were so well put together with many multi faceted layers of personality and I could see them in my head so clearly.
I found myself trying to fit in as much time as possible to read a bit more and I felt so invested in the story and the life of Diamond, I needed to see how her story progressed and ultimately how it would end.
Diamonds life was never mapped out or set in stone and could have gone in one of many ways but I was thrilled to see how it ended.
I do hope this isn't the end of Diamond, I definitely want to see (read) more of her.
January 20, 2022
Gangland London. Diamond a little jewel of a girl, her father Warren Butcher rule the streets of Soho the Wolfe mob run them out of London and they head to Paris her mother glamour Frenchie and her two brothers Owen and Aiden then moving back to take over the club Milano they will never be rid of Gustav Wolfe, and after their fathers death his brother Victor steps in and rules the roots. at fifteen years old she is sent out hoisting the shops that she hates, he is intimidating, frightening and cruel to them all. And Diamond wants revenge.
What a story this is to read, so fast pace and so full of history as we read Diamonds dynamic journey, it keeps you on the edge of your seat chapter after chapter, I loved it all.
What a story this is to read, so fast pace and so full of history as we read Diamonds dynamic journey, it keeps you on the edge of your seat chapter after chapter, I loved it all.
January 23, 2022
Warren and Frenchie have 3 children, Diamond, Aldenham and Owen. They meet in Paris and Warren has his finger in many pies until Gustav Wolfe takes what he has. They return to England and build a new little empire until Wolfe takes it all again as well as Warren's life. Diamond hates the Wolfe family and wants revenge including Gustavs son Torro. Warren's brother decides to take over the firm as well as the household using his bully boy and controlling ways. Diamond flees to Paris and reinvents herself as Diamond Dupree doing whatever she has to do to survive however trouble seems to follow her.
This book is Jessie's best yet. This book had a fantastic story, lots of action and crime and will have you on the edge of your seat.
This book is Jessie's best yet. This book had a fantastic story, lots of action and crime and will have you on the edge of your seat.
February 14, 2022
This is a must read book for anyone who loves gangland novels.
Diamond Butcher is the daughter of Warren and Frenchie Butcher, and big sister to Aiden and Owen, who was brain damaged at birth. The Butchers are gangland rivals of the Wolfe family and have been for some time.
Diamond goes through some really bad times. If she didn't have bad luck, she'd have absolutely no luck at all. She's a shoplifter, a prostitute, an artist's model and is accused of murder. Her mother's 'friend' in Paris, Mimi, isn't all she seems to be and exploits Diamond whenever she can.
Eventually, after suffering the death of both parents, her brother Aiden and miscarrying her baby, Diamond's life starts on its upward spiral and it looks like her life is changing for a more settled future.
Well worth reading.
Diamond Butcher is the daughter of Warren and Frenchie Butcher, and big sister to Aiden and Owen, who was brain damaged at birth. The Butchers are gangland rivals of the Wolfe family and have been for some time.
Diamond goes through some really bad times. If she didn't have bad luck, she'd have absolutely no luck at all. She's a shoplifter, a prostitute, an artist's model and is accused of murder. Her mother's 'friend' in Paris, Mimi, isn't all she seems to be and exploits Diamond whenever she can.
Eventually, after suffering the death of both parents, her brother Aiden and miscarrying her baby, Diamond's life starts on its upward spiral and it looks like her life is changing for a more settled future.
Well worth reading.
February 18, 2022
Do you know what a Diamond is? It’s a stone that has to be polished to shine and have its own sparkle.
I think this is the core of this book; because Diamond Butcher, our main character, has to leave her family bounds to become something different and disconnect but it will not be as easy as she expects.
This is a brutal story; intelligent, brave and full of action that will not leave anyone indifferent. Also, it’s quite impossible to not admire Diamond’s force, she is intelligent and with a thirst for revenge. As you can imagine this is a story that will keep any reader turning pages without noticing.
It’s not a book to take in vain, it’s thick but it will keep you addicted, believe me!
Are you ready to discover “Diamond”?
I think this is the core of this book; because Diamond Butcher, our main character, has to leave her family bounds to become something different and disconnect but it will not be as easy as she expects.
This is a brutal story; intelligent, brave and full of action that will not leave anyone indifferent. Also, it’s quite impossible to not admire Diamond’s force, she is intelligent and with a thirst for revenge. As you can imagine this is a story that will keep any reader turning pages without noticing.
It’s not a book to take in vain, it’s thick but it will keep you addicted, believe me!
Are you ready to discover “Diamond”?
January 20, 2023
This story is set just after the First World War …
Diamond is a child of the fierce London Butcher gang, half French half English,
beautiful and feisty, she’s gonna need to be tough, as her life spirals out of control, following a fight with her brutal uncle, Diamond escapes to Paris leaving her two brothers behind.
Men lust after her and women are jealous of her…Diamond rises to fame as an artists muse she becomes the talk of Paris, when that doesn’t work out, her life takes a new direction, equally dangerous and following a murder, she eventually returns to London, this time for a reckoning long overdue..
This gritty raunchy rollicking adventure has all sorts of dangerous twists and turns that keep you turning the pages.
Diamond is a child of the fierce London Butcher gang, half French half English,
beautiful and feisty, she’s gonna need to be tough, as her life spirals out of control, following a fight with her brutal uncle, Diamond escapes to Paris leaving her two brothers behind.
Men lust after her and women are jealous of her…Diamond rises to fame as an artists muse she becomes the talk of Paris, when that doesn’t work out, her life takes a new direction, equally dangerous and following a murder, she eventually returns to London, this time for a reckoning long overdue..
This gritty raunchy rollicking adventure has all sorts of dangerous twists and turns that keep you turning the pages.
February 2, 2022
The story starts with us meeting Diamond Butcher, who is raised by her loving mum and dad, along with her two brothers, during the early part of the last century. Her dad is head of a gang who are in a bitter feud with the rival Wolfe gang. When Diamond’s dad Warren is murdered, his brother Victor takes over the empty place left in both the gang and his home. Victor is worse than evil and forces Diamond to take part in some of his vile plots to extort anyone he can.
What follows is an eventful account of Diamond’s life and loves, with many highs and lows. It is faced-paced and emotional. A fantastic book, which gripped me throughout and had me devouring chapters at a time.
What follows is an eventful account of Diamond’s life and loves, with many highs and lows. It is faced-paced and emotional. A fantastic book, which gripped me throughout and had me devouring chapters at a time.
November 25, 2022
I never have to read the blurb on books by Jessie Keane I have confidence that I am going to love it her narrative is superb and her characters are always relatable.
Diamond Butcher is a formidable woman who has survived so much trauma in her life both in her earlier years in England after her fathers untimely death and then in her time spent in Paris.
This is not so much a gangland thriller as we have come to expect and is set in the era just after the first world war. In my opinion this is the best book to date written by Jessie Keane and I really hope there is a sequel as I’d love to read more about Diamond.
Highly recommend and wish I could award more than 5 stars.
Diamond Butcher is a formidable woman who has survived so much trauma in her life both in her earlier years in England after her fathers untimely death and then in her time spent in Paris.
This is not so much a gangland thriller as we have come to expect and is set in the era just after the first world war. In my opinion this is the best book to date written by Jessie Keane and I really hope there is a sequel as I’d love to read more about Diamond.
Highly recommend and wish I could award more than 5 stars.
February 24, 2022
Diamond by Jessie Keane was another superb historical crime fiction book and one of her best. This latest book had me gripped from the beginning till the end. I loved it. However, it is slightly different from all her other books but still an excellent read.
Fingers cross I am hoping there will be more of Diamond's story to come.
I highly recommend all of Jessie Keane's books. They have all been a 5 star read.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Hoddler & Stoughton for an advance copy of this book on exchange for a honest review!!
Fingers cross I am hoping there will be more of Diamond's story to come.
I highly recommend all of Jessie Keane's books. They have all been a 5 star read.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Hoddler & Stoughton for an advance copy of this book on exchange for a honest review!!
January 19, 2022
I have read and loved all of Jessie Keane's books and this one is no exception.
Slightly different for Jessie a tale set way back Pre War with the Butcher family, after a series of events eldest daughter Diamond flees to Paris where her mother is from.
I absolutely enjoyed this so much, some right nasty horrible characters Uncle Victor what a vile man.
A good gripping storyline that makes you wanting to keep turning those pages.
Slightly different for Jessie a tale set way back Pre War with the Butcher family, after a series of events eldest daughter Diamond flees to Paris where her mother is from.
I absolutely enjoyed this so much, some right nasty horrible characters Uncle Victor what a vile man.
A good gripping storyline that makes you wanting to keep turning those pages.
January 25, 2022
I was so looking forward to reading Diamond and i wasn't disappointed.Diamond Butcher and her family are driven from all they own by the Wolfe family even in France,so Diamonds father brings them back to London to rebuild their lives.One gang fight too many leaves the Butcher family devastated what will happen to them now.I have really enjoyed reading of Diamond and her life my only regret was the ending i hoped it would of been better. 5*
February 21, 2022
Another cracker from Jessie Keane focusing on two rival gangs, the Wolfes and the Butchers. Diamond Butcher is a feisty female lead character who has to put up with abuse with her family in London and has to cope with a move to Paris where her life is far from easy.
As ever, Jessie Keane's characters are brilliantly written and the end of this book lends itself to a follow up which will hopefully be on the horizon soon.
As ever, Jessie Keane's characters are brilliantly written and the end of this book lends itself to a follow up which will hopefully be on the horizon soon.
February 21, 2022
Wow w hat a blinding read .
Jessie mean what a brilliant read .So different from all your other books .At first I thought I would give this book a go and I'm glad that I dis from the first chapter till the last it was so different .hopefully there will be a follow-up of this novel which I would like to see .I would definitely recommend this book by Jessie Keane and I'm sure you would enjoy it .if I could give more then five stars I would.
Jessie mean what a brilliant read .So different from all your other books .At first I thought I would give this book a go and I'm glad that I dis from the first chapter till the last it was so different .hopefully there will be a follow-up of this novel which I would like to see .I would definitely recommend this book by Jessie Keane and I'm sure you would enjoy it .if I could give more then five stars I would.
May 30, 2022
What a fantastic read
Well Jessie you done it again.I was hooked from the moment I started reading this book with all of its twists and turns I found it so hard to put down so much so the first night I started to read it I was only going to read a few chapters but it was 5.30 in the morning before I had to make myself put it down and go to bed,,try it,,I promise you you won't be disappointed
Well Jessie you done it again.I was hooked from the moment I started reading this book with all of its twists and turns I found it so hard to put down so much so the first night I started to read it I was only going to read a few chapters but it was 5.30 in the morning before I had to make myself put it down and go to bed,,try it,,I promise you you won't be disappointed
July 1, 2023
It’s been a while since I have read a Jessie Keane book and forgot how much I enjoyed her writing, although I found this one to be a bit different to her others I really enjoyed it. Diamond had no chance at a happy life from a very young age when her dad was brutally murdered and her vicious uncle moved into the family home, after escaping to her loving mothers place of birth , Paris, Diamond hopes she can start a new life but trouble just seems to follow her. A really good read.
January 22, 2022
Great Page Turner.
Having read all of Jessie keane's books I was interested in reading her latest.
Very different to her other books but just as good,a rollercoaster of a read,brilliantly written and filled with characters you'll love and hate.
I'm hoping there is more of Diamond's story to come.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the ARC
Having read all of Jessie keane's books I was interested in reading her latest.
Very different to her other books but just as good,a rollercoaster of a read,brilliantly written and filled with characters you'll love and hate.
I'm hoping there is more of Diamond's story to come.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the ARC
January 24, 2022
Diamond by Jessie Keane
Wow a real diamond of a read !
I'm a big fan of books by Jessie Keane , and this could be her best yet . What I love about them are her strong , gritty , no nonsense , direct , sometimes violent to reach the goal female characters , and she has created a crime queen in the character in Diamond.
Fantastic .
Wow a real diamond of a read !
I'm a big fan of books by Jessie Keane , and this could be her best yet . What I love about them are her strong , gritty , no nonsense , direct , sometimes violent to reach the goal female characters , and she has created a crime queen in the character in Diamond.
Fantastic .
January 25, 2022
Wow what a read. This is Diamond Butcher’s story and it starts from when she’s a young girl. Her life is one big rollercoaster ride with good and bad happening to her along the way. Who can Diamond trust and who’s working against her. Diamond has a very eventful and emotional journey before she starts to discover the truth. A great read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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