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Poison
The heart-racing new gangland thriller from bestselling author Jacqui Rose. Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers’ Queenie and Martina Cole.
THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE YOU SHOULD NEVER CROSS
In a life of crime, loyalty means everything – even if you don’t always see eye to eye. But when Vaughn Sadler speaks up to get Franny Doyle sent down, he’s broken every rule in the book to win checkmate.
AND OTHERS YOU SHOULDN’T UNDERESTIMATE…
Holed up in prison, Franny has more than one score to settle – but she’s starting with Vaughn. Because you don’t grass on your own, no matter what. And though she may be behind bars, she will get revenge – whatever the cost.
Before, there was just bad blood running through her veins. But now, there is poison…
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2020
249 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Jacqui Rose
33 books175 followersJacqui Rose is a novelist who hails from Manchester and South Yorkshire, though she now lives in the South East in the countryside, surrounded by her horses and lots of animals. Jacqui first came to appreciate the power of the written word when as a child she charged her classmates a packet of sherbet dips to write their essays for them. Adopted at a young age and always a daydreamer, she felt isolated growing up in a small mining village in South Yorkshire and it was her writing which kept her company.
Jacqui has written a variety of things including
stand-up comedy, radio drams and screenplays.
She is published by HarperCollins and Pan Macmillan and has written over 16 bestselling novels. She is also collaborating with Martina Cole on Martina's new novel, Loyalty.
Jacqui Rose also writes under the name of
J P Rose (not to be confused with the American author!) and has written, The Haunting of Tyrese Walker her first teen/YA novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 5, 2020
5☆ Unputdownable Ganglit Crime Thriller!
Wow oh wow is this book Utterly Gripping! I devoured it in 2 nights and that was only because i had to sleep!
I'm a huge fan of Jacqui Rose and Poison is my favourite book so far in the series!
If you haven't yet read the other books then this can be a standalone as things do get explained. But in my opinion you at least need to read the previous two books as alot has happened.
Plus the characters are so good once you read one you will want to read the rest! Can't wait to read more!
Poison is full of Secrets, revenge, trust issues, underhanded tactics, prison bullying, a ruthless loan shark, a corrupt copper, a perverted and sicko uncle out for revenge ,seriously Poison has it all and i loved it!
I don't want to go into detail incase your yet to read the previous books, but as you can see by my summary it's brutal, gripping, gritty, not necessarily for the feint hearted and revenge is the main plot and boy is it juicy!
All the characters are back, once again I love the dynamics of these Characters.
Alfie just can't keep away from Franny she's like an enigma to him.
Shannon is the one who yet again suffered the most in this story and my heart breaks for her. Everyone thinks that they are looking out for her, yet they just keep using her for their own gains.
I loved the ending!! Yes Jacqui thank you for making that ending. 🙊 eek! I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
There is nothing more to say except I can't recommend reading this intoxicating, highly Compelling, Gritty, Gang-lit Series Enough.
Jacqui Rose is a superb and extremely talented Author and her books are not to be missed, especially if you enjoy Crime Fiction, Gang lit books.
Thank you to Avon books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
Wow oh wow is this book Utterly Gripping! I devoured it in 2 nights and that was only because i had to sleep!
I'm a huge fan of Jacqui Rose and Poison is my favourite book so far in the series!
If you haven't yet read the other books then this can be a standalone as things do get explained. But in my opinion you at least need to read the previous two books as alot has happened.
Plus the characters are so good once you read one you will want to read the rest! Can't wait to read more!
Poison is full of Secrets, revenge, trust issues, underhanded tactics, prison bullying, a ruthless loan shark, a corrupt copper, a perverted and sicko uncle out for revenge ,seriously Poison has it all and i loved it!
I don't want to go into detail incase your yet to read the previous books, but as you can see by my summary it's brutal, gripping, gritty, not necessarily for the feint hearted and revenge is the main plot and boy is it juicy!
All the characters are back, once again I love the dynamics of these Characters.
Alfie just can't keep away from Franny she's like an enigma to him.
Shannon is the one who yet again suffered the most in this story and my heart breaks for her. Everyone thinks that they are looking out for her, yet they just keep using her for their own gains.
I loved the ending!! Yes Jacqui thank you for making that ending. 🙊 eek! I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
There is nothing more to say except I can't recommend reading this intoxicating, highly Compelling, Gritty, Gang-lit Series Enough.
Jacqui Rose is a superb and extremely talented Author and her books are not to be missed, especially if you enjoy Crime Fiction, Gang lit books.
Thank you to Avon books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
February 27, 2020
Reading this book, I found that I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, I enjoyed reading a different sort of crime drama novel, relishing in the gangster environment of London. However, at times I found the plot rather drab and slow; there were elements that I really enjoyed but they did not appear often enough.
The two brothers, Alfie and Vaughn, were not my favourite. They are quite “rough and ready” which I did not have an issue with. However, they seem slaves to Franny, and Vaughn in particular was portrayed as rather naive when dealing with the Shannon storyline. I expected a bit more from them, in all honesty.
On the other hand, Franny, Emma and Claire are all such strong women. They are the antithesis of the men and it was their stories that I enjoyed the most. Indeed, when the Detective is pulled into this plot thread, there were times when I was literally gasping with disbelief from the pages. In this case, this is what made the novel most enjoyable, but instead I felt weighted down by the brothers and also Shannon’s behaviour.
I understand that Shannon is a victim of circumstances however, I was frustrated by her weaknesses. She is a slave to her uncle and I found it uncomfortable when she appeared in the story. I was desperate for her to confide in Vaughn and disheartened when she felt she could not reveal the truth about what was happening in her bedroom. I guess I found it difficult to connect with her as a character and that made me react quite negatively towards her.
Indeed, there are some rather crude scenes in this story. With strong sexual references, I found my toes curling at some of the detail! It’s not necessarily overtly explicit, but the ideas suggested are a bit gross. Indeed, the images of Charlie wandering around Vaughan’s flat are ones that I definitely want to forget in a hurry.
I appreciated the novel’s title. ‘Poison’ can refer to so many things within this story, reflecting the layers of plot. For one thing, Detective Balantyne’s corruption spreads as circumstances do not go in his favour. For his wife, however, the poison is the alcoholism that leads her trapped by Balantyne’s wicked behaviour. Franny’s ‘poison’ reflects her desperation for revenge. It eats her from within and this is the same for many of the characters: several people in the novel are keen to settle business, with them staying as “clean” and blameless as possible.
Despite being mid-way through a series, this was one that I easily caught up on the background story. Although I did not wholly enjoy the story, there were enough elements that kept me interested enough to persevere. The ending was intriguing but I don’t think I would go out of my way to read the previous books, or discover what happens to the characters next. The pace certainly intensifies as the novel progresses. It was the final quarter that really piqued my interest, especially as the net was closing on Balantyne. Franny’s mastermind plans were admirable and I was keen to see how the story would conclude.
If you like gritty, gangster crime novels, then this should certainly appeal. However, I found some of the characters disappointing and lack-lustre, which did lessen my overall enjoyment.
With thanks to Netgalley and Avon books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The two brothers, Alfie and Vaughn, were not my favourite. They are quite “rough and ready” which I did not have an issue with. However, they seem slaves to Franny, and Vaughn in particular was portrayed as rather naive when dealing with the Shannon storyline. I expected a bit more from them, in all honesty.
On the other hand, Franny, Emma and Claire are all such strong women. They are the antithesis of the men and it was their stories that I enjoyed the most. Indeed, when the Detective is pulled into this plot thread, there were times when I was literally gasping with disbelief from the pages. In this case, this is what made the novel most enjoyable, but instead I felt weighted down by the brothers and also Shannon’s behaviour.
I understand that Shannon is a victim of circumstances however, I was frustrated by her weaknesses. She is a slave to her uncle and I found it uncomfortable when she appeared in the story. I was desperate for her to confide in Vaughn and disheartened when she felt she could not reveal the truth about what was happening in her bedroom. I guess I found it difficult to connect with her as a character and that made me react quite negatively towards her.
Indeed, there are some rather crude scenes in this story. With strong sexual references, I found my toes curling at some of the detail! It’s not necessarily overtly explicit, but the ideas suggested are a bit gross. Indeed, the images of Charlie wandering around Vaughan’s flat are ones that I definitely want to forget in a hurry.
I appreciated the novel’s title. ‘Poison’ can refer to so many things within this story, reflecting the layers of plot. For one thing, Detective Balantyne’s corruption spreads as circumstances do not go in his favour. For his wife, however, the poison is the alcoholism that leads her trapped by Balantyne’s wicked behaviour. Franny’s ‘poison’ reflects her desperation for revenge. It eats her from within and this is the same for many of the characters: several people in the novel are keen to settle business, with them staying as “clean” and blameless as possible.
Despite being mid-way through a series, this was one that I easily caught up on the background story. Although I did not wholly enjoy the story, there were enough elements that kept me interested enough to persevere. The ending was intriguing but I don’t think I would go out of my way to read the previous books, or discover what happens to the characters next. The pace certainly intensifies as the novel progresses. It was the final quarter that really piqued my interest, especially as the net was closing on Balantyne. Franny’s mastermind plans were admirable and I was keen to see how the story would conclude.
If you like gritty, gangster crime novels, then this should certainly appeal. However, I found some of the characters disappointing and lack-lustre, which did lessen my overall enjoyment.
With thanks to Netgalley and Avon books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2019
Poison by Jacqui Rose.
A fantastic read. I loved the story. I loved the cover. Well written. Some characters I liked some I didn't. Looking forward to reading more from this author. 5*
A fantastic read. I loved the story. I loved the cover. Well written. Some characters I liked some I didn't. Looking forward to reading more from this author. 5*
December 31, 2019
Once again I was drawn straight back into the lives of Franny, Vaughn and Alfie, and I just couldn't get enough of them. I'm already keen to read the next book!
Completely addictive I could barely put the book down, as I tried to second guess what may happen or not.
With new equally despicable characters introduced there is a lot to take in, but once you have the basics sorted in your mind, it's a real fast paced page turner.
Set in London's seedy underbelly, there is plenty touched on that would make your stomach curl. At times disgusting, at others graphic I can't seem to get enough of these characters and of Jacqui Rose's writing.
I'm never entirely positive that I enjoy the content of these books but there is just something about them which means they can't be unread on my kindle for long. I'm definitely hooked on these rather criminal and dodgy people, even if I can't really understand why.
Although this could be read as a standalone, you potentially would gain more from reading some of the authors previous books as they all appear to be connected.
What a fabulous book to have whiled away the first couple of hours of a long haul flight with.
Thank you to Avon on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Completely addictive I could barely put the book down, as I tried to second guess what may happen or not.
With new equally despicable characters introduced there is a lot to take in, but once you have the basics sorted in your mind, it's a real fast paced page turner.
Set in London's seedy underbelly, there is plenty touched on that would make your stomach curl. At times disgusting, at others graphic I can't seem to get enough of these characters and of Jacqui Rose's writing.
I'm never entirely positive that I enjoy the content of these books but there is just something about them which means they can't be unread on my kindle for long. I'm definitely hooked on these rather criminal and dodgy people, even if I can't really understand why.
Although this could be read as a standalone, you potentially would gain more from reading some of the authors previous books as they all appear to be connected.
What a fabulous book to have whiled away the first couple of hours of a long haul flight with.
Thank you to Avon on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 1, 2020
This is the 4th book featuring Franny, Alfie and Vaughan.
I may have said this before, but by god I'm glad this author is back. I missed her books for far to long.
This lady can damn well write a page turner. Book you end up addicted to and cannot put them down until you finish. Then unfortunately you are left with a book hangover. My god I love this authors work.
We are back in the lives of Alfie Jenner, Franny Doyle and Vaughn Sadler, some of the underworlds ruthless criminals. They maybe criminals but after so many books you can't help but like them.
There are scores to settle, fights to be had, deals to be made or broken. This book has everything you would want from a gritty read.
These characters are so good to read about, they actually feel like you are back with old friends. I guess these books could be read as standalones, but I believe you'd get a better reading experience by reading them all in order. If you have never read these books start with the first one, my goodness you're in for a treat, It wouldn't surprise me if you end up reading them back to back.
I certainly couldn't live their lifestyle but I love reading about it.
Just fantastic, I'm really not sure what more I can say.
I may have said this before, but by god I'm glad this author is back. I missed her books for far to long.
This lady can damn well write a page turner. Book you end up addicted to and cannot put them down until you finish. Then unfortunately you are left with a book hangover. My god I love this authors work.
We are back in the lives of Alfie Jenner, Franny Doyle and Vaughn Sadler, some of the underworlds ruthless criminals. They maybe criminals but after so many books you can't help but like them.
There are scores to settle, fights to be had, deals to be made or broken. This book has everything you would want from a gritty read.
These characters are so good to read about, they actually feel like you are back with old friends. I guess these books could be read as standalones, but I believe you'd get a better reading experience by reading them all in order. If you have never read these books start with the first one, my goodness you're in for a treat, It wouldn't surprise me if you end up reading them back to back.
I certainly couldn't live their lifestyle but I love reading about it.
Just fantastic, I'm really not sure what more I can say.
March 8, 2020
Today is my stop of one terrific blog tour and I am reviewing one very gripping gangland crime thriller, written by Jacqui Rose. It is second book in the series and my first book from this author. I had no problem reading it as a stand-alone book. It is one very creepy, gangland story that left me sleepless till the last page. I really liked it!
Franny Doyle is in prison for the crime she didn’t commit. Her love Alfie is an alcoholic who owns a lot of money to the wrong people. Vaughn is trying to get Alfie back on the right road, doing same for young Shannon who is abused by her uncle Charlie. He also gives false testimony to put Franny in prison and convinces Shannon to do the same. The police officer Balantyne hates his life and his marriage and tries to get away from it. Alfie needs money, Franny needs to get out of prison, Shannon needs protection from her uncle. Every person will do anything to get what they want. One way or another.
The person I hated the most: Charlie! I could literally kill that guy. Abusing your own niece, abusing a child! I hated him so much!
The person I felt sorry for: Shannon! There were moments when I despised her for her weakness. ” Call help, girl! You do have someone to protect you! You are not alone! Fight! ”
It was hard for me to get into the characters at the beginning, but page after page, I got into the story. It is not a kind of thriller that I am usually used to, but overall, I liked it! I liked how the gangland net was made, I liked the way characters were created. It is a great crime story and I’ll be in search for book number one very soon. And I hope that there will be book number three.
Franny Doyle is in prison for the crime she didn’t commit. Her love Alfie is an alcoholic who owns a lot of money to the wrong people. Vaughn is trying to get Alfie back on the right road, doing same for young Shannon who is abused by her uncle Charlie. He also gives false testimony to put Franny in prison and convinces Shannon to do the same. The police officer Balantyne hates his life and his marriage and tries to get away from it. Alfie needs money, Franny needs to get out of prison, Shannon needs protection from her uncle. Every person will do anything to get what they want. One way or another.
The person I hated the most: Charlie! I could literally kill that guy. Abusing your own niece, abusing a child! I hated him so much!
The person I felt sorry for: Shannon! There were moments when I despised her for her weakness. ” Call help, girl! You do have someone to protect you! You are not alone! Fight! ”
It was hard for me to get into the characters at the beginning, but page after page, I got into the story. It is not a kind of thriller that I am usually used to, but overall, I liked it! I liked how the gangland net was made, I liked the way characters were created. It is a great crime story and I’ll be in search for book number one very soon. And I hope that there will be book number three.
February 17, 2020
Poison is a great gangland thriller with some great characters especially young Shannon. Its going to be a long wait until the next follow-up which I can't wait to get my hands on.
Thrilling and exciting.
Thrilling and exciting.
May 9, 2020
This book had my heart racing a few time and I had very strong feelings about a few of the characters. It begins to make you wonder who you can trust. I also experienced utter repulsion for one of the characters. I’m pleased I’ve lead a sheltered life,but saddened to think there are individuals out there who have had to endure pain, torture and violence.
January 22, 2020
Another fabulously exciting instalment in the lives of Franny, Alfie and Vaughn. I read this very quickly and real life took a backseat for the duration of this book!
Thanks to Avon Books UK for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Avon Books UK for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2020
This is the 4th book in this series about Franny, Vaughn and Alfie. What a great read, sooo looking forward to her next book . It a page turner just wanted to keep reading. Jacqui Rose is fantastic at keeping you glued to her books.
December 30, 2019
I just love reading Jacqui Roses books and have them all to date it is lovely to keep track of the charactors and their lives i also laugh too as these books really give it all well done Jacqui Rose another BRILLIANT book 5*
August 27, 2020
I generally enjoy Jacqui's book, but this one didn't hit the mark for. In places the story got just too far fetched with Alfie and the baby and Uncle Charlie as secret lodger.
January 10, 2020
This book and author is a first for me and I definitely wasn't disappointed. I loved this book from the very beginning. It has everything you look for in a book. It's a book about the life of crime of the characters the criminals.
Franny gets sent to prison for a crime that she doesn't commit. She wants revenge and Franny has a score to settle and nothing is going to stop her.
Alfie is a drunk and a drugs addict he owes a lot of people money and basically his life is all over the place, he's full of self pity and he has a don't care attitude. He has a daughter Mia who he wants nothing to do with.
Vaughn and Alfie are really close friends and have been for a long time , he went to the police about Franny and has convinced Shannon to help.
Shannon has had an extremely tough upbringing, she was an addict baby, her uncle abused her and all she craves alittle love and attention. She's in love with Vaughn and she's hoping one day he'll be hers and she'll do anything for him.
There is also a totally obsessed detective to who just doesn't care.
This book is gripping from the get go. It always keeps you on your toes, and had me guessing the whole way through.
The characters in this book we're very well written the author went into great detail. I really felt for some of the characters at times too.
I couldn't put this book down and read page after page it was captivating and I just needed to see where the story led.
This book is 4th in the series but can be read as a standalone. I've heard that the characters in this book are in the others.
I will definitely be looking for this authors work in future and now I want to read her past books too.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Thank You to the author and publishers for allowing me to read an early copy of this book.
This book is expected to be released on 20th February 2020.
Franny gets sent to prison for a crime that she doesn't commit. She wants revenge and Franny has a score to settle and nothing is going to stop her.
Alfie is a drunk and a drugs addict he owes a lot of people money and basically his life is all over the place, he's full of self pity and he has a don't care attitude. He has a daughter Mia who he wants nothing to do with.
Vaughn and Alfie are really close friends and have been for a long time , he went to the police about Franny and has convinced Shannon to help.
Shannon has had an extremely tough upbringing, she was an addict baby, her uncle abused her and all she craves alittle love and attention. She's in love with Vaughn and she's hoping one day he'll be hers and she'll do anything for him.
There is also a totally obsessed detective to who just doesn't care.
This book is gripping from the get go. It always keeps you on your toes, and had me guessing the whole way through.
The characters in this book we're very well written the author went into great detail. I really felt for some of the characters at times too.
I couldn't put this book down and read page after page it was captivating and I just needed to see where the story led.
This book is 4th in the series but can be read as a standalone. I've heard that the characters in this book are in the others.
I will definitely be looking for this authors work in future and now I want to read her past books too.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Thank You to the author and publishers for allowing me to read an early copy of this book.
This book is expected to be released on 20th February 2020.
May 16, 2020
I have read all of Jacqui's books, they never fail to disappoint and once again this latest book is absolutely brilliant! Poison is the 4th book which features character from earlier books, Jacqui has a gift for creating superb characters and by the time you get to this book you really feel like you know them all. The story lines keeps you hooked from the first page to the last.
All four books are equally as good as the next and the way the books end leave you desperate for more! Another cracking 5 star read.
All four books are equally as good as the next and the way the books end leave you desperate for more! Another cracking 5 star read.
December 29, 2019
Following up the Sinner, the previous book, we get to read more about characters that we’ve met in London and a life that’s definitely not for everyone known.
I loved it, same great writing, strong characters, turns and twists, on the edge most of the time and a great story overall that I will recommend anytime.
I loved it, same great writing, strong characters, turns and twists, on the edge most of the time and a great story overall that I will recommend anytime.
March 15, 2020
Jacqui Rose rivals Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers with her electrifying gangland thrillers and she is back with Poison, a nerve-twisting and heart-racing read that is so gripping and captivating, putting it down is simply not an option.
In the criminal underworld, loyalty means everything. It is the one guiding principle that underpins this dark and dangerous world where it is every man for himself and where the number one rule is that you never grass anyone up – even if it’s someone you loathe and despise more than anything and anyone in the world. This is the commandment which everyone obeys and respects, but when this golden rule is broken, trust is shattered and the gloves come off. When Vaughn Sadler had decided to speak up, his testimony had sent Franny Doyle down. But if Vaughn thought that Franny being behind bars would be the end of the matter, then he was sadly mistaken because he has just kickstarted a cruel and vicious game of revenge, vengeance and murder!
Franny may be down, but she is certainly not out. A woman who never backs down from a fight, she is determined to use all the time she has on her hands to ensure that the people who have done her wrong pay for this most heinous of transgressions. With plenty of scores to settle, Franny will start with Vaughn, but she will not stop there. Every single person who has betrayed her is going to pay and although she is behind bars, she will not stop until they have not just paid, but suffered for what they’ve done to her.
The bad blood that was pumping through her veins before has just been replaced by the most lethal of poisons and Franny is about to use every weapon in her arsenal to emerge victorious in this most insidious of battles.
Jacqui Rose is at her phenomenal best with this terrifying thriller you just have to read in a single sitting. Poison is a fast-paced, brilliantly plotted and densely written chiller that will make you jump out of your skin and keep you hooked from the first page until the very last sentence. Tense, sinister and chilling, Poison is another first class thriller from the fabulous Jacqui Rose
In the criminal underworld, loyalty means everything. It is the one guiding principle that underpins this dark and dangerous world where it is every man for himself and where the number one rule is that you never grass anyone up – even if it’s someone you loathe and despise more than anything and anyone in the world. This is the commandment which everyone obeys and respects, but when this golden rule is broken, trust is shattered and the gloves come off. When Vaughn Sadler had decided to speak up, his testimony had sent Franny Doyle down. But if Vaughn thought that Franny being behind bars would be the end of the matter, then he was sadly mistaken because he has just kickstarted a cruel and vicious game of revenge, vengeance and murder!
Franny may be down, but she is certainly not out. A woman who never backs down from a fight, she is determined to use all the time she has on her hands to ensure that the people who have done her wrong pay for this most heinous of transgressions. With plenty of scores to settle, Franny will start with Vaughn, but she will not stop there. Every single person who has betrayed her is going to pay and although she is behind bars, she will not stop until they have not just paid, but suffered for what they’ve done to her.
The bad blood that was pumping through her veins before has just been replaced by the most lethal of poisons and Franny is about to use every weapon in her arsenal to emerge victorious in this most insidious of battles.
Jacqui Rose is at her phenomenal best with this terrifying thriller you just have to read in a single sitting. Poison is a fast-paced, brilliantly plotted and densely written chiller that will make you jump out of your skin and keep you hooked from the first page until the very last sentence. Tense, sinister and chilling, Poison is another first class thriller from the fabulous Jacqui Rose
March 11, 2020
Poison is the fourth book in a series written by Jacqui Rose. Although, I hadn't appreciated this when I started to read, it did not make a difference to reading it as a stand alone book. But I won't hesitate to research and read the rest in the series.
Why you may wonder. Because Jacqui Rose has a style of writing that is absolutely captivating, and truly addictive. I lost some sleep sitting up reading this but my "book sleep deprivation" was worth it.
The story is set around the life of criminals "gangland" London. Not my usual type of book I read but one I enjoyed.
There are Several characters, all of whom you get to know quickly. The three main characters are Franny, Vaughn and Alfie.
First there is Franny, who is in prison awaiting a court date, for a crime that she is not guilty of committing. Because of this her only agenda is revenge and she is determine to achieve it.
Vaughn who wants to support Alfie. The latter is out of control with drugs and alcohol. He owes money and is attacked, whilst his daughter (Shannon) is in the house. With Alfie's laissez fairs attitude Vaughn takes Shannnon into his care. Queue Shannon falling for him, but Vaughn gives her nothing other than turning her life upside down and which becomes nothing but a living hell for her.
He has managed to talk Shannon into supporting Franny with him. With Shannon welcoming the attention, she is more than happy to help him and show him what she can do. After all he is her love interest and I got the feeling she would do anything to impress him.
There is so much that goes on within the +400 pages of the cover pages. So many different characters, different lives but all intertwined.
I found myself holding my breath in places, I really didn't have time to second guess the plot. My mind was well and truly absorbed.
Thank you to Avon, their publishing team and Jacqui for our advanced copy and invite to join the blog tour. The first book I've read by author Jacqui Rose and it won't be my last...
February 29, 2020
eing a big fan of thrillers, this author has intrigued me for a while now. She has written quite a few novels now but this one really intrigued me both for the reason that it seemed more character driven then plot driven and becuase it is based on criminals, which is not normally the style of novel that I would pick up and I wanted to push those limits.
I have to say that, for me, my expectations were right. The best part of this novel were the characters. You have quite a few interesting ones in this novel. You have Franny who is in jail convicted for the murder of a person, which she may or may not have done. You see how she is adjusting to live in prison and how she interacts with other prisoners, including the most difficult and nasty ones. You then have Vaughn and Alfie who are on the outside and one of them may have had knowledge of Franny's conviction and had a hand in getting her there. You also have Shannon who was my favourite character in this novel. She is a young lady/late teenager who is taken under the wing of Vaugn who tries to look after her. But her past keeps following her and not letting go. It was very interesting to see her try and navigate those difficulties and try and find a path that will lead her out of misery.
This was such an enjoyable ride and I will definitely be picking up more from this author in the future.
For more reviews, please check out the link below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
I have to say that, for me, my expectations were right. The best part of this novel were the characters. You have quite a few interesting ones in this novel. You have Franny who is in jail convicted for the murder of a person, which she may or may not have done. You see how she is adjusting to live in prison and how she interacts with other prisoners, including the most difficult and nasty ones. You then have Vaughn and Alfie who are on the outside and one of them may have had knowledge of Franny's conviction and had a hand in getting her there. You also have Shannon who was my favourite character in this novel. She is a young lady/late teenager who is taken under the wing of Vaugn who tries to look after her. But her past keeps following her and not letting go. It was very interesting to see her try and navigate those difficulties and try and find a path that will lead her out of misery.
This was such an enjoyable ride and I will definitely be picking up more from this author in the future.
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Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
December 24, 2020
I would especially like to thank Avon Books Uk and the Netgalley website for allowing me to read this book.
I love the cover of this book which is beautiful with the main character Franny who is in prison. One catchphrase made me want to read the book: "She has a score to settle and prison won't stop her".
You learn from reading this book that there are people you would never want to meet in life. We find Franny who is condemned, locked up in this prison, she will have more than one score to settle. The first person will be with the person who locked her up here: Vaughn and she will get revenge no matter what it costs her. Before that there was only bad blood flowing in her veins, from now on, it's poison.
I immediately hooked on the story, so addictive, captivating, full of suspense and twists and turns with endearing characters. I love the author's writing, so addictive, eager to read more of her books.
I love the cover of this book which is beautiful with the main character Franny who is in prison. One catchphrase made me want to read the book: "She has a score to settle and prison won't stop her".
You learn from reading this book that there are people you would never want to meet in life. We find Franny who is condemned, locked up in this prison, she will have more than one score to settle. The first person will be with the person who locked her up here: Vaughn and she will get revenge no matter what it costs her. Before that there was only bad blood flowing in her veins, from now on, it's poison.
I immediately hooked on the story, so addictive, captivating, full of suspense and twists and turns with endearing characters. I love the author's writing, so addictive, eager to read more of her books.
January 17, 2021
*TRIGGER WARNING - themes of sexual abuse and extreme violence throughout*
This is the first book I’ve read by Jacqui Rose, and is every thing I’ve come to expect from any gangland crime thriller. As a massive fan of Martina Cole and Roberta Kray, this is up there with the best of them. Very similar writing styles, and full of unsavory characters, of which some will be hard to forget. (Uncle Charlie in particular was portrayed incredibly well and my heart ached for Shannon throughout!)
The storyline of Franny seeking revenge after being grassed on, leading to her recent conviction, is full of suspense and excitement. I was thrown straight into the story from the first chapters, and the back story was weaved into the storyline perfectly.
This ended on a cliff hanger, and I’m hoping there will be more from the characters in this book. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author, and will definitely be on the look out for her back catalogue!
This is the first book I’ve read by Jacqui Rose, and is every thing I’ve come to expect from any gangland crime thriller. As a massive fan of Martina Cole and Roberta Kray, this is up there with the best of them. Very similar writing styles, and full of unsavory characters, of which some will be hard to forget. (Uncle Charlie in particular was portrayed incredibly well and my heart ached for Shannon throughout!)
The storyline of Franny seeking revenge after being grassed on, leading to her recent conviction, is full of suspense and excitement. I was thrown straight into the story from the first chapters, and the back story was weaved into the storyline perfectly.
This ended on a cliff hanger, and I’m hoping there will be more from the characters in this book. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author, and will definitely be on the look out for her back catalogue!
February 12, 2020
Poison with the main character Franny Dole who is set up by people she thought she knew and of course the cooper that has been after her for years. Now in prison, she is fighting Luca and the female guards, while working on a way to gain her release. This book will have you going from the moment you start it to the very end. Each turn of the page is something different just when you think you have it all figured out you don’t. actually, that was the way until the last page and even then, I still wanted to see what was going to happen next to the characters. Each character is different and unique yet in some strange way you can relate to some of them, I could anyway. I found this to be a fantastic book looking forward to reading this author again. I received this book from Netgalley.com Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
August 23, 2020
This book I’m sorry to say was very disappointing. I was expecting a gritty novel featuring some dodgy, unsavoury characters and yes there was plenty of that but then discovered that it’s part of a long running series which isn’t mentioned in the description. If it had then I either wouldn’t have chosen it or would have started at the beginning with the first book. Got to the end only to find absolutely no resolution and that you’d need to read the next book and maybe the one or two or more after that which I definitely will not be doing! The writing is great and I have no problems with the characters and/or what they did but I feel I’ve wasted my time on this book when I could have read another with a proper start and ending. I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2020
This is the third time I read this author and I am never disappointed!
Well written like always.
I was into it from the start and didn't want to put it down.
The first chapter was one of my favorite in a long time and drew me in right away. I love the dialogues, the way it is written, the raw language at times, the way you get into the story from page one and you don't have to wait for half the book for things to get moving!
I loved the storyline, the characters, the darkness, the prostitutes, the drugs, the crazyness, the arguing, the dialogues... ... ... the way it can be dark yet funny and weird... I love Alfie.
I can't wait for the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Well written like always.
I was into it from the start and didn't want to put it down.
The first chapter was one of my favorite in a long time and drew me in right away. I love the dialogues, the way it is written, the raw language at times, the way you get into the story from page one and you don't have to wait for half the book for things to get moving!
I loved the storyline, the characters, the darkness, the prostitutes, the drugs, the crazyness, the arguing, the dialogues... ... ... the way it can be dark yet funny and weird... I love Alfie.
I can't wait for the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 27, 2020
Now, here is an author that just gets better and better every book she writes. So when Poison by Jacqui Rose came out I had to find a quiet spot in my garden and open my kindle and start to read Jacqui's latest instalment of Franny, Alfie and Vaughan series, and it did not disappoint! It was Brilliant!
This latest book was gritty, fast pace and full of actions with lots of twists and turns throughout. Its all you want for a great book. Plus, with a OMG ending!
I am looking forward to the next instalment to Franny, Alfie and Vaughan series to see what happens.
I highly recommend this latest book and 5 big fat stars for Poison! Brilliant read!
Big Thank you to Avon on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
This latest book was gritty, fast pace and full of actions with lots of twists and turns throughout. Its all you want for a great book. Plus, with a OMG ending!
I am looking forward to the next instalment to Franny, Alfie and Vaughan series to see what happens.
I highly recommend this latest book and 5 big fat stars for Poison! Brilliant read!
Big Thank you to Avon on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 30, 2019
As a follow up to sinner, it was nice to read what happened next with the characters.
Franny is in prison for a crime she didn't commit,
Alfie is a drug-taking alcoholic and Vaughn after doing the unthinkable in their lives and going to the police about Franny has taken Shannon under his wing by moving her into his luxury flat convincing her to be a witness to "Franny's crime" but also away from the clutches of her vile uncle Harry.
If you like gangland thrillers then this is definitely one to read. Great characters, brilliant story. Love the cover. A very well deserved 5*'s.
Franny is in prison for a crime she didn't commit,
Alfie is a drug-taking alcoholic and Vaughn after doing the unthinkable in their lives and going to the police about Franny has taken Shannon under his wing by moving her into his luxury flat convincing her to be a witness to "Franny's crime" but also away from the clutches of her vile uncle Harry.
If you like gangland thrillers then this is definitely one to read. Great characters, brilliant story. Love the cover. A very well deserved 5*'s.
February 24, 2020
I’m afraid I just couldn’t get into this book. Having read other peoples reviews on this book, it appears that it’s a series and this is the 4th book. Therefore, I think I would need to go back and read the other books first for it all to make sense. As it does feel like I’ve turned up halfway through the plot and I have no idea what’s happening! This is my first book by this author and therefore the only reason for my rating.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
January 13, 2021
Poison is the first book that I have read by Jacqui Rose. Even though it is part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone. Poison is a fast paced, jam packed novel about gangland crime - and it should come with a warning that it is very hard to put down! I was gripped from the very first page. Very well written. Full of twists and turns, with intriguing characters - the dynamics between them are just genius! Written so incredibly, this is a book not to be missed! I look forward to reading more by Jacqui Rose.
January 27, 2023
Fran is in prison for a crime that she didn't commit. She certainly had a part in it, but she didn't commit murder. She's out for revenge on Vaughn and Shannon who set her up to take the blame for Bree's death.
I enjoyed the introduction of new characters, following the police trying to prove Fran's guilt. But is the detective all that he says he is? And how does his wife end up in a prison cell with Fran?
Throughout the story, I was kept on edge as always as Jacqui writes a great thriller. The downside I found with this book was that I found Shannon's storyline with Uncle Charlie a little unrealistic and I just kept wishing for her to have the happy life she deserves.
I wasn't entirely sure how I felt about this ending, as the previous book ended on a big twist. The tale ends on a cliffhanger, with one final book to come. This will settle the feud one and for all.
I enjoyed the introduction of new characters, following the police trying to prove Fran's guilt. But is the detective all that he says he is? And how does his wife end up in a prison cell with Fran?
Throughout the story, I was kept on edge as always as Jacqui writes a great thriller. The downside I found with this book was that I found Shannon's storyline with Uncle Charlie a little unrealistic and I just kept wishing for her to have the happy life she deserves.
I wasn't entirely sure how I felt about this ending, as the previous book ended on a big twist. The tale ends on a cliffhanger, with one final book to come. This will settle the feud one and for all.
June 7, 2021
Not even close to a Martina cole book. I wish they wouldn't associate names with authors just to get readers. The story is simplistic and unrealistic. No build up, no intricate threads weaving together and even the storyline and characters are just thrown together in a simple linear fashion that serves to keep the reader a detached observer being narrated to rather than drawn in and emotionally involved with characters. Very disappointing read.
December 8, 2025
BLIMEY! This series has been an absolute pleasure to read and although I don't want to giveaway spoliers I was so glad that this book starts with Franny Doyle behind bars. This whole storyline is a continuation from the last book (Sinner) and although you could possibly read this as a standalone I think you would benefit hugely from reading the books in order. There are a few more characters making an appearance in this book from Ste
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