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The Betrayer
A family at war. A mother who comes out fighting…
Maureen Hutton’s life has never been easy. Married to an alcoholic and stuck on a council estate in East London, she scrimps and saves to bring up her three children alone.
Murder, the underworld, drug addiction – over four decades, Maureen sticks by her blood through thick and thin. But then the unforgivable happens. Maureen is told a terrible secret which threatens to rip her family apart. She can’t say anything. She is too frightened of causing a bloodbath.
The only thing Maureen can do is to get rid of the betrayer, before it is too late.
Maureen Hutton’s life has never been easy. Married to an alcoholic and stuck on a council estate in East London, she scrimps and saves to bring up her three children alone.
Murder, the underworld, drug addiction – over four decades, Maureen sticks by her blood through thick and thin. But then the unforgivable happens. Maureen is told a terrible secret which threatens to rip her family apart. She can’t say anything. She is too frightened of causing a bloodbath.
The only thing Maureen can do is to get rid of the betrayer, before it is too late.
448 pages, Paperback
First published December 22, 2009
181 people are currently reading
968 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
August 10, 2016
***4 - You Don't Shit On Your Own Door Step Stars***
Hell's Bell's she does it again....Kimberley Chambers is the bollocks!!
Makes Me Happy as Larry reading one of her books!!
If you want gritty, EastEnd Crime Drama....she's my GO TO GIRL!!
Sooz I suppose you want to know what the story is all about me ole China....
Lifes never easy for some, but in true End-End fashion....here you watch the trials and tribulations of the Hutton family unfurl.
Tommy Hutton
There's something about the character's from the East-End, they are always larger than life....salt of the earth.....where a spade is a spade!!
No more so than ole Ethel....jeez she had me in stitches......scratching her fanny....the theiving ole cow...her mouth like a sewer....she was bloody hilarious.
With laughs, tragedy, deceit.....The Betrayer will have you....laughing, shocked, and crying like a frickin baby!!
Well worth a looksie!!!
Hell's Bell's she does it again....Kimberley Chambers is the bollocks!!
Makes Me Happy as Larry reading one of her books!!
If you want gritty, EastEnd Crime Drama....she's my GO TO GIRL!!
Sooz I suppose you want to know what the story is all about me ole China....
Lifes never easy for some, but in true End-End fashion....here you watch the trials and tribulations of the Hutton family unfurl.
Tommy Hutton
There's something about the character's from the East-End, they are always larger than life....salt of the earth.....where a spade is a spade!!
No more so than ole Ethel....jeez she had me in stitches......scratching her fanny....the theiving ole cow...her mouth like a sewer....she was bloody hilarious.
With laughs, tragedy, deceit.....The Betrayer will have you....laughing, shocked, and crying like a frickin baby!!
Well worth a looksie!!!
June 19, 2012
Okay first off, what planet have I been on? Why on earth I haven't picked up a Kimberley Chambers book I do not know. What I do know is that every book she has written I have now ordered and I have no intention on missing out on her future releases.
Kimberley Chambers has written a book that reminded me of the first book I read by Martina Cole. Her style is something of a slap in the face. It's hardcore reality and immerses you from page one. I actually picked this book up because of the rave reviews here on Amazon. Of each of her 5 books, none of them have rated less than 4.5 out 5 stars ranging from a minimum of 9 reviews up to way over the 30's. This alone was enough to grab my attention. I randomly decided to choose The Betrayer as it had a whopping 15 reviews rating it as 5 star. Thankfully, all 15 people were right!
The book itself starts off by introducing us to Maureen Hutton in 1975. We meet her three children, Tommy the eldest son, Susan the middle daughter and her youngest son James. Living on a council estate in the east end of London in the seventies is difficult for anybody, but for Maureen it is all she knows.
Her children are all completely different and we watch as each of their lives revolves around decisions they did or didn't make when they were younger. No matter what happens to them they can always rely on their Mum. The story picks up pace from the word go and we see Maureen's eldest son Tommy make a choice that affects the rest of his life and that of his family. It sets the precedent for their futures and as usual Maureen is the glue that holds them all together.
Kimberley Chambers has an uncanny knack of making you feel like you are living their lives alongside them. The characters she created makes for real emotion towards each one and by around chapter five I had an intense loathing for Tommy Hutton. As the years progress we see her children grown up and break away from Maureen all doing their own thing. Some of their lives they keep secret from her for fear of upsetting her. Maureen's daughter is also somebody that I instantly disliked although James, the youngest son I fell in love with.
The story itself immerses you into a world where drug addiction, the underworld and dysfunctional families is all part and parcel of everyday life. If you are easily offended then you may not like the language in this book but for me it is what makes it all the more real. There is no hiding from the reality of being brought up the way the Hutton's were and everybody'd secrets get dragged out over time.
I love the fact that the story was set over four decades and this just made the reality set in even further. I almost had a longing to find out what was going to happen and was annoyed that I couldn't read faster.
Kimberley Chambers is genius and has produced a top notch book that Martina Cole and Mandasue Heller fans will love. She is certainly creating her niche and in my opinion is one her way to fighting for the crown of the best female crime writer around! If I was you and you haven't heard or read Kimberley Chambers before, I suggest you start right now. Trust me, if you don't you may well regret it.
Kimberley Chambers has written a book that reminded me of the first book I read by Martina Cole. Her style is something of a slap in the face. It's hardcore reality and immerses you from page one. I actually picked this book up because of the rave reviews here on Amazon. Of each of her 5 books, none of them have rated less than 4.5 out 5 stars ranging from a minimum of 9 reviews up to way over the 30's. This alone was enough to grab my attention. I randomly decided to choose The Betrayer as it had a whopping 15 reviews rating it as 5 star. Thankfully, all 15 people were right!
The book itself starts off by introducing us to Maureen Hutton in 1975. We meet her three children, Tommy the eldest son, Susan the middle daughter and her youngest son James. Living on a council estate in the east end of London in the seventies is difficult for anybody, but for Maureen it is all she knows.
Her children are all completely different and we watch as each of their lives revolves around decisions they did or didn't make when they were younger. No matter what happens to them they can always rely on their Mum. The story picks up pace from the word go and we see Maureen's eldest son Tommy make a choice that affects the rest of his life and that of his family. It sets the precedent for their futures and as usual Maureen is the glue that holds them all together.
Kimberley Chambers has an uncanny knack of making you feel like you are living their lives alongside them. The characters she created makes for real emotion towards each one and by around chapter five I had an intense loathing for Tommy Hutton. As the years progress we see her children grown up and break away from Maureen all doing their own thing. Some of their lives they keep secret from her for fear of upsetting her. Maureen's daughter is also somebody that I instantly disliked although James, the youngest son I fell in love with.
The story itself immerses you into a world where drug addiction, the underworld and dysfunctional families is all part and parcel of everyday life. If you are easily offended then you may not like the language in this book but for me it is what makes it all the more real. There is no hiding from the reality of being brought up the way the Hutton's were and everybody'd secrets get dragged out over time.
I love the fact that the story was set over four decades and this just made the reality set in even further. I almost had a longing to find out what was going to happen and was annoyed that I couldn't read faster.
Kimberley Chambers is genius and has produced a top notch book that Martina Cole and Mandasue Heller fans will love. She is certainly creating her niche and in my opinion is one her way to fighting for the crown of the best female crime writer around! If I was you and you haven't heard or read Kimberley Chambers before, I suggest you start right now. Trust me, if you don't you may well regret it.
July 31, 2014
4 Gritty and Raw, Can't Put Down Stars
The more I read from Kimberley Chambers, the more I love her crime thriller books...
This is one of her earlier stories and although it didn't quite touch the 5 Star ratings of her later ones, it was still a compelling exciting realistic read.
Her endings always leave you wanting more....
I'm trying so hard to make these books last until she releases some more....
The more I read from Kimberley Chambers, the more I love her crime thriller books...
This is one of her earlier stories and although it didn't quite touch the 5 Star ratings of her later ones, it was still a compelling exciting realistic read.
Her endings always leave you wanting more....
I'm trying so hard to make these books last until she releases some more....
June 14, 2018
As we all now I love Kimberley's books and have always enjoyed them that much that it doesn't take me long to finish one of her books. And by god shes done it again only taken me a week to read this one. Always makes I hard to choose another book after reading her books and it always takes me a few days to find the next book to grab me.
When Maureen starts to feel ill she realises it only a matter of time before she has to tell her family. She lives for her family its all shes ever wanted and always put them first even before her health.
Maureen has two boys and a daughter but she seems to favour James her youngest lad as he's the brain box and wants him to go far in his live so when her oldest boy Tommy tries to lead him astray she lays the law down but would she be happy that Tommy involved James in hiding evidence of the lad Tommy killed.
After Tommy come home from prison he had changed he wasn't the same lad as he was beforehand, he might have grown up but he was still the same lad who wanted the easy life and money in his back pocket. But he was determined not to turn out like his father a alcoholic and didn't care about his kids and his wife and had left them to it.
Ethel was Tommy seniors mother and she was one of them woman who could get away with anything even the cops couldn't get her for all the five finger discounts she did. But she has always been there for Maureen and been her rock when times got hard. Even when her kids grew up she was always there to clean up after them and guide them in the right direction. Even when Tommy did the unthinkable thing he could do to anyone let alone his brothers wife.
This book is another 5 stars for me I know I give a load of 5 star reviews but the books deserve them
When Maureen starts to feel ill she realises it only a matter of time before she has to tell her family. She lives for her family its all shes ever wanted and always put them first even before her health.
Maureen has two boys and a daughter but she seems to favour James her youngest lad as he's the brain box and wants him to go far in his live so when her oldest boy Tommy tries to lead him astray she lays the law down but would she be happy that Tommy involved James in hiding evidence of the lad Tommy killed.
After Tommy come home from prison he had changed he wasn't the same lad as he was beforehand, he might have grown up but he was still the same lad who wanted the easy life and money in his back pocket. But he was determined not to turn out like his father a alcoholic and didn't care about his kids and his wife and had left them to it.
Ethel was Tommy seniors mother and she was one of them woman who could get away with anything even the cops couldn't get her for all the five finger discounts she did. But she has always been there for Maureen and been her rock when times got hard. Even when her kids grew up she was always there to clean up after them and guide them in the right direction. Even when Tommy did the unthinkable thing he could do to anyone let alone his brothers wife.
This book is another 5 stars for me I know I give a load of 5 star reviews but the books deserve them
September 29, 2014
An interesting but rather sad story of dysfunctional lives in London’s East End, where living conditions for ordinary folk, some of which are subject to crime and substance abuse, permeate the narrative.
The families involved are intricately intertwined and family members range from those who try for a better life - to others who are hell bent on destroying lives by carrying out the most brutal and intrusive crimes to achieve personal retribution for what, in the main character, festers from jealousy.
The writing style is reminiscent of that by Martina Cole, with the local vernacular bordering on the obscene which, although likely to be off-putting to many readers, conveys the actual atmosphere within that low life culture.
One reason whether or not a book is worth reading is its hold on the reader. In this example, once I got into the story, I had to continue until I finished it, so I give it the thumbs up!
The families involved are intricately intertwined and family members range from those who try for a better life - to others who are hell bent on destroying lives by carrying out the most brutal and intrusive crimes to achieve personal retribution for what, in the main character, festers from jealousy.
The writing style is reminiscent of that by Martina Cole, with the local vernacular bordering on the obscene which, although likely to be off-putting to many readers, conveys the actual atmosphere within that low life culture.
One reason whether or not a book is worth reading is its hold on the reader. In this example, once I got into the story, I had to continue until I finished it, so I give it the thumbs up!
April 17, 2022
A good read that slowly draws you in, but the ending left it open for a sequel.
April 12, 2025
DNF after ~150 pages. Which I suppose does say something positive about the qualities of this as 'a page-turner', but the fact I gave up about a third of the way through says more about how this wasn't for me.
East End cockney folk muddling through, maybe the author was aiming to make her characters 'salt of the earth' but to me they felt more like 'scum of the earth'. I'm sorry if that reveals more about me (having less sympathy than maybe I should have) than it does about the book, I guess perhaps in the latter half there was more of a redemptive narrative arc, but I didn't have the patience to get there. After the umpteenth chapter of the author shoe-horning in as much rhyming slang and bad language as she could, some jarring anachronisms, I realised I didn't really give a monkey's about these cunts - so in the bag for the charity shop it goes.
Interestingly my tolerance of characters who are serial killers, sadists, rapists, psychopaths etc. seems to be greater than my ability to read page after page of trivial domestic stuff about uninteresting petty immoral people with few redeeming features and little sense of worth.
East End cockney folk muddling through, maybe the author was aiming to make her characters 'salt of the earth' but to me they felt more like 'scum of the earth'. I'm sorry if that reveals more about me (having less sympathy than maybe I should have) than it does about the book, I guess perhaps in the latter half there was more of a redemptive narrative arc, but I didn't have the patience to get there. After the umpteenth chapter of the author shoe-horning in as much rhyming slang and bad language as she could, some jarring anachronisms, I realised I didn't really give a monkey's about these cunts - so in the bag for the charity shop it goes.
Interestingly my tolerance of characters who are serial killers, sadists, rapists, psychopaths etc. seems to be greater than my ability to read page after page of trivial domestic stuff about uninteresting petty immoral people with few redeeming features and little sense of worth.
April 11, 2020
Couldn't put it down!
June 8, 2015
A brilliant and thrilling read.
This story revolves around an east-end family (of course)! Lots of scandal, lots of nitty-gritty underworld dealings, a little bit of violence and a whole lot of love. The two head women in this family, Maureen and Ethel were brilliant. Nanny Ethel was absolute gold and I laughed out loud at her vulgar outspoken ways!
This book became slightly darker as you went on but it definitely picks up tempo and keeps you gripped toward the end. An unexpected but juicy ending leaves me wondering if there is a sequal on the cards?
This story revolves around an east-end family (of course)! Lots of scandal, lots of nitty-gritty underworld dealings, a little bit of violence and a whole lot of love. The two head women in this family, Maureen and Ethel were brilliant. Nanny Ethel was absolute gold and I laughed out loud at her vulgar outspoken ways!
This book became slightly darker as you went on but it definitely picks up tempo and keeps you gripped toward the end. An unexpected but juicy ending leaves me wondering if there is a sequal on the cards?
April 16, 2017
Brilliantly written story!
Loved this book, kept my interest from the first page. Kimberley Chambers never fails to bring you realistic characters that you feel you know due to her keenly written description of them. At times, I felt as though I knew the Hutton family, so engrossed did I become in their trials and tribulations. Please tell me there is a sequel!! Would recommend to anyone who wants a realistic tale of an East End family . Loved how it moved forward in 10 year chunks.
Loved this book, kept my interest from the first page. Kimberley Chambers never fails to bring you realistic characters that you feel you know due to her keenly written description of them. At times, I felt as though I knew the Hutton family, so engrossed did I become in their trials and tribulations. Please tell me there is a sequel!! Would recommend to anyone who wants a realistic tale of an East End family . Loved how it moved forward in 10 year chunks.
August 11, 2013
Not for me I did manage to finish it I found the swearing too much at the beginning of the book although I can understand its use I also found the story slightly repetitive in what the characters got up to
But I tried !
But I tried !
May 2, 2021
Nothing stands out about it. Once you have read one book of this genre they are all the same. A couple of gangsters or villains, a young pretty wife, a stereotypical east end mam, same old family drama and disputes.
Could see all the plot twists coming a mile off.
Boring 😴
Could see all the plot twists coming a mile off.
Boring 😴
August 18, 2022
Again this was a second read for me . Can't get enough of kimberelys books . This one pulls at the heartstrings but so funny with it . 5 stars all the way .
November 30, 2016
Not the most gripping of stories, predictable at times , easy read
March 18, 2023
This novel felt like reading a soap opera with all of the drama and chaotic scenarios that kept happening, and I mean that in a good way. While adapting to all of the British lingo that was used, I tried unsuccessfully reading the dialogue in my head with an Essex accent. Although the writing quality isn't exactly high qualitt literature, it was an entertaining page turner that kept me intrigued the whole time. It was fast paced, with the four 10-year time jumps giving a full picture as to the characters' lives. Occasionally disorienting, the time jumps surprisingly increased a feeling of intimacy with the characters and an appreciation for their growth, or lack thereof. I found it hard to relate to the characters at times, both in their situations and their decisions, but still found myself invested in their fortunes and rooting for them or resenting them. It was a fun read and I'll most likely read the next few books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this and I really didn’t expect to!
This year I’ve been challenging myself to read a random eBook from every genre that my local library has to offer, making my way through them alphabetically.
This was book was from the ‘British Fiction’ genre and it’s a real East-End, gritty novel, full to the brim with drama!
I don’t normally go for these types of books and fully expected it to be rubbish, but here I am, reserving every other Kimberly Chambers books the library has to offer!!!
Granted, some events in the book were completely predictable, but I was so invested in the characters and their lives, that I still enjoyed reading about them!
This year I’ve been challenging myself to read a random eBook from every genre that my local library has to offer, making my way through them alphabetically.
This was book was from the ‘British Fiction’ genre and it’s a real East-End, gritty novel, full to the brim with drama!
I don’t normally go for these types of books and fully expected it to be rubbish, but here I am, reserving every other Kimberly Chambers books the library has to offer!!!
Granted, some events in the book were completely predictable, but I was so invested in the characters and their lives, that I still enjoyed reading about them!
February 19, 2023
Set in the East End, this book takes place over several decades and follows a mother as she deals with a ton of swearing, soap opera-style plots, two rowdy children and a sweet one, rapes, drugs, and all sorts of horror.
To me, it was quite the gripping read - the author has captured the dysfunctional lives of these characters very well. The ending did leave it open-ended, with James' new son not being his and Tommy getting away with raping and impregnating Maria. As such, I would love to see a sequel!
To me, it was quite the gripping read - the author has captured the dysfunctional lives of these characters very well. The ending did leave it open-ended, with James' new son not being his and Tommy getting away with raping and impregnating Maria. As such, I would love to see a sequel!
September 15, 2017
I've been conned once again
This book was released years ago and I read it then, I have been conned in to buying it again as it says it was published in 2017 but it has only been rereleased ,, be careful when you buy Kimberley chambers books because they are making money by conning people,, I have read all her books but this will definitely be the last i am also disappointed with amazon buy making money like this
This book was released years ago and I read it then, I have been conned in to buying it again as it says it was published in 2017 but it has only been rereleased ,, be careful when you buy Kimberley chambers books because they are making money by conning people,, I have read all her books but this will definitely be the last i am also disappointed with amazon buy making money like this
January 10, 2019
Loved this.
Haven’t read anything by this author before but will definitely look up some more of her books.
Set in the East End of London and spanning over 40 years starting in the 80’s, this is a gritty family drama revolving around Maureen, her 3 kids and as time goes on their children....
Murder, rape,drug addiction, the underworld, this book is an eye opener and a page turner.
Bad language throughout and some graphic scenes.
Haven’t read anything by this author before but will definitely look up some more of her books.
Set in the East End of London and spanning over 40 years starting in the 80’s, this is a gritty family drama revolving around Maureen, her 3 kids and as time goes on their children....
Murder, rape,drug addiction, the underworld, this book is an eye opener and a page turner.
Bad language throughout and some graphic scenes.
March 2, 2022
Superb book right from the start. The journey these characters go on had me hooked all the way through. Many great twists and moment of excitement, shock, sadness and humour with a stunning finish. The journey was action packed all the way through. Great time jumps to keep the story a page turner over and over. My only niggle was Maria’s record collection. Jason & Kylie we’re not from 1985. I know it’s only minor, but it stayed with me for a few pages.
April 19, 2019
I don't normally cry when I read KC books, but after reading this one I sobbed, it really touched a nerve, it's so sad at the end. Maureen was hanging on to see if Tommy (her evil son) fathered his sister-in-law's baby, then she quietly slipped away. It's a great book, another one that's hard to put down once you start.
October 11, 2019
Wow this is a real page Turner, .Fabulous book so much so I couldn't put it down. I won't say to much as it will give the plot away
So buy it and see for yourselves of twists and turns
You won't be disappointed. I wasn't and its hard for me to stay glued like I was with this one
So buy it and see for yourselves of twists and turns
You won't be disappointed. I wasn't and its hard for me to stay glued like I was with this one
February 19, 2021
Really enjoyed this read, didnt feel let down at all after the mind blowing series of the Butlers and the Mitchell's. I did feel there were Similarities in characters however, ie. Tommy and Vinny came across as similar. Susan and Brenda same thing. Even James and Micheal. Storyline was gripping though and I liked the fact it was left open for a sequel. Would I read a sequel?....most definitely.
October 21, 2021
Really enjoyed this book.
I had this on audio and once I started I couldn’t leave it.
Had it on all day as I was doing housework.
Brilliant story about a family in the east end
The Hutton family struggles through life ,Maureen the mum trying hard to keep
It all together ,
Yet there’s always one bad apple someone where and here
It’s Tommy .
Loved it 5*
I had this on audio and once I started I couldn’t leave it.
Had it on all day as I was doing housework.
Brilliant story about a family in the east end
The Hutton family struggles through life ,Maureen the mum trying hard to keep
It all together ,
Yet there’s always one bad apple someone where and here
It’s Tommy .
Loved it 5*
January 2, 2025
This was a really great book. I love the gritty real style of Kimberly Chambers books! I'm currently reading them all in order, and this one did not disappoint. She's one of my favourite authors, and I can't think of a single negative thing to say about this book. Give it a go, you will be pleasantly surprised.
January 17, 2018
This is one of the best books I’ve read it had me laughing hating at some characters and tears had every emotion Kimberly is a very clever and talented writer. Would make a good series on tv I image tom hardy as Thomas jr just left ending wanting more
January 29, 2018
Excellent book
I really enjoyed this book, I enjoy living the lives with the characters, Kimberley Chambers paints such vivid pictures so it's easy to put yourself in their shoes. An absolute gem of a story teller. Definitely worth a read.
I really enjoyed this book, I enjoy living the lives with the characters, Kimberley Chambers paints such vivid pictures so it's easy to put yourself in their shoes. An absolute gem of a story teller. Definitely worth a read.
April 14, 2018
Another gripping read
Reading Kimberly’s books are like a trip down memory lane - she captures the old East End perfectly and her characters leap off the page - harsh, often violent but always funny another real page turner
Reading Kimberly’s books are like a trip down memory lane - she captures the old East End perfectly and her characters leap off the page - harsh, often violent but always funny another real page turner
March 23, 2019
This book was simply not for me, I struggled with it from start to finish, yet I enjoyed others by Kimberley. I did think that the ending was very abrupt, I wanted to know how the story went on. It was more about an east end family, than crime.
January 9, 2020
Brilliant from start to finish, I’m a sucker for a good crime book. It’s my go to genre, it’s 98% guaranteed if it’s by the right author then I will love the book and Kimberly Chambers is up there with the best!
Once you pick it up you will not put it down.
Once you pick it up you will not put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews