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The Make
Murder, loyalty and vengeance collide in Jessie Keane's gritty fourth novel. Life is good for Gracie Doyle – running her Manchester casino keeps her busy. Until the police turn up at her door one day and her world is turned upside down. She is given news that her two estranged brothers have been viciously attacked. George is in hospital on a ventilator and worringly, Harry is missing. Gracie has no option but to leave the good life and dip her toe into the murky waters of her East End past. She leaves for London in an attempt to avenge her brothers and in doing so uncovers some unsavoury secrets about the lifestyle they've been leading. Their little games have got them into big trouble with the wrong people… She must keep her wits about her and try to find Harry, or it could prove fatal…
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2011
110 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Keane
45 books388 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 58 reviews
December 30, 2016
Another fantastic novel by Jessie Keane. I find when I'm reading Jessie's books I'm constantly saying 'Just one more chapter', ...10 chapters later I'm still struggling to put her books down! Great writing and always guaranteed to be highly suspenseful.
May 18, 2021
Another fabulous book by this author. A very good read
November 13, 2017
This book was just a whole lot all going on at once. At the beginning it seemed like it would be a straight-forward gritty noir in the Kerry Wilkinson/Mo Hayder vein, but about 50 pages in, it turns into Coronation Street: Sex Work. in addition to the Brit-grit angle.
And that is just a whole lot.
And from there it adds, in no particular order:
Like, if you enjoy over-the-top violence and crazyness, this book will likely appeal to you more than it did to me.
My other issue with the book was that when the story opens, Grace Doyle is a successful businessperson who has severed ties with her toxic family. She's conflicted over having separated from her husband (he wanted her to choose his job over hers) but making it all work. But as she tries to come to her family's rescue, her mother in particular is revealed as actively abusive, and Grace isn't motivated to solve her brother's issues by them being family (à la the tagline on the cover) so much as her wanting to get back to her life.
But of course, I call shenanigans.
And that is just a whole lot.
And from there it adds, in no particular order:
Like, if you enjoy over-the-top violence and crazyness, this book will likely appeal to you more than it did to me.
My other issue with the book was that when the story opens, Grace Doyle is a successful businessperson who has severed ties with her toxic family. She's conflicted over having separated from her husband (he wanted her to choose his job over hers) but making it all work. But as she tries to come to her family's rescue, her mother in particular is revealed as actively abusive, and Grace isn't motivated to solve her brother's issues by them being family (à la the tagline on the cover) so much as her wanting to get back to her life.
But of course, I call shenanigans.
February 15, 2023
Loved it, just as good as Martina Cole which is one of my favourite authors
June 19, 2012
Jessie Keane started off her books with an absolutely brilliant trilogy featuring a character by the name of Annie Bailey. When I finished them I was a little worried about whether her follow on books would create such good characters. Thankfully her following book Jail Bait was a great book too with brilliant plot and characters.
This latest book is of exactly the same making. We meet Gracie Doyle who is far from perfect but is great to read about. There is no hanging around waiting for the plot to develop, we get thrown straight into it with the mysterious disappearance and assault on her two estranged brothers.
What I especially loved about this book was the fact that JK split it into two sections. We read Gracie' story and see the story develop as she learns about her brothers before launching herself into their life down in London. We then also see the story a few weeks prior to that involving Harry and George.
Gracie's ex-husband Lorcan runs his own casino in London and help's Gracie in her search to find out what has happened. That element in the story adds another thread as we get to see the ex-partners battle out their own problems whilst trying to help Gracie's brothers. I loved the fact that the story is really fast paced and the fact that it is no-hold barred. I shouldn't have worried that Jessie Keane wouldn't produce the goods because as ever she has written a great book.
I really like the fact that the story moves down south as it has a lot more gritty realism being set on the streets of London (or at least it did for me). The story does touch on some sensitive issues but it is dealt with really well. I loved the ending as well which was an added bonus.
All you need for a good crime book in my opinion is a great story, strong characters and great writing. I can assure you that Jessie Keane has all three in abundance. If I am being 100% honest, I still miss Annie Bailey the character from her first books a little bit but to be fair her current books are just as good.
This latest book is of exactly the same making. We meet Gracie Doyle who is far from perfect but is great to read about. There is no hanging around waiting for the plot to develop, we get thrown straight into it with the mysterious disappearance and assault on her two estranged brothers.
What I especially loved about this book was the fact that JK split it into two sections. We read Gracie' story and see the story develop as she learns about her brothers before launching herself into their life down in London. We then also see the story a few weeks prior to that involving Harry and George.
Gracie's ex-husband Lorcan runs his own casino in London and help's Gracie in her search to find out what has happened. That element in the story adds another thread as we get to see the ex-partners battle out their own problems whilst trying to help Gracie's brothers. I loved the fact that the story is really fast paced and the fact that it is no-hold barred. I shouldn't have worried that Jessie Keane wouldn't produce the goods because as ever she has written a great book.
I really like the fact that the story moves down south as it has a lot more gritty realism being set on the streets of London (or at least it did for me). The story does touch on some sensitive issues but it is dealt with really well. I loved the ending as well which was an added bonus.
All you need for a good crime book in my opinion is a great story, strong characters and great writing. I can assure you that Jessie Keane has all three in abundance. If I am being 100% honest, I still miss Annie Bailey the character from her first books a little bit but to be fair her current books are just as good.
March 26, 2011
A gripping, heart racing murder mystery novel. Easy to read with the short chapters. A little raw in places, but it would not be a Jessie Keane novel without it.
August 5, 2020
Nothing annoys me more than when a major publishing house doesn't double check the work to iron out those niggling bits that are incorrect. Research is key and on the first page, opening the story the author talks about a Christmas song by Wizard, when in fact a quick check would have told the author/publisher that the band is called, WIZZARD.
This was actually two stories blended together, not a bad thing but the cover blurb was misleading. Gracie was not as advertised a gangster/moll type character, she didn't relocate to save her family and she was a poor facsimile of Martina Cole's character Maura. That said, this was an enjoyable read, even if it was simplistic and predictable in places.
The writing is good but at times repetitive and the constant thoughts in italics got a tad annoying. I did like the short chapters that kept the narrative flowing, however IMO the character of Claude was not needed, he was pointless almost to the point of distraction. I also questioned whether it was possible for Lefty's demise to have taken place as it had - hopefully the author had researched this and saw that it was achievable.
Chapter 59, page 361. Lorcan turns on his phone as it's off, then in the next paragraph it states that Lorcan switches on his phone... did no one proof read this book?
Top and bottom of it is, it's worth a read and I'll give another of Jessie Keane's books a try at a later date.
This was actually two stories blended together, not a bad thing but the cover blurb was misleading. Gracie was not as advertised a gangster/moll type character, she didn't relocate to save her family and she was a poor facsimile of Martina Cole's character Maura. That said, this was an enjoyable read, even if it was simplistic and predictable in places.
The writing is good but at times repetitive and the constant thoughts in italics got a tad annoying. I did like the short chapters that kept the narrative flowing, however IMO the character of Claude was not needed, he was pointless almost to the point of distraction. I also questioned whether it was possible for Lefty's demise to have taken place as it had - hopefully the author had researched this and saw that it was achievable.
Chapter 59, page 361. Lorcan turns on his phone as it's off, then in the next paragraph it states that Lorcan switches on his phone... did no one proof read this book?
Top and bottom of it is, it's worth a read and I'll give another of Jessie Keane's books a try at a later date.
February 9, 2019
I felt this was a slightly unusual book from Jessie Keane. It's a stand alone one, as far as I can tell, with not too many gangland references.
Gracie Doyle, casino owner from Manchester, hurries to London when she gets news from the police that her brother George has been badly beaten and her other brother Harry is missing.
When in London, Gracie meets up with her estranged husband, Lorcan Connolly, who has recently sent divorce papers to Gracie.
Gracie's mother has a new man-friend, Claude, the type of man who would give the local slug population a bad name. After two days, Gracie moves to the flat her brothers share with Alfie, a seventeen year old young man George rescued from near death at the hands of a local thug.
Gracie, with Lorcan's help, manages to find out what's been happening to her brothers since she moved to Manchester with her father, leaving the boys with their mum, Suze, in London.
Gracie finds Harry, who is being held hostage, and with Lorcan and Alfie's help, frees her brother and Deano Drax is hospitalised in a coma.
The ending of The Make is a nicer one than I could have hoped for throughout most of the book. The characters are believable and the consequences of their actions are mostly what I eventually expected.
Gracie Doyle, casino owner from Manchester, hurries to London when she gets news from the police that her brother George has been badly beaten and her other brother Harry is missing.
When in London, Gracie meets up with her estranged husband, Lorcan Connolly, who has recently sent divorce papers to Gracie.
Gracie's mother has a new man-friend, Claude, the type of man who would give the local slug population a bad name. After two days, Gracie moves to the flat her brothers share with Alfie, a seventeen year old young man George rescued from near death at the hands of a local thug.
Gracie, with Lorcan's help, manages to find out what's been happening to her brothers since she moved to Manchester with her father, leaving the boys with their mum, Suze, in London.
Gracie finds Harry, who is being held hostage, and with Lorcan and Alfie's help, frees her brother and Deano Drax is hospitalised in a coma.
The ending of The Make is a nicer one than I could have hoped for throughout most of the book. The characters are believable and the consequences of their actions are mostly what I eventually expected.
January 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The themes in this book definitely aren't for everyone. That aside, the book was fast paced, fairly easy to read and had a good mystery aspect to it.
My one criticism would be some of the language used. There were some phrases that I hadn't really heard of and I live very close to London where the vast majority of this book is set so someone reading this who come from farther afield might have a harder time understanding some of the phrases.
I will definitely look at more of Keane's books and I would recommend this book to people who don't mind violence, explicit content and drug use.
My one criticism would be some of the language used. There were some phrases that I hadn't really heard of and I live very close to London where the vast majority of this book is set so someone reading this who come from farther afield might have a harder time understanding some of the phrases.
I will definitely look at more of Keane's books and I would recommend this book to people who don't mind violence, explicit content and drug use.
January 9, 2023
I listened to this on audiobook.
Been meaning to read a Jessie Keane book for awhile now as hear only good things about her books.
This is one of her standalone books and it was a great one to start with in my opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish, full on action and entertaining. I like that the story was told from more than one character, as gives more depth to the story and you get more of a feel for each of the characters.
The narrator was also good, have come across her before and love the way she reads the story, flawless and easy to follow.
Will definitely be reading more of her books in the future.
Been meaning to read a Jessie Keane book for awhile now as hear only good things about her books.
This is one of her standalone books and it was a great one to start with in my opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish, full on action and entertaining. I like that the story was told from more than one character, as gives more depth to the story and you get more of a feel for each of the characters.
The narrator was also good, have come across her before and love the way she reads the story, flawless and easy to follow.
Will definitely be reading more of her books in the future.
February 24, 2019
Great book
This book was brilliant, Jessie Keane brings the characters to life and had you hanging onto your seat routing for them. It's a hard hitting storyline , violent and disturbing but also has love and hope in abundance too. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend it to anyone to read. Outstanding from start to finish.
This book was brilliant, Jessie Keane brings the characters to life and had you hanging onto your seat routing for them. It's a hard hitting storyline , violent and disturbing but also has love and hope in abundance too. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend it to anyone to read. Outstanding from start to finish.
September 15, 2020
First time reading a Jessie Keane book. Really enjoyed it, the quickest I've read a book in a long while. Had me gripped from the beginning, going at a good pace. Would have liked to know what happened to Mona and her involvement. Did she get a prison sentence?
March 9, 2021
Brilliantly written
This book hits you in the first page and pulls you in to the story line , highly recommend This book hard hitting story with lots of great characters good and bad , a must read 10/10 and 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book hits you in the first page and pulls you in to the story line , highly recommend This book hard hitting story with lots of great characters good and bad , a must read 10/10 and 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 28, 2024
Wattsy
Another brilliant book by Jessie Keane,I just couldn't put it down all the characters were great especially Gracie so glad she decided to go with her heart,will definitely recommend this book to family and friends.
Another brilliant book by Jessie Keane,I just couldn't put it down all the characters were great especially Gracie so glad she decided to go with her heart,will definitely recommend this book to family and friends.
October 30, 2017
The Make is a gritty suspense which is typical Jessie Keane. I loved Gracie Doyle, she's a strong female lead who kept me turning the pages. Highly recommended.
March 5, 2019
Very fast paced action, family drama, an absolutely stupid reason for obsession and revenge. There is a little romance, but it’s ancillary to the plot.
June 22, 2019
Good read
Read
July 9, 2019Very good easy read. Gripped you from the first couple of chapters.
August 25, 2019
Absolutely fantastic read, I loved the Doyle family, Lorcan and Alfie. It was such a page turner.
April 27, 2020
page turner..it's good if I read a book to the end because I have high expectations
October 10, 2020
I love Jessie Keane books, plenty of action, gangsters, if you read one you’ll have to read all her books if you are a fan of Mandasue Heller or Martina Cole, you will enjoy this book
April 30, 2023
Easy read, short chapters, well written story
May 28, 2023
I can’t remember it but it must have enjoyed it because I read loads more Jessie Keane books. That’s not to say they are not memorable, I just have a terrible memory.
December 19, 2023
Another fantastic book by jessie a lot of twists and turns in the storyline a lot of strong characters
November 12, 2024
Loved this book
December 5, 2024
Interesting thriller book which really picked up towards the end.
April 19, 2025
Loved it
Once again another great book by Jessie Keane. Loved the storyline and characters good and bad. And love a good ending
Once again another great book by Jessie Keane. Loved the storyline and characters good and bad. And love a good ending
December 7, 2025
Fantastic read
I loved everything about this book l couldn't put it down.There was so many twisted and turns. Best read for a while
I loved everything about this book l couldn't put it down.There was so many twisted and turns. Best read for a while
December 8, 2025
Riverting
Good story lots of twists and turns .
Not quality of Cole but good attempt
Enjoyed and will read more
Good story lots of twists and turns .
Not quality of Cole but good attempt
Enjoyed and will read more
August 29, 2013
Time taken to read - 3 days
Publisher - Harper
blurb from Goodreads
Murder, loyalty and vengeance collide in Jessie Keane's gritty fourth novel.
Life is good for Gracie Doyle – running her Manchester casino keeps her busy. Until the police turn up at her door one day and her world is turned upside down. She is given news that her two estranged brothers have been viciously attacked. George is in hospital on a ventilator and worringly, Harry is missing.
Gracie has no option but to leave the good life and dip her toe into the murky waters of her East End past. She leaves for London in an attempt to avenge her brothers and in doing so uncovers some unsavoury secrets about the lifestyle they've been leading. Their little games have got them into big trouble with the wrong people…
She must keep her wits about her and try to find Harry, or it could prove fatal…
My Review
Gracie Doyle is our main character and where the story starts off. She runs her own Casino in Manchester and life is good. The police inform her that her estranged brother is on a ventilator and may not survive after a vicious attack whilst her other brother is missing. Gracie receives her own threats and heads to London to see what her brothers have been up to and dragged her into. Soon she realizes that this is serious and begins to do some digging before she becomes the next target.
I have to be honest, I have enjoyed Jessie Keane's last two books I read but this one was quite a struggle. It starts off fairly quickly with enough to grab your attention but I just felt it was slow going in a lot of places. It starts present day in December with Gracie, then skips into the recent past to cover Harry and George, her brothers, and what happens with them to lead up to recent events.
When things kick off it does hold your attention but really that is all, I struggled between giving this a 3 or 2 star rating. I finally went with a 3 star as it is a decent read but I feel it does pale in comparison to her other work I have read and enjoyed. I will read her other work as I do enjoy her writing style but if your just about to try this author I would start with another book, 3/5 for me this time.
Publisher - Harper
blurb from Goodreads
Murder, loyalty and vengeance collide in Jessie Keane's gritty fourth novel.
Life is good for Gracie Doyle – running her Manchester casino keeps her busy. Until the police turn up at her door one day and her world is turned upside down. She is given news that her two estranged brothers have been viciously attacked. George is in hospital on a ventilator and worringly, Harry is missing.
Gracie has no option but to leave the good life and dip her toe into the murky waters of her East End past. She leaves for London in an attempt to avenge her brothers and in doing so uncovers some unsavoury secrets about the lifestyle they've been leading. Their little games have got them into big trouble with the wrong people…
She must keep her wits about her and try to find Harry, or it could prove fatal…
My Review
Gracie Doyle is our main character and where the story starts off. She runs her own Casino in Manchester and life is good. The police inform her that her estranged brother is on a ventilator and may not survive after a vicious attack whilst her other brother is missing. Gracie receives her own threats and heads to London to see what her brothers have been up to and dragged her into. Soon she realizes that this is serious and begins to do some digging before she becomes the next target.
I have to be honest, I have enjoyed Jessie Keane's last two books I read but this one was quite a struggle. It starts off fairly quickly with enough to grab your attention but I just felt it was slow going in a lot of places. It starts present day in December with Gracie, then skips into the recent past to cover Harry and George, her brothers, and what happens with them to lead up to recent events.
When things kick off it does hold your attention but really that is all, I struggled between giving this a 3 or 2 star rating. I finally went with a 3 star as it is a decent read but I feel it does pale in comparison to her other work I have read and enjoyed. I will read her other work as I do enjoy her writing style but if your just about to try this author I would start with another book, 3/5 for me this time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews