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Flesh and Blood Trilogy #1
Blood Sister
There are two ways out of Essex Lane Estate, better known as The Devil. You make good, or you turn bad.
Jen Miller is determined not to make the same mistakes her mother did. She's waiting to find herself a good job and a decent man.
Her younger sister Tiff is running errands for a gangster and looking for any opportunity for fun and profit. But she might just be in over her head...
The choices you make and the plans you have don't always turn out like you expect. Especially if you live on The Devil's Estate. When their paths cross with the unstoppable Dee - a woman with her own agenda - Jen and Tiff will learn that lesson the hard way.
At least they can rely on each other.
Can't they?
The first in a trilogy following one family over forty years on an East London estate, Blood Sister is non-stop drama, perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller.480 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2016
112 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Dreda Say Mitchell
46 books520 followersHer Majesty, The Queen appointed Dreda an MBE in her 2020 New Year’s Honours’ List. Dreda scooped the CWA’s John Creasey Dagger in 2004, the first time a Black British author has received this honour. Dreda and Ryan write across the crime and mystery genre – psychological thrillers, gritty gangland crime and fast-paced action books Spare Room, their first psychological thriller was a #1 UK and US Amazon Bestseller. Dreda is one of twelve acclaimed and bestselling international female writers contributing to a new Miss Marple anthology. Dreda is a passionate campaigner and speaker on social issues and the arts. She has been a frequent guest on television and radio including BBC Breakfast,, Celebrity Pointless and Celebrity Eggheads, The Stephen Nolan Show, Front Row and Woman’s Hour. She has presented Radio 4’s flagship books programme, Open Book. Dreda was named one of Britain’s 50 Remarkable Women by Lady Geek in association with Nokia. She was the 2011 chair of the Theakston Harrogate Crime Fiction Festival. Dreda was born and raised in the East End of London where she continues to live. Dreda’s family are from the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada and her name is pronounced with a long ‘ee’ sound in the middle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 8, 2016
I think someone really really wanted me to read this, I had requested this on Net Galley and whilst awaiting to see if I was sanctioned to read it and review it I also received it in paperback format from the Publishers, so double yummy which now means my daughter can read it to and give a review later.
This is a first book in another series by this author and it starts off with a BANG. Its definitely one that when you get into it you want to know where all this is going to lead. I would think that the main characters will appear in the subsequent books in this leading series.
The characters are believable. The scenes are made to be real and the author draws you into its den.
Its really a book you need to watch out for and be prepared that you will want to read further books in the series, I know I do.
My thanks to all those concerned who made this book available to me.
June 28, 2022
Mitchell's first book in the trilogy is a thrill read about women trying to make it out of a bad deal in life. There is Jen and Tiffany who struggle to get out of the Essex Lane Estate, and Dee, well, she knows that one way to secure what she wants is to marry a man with money.
It really is a quite thrilling read, with everyone having a degree of humanity. The book does end with some side mysteries unresolved but there is a hook pointing towards the next book in the series.
It was a fun and engrossing read.
It really is a quite thrilling read, with everyone having a degree of humanity. The book does end with some side mysteries unresolved but there is a hook pointing towards the next book in the series.
It was a fun and engrossing read.
August 19, 2016
Don’t you just love it when you pick up a book, read the prologue and know you are in for a damn good read and that’s exactly how I felt the minute I picked up Blood Sister. This book reminded me very much of Dreda Say Mitchell’s earlier books, gritty and very believable. The author delves into the murky life’s of a family living on an East London estate (or The Devil as it’s known to locals), where crime is a way of life. Jenn and her wayward sister Tiff live on The Devil estate, different as night and day, Jenn wants to make a better life for herself away from the estate, where as Tiff embraces the darker side of the estate and finds herself caught up in the dangerous world of crime. Add to the mix the formidable Dee who will let no one get in the way of making her dreams become a reality and you just know it’s going to be an explosive read.
From the opening chapters I found myself totally engrossed, Dreda Say Mitchell has a way of writing that brings the story to life, her characters were an intriguing bunch and very credible, and the realistic and sometimes colourful dialogue make for a very authentic read. Blood sisters begins in 1993 and then jumps to ten years later where life for both girls is very different to the ones they envisaged. Surrounded by violence, crime and drugs both girls find themselves caught up in the seedy underbelly of crime, the two sisters must fight to keep their family and lives together when crime comes knocking on the door.
Gritty and realistic the author brings the goings on of a East London housing estate to life, it’s not a a pretty or glamorous tale, but it’s certainly credible one, and one that kept me reading late into the night. The plot twist and turns and there were a few shocks along the way that I didn’t see coming, which always adds to my enjoyment of a read. The chapters are short and snappy, which seemed to make Blood Sisters a quick but very enjoyable read. If you like an authentic east end crime thriller that’s gritty, then I would highly recommend you get yourself a copy of this gripping book.
Blood Sisters is the first in a series following the Millers over forty years, and I will certainly be reading the next two books in the series without hesitation.
From the opening chapters I found myself totally engrossed, Dreda Say Mitchell has a way of writing that brings the story to life, her characters were an intriguing bunch and very credible, and the realistic and sometimes colourful dialogue make for a very authentic read. Blood sisters begins in 1993 and then jumps to ten years later where life for both girls is very different to the ones they envisaged. Surrounded by violence, crime and drugs both girls find themselves caught up in the seedy underbelly of crime, the two sisters must fight to keep their family and lives together when crime comes knocking on the door.
Gritty and realistic the author brings the goings on of a East London housing estate to life, it’s not a a pretty or glamorous tale, but it’s certainly credible one, and one that kept me reading late into the night. The plot twist and turns and there were a few shocks along the way that I didn’t see coming, which always adds to my enjoyment of a read. The chapters are short and snappy, which seemed to make Blood Sisters a quick but very enjoyable read. If you like an authentic east end crime thriller that’s gritty, then I would highly recommend you get yourself a copy of this gripping book.
Blood Sisters is the first in a series following the Millers over forty years, and I will certainly be reading the next two books in the series without hesitation.
July 27, 2016
I have read all of DSM books and her most recent release featuring Rio Wray was a bit of a departure from her 'gangland' style of books she originally released. If you are a fan of Kimberley Chambers books then trust me on this you really should be reading Dreda Say-Mitchell. This latest release is a return to that original style of writing and is the first in a series named 'Flesh and Blood Series'. It took me less than a few chapters to get totally involved in what was going on and who was up to what. Once I got to that point there was no turning back and I didn't stop reading this for many things (short of a good nights kip).
Meet Jen and Tiff Miller, two sisters living on the notorious Devil's Estate. These two sisters are poles apart and instantly you realise that life on the Estate is far from easy. Their mother Babs tries her best but with no father figure on the scene the two girls are trying to make the best of their situation, albeit in different ways. Tiff is a feisty character and the sullen teenager is written in a fantastic way. I knew from the start that Tiff would get herself into trouble and before long she is running errands for a gangster. Jen on the other hand meets a nice guy and is aiming for a career to better her future. On the other side of the fence we see Dee, a woman who has pushed herself into a mans world and is doing her best to get to the top through whatever means possible.
The story fast forwards and we see all three characters Jen, Tiff and Dee in VERY different places. The story then took a turn which kind of surprised me as I didn't see where each of these women would be in that point in their lives. Once this second half of the story emerges it seems that everybody is at it, whether it be criminality, lying, stealing, cheating or anything else that means they have secrets. I don't want to say any more about the story line except it was pleasantly surprising.
Some of the bigger characters such as Dee are so memorable and as much as she was outrageously over the tioop she is so memorable in a great way. Strong women everywhere take note, in this world if you can't beat them you have to join them, It seems that Dreda Say-Mitchell has returned to her East London gritty style of writing and written the first in what I think will be an amazing trilogy. Also, once I got to the last few chapters I figured I knew it all...turns out I knew nothing! The ending was a jaw dropper and an absolute opener for the next book. I'm already trying to work out how early I can get my hands on a new copy. All you ladies that are Kim Chambers, Mandasue Heller and Jessie Keane fans....you really need to get your mitts on this, you WILL NOT be disappointed.
Meet Jen and Tiff Miller, two sisters living on the notorious Devil's Estate. These two sisters are poles apart and instantly you realise that life on the Estate is far from easy. Their mother Babs tries her best but with no father figure on the scene the two girls are trying to make the best of their situation, albeit in different ways. Tiff is a feisty character and the sullen teenager is written in a fantastic way. I knew from the start that Tiff would get herself into trouble and before long she is running errands for a gangster. Jen on the other hand meets a nice guy and is aiming for a career to better her future. On the other side of the fence we see Dee, a woman who has pushed herself into a mans world and is doing her best to get to the top through whatever means possible.
The story fast forwards and we see all three characters Jen, Tiff and Dee in VERY different places. The story then took a turn which kind of surprised me as I didn't see where each of these women would be in that point in their lives. Once this second half of the story emerges it seems that everybody is at it, whether it be criminality, lying, stealing, cheating or anything else that means they have secrets. I don't want to say any more about the story line except it was pleasantly surprising.
Some of the bigger characters such as Dee are so memorable and as much as she was outrageously over the tioop she is so memorable in a great way. Strong women everywhere take note, in this world if you can't beat them you have to join them, It seems that Dreda Say-Mitchell has returned to her East London gritty style of writing and written the first in what I think will be an amazing trilogy. Also, once I got to the last few chapters I figured I knew it all...turns out I knew nothing! The ending was a jaw dropper and an absolute opener for the next book. I'm already trying to work out how early I can get my hands on a new copy. All you ladies that are Kim Chambers, Mandasue Heller and Jessie Keane fans....you really need to get your mitts on this, you WILL NOT be disappointed.
August 3, 2016
Review by www.ireadnovels.wordpress.com
Love this book. This fabulous gripping thriller is a trilogy following one family over forty years on an East London estate. Blood Sister is non-stop drama. A daughter is going off the rails and breaking her mum's heart. Tiffany Miller gets a job she's to pick up a little something for someone at a pub, she's to tuck it away nice and safe. This isn't Disney World and their not playing Micky Mouse games here. Blood Sister has characters that you can really relate too and the words that the characters say makes them all so believable. This is with out question a trilogy every one will be gossiping about.
Love this book. This fabulous gripping thriller is a trilogy following one family over forty years on an East London estate. Blood Sister is non-stop drama. A daughter is going off the rails and breaking her mum's heart. Tiffany Miller gets a job she's to pick up a little something for someone at a pub, she's to tuck it away nice and safe. This isn't Disney World and their not playing Micky Mouse games here. Blood Sister has characters that you can really relate too and the words that the characters say makes them all so believable. This is with out question a trilogy every one will be gossiping about.
August 14, 2016
Time taken to read - <1 day
Pages - 400
Publisher - Hodder
The first in a trilogy following one family over forty years on an East London estate, BLOOD SISTER is non-stop drama, perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller.
There are two ways out of Essex Lane Estate, better known as The Devil. You make good, or you turn bad.
Jen Miller is determined not to make the same mistakes her mother did. She's waiting to find herself a good job and a decent man.
Her younger sister Tiff is running errands for a gangster and looking for any opportunity for fun and profit. But she might just be in over her head...
The choices you make and the plans you have don't always turn out like you expect. Especially when you live on The Devil's Estate. Jen and Tiff are about to learn that the hard way.
At least they can rely on each other.
Can't they?
My Review
Jen & Tiff Miller are sisters living and doing what they can to get through life on Essex Lane Estate, locally known as The Devil's Estate. Jen wants a better life than what their mother has managed, Tiff just wants to have fun and not be bored. Each sister makes choices that will shape their life and time on the estate & learn that with all choices come consequences.
Oooh this is a fabulous start to what is to be a trilogy, Jen is the smart one who won't lower herself to settling for any of the boys going nowhere on the estate. Tiff is bored, known to the police and not adverse to getting inebriated down at the graveyard. When an opportunity to get involved with some known faces arises Tiff grabs it with both hands. Both sisters are drawn into the world that keeps places like The Devil's Estate going, corruption, violence, death & money are just the beginning. The time span of this novel is over ten years, 1993 to 2003, setting the stage and introducing some of the key characters who are guaranteed to keep the readers on their toes. An explosive beginning to what I am sure will be a great trilogy although I am not sure what the next novel will hold, I cannot wait until it is out 4/5 for me this time. Thanks to BookBridgr for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Pages - 400
Publisher - Hodder
The first in a trilogy following one family over forty years on an East London estate, BLOOD SISTER is non-stop drama, perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller.
There are two ways out of Essex Lane Estate, better known as The Devil. You make good, or you turn bad.
Jen Miller is determined not to make the same mistakes her mother did. She's waiting to find herself a good job and a decent man.
Her younger sister Tiff is running errands for a gangster and looking for any opportunity for fun and profit. But she might just be in over her head...
The choices you make and the plans you have don't always turn out like you expect. Especially when you live on The Devil's Estate. Jen and Tiff are about to learn that the hard way.
At least they can rely on each other.
Can't they?
My Review
Jen & Tiff Miller are sisters living and doing what they can to get through life on Essex Lane Estate, locally known as The Devil's Estate. Jen wants a better life than what their mother has managed, Tiff just wants to have fun and not be bored. Each sister makes choices that will shape their life and time on the estate & learn that with all choices come consequences.
Oooh this is a fabulous start to what is to be a trilogy, Jen is the smart one who won't lower herself to settling for any of the boys going nowhere on the estate. Tiff is bored, known to the police and not adverse to getting inebriated down at the graveyard. When an opportunity to get involved with some known faces arises Tiff grabs it with both hands. Both sisters are drawn into the world that keeps places like The Devil's Estate going, corruption, violence, death & money are just the beginning. The time span of this novel is over ten years, 1993 to 2003, setting the stage and introducing some of the key characters who are guaranteed to keep the readers on their toes. An explosive beginning to what I am sure will be a great trilogy although I am not sure what the next novel will hold, I cannot wait until it is out 4/5 for me this time. Thanks to BookBridgr for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2016
What a fantastic and gripping story Dreda Say Mitchell has written. I was torn between not wanting it to end and bursting to find out what happened next. This book was full of twists and turns and kept me hooked until the last page. The believable cast of characters drew me into their world and even when I thought I had it all figured out and knew how it was going to end it turned out I didn't.
A thrilling read I can't wait to read the second book in this series to find out what happens next. Highly recommended especially to fans of Kimberley Chambers, Jessie Keane and Mandasue Heller, you will definitely not be disappointed.
A thrilling read I can't wait to read the second book in this series to find out what happens next. Highly recommended especially to fans of Kimberley Chambers, Jessie Keane and Mandasue Heller, you will definitely not be disappointed.
August 29, 2017
3.5 stars.
TBH, that was a loooong 12 hours of listening for me. Pretty glad to have made it to the end, not sure I'd bother with the rest of the series.
TBH, that was a loooong 12 hours of listening for me. Pretty glad to have made it to the end, not sure I'd bother with the rest of the series.
August 25, 2018
First time I've come across this author Dreda Say Mitchell and I'm so glad that I did. This author was compared to the likes of Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers and Casey Kelleher, so given that I like all those authors I had a feeling that I'd like this author too. Happy to report that I wasn't wrong on that.
I loved the story, found it to be a real page turner right from the get go. Absolutely gripping and fast paced, plus great characters that are so well written that you forget they are not real as you inmurst yourself truly into the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each and every one of the characters, some you automatically hate cause you know they are bad through and through, but then there's those characters that you're just not sure about, as they clearly have secrets, and so you are constantly asking yourself throughout the story, are you a good or a bad person. Well this was definitely me and so I couldn't turn those pages fast enough so as to find out.
Last words, the story certainly had me guessing throughout as to what would happen next and in some places I was very much on the edge of my seat in anticipation of how it would all end. As for that sneaky twist come the end, absolutely loved it, never saw it coming lol. Complete shocker, and as for that ending, well that certainly makes me want to get on with reading book 2 for sure.
I loved the story, found it to be a real page turner right from the get go. Absolutely gripping and fast paced, plus great characters that are so well written that you forget they are not real as you inmurst yourself truly into the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each and every one of the characters, some you automatically hate cause you know they are bad through and through, but then there's those characters that you're just not sure about, as they clearly have secrets, and so you are constantly asking yourself throughout the story, are you a good or a bad person. Well this was definitely me and so I couldn't turn those pages fast enough so as to find out.
Last words, the story certainly had me guessing throughout as to what would happen next and in some places I was very much on the edge of my seat in anticipation of how it would all end. As for that sneaky twist come the end, absolutely loved it, never saw it coming lol. Complete shocker, and as for that ending, well that certainly makes me want to get on with reading book 2 for sure.
July 1, 2017
This book takes us to a run down East End London estate named " The Devil " by locals. Crime here is a way of life. We meet sisters Jen and Tiff who could not be any different. Jen desperately wants to make good, get out of the estate and better herself where Tiff gets involved right in the middle of it all if it means earning a few quid. Through certain choices both sisters are drawn even further dangerously in to the dark world that keeps the estate ticking and earning it's formidable reputation. The twists and turns keep you as the reader hooked as you encounter violence, drugs, drinks, corruption and the underworld whilst nervously wanting to know what happens to the girls.
A full on gritty read with great characterisation. Any fans of this genre need to read this author.
My thanks go to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an arc in return for an honest review.
A full on gritty read with great characterisation. Any fans of this genre need to read this author.
My thanks go to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an arc in return for an honest review.
April 26, 2017
"A little cracker"
This 'taster' should come with a warning. 'Wear gloves while reading'. Gritty doesn't do it justice. This is hard-core life on the rough, tough streets of the capital. I'm not sure the American audience will enjoy it as much as us Brits, which is a shame. A lot of words and phrases, and cultural references are familiar to us, so we can follow the drift. The pace is relentless. I reckon I'd be out of breath by the time I reached half-way in the full story. I'm off to the gym now; I need to get fit enough to last the course. Not knowing how the story turns out is not an option.
This 'taster' should come with a warning. 'Wear gloves while reading'. Gritty doesn't do it justice. This is hard-core life on the rough, tough streets of the capital. I'm not sure the American audience will enjoy it as much as us Brits, which is a shame. A lot of words and phrases, and cultural references are familiar to us, so we can follow the drift. The pace is relentless. I reckon I'd be out of breath by the time I reached half-way in the full story. I'm off to the gym now; I need to get fit enough to last the course. Not knowing how the story turns out is not an option.
March 30, 2017
This is the first in a new trilogy by Dreda Say Mitchell. If you're a fan of Kimberley Chambers or Martina Cole you'll love this book. A gritty thriller set in the East End of London. We discover that women aren't to be messed with in this fabulous story. I loved it.
Want to read
March 24, 2019Synopsis: Jen Miller is determined not to make the same mistakes her mother did, but her younger sister Tiff is running errands for a gangster
March 10, 2019
My second book by Dreda and it's completely different from Spare Room. It's full of twists and suspense and right to the end kept me guessing. I have the other two books downloaded to read.
December 23, 2016
Firstly a super big thank you to the Author and Publishers for an ARC of this book.
In true Dreda style this book is a first class read.
As with all her other books, this is a first class read. I have never been disappointed when finishing one of Dreda's books.
This is the first book in a new series and it's a series I can see going from strength to strength if this first book is anything to go by.
I loved everything about this book from the cover to every single page in between. It really is a page turner.
In this book we are introduced to 'The Devils Estate' certainly not somewhere you would want to live.
Saying that the residents don't want to live there either and for some all they want to is meet someone and do well in life to allow them to get off the estate.
Bab's and her two girls, Jen and Tiff live on this estate. Tiff is a bit of a sod, and will go out of her way to upset people, where Jen is the total opposite, Jen want's off the estate and is trying to do her best at collage so she can do well and get out of the The Devil..
Tiff end's up running errands for one of the local gangsters, and you just know this will not end well for Tiff. She's in too deep before she realises she needs out.
As Jen and Tiff grow their rolls seem to change. It isn't long before their paths cross with the wonderful character that is Dee, the story takes a turn.
I loved the main characters in this book, and I certainly loved Dee she's just a time bomb waiting to go off. But she's a woman that knows what she wants and will do what it takes to get it.
I'm getting worried about giving to much away, as it certainly is a book well worth reading.
It has everything in it that you expect from a DSM book and more. And I think anyone out there who enjoyed any of Kimberley Chambers, Mandasue Heller, Casey Kelleher. all those sort of authors, then you really must pick this one up and give it a read, you will not be disappointed.
It seems like forever ago since I read my first DSM book. Geezer Girls, back in 2009. And as I read so many books I'm finding I can go back to books and still enjoy them so I have just bought the 3 books again, to read again and enjoy all over again.
In true Dreda style this book is a first class read.
As with all her other books, this is a first class read. I have never been disappointed when finishing one of Dreda's books.
This is the first book in a new series and it's a series I can see going from strength to strength if this first book is anything to go by.
I loved everything about this book from the cover to every single page in between. It really is a page turner.
In this book we are introduced to 'The Devils Estate' certainly not somewhere you would want to live.
Saying that the residents don't want to live there either and for some all they want to is meet someone and do well in life to allow them to get off the estate.
Bab's and her two girls, Jen and Tiff live on this estate. Tiff is a bit of a sod, and will go out of her way to upset people, where Jen is the total opposite, Jen want's off the estate and is trying to do her best at collage so she can do well and get out of the The Devil..
Tiff end's up running errands for one of the local gangsters, and you just know this will not end well for Tiff. She's in too deep before she realises she needs out.
As Jen and Tiff grow their rolls seem to change. It isn't long before their paths cross with the wonderful character that is Dee, the story takes a turn.
I loved the main characters in this book, and I certainly loved Dee she's just a time bomb waiting to go off. But she's a woman that knows what she wants and will do what it takes to get it.
I'm getting worried about giving to much away, as it certainly is a book well worth reading.
It has everything in it that you expect from a DSM book and more. And I think anyone out there who enjoyed any of Kimberley Chambers, Mandasue Heller, Casey Kelleher. all those sort of authors, then you really must pick this one up and give it a read, you will not be disappointed.
It seems like forever ago since I read my first DSM book. Geezer Girls, back in 2009. And as I read so many books I'm finding I can go back to books and still enjoy them so I have just bought the 3 books again, to read again and enjoy all over again.
October 19, 2016
Despite being a huge crime and thriller fan, (I would say 90% of the books I read are of this genre), I do love a Lesley Pearse book, I’ve read every and I mean every book she has ever written and she never fails to let me down. Dead To Me begins in spring 1935 and tells the story of Verity and Ruby, Its suffice to say the book description tells you all you need to. This is a story of friendship, resilience, challenges, hardship and most importantly the bond between two friends. Lesley Pearce has an extraordinarily talent, she is able to create such well developed characters you feel like you actually know them inside out, by the time I reached the end of Dead To Me I felt like I was saying “goodbye” to old friends. As Verity and Ruby suffer one traumatic event after another I felt so many emotions I laughed, I cried and felt so much empathy for these two characters, as I rooted for them to find their “happy ever after”.
Lesley Pearce always delivers on the plot, her story lines are well developed and flow seamlessly, rich in detail Dead To Me transports you first to the 1930’s and then to the blitz. I was captivated by the story of Verity and Ruby, as we follow their journey to adulthood, they face adversity that will test their friendship to the limits. Different as chalk and cheese Verity and Ruby life’s are changed dramatically by circumstances they have no control over, through tragedy and heartache, their friendship goes through many phases, which adds a sense of authenticity to both characters and their relationship. This is fairly long book at 512 pages, but it certainly never felt like it, as I found Dead To Me to be a compelling read, yes some parts of the story were predictable, but this in no way distracted from my enjoyment of this novel.
I really enjoyed this compelling story, the plot has plenty of depth to it with some suspense thrown it. Dead To Me is a heart-warming and evocative tale that is a real delight to read, if you are looking for a book to escape the demands of every day life for a few hours I would highly recommend you read Dead To Me.
First published on my blog & also author interview with Dreda Say Mitchell
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2016/08...
Lesley Pearce always delivers on the plot, her story lines are well developed and flow seamlessly, rich in detail Dead To Me transports you first to the 1930’s and then to the blitz. I was captivated by the story of Verity and Ruby, as we follow their journey to adulthood, they face adversity that will test their friendship to the limits. Different as chalk and cheese Verity and Ruby life’s are changed dramatically by circumstances they have no control over, through tragedy and heartache, their friendship goes through many phases, which adds a sense of authenticity to both characters and their relationship. This is fairly long book at 512 pages, but it certainly never felt like it, as I found Dead To Me to be a compelling read, yes some parts of the story were predictable, but this in no way distracted from my enjoyment of this novel.
I really enjoyed this compelling story, the plot has plenty of depth to it with some suspense thrown it. Dead To Me is a heart-warming and evocative tale that is a real delight to read, if you are looking for a book to escape the demands of every day life for a few hours I would highly recommend you read Dead To Me.
First published on my blog & also author interview with Dreda Say Mitchell
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2016/08...
September 21, 2016
Brilliant book my type of story
October 28, 2020
Very good had lots of twist I didn’t see coming kept me in suspense and the fact it’s east end is great as an eastender myself. Can’t wait to read blood mother
October 26, 2017
Fantastic read! once I started this I just had to read the full trilogy. I am a Martina Cole and Mandasue Heller, this does not disapoint. For sure Dreda made me know all the characters and immersed me in the story.
It is about a family who lives on a rubbish council estate and the ways in which they attempt to get of it.
If you are wondering wether or not to read this trilogy, my advice is go for it! meet the Millers, I did and now I want more!!!
It is about a family who lives on a rubbish council estate and the ways in which they attempt to get of it.
If you are wondering wether or not to read this trilogy, my advice is go for it! meet the Millers, I did and now I want more!!!
January 18, 2021
More plots than my local cemetery
I loved the book! The characters were described with such vision their personalities shone through the pages. Poor tiff the little wannabe gangsta & her sister Jen the wanna be fashion designer. Caught up in the crime world underbelly of deceit & mayhem where nothing is as it’s seems!
No spoilers but read, you’ll be glad you did.
I loved the book! The characters were described with such vision their personalities shone through the pages. Poor tiff the little wannabe gangsta & her sister Jen the wanna be fashion designer. Caught up in the crime world underbelly of deceit & mayhem where nothing is as it’s seems!
No spoilers but read, you’ll be glad you did.
October 9, 2017
Wow, what a twist at the end that I just hadn't guessed! I wouldn't say this was the best book I've ever read and the plot could be guessed in parts, nevertheless, I enjoyed this book. Looking forward to catching up with the lives of the family in the future books in this trilogy.
January 15, 2018
5*
Wow! Martina Cole-esque.
I found this intriguing and more than interesting. The twists and turns throughout the book came up with an ending that may or may not have been guessed by other reader's, but I can honestly say I didn't.
Wow! Martina Cole-esque.
I found this intriguing and more than interesting. The twists and turns throughout the book came up with an ending that may or may not have been guessed by other reader's, but I can honestly say I didn't.
July 24, 2018
Loved this book!
This is the first book I've read by this writer, the first of many! The characters are all interesting and memorable and I can't wait to read more in this series and more by this author.
This is the first book I've read by this writer, the first of many! The characters are all interesting and memorable and I can't wait to read more in this series and more by this author.
August 5, 2025
Absolute drivel😂
Shockingly bad!Full of lazy tired cliches.Totally unbelievable characters.Some of the dialogue beggars belief.Pulled a wad of cash from her ultimo bra which she kept for emergencies(Her mum was round for dinner!)Jesus!What absolute drivel😂😂
Shockingly bad!Full of lazy tired cliches.Totally unbelievable characters.Some of the dialogue beggars belief.Pulled a wad of cash from her ultimo bra which she kept for emergencies(Her mum was round for dinner!)Jesus!What absolute drivel😂😂
May 29, 2017
This book took me a long time to get into, then a long time to read even though it got more and more gripping. Really great finish. Deserves all the praise heaped on it. Review to follow
June 4, 2017
Brilliant
Wow wow woooooooooowwww wow wow the best read I've had in ages five star 😀😀😀😀😀 class w w w w
Wow wow woooooooooowwww wow wow the best read I've had in ages five star 😀😀😀😀😀 class w w w w
July 30, 2017
Unusual if not a shade far fetched read, but I enjoyed it overall.
March 21, 2018
This looks to be a great series . This is a hard back street crime and the strong female characters . The end is left a bit up in the air so you just have to buy the next book
December 11, 2018
I kind of liked this book, did feel like I was reading an Eastenders type story. Good strong female characters . It did drag on a bit in the middle, but the ending was satisfying.
January 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Someone gave it to me and i wasnt going to bother reading it as ive loads of others waiting to be read, but im so glad i did. Ive ordered the others in the series.
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