What do you think?
Rate this book
The Promise
Two sisters. One murder. And an unbreakable bond.
Growing up in squalor with their drug-addicted prostitute mother, sisters Georgie and Marnie Parker have had to endure the very darkest side of life.
When their mother is sentenced for brutally murdering a client, Georgie and Marnie's already precarious lives are blown apart and they now share a terrible secret. Sent to a children's home, the sisters hope this might finally be their safe haven after years of neglect. But they soon discover they're in real danger.
Desperate to find a place of safety, Georgie and Marnie run for their lives, but end up in the hands of Delray Anderton. A violent London gangster and notorious pimp, Delray has big plans for beautiful teenager Georgie, seeing her as a chance to make some serious money.
Fiercely protective of each other, Georgie and Marnie must escape the clutches of a man who will do anything to keep the sisters for himself. And, they must keep the promise they made to each other - no one can ever know the truth.
Growing up in squalor with their drug-addicted prostitute mother, sisters Georgie and Marnie Parker have had to endure the very darkest side of life.
When their mother is sentenced for brutally murdering a client, Georgie and Marnie's already precarious lives are blown apart and they now share a terrible secret. Sent to a children's home, the sisters hope this might finally be their safe haven after years of neglect. But they soon discover they're in real danger.
Desperate to find a place of safety, Georgie and Marnie run for their lives, but end up in the hands of Delray Anderton. A violent London gangster and notorious pimp, Delray has big plans for beautiful teenager Georgie, seeing her as a chance to make some serious money.
Fiercely protective of each other, Georgie and Marnie must escape the clutches of a man who will do anything to keep the sisters for himself. And, they must keep the promise they made to each other - no one can ever know the truth.
354 pages, Paperback
Published February 17, 2017
442 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
Casey Kelleher
33 books357 followersCasey Kelleher was born in Cuckfield, West Sussex. Growing up she became an avid reader, loving in particular gritty crime thrillers and gangland books.
The Books
Standalone Psych Thrillers
The Perfect Guest
The Missing Mother
The Babysitter's Secret
MINE
I'll Never Tell
Only Child
The Babysitter's Secret
Gangland/crime thrillers
standalones
Bad Blood
The Taken
The Promise
Rotten to the Core
Rise and Fall
Heartless
Griffin Estate Trilogy
No Escape (book 1)
No Fear (book 2)
No Going Back (book 3)
The Byrne Trilogy
The Betrayed (Book 1)
The Broken (Book)
The Forgotten (Book 3)
For all offers and news on Casey's new releases, click the FOLLOW button on Casey's Amazon page, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Casey-Kelleh...
http://caseykelleher.co.uk
www.instagram.com/caseykelleher
http://facebook.com/officialcaseykell...
The Books
Standalone Psych Thrillers
The Perfect Guest
The Missing Mother
The Babysitter's Secret
MINE
I'll Never Tell
Only Child
The Babysitter's Secret
Gangland/crime thrillers
standalones
Bad Blood
The Taken
The Promise
Rotten to the Core
Rise and Fall
Heartless
Griffin Estate Trilogy
No Escape (book 1)
No Fear (book 2)
No Going Back (book 3)
The Byrne Trilogy
The Betrayed (Book 1)
The Broken (Book)
The Forgotten (Book 3)
For all offers and news on Casey's new releases, click the FOLLOW button on Casey's Amazon page, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Casey-Kelleh...
http://caseykelleher.co.uk
www.instagram.com/caseykelleher
http://facebook.com/officialcaseykell...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
October 10, 2023
I have read a few of Casey Kelleher’s books and loved “I’ll Never Tell” and “No Going Back”. This is an engrossing story, though darker and more challenging than I expected.
Josie has a tough life, working as a prostitute for Delray. She has two daughters Georgie & Marnie and though she wants to provide a decent life for them, it is a challenge. She is struggling to make ends meet and stay off drugs. She confides in her partner Mandy, and they offer each other support. They are past their prime as well, and Josie is envious of Javine who is younger, good looking and now closer to Delray. There is a ray of hope for her when one of her clients offers Josie a longer-term arrangement. There are strange aspects in this arrangement and Josie is suspicious on where this will end up.
The blurb for this book strangely is far too detailed. Some of the incidents involving Josie & her daughters make for harrowing reading. The character development is very good – Josie, her daughters, Mandy, Davey, Delray, and Javine. I liked how Javine’s character evolved in the later sections. I liked how the story progressed in the last sections and the ending as well.
A fast-paced well written story.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
Josie has a tough life, working as a prostitute for Delray. She has two daughters Georgie & Marnie and though she wants to provide a decent life for them, it is a challenge. She is struggling to make ends meet and stay off drugs. She confides in her partner Mandy, and they offer each other support. They are past their prime as well, and Josie is envious of Javine who is younger, good looking and now closer to Delray. There is a ray of hope for her when one of her clients offers Josie a longer-term arrangement. There are strange aspects in this arrangement and Josie is suspicious on where this will end up.
The blurb for this book strangely is far too detailed. Some of the incidents involving Josie & her daughters make for harrowing reading. The character development is very good – Josie, her daughters, Mandy, Davey, Delray, and Javine. I liked how Javine’s character evolved in the later sections. I liked how the story progressed in the last sections and the ending as well.
A fast-paced well written story.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
February 7, 2017
5 Heartstopping Stars
Javine Turner is a young girl that knows what she wants. Desperate to escape her past she teams up with her roommate Ashleen Jacobs in search for her Mr Right, someone who will change her life for her.
When she meets Delray Anderton he's exactly what she is looking for, successful, good looking and wealthy.
But Javine is about to learn a costly lesson......
Georgie Parker and her sister Marnie haven't had the best start in life. Georgie must protect herself and her sister no matter what because she is not sure she can trust anyone else to do just that.
She was all Marnie had in the world now, and Georgie had made a promise to her mother that she would protect her little sister. No matter what. ‘Cross my heart. I promise.’
Josie Parker loves her kids but her lifestyle puts her children in danger.
Oblivious of her decisions, Josie then finds herself deeper in trouble and she makes her children keep a secret ..... one that they must never tell.
My Thoughts
There are some authors that will always be on my automatic read list and Casey Kelleher is for sure one of those authors.
This was an unputdownable type of book. Fast paced and exciting with some very interesting characters.
And some not so nice ones either.
I love the way the author once again brings two stories into a book and weaves them together brilliantly. Each chapter edging you on to read more.
Josie was never going to be mother of the year but I really felt deep down she loved her kids and would fight to protect them if needed.
Javine was like any impressionable young girl who had been dealt the wrong set of cards in life and wanted to better herself but she soon has a wake up call.
What Javine wanted now, and that was revenge. Delray had tried to break her. Well, two could play at that game.
At times I was holding my breath not knowing what was coming next.
The Promise is gritty and definitely for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Martina Cole but at the same time this author has made her own stamp on this genre.
***ARC provided by Netgalley via Bookouture in return for an honest review***
Javine Turner is a young girl that knows what she wants. Desperate to escape her past she teams up with her roommate Ashleen Jacobs in search for her Mr Right, someone who will change her life for her.
When she meets Delray Anderton he's exactly what she is looking for, successful, good looking and wealthy.
But Javine is about to learn a costly lesson......
Georgie Parker and her sister Marnie haven't had the best start in life. Georgie must protect herself and her sister no matter what because she is not sure she can trust anyone else to do just that.
She was all Marnie had in the world now, and Georgie had made a promise to her mother that she would protect her little sister. No matter what. ‘Cross my heart. I promise.’
Josie Parker loves her kids but her lifestyle puts her children in danger.
Oblivious of her decisions, Josie then finds herself deeper in trouble and she makes her children keep a secret ..... one that they must never tell.
My Thoughts
There are some authors that will always be on my automatic read list and Casey Kelleher is for sure one of those authors.
This was an unputdownable type of book. Fast paced and exciting with some very interesting characters.
And some not so nice ones either.
I love the way the author once again brings two stories into a book and weaves them together brilliantly. Each chapter edging you on to read more.
Josie was never going to be mother of the year but I really felt deep down she loved her kids and would fight to protect them if needed.
Javine was like any impressionable young girl who had been dealt the wrong set of cards in life and wanted to better herself but she soon has a wake up call.
What Javine wanted now, and that was revenge. Delray had tried to break her. Well, two could play at that game.
At times I was holding my breath not knowing what was coming next.
The Promise is gritty and definitely for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Martina Cole but at the same time this author has made her own stamp on this genre.
***ARC provided by Netgalley via Bookouture in return for an honest review***
February 24, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
4.5/5
Kelleher has managed to write yet another electrifying, dark and twisted book. I’m beginning to appreciate a good thriller more and more lately, not just a thriller with a huge mystery. Though this earns a firm spot in the thriller category, there were some surprising elements that I wasn’t expecting, making for a riveting read.
This one was heartbreaking on so many levels. Georgie and Marnie have had such a sad and tough life. Their mother Josie is a prostitute and a drug addict who can’t seem to get it together and be the mother that her children deserve. The poor little things have witnessed some horrifying stuff that no one, much less a child should ever see. This is an extremely dark and gritty read, there are several instances of abuse and at times it was very hard to read. But what kept me going was my concern for these sweet girls, I so badly wanted them to be well taken care of.
There are a wide variety of characters in this book and many of them are downright awful, but along the way I may have changed my mind about a few. Josie was a hard woman to like, she cares more about herself and what she wants than what her children want or need. From the start I hated her, but as I began to learn more about her history and what drove her to make the decisions she made, I understood why she was this way. Her life hasn’t been easy and there were times when she really did think that she was doing right by her girls even if she really wasn’t.
This was a harsh and difficult read, but in the end still a very enjoyable one for me. There was loads of action and the pacing was lightning fast and utterly absorbing. I compared her last book, The Taken to an action movie and this had the same gripping qualities. If you’re not adverse to reading about the sad reality of abuse and neglect, give this a try.
4.5/5
Kelleher has managed to write yet another electrifying, dark and twisted book. I’m beginning to appreciate a good thriller more and more lately, not just a thriller with a huge mystery. Though this earns a firm spot in the thriller category, there were some surprising elements that I wasn’t expecting, making for a riveting read.
This one was heartbreaking on so many levels. Georgie and Marnie have had such a sad and tough life. Their mother Josie is a prostitute and a drug addict who can’t seem to get it together and be the mother that her children deserve. The poor little things have witnessed some horrifying stuff that no one, much less a child should ever see. This is an extremely dark and gritty read, there are several instances of abuse and at times it was very hard to read. But what kept me going was my concern for these sweet girls, I so badly wanted them to be well taken care of.
There are a wide variety of characters in this book and many of them are downright awful, but along the way I may have changed my mind about a few. Josie was a hard woman to like, she cares more about herself and what she wants than what her children want or need. From the start I hated her, but as I began to learn more about her history and what drove her to make the decisions she made, I understood why she was this way. Her life hasn’t been easy and there were times when she really did think that she was doing right by her girls even if she really wasn’t.
This was a harsh and difficult read, but in the end still a very enjoyable one for me. There was loads of action and the pacing was lightning fast and utterly absorbing. I compared her last book, The Taken to an action movie and this had the same gripping qualities. If you’re not adverse to reading about the sad reality of abuse and neglect, give this a try.
February 8, 2017
Sisters Georgie & Marnie Parker have grown up in squalor. Their Mother is a drug-addicted prostitute. When their Mother gets sent down for murder, Georgie & Marnie are sent to a children's home. But the girls soon discover they are in real danger. So the girls make a run for it. Desperate to find a safe place.
This book is full of suspense. With two stories getting interwoven together. This is gritty, fast paced and well written. With characters you will love and other characters you will love to hate. I found this book very hard to put down.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Casey Kelleher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is full of suspense. With two stories getting interwoven together. This is gritty, fast paced and well written. With characters you will love and other characters you will love to hate. I found this book very hard to put down.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Casey Kelleher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2017
I am a huge fan of this authors novels as they are dark, edgy and hard hitting. The Promise is no different.
Due to the story line in The Promise I have to admit at times I found it to be a very uncomfortable read. There is one bit which I have to say I think is slightly risky by the author due to what was happening to the character, I didn’t know whether I could carry on. It affected me that deeply. I did though as I had to know how things were going to end and I am so glad I did.
Georgie and Marnie are two girls that are well and truly going to pull on the readers heart strings. Georgie, who is twelve and the older sibling, is very much the one bringing her younger sister up. Josie, their mum, is pretty much a waste of space. I did feel empathy to Josie but the neglect on her own children just made me want to weep. Both girls, regardless of the neglect, love their mother and just want to be a proper little family.
What I really loved in this book is how some of the characters really took me by surprise. There was a few who I had written off from the start but their actions later on changed how I felt about them and I ended up developing a soft spot for them. It’s certainly a novel that is full of surprises and certainly wasn’t as straight forward as I thought it was going to be.
The Promise is without a doubt a hard hitting and powerful read. It’s another of the author’s books where the story and characters will stay with me for a long time to come. I felt really emotional after finishing it as the author brings the atrocities from real life into fiction. Whilst it made me sad as to what evils go on in the world, it also gives the reader strength and hope in some of the good that there is out there also.
Powerful, emotional and heartbreaking, The Promise is this years must read.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Due to the story line in The Promise I have to admit at times I found it to be a very uncomfortable read. There is one bit which I have to say I think is slightly risky by the author due to what was happening to the character, I didn’t know whether I could carry on. It affected me that deeply. I did though as I had to know how things were going to end and I am so glad I did.
Georgie and Marnie are two girls that are well and truly going to pull on the readers heart strings. Georgie, who is twelve and the older sibling, is very much the one bringing her younger sister up. Josie, their mum, is pretty much a waste of space. I did feel empathy to Josie but the neglect on her own children just made me want to weep. Both girls, regardless of the neglect, love their mother and just want to be a proper little family.
What I really loved in this book is how some of the characters really took me by surprise. There was a few who I had written off from the start but their actions later on changed how I felt about them and I ended up developing a soft spot for them. It’s certainly a novel that is full of surprises and certainly wasn’t as straight forward as I thought it was going to be.
The Promise is without a doubt a hard hitting and powerful read. It’s another of the author’s books where the story and characters will stay with me for a long time to come. I felt really emotional after finishing it as the author brings the atrocities from real life into fiction. Whilst it made me sad as to what evils go on in the world, it also gives the reader strength and hope in some of the good that there is out there also.
Powerful, emotional and heartbreaking, The Promise is this years must read.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
February 18, 2017
This is the second book I've read by Casey Kelleher, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first! Really interesting stories and complicated characters. She deals with some heavy subject matter in this one, and some of it is hard to read. I was never tempted to put it down though, hopeful that the characters would get the ending that they deserve.
Josie has a lot of problems. She relies heavily on drugs and alcohol to make it through her life. She prostitutes herself to satiate her vices and put food on the table, but there's never enough. Not for her and not for her two little girls, Georgie and Marnie. Their lives go from awful to worse when their mom gets in trouble and they're forced into a children's home. They are bright and self sufficient kids, but no one can handle what they're up against... and things will get much worse before they get better.
Javine is a stunning seventeen year old who is determined to find a man to pay her way in life. She meets the wrong man. She is soon in the clutches of a man named Delray, a powerful and violent pimp. He's in charge of many women, from the past her prime Josie to escorts with supermodel good looks that bring in huge amounts of money. At first, Javine is charmed by him, but his fake infatuation with Javine won't last forever... and everyone but her seems aware of that.
The lives of these many different characters will intersect. At first glance, they seem very different, but they're not. They are all trapped in circumstances beyond their control. This was at times stressful to read because it really makes you feel for the characters and they all go through so much. Recommended read.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Josie has a lot of problems. She relies heavily on drugs and alcohol to make it through her life. She prostitutes herself to satiate her vices and put food on the table, but there's never enough. Not for her and not for her two little girls, Georgie and Marnie. Their lives go from awful to worse when their mom gets in trouble and they're forced into a children's home. They are bright and self sufficient kids, but no one can handle what they're up against... and things will get much worse before they get better.
Javine is a stunning seventeen year old who is determined to find a man to pay her way in life. She meets the wrong man. She is soon in the clutches of a man named Delray, a powerful and violent pimp. He's in charge of many women, from the past her prime Josie to escorts with supermodel good looks that bring in huge amounts of money. At first, Javine is charmed by him, but his fake infatuation with Javine won't last forever... and everyone but her seems aware of that.
The lives of these many different characters will intersect. At first glance, they seem very different, but they're not. They are all trapped in circumstances beyond their control. This was at times stressful to read because it really makes you feel for the characters and they all go through so much. Recommended read.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
February 17, 2017
Wow, Wow, Wow what a book!!
The Promise is by far one of my favourite books.
I absolutely loved it. If I could give a 10 star rating I would!!
Casey does not fail to deliver.
This book is exciting, Thrilling, heart racing, horrific at times, deals with sensitive issues like drug abuse, sexual abuse, prostitution.
I literally was on the edge of my seat reading every single page.
I did not want it to end!
There is exciting twists and turns in nearly every other Chapter.
The characters are well thought out. Casey teased my emotions and took me on a journey with Georgie and Marnie.
I will give you a short version of the story and main characters as I don't want to delve in too deep and give anything away!
Josie and Mandy are working girls who work for Delray their pimp and thug of the area! He is extremely dangerous and not to be crossed!
Josie has two children Georgie who is 12 and Marnie who is 5.
Josie always brings her punters home even with the kids in the next room.
Josie is a drug addict and has a drink problem.
Delray has made her promise to stay off the drugs.
However she can't help herself and scores some drugs.
A situation happens and Delray finds out she's using again and sacks Josie and Mandy from ever working in he's area again.
Josie is stuck not having any money to feed her kids or her habit.
Trevor is a client of Josie's and he makes a deal with Josie to become her "pretend" boyfriend in exchange for meals and the occasional night stay and money!
It is at this point the story takes a very very sinister turn.
Things happen, secrets uncovered, one horrific night, one murder!
So the story really begins and becomes gritty and dangerous and Thrilling, a page turner.
All I can say is Georgie and Marnie face some horrific times ahead.
We follow their journey, where the people who are meant to be keeping them safe have other disgusting, vile motives.
I could not put this book down.
I really have nothing more to say except READ IT!!!!
You won't be disappointed.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via NetGalley.
The Promise is by far one of my favourite books.
I absolutely loved it. If I could give a 10 star rating I would!!
Casey does not fail to deliver.
This book is exciting, Thrilling, heart racing, horrific at times, deals with sensitive issues like drug abuse, sexual abuse, prostitution.
I literally was on the edge of my seat reading every single page.
I did not want it to end!
There is exciting twists and turns in nearly every other Chapter.
The characters are well thought out. Casey teased my emotions and took me on a journey with Georgie and Marnie.
I will give you a short version of the story and main characters as I don't want to delve in too deep and give anything away!
Josie and Mandy are working girls who work for Delray their pimp and thug of the area! He is extremely dangerous and not to be crossed!
Josie has two children Georgie who is 12 and Marnie who is 5.
Josie always brings her punters home even with the kids in the next room.
Josie is a drug addict and has a drink problem.
Delray has made her promise to stay off the drugs.
However she can't help herself and scores some drugs.
A situation happens and Delray finds out she's using again and sacks Josie and Mandy from ever working in he's area again.
Josie is stuck not having any money to feed her kids or her habit.
Trevor is a client of Josie's and he makes a deal with Josie to become her "pretend" boyfriend in exchange for meals and the occasional night stay and money!
It is at this point the story takes a very very sinister turn.
Things happen, secrets uncovered, one horrific night, one murder!
So the story really begins and becomes gritty and dangerous and Thrilling, a page turner.
All I can say is Georgie and Marnie face some horrific times ahead.
We follow their journey, where the people who are meant to be keeping them safe have other disgusting, vile motives.
I could not put this book down.
I really have nothing more to say except READ IT!!!!
You won't be disappointed.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via NetGalley.
February 22, 2017
I didn’t discover Casey Kelleher until her last book The Taken and then I got hold of all her other books to play catch up! I found her writing to be fresh and exciting and reminiscent of the early Martina Cole books and I couldn’t get enough of them even recommending them to my daughter’s who are now also big fans. I have loved them all but The Promise is now my new favourite! Hours passed but I had no concept of time as I was fully engrossed as this utterly unputdownable drama unfolded.
Josie Parker is never going to win Mother of The Year but she does the best she knows how. Sometimes there’s no electricity, she turns tricks in the bedroom next to where her two daughters are sleeping and they survive on weetabix and chocolate spread sandwiches. Marnie and Georgie actually seen very well adjusted considering the state of neglect they live in but Marnie wets the bed showing that maybe something is worrying her more than her mum and sister realise. I really wanted to despise Josie but there was really no point- her lifestyle was what it was and when you have sunk that low, climbing back up out of that gutter is nigh on impossible and although Josie tries she does it in the only way she know how. As in many families where there are addictions, Georgie has taken over that maternal role with her younger sister and they are doing okay until that one night….
The plot here is very dark and disturbing, especially as it involved children, and the emotions really thump you in the chest at times as it graphically depicts the life of a family on the edge. The will to survive and crawl out of their dismal surroundings is always present in the women here but boy, do they have to fight for it. Casey Kellehers strength is in involving the reader deep into her characters lives, provoking extreme emotions in the reader -both good and bad! I detested Delray and everything he stood for. And I just wanted to scream at Javine but she was, like Josie, a victim of past circumstances, frantically swimming against the tide in the interest of self preservation.
The last few chapters were brilliant with a few surprises thrown in. I actually think there was one character that I would love to meet again in future books as I’m sure there would be plenty more to discover about the life they go on to lead. If you like your crime thrillers realistically grim and gritty but with characters who feel like family you will absolutely love The Promise. It will make you angry, it will make you sad but it also leaves you feeling uplifted and hopeful! More please and lots of it!
I received a copy of this book via netgalley and have chosen to read and review it.
Josie Parker is never going to win Mother of The Year but she does the best she knows how. Sometimes there’s no electricity, she turns tricks in the bedroom next to where her two daughters are sleeping and they survive on weetabix and chocolate spread sandwiches. Marnie and Georgie actually seen very well adjusted considering the state of neglect they live in but Marnie wets the bed showing that maybe something is worrying her more than her mum and sister realise. I really wanted to despise Josie but there was really no point- her lifestyle was what it was and when you have sunk that low, climbing back up out of that gutter is nigh on impossible and although Josie tries she does it in the only way she know how. As in many families where there are addictions, Georgie has taken over that maternal role with her younger sister and they are doing okay until that one night….
The plot here is very dark and disturbing, especially as it involved children, and the emotions really thump you in the chest at times as it graphically depicts the life of a family on the edge. The will to survive and crawl out of their dismal surroundings is always present in the women here but boy, do they have to fight for it. Casey Kellehers strength is in involving the reader deep into her characters lives, provoking extreme emotions in the reader -both good and bad! I detested Delray and everything he stood for. And I just wanted to scream at Javine but she was, like Josie, a victim of past circumstances, frantically swimming against the tide in the interest of self preservation.
The last few chapters were brilliant with a few surprises thrown in. I actually think there was one character that I would love to meet again in future books as I’m sure there would be plenty more to discover about the life they go on to lead. If you like your crime thrillers realistically grim and gritty but with characters who feel like family you will absolutely love The Promise. It will make you angry, it will make you sad but it also leaves you feeling uplifted and hopeful! More please and lots of it!
I received a copy of this book via netgalley and have chosen to read and review it.
February 5, 2017
Having read and loved The Taken and now The Promise, Casey Kelleher is an exciting author that I will now be on the look for.
I simply devoured this book and could not put it down.
Heartbreaking, suspenseful and a gritty crime novel that had me in tears at times.
Fantastic and realistic characters, especially the gusty and brave 12 year old Georgie and her younger sister Marnie.
Just fantastic and a massive 5* ..... A MUST READ!!!
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a copy of this brilliant book and this is my honest review.
I simply devoured this book and could not put it down.
Heartbreaking, suspenseful and a gritty crime novel that had me in tears at times.
Fantastic and realistic characters, especially the gusty and brave 12 year old Georgie and her younger sister Marnie.
Just fantastic and a massive 5* ..... A MUST READ!!!
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a copy of this brilliant book and this is my honest review.
January 4, 2018
I absolutely adore Casey Kelleher and I am so glad she is now getting recognition as a published author (I know she was successful self-publishing but it’s just great to see her now at Bookouture). The Promise wasn’t my favourite book of hers, my favourite so far probably being Bad Blood, however it is a story that I don’t think I’ll be forgetting in a hurry and it’s a story that will leave an impact on everybody that reads it.
I started reading The Promise and told myself I’d just read a few chapters. Well, time flew by and I was soon at 40% done with the book because I completely got caught up in the lives of these characters. Josie Parker when the book opens is a despicable character and given the area that I live in in Liverpool, she was somebody that I had no trouble picturing in my mind. Whilst she was such a hateful character I’m not sure that I could say she was downright evil or had no redeeming features. Yes she did some truly unforgivable things to her daughters but at the same time there were moments when it seemed like she cared for her daughters and due to how her life had gone so far she didn’t have much choice in how she had to make a living to look after herself and her kids. It’s easy to blame drugs but at the same time for those of us who haven’t done them it’s also easy to sit there and blame Josie for being a bad mother without being able to understand why she was the way she was.
Casey has written about some truly awful characters in the past but few have been as bad as Delray Anderton. There’s such an uncomfortable undertone to this story when you learn where it’s planning to go and what Delray has in store for one of the characters. Reading about the innocence of Georgie and seeing the world through her childlike eyes made bile rise in my throat as certain things happened here in The Promise. It’s a shocking story but at the same time it’s also true to life because we only have to look in the news for similar stories.
I could go on and on about the characters and the story because there’s so much that I want to say because this is a thought-provoking book with so much to discuss. A sour taste was left in my mouth at some of the characters that ‘got away’ with what they did. By the end of the story I was left wondering about some of them and would have liked maybe a flash forward where one or two characters were able to get revenge on what happened to them. I’m not sure if a second book could be written featuring these characters but I felt there was scope to perhaps explore their lives further beyond where this book ended. That said the fact I had it read in just over a day should be a sign of how good it is and I cannot recommend Casey’s books enough, a lovely lady and a fantastic author and if you haven’t read these books yet then you really need to be reading them.
I started reading The Promise and told myself I’d just read a few chapters. Well, time flew by and I was soon at 40% done with the book because I completely got caught up in the lives of these characters. Josie Parker when the book opens is a despicable character and given the area that I live in in Liverpool, she was somebody that I had no trouble picturing in my mind. Whilst she was such a hateful character I’m not sure that I could say she was downright evil or had no redeeming features. Yes she did some truly unforgivable things to her daughters but at the same time there were moments when it seemed like she cared for her daughters and due to how her life had gone so far she didn’t have much choice in how she had to make a living to look after herself and her kids. It’s easy to blame drugs but at the same time for those of us who haven’t done them it’s also easy to sit there and blame Josie for being a bad mother without being able to understand why she was the way she was.
Casey has written about some truly awful characters in the past but few have been as bad as Delray Anderton. There’s such an uncomfortable undertone to this story when you learn where it’s planning to go and what Delray has in store for one of the characters. Reading about the innocence of Georgie and seeing the world through her childlike eyes made bile rise in my throat as certain things happened here in The Promise. It’s a shocking story but at the same time it’s also true to life because we only have to look in the news for similar stories.
I could go on and on about the characters and the story because there’s so much that I want to say because this is a thought-provoking book with so much to discuss. A sour taste was left in my mouth at some of the characters that ‘got away’ with what they did. By the end of the story I was left wondering about some of them and would have liked maybe a flash forward where one or two characters were able to get revenge on what happened to them. I’m not sure if a second book could be written featuring these characters but I felt there was scope to perhaps explore their lives further beyond where this book ended. That said the fact I had it read in just over a day should be a sign of how good it is and I cannot recommend Casey’s books enough, a lovely lady and a fantastic author and if you haven’t read these books yet then you really need to be reading them.
March 7, 2017
All my reviews can be found at http://the bookreviewcafe.com
My oh my I'm really not sure where to begin with this review, Casey Kelleher writes what I call grit lit. The Promise by Casey Kelleher certainly falls into this category, I wasn't expecting a "heartes and flowers" kind of read, and I wasn't wrong, in fact due to the subject matter it sometimes made for a very uncomfortable read, but my god I have to say it was also a gripping one. Josie Parker is a repeat drug offender, a heroin addict and a prostitute, she's bringing up her two daughters in the most damaging way. Georgie and Marnie know violence first hand, they know what it's like to be hungry, and scared, they have to endure the very darkest side of life. Then you have Javine a seventeen year old who meets the wrong man. At first Javine is taken in by a man who treats her like a princess but she soon finds her dreams turn to dust, when she realises she is in the clutches of a powerful and violent pimp. As the two stories collide in the most dramatic way The Promise makes for a riveting read.
The story is a slow starter but in the authors defence she concentrates on developing her characters and my god she does it brilliantly, you can't help being drawn into the characters life's, love them or hate them they all have a part to play. I found my opinions of various characters changing as the plot developed, I don't want to spoil the plot but suffice to say some of the characters I started out disliking managed to redeem themselves by the end of the book. As for Georgie and Marnie they are the stars of the book despite their awful life's they remain resilient and feisty, determined to protect each other from bad things, at times my heart broke for the two girls, yes they are characters, but Casey Kelleher writes about very real subjects and it makes me very sad to think that this issome children's reality.
As the plot reaches midway it picks up the pace I found myself desperate to read more I so wanted Georgie and Marnie to find their "happy ever after". Casey Kelleher paints a vivid and believable picture of the seedier side of life, this is an author who isn't afraid to tackle the most difficult subjects head on, she paints an ugly and brutal picture which at times made for a harrowing read. Trust me this really isn't a book for the faint hearted due to the subject matter, abuse, violence, prostitution all find there way into this book. The Promise could have been a very depressing read, but fortunately the author offers the reader hope amid the horror. In my opinion this is the authors best book yet, despite the difficult subject matter it's one that's hard to put down, thanks to Casey Kelleher's ability to create such believable characters you will find yourself captivated by the two little girls willing them on through troubled times. Would I recommend this book? I certainly would especially if you enjoy a gritty realistic read.
My oh my I'm really not sure where to begin with this review, Casey Kelleher writes what I call grit lit. The Promise by Casey Kelleher certainly falls into this category, I wasn't expecting a "heartes and flowers" kind of read, and I wasn't wrong, in fact due to the subject matter it sometimes made for a very uncomfortable read, but my god I have to say it was also a gripping one. Josie Parker is a repeat drug offender, a heroin addict and a prostitute, she's bringing up her two daughters in the most damaging way. Georgie and Marnie know violence first hand, they know what it's like to be hungry, and scared, they have to endure the very darkest side of life. Then you have Javine a seventeen year old who meets the wrong man. At first Javine is taken in by a man who treats her like a princess but she soon finds her dreams turn to dust, when she realises she is in the clutches of a powerful and violent pimp. As the two stories collide in the most dramatic way The Promise makes for a riveting read.
The story is a slow starter but in the authors defence she concentrates on developing her characters and my god she does it brilliantly, you can't help being drawn into the characters life's, love them or hate them they all have a part to play. I found my opinions of various characters changing as the plot developed, I don't want to spoil the plot but suffice to say some of the characters I started out disliking managed to redeem themselves by the end of the book. As for Georgie and Marnie they are the stars of the book despite their awful life's they remain resilient and feisty, determined to protect each other from bad things, at times my heart broke for the two girls, yes they are characters, but Casey Kelleher writes about very real subjects and it makes me very sad to think that this issome children's reality.
As the plot reaches midway it picks up the pace I found myself desperate to read more I so wanted Georgie and Marnie to find their "happy ever after". Casey Kelleher paints a vivid and believable picture of the seedier side of life, this is an author who isn't afraid to tackle the most difficult subjects head on, she paints an ugly and brutal picture which at times made for a harrowing read. Trust me this really isn't a book for the faint hearted due to the subject matter, abuse, violence, prostitution all find there way into this book. The Promise could have been a very depressing read, but fortunately the author offers the reader hope amid the horror. In my opinion this is the authors best book yet, despite the difficult subject matter it's one that's hard to put down, thanks to Casey Kelleher's ability to create such believable characters you will find yourself captivated by the two little girls willing them on through troubled times. Would I recommend this book? I certainly would especially if you enjoy a gritty realistic read.
February 20, 2017
I love Casey's books and her last one The Taken was an absolute belter of a book. Unfortunately as much as I enjoyed this latest release I couldn't help thinking it wasn't as good as the last book. Josie Parker is the mother of two young girls Georgie and Marnie Parker. Josie has spent her years selling her body and has ended up at the lower end of the market having abused drink and drugs. In all honesty the woman is a mess. Her two young children are forced to look after themselves and as such you can't help but feel for these two poor defenceless children.
The story is a bit of a slow starter but there is a wide variety of characters to get your teeth into. Javine Turner is a young woman on the lookout for a wealth man and once she sets her sights on someone there is no getting away from her. Although on paper Javine is every mans worst nightmare she is a character I loved and was rooting for her throughout the book. Delray Anderton and his sidekick Lenny are known faces and are making their mark in London with their criminal activities. Both of them are brutal and fierce and widely feared.
When Josie is jailed for the murder of a man, Georgie and Marnie find themselves in their own fight for survival. The second half of the story was fast paced and the story was enthralling. However, I think the overlying reason this book wasn't an entire success in my mind was that I had absolutely no sympathy for Josie. In fact I would go as far as to say I loathed the woman who was so selfish that her kids had to take care of themselves. By the time I had finished this I knew that it was a great read, and once again Casey Kelleher is firmly stamping her mark in this genre. However, it lacks the full rating down to my intense dislike of both Josie and Delray. That small issue aside this was another solid read and one that fans of Mandasue Heller and Martina Cole will love.
The story is a bit of a slow starter but there is a wide variety of characters to get your teeth into. Javine Turner is a young woman on the lookout for a wealth man and once she sets her sights on someone there is no getting away from her. Although on paper Javine is every mans worst nightmare she is a character I loved and was rooting for her throughout the book. Delray Anderton and his sidekick Lenny are known faces and are making their mark in London with their criminal activities. Both of them are brutal and fierce and widely feared.
When Josie is jailed for the murder of a man, Georgie and Marnie find themselves in their own fight for survival. The second half of the story was fast paced and the story was enthralling. However, I think the overlying reason this book wasn't an entire success in my mind was that I had absolutely no sympathy for Josie. In fact I would go as far as to say I loathed the woman who was so selfish that her kids had to take care of themselves. By the time I had finished this I knew that it was a great read, and once again Casey Kelleher is firmly stamping her mark in this genre. However, it lacks the full rating down to my intense dislike of both Josie and Delray. That small issue aside this was another solid read and one that fans of Mandasue Heller and Martina Cole will love.
February 9, 2017
Brilliant! This author is so amazing, taking us on a thrilling, mind boggling, edge of the seat ride. i enjoyed every minute of it. I am so glad to have discovered this author. She never fails to deliver! This is a fabulous, unputdownable story! Cannot recommend it enough!
February 17, 2017
The promise by casey Kelleher is a mystery and thriller and general fiction (adult) read.
Two sisters. One murder. And an unbreakable bond.
Growing up in squalor with their drug-addicted prostitute mother, sisters Georgie and Marnie Parker have had to endure the very darkest side of life.
When their mother is sentenced for brutally murdering a client, Georgie and Marnie’s already precarious lives are blown apart and they now share a terrible secret. Sent to a children’s home, the sisters hope this might finally be their safe haven after years of neglect. But they soon discover they’re in real danger.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Full of twists. Really had me thinking. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
Two sisters. One murder. And an unbreakable bond.
Growing up in squalor with their drug-addicted prostitute mother, sisters Georgie and Marnie Parker have had to endure the very darkest side of life.
When their mother is sentenced for brutally murdering a client, Georgie and Marnie’s already precarious lives are blown apart and they now share a terrible secret. Sent to a children’s home, the sisters hope this might finally be their safe haven after years of neglect. But they soon discover they’re in real danger.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Full of twists. Really had me thinking. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
January 28, 2017
Being able to read this before it's published is a privilege until you realise you can't discuss it with anyone lol.
As with all of Casey's books I was hooked right from the start, it was easy to get involved emotionally with this storyline.
I spent most of the time reading this book on the edge of my seat thinking I knew what was coming & then BAM a plot twist.
I say this in every review but I mean it every single time..... Casey Kelleher you did not disappoint!!
As with all of Casey's books I was hooked right from the start, it was easy to get involved emotionally with this storyline.
I spent most of the time reading this book on the edge of my seat thinking I knew what was coming & then BAM a plot twist.
I say this in every review but I mean it every single time..... Casey Kelleher you did not disappoint!!
February 6, 2017
A gritty thriller that has you shouting at the book. Your immediately drawn into this horridly dysfunctional family. Casey Kelleher puts you right smack bang in the room. You can smell your surroundings and you desperately want to help. Your only power is to take a deep breath and turn the page!
If your looking for a thriller that keeps you guessing till the end then this is your pick!
I eagerly want to read more and more of Casey Kelleher
If your looking for a thriller that keeps you guessing till the end then this is your pick!
I eagerly want to read more and more of Casey Kelleher
January 30, 2017
OMG what a read that was, I have read every one of Casey's books and this one is on par with her earlier books, Bloody amazing. The plot was well thought out, the characters are all real, they pull at your heart strings and make you feel like your there with them, they make you hate them with pure evilness, that Delray is one nasty piece of work. Had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.
Poor Jessie is just trying to look after her daughters but Daryl has Alteria motives. The girls are brought up around dugs, squalor, prostitution and even murder. Until one day Jessie makes a fatal mistake and her children are taken away. There they start another horrific battle in a children's home. Things just keep getting worse for Georgia and Marine as there lives spiral out of control. The poor girls haven't had a good start in life.
This was one hell of a rollercoaster ride, I've never read a book before where I can feel my heart beating fast, the ending was just pure class, loved every minute of it.
February 4, 2017
I have read most of Casey Kelleher's books and once again this one did not disappoint.
The Promise is gritty and true to life, well written, full of suspense and a real page turner. The characters get under your skin, they are so well described.
I found this book so hard to put down that I read it in less than a day. The story gripped me from the outset and played havoc with my emotions. Superb!
Another winning story from Casey and very highly recommended.
The Promise is gritty and true to life, well written, full of suspense and a real page turner. The characters get under your skin, they are so well described.
I found this book so hard to put down that I read it in less than a day. The story gripped me from the outset and played havoc with my emotions. Superb!
Another winning story from Casey and very highly recommended.
February 19, 2017
Oh. My. Word.
You know, if you like a warm, cosy crime drama, or something that leaves you feeling all special and fluffy inside… stay away from this book. If on the other hand you like your books with a lot of grit and attitude then this will absolutely be the book for you.
After reading The Taken, I kind of knew what to expect when opening up the first page of this book. Casey Kelleher has established herself as an author very willing to tackle the dark side of human life with a brutal honesty, although without having to be too gratuitously violent that it disengages the reader. The Promise is a really gritty novel; covering subjects from drug abuse to prostitution and dancing around the periphery of child abuse, you won’t find anything here to warm your cockles. Not by a long chalk. Actually… that may be wrong of me to say, but more on that later.
This was a hard book for me to judge just how I felt. There is no denying that Miss Kelleher has an exceptional talent for writing. Far from pushing me away with what could have been a very abhorrent subject, she drew me in from the very beginning. Yes, I did find the subject matter objectionable, and it is a very strange book in that it is hard to feel any real empathy for any of the characters other than perhaps the pub landlord Dave, and the two children Georgie and Marnie, who are caught up in such a tragic story which is beyond their control and beyond comprehension at times.
And yet I couldn’t step away. Not so much because I needed to know that Georgie and Marnie were going to be safe, although that truly did matter to me, but because I was also intrigued by their mother, Josie. Josie is a strange character. Her life is blighted by a series of wrong choices; with a drug addiction born of working as a prostitute for the depraved Delray, she doesn’t seem to have any inclination of kindness towards her children. For sure, her actions will be affected by the drugs she has become addicted to, but the level of neglect is off the charts and you have to wonder how it could go undetected for so long. And yet, when push comes to shove, she makes the greatest sacrifice a mother can for her children. That revelation, that understanding, comes as one of the brightest moments of the story, the one bit which may just manage to thaw those cockles after they have been frozen in disbelief for nearly the whole book.
Kelleher seems to have a real way with creating antagonistic characters; developing people who are so abhorrent and beyond empathy or redemption, whilst keeping the reader as engaged in their story as they would be in that of a far more sympathetic character. Delray is a man without remorse, driven by pure greed. With Javine, while I was sympathetic to her plight and her back story, she was a hard character to like, even though no-one deserves what she was forced to endure. And yet she does redeem herself, more than making up for her questionable character traits. And as for the children, Georgie and Marnie, Kelleher captured their spirits perfectly. Two children, forced to endure the worst things any child ever should, and yet determined and strong, driven on by their love for each other and, ultimately, for their mother.
As I said, I was uncertain for ages how this book made me feel. It definitely captured my imagination and my attention more than The Taken and that was a strong and action packed book in itself. But with this one I was torn between being slightly saddened or maybe even a little sickened by the subject matter, and being enthralled by the way the author had created such tension, such a need in me to keep on reading no matter how I felt.
The book felt uncompromisingly real and at times was very harsh in both language and subject. If abuse or bad language is a trigger for you as a reader, then this may not be the book for you. But don’t be unnecessarily put off by it and give the book a chance; it is not the whole picture. For in there somewhere, among all of that harsh language and darkness, is a story of tenacity and redemption amongst which you’ll find an element of pure magic.
A tense, gritty and harshly realistic 5 stars from me.
You know, if you like a warm, cosy crime drama, or something that leaves you feeling all special and fluffy inside… stay away from this book. If on the other hand you like your books with a lot of grit and attitude then this will absolutely be the book for you.
After reading The Taken, I kind of knew what to expect when opening up the first page of this book. Casey Kelleher has established herself as an author very willing to tackle the dark side of human life with a brutal honesty, although without having to be too gratuitously violent that it disengages the reader. The Promise is a really gritty novel; covering subjects from drug abuse to prostitution and dancing around the periphery of child abuse, you won’t find anything here to warm your cockles. Not by a long chalk. Actually… that may be wrong of me to say, but more on that later.
This was a hard book for me to judge just how I felt. There is no denying that Miss Kelleher has an exceptional talent for writing. Far from pushing me away with what could have been a very abhorrent subject, she drew me in from the very beginning. Yes, I did find the subject matter objectionable, and it is a very strange book in that it is hard to feel any real empathy for any of the characters other than perhaps the pub landlord Dave, and the two children Georgie and Marnie, who are caught up in such a tragic story which is beyond their control and beyond comprehension at times.
And yet I couldn’t step away. Not so much because I needed to know that Georgie and Marnie were going to be safe, although that truly did matter to me, but because I was also intrigued by their mother, Josie. Josie is a strange character. Her life is blighted by a series of wrong choices; with a drug addiction born of working as a prostitute for the depraved Delray, she doesn’t seem to have any inclination of kindness towards her children. For sure, her actions will be affected by the drugs she has become addicted to, but the level of neglect is off the charts and you have to wonder how it could go undetected for so long. And yet, when push comes to shove, she makes the greatest sacrifice a mother can for her children. That revelation, that understanding, comes as one of the brightest moments of the story, the one bit which may just manage to thaw those cockles after they have been frozen in disbelief for nearly the whole book.
Kelleher seems to have a real way with creating antagonistic characters; developing people who are so abhorrent and beyond empathy or redemption, whilst keeping the reader as engaged in their story as they would be in that of a far more sympathetic character. Delray is a man without remorse, driven by pure greed. With Javine, while I was sympathetic to her plight and her back story, she was a hard character to like, even though no-one deserves what she was forced to endure. And yet she does redeem herself, more than making up for her questionable character traits. And as for the children, Georgie and Marnie, Kelleher captured their spirits perfectly. Two children, forced to endure the worst things any child ever should, and yet determined and strong, driven on by their love for each other and, ultimately, for their mother.
As I said, I was uncertain for ages how this book made me feel. It definitely captured my imagination and my attention more than The Taken and that was a strong and action packed book in itself. But with this one I was torn between being slightly saddened or maybe even a little sickened by the subject matter, and being enthralled by the way the author had created such tension, such a need in me to keep on reading no matter how I felt.
The book felt uncompromisingly real and at times was very harsh in both language and subject. If abuse or bad language is a trigger for you as a reader, then this may not be the book for you. But don’t be unnecessarily put off by it and give the book a chance; it is not the whole picture. For in there somewhere, among all of that harsh language and darkness, is a story of tenacity and redemption amongst which you’ll find an element of pure magic.
A tense, gritty and harshly realistic 5 stars from me.
February 12, 2017
Wow…just W O W…
I love finding a new-to-me author that I will add to my list of favorites. Casey Kelleher wrote a book that kept me enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. When I read the last word I was unable to stop thinking about what I had just read. I was unable to fall instantly asleep though it was after 2am because my mind would not let go of this story. I am one who reads the end of a book before I reach it and even so I was surprised. In fact, I had to reread the prologue again this morning.
This book is dark, gritty and real. It made me feel sad for many of the characters in the book and wish that they had been able to or had chosen to live different lives. My heart went out to five year old Marnie and 12 year old Georgie Parker – I wanted to scoop them up and bring them home with me. The choices people make impact them but also impact those they care about and not always in a positive way.
This book made an impact on me, an impact that will stay with me for quite some time. I don’t believe that I will ever forget the characters in this book. Some were wicked with no redeemable features whether in their teens or adults and I wanted them to be exposed and punished. Some had been abused and were just trying to get by or get on with their lives and I wanted them to find the help they needed…not what seemed to be a helping hand but instead was a hand that was more likely to withhold rather than provide succor. At the end the story left me wanting to know what the future holds in store for the characters. That said, I realize that each of us creates our own future based on our life experiences, how we interpret them, and then the choices we ultimately make – I can only hope that the characters choose wisely as they move forward.
I have to thank NetGalley and Boukouture for the copy of this book. And, I have to thank the author for writing a story that will stay with me a long long time. This is my honest review.
I love finding a new-to-me author that I will add to my list of favorites. Casey Kelleher wrote a book that kept me enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. When I read the last word I was unable to stop thinking about what I had just read. I was unable to fall instantly asleep though it was after 2am because my mind would not let go of this story. I am one who reads the end of a book before I reach it and even so I was surprised. In fact, I had to reread the prologue again this morning.
This book is dark, gritty and real. It made me feel sad for many of the characters in the book and wish that they had been able to or had chosen to live different lives. My heart went out to five year old Marnie and 12 year old Georgie Parker – I wanted to scoop them up and bring them home with me. The choices people make impact them but also impact those they care about and not always in a positive way.
This book made an impact on me, an impact that will stay with me for quite some time. I don’t believe that I will ever forget the characters in this book. Some were wicked with no redeemable features whether in their teens or adults and I wanted them to be exposed and punished. Some had been abused and were just trying to get by or get on with their lives and I wanted them to find the help they needed…not what seemed to be a helping hand but instead was a hand that was more likely to withhold rather than provide succor. At the end the story left me wanting to know what the future holds in store for the characters. That said, I realize that each of us creates our own future based on our life experiences, how we interpret them, and then the choices we ultimately make – I can only hope that the characters choose wisely as they move forward.
I have to thank NetGalley and Boukouture for the copy of this book. And, I have to thank the author for writing a story that will stay with me a long long time. This is my honest review.
February 24, 2017
I am a massive fan of Casey and have been for years and couldn't wait to get my teeth into this latest novel.
The first half of the story is a slow burner where we meet Josie mother of Georgie and Marnie. Josie lives the life of a drug user and prostitute. And finds herself in a situation where she brutally murders a client. Then Georgie and Marnie are sent to a children’s home hoping that they will be safe after years of neglect. But they soon discover they’re in real danger.
Making a run for their lives they end up in the hands of violent London gangster and notorious pimp, Delray Anderton. Who has big plans for beautiful teenager Georgie, seeing her as a chance to make some serious money. The question is can they escape him?
For me this isn't one of my favourites due to the fact that I felt like I was reading a story about my sister which I disowned many years ago. Honestly I just wanted to punch Josie in the face because she had the same effect on me has my sister did! Bad I know but this is my honest opinion. But at the same time my heart went out to the sisters being neglected like they were.
Once Josie was out of the picture the story certainly picks up speed and I couldn't put it down. And has always Casey doesn't disappoint with her gritty gripping style of writing. With scenes that turned my stomach and made me feel visually sick. Seriously that's the effect this book had on me.
The Promise isn't for the faint hearted thats for sure. With subject matters that aren't for everyone. But Casey has done a brilliant job of portraying these with her well crafted writing skills.
Fans of Kimberly Chambers and Martina Cole will love it has the story takes you on a whirlwind of emotions. Which I highly recommend giving it 4 stars.
Thank you to Bookouture for a copy in exchange for a honest review.
The first half of the story is a slow burner where we meet Josie mother of Georgie and Marnie. Josie lives the life of a drug user and prostitute. And finds herself in a situation where she brutally murders a client. Then Georgie and Marnie are sent to a children’s home hoping that they will be safe after years of neglect. But they soon discover they’re in real danger.
Making a run for their lives they end up in the hands of violent London gangster and notorious pimp, Delray Anderton. Who has big plans for beautiful teenager Georgie, seeing her as a chance to make some serious money. The question is can they escape him?
For me this isn't one of my favourites due to the fact that I felt like I was reading a story about my sister which I disowned many years ago. Honestly I just wanted to punch Josie in the face because she had the same effect on me has my sister did! Bad I know but this is my honest opinion. But at the same time my heart went out to the sisters being neglected like they were.
Once Josie was out of the picture the story certainly picks up speed and I couldn't put it down. And has always Casey doesn't disappoint with her gritty gripping style of writing. With scenes that turned my stomach and made me feel visually sick. Seriously that's the effect this book had on me.
The Promise isn't for the faint hearted thats for sure. With subject matters that aren't for everyone. But Casey has done a brilliant job of portraying these with her well crafted writing skills.
Fans of Kimberly Chambers and Martina Cole will love it has the story takes you on a whirlwind of emotions. Which I highly recommend giving it 4 stars.
Thank you to Bookouture for a copy in exchange for a honest review.
May 20, 2017
This book is just epic. Truly epic. There's no other word for it.
The last two books by Casey Kelleher I have bought or requested I've gone in completely blind, not even having read the blurb. Mainly because I know for a fact that anything she writes I will instantly love for so many reasons...
The way she develops characters and the depth of her plot is just incredible. You can tell that a lot of research went into it and the story of the two children is told brutally yet sensitively.
Gritty. Heart-stopping. Tear-jerking. Dark. Epic.
Thanks to Bookouture for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The last two books by Casey Kelleher I have bought or requested I've gone in completely blind, not even having read the blurb. Mainly because I know for a fact that anything she writes I will instantly love for so many reasons...
The way she develops characters and the depth of her plot is just incredible. You can tell that a lot of research went into it and the story of the two children is told brutally yet sensitively.
Gritty. Heart-stopping. Tear-jerking. Dark. Epic.
Thanks to Bookouture for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2017
This is the first book by Casey Kelleher that I have read and I am sure it won't be the last. This is one of those books that you just cant put down, it is a bit of a rollercoaster ride with lots of twists and turns. The story is set in a dark and violent world of prostitution and drugs but is a story of family loyalty. A very enjoyable read
February 11, 2017
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book.
Eeeeeek! I have been a massive fan of Casey Kelleher from the very start and have read each of her books with eager anticipation as I knew they would deliver. The Promise, for me, has to be the best book by far! Although Casey is unique in her own style of writing, the influence of such great authors as Martina Cole, Mandasue Heller, Kimberley Chambers and Mel Sherratt is evident in the gritty, gangland feel that oozes from the pages!
Set in Brixton, the reader is immersed in violence, control, greed, exploitation, fear, loss and doing whatever is necessary for survival. The main theme tying everything together is the making of promises – some for the greater good, some that bring harm and some that are made with the best intentions but are never going to be kept.
OMFG this book was awesome! With a fast-paced plot that pulls the reader in from the get go, I really struggled to put this book down once I started! I just found myself holding my breath as I turned each page to find out what the hell would be happening next! The storyline was fantastic and quite emotive at times. The characters took over and made the story raw, gritty, and left my heart racing. Superb, Mrs! Absolutely superb!
Characters are my favourite aspect of any story – I need to feel some connection with them or I will struggle to enjoy a story – no fear with this book – Casey Kelleher really shines in this area and had a brilliant array of diverse characters that held my interest from the first page to the last. I won’t go through each and every one of them, but there are a few that are definitely worth a mention!
Josie and her two daughters, Georgie and Marnie were cleverly written as I think I went through every emotion under the sun with this family. Josie has some serious flaws and demons to battle: drug & alcohol abuse, prostitution, and quite selfish. However, she really does love her kids and believes – whether rightly or wrongly- that she is doing what is best for them. Unfortunately, her choices often cause more harm than good and she ends up …well, I won’t say as I don’t want to spoil anything – but I started out really disliking her to only end up liking her by the end! And her girls are just amazing! The author has made these innocent, young girls develop into amazing, strong characters who will do whatever is necessary to protect each other! I almost felt maternal towards them….almost….and that is some feat!
I also adored Javine Turner. What a character. Another I disliked immensely – a gold-digger, out for herself but damaged due to her own upbringing. You understood why she was the way she was, but her personality did not win any sympathy ….at first. Wow! What she endures and survives and comes out fighting against was simply amazing! I was cheering for her by the end!
Lenny Oldham and Delray Anderton — Holy sh*tballs, these guys were just the nastiest, vilest scumbags walking! Evil personfied, they made my skin crawl. They elicited fear, disgust, anger and distrust from me as a reader – I felt like jumping in the pages at times and doing some damage! That is how much I despised these guys! As a reader, I wanted to see someone bring these guys down and stomp all over their faces…whoa! I need to calm down! But it is exactly how they made me feel. Torture would be too good for them!
Do I recommend this book? OMFG, that is a massive Hell Yeah from me! The characters are Rotten To The Core and Heartless but you watch them Rise and Fall and even though there is Bad Blood you almost become part of The Taken as you are drawn into The Promise! See what I did there! Seriously real, believeable and full of twists, this is definitely a book you will want to read!
Eeeeeek! I have been a massive fan of Casey Kelleher from the very start and have read each of her books with eager anticipation as I knew they would deliver. The Promise, for me, has to be the best book by far! Although Casey is unique in her own style of writing, the influence of such great authors as Martina Cole, Mandasue Heller, Kimberley Chambers and Mel Sherratt is evident in the gritty, gangland feel that oozes from the pages!
Set in Brixton, the reader is immersed in violence, control, greed, exploitation, fear, loss and doing whatever is necessary for survival. The main theme tying everything together is the making of promises – some for the greater good, some that bring harm and some that are made with the best intentions but are never going to be kept.
OMFG this book was awesome! With a fast-paced plot that pulls the reader in from the get go, I really struggled to put this book down once I started! I just found myself holding my breath as I turned each page to find out what the hell would be happening next! The storyline was fantastic and quite emotive at times. The characters took over and made the story raw, gritty, and left my heart racing. Superb, Mrs! Absolutely superb!
Characters are my favourite aspect of any story – I need to feel some connection with them or I will struggle to enjoy a story – no fear with this book – Casey Kelleher really shines in this area and had a brilliant array of diverse characters that held my interest from the first page to the last. I won’t go through each and every one of them, but there are a few that are definitely worth a mention!
Josie and her two daughters, Georgie and Marnie were cleverly written as I think I went through every emotion under the sun with this family. Josie has some serious flaws and demons to battle: drug & alcohol abuse, prostitution, and quite selfish. However, she really does love her kids and believes – whether rightly or wrongly- that she is doing what is best for them. Unfortunately, her choices often cause more harm than good and she ends up …well, I won’t say as I don’t want to spoil anything – but I started out really disliking her to only end up liking her by the end! And her girls are just amazing! The author has made these innocent, young girls develop into amazing, strong characters who will do whatever is necessary to protect each other! I almost felt maternal towards them….almost….and that is some feat!
I also adored Javine Turner. What a character. Another I disliked immensely – a gold-digger, out for herself but damaged due to her own upbringing. You understood why she was the way she was, but her personality did not win any sympathy ….at first. Wow! What she endures and survives and comes out fighting against was simply amazing! I was cheering for her by the end!
Lenny Oldham and Delray Anderton — Holy sh*tballs, these guys were just the nastiest, vilest scumbags walking! Evil personfied, they made my skin crawl. They elicited fear, disgust, anger and distrust from me as a reader – I felt like jumping in the pages at times and doing some damage! That is how much I despised these guys! As a reader, I wanted to see someone bring these guys down and stomp all over their faces…whoa! I need to calm down! But it is exactly how they made me feel. Torture would be too good for them!
Do I recommend this book? OMFG, that is a massive Hell Yeah from me! The characters are Rotten To The Core and Heartless but you watch them Rise and Fall and even though there is Bad Blood you almost become part of The Taken as you are drawn into The Promise! See what I did there! Seriously real, believeable and full of twists, this is definitely a book you will want to read!
February 20, 2017
I actually think I read this book without breathing! Seriously I started it and could not put it down, so fast paced and gripping was the plot! Josie Parker is having a major struggle bringing up her two girls, Georgie and Marnie. She's trying to stay clear of the drugs but life has dragged her down to the very bottom and the draw of the escapism of just that one hit drags her back... Her descent back into addiction leaves her on her own, as her pimp, and all round Mr SuperBad man, Delray Anderton, throws her out of his fold - with no money and nowhere to turn she is forced to enter into a private arrangement with one of her clients which ends up with Josie in prison for murder and her girls taken into care. The plot will have you twisting, turning and screaming stop as your brain registers what is going on but there is no way out - you are hooked and you will not be able to put this book down until you have finished it!
Casey has created characters that you really should despise. My heart went out to Georgie and Marnie, neglected by their mother and left to fend for themselves while Josie was "entertaining" clients...you wanted to step into the pages of the book and rescue them from their plight and I found myself getting so angry at Josie for treating them this way. Yet Casey manages to turn your feelings right on their head and you realise that despite the surface neglect, underneath it all, Josie does care - she loves her girls and when she says everything she has done in life, she has done for them, the ultimate sacrifice. Sadly this story is true and it plays out in every city across our country - there are so many Josies', Georgie's and Marnie's out there and The Promise invites you to delve deeper than the tabloid headlines and see the person behind the label, to try to understand what might lead someone down the path that they take...we all have a choice...but for some the choice is more restricted than others. My heart wept for them all throughout this book, they engaged me. connected me and Casey brought them to life for me. Delray - not so much weeping for him - oh Casey what a badass man you created there - him and Lenny made my skin crawl throughout - he was so not the #BadGuy we all want to love! I would have liked to find out a bit more about Delray though - what was his back story and what had led him onto the path that he had chosen - he has a serious hold over a lot of people and I'd have liked just a little more of the behind the scenes on him.
The Promise takes you on a journey through addiction, prostitution, abuse and people trafficking - it is not a candyfloss read that's for sure but hopefully it will make people stop and think before they judge the lives that other people are forced to lead. It left me feeling like an emotional wreck, my heart was breaking for Josie and her girls and long after turning the last page I found myself hoping that they all come out the other end of this in one piece. It's a fast paced, gritty but brutal read - powerful and compelling, it will leave you begging for more! Warning - once you start this then batten down the hatches because you are going nowhere until you are done!
Casey has created characters that you really should despise. My heart went out to Georgie and Marnie, neglected by their mother and left to fend for themselves while Josie was "entertaining" clients...you wanted to step into the pages of the book and rescue them from their plight and I found myself getting so angry at Josie for treating them this way. Yet Casey manages to turn your feelings right on their head and you realise that despite the surface neglect, underneath it all, Josie does care - she loves her girls and when she says everything she has done in life, she has done for them, the ultimate sacrifice. Sadly this story is true and it plays out in every city across our country - there are so many Josies', Georgie's and Marnie's out there and The Promise invites you to delve deeper than the tabloid headlines and see the person behind the label, to try to understand what might lead someone down the path that they take...we all have a choice...but for some the choice is more restricted than others. My heart wept for them all throughout this book, they engaged me. connected me and Casey brought them to life for me. Delray - not so much weeping for him - oh Casey what a badass man you created there - him and Lenny made my skin crawl throughout - he was so not the #BadGuy we all want to love! I would have liked to find out a bit more about Delray though - what was his back story and what had led him onto the path that he had chosen - he has a serious hold over a lot of people and I'd have liked just a little more of the behind the scenes on him.
The Promise takes you on a journey through addiction, prostitution, abuse and people trafficking - it is not a candyfloss read that's for sure but hopefully it will make people stop and think before they judge the lives that other people are forced to lead. It left me feeling like an emotional wreck, my heart was breaking for Josie and her girls and long after turning the last page I found myself hoping that they all come out the other end of this in one piece. It's a fast paced, gritty but brutal read - powerful and compelling, it will leave you begging for more! Warning - once you start this then batten down the hatches because you are going nowhere until you are done!
May 9, 2017
This novel is set in south London and deals with drugs and prostitution. Follow a good range of characters as they get on with their daily lives trying to do their level best to improve the quality of life.
I found The Promise to be a brilliant read. It puts the reader into a different world of how some people live. I loved the way Casey told her story, in particular how she detailed the private thoughts of her characters. Most novels have dialogue between characters and you have to take their words at face value. But in The Promise after the dialogue you are given the private thoughts of a character as to what they really think of the other person. This knowledge adds so much more to the story.
I have NEVER used drugs or prostitutes but The Promise gives you a thrilling ride that includes drug use and sex. Yet for all the thrill of the drug use and sex, Casey managed to give the thrill without making the reader feel uncomfortable. You could pass this book onto your grandmother and she would not be offended. Casey has a great skill at describing things you have never experienced or wanted to do but still get a great buzz from your favourite seat without any of the danger or making you feel uncomfortable. Casey has that measured skill of just revealing enough to give a thrill to the reader without causing any distaste.
I liked Casey’s balance of characters, there were prostitutes, punters, a drug dealer, a pimp, a pub landlord, vulnerable children and social workers. I liked the tension woven into the story where you were guessing what would happen next. Many characters were making promises but sadly these were not upheld. There were many twists and turns in this novel and a big surprise at the end. I liked how creepy Casey made Javine’s treatment by Delray and Lenny, you can imagine what fun they had with her but Casey did not disclose the details to the reader but left them to their imagination. So the tension builds and I started to worry about the safety of Javine’s two pet dogs called Dolce & Gabbana.
I found The Promise a pleasure to read, it was thrilling and very engaging, allowing me to enter into another world. This type of escapism with all it’s urban reality is such a joy to read. I got such a buzz from this book that I have no doubt in voting it the top score of 5 stars. This is quality writing that would also make a great television drama.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
I found The Promise to be a brilliant read. It puts the reader into a different world of how some people live. I loved the way Casey told her story, in particular how she detailed the private thoughts of her characters. Most novels have dialogue between characters and you have to take their words at face value. But in The Promise after the dialogue you are given the private thoughts of a character as to what they really think of the other person. This knowledge adds so much more to the story.
I have NEVER used drugs or prostitutes but The Promise gives you a thrilling ride that includes drug use and sex. Yet for all the thrill of the drug use and sex, Casey managed to give the thrill without making the reader feel uncomfortable. You could pass this book onto your grandmother and she would not be offended. Casey has a great skill at describing things you have never experienced or wanted to do but still get a great buzz from your favourite seat without any of the danger or making you feel uncomfortable. Casey has that measured skill of just revealing enough to give a thrill to the reader without causing any distaste.
I liked Casey’s balance of characters, there were prostitutes, punters, a drug dealer, a pimp, a pub landlord, vulnerable children and social workers. I liked the tension woven into the story where you were guessing what would happen next. Many characters were making promises but sadly these were not upheld. There were many twists and turns in this novel and a big surprise at the end. I liked how creepy Casey made Javine’s treatment by Delray and Lenny, you can imagine what fun they had with her but Casey did not disclose the details to the reader but left them to their imagination. So the tension builds and I started to worry about the safety of Javine’s two pet dogs called Dolce & Gabbana.
I found The Promise a pleasure to read, it was thrilling and very engaging, allowing me to enter into another world. This type of escapism with all it’s urban reality is such a joy to read. I got such a buzz from this book that I have no doubt in voting it the top score of 5 stars. This is quality writing that would also make a great television drama.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
February 22, 2017
When I was asked to take part in the blog tour, I was a little worried I wouldn’t like The Promise. From what I knew of Casey Kelleher’s writing, it wasn’t my normal read but I knew some if not all the #blogsquad love her writing so that was good enough for me.
I loved the prologue, what a fantastic way to start. It definitely got my attention if nothing else! So far so good!!
There was an interesting array of characters in this gritty novel. There were those that I felt for the young girls, Marnie and Georgie, children who are forced to manage because of their mother’s addiction and then #PoorPoorJason – I did wince but then again he is a naughty boy.
What can I say about Delray? now he is a character and a half. On the outside, he’s a flash hard nosed businessman, generous lover willing to splash the cash on his lady but if you mess with him, you’ll live to regret it! He’s got a proper dark side and the more you read of The Promise, the more you’ll discover he has earnt his hard man reputation and then some!!
And then there is Josie….. she goes from one mess to another, most caused by her addiction. But then she digs herself a very large hole. Will she manage to get herself out?! You’ll only find out by reading The Promise!
This story is rather saucy in places – that Javine she’s a right minx – and as I mention Javine, boy does she come into her own as she grows from the girl we meet in the rather expensive Mayfair club looking for men to buy her drinks – oh lordy having been on a night out in Central London a good few years ago on a starting salary income, I felt her need to have someone else footing the bill for champagne!
This book is totally addictive, I really didn’t want to put it down. I read until my eyes drooped. I really don’t know what sort of genre this book fits into but I loved it! I shouldn’t get hung up on genres and only stick to the ones I know and love – there are so many excellent books out there to read and I’m so glad I’ve discovered Casey Kelleher! The Promise is definitely a fantastic introduction to Casey’s writing and having looked on my kindle, I’ve already spotted I have two of her other novels which I can’t wait to read when my review pile allows!
A massive thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for my e-copy of The Promise.
I loved the prologue, what a fantastic way to start. It definitely got my attention if nothing else! So far so good!!
There was an interesting array of characters in this gritty novel. There were those that I felt for the young girls, Marnie and Georgie, children who are forced to manage because of their mother’s addiction and then #PoorPoorJason – I did wince but then again he is a naughty boy.
What can I say about Delray? now he is a character and a half. On the outside, he’s a flash hard nosed businessman, generous lover willing to splash the cash on his lady but if you mess with him, you’ll live to regret it! He’s got a proper dark side and the more you read of The Promise, the more you’ll discover he has earnt his hard man reputation and then some!!
And then there is Josie….. she goes from one mess to another, most caused by her addiction. But then she digs herself a very large hole. Will she manage to get herself out?! You’ll only find out by reading The Promise!
This story is rather saucy in places – that Javine she’s a right minx – and as I mention Javine, boy does she come into her own as she grows from the girl we meet in the rather expensive Mayfair club looking for men to buy her drinks – oh lordy having been on a night out in Central London a good few years ago on a starting salary income, I felt her need to have someone else footing the bill for champagne!
This book is totally addictive, I really didn’t want to put it down. I read until my eyes drooped. I really don’t know what sort of genre this book fits into but I loved it! I shouldn’t get hung up on genres and only stick to the ones I know and love – there are so many excellent books out there to read and I’m so glad I’ve discovered Casey Kelleher! The Promise is definitely a fantastic introduction to Casey’s writing and having looked on my kindle, I’ve already spotted I have two of her other novels which I can’t wait to read when my review pile allows!
A massive thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for my e-copy of The Promise.
February 19, 2017
I'll start off by saying that I absolutely loved this book. I read The Promise in two sittings and I would have done it in one if I didn't have to be sensible and get some sleep in the middle. I did not want to put it down and I thought about it when I wasn't reading it, I was that drawn into the story.
The characters in The Promise are extremely complex and you learn more about each of them the more you read. I found none of the characters are particularly likeable except Marnie and Davey, but you become invested in them enough to want to know what happens next to them and I don't really think that they are meant to be likeable.
Josie, the mum of Georgie and Marnie is just pretty much a waste of space as a mum and a human being, but she does try her hardest when she's sober. As a mum myself I spent most of the book wanting to shake her and tell her to get a grip. How she produced someone as joyful as Marnie and as strong as Georgie I'll never know. Marnie is honestly a little ray of sunshine throughout the book.
Delray is the absolute epitome of pimp scumbag, but you can see how he charms women into thinking he's a nice guy before he changes into the horror he actually is. He is so real, I could just picture him perfectly.
The story is fast paced and covers some important topics. It depicts how awful life can be as a prostitute and it shows the horrendous affect sexual abuse can have on a child without going into any unnecessary detail, It also touches on child sex trafficking which right now is in the forefront of the news and it is definitely something that needs to be talked about more.
There are a few moments in the book which completely took me off guard and one in particular that blew my mind, Though you're always waiting for a "reveal" in a crime novel, this one still came completely from left field for me.
Though The Promise is full of darkness and the horror of real life for some people, it was compulsive reading and I thought the writing was excellent. I am looking forward to more from Casey Kelleher in the future and if you haven't read one of her books yet, go make the time to do so.
This and all my reviews appeared first on my blog http://lifeofanerdishmum.blogspot.co.uk/
The characters in The Promise are extremely complex and you learn more about each of them the more you read. I found none of the characters are particularly likeable except Marnie and Davey, but you become invested in them enough to want to know what happens next to them and I don't really think that they are meant to be likeable.
Josie, the mum of Georgie and Marnie is just pretty much a waste of space as a mum and a human being, but she does try her hardest when she's sober. As a mum myself I spent most of the book wanting to shake her and tell her to get a grip. How she produced someone as joyful as Marnie and as strong as Georgie I'll never know. Marnie is honestly a little ray of sunshine throughout the book.
Delray is the absolute epitome of pimp scumbag, but you can see how he charms women into thinking he's a nice guy before he changes into the horror he actually is. He is so real, I could just picture him perfectly.
The story is fast paced and covers some important topics. It depicts how awful life can be as a prostitute and it shows the horrendous affect sexual abuse can have on a child without going into any unnecessary detail, It also touches on child sex trafficking which right now is in the forefront of the news and it is definitely something that needs to be talked about more.
There are a few moments in the book which completely took me off guard and one in particular that blew my mind, Though you're always waiting for a "reveal" in a crime novel, this one still came completely from left field for me.
Though The Promise is full of darkness and the horror of real life for some people, it was compulsive reading and I thought the writing was excellent. I am looking forward to more from Casey Kelleher in the future and if you haven't read one of her books yet, go make the time to do so.
This and all my reviews appeared first on my blog http://lifeofanerdishmum.blogspot.co.uk/
February 21, 2017
The Promise by Casey Kelleher tells the story of the three Parker girls. Josie is a single mother with two daughters, Georgie (12) and Marnie (5). The three live in extreme poverty. Worse still, their house is pretty messed up. It is filthy with the girls’ bedroom being described as permanently being occupied by a strong smell of piss. Their living situation is made worse by the fact that Josie is a prostitute who entertains clients while her daughters are locked in the next bedroom. The girls are not spared from the noises coming from their mother’s room so you can imagine the horror which they had to endure every night. Apart from the Parkers, there is another young woman, Javine Turner, trying to better herself. However, she ends up making some decisions which get her caught up in a dark world of pimps and human traffickers.
This book is quite well written and easy to get into. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. The writing is compelling despite the heavy themes. There were a number of incidents that made me quite uncomfortable but I still couldn’t stop turning the pages. The world in which the women are stuck in is just nasty and the misery seems unending. Apart from the writing(which I really, really liked), the other reason that kept me reading is that I just wanted to find out if the girls had a good ending to their sad stories. I mean, the misery had to end at some point, right?
The female characters and especially the Parkers made the story even more compelling. The young girls were so likeable and so it was hard to read about what they were going through. My feelings about Josie and Javine changed from chapter to chapter though I did see the two characters transform through the pages. I kept thinking about their circumstances. Was it their fault that they got caught up in the life that they were living? Or was it just fate? Do people decide to go into some of these ‘professions’ or does the need to survive force them to make these decisions? This book definitely gave me a lot to think about.
A tough read but very well-written so definitely recommended.
This book is quite well written and easy to get into. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. The writing is compelling despite the heavy themes. There were a number of incidents that made me quite uncomfortable but I still couldn’t stop turning the pages. The world in which the women are stuck in is just nasty and the misery seems unending. Apart from the writing(which I really, really liked), the other reason that kept me reading is that I just wanted to find out if the girls had a good ending to their sad stories. I mean, the misery had to end at some point, right?
The female characters and especially the Parkers made the story even more compelling. The young girls were so likeable and so it was hard to read about what they were going through. My feelings about Josie and Javine changed from chapter to chapter though I did see the two characters transform through the pages. I kept thinking about their circumstances. Was it their fault that they got caught up in the life that they were living? Or was it just fate? Do people decide to go into some of these ‘professions’ or does the need to survive force them to make these decisions? This book definitely gave me a lot to think about.
A tough read but very well-written so definitely recommended.
February 16, 2017
Two sisters. One murder. And an unbreakable bond.
Poor Josie Parker. A drug addict, prostitute, her life is slowly going down the pan. Mother to Georgie and Marnie, she barely gets out of her drug addled stupor to see to her children. Then there is her pimp, Delray Anderton, who is taking his cut from her meagre earnings.
Georgie and Marnie's life is one revolving door of men who come to see her mother at night, a succession of lowlifes who try their luck with the teenage Georgie once their mother is comatose...
A mistake costs Josie her freedom, and the girls are taken into care, but the story is only beginning for Georgie and Marnie who have to do what they have to do to survive in London's murky underworld.
I've read all of Casey's books. And they are all as heartbreaking as each other. But one thing emerges: the true power of women. The books theme is sadly very relevant in many parts of the UK today, and I can't get enough of these gutsy ballsy women! Another 5 star superstar book from me! Now to wait for the next one.......
Poor Josie Parker. A drug addict, prostitute, her life is slowly going down the pan. Mother to Georgie and Marnie, she barely gets out of her drug addled stupor to see to her children. Then there is her pimp, Delray Anderton, who is taking his cut from her meagre earnings.
Georgie and Marnie's life is one revolving door of men who come to see her mother at night, a succession of lowlifes who try their luck with the teenage Georgie once their mother is comatose...
A mistake costs Josie her freedom, and the girls are taken into care, but the story is only beginning for Georgie and Marnie who have to do what they have to do to survive in London's murky underworld.
I've read all of Casey's books. And they are all as heartbreaking as each other. But one thing emerges: the true power of women. The books theme is sadly very relevant in many parts of the UK today, and I can't get enough of these gutsy ballsy women! Another 5 star superstar book from me! Now to wait for the next one.......
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews