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The Silvas #2

The Troublemakers

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Preorder the BRAND NEW instalment in the Silvas Series from bestselling author Gillian Godden A brand new gripping and thrilling gangland story by Gillian Godden. Perfect for fans of Kerry Kaya, Kimberley Chambers and Martina Cole.

With Alex Silva facing time behind bars, his family are in freefall. Wife Maggie doesn't know how she's going to cope without her beloved Alex. How will the Silva family survive?

But survival is in the Silva blood and Alex has taught his children, Deana and Dante well.

Hotheaded Deana is determind to carry on in her father's footsteps, no matter how risky things might get. Cool under pressure, Dante has other ideas about how to live up to his dad's reputation.

But one thing's for sure, this new generation is going to cause more trouble than anyone can handle...

Will the Silvas survive or will trouble follow them?

Readers love Gillian

'A gritty powerful story. A must read for fans of gangland crime' Bestselling author Kerry Kaya

'The characters were so real I'm still looking over my shoulder!' Bestselling author Owen Mullen

'Exciting, breathtaking and absolutely fantastic' ★★★★★ Reader Review

'If you are looking for a great gangland, family drama series these books are for you!' ★★★★★ Reader Review

'A fast and rivetting book that will keep you burning the midnight oil!! Highly recommended' ★★★★★ Reader Review

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2024

183 people are currently reading
31 people want to read

About the author

Gillian Godden

24 books98 followers
Hello fellow readers. My name is Gillian Godden and i write Gangland crime books. currently published by Boldwood Publishers. i have written many different series on the subject, so if this is your genre please check them out. originally born in London, i now live in Yorkshire. i also work for the NHS.
When I come home I like to wind down and writing is my escape from the mental stresses of my day. My job is not a 9 to 5 job and I work to support my patients when they need me so my days can be long. i enjoy hearing from and meeting readers of my books. just knowing someone out there is reading my books is a bonus ;}
Take a look at my websites and hopefully join my author page for updates on forth coming books.
amazon.com/author/gilliangodden




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5 stars
380 (65%)
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126 (21%)
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55 (9%)
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13 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Maureen .
1,724 reviews7,540 followers
February 15, 2025
Book 2 in the notorious Silva gangland series sees Alex Silva firmly behind bars. A former mafia hitman, Alex could actually have walked free after supplying the police with information about other gangland families, but he insisted on taking responsibility for his crimes and is now serving a fairly lenient prison sentence.

His wife Maggie is left running the pub, and although she misses Alex like crazy, she’ll survive, because survive is what this family does best. Their teenage kids, Deana and Dante also miss their father, but Deana has plans to make money in Alex’s absence, which she’s about to reveal to Dante.

Deana has Alex’s blood running right through her and is determined to carry on where her father left off. This girl has no fear. Dante on the other hand is very cool, tends to think things through, but after agreeing to Deana’s plans, they’re about to discover that before very long, they’ll be in really deep trouble!

Deana’s plans expand, up until the climax when everything explodes in their faces, leaving a myriad of problems that everyone involved has to get past. There’s a real cliff hanger here, which only adds to the punch, and makes you desperate to find out what comes next. A really gritty read, with two teenage kids who are old beyond their years, involving themselves in serious things that they really don’t understand the implications of - until it’s too late! Bring on book 3!
Profile Image for Lady MacDeath.
375 reviews194 followers
November 14, 2024
This is the second book in the Silvas’ series, but only my first read by this author. Although, I had not read the first book, this was not a problem as it can be read as a standalone, as you easily pick up what happened in the previous book.

It’s no secret, that gangland thrillers are my guilty pleasure, and this was definitely ticking all the right boxes. Likeable characters, solid storyline, writing which easily flowed, and an instant page turner. I loved it, and can’t wait for the third book.

Thanks to the author, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Available: 3 December 2024
Profile Image for Dash fan .
1,519 reviews716 followers
February 23, 2025
4☆ A great second installment

This book carries on nicely from the previous book The Street. We fall nicely into Alex's Silva's fate and what will happen next for the Silva family.

I'm not going to give anything away as I do recommend you read the previous book first to understand what's going on. A lot happens in this book and it heavily focuses on the two siblings Deana and Dante, and wow do the two of them cause some chaos!

I did enjoy Alex's story running in the background I wanted more of it. I can't give much away but you will see when you read it.
I also really like Luke and his Mum, he has a big heart and he tries to look after the siblings, even when they don't listen and he should know better!

The only thing I disliked was the ending. It ends on a cliffhanger but I didn't particularly like Maggie and Alex's final scene right before the book ends.
But that being said I can't wait to read more and discover who Patsy Diamond is and what she has planned for Alex! Whatever it is, it won't be good!

Overall a great second installment, I can't wait for the next book!
It was pacy, kept me on my toes, a few twists along the way, a gritty ganglit read.


Thank you to Boldwood Books, for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mark.
1,698 reviews
December 7, 2024
Book 2 in the ‘SIlvas’ series and I think readers would need/want to read Book 1 as it continues pretty much from where Book 1 ended

Alex Silva is determined to pay for his past crimes, his friends and family think he is foolish but as he goes to prison his 2 children Deana and Dante devise a plan on how to keep the money rolling in as he is away, wife/Mum Maggie is oblivious to their plans

The book then follows the chaos D and D cause ultimately ending up in disaster and how Alex is left no option but to sort it, but he is in prison…..

I always enjoy the authors books and this was no different although got to say I didn’t like D and D one bit, horrible kids and very disrespectful to family members, I was willing their venture to fail got to be honest, spoilt bratz the pair of them 😀

Very readable and easy to follow and get into and look forward to what happens next….
756 reviews12 followers
December 9, 2024
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)

Troublemakers starts out with a bang, with the reader getting a first-hand glimpse into Alex’s trial and the experiences he has had and is currently living through while he and his family navigate a life of crime. After he is sent behind bars, his wife Maggie has to find a way to continue life without him while taking care of the family, but she has no clue about the types of trouble their children Deana and Dante are willing to get into.

It was kind of fascinating to see the steps the kids take, particularly because they know the potential risks involved. I have two sons, 19 and 14, and I can’t even imagine how I would feel if I found out that either of them wanted to get into illegal misadventures, or that they’d even know how to go about doing it. Yet, it made sense that Deana and Dante do, since it’s the type of lifestyle they’ve grown accustomed to. Like the synopsis indicates, it’s in the Silva blood, and the kids are all about their heritage.

I knew what sort of trouble could potentially be around the bend for those two, but even when the moment arrived, I was still stunned by what had gone down and the outcome of it. And Maggie is none the wiser, due to her continual need to try to keep everything together, even when she feels like it’s falling apart, piece by piece. There were so many moments when I shook my head and wanted to reprimand the kids myself, because they kept getting into situations they should have never found themselves in, and it wasn’t always clear as to the motive behind it.

There was a lot of grit to Troublemakers, providing a modern cautionary take that reminded me of a smaller-scale Breaking Bad. The ending to this story seemed super abrupt to me, but the chaos leading up to that was a lot of fun and tragic, too, which kept me on the hook until the end.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,656 reviews42 followers
January 5, 2025
Gillian Godden’s Troublemakers takes readers back into the dark, twisted and dangerous world inhabited by the notorious Silva family.

Maggie Silva doesn’t know which way to turn. Her husband Alex is behind bars and her family is in complete freefall. She doesn’t know what she is going to do without her husband by her side, but luckily for her, Alex has taught his two children Deana and Dante how to survive when life throws you a curveball – and there are certainly plenty of those in store for the Silva heirs!

Deana’s father might be in prison, but she is determined to carry on in his footsteps. Deana isn’t scared to take risks and she’s never baulked at a challenge in her life, however, does she know just what she is letting herself into? Dante also has plans of his own to live up to his father’s reputation although they might not be exactly what the rest of his family had envisaged.

With the odds stacked against them, will Deana and Dante sink or swim? Survive or thrive? Will they be responsible for the downfall of their family? Or will they make the Silva name even stronger than before?

Gillian Godden’s Troublemakers is a hair-raising gangland thriller that will make every single hair on the back of your neck stand on end. Terrifying, unsettling and exciting, Troublemakers is a cracking good thriller that chills with its no holds barred exploration of the criminal underworld.

A top-notch read perfect for Martina Cole fans, Gillian Godden’s Troublemakers will keep readers on edge from start to finish.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,763 reviews136 followers
November 21, 2024
This is the second book in the Silvas series, and it is another fabulous book by this author.

With Alex Silva facing prison time for his part in the Mafia, you would think things for his wife and two children would settle a little bit and everyone would try to keep out of trouble. Maggie is still running the pub, and Deana and Dante have a little more time to themselves. It is this time that leads them to start something of their own in an effort to help their Mum and support her. Not realising the consequences of their actions could potentially lead to an all-out gangland war!

This is a cracking book to read, and I like how the author has moved to the younger generation stepping up, not so much to prove themselves but to generate something that will make life easier for their Mum and themselves. They start to step on toes, and it is not until one of their friends is hurt that they realise what they are involved in.

The way this story plays out is great, the author has woven the tales that Deana and Dante weave so well and being part of a small group makes this angle work well. They become quite adept at working out what they need, how things need to be done but not what happens after. So, when the inevitable happens they are caught unawares.

If you are a fan of gangland crime thrillers then this is a fabulous author. The first book was great, this second one was brilliant and she has left out on a limb wondering what on earth is going to happen in the next book.

I adored this one and I would definitely recommend reading it.
Profile Image for The Book Review Café.
871 reviews238 followers
November 26, 2024
Gillian Godden’s Troublemakers is a gripping, gritty, and thrilling addition to her growing gangland crime thrillers. Known for her ability to craft stories full of complex characters and intense drama, Godden once again delivers a tale that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

The story revolves around a close-knit but chaotic family who are no strangers to the world of crime. At its heart are characters brimming with ambition, making their relationships as volatile as the streets they operate in. Godden masterfully balances moments of tenderness and loyalty with the cold, hard truths of betrayal and violence that come with their lifestyle.

What sets Troublemakers apart is its authentic depiction of the criminal underworld, written with a rawness that feels realistic. The characters are flawed but relatable, despite their often-questionable choices. The dialogue is sharp, the pacing relentless, and the stakes impossibly high.Troublemakers doesn’t just entertain it immerses readers in a gritty world of power struggles and familial bonds tested to the limit.Troublemakers is a hard-hitting, fast-paced crime novel that showcases Gillian Godden at her best. With unforgettable characters and a plot that keeps you on edge, it’s a must-read for fans of the genre.



Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,685 reviews1,692 followers
November 18, 2024
The Silvas' #2

Alex Silva decides he'd rather do time for the crimes of his past, and is sent to prison where he tries to keep himself out of trouble. Maggie keeps managing the pub with the help of her staff. Deana and Dante want to help their mother in their own way, but all they succeed in was getting themselves deeper and deeper in trouble with the wrong people.

This story focuses more on Deana and Dante, Alex and Maggie's children. They've been brought up learning how to protect themselves in every way possible, but this time they've bit off more than they can chew. This book follows on from the first book, The Street. This is a gritty, gripping, and addictive read. I had to keep reading, wondering how this story was going to end. An easily read book, and I'm now eagerly waiting to read what happens next.

Published 3rd December 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley BoldwoodBooks and the author #GillianGodden for my ARC of #Troublemakers in exchange for an honest review.
596 reviews4 followers
October 20, 2024
The 2nd book in the Silvas Series sees the focus more on Alex and Maggie’s children Deana and Dante and the ways they find to cope in a world where treading on certain peoples toes does have consequences.
Yet again The author delivers a candid and gritty portrayal of family loyalty and revenge. The adding of a character I love from another of the authors series is a welcome surprise(no spoilers given)and I’m looking forward to reading how they are fit into this series going forward. Every book by this author past and present have never failed to keep me engaged throughout with characters that are at times bad but such is the quality of the writing you can’t help loving them as you realise that sometimes people do bad things for good reasons For fans of a gritty gangland read this author is a strong choice.
Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Leanne.
2,177 reviews45 followers
November 11, 2024
Troublemakers follows on from book 1 and Alex Silva is determined to pay the price for his crimes, so he goes to jail. Meanwhile his kids Deana and Dante are fair rascals and are keeping the money rolling in illegally. There mother Maggie has no idea what they are getting up to as she is busy running the pub. The story then ensues chaos as Deana and Dante get themselves in deep and their father Alex is trying to dig them out but he is still in prison. I think Deana and Dante are spoilt little brats but I will say that they are entertaining and kept me turning the pages to find out what trouble they would find next. The plot is action packed and I loved going on the adventure. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
3,225 reviews27 followers
December 9, 2024
WoW. . . . . . Troublemakers by Gillian Godden was an excellent book and this is the 2nd book in excellent the Silvas Series. If you love reading book's about gangland crime this is a series for you, It's a gritty powerful story thats full of twists and turns throughout that will have you gripped from the very first few pages.

I do recommend you read the 1st book within this series especially as this book continues where Gillian's last book ended up. It will not disappoint. I ended up reading her latest book in one sitting and didn't want to put it down - it was so good! I am looking forward to book 3 within the Silvas series to find out what happens next

Big Thank you to the author, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC
Profile Image for Bookstagramshaz  Sharon Logue     .
325 reviews6 followers
December 9, 2024
Second book in the Silva family book series.

I really enjoy reading about this family. I’m hoping there will be a book 3.

A brand new gripping and thrilling gangland story by Gillian Godden. Perfect for fans of Kerry Kaya, Kimberley Chambers and Martina Cole.

With Alex Silva facing time behid bars, his family are in freefall. Wife Maggie doesn't know how she's going to cope without her beloved Alex. How will they survive?

But survival is in the Silva blood and Aex has taught his children well. And this new generation is going to cause more trouble than anyone can handle...

Will the Silvas survive or will trouble follow them...
610 reviews9 followers
December 4, 2024
Another cracking gangland story from Gillian Godden. This is book two in the Silva family series and focuses on the Silva children Deana and Dante. With dad Alex back behind bars Deana and Dante decide to step up to help make life easier for mum Maggie but will they end up getting in too deep and find themselves in trouble? Gripping, gritty, hard hitting and fast paced this is gangland writing at its best. The way the story flows keeps you totally hooked and as always with this author you’re left itching to find out what happens next. Brilliant! Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC
Profile Image for Tracy ann  Robinson.
1,159 reviews26 followers
October 26, 2024
I am a big fan of this Author. have read all her books all addictive and humor and a good gangland read. it's the day of the verdict for the Silva family. Maggie is devastated but she has to get on with it for her son and daughter. but they have ideas of their own to making money. they are very clever. everything going smoothly for Maggie until her son and daughter step on others toes it's just so good can't wait for book three
Profile Image for Staceywh_17.
3,710 reviews12 followers
December 9, 2024
It was great to be back in Kent to catch up on the goings on in the Silva household. Alex has incarcerated himself to pay for his crimes and it's down to matriarch Maggie to rule the roost.

Gritty, gripping and hard to put down, Troublemakers is the second in Godden's The Silva's series.

The characters are fantastic as always and Godden's portrayal makes them feel real.

A thoroughly enjoyable and engaging page turning read.
Profile Image for Kim.
485 reviews4 followers
December 29, 2024
I have read every one of Gillian's books and enjoyed them all. This book, the second in the Silva family series, is brilliant from the very first page. Gillian consistently delivers and never disappoints her readers. Filled with crime and easy-to-follow characters, this story is both gritty and powerful.
It ended suddenly which i was disappointed with but it has left an opening for the next book.
Profile Image for Vicki - I Love Reading.
961 reviews58 followers
October 27, 2024
Back in the pub with the Silva Family. A family trying to make a new start. When you have a past like the Silva family eventually it has to catch up with you.
It really is best to read the Street- Book 1 before reading Troublemakers - book 2. It will help with the back story of The Silva family. I have not yet read a book by this author that I haven't enjoyed.
As always a brilliant and gripping storyline. The tension through out the book is palpable. I have really enjoyed this family and their antics.

Alex Silva wants to pay for his crimes. His part in some very big crimes. What he doesn't anticipate in his moment of honesty is the affect it will have on his family. His teenage children are falling deeper in a world that wasn't made for Children. His wife is trying to run their pub and keep her head held high oblivious to just what is going on with her family.
Something needs to give and this family need pulling out the spiralling mess they are in.

Superb and gripping. Loved every single page of the book. Gillian Godden certainly knows what gangland crime readers like and delivers it each time.
Looking forward to the next one.
100 reviews
May 16, 2025
Wattsy

OMG what a book second in the series and it gets better and better,edge of your seat thriller,this is the only series you should be reading if you like a good gangland thriller,will on book 3.
4 reviews
December 12, 2024
Trouble makers

A fantastic read from start to finish. Another great series from an exceptional author. Can't wait to read another book by Gillian godden
4 reviews
December 31, 2024
fantastic

What a brilliant read from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down 5 stars looking forward to the next book xx
2 reviews
December 21, 2025
Good, apart from the ending

If have bought the third book anyway,so feel the ending was a monetized line to feel you into buying the third, so not impressed with that
121 reviews
November 27, 2025
Loved the second book in this series. I love the family and even the children no matter how misguided they are. Their intentions are good. Looking foward to book three
Profile Image for Jen.
242 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2024
Wow!! This is the second brilliant book in the Silvas series. Gangland Kent was not something that I'd ever imagine working, but it does. Will Alex be able to help Deana? What will Diamond do? Really looking forward to the next book - Hope it's not too far away!!
Profile Image for Diane.
955 reviews16 followers
December 19, 2024
We are back with the Silva’s and there’s lots going on for the family. This is book two in the series and is just as fast paced as the first book. Alex is trying to get away from his old life and wants to settle down as landlord in the pub he and his wife have been running. Now that everything is now out in the open there’s no need for the family to be in witness protection but it looks like it’s not going to be as straightforward as Alex thinks. As usual Gillian leaves us on a cliff hanger wanting more. I can not wait for book three to come out.
52 reviews
February 7, 2025
I liked the look of this book however found it a little far fetched that after Alex who was trying to escape links to the mafia family, moving his family to run a pub he is sent to prison for 2 years and his 2 children start dealing drugs, the younger son then tells his contacts that he can make meth which he does to a high standard causing a turf war.
I felt it was a little far fetched and then as the book ends and is starting to get more interesting, it finishes and I now need to read the next book!
763 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2025
This had me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last. With their father serving time in prison, Deanne and Dante Silva start their own enterprise, only to have it blow up in their faces. They had no idea that their antics would or could have such far reaching effects. Their mother has been deceived by them both, and their father has compassionate leave to try and sort things out. But trouble is definitely on the cards.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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