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The Winners
'Omg I loved, loved, loved this book from the first chapter to the last!' —Reader review, five stars
A fortune won. A past unearthed. A family forever changed.
When Malcolm and Julie Grainger win twenty-two million pounds in the Euro Lottery, their future seems bright. But as news spreads, so do the shadows of Malcolm's long-buried past. Encouraged by his ailing father to read his childhood journals, Malcolm revisits a painful time—his mother's arrest for murder, schoolyard torment, and the sudden move that erased everything he once knew.
Among the ghosts that resurface is Phillip Rapier, Malcolm's school bully, now grown and venomous. When Rapier threatens blackmail, the Graingers refuse to be intimidated. But soon, sinister events begin to unfold, and the past proves harder to shake than Malcolm ever imagined.
As the family tries to move forward with their lives, and their newfound fortune, Julie turns to a kind stranger for comfort. But Sean Henderson is not who he seems and his connection to Malcolm's past is far more dangerous than anyone suspects…
A gripping tale of secrets, second chances, and the high price of silence, The Winners is perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with heart and history.
'A really gripping story which I devoured in just one day!' —Reader review️️, five stars
A fortune won. A past unearthed. A family forever changed.
When Malcolm and Julie Grainger win twenty-two million pounds in the Euro Lottery, their future seems bright. But as news spreads, so do the shadows of Malcolm's long-buried past. Encouraged by his ailing father to read his childhood journals, Malcolm revisits a painful time—his mother's arrest for murder, schoolyard torment, and the sudden move that erased everything he once knew.
Among the ghosts that resurface is Phillip Rapier, Malcolm's school bully, now grown and venomous. When Rapier threatens blackmail, the Graingers refuse to be intimidated. But soon, sinister events begin to unfold, and the past proves harder to shake than Malcolm ever imagined.
As the family tries to move forward with their lives, and their newfound fortune, Julie turns to a kind stranger for comfort. But Sean Henderson is not who he seems and his connection to Malcolm's past is far more dangerous than anyone suspects…
A gripping tale of secrets, second chances, and the high price of silence, The Winners is perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with heart and history.
'A really gripping story which I devoured in just one day!' —Reader review️️, five stars
- GenresAudiobook
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2025
39 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Jackson
37 books226 followersAuthor of Abduction, Snatched, The Accident, and four more books published by Bloodhound books
Wife to Derek, mother to four and grandmother to nine.
Our lovely rescue dog Liffey completes my family and ensures that I take regular breaks from my desk!
Wife to Derek, mother to four and grandmother to nine.
Our lovely rescue dog Liffey completes my family and ensures that I take regular breaks from my desk!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 5, 2025
This book was riveting.
I couldn't stop turning the pages to see what would happen next.
I couldn't stop turning the pages to see what would happen next.
August 20, 2025
The Winners by Gillian Jackson was an excellent domestic thriller that will have you gripped from the very beginning till the very end, especially as it was full of brilliant twists and turns throughout that will have you turning the pages of your kindle quickly to find out what happens next.
Julie and Malcolm Grainger has had a big break. . . . they can't believe they have won a substantial amount on the Lottery. 🥹 They are so happy and start to wonder what they could do with all this money . . . They've only wished and dreamt of winning the Lottery in the past. But, twenty-two million pounds!
WoW!!!! Where do they start?
Now, very thing changes for them both, but is it for the better?
"Be very careful what you wish for!"
Julie and Malcolm Grainger has had a big break. . . . they can't believe they have won a substantial amount on the Lottery. 🥹 They are so happy and start to wonder what they could do with all this money . . . They've only wished and dreamt of winning the Lottery in the past. But, twenty-two million pounds!
WoW!!!! Where do they start?
Now, very thing changes for them both, but is it for the better?
"Be very careful what you wish for!"
August 19, 2025
I have read all of Gillian Jackson’s books and really love how she makes all her characters come alive as real people who we can relate to and this she achieves in The Winners.
Malcolm and Julie have a happy life together with two grown up children and three grandchildren. Malcolm works as a security guard at the town hall and Julie, a part time dinner supervisor at a local school. They have a comfortable life but not a lot of extra cash so when they win the lottery immediately they think of all the ways they will be able to help their close family, especially as their son has recently been made redundant.
We join the euphoria as Malcolm and Julie gather their family around them to celebrate the good news little knowing what changes are in store for them. The question of publicity arises and Malcolm is the voice of reason here wanting to keep the win secret but it’s not long before a family member tells a friend who has a contact on the local paper. The news is out!
When Bill, Malcolm’s father sees the article about the family’s lottery win he fears that the past he has tried to shield his son from is going to come back to haunt them. He cautions Malcolm to try and keep a low profile and gives him permission to read his journals written when Malcolm was a young boy and he lost his mother and grandmother in harrowing circumstances.
Once Malcolm has read the journals Julie has to be told the details of Bill and Malcom’s relocation from Liverpool to Burnbridge to escape the gossip around the tragic death of his grandmother and mother. As Malcolm was too young to remember any of it clearly he has never talked about it to anyone. Julie, at first shocked, is more understanding once she too has read Bill’s diaries.
Not only do the begging letters arrive but so does Philip Rapier, the school bully from Malcolm’s school days, who made his life a misery and now has blackmail in mind. Although Rapier’s plans are thwarted there is more unexpected danger around the corner for the Grainger family.
The Winners really challenged me to think about what it would be like to win the lottery. The Graingers had serious repercussions to contend with but even without those it doesn’t always make your life happy as with it comes a heavy responsibility to use the money wisely. By the end of the book I felt relieved that I don’t buy lottery tickets! This was however, a quick and entertaining read. Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for an advanced reading copy in return for an honest review.
Malcolm and Julie have a happy life together with two grown up children and three grandchildren. Malcolm works as a security guard at the town hall and Julie, a part time dinner supervisor at a local school. They have a comfortable life but not a lot of extra cash so when they win the lottery immediately they think of all the ways they will be able to help their close family, especially as their son has recently been made redundant.
We join the euphoria as Malcolm and Julie gather their family around them to celebrate the good news little knowing what changes are in store for them. The question of publicity arises and Malcolm is the voice of reason here wanting to keep the win secret but it’s not long before a family member tells a friend who has a contact on the local paper. The news is out!
When Bill, Malcolm’s father sees the article about the family’s lottery win he fears that the past he has tried to shield his son from is going to come back to haunt them. He cautions Malcolm to try and keep a low profile and gives him permission to read his journals written when Malcolm was a young boy and he lost his mother and grandmother in harrowing circumstances.
Once Malcolm has read the journals Julie has to be told the details of Bill and Malcom’s relocation from Liverpool to Burnbridge to escape the gossip around the tragic death of his grandmother and mother. As Malcolm was too young to remember any of it clearly he has never talked about it to anyone. Julie, at first shocked, is more understanding once she too has read Bill’s diaries.
Not only do the begging letters arrive but so does Philip Rapier, the school bully from Malcolm’s school days, who made his life a misery and now has blackmail in mind. Although Rapier’s plans are thwarted there is more unexpected danger around the corner for the Grainger family.
The Winners really challenged me to think about what it would be like to win the lottery. The Graingers had serious repercussions to contend with but even without those it doesn’t always make your life happy as with it comes a heavy responsibility to use the money wisely. By the end of the book I felt relieved that I don’t buy lottery tickets! This was however, a quick and entertaining read. Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for an advanced reading copy in return for an honest review.
July 29, 2025
The Winners by Gillian Jackson is a suspenseful and nerve-wracking domestic thriller that combines heart and history, featuring a compelling premise that explores the darker aspects of sudden wealth.
The book is primarily told in the present, but to grasp certain elements, we must delve into the past. It explores Malcolm's childhood, particularly focusing on his mother's arrest for murder, the bullying he faced at school, and the abrupt changes in his life. This historical context enriches the story and clarifies why sudden wealth attracts past grievances.
The main idea is that a huge, 22 million pounds, lottery win for Malcolm and Julie Grainger does not bring pure happiness, but rather uncovers a Pandora's Box filled with hidden secrets and past traumas for Malcolm. This story takes on the typical lottery winner narrative, generates instant tension and conflict when a spiteful school bully, Phillip Rapier, reappears to extort Malcolm, resulting in dark developments.
Thank you, Bloodhound's Books for this book :)
The book is primarily told in the present, but to grasp certain elements, we must delve into the past. It explores Malcolm's childhood, particularly focusing on his mother's arrest for murder, the bullying he faced at school, and the abrupt changes in his life. This historical context enriches the story and clarifies why sudden wealth attracts past grievances.
The main idea is that a huge, 22 million pounds, lottery win for Malcolm and Julie Grainger does not bring pure happiness, but rather uncovers a Pandora's Box filled with hidden secrets and past traumas for Malcolm. This story takes on the typical lottery winner narrative, generates instant tension and conflict when a spiteful school bully, Phillip Rapier, reappears to extort Malcolm, resulting in dark developments.
Thank you, Bloodhound's Books for this book :)
August 19, 2025
Malcolm & Julie win the lottery, £22 million to be precise. They have always been content with their lives, a loving close knit family all in the local area and jobs that they enjoy. On finding out the news of their windfall they decide to give up their jobs and help out their immediate family but soon the press get hold of the news and the begging letters start.
There are also some secrets lurking in Malcolm's past and someone from his past just might want to try and use that to their advantage. Will he be able to escape his past with his family intact.
This really is a great domestic thriller which really does play on the well known saying 'be careful what you wish for'. I absolutely loved most of the characters and was totally invested in Malcolm and his Dad. A brilliant plot and a well written book. This will definitely not be the last book of Gillian's that I read.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a digital copy of this book.
There are also some secrets lurking in Malcolm's past and someone from his past just might want to try and use that to their advantage. Will he be able to escape his past with his family intact.
This really is a great domestic thriller which really does play on the well known saying 'be careful what you wish for'. I absolutely loved most of the characters and was totally invested in Malcolm and his Dad. A brilliant plot and a well written book. This will definitely not be the last book of Gillian's that I read.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a digital copy of this book.
August 23, 2025
The Winners. by Gillian Jackson.
I always countdown when a new book is coming out from Gillian Jackson … as she knows the wait for one of her books for me is way too long. A great author in my eyes …have read all of her books.
Malcolm and Julie Grainger have finally realised their dream .. they have won 22 million pounds on the lottery … something they had hoped to happen but never really thinking it would happen!
Julie is over the moon and can’t wait to let their family and friends know of the luck they have been bestowed. Malcolm is a bit more reluctant hearing all the stories of others who have won such big money. Once the local paper gets hold of the story the letters from people asking for money start to roll in … but worse is yet to come in the form of a bully from Malcolm’s childhood who threatens him to expose something from his past … unaware at the time Malcolm has recently told his family.
A story full of threats … blackmail … abduction and assaults.
Great story that makes you wonder … Is a big lottery win really worth the trouble it brings!
I always countdown when a new book is coming out from Gillian Jackson … as she knows the wait for one of her books for me is way too long. A great author in my eyes …have read all of her books.
Malcolm and Julie Grainger have finally realised their dream .. they have won 22 million pounds on the lottery … something they had hoped to happen but never really thinking it would happen!
Julie is over the moon and can’t wait to let their family and friends know of the luck they have been bestowed. Malcolm is a bit more reluctant hearing all the stories of others who have won such big money. Once the local paper gets hold of the story the letters from people asking for money start to roll in … but worse is yet to come in the form of a bully from Malcolm’s childhood who threatens him to expose something from his past … unaware at the time Malcolm has recently told his family.
A story full of threats … blackmail … abduction and assaults.
Great story that makes you wonder … Is a big lottery win really worth the trouble it brings!
August 12, 2025
This could also be called Be careful what you wish for.
When Julie and her husband win £22 million in the lottery they think all their troubles are over.
Very soon the begging letters begin and then a character from the past appears dragging up long forgotten secrets.
Just when families should be happy together the cracks begin to show and little differences become large ones with unintended consequences
They are able to buy things they've always wanted but at what cost to the family which had seemed so strong.
I received this book for free and all opinions are entirely my own.
When Julie and her husband win £22 million in the lottery they think all their troubles are over.
Very soon the begging letters begin and then a character from the past appears dragging up long forgotten secrets.
Just when families should be happy together the cracks begin to show and little differences become large ones with unintended consequences
They are able to buy things they've always wanted but at what cost to the family which had seemed so strong.
I received this book for free and all opinions are entirely my own.
October 9, 2025
I'm a fan of Gillian Jackson and wait eagerly for her books to read, and usually I'm not disappointed by them. This book, even though it grabbed my attention wasn't like the rest of her books, at times I found myself looking for another book to read while reading this one, it isn't that the book is not well written, because it is, but because the plot felt sometimes a little stilted and at times not that believable.
But even though this book, at least for me wasn't my cup of tea, which by the way there are a lot of those in the book, I would definitely read the next Gillian Jackson's book.
But even though this book, at least for me wasn't my cup of tea, which by the way there are a lot of those in the book, I would definitely read the next Gillian Jackson's book.
July 27, 2025
Julie and Malcolm Grainger are an average couple whose world is turned upside down by a massive lottery win. Cue the usual money grabbers coming out of the woodwork but no-one expected Malcolm’s primary school bully to turn up at the house. But when his blackmail comes to nothing the family think it is all ok. But there is a twist I didn’t expect and this brought the book to life - and then it just gets better!
August 19, 2025
The pacing for this story was a bit off with the buildup to the exciting details of the different climatic situations and the characters didn't pull me into the whole story as usually happens but instead only for the small parts that were the climatic situations. The excitement for this book was really high since most of this authors other books were enjoyed by me. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
August 18, 2025
Wow the winners is such a good book. Lots of suspense and twists and turns. Good characters with a good storyline. What happens when you win the lottery . All the bad thing come out of the woodwork . Your life folds in around you.
Loved the characters Malcolm and Julie and their story. Well worth a read.
Loved the characters Malcolm and Julie and their story. Well worth a read.
August 19, 2025
Julie and Malcolm Grainger have just won big on the lottery – twenty-two million pounds, to be exact – but it fractures their family and brings unwanted attention, visitors and blackmail. Trust and greed come to the fore and emotions run high for the family and the reader.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the eARC.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the eARC.
September 27, 2025
The Winners is a good book for readers who want to dabble in suspense - the scares are light and almost wholesome. Personally, I would not have been as kind as Malcolm in 100% of the scenarios he encounters. It's a family drama with a slow pace and bursts of action. story slow-paced, with flares of action, but overall, it was a relatively happy story.
July 27, 2025
Julie and Malcolm can’t believe their luck when they realise that they have won a substantial amount on the Lottery but with that luck comes some very unexpected events. Be very careful what you wish for!
August 1, 2025
Does wining the lottery always bring great joy? Not for the family in this book!
Another winning story from Gillian Jackson. The characters are nicely developed, and the plot moves along at a good pace. There are also plenty of twists to keep those pages turning!
A very enjoyable read.
Another winning story from Gillian Jackson. The characters are nicely developed, and the plot moves along at a good pace. There are also plenty of twists to keep those pages turning!
A very enjoyable read.
August 6, 2025
I’d say this is more 3.5 than 3. I found this a bit of a tricky read as I found the characters unlikeable. Danny - a hot head with a short fuse, Julie - the character for the whole catalyst of the storyline. I’ve read other books by Gillian Jackson, this one didn’t quite hit the spot for me.
August 4, 2025
I was pretty entertained, but by the end I felt like it was rushed. There is also a side story with Geoff and the secretary which seems not thought out and a distraction from the story. For me, it was a little too chaotic to be wrapped up so perfectly at the end. However, I was interested in find out what happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
This one was just ok so 3 stars
August 23, 2025
Really, really good read!!
Persistence, tenacity, forgiveness
But most importantly family.
Believable story line,
Brings a lot of what ifs to mind.
Totally worth reading!!
Persistence, tenacity, forgiveness
But most importantly family.
Believable story line,
Brings a lot of what ifs to mind.
Totally worth reading!!
August 24, 2025
4.5 stars - a really great read that I really enjoyed
January 1, 2026
I really enjoyed it!
February 1, 2026
really enjoyed this book
August 9, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this, a good read! Great characters and a gripping storyline! I recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews