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Manchester Trilogy #1
Born Bad
Book 1 in this gritty Manchester crime trilogy. When your enemies get close, family loyalty is all you can trust. Brother and sister Peter and Adele Robinson never stood a chance. Dragged up by an alcoholic, violent father, and a weak, beaten mother, their childhood in Manchester only prepared them for a life of crime and struggle. But Adele is determined to break the mould. She studies hard at school and, inspired by her beloved grandmother Joyce, she finally makes a successful life for herself on her own. Peter is not so lucky. Getting more and more immersed in the murky world of crime and gangs, his close bonds with Adele gradually loosen until they look set to break altogether. But old habits die hard, and one devastating night, Adele is forced to confront her violent past. Dragged back into her worst nightmares, there's only one person she can turn to when her life is on the line – her brother Peter. After all, blood is thicker than water...
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2017
329 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Heather Burnside
29 books121 followersHeather Burnside is a Manchester based author whose novels are set in her home city. She has published fifteen gritty urban crime novels to date most of which have become Amazon Category Bestsellers.
More recently Heather has written two psychological thrillers, which will be published in 2026. She is currently working on her third psychological thriller.
Before writing novels, Heather completed a creative writing course. During that time, she had various articles published in well-known UK magazines and went on to run a writing services business.
Her novels include: The Riverhill Trilogy, The Manchester Trilogy, The Working Girls Series of five novels, and four standalone novels.
You can find out more about Heather’s books by signing up to her mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/CP6YP to receive regular updates, or by viewing her website: www.heatherburnside.com.
More recently Heather has written two psychological thrillers, which will be published in 2026. She is currently working on her third psychological thriller.
Before writing novels, Heather completed a creative writing course. During that time, she had various articles published in well-known UK magazines and went on to run a writing services business.
Her novels include: The Riverhill Trilogy, The Manchester Trilogy, The Working Girls Series of five novels, and four standalone novels.
You can find out more about Heather’s books by signing up to her mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/CP6YP to receive regular updates, or by viewing her website: www.heatherburnside.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 13, 2019
5☆ A Gritty & Enthralling New gang-lit series I couldn't put down!
Born Bad is the first part in a new gritty gang-lit series.
However I read Blood Ties first which is the second book. But I'm so glad I went back and read Born Bad as it really shaped the characters lives.
I really felt a bond with them in this book, as the second book I missed out.
Born Bad takes you on a journey of two siblings living in an abusive home and how they each coped differently.
Adele and her younger Brother Peter don't come from a loving or nurturing home.
Their Dad is a violent Alcoholic, who regularly beats his wife and Son Peter.
Their Mother is a victim who is so low and down trodden she relies heavily on medication to blot out the world around her.
The house is filthy, barely anything to eat, the children don't have new clothes or clothes that are suitable.
The only constant and loving family member is their Grandmother who does what she can, but her health is deteriorating fast.
Adele is studious and very clever, but she is bullied by the other kids, which in turn evokes her Anger she tries so hard to suppress.
Adele was courageous and strong even if she did get side tracked sometimes.
Peter is a wayward child, a lil bit of a rogue but his increasingly becoming more violent, warped, and sinister, it certainly made me shudder!
Peter gets in with the wrong crowd as he gets older and soon finds himself serving time.
What I loved was the bond between Adele and Peter. They relied on each other, to look out for one and other, even though they was so very different.
Even when she knew Peter was in the wrong she always tried to protect him.
Especially from getting severe beatings from their Father.
It was very clear that Peter was his Father's whipping boy and Adele always jumped into save him.
There are some sensitive subjects such as domestic abuse, violence, depression and bullying and some reference to animal abuse, which some readers may find difficult to read, but Heather has handled them with the right amount of sensitivity to still make an impact.
Born Bad is a Gritty, Enthralling read that I couldn't put down.
For me reading the books out of sequence, meant that finally reading Born Bad was like the glue that merged the stories.
The Characters are perfectly developed for the story, they are strong, multi-layered, Complex and relatable.
The pace was gripping, tense and enticing.
Born Bad is the perfect start to another Gem of a series by Heather Burnside.
I can't recommend reading this new gang-lit series enough!
Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Born Bad is the first part in a new gritty gang-lit series.
However I read Blood Ties first which is the second book. But I'm so glad I went back and read Born Bad as it really shaped the characters lives.
I really felt a bond with them in this book, as the second book I missed out.
Born Bad takes you on a journey of two siblings living in an abusive home and how they each coped differently.
Adele and her younger Brother Peter don't come from a loving or nurturing home.
Their Dad is a violent Alcoholic, who regularly beats his wife and Son Peter.
Their Mother is a victim who is so low and down trodden she relies heavily on medication to blot out the world around her.
The house is filthy, barely anything to eat, the children don't have new clothes or clothes that are suitable.
The only constant and loving family member is their Grandmother who does what she can, but her health is deteriorating fast.
Adele is studious and very clever, but she is bullied by the other kids, which in turn evokes her Anger she tries so hard to suppress.
Adele was courageous and strong even if she did get side tracked sometimes.
Peter is a wayward child, a lil bit of a rogue but his increasingly becoming more violent, warped, and sinister, it certainly made me shudder!
Peter gets in with the wrong crowd as he gets older and soon finds himself serving time.
What I loved was the bond between Adele and Peter. They relied on each other, to look out for one and other, even though they was so very different.
Even when she knew Peter was in the wrong she always tried to protect him.
Especially from getting severe beatings from their Father.
It was very clear that Peter was his Father's whipping boy and Adele always jumped into save him.
There are some sensitive subjects such as domestic abuse, violence, depression and bullying and some reference to animal abuse, which some readers may find difficult to read, but Heather has handled them with the right amount of sensitivity to still make an impact.
Born Bad is a Gritty, Enthralling read that I couldn't put down.
For me reading the books out of sequence, meant that finally reading Born Bad was like the glue that merged the stories.
The Characters are perfectly developed for the story, they are strong, multi-layered, Complex and relatable.
The pace was gripping, tense and enticing.
Born Bad is the perfect start to another Gem of a series by Heather Burnside.
I can't recommend reading this new gang-lit series enough!
Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
July 6, 2017
Adele and her brother Peter are like chalk and cheese. Peter turns to petty crime, which then becomes not so petty, while Adele works for her A levels. She’s hard pressed to do so. Her mother lives on tranquilisers and her alcoholic dad is physically abusive to his wife. The children learn to tread carefully. She can’t understand why her mother puts up with the abusive treatment and humiliation her father hands out.
This is the first of another series set in Manchester, my native city, and it has such a sense of place. It’s a long time since I heard one or two of the words or expressions used here and they nailed the story geographically for me. Heather Burnside is so good at getting into characters’ heads and leaving you understanding their predicament, but I confess, I didn’t expect the turn the story took. I found it very good indeed.
I received a review copy of this from the publisher.
This is the first of another series set in Manchester, my native city, and it has such a sense of place. It’s a long time since I heard one or two of the words or expressions used here and they nailed the story geographically for me. Heather Burnside is so good at getting into characters’ heads and leaving you understanding their predicament, but I confess, I didn’t expect the turn the story took. I found it very good indeed.
I received a review copy of this from the publisher.
April 28, 2019
I kinda read these wrong and ended up reading book two Blood Ties before I read Born bad. As these are part of Manchester Trilogy I do recommend you do the opposite of me and read in order.
Having said that I absolutely loved this story. I now get Peter and Adele’s back story. Adele is working hard at school for her A levels. Her brother is the complete opposite and ends up turning to crime.
I’m not going to spoil it for you so I’ll leave it there. I really enjoyed this story and ended up reading it in a day. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Having said that I absolutely loved this story. I now get Peter and Adele’s back story. Adele is working hard at school for her A levels. Her brother is the complete opposite and ends up turning to crime.
I’m not going to spoil it for you so I’ll leave it there. I really enjoyed this story and ended up reading it in a day. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
July 5, 2017
In the first of a trilogy we meet Adele and Peter a brother and sister brought up by an alcoholic, abusive father and a weak browbeaten mother
Peter is a troubled young lad beaten and thrown out one night by his father after getting into trouble. This leads to him moving into a squat with a gang of lads with rather dubious characters.
Adele decides she wants a better life and works hard for this, she studies hard, moves out as soon as she can.
Things don’t go to plan for either of them and their childhood closeness is fractures and they lose contact completely but when things spiral out of control for Adele she turns to the only one she can trust, Peter.
If you like Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane you will enjoy this and others written by Heather Burnside.
Read for an honest review. Thank you netgalley and Aria
Peter is a troubled young lad beaten and thrown out one night by his father after getting into trouble. This leads to him moving into a squat with a gang of lads with rather dubious characters.
Adele decides she wants a better life and works hard for this, she studies hard, moves out as soon as she can.
Things don’t go to plan for either of them and their childhood closeness is fractures and they lose contact completely but when things spiral out of control for Adele she turns to the only one she can trust, Peter.
If you like Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane you will enjoy this and others written by Heather Burnside.
Read for an honest review. Thank you netgalley and Aria
September 8, 2017
Adele’s life has always been a struggle. Her father is a heavy drinker with a short temper, her mother apathetic and tranquiliser-dependent, her damaged younger brother destined for a life of crime. But conscientious and studious Adele is striving for something better. That is until a violent incident lays waste to her plans.
Divided into three sections, consisting of one year each, the novel adeptly explores Adele’s formative years, beginning in childhood, recommencing in adolescence before culminating in young adulthood.
Set in 1970s and 80s Manchester, Born Bad is the first instalment in a proposed Manchester-based crime trilogy, penned by popular author Heather Burnside. It is an eminently readable and authentic work, boasting memorable characters and a suspenseful ending. Themes include domestic abuse and family loyalty. This reader eagerly awaits the sequel.
Divided into three sections, consisting of one year each, the novel adeptly explores Adele’s formative years, beginning in childhood, recommencing in adolescence before culminating in young adulthood.
Set in 1970s and 80s Manchester, Born Bad is the first instalment in a proposed Manchester-based crime trilogy, penned by popular author Heather Burnside. It is an eminently readable and authentic work, boasting memorable characters and a suspenseful ending. Themes include domestic abuse and family loyalty. This reader eagerly awaits the sequel.
May 31, 2017
This is the first book I have read by Heather Burnside and it wont be my last.
Born Bad is the first book of a new trilogy and was gripping right from the start. A pacy read thats gritty and true to life, the characters are believable and realistic. This is one book that I read really quickly as I was so engrossed. Brilliant story telling.
If you enjoy authors such as Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers, Mandasue Heller etc you will love this writer, one not to be missed!
Born Bad is the first book of a new trilogy and was gripping right from the start. A pacy read thats gritty and true to life, the characters are believable and realistic. This is one book that I read really quickly as I was so engrossed. Brilliant story telling.
If you enjoy authors such as Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers, Mandasue Heller etc you will love this writer, one not to be missed!
May 8, 2017
Being a big fan of Kimberley Chambers, Karen Woods, Born Bad sounded like just my read, straight away I was drawn in to the story and characters, I was hooked, born bad was such a dark and gritty read and I look forward to reading the follow up.
Thank you to Netgallery and the publisher for accepting me to read Born Bad.
Thank you to Netgallery and the publisher for accepting me to read Born Bad.
July 1, 2017
A great book following the lives of Adele and her brother Peter. Their Dad likes to drink and takes his bad temper out on Mum Shirley and often Peter too. When Peter gets into trouble his Dad throws him out after beating him and he ends up living in a squat with the wrong crowd of boys which leads him into being a career criminal. Adele try's to better herself and moves out as soon as she can but things don't go as planned. I don't want to spoil the story so you need to read this to find out what happens but I can tell you that like me you'll be waiting for the next book to find out what happens next. I highly recommend this book.
April 5, 2019
This story is based around two siblings Peter and Adele . They are being brought up in a very violent household where domestic abuse is an almost daily occurrence and this impacts their lives greatly , mentally and physically . This book was hard to put down for the simple reason that I had to find out if they were ever going to survive to get out of there and make something of themselves. My favorite characters changed throughout the duration of reading this and my heart went out to some other characters , it was a gut wrenching read . This is a read in one day type of book .
I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Aria Publishing .
I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Aria Publishing .
May 24, 2017
4.5 stars. I loved this book and it is in my top 5 this year. It was easy to read and I devoured it in a day. I've never read anything by this author before but will certainly be looking out for her in the future. Will definitely be buying the next in the series! Would highly recommend
July 13, 2017
I was hooked from the first page, cannot wait for the follow on book. Would have given it more stars if I could have.
November 7, 2017
Couldn't put this book down! Really enjoyed it. Ending was brilliant. Looking forward to reading more of Adele's story.
December 19, 2025
3.5 stars
Set in the 1970s and 1980s, the book starts when Adele and her brother Peter are 11- and 10-years old. Their father is an alcoholic and regularly beats their mother and often Peter and occasionally Adele. Adele is mostly a good girl, but she does occasionally get into trouble; Peter regularly gets into trouble, more and more trouble (various crimes) as time goes on, egged on by his friends. Luckily, they have their grandma as a rock to ground them; Adele particularly relies on Grandma.
This was good, but quite dark. Mostly it’s from Adele’s perspective, but occasionally we follow Peter, Shirley (their mom), or Tommy (their dad). One thing that really bothered me (though maybe it’s a little thing), is when Adele and Peter were talking amongst themselves, when they spoke to each other, if they referred to their dad, it was “my dad”, not “our dad” or just “Dad”. That annoyed me. It is the first in a series (trilogy?), as I do plan to continue.
Set in the 1970s and 1980s, the book starts when Adele and her brother Peter are 11- and 10-years old. Their father is an alcoholic and regularly beats their mother and often Peter and occasionally Adele. Adele is mostly a good girl, but she does occasionally get into trouble; Peter regularly gets into trouble, more and more trouble (various crimes) as time goes on, egged on by his friends. Luckily, they have their grandma as a rock to ground them; Adele particularly relies on Grandma.
This was good, but quite dark. Mostly it’s from Adele’s perspective, but occasionally we follow Peter, Shirley (their mom), or Tommy (their dad). One thing that really bothered me (though maybe it’s a little thing), is when Adele and Peter were talking amongst themselves, when they spoke to each other, if they referred to their dad, it was “my dad”, not “our dad” or just “Dad”. That annoyed me. It is the first in a series (trilogy?), as I do plan to continue.
April 2, 2019
Frustrating read
Although this is a gripping story I hate the fact the ending stops dead. So, the only way to find out what happens is to buy the next book. Will this be an ongoing marketing strategy? I hope not.
Although this is a gripping story I hate the fact the ending stops dead. So, the only way to find out what happens is to buy the next book. Will this be an ongoing marketing strategy? I hope not.
January 10, 2026
I wasnt immediately hooked but the story was a good one.
April 13, 2020
Loved this book now reading the follow on in the triology, Blood Ties
March 14, 2025
For me once it got going it's a good book but took awhile
June 15, 2017
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased review.
Born Bad is a very well written book. I loved the plot and the well developed characters. This is my first book by Heather Burnside but definitely not my last. Highly recommend.
Born Bad is a very well written book. I loved the plot and the well developed characters. This is my first book by Heather Burnside but definitely not my last. Highly recommend.
March 20, 2019
A few days ago, I read ‘The Mark’ by Heather Burnside and was quite disappointed with the lack of emotion behind her words. But this one was a complete turn around really. Until the final quarter of the book, you’d think it was a completely different author.
The characters were well described and thought out in this book, from Peter and Adele to Shirley and Tommy, they each had their quirks and flaws... and a lot of aggression. I really liked Adele though I’d prefer her to stick to her ‘Goody-Two-Shoes’ persona instead of the anger she seemed to always experience in the early years.
The storyline itself was riveting, addictive, yet hard to read. Warning: this book does contain domestic violence. Those parts were extremely difficult to read and I found my heart hurt at those parts. Shirley’s character (Adele and Peter’s ‘mam’) was the perfect example of a woman in an uncertain, controlling and mentally exhausting marriage. And she stuck by her loyalty to Tommy right to the end.
I honestly couldn’t put this book down and can’t believe I’ve managed to devour the words in less than 24-hours. I was completely hooked to the story and the characters. The setting is great though some of the language used was difficult to understand! (I’m a southerner and not a northerner so I didn’t know some the words mentioned)
The ending, for me, wasn’t great. It was disappointing and I feel as if I’m left hanging. To me, it feels like the book is unfinished and I don’t like that: and this contributed to my star rating. Also, the ending felt rushed and I feel not a lot of research went into ‘investigations’ and ‘court appearances.’
A great, addictive read but left feeling disappointed with how the author ended it. Definitely worth picking up and reading!!
The characters were well described and thought out in this book, from Peter and Adele to Shirley and Tommy, they each had their quirks and flaws... and a lot of aggression. I really liked Adele though I’d prefer her to stick to her ‘Goody-Two-Shoes’ persona instead of the anger she seemed to always experience in the early years.
The storyline itself was riveting, addictive, yet hard to read. Warning: this book does contain domestic violence. Those parts were extremely difficult to read and I found my heart hurt at those parts. Shirley’s character (Adele and Peter’s ‘mam’) was the perfect example of a woman in an uncertain, controlling and mentally exhausting marriage. And she stuck by her loyalty to Tommy right to the end.
I honestly couldn’t put this book down and can’t believe I’ve managed to devour the words in less than 24-hours. I was completely hooked to the story and the characters. The setting is great though some of the language used was difficult to understand! (I’m a southerner and not a northerner so I didn’t know some the words mentioned)
The ending, for me, wasn’t great. It was disappointing and I feel as if I’m left hanging. To me, it feels like the book is unfinished and I don’t like that: and this contributed to my star rating. Also, the ending felt rushed and I feel not a lot of research went into ‘investigations’ and ‘court appearances.’
A great, addictive read but left feeling disappointed with how the author ended it. Definitely worth picking up and reading!!
April 24, 2019
'Born Bad' is the first book in the 'Manchester Trilogy' series, a gritty gangland crime story set in Manchester. I have read this book after reading the other two later books, and so I knew what to expect. It was good to meet Adele and Peter in the early stages of their life, the abuse and lack of care they receive make the people they become in later life.
It's interesting that different personalities react in diverse ways to their nurturing, or lack of it and the events in this book pave the way for the further books in the series with some surprising twists.
This is a harrowing story. Domestic abuse, neglect and violence are prominent, this is hard to read, but an essential component of this genre. The story is good and well-paced. The characters are complex, flawed and realistic.
If you are looking for a British based, organised crime series, focused on the family, this is a book and series worth reading.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus - Aria in return for an honest review.
April 15, 2019
Born Bad by Heather Burnside was a dark yet thrilling read. I was entertained from the get go. The plot contained many twists and turns. A lot of it was unexpected but in a good way. The characters had their own journey of handling their shared past and their current future. One was a trouble maker since a child. The other was a decent child focused on her studies. Now, the siblings who have fallen far apart are reconnected. The dark shared past comes back to bite them and it was only a matter of time...
There was an emotional journey as well as the edgy vibe. I enjoyed watching the cast of characters mature and learn from their mistakes. Family comes first, that theme kept hitting home as the siblings were pushed together again. Family, betrayal, danger were found on these pages. Heather Burnside knows how to entertain readers like myself. I would recommend this crime fiction novel to all.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
There was an emotional journey as well as the edgy vibe. I enjoyed watching the cast of characters mature and learn from their mistakes. Family comes first, that theme kept hitting home as the siblings were pushed together again. Family, betrayal, danger were found on these pages. Heather Burnside knows how to entertain readers like myself. I would recommend this crime fiction novel to all.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
May 31, 2019
This is my first introduction to Heather Burnside’s books and based on Born Bad, it won’t be my last. With characters that are realistic and very believable, it wasn’t a hard book to become engrossed in. It’s a very easy read!
The book description above is plenty of the story to give away as I think sometimes reviews can give a little too much away on certain books and I don’t want to do that with Born Bad.
What I will say is it’s a dark and gritty read – the storyline makes you want to keep turning those pages. I finished the book in a little over a day (in a very busy week!) so that tells you all you need to know, I think.
This is Book 1 of a trilogy, which is good news in my opinion. When you finish this book, you’ll wish you had Book 2 right there ready to go my advice is to go in prepared!
Now, straight onto Book 2 for me … !
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
The book description above is plenty of the story to give away as I think sometimes reviews can give a little too much away on certain books and I don’t want to do that with Born Bad.
What I will say is it’s a dark and gritty read – the storyline makes you want to keep turning those pages. I finished the book in a little over a day (in a very busy week!) so that tells you all you need to know, I think.
This is Book 1 of a trilogy, which is good news in my opinion. When you finish this book, you’ll wish you had Book 2 right there ready to go my advice is to go in prepared!
Now, straight onto Book 2 for me … !
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
December 15, 2023
This is book 1 in this trilogy set in Manchester and one which I really enjoyed. I look forward to reading the rest of this trilogy.
April 10, 2019
This is the first book in the Manchester Trilogy. Adele Robinson and her brother, Peter are brought up in an abusive home by their alcoholic and violent father and their downtrodden mother. Destined for a life similar to their childhood, Adele vows to make sure that her life is different and by working hard at school her life turns out better. Peter, on the other hand, heads down the road leading to a life of crime. His relationship with Adele suffers because of this until it eventually breaks completely. One night, some years later, a violent incident leads to Adele seeking out her brother as he is the only one she can turn to….
Told over the course of several years from childhood to adulthood, this book had me drawn in hook, line and sinker from the first few pages. My heart broke for Adele and Peter’s childhood experiences and, whilst really well written, it was hard reading of their time at home with their abusive father and it brought tears to my eyes. I liked Adele’s character and admired her passion to do well in her education and be a success in life. I wasn’t surprised that Peter turned out the way he did, but his relationship with Adele when they were children was heart-warming at times, when Peter let the ‘tough boy’ attitude drop!
As the book moved on through their lives, I was completely mesmerised with their stories. I won’t ruin the story by telling you how Adele and Peter end up back together, but it was a shocking and violent incident and Adele obviously had no one else to turn to other than her criminal brother. Whilst this was a gritty, raw and hard hitting book with references to violence, crime, and emotional and physical abuse, it was all written in context to the storyline. All these things showed how the consequences of these actions sent ripples through Adele and Peter’s lives and how they struggled to have any sense of normality.
I really liked Adele and Peter’s characters, but the majority of the characters weren’t particularly likeable – but then again, I don’t suppose they were meant to be! I did love Adele and Peter’s Grandma – the one loving person in their childhood, providing them with treats, clothes and more importantly love. The location of the book, in the rougher areas of Manchester, was realistic and having parents from the Manchester area I was able to understand a lot of the Northern slang which was used in the book!
A completely gripping, shocking and sad story, but one which I couldn’t tear my eyes away from! The ending was left on a bit of a cliff-hanger so I’m now desperate to get started on the second book to continue with the story! Would definitely recommend!!
Told over the course of several years from childhood to adulthood, this book had me drawn in hook, line and sinker from the first few pages. My heart broke for Adele and Peter’s childhood experiences and, whilst really well written, it was hard reading of their time at home with their abusive father and it brought tears to my eyes. I liked Adele’s character and admired her passion to do well in her education and be a success in life. I wasn’t surprised that Peter turned out the way he did, but his relationship with Adele when they were children was heart-warming at times, when Peter let the ‘tough boy’ attitude drop!
As the book moved on through their lives, I was completely mesmerised with their stories. I won’t ruin the story by telling you how Adele and Peter end up back together, but it was a shocking and violent incident and Adele obviously had no one else to turn to other than her criminal brother. Whilst this was a gritty, raw and hard hitting book with references to violence, crime, and emotional and physical abuse, it was all written in context to the storyline. All these things showed how the consequences of these actions sent ripples through Adele and Peter’s lives and how they struggled to have any sense of normality.
I really liked Adele and Peter’s characters, but the majority of the characters weren’t particularly likeable – but then again, I don’t suppose they were meant to be! I did love Adele and Peter’s Grandma – the one loving person in their childhood, providing them with treats, clothes and more importantly love. The location of the book, in the rougher areas of Manchester, was realistic and having parents from the Manchester area I was able to understand a lot of the Northern slang which was used in the book!
A completely gripping, shocking and sad story, but one which I couldn’t tear my eyes away from! The ending was left on a bit of a cliff-hanger so I’m now desperate to get started on the second book to continue with the story! Would definitely recommend!!
April 17, 2019
From 1973 - 1984 Adele spends her childhood studying and trying to stay out of trouble. With an alcoholic abusive father who beats her mother regularly, a sadistic younger brother and a depressed tranquilizing taking mother, Adele doesn't have a chance. The one person in her life that she can count on is her Grandmother, who brings her salve and long pants to help with Adele's chapped legs. Her Grandmother is appalled by the stench and filth in her daughter's home and visits often to cook and clean up. Adele doesn't look for trouble, but it often finds her. Whether she is defending her brother or herself against bullies at school or standing up to her father during one of his drunken rages, Adele continues to study and try to better herself. When her brother goes to prison for burglary, her mother becomes more dependent on her. Will Adele be able to escape her legacy and achieve her dreams or will her family drag her down with them? Reviewed at https://pennyformythoughts-nona.blogs...
March 21, 2022
Born bad by Heather Burnside.
Manchester Trilogy Book 1.
Brother and sister Peter and Adele Robinson never stood a chance. Dragged up by an alcoholic, violent father, and a weak, beaten mother, their childhood in Manchester only prepared them for a life of crime and struggle. But Adele is determined to break the mould. She studies hard at school and, inspired by her beloved grandmother Joyce, she finally makes a successful life for herself on her own.Peter is not so lucky. Getting more and more immersed in the murky world of crime and gangs, his close bonds with Adele gradually loosen until they look set to break altogether.But old habits die hard, and one devastating night, Adele is forced to confront her violent past. Dragged back into her worst nightmares, there's only one person she can turn to when her life is on the line – her brother Peter. After all, blood is thicker than water...
I really really enjoyed this book. Great story and characters. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5*.
Manchester Trilogy Book 1.
Brother and sister Peter and Adele Robinson never stood a chance. Dragged up by an alcoholic, violent father, and a weak, beaten mother, their childhood in Manchester only prepared them for a life of crime and struggle. But Adele is determined to break the mould. She studies hard at school and, inspired by her beloved grandmother Joyce, she finally makes a successful life for herself on her own.Peter is not so lucky. Getting more and more immersed in the murky world of crime and gangs, his close bonds with Adele gradually loosen until they look set to break altogether.But old habits die hard, and one devastating night, Adele is forced to confront her violent past. Dragged back into her worst nightmares, there's only one person she can turn to when her life is on the line – her brother Peter. After all, blood is thicker than water...
I really really enjoyed this book. Great story and characters. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5*.
July 13, 2023
I went through a stage of reading a lot of books with female characters who were involved in the criminal underworld, and a lot of those books were set in prisons. This was when I worked with prisoners and was kind of peeking into that world while living in a totally different one. I accidentally bought the second book in this trilogy without realising it was a trilogy, so I had to buy the first book. Geez, I really wish I hadn't because it was bad, I mean really bad. The plot was kind of average, two siblings growing up in the same abusive environment go totally different ways in life etc. It was just the execution was awful. The old creative writing maxim of show don't tell was utterly stomped all over and there didn't seem to be any structure or plan. It felt a bit like it was written by a teenager. I finished it but I definitely won't be reading the second book.
Read yourself some Martina Cole and see how it's done.
Read yourself some Martina Cole and see how it's done.
December 10, 2023
Dosent make sense, did Adele stay after killing her dad or go with Peter
‘Give me your house keys,’ he babbled. ‘I’ll go back to your place. Grab you some clean clothes. You stay here. Put my dressing gown on while you’re waiting. When I get back we’ll sort it. OK?’ Adele nodded and tried to force a smile from her trembling lips. ‘It’s OK, sis. Don’t worry,’ he reassured her, patting the top of her head before he left the room to go and run her a bath. Peter wished he felt as sure as he was pretending to be. But, the truth was, Adele was well in the shit and, at the moment, he didn’t know if he could get her out of it. Chapter 43 On the journey back to her parents’ home, Adele tried to calm herself by taking deep breaths. But her heart was thundering in her chest, and her hands felt clammy. Although they were in Adele’s car, Peter was behind the wheel. He didn’t want to get any blood in his car and Adele was too edgy to drive. He had covered the car
‘Give me your house keys,’ he babbled. ‘I’ll go back to your place. Grab you some clean clothes. You stay here. Put my dressing gown on while you’re waiting. When I get back we’ll sort it. OK?’ Adele nodded and tried to force a smile from her trembling lips. ‘It’s OK, sis. Don’t worry,’ he reassured her, patting the top of her head before he left the room to go and run her a bath. Peter wished he felt as sure as he was pretending to be. But, the truth was, Adele was well in the shit and, at the moment, he didn’t know if he could get her out of it. Chapter 43 On the journey back to her parents’ home, Adele tried to calm herself by taking deep breaths. But her heart was thundering in her chest, and her hands felt clammy. Although they were in Adele’s car, Peter was behind the wheel. He didn’t want to get any blood in his car and Adele was too edgy to drive. He had covered the car
July 9, 2017
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.
Adele and Peter are siblings raised by a pill popping slovenly mother and a drunkard abusive father. Peter is a tearaway who bears the brunt of the violence from his father. Adele tries so hard to be a good girl whilst having to defend herself from the local bullies. Their Grandma is the one who provides them with hugs, treats and much needed clothes. Neglected and ignored they are left to run wild. We see the transition from childhood to adulthood and the struggles and the knock on effects of being verbally and physically abused.
Apparently this is the first of a trilogy and I eagerly await the next part of the journey of these siblings. A great debut. Well rounded realistic characters. I haven't heard the word "scriking" for so many years.Brought back so many memories.
Adele and Peter are siblings raised by a pill popping slovenly mother and a drunkard abusive father. Peter is a tearaway who bears the brunt of the violence from his father. Adele tries so hard to be a good girl whilst having to defend herself from the local bullies. Their Grandma is the one who provides them with hugs, treats and much needed clothes. Neglected and ignored they are left to run wild. We see the transition from childhood to adulthood and the struggles and the knock on effects of being verbally and physically abused.
Apparently this is the first of a trilogy and I eagerly await the next part of the journey of these siblings. A great debut. Well rounded realistic characters. I haven't heard the word "scriking" for so many years.Brought back so many memories.
March 2, 2019
Finally got my act together and re started this series, I read this the first book a good while back and then neglected to carry on with the series, not because of the series I just seemed to get lost reading everything else on my back list.
Rather than setting off again at book 2, I decided it would be better to re read book one and refresh my mind, i'm glad I did. It was as enjoyable the 2nd time as it was the first. I'm hoping this series is going to be as awesome as it seems and I'm really looking forward to catching up with the rest of the books.
The story set in Manchester is based around a family growing up, the evil of domestic violence and a crappy childhood and the impact it can have on young lives when growing up.
Its gritty, tense and a damn good read.
Rather than setting off again at book 2, I decided it would be better to re read book one and refresh my mind, i'm glad I did. It was as enjoyable the 2nd time as it was the first. I'm hoping this series is going to be as awesome as it seems and I'm really looking forward to catching up with the rest of the books.
The story set in Manchester is based around a family growing up, the evil of domestic violence and a crappy childhood and the impact it can have on young lives when growing up.
Its gritty, tense and a damn good read.
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