Blackmail

by Heather Burnside

' Kept me up half the night as couldn't put it down . Absolutely adore Martin and Beth. Edge of seat all the way .' Reviewer, *****

A DEVASTATING ATTACK.
Beth is walking her dog in a secluded wooded area around Manchester, when she's viciously attacked. After fighting the man off, she gets away with her life, but is left with a horrifying secret.

A LOVER'S BETRAYAL.
As Beth moves on from her trauma with new husband Brady , she seems a happy, successful career girl. But he senses she is harbouring something dark... And when the truth is finally revealed, Brady blackmails Beth into bankruptcy.

A CHANCE TO FIGHT BACK.
When Beth meets wealthy crime boss Martin , he sets her up in business, dotes on her and gives her everything she wants. But Beth is plotting revenge on the man who tried to ruin her... Will her plan come together? Or, this time, will she lose everything for good?

Blackmail is the new standalone gangland thriller from Heather Burnside, author of the Working Girls series, that's perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Martina Cole and Emma Tallon.

Readers can't stop talking about Blackmail :

' Loved it had me on the edge of my seat ... 5* ' Netgalley Reviewer, *****

' What a great read by Heather Burnside as usual!... Keeps you enthralled to the last pages .' Netgalley Reviewer, *****

' A great book , has twists and turns , its exciting and i couldnt put it down , highley recommend.' Netgalley Reviewer, *****

' I read this book in one day . I absolutely could not put it down ... This book will absolutely captivate you .' Netgalley Reviewer, *****

' Another brilliant book by this author. Page turner gritty read in one evening .' Netgalley Reviewer, *****

' Another exciting read from this author … brilliant can't wait to see if there's another one in the series .' Netgalley Reviewer, *****

' I very much enjoyed this book a very good author and read… a very good addictive read.' Netgalley Reviewer, *****

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2023

About the author

Heather Burnside is a Manchester based author whose novels are set in her home city. She has published fifteen gritty urban crime novels to date most of which have become Amazon Category Bestsellers.

More recently Heather has written two psychological thrillers, which will be published in 2026. She is currently working on her third psychological thriller.

Before writing novels, Heather completed a creative writing course. During that time, she had various articles published in well-known UK magazines and went on to run a writing services business.

Her novels include: The Riverhill Trilogy, The Manchester Trilogy, The Working Girls Series of five novels, and four standalone novels.

You can find out more about Heather’s books by signing up to her mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/CP6YP to receive regular updates, or by viewing her website: www.heatherburnside.com.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackmail is a dangerous game,one not to be taken lightly and something that can lead to dire consequences,as we see in this fast paced read……although tbh Blackmail is just one of many things that feature in this gritty Manchester real life drama/thriller
We meet a cast of characters ranging from the rogueish to the downright nasty and a main character who finds herself right in the middle of them all
It is a story of secrets and past wrongs (or are they?) and revenge with an element of non yucky love affair thrown in
As always this author manages to take you on a realistic journey of high drama and fast action with no faffing around but just a well written exciting story

5 Stars

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth is walking her dog in a secluded wooded area around Manchester when she is viciously attacked. After fighting the man off, she gets away with her life, but is left with a horrifying secret. As Beth moves on from her trauma with new husband Brady, she seems a happy, successful career girl. But she senses she is harbouring something dark. And when the truth is finally revealed, Brady blackmails Beth into bankruptcy. when Beth meets wealthy crime boss Martin, he sets her up in business, dotes on her and gives her everything she wants. But Beth is plotting revenge on the man who tried to ruin her.

Beth is hiding a secret from her husband Brady. When she eventually confides in Brady, he holds it against her. This story is action-packed and covers blackmail, revenge and murder. The pace is fast from the beginning, and I was quickly pulled into this story. There is a mixed bunch of characters, some lovable rogues, others downright nasty. It wouldn't be a gangland thriller if they were nice. A most enjoyable and gripping read.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeadofZeus and the author #HeatherBurnside for my ARC of #Blackmail in exchange for an honest review.

[Vicki - I Love Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manchester Thrillers
1. Guilt (2022)
2. Blackmail (2023)
3. Redemption (2023)

Having just completed this book, book 2 in the Manchester Thrillers I couldn't wait to download and start the 3rd books. Which means I will have read these 3 books back to back.
Thoroughly enjoyable, gripping and fresh.

Beth - Married to Brady. They seem to have everything until things start to go wrong. Beth's whole world and life changes so soon and she needs to take a new path to help her move on. Overcoming obstacles that she never imagined would be in her way. A determined woman who will give it her all to get back on track.
The ending seemed a little predictable but I'm not sure it would have worked out any other way.

Some great twists throughout this book. a gripping story that kept me invested. Good characters that build and develop the whole way through.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a devastating attack on her dog that ended his life and an attempted sexual assault Beth had finally moved on. She married Brady and thought she was finally going to be happy but when she tells her new husband what happened that day he turned out to be nothing but an evil blackmailing Backstabber. Because besides her beloved dogs murder and her attempted assault there was another crime that happened that day and Beth had told no one until Brady. When she met Martin he was the total opposite of her husband he was buff a little rough around the edges Ann Rich. Not to mention he fell for Beth is soon as he saw her in this club. After he sets Beth up in business and gives her everything she wants There’s still one thing she really wants em revenge! I love books by Heather Burnside and to say she is out done herself I feel is still an understatement. This book was so good and so over-the-top it flowed quickly and the story kept going and build into a grand crescendo that to me is just an awesome piece of writing. I loved the story and highly recommended. It is a definite must read for gang land and mystery lovers. This book is so worth reading and a definite five star read. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blackmail follows Beth's story after she is subjected to a terrifying ordeal while walking her dog. She finds happiness with new husband Brady, however this is short-lived after he learns the secrets from her past and he begins to blackmail her. When Beth is left with nothing she is intent on turning her life around and getting revenge on her ex-husband.

This is a book you won't want to miss out on.

The opening chapter is incredible and will have you hooked immediately.

This book is fast-paced, addictive and completely absorbing. I loved Beth's character and was fully invested in her story. She comes across as genuine and believable.

The plot is full of twists and turns throughout. At the end of every chapter I was always desperate to find out what would happen next, so much so that I couldn't read it quickly enough!

A brilliantly written book with plenty of drama and tense scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Nebulous · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blackmail by Heather Burnside is steeped with secrets, motives, betrayal and revenge. Beth harbours a dark and traumatic secret that can throw her marriage into an upheaval. Brady, Beth's husband, is highly ambitious and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. His sense of vanity is well captured; he makes questionable choices and decisions from the get-go. His true nature is slowly brewing up to the surface. Martin is a gangster based in Machester and owns the Amber Room. He watches how Beth and Brady's relationship unfolds from a distance, even though he is instantly drawn to Beth. Their lives slowly intertwine as secrets and betrayals unfold. The dialogues between the characters are reasonably limited, and the author relies on a narrative writing style. I sometimes felt the plot dragged on, and the ending was slightly predictable. Despite this, my reading experience was pleasant.

Thank you, NetGalley & Aria & Aries, for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.

[Joe Singleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really excited to get the opportunity to read this book as I am a big fan of the author's work.
As always the author really builds up the characteristics of the main characters so that you really get to know them. I am not sure but I get the feeling that the author's writing may be going away slightly from the gangland crimes that she writes and is moving a little into psychological thrillers. I personally would class this as Urban Crime which probably suits this series better but who cares about the genre/label when it is great writing that really draws you in. The book really pulls you into the personal and business relationships giving a rollercoaster of a ride along the way.
The book is published on the 2nd February 2023 in e-book and paperback formats.
Many thanks to Heather Burnside, Head Of Zeus and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced electronic copy of the book in return for a honest, unbiased review
#Blackmail #NetGalley

[Lovetoread2023 · Rating 5 out of 5]

While walking her dog in the woods Beth is attacked she escapes but at a cost she's left with a horrible secret .She manages to get on with her life marrying Brady,she seems to have it all a husband who adores her and a promising career,but when Brady finds out the truth about the day she was attacked the man she thought loved her no matter what blackmails her leading to bankruptcy.
Struggling with getting with her life on track she meets Martin a rich man with a past of his own but he falls hard for Beth and will give her anything,he sets her up in business which she uses to get revenge on the man who betrayed her,will she succeed or will she lose it all again.
Another great read from Heather Burnside plenty to keep you engaged from beginning to end.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria and Aries for the ARC.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be a good and enjoyable book to read. It had characters I either liked or loathed and I thought the story was well thought out, well written and flowed easily with a good plot line. I liked the histories of two of the characters and that the story was told through different characters perspectives. It didn’t wow me though or have me eager to find out what would happen next. I felt the book was initially a slow burner although it did pick up pace more in the second half. I couldn’t wait to see a certain character get their come uppance and if the author wanted to create a character that readers just hated, then job done here. The ending was very fitting which I liked. Overall a good read and one I’d recommend if you like crime thrillers about blackmail and revenge.

3.5 stars

[Roger Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burnside is a master of character, and from the first pages you are drawn into what has happened to Beth in the past, and care about what will become of her in the future. After a shocking start you are aware that there is far more than is revealed; a dark secret which is ultimately used against her by a person who she trusted the most; her husband, Brady.

Beth turns to Martin a Manchester gangland criminal for help, and Heather's masterly storytelling shows how rounded all people are: bad people do good things and good people do bad things. I am always enthralled with the complexities of the human psyche and non more so than the criminal mind, so really enjoyed this read.

Will Brady have bitten off more than he can chew if he comes up against Martin? Or will the reverse be true? You'll just have to read to the last page to find out. Thrilling read, highly recommended.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts several years previously beth is on a walk and she is devastating attacked by a man she fights back but what happens. Fast forward to some years later beth is married to brady a go getter who wants the best career for them best house and money .beth is in a new job and brady encouraged her to go for promotion straight away but she wants to make friends with her work colleagues. Neverless she gets the promotion and rhen she finds out she is pregnant. In the meantime she is very attracted to another man .but she has a miscarriage and brady blames her .
Is brady all that he seems a loving husband or out for all he can get her home and self respect and what did happen all those years ago .a brilliant rollercoaster of a read with great characters.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book a very good author and read .Beth is married to Brady life is good they bought there home both have good jobs Beth is very content but before she met Brad something happened to her and she still has nightmares Brad is not very sympathetic about it tells her to see someone. on there night out Brad takes her to the Amber Room a cocktail bar that Martin owns he is a bit of a gangster. there is an attraction. one night Martin has a problem and his barman helps him but at a price. and things go down hill for Beth a very good addictive read never ever tell your secrets ,

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manchester Thriller book two
A lovers Betrayal
With a chance to fight back
Beth and Brady Harris, eating the most famous Mediterranean food at The Amber Room, The owner Martin Bradshaw, wealthy but most of all good looking.
Beth has nightmares, she has a past that she cannot forget, Brady blackmails her in the most awful ways even after their divorce he wont let her go, she goes all out with Martins help to destroy his business and him.
A fantastic book with such a blinding eye catching cover, I love reading this series from this author.

[Patricia A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to #NetGalley, Aria & Aries Books and Heather Burnside for the opportunity to read an advance copy of BLACKMAIL, to be published 2 February 2023. This novel was a slow burn that involved several blackmail schemes, a number of murders and ultimate revenge. The plot was good and the characters were real and believable, but it was a little slow getting through it. People who seek reads about murder, blackmail and revenge will enjoy this book. #NetGalley. #Aria&AriesBooks. #HeatherBurnside

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gripping story it draws the reader in from the onset, with a young woman called Beth walking her dog alone in the woods when she hears him cry out. She carries on until she finds him bleeding, and dead from stab wounds.
She marries a slimeball called Brady and confides in him her darkest secret. He then goes on to use it against her and blackmail her.

Some excellent characters come out in this story and the revenge is brilliant. The author is clever at keeping the reader gripped and giving us just what we are looking for in a crime book.
A great read and well worth 5*****

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A devastating attack, a lovers betrayal and a chance to fight back: This gangland thriller will have you craving more!

Having just finished a book by Heather Burnside and thoroughly enjoying it, I decided to dive straight into another and what an excellent decision that was! The plot was excellent and the characters so believable.

Bring on the next book by Heather Burnside who is absolutely becoming one of my favourite authors!

Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review 📖

[Martha Brindley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another decent read from the author, set in the murky Manchester gangland. The main character, Beth, is hiding a secret from her husband Brady. One which she eventually discloses and he holds against her. The plot revolves around blackmail, murder and revenge. The book is well written, with plenty action and suspense. I failed to empathise with Beth but I would recommend the read to lovers of the genre. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Bookstagramshaz Sharon Logue · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚📖 CURRENT READ 📖📚

📖 Book - Blackmail
✍️ Author - Heather Burnside
📕 Publisher - Head Of Zeus
🗓 Publication Date - 2nd Feb 2023


I feel for this book - I need not go into detail in my review - why?! ………..
As soon as I finished this book …….. I messaged the author about her other books and ordered one of her previous book series! Says it all me things.

https://www.instagram.com/Bookstagram...

[Milz Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant gangland thriller from Heather Burnside.

I loved the characters and how Heather tells the story of not only their current situation but does it in a way that made me either love them or hate them. I loved how believable the story felt as it unfolded.

Heather has really ramped up the tension to deliver an excellent, exciting thriller packed with punches. I loved it and would highly recommend it.

[gaynor rawlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

Another excellent book by this author. After Beth and Brady lose their baby Brady becomes very cool towards Beth.They eventually get divorced and Brady leaves Beth destitute.When he sets up his own business from the proceeds from the house. Beth open up her own business to rival her ex husband's with the help of her new partner. I thoroughly recommend this fabulous book

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth thought she had it all. A nice home, a loving husband, a great job and then she gets pregnant. Can life get any better. In the blink of an eye her world suddenly starts to fall apart and the husband she thought she knew so well is the one who makes her world crumble before her eyes. A fast paced read with lots of twists as the once loving couple take revenge on each other.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now here is an author that does not disappoint, with all her books, have been 5 star reads. Her latest book Blackmail by Heather Burnside is a great page turner, with lots of great twists and turns throughout especially as it's a great holiday read. I loved it

I highly recommend Blackmail by Heather Burnside it's another 5 star read.

[Caprice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyline with lots of ups and downs. Some frustrating parts with the character’s behaviours and storyline could feel slow but generally really well written and keeps you reading on. Like how the chapters are short and easy to digest and I think the way it’s written is very good. I’d be open to reading more of the books in this series after finishing this one.

[Caroline O'Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book by Heather Burnside. Beth trusts her husband with her darkest secret and it backfires spectacularly. Down on her luck she builds herself back up and makes a new life but is she actually leaping from the frying pan into the fire?!

There are lots of twists in this fast paced thriller and Heather Burnside continues to impress.

[Khurshid Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hell hath no fury like a woman hurt should have been a sub heading for this book.

What would you do if your dog is killed in front of you
What would you do if you are attacked with a knife
What would you do if your your husband blackmailed you for a incident in the past

Read and find out

[Patsy]

Brilliant read.

Just started to read the first few pages and knew straight away how good this book was going to be.
I just couldn't put the book down well done Heather and will certainly start on your next book .
I give you 5stars and well deserved. I would recommend this book .

[mrs m pring · Rating 5 out of 5]

great reading

I found this book hard to put down, as I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to Beth and Martin. Twists and turns wondering what happened next. I wasn’t disappointed at all. Highly recommend it

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking read ..This must be my favourite book so far ...Can't recommend enough

[Carol Lowndes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

Couldn't put down and read in quick time. Don't want to spoil but it's got a perfect ending to the story