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Gamble
Would you risk everything to protect your family?
Carla Andrews and Lorraine West are work colleagues and best friends. They socialise together, they work in the same bookmakers and they support each other as only best friends can.
Then they are murdered together.
When DI Tom Fowler is handed the case, he discovers a journal that Carla has left and must unpick the secrets Lorraine has kept hidden.
Soon Carla’s and Lorraine’s husbands become the main suspects. It’s usually the spouse who is responsible, isn’t it?
The investigation progresses until Isaac West, Lorraine’s sixteen-year-old son, disappears.
Will the truth ever emerge?
Will Isaac ever be found?
And is knowing the truth always worth the sacrifice?
Carla Andrews and Lorraine West are work colleagues and best friends. They socialise together, they work in the same bookmakers and they support each other as only best friends can.
Then they are murdered together.
When DI Tom Fowler is handed the case, he discovers a journal that Carla has left and must unpick the secrets Lorraine has kept hidden.
Soon Carla’s and Lorraine’s husbands become the main suspects. It’s usually the spouse who is responsible, isn’t it?
The investigation progresses until Isaac West, Lorraine’s sixteen-year-old son, disappears.
Will the truth ever emerge?
Will Isaac ever be found?
And is knowing the truth always worth the sacrifice?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2020
321 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Anita Waller
47 books465 followersI live in Sheffield, UK. I am retired and have recently fulfilled my lifelong ambition of becoming a published author with Bloodhound Books.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
May 17, 2020
Graham Andrews and Kenny West were best buds way beck when. They were not perfect, ideal kids, but it wasn't until they decided to rob a man and 'accidentally' killed him, that they crossed the line.
It's been many years, and they are still friends. They were never caught for their crime, and they've never told anyone else what happened.
Carla Andrews and Lorraine West are best friends, co-workers, and married to Graham and Kenny. And then the two women are killed ... together.
DI Tom Fowler and his team are called in to investiagate these deaths. Finding a diary that Carla has left behind, he must also unpick the secrets Lorraine has kept hidden.
When Isaac West, son of Lorraine and Kenny, disappears, all eyes turn to the husbands of the female victims. Does Isaac know something no one else does? Is he in hiding ... or running? Is he even still alive?
This is a complex, well written story with a tightly woven plot. It started out a little slow, but I applaud the author for taking time to introduce the main characters properly. From there it goes to being an action-packed page turner. The characters are deftly drawn. Twists and turns engage the reader ... and the ending is explosive and unexpected.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this psychological fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 24, 2020
Graham Andrews and Kenny West have known each other since school and once, when they were much younger men, they did something very stupid which ended in tragedy. They may have escaped judgement but this event has bound them together for life. Fast forward eighteen years and we find Graham married to Carla and Kenny to Lorraine, both girls they have been with since school. The two wives work in the same betting shop in Sheffield, Carla as manager and Lorraine as assistant to her, and the two couples and their children are all close friends. One day there is a botched robbery at the shop involving a masked hooded man wielding a gun and the two terrified friends die together. DI Tom Fowler is the detective brought in to investigate. There has been a spate of robberies at bookies and at first police think this is another one in the series, but after watching the cctv recording of the women's murders they realise that this is definitely different. The two husbands fall under immediate suspicion but on the surface their marriages appear happy and the men have no reason to want their wives dead. It's unclear exactly who was the intended victim and Fowler, together with his talented sergeant DS Holly Jones, has to widen the net of suspects to include customers and friends. Finding a motive for murdering either woman proves hard until they dig deeper into their lives and find that both women were harbouring big secrets. In fact there are a lot of people here who would prefer the truth not to come out about certain activities. Another woman known to the families is murdered and the baffled detectives have to wonder whether the cases could be connected. When one of Kenny and Lorraine's sons goes missing fears run high for the boy and this muddies the water even further. Just when it starts to look like they have hit a dead end, little links and tiny clues start to emerge and the detectives begin to piece together the awful shocking truth. Anita Waller is the sort of author where you begin reading page one, then suddenly find it has gone dark outside or the bath water is freezing cold, such is her ability to completely engross the reader, and this book is no exception! There are some lovely touches of humour, particularly from Leo, Tom and Holly, which were a welcome addition, and I also liked the inclusion of local words such as fettle. The characters are skillfully drawn, and come to life as you feel you immediately know them, and some like Tom and Holly are very engaging. On a serious note, the book serves to highlight the alarming security failings of some industries like bookmakers, where often a single person is made very vulnerable and an easy target for crime, something that urgently needs addressing. It's a great whodunit, with me suspecting just about everyone at some point. Even when I was nearing the end and I thought I had it all sussed, the author turned the tables on me with a "did you really think it was that simple?" moment and I realized I had succumbed to her misdirection and clever writing once again! Can't recommend this enough! 5*
June 10, 2020
I know that I can always rely on Anita for a great read each time she releases a new book, and Gamble is exactly that. Beginning with the violent death of two women in a book-makers, the plot deepens as it examines a number of characters motivations.
There are secrets, twists and turns with each new chapter, and just when I thought the murders were solved, another spanner gets thrown into the works and completely shocks me. I did not see that ending coming!
I really enjoyed this story and found all the elements of the investigation interesting. There are quite a few characters to get to know, but that is done quickly. Anita is one of the few authors who can create characters who I change my mind about so drastically. I began the book liking someone but the end felt like I needed to borrow DS Jones's baseball bat!
Thanks Anita for yet another fantastic book.
There are secrets, twists and turns with each new chapter, and just when I thought the murders were solved, another spanner gets thrown into the works and completely shocks me. I did not see that ending coming!
I really enjoyed this story and found all the elements of the investigation interesting. There are quite a few characters to get to know, but that is done quickly. Anita is one of the few authors who can create characters who I change my mind about so drastically. I began the book liking someone but the end felt like I needed to borrow DS Jones's baseball bat!
Thanks Anita for yet another fantastic book.
July 11, 2020
One of the girls have picked this book for our mini book club. Mine arrived 2 weeks after everyone else had already finished reading theirs. I was told it was a book that you couldn't put down. I agree, it's a good thriller, really well written, much better than i expected it was going to be, it's almost as good as if it was written by Jo Nesbo ;)
June 4, 2020
I have read many books by this extremely talented author and have never been disappointed.
The story centres around the death of 2 friends whilst at work in a bookmakers. Was it a robbery gone wrong or cold blooded murder.
As the police start to investigate, the lives of the victims husbands are picked apart and they become suspects. Then to complicate matters further, the son of one of the victims disappears.
This is a real page turner with many twists and turns. I read this in a day, it was difficult to put down as I felt the story was so gripping. A book I highly recommend to crime fiction fans. Five stars
The story centres around the death of 2 friends whilst at work in a bookmakers. Was it a robbery gone wrong or cold blooded murder.
As the police start to investigate, the lives of the victims husbands are picked apart and they become suspects. Then to complicate matters further, the son of one of the victims disappears.
This is a real page turner with many twists and turns. I read this in a day, it was difficult to put down as I felt the story was so gripping. A book I highly recommend to crime fiction fans. Five stars
May 23, 2020
IT WAS BLOODY BRILLIANT!! A police procedural like no other, it gave me the entire world of the cops and the victims and their loved ones. Every detail added to the complexity of the story where I was right in the center of it.
Kenny and Graham were childhood friends with a secret between them that bonded them for life. Their wives Carla and Lorraine too were best of friends who did everything together and were killed together. Cops were called with Tom and Holly leading the team.
My first book by this author, and believe me, I was blown away. Starting slow, it laid out the foundation of the characters and the murders. Then it built up its pace and momentum, and a twist every few pages changed the way I looked at the characters.
The author was a complete storyteller; I couldn't even begin to write how much I loved reading this. Every single subplot was weaved in seamlessly. The entire experience made me awestruck at the sheer talent that the author had.
There story rose on crescendo as the pages turned, each reveal called to me and poured a shot of adrenaline in my veins. I left everything just to get to the end of the story. Absolutely banging and totally unexpected.
I loved the book!!
Kenny and Graham were childhood friends with a secret between them that bonded them for life. Their wives Carla and Lorraine too were best of friends who did everything together and were killed together. Cops were called with Tom and Holly leading the team.
My first book by this author, and believe me, I was blown away. Starting slow, it laid out the foundation of the characters and the murders. Then it built up its pace and momentum, and a twist every few pages changed the way I looked at the characters.
The author was a complete storyteller; I couldn't even begin to write how much I loved reading this. Every single subplot was weaved in seamlessly. The entire experience made me awestruck at the sheer talent that the author had.
There story rose on crescendo as the pages turned, each reveal called to me and poured a shot of adrenaline in my veins. I left everything just to get to the end of the story. Absolutely banging and totally unexpected.
I loved the book!!
May 18, 2020
This is a great read and one that had me up to the early hours as I just had to know how it ended.
Graham and Kenny have been friends for a long time and even when they get married and have a family, they stay close.
Something from the past ties them together but then a tragic event means their lives will never be the same.
The loss they both suffer sees them hell bent on revenge but neither of them knows where to start.
The Police search for clues to the identity of the killer but struggle at first to find out why this happened on a quiet Saturday morning.
Both families are hiding something and as the book progresses more and more is revealed.
I loved the way the book built up to an exciting conclusion and it really did have me racing through the pages.
This is a great read that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Anita Waller for sending me a copy to read.
Graham and Kenny have been friends for a long time and even when they get married and have a family, they stay close.
Something from the past ties them together but then a tragic event means their lives will never be the same.
The loss they both suffer sees them hell bent on revenge but neither of them knows where to start.
The Police search for clues to the identity of the killer but struggle at first to find out why this happened on a quiet Saturday morning.
Both families are hiding something and as the book progresses more and more is revealed.
I loved the way the book built up to an exciting conclusion and it really did have me racing through the pages.
This is a great read that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Anita Waller for sending me a copy to read.
May 21, 2020
Best friends Carla and Lorraine work together in the bookmakers - and die together.
DI Tom Fowler and his team have to find their killer before they strike again. When a secret journal is found, it’s not long before Carla and Lorraine’s husbands are the main suspects.
This is a story of secrets, lies and affairs that had me gripped from the beginning. Just when you think you know who done it, your theory gets turned on it’s head! This is a great psychological thriller with an ending that I did not see coming!
DI Tom Fowler and his team have to find their killer before they strike again. When a secret journal is found, it’s not long before Carla and Lorraine’s husbands are the main suspects.
This is a story of secrets, lies and affairs that had me gripped from the beginning. Just when you think you know who done it, your theory gets turned on it’s head! This is a great psychological thriller with an ending that I did not see coming!
March 29, 2023
This book makes you constantly question who done it?
Love Wallers work and also love the fact I am a named character in it.
Sell done Anita on another great read. Xx
Love Wallers work and also love the fact I am a named character in it.
Sell done Anita on another great read. Xx
October 26, 2023
Wow - quite the mind blowing ending in this one!!
May 3, 2021
A fantastic read. I've never been disappointed with this author's books and this one is superb. It's the ordinary characters that become not so ordinary. An intriguing plot which evolves around the shooting of the two female workers during a burglary of a betting shop. The plot and characters draw you in . So much more to the story than we are led to believe. I had no idea who was guilty of doing what. A gripping read from start to finish. A definite 5 stars.
May 5, 2024
Oh my goodness this was so good!
Two woman shot dead in a robbery at work in a bookmakers. Tom and Holly are on the case to find out just who exactly is guilty of their murders.
The characters were so well written that you immediately connect with them, you know them, and my god you’re invested in finding out exactly what happened, how, why and who done it. There are twists and shocking turns along the way, none more so than in the final words! All delivered with perfect narration.
Excellent
Two woman shot dead in a robbery at work in a bookmakers. Tom and Holly are on the case to find out just who exactly is guilty of their murders.
The characters were so well written that you immediately connect with them, you know them, and my god you’re invested in finding out exactly what happened, how, why and who done it. There are twists and shocking turns along the way, none more so than in the final words! All delivered with perfect narration.
Excellent
January 10, 2024
Another excellent book by this author!
June 2, 2020
This book was fantastic. I am often so disappointed with some of the books I read and find myself skipping through the book as I am so bored with the predictable and sometimes unbelievable content. This book was different. I was excited to read it and wanted to know what was going to happen next. Definitely 5 stars.
April 26, 2023
For me this book was barely good enough to justify 3 stars. There are things about it I liked but there was plenty to dislike as well and the surprising twist at the end was more than just improbable; it was ridiculous.
The book begins with a relatively minor crime committed by two boys in their teens, a crime that indirectly leads to the death of a senior. Bonded for life by their shared secret, they remain friends as they get older and start families. The men remain close and their wives work together in a local betting office, where they are one day brutally murdered in a suspiciously-timed theft recorded on security cameras. So far, so good -- for the reader anyway.
I decided to listen to the audiobook of this novel after reading the bio of the author. Waller started writing late in life and started to enjoy real success in her late sixties and early seventies. I thought I might be starting a ‘granny-cozy’ but nothing could be further from the truth. The book is quite gritty and gripping in parts so, bad on me for sliding into age and gender stereotypes. The narrative could easily have been written by a hard-nosed, tech-savvy person in her twenties. This is all to the good.
On the negative side I think the police are depicted are thoroughly reprehensible people. This alone is enough to make me doubt I’ll read more by this author. There is also much information withheld throughout the narrative and many of these are used by the police to ambush the people involved. DI Tom Fowler discovers a journal that one of the murdered women kept and it creates a counter-narrative to the unfolding story. I hate the unreliable narrator device and this is central to this story. The two husbands cannot be involved in the deaths of their wives but, magically, they are shown to be guilty. Minor characters with no involvement in the events are revealed to have masterminded a hugely improbable double-double cross that makes everything read up to that point to be irrelevant.
I have to acknowledge that the author’s plotting is creative and surprising but I found it to be completely unconvincing. I actually had to re-wind the listen to the last parts again to try to find any logical progression that explained the twists, all to no avail. It wasn’t a completely awful book but I doubt I’ll read another.
The book begins with a relatively minor crime committed by two boys in their teens, a crime that indirectly leads to the death of a senior. Bonded for life by their shared secret, they remain friends as they get older and start families. The men remain close and their wives work together in a local betting office, where they are one day brutally murdered in a suspiciously-timed theft recorded on security cameras. So far, so good -- for the reader anyway.
I decided to listen to the audiobook of this novel after reading the bio of the author. Waller started writing late in life and started to enjoy real success in her late sixties and early seventies. I thought I might be starting a ‘granny-cozy’ but nothing could be further from the truth. The book is quite gritty and gripping in parts so, bad on me for sliding into age and gender stereotypes. The narrative could easily have been written by a hard-nosed, tech-savvy person in her twenties. This is all to the good.
On the negative side I think the police are depicted are thoroughly reprehensible people. This alone is enough to make me doubt I’ll read more by this author. There is also much information withheld throughout the narrative and many of these are used by the police to ambush the people involved. DI Tom Fowler discovers a journal that one of the murdered women kept and it creates a counter-narrative to the unfolding story. I hate the unreliable narrator device and this is central to this story. The two husbands cannot be involved in the deaths of their wives but, magically, they are shown to be guilty. Minor characters with no involvement in the events are revealed to have masterminded a hugely improbable double-double cross that makes everything read up to that point to be irrelevant.
I have to acknowledge that the author’s plotting is creative and surprising but I found it to be completely unconvincing. I actually had to re-wind the listen to the last parts again to try to find any logical progression that explained the twists, all to no avail. It wasn’t a completely awful book but I doubt I’ll read another.
August 24, 2021
With lots of characters and sub-plots, this is a real page turner. Graham Andrews and Kenny West become tied for life when a petty crime goes wrong in their youth. So when the story jumps forward 20 years and the two are supporting each other through a tragedy, it is only natural that they are as one in their plans for revenge.
Anita uses the technique of giving almost every character in the book a good motive and then throwing the unexpected bit in at the end. Except you knew to expect it with this method of crime writing.
Although i found it a bit disappointing in this respect, she knows how to write twisty relationships and tense scenes. DI Tom Fowler and his team work well together and the way they investigated was the strongest part of the novel.
This was my first Anita Waller and I enjoyed it, but will need to read another one to be convinced of an original style.
Anita uses the technique of giving almost every character in the book a good motive and then throwing the unexpected bit in at the end. Except you knew to expect it with this method of crime writing.
Although i found it a bit disappointing in this respect, she knows how to write twisty relationships and tense scenes. DI Tom Fowler and his team work well together and the way they investigated was the strongest part of the novel.
This was my first Anita Waller and I enjoyed it, but will need to read another one to be convinced of an original style.
August 30, 2020
I'd have given this a 5 star rating....and, almost did anyway.
But the very End really spoiled the feeling of enjoyment I'd had right up until that point.
Darn!
Because till then, I really enjoyed the read.
(as I have all the Anita Waller books I've read so far.),
I'm not saying 'Don't read it' tho!
Just that for me, .......the ending has left a very BAD feeling...that I can't shake.
Sigh...........
But the very End really spoiled the feeling of enjoyment I'd had right up until that point.
Darn!
Because till then, I really enjoyed the read.
(as I have all the Anita Waller books I've read so far.),
I'm not saying 'Don't read it' tho!
Just that for me, .......the ending has left a very BAD feeling...that I can't shake.
Sigh...........
May 19, 2020
Just brilliant, loved every page, every twist and turn and I was gripped from the very first chapter. The style of writing I really enjoyed and Anita keeps kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
Overall this was a gripping thriller with great, well developed characters and an ending you will never guess.
I have not hesitation in recommending this book.
Overall this was a gripping thriller with great, well developed characters and an ending you will never guess.
I have not hesitation in recommending this book.
June 16, 2020
Excellent read
Very good book ,with a twist you wouldn't expect . I am never disappointed with Anita Waller's books Highly recommended
Very good book ,with a twist you wouldn't expect . I am never disappointed with Anita Waller's books Highly recommended
January 22, 2024
Initially was quite enjoying this, but the last third went on a bit of a weird tangent, started to feel a bit uneasy when holly became a bit obsessed with the journal, and the ending just spoilt it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
It is no secret if you follow my blog that I am a huge fan of Anita’s work. A born storyteller, every book she releases just turns to gold and Gamble is no exception. I absolutely loved this book and I think you will too!
Full of secrets, lies and deceit, Gamble is a real page turner and hits the ground running right from the get go. It has an intricate plot that draws you in and sweeps you up into its drama, where you find yourself unable to tear yourself away for even a moment! The tone of the book is set very early on and it continues throughout as Anita takes you on a wild ride full of twists and turns, in the lead up to its thrilling conclusion.
All of the characters have been well developed and very well written. The characters of DI Tom Fowler and DS Holly Jones are a match made in heaven and are the real standouts in the story. They have been written so perfectly and work so well together, that I would love to see them featured again in another book or even better, a new series (hint hint, nudge nudge!)
There are many things that Anita excels at, but I think what I admire the most about her as an author is, she is definitely a risk taker and no one is safe! Her plots are always unique, fresh and original, as are her characters, but just don’t get to close to them… Most importantly though, is how she engages her readers through her writing which is always flawless and connects with you immediately.
If you have not been exposed to Anita’s work, you are definitely missing out! Gamble is a great addition to a bibliography that is already full of first class reads, so do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of Gamble today! You won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to Anita Waller for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Gamble which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Full of secrets, lies and deceit, Gamble is a real page turner and hits the ground running right from the get go. It has an intricate plot that draws you in and sweeps you up into its drama, where you find yourself unable to tear yourself away for even a moment! The tone of the book is set very early on and it continues throughout as Anita takes you on a wild ride full of twists and turns, in the lead up to its thrilling conclusion.
All of the characters have been well developed and very well written. The characters of DI Tom Fowler and DS Holly Jones are a match made in heaven and are the real standouts in the story. They have been written so perfectly and work so well together, that I would love to see them featured again in another book or even better, a new series (hint hint, nudge nudge!)
There are many things that Anita excels at, but I think what I admire the most about her as an author is, she is definitely a risk taker and no one is safe! Her plots are always unique, fresh and original, as are her characters, but just don’t get to close to them… Most importantly though, is how she engages her readers through her writing which is always flawless and connects with you immediately.
If you have not been exposed to Anita’s work, you are definitely missing out! Gamble is a great addition to a bibliography that is already full of first class reads, so do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of Gamble today! You won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to Anita Waller for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Gamble which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
May 24, 2021
Absolutely phenomenal.
I was completely hooked on this book pretty quickly after the first chapter I just knew it was going to be one I didn't want to put down. Of course I was right I tried to read it in one go, however I could not do it, I have in the past but now I just have to accept I am ill and it's becoming increasingly difficult to read in one go any book now, in some ways I think it might be better to stretch out such a magnificent book.... I do not use the words magnificent or the word phenomenal lightly I also do not use them if I do not mean them either. .I am disappointed the book is finished I just wanted to continue reading more and more obviously ever book comes to a end and what a ending it was it just blew me away. Never would I have guessed the outcome of this book. In fact I am still trying to pick my jaw up of the floor, with so many twists and turns it was amazingly good book that doesn't cover his good of a book it really was but trust me when I say it's most definitely a jaw dropper of a book. I have read most of not all Anita Waller books and everyone have been brilliant however I have to say without question this is most definitely the best by far. I am still in I don't believe it more just thinking about it, life genius brilliant. You can check out all my reviews on books and you will see this is something I dey rarely say. If you only read one book this year it's got to be this one. I have read quite a few good books lately but none as good as this I will be hard pushed to equal another one to thix. I really do mean that so much THIS AS GOT I BE THE READ OF THE YEAR SO FAR. I ALSO BELIEVE IT WILL REMAIN THIS WAY A MUST MUST READ I CAN NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK ENOUGH
I was completely hooked on this book pretty quickly after the first chapter I just knew it was going to be one I didn't want to put down. Of course I was right I tried to read it in one go, however I could not do it, I have in the past but now I just have to accept I am ill and it's becoming increasingly difficult to read in one go any book now, in some ways I think it might be better to stretch out such a magnificent book.... I do not use the words magnificent or the word phenomenal lightly I also do not use them if I do not mean them either. .I am disappointed the book is finished I just wanted to continue reading more and more obviously ever book comes to a end and what a ending it was it just blew me away. Never would I have guessed the outcome of this book. In fact I am still trying to pick my jaw up of the floor, with so many twists and turns it was amazingly good book that doesn't cover his good of a book it really was but trust me when I say it's most definitely a jaw dropper of a book. I have read most of not all Anita Waller books and everyone have been brilliant however I have to say without question this is most definitely the best by far. I am still in I don't believe it more just thinking about it, life genius brilliant. You can check out all my reviews on books and you will see this is something I dey rarely say. If you only read one book this year it's got to be this one. I have read quite a few good books lately but none as good as this I will be hard pushed to equal another one to thix. I really do mean that so much THIS AS GOT I BE THE READ OF THE YEAR SO FAR. I ALSO BELIEVE IT WILL REMAIN THIS WAY A MUST MUST READ I CAN NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK ENOUGH
April 27, 2021
Take a punt on this fab read!
When Graham Andrews and Kenny West find themselves bound together when a juvenile misadventure ends tragically, they had no idea that years later the seeds of karma would ripen and tragedy would befall them.
The senseless murder of two young bookmakers brings DI Tom Fowler and his colleagues into the lives of two young families and a close knit community trying to come to terms with their grief.
As the investigation throws light on infidelities and potential hidden motives Fowler makes a break through when he uncovers one of the women had a secret, and a voice from beyond the grave reveals regret and lies hidden behind closed doors. Unfortunately as he is buoyed by this discovery the investigation is rocked by another murder and one of the initial victims teenage son’s going missing.
Anita Waller’s ‘Gamble’ is a great read and reminiscent of classic British TV crime dramas like Midsomer Murders, A touch of Frost and Lewis in the way she deftly cuts the narrative scene by scene giving the novel a very visual, screenplay feel. We are dropped right into the middle of a twisting story that cuts across time and families and is set in the type of small community where incestuous secrets are the life blood of gossip. This wasn’t just a whodunnit but a whydunnit, also posing the question of culpability and the how impact of idle chatter could have much wider impacts and perhaps deadly repercussions.
Thoroughly enjoyable read, with a likeable cast of characters and just enough doubt to keep you guessing right to the bitter end.
Wholly recommended
When Graham Andrews and Kenny West find themselves bound together when a juvenile misadventure ends tragically, they had no idea that years later the seeds of karma would ripen and tragedy would befall them.
The senseless murder of two young bookmakers brings DI Tom Fowler and his colleagues into the lives of two young families and a close knit community trying to come to terms with their grief.
As the investigation throws light on infidelities and potential hidden motives Fowler makes a break through when he uncovers one of the women had a secret, and a voice from beyond the grave reveals regret and lies hidden behind closed doors. Unfortunately as he is buoyed by this discovery the investigation is rocked by another murder and one of the initial victims teenage son’s going missing.
Anita Waller’s ‘Gamble’ is a great read and reminiscent of classic British TV crime dramas like Midsomer Murders, A touch of Frost and Lewis in the way she deftly cuts the narrative scene by scene giving the novel a very visual, screenplay feel. We are dropped right into the middle of a twisting story that cuts across time and families and is set in the type of small community where incestuous secrets are the life blood of gossip. This wasn’t just a whodunnit but a whydunnit, also posing the question of culpability and the how impact of idle chatter could have much wider impacts and perhaps deadly repercussions.
Thoroughly enjoyable read, with a likeable cast of characters and just enough doubt to keep you guessing right to the bitter end.
Wholly recommended
January 24, 2025
HOLY MOLY
Probably one of the best who dunnits I’ve read! Genuinely kept you guessing the whole way through. The book was so busy with so many POVs, different characters and new information but that ending completely came out of no where in the best way!! Brilliant!
I did think the romance between Holly and Tom was going to become part of the story somehow as it was focused on a lot but had no baring on anything to do with the plot really but I’m a sucker for a lil romance so it didn’t take anything away but didn’t really add anything either.
Probably one of the best who dunnits I’ve read! Genuinely kept you guessing the whole way through. The book was so busy with so many POVs, different characters and new information but that ending completely came out of no where in the best way!! Brilliant!
I did think the romance between Holly and Tom was going to become part of the story somehow as it was focused on a lot but had no baring on anything to do with the plot really but I’m a sucker for a lil romance so it didn’t take anything away but didn’t really add anything either.
June 24, 2020
Wow, what a book! The characters were very well drawn out and the ending was a triumph. With all the comings and goings of the various people I felt a part of the novel as I could 'see' all the different scenarios and relationships come alive in front of my eyes. This is my second Anita Waller novel and I'm now onto my third, that's how good I believe she is. To be recommended to anyone who enjoys unravelling a puzzle.
January 7, 2022
I enjoyed this book. It had lots of twists and turns which kept me guessing until the end.
It starts with Kenny and Graham being involved in a burglary that goes wrong, this bonds them as friends for life. Then the book jumps ahead to Kenny and Graham's wives Carla and Lorraine being brutally killed together at work in the bookmakers. Everyone comes under suspicion at some point, and the ultimate conclusion was quite surprising.
It starts with Kenny and Graham being involved in a burglary that goes wrong, this bonds them as friends for life. Then the book jumps ahead to Kenny and Graham's wives Carla and Lorraine being brutally killed together at work in the bookmakers. Everyone comes under suspicion at some point, and the ultimate conclusion was quite surprising.
February 9, 2023
a book that cannot be put down until the conclusion!
Wow! What a story! From the first page to the last it kept you guessing. Many times changing opinion of who could have murdered the women and what was the motive? It made you think that you are not always aware of what goes on behind closed doors with families. Many secrets are held.
Second book I have read by this author - throughly enjoyed it. Will definitely be reading others.
Wow! What a story! From the first page to the last it kept you guessing. Many times changing opinion of who could have murdered the women and what was the motive? It made you think that you are not always aware of what goes on behind closed doors with families. Many secrets are held.
Second book I have read by this author - throughly enjoyed it. Will definitely be reading others.
May 7, 2024
Absolutely loved this book, listened on audiable first I've listened / read of this author and was not disappointed.
A detective story at its best with so many possibilities of who could be responsible for the murders of Carla and Lorraine friends and co-workers. With so many other aspects as family, betrayal, and so much more put into the story making it a complete masterpiece right until the very end.. !!!
Look forward to reading more by Anita Waller
4.5⭐️
A detective story at its best with so many possibilities of who could be responsible for the murders of Carla and Lorraine friends and co-workers. With so many other aspects as family, betrayal, and so much more put into the story making it a complete masterpiece right until the very end.. !!!
Look forward to reading more by Anita Waller
4.5⭐️
January 20, 2021
What a wonderful read. A thoroughly enjoyable read, I wanted to read it all day long, blow the house work, but we do have to eat. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a thrilling experience. Well done I’d like another thriller please. Where do these writers get their ideas from.
Read it all over again. Thank you most enjoyable. I would recommend it to all my friends. Thank you I did not want to put it down. Thanks!
Read it all over again. Thank you most enjoyable. I would recommend it to all my friends. Thank you I did not want to put it down. Thanks!
May 31, 2021
Not for me
Sadly there’s far too much swearing after reading 40 pages therefore I’m rejecting it. Shame really as I would’ve liked very much to see how all the families dealt with it. In my opinion swearing and profanity are unwanted in any book as it’s not necessary to make the reader turn pages quickly. It totally spoils it. However, I’m sure others will enjoy this book.
Sadly there’s far too much swearing after reading 40 pages therefore I’m rejecting it. Shame really as I would’ve liked very much to see how all the families dealt with it. In my opinion swearing and profanity are unwanted in any book as it’s not necessary to make the reader turn pages quickly. It totally spoils it. However, I’m sure others will enjoy this book.
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