Set in urban Manchester, Running Scared is a nerve-shredding thriller by bestselling author Mandasue Heller.
When Alexis ‘Lexi’ James falls out with her best mate Nicole over ‘bad boy’ Ryan King, it’s just the beginning of a chain of events that go from bad to worse to deadly.
Returning home one night to her high-rise flat, she is faced by a terrifying scene that changes her life forever, and matters are made worse when she is put into care in another town.
Years later, Lexi has left school and is back in Manchester. A chance meeting with Nicole and her so-called ‘other half’ Ryan ends in disaster, and she vows never to see them again. Then one night she is saved from a vicious attack by a charming stranger. He takes her home and their acquaintance blossoms into something much deeper.
When her new man receives a call in the middle of the night and leaves in a hurry, she is horrified when he returns with someone she never thought she would see again. It soon becomes obvious that Lexi doesn’t know her new lover as well as she thought, and she is forced to make a decision that will have devastating results . . .
Mandasue was born in Cheshire and moved to Manchester in 1982. She spent ten years living in the notorious Hulme Crescents which have since become the background to her novels. Not only is she a talented writer, but she has also sung in cabaret and rock groups, seventies soul cover bands and blues jam bands.
Set in Manchester. When Alexis "Lexi" James falls out with her best mate Nicole over bad boy "Ryan King", it's just the beginning of a chain of events that go from bad to worse to deadly. Returning home one night to her high-rise flat, she's faced by a terrifying that changes her life forever. Years later, Lexi is back in Manchester. A chance meeting with Nicole and Ryan ends in disaster and she vows never to see them again. When her new man receives a call in the middle of the might and leaves in a hurry, she's horrified when he returns with someone she thought she'd never see again. It soon becomes obvious that Lexi doesn't know her lover as well as she thought.
I'm a huge fan of Mandasue Heller. What a fantastic read this book was. I was gripped from the first page. I did not like any of Nicole's family, especially her brother Adam. My heart went out to Lexi, she didn't deserve what life had threw at her. Some of the twists I never saw coming, they were so unexpected. I love Mandasue's writing style, she never disappoints. There's a mixed bunch of characters, some likeable and a couple you'll despise. I could not put this book down. I could not read it fast enough. But I loved it.
i would like to thank #NetGalley #PanMacmillan and the author #MandasueHeller for my ARC of #RinningScared in exchange for an honest review.
One of my fav authors of all time so it really was with excitement I started this book and within a couple of pages it was 100% certain Mandasue Heller was back, and back with a bang The story is based in Manchester and involves Lexi and her terrible start in life and what happens to her in her future, interestingly she goes to Hebden Bridge for years but the pull ( good and bad ) of Manchester is too strong and wanting a ‘quiet life’ she returns without fuss….only to become embroiled in all manner of shattering events and with people she had thought she had seen the back of years ago Some real nasty characters, Adam is evil, 100% vile ( but written so well ) and Nicole the perfect ‘love to hate’ ‘best friend’ the story starts as it means to go on and is full of real life, no holds barred stories and situations I loved it, it is great to have the author’s story telling to read again and as expected it was just brilliant
Running Scared is another excellent read by Mandasue Heller. We are back in Manchester in this gritty gangland crime thriller. This is a well written thriller with great characters that kept my interest the whole way through.
I listened to this via borrowbox and the narrator was excellent.
Set in Manchester, Running Scared is a nerve-shredding thriller by bestselling author Mandasue Heller.
When Alexis ‘Lexi’ James falls out with her best mate Nicole over ‘bad boy’ Ryan King, it’s just the beginning of a chain of events that go from bad to worse to deadly.
Returning home one night to her high-rise flat, she is faced by a terrifying scene that changes her life forever and matters are made worse when she is put into care in another town.
Years later, Lexi has left school and is back in Manchester. A chance meeting with Nicole and her so-called ‘other half’ Ryan ends in disaster and she vows never to see them again. Then one night she is saved from a vicious attack by a charming stranger. He takes her home and their acquaintance blossoms into something much deeper.
When her new man receives a call in the middle of the night and leaves in a hurry, she is horrified when he returns with someone she never thought she would see again. It soon becomes obvious that Lexi doesn’t know her new lover as well as she thought, and she is forced to make a decision that will have devastating results . . .
My Review
It has been a wee while since I read Heller and I forgot how much I enjoy her writing. She creates some real unsavoury characters, some we root for and can still get exasperated but some of their choices and behaviours. Meet Lexi, poor, estate kid, best pal has now got money, isn't a very nice individual and her home life brings its own challenges. When she has a chance to stay out, be with her friend and just enjoy a party.............everything changes!
The story spans over ten years, the first part is meeting the characters and then we flip forward to ten years later. Oooft guys, we see some really reprehensive behaviour, shady/dark sides of humanity, abuse, intimidation, SA, abuse of power/authority, drugs, violence, murder - it has a whole whack of everything.
Even when things get really dark you struggle to put it down, how can people be like this and you get the WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!? for some people's life choices/decisions, why, NO don't do that, OMG, AHHHHHHH. I read this in less a day, sometimes you just want to step outside your own world/drama just for a little while, Heller gives you that opportunity to immerse in some shady underworld style characters, 4.5/5 for me!
Murders,rapes, drugs! Lexi has lot of luck, all very bad, first her bitch of a best friend's big brother tries to rape her age 15 at a party then the police will not believe her. Her mother is murdered. Now 10years on her bad luck sticks again with blood and guts. She is back in Manchester for second round of shit who does she bump into The Bitch. Soon Adam will be back in touch with her he is even worse now. This a another Manchester trip into darkness. I took longer to read because I ended up in hospital for a while and it wasn't with me.
Running Scared was such a brilliant read, gritty, brutal with characters you just love to hate. If your a fan of gangland thrillers then I would highly recommend you read this one.
I am a huge fan of Mandasue Heller and I really was looking forward to reading her latest novel As always this did not disappoint, I was hooked from the first chapter.
Lexi and Nicole best friends, Lexi council estate kid and Nicole former council estate now living the high life thanks to her Dads doddy dealings. After years away Lexi is back and looking for a fresh start is headed straight back to her past and people she would rather forget.
The storyline was great and kept me engrossed and I was left totally stunned at some of the shock twists.
Wow Adam don't you just hate him! Amazing read and gripping I didn't want to put this one down.
Another twisting novel by the wonderful Mandasue Heller. Had me guessing all the way along and what an outcome. If you enjoy authors such as Karen Clow, Kerry Barnes, Kimberley Chamberlain, Jessie Keane and Martina Cole you will love Mandasue Heller
I have to say Mandasue Heller writes a Brilliant book that grips you from start to finish and doesn't let go.There are characters that you will love and some that will grate on your nerves but the Author pulls them all together and gives us this Fabulous story of Lexi and those around her.If possible i would of given more than 5* EXCELLENT book and thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review this arc.
Protagonist, Lexi, is one of the best characters I’ve read in a long time. Morals, ethics, logic and undeniably tough (without any unnecessary skills). The story arc has so many unexpected turns I flew through the read.
Halfway through this, I wasn't sure if I wanted to give it 3 stars of 5 stars. I kind of hate that I loved it so much. There are so many unlikeable characters, it's hard to see how you are ever going to enjoy the story. HOWEVER, there's so many twists and turns that lead you to the end, there's no doubt that I did in fact, love it.
One of my favourite authors. Doesn't matter how many of Mandasue Heller's books I have read over the years, I still love them :) this one was no different
Fantastic read by mandasue this time loved the characters too felt like I really knew them by the end I couldn’t put this down and read it in a few hours 😀♥️
Lexi and Nicole are best mates, growing up together on the same council estate. That is until Nicole’s dad starts to bring in some big money and the family move house, to what they feel is a more salubrious area. They believe they have moved up in the world, leaving their previous life behind. Although Lexi and Nicole remain friends, cracks start to appear in their friendship, which becomes apparent when Nicole and her brother throw a party whilst their parents are on holiday, leaving Lexi in a vulnerable and terrifying situation. Returning home to her council flat one night Lexi makes a terrible discovery which changed her life overnight.
Going back to the area some years later, Lexi is hesitant to revisit where she once grew up. By chance she meets her old best mate Nicole and once boyfriend, now husband, Ryan. Lexi then meets a handsome stranger, and they are soon in a relationship. It isn’t long before Lexi realises that her charming man isn’t telling her the whole truth and is hiding many secrets. As the secrets are slowly revealed, Lexi finds herself in great danger as her past isn’t going to remain hidden.
I totally adore Mandasue Heller’s books and she is up there in my top-five crime writers. A couple of times during this book I felt that an element of the plot had been very obviously dropped in, just to make the overall plot tie up. However, this didn’t detract from my total enjoyment of the book, and I still thoroughly revelled in it.
This book has been well worth waiting for from this unique author, a captivating read one of a kind. On the Kingston Estate, Manchester Alexis, 'Lexi' James and her best mate Nicole Harvey who now lives on the posh Riverside estate after her family goes up in the world, but Bad boy Ryan King comes in between them they both have the hots for him and Lexi doesn't stand a chance against her pretty mate Nicole. Nicole's brother Adam plans a house party while the parents are away, but it turns into a nightmare for poor Lexi and it's a night she will never forget, it will be another ten years before she comes back to Manchester all grown up and she's running scared with trouble ahead from the Harvey family. This story is all about who do you trust, the story line will have you gripped, you never know what's around the corner chapter after chapter, I just could not put it down and found myself reading on and on. The characters bring it all to life, full of ups and downs and tears. The author style of writing is like I said one of a kind and she never disappoints me with her work, everyone I read has left me content I just wish they would come faster. Many thanks to the author, the publishers and Netgalley for giving me the chance to read an early copy, that I now will recommend to all readers it's fabulous. worth all the stars and more.
Enter the world the world of Lexi; A strong female protagonist who has been dealt a rather unfortunate hand in life. Having most recently found herself at the fate of infidelity she relocates to her home town, Manchester, where her previous life starts to haunt her. Being from Manchester, I thoroughly enjoy when a book is set there!
This was an excellent read! The characters, love them or hate them (and you absolutely will!), were excellent. They felt so real!
This is the first book I've read by Mandasue Heller (despite being recommended her material multiple times!) and the one positive of this means I have an abundance of titles to get lost in over the upcoming months! How exciting!
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review 📖
The story is set on a rough estate in Manchester, where drugs are rife. Lexi is growing up in a place where the gangs rule .Her mum lives with a lazy slob Tony who drinks all their money away and beats her mum up on a regular basis, then he starts to try it on with Lexi, her life isn’t going to get better any time soon… Her “best friend” Nicole decides to have a party when her mum and dad go away on holiday, Lexi gets invited, that’s when everything starts to go wrong…Nicole’s brother practically rapes Lexi, the police get involved….Everything changes when Lexi’s mother is murdered and she gets taken in to care. Years later, Lexi moves back into the area….not a good move!
It was a good read, lots of bad boy action, atmospheric, if you like crime thrillers. So make a brew and curl up in a chair and enjoy, it’s written in the Martina Cole , Roberta Kray genre
I love this authors books and as normal a very addictive read. Lexi does not have much in life her mum Beth is the only one working. Lexi s stepdad Tony is idle and spends his life in the pubs and he is starting to look at Lexi so she trys not to be around him she has a best friend Nicole who is Danny Harvey gangster Rachel Harvey hates Lexi never wants her daughter with her. Lexi has always looked out for young Jamie whos mum is a druggie and has always looked up to her. then one night everything changes Lexi is taking in to care. and later on Lexi has to come back to Manchester. she makes friends she meets a man and then thinks escalate. you wont be disappointed i so recommend this book and all the authors books
I love this authors books and as normal a very addictive read. Lexi does not have much in life her mum Beth is the only one working. Lexi s stepdad Tony is idle and spends his life in the pubs and he is starting to look at Lexi so she try s not to be around him she has a best friend Nicole who is Danny Harvey gangster Rachel Harvey hates Lexi never wants her daughter with her. Lexi has always looked out for young Jamie who s mum is a druggie and has always looked up to her. then one night everything changes Lexi is taking in to care. and later on Lexi has to come back to Manchester. she makes friends she meets a man and then thinks escalate. you wont be disappointed i so recommend this book and all the authors books
Once again Mandasue has come up with an excellent , gritty , brilliant read for her fans . If you've never read any of her books , believe me , you have missed put. Running Scared is set in Manchester. We meet Lexi and Nicole friends from the local council estate . However Nicole 's dad has moved his family to a much posher area due to his less than legal dealings. Then Lexi escapes the area but returns years later , and meets up with some of her old friends. The plot is fast and edgy with many twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. Mandasue Heller , may you reign long as one of the best in the genre.
Mandasue Heller never fails to let her readers down with her brilliant books and this one is no exception, another brilliant twisty book by this amazing author. Lexi is a young girl living with her mum and brute of a stepdad on a council estate in Manchester, one night at a party Lexi is attacked by her so called best friends brother and not long after tragedy strikes and Lexi has to go into care and leave the area. Years later she finds herself back in Manchester but familiar faces are still around and some people are not very happy to see her. A gritty story full of violence and crime with the hint of a love story entwined.
Running Scared by Mandasue Heller was an excellent book especially as its the first book by this author for me "where have I been?" This book is set in Manchester, and is about Lexi who lived on a council estate with her best friend Nicole. Lexi left Manchester when she was 15, now 10 years later she’s back. Why has she returned?
This book was fast paced and gripped me from the very first few pages and it will not be the last book I will read my Mandasue. I highly recommend this book.
I’m a big fan of Mandasue Heller, and yet again she hasn’t disappointed. Set in Manchester it’s full of great characters, some you’ll love and some you’ll love to hate. You follow the life of Lexi and boy what a rollercoaster ride her life is. It’s a fast paced book with so much going on. You’ll be gripped from page one and definitely will not be able to put it down. A captivating read that draws you straight in it’s definitely a five star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am a massive fan of mandasue’s books so couldn’t wait to read this one. As usual it didn’t disappoint at all and it hooked me from the very start. It had a great bunch of characters with some really nasty ones thrown in there. I loved it from the first page to the last and I read it in a few sittings. 10/10
As soon has I started Running Scared I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down and if you want to read a brilliant read that will keeps you glued to each page. Then just pick up any of Mandasue Heller Books and you will not be disappointed. Loved Ryan and Lexi, but hated Adam. Wow FANASTIC LOVED IT
What an amazing book, I have read every book by Mandasue and I have loved every single one, Running Scared was definitely worth the wait, I was so hooked from the beginning, such an addictive read, you will not be disappointed by this one.
Fast paced and gripping, I found it hard to put this book down. Well written with a compelling sotryline and well developed characters - some of which are unlikeable but all are believeable. A great read.
This book requires some trigger warnings ( violence, rape, swearing ) not normally my taste tbh. The story itself was fast moving and kept you interested. Just make sure this genre is for you Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy.