Bad Blood

Gallowburn #2

by Heather Atkinson

If you can't trust your family, who can you trust...?

Glasgow gangster Jamie Gray and his fellow Blood Brothers rule the Gallowburn Estate with an iron fist. No one messes around on their turf without consequences.

But when Jamie’s erstwhile dad, Jason Gray, reappears after many years away - some of them spent behind bars - the Blood Brothers are drawn into the murky and dangerous world of the toughest gangster of them all – The Queen of Glasgow, Toni McVay.

Toni is the head of the most powerful organised crime family in Scotland and, as the psychotic leader enjoys scooping out the eyeballs of those who displease her, Jamie has no option but to do her bidding.

With the love of his life Allegra still missing, his enemies closing in, and his family’s safety at risk, Jamie Gray faces the battle of his life. But with his father’s bad blood running through his veins, and the bravery and brains he has inherited from his mother Jackie, Jamie has all the tools he needs to survive.

410 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2021

About the author

**MY NEXT TRADITIONALLY PUBLISHED BOOK, A SAVAGE INHERITANCE (SAVAGE SISTERS SERIES #4) IS NOW AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON PRICED £2.84. RELEASE DATE 7TH OCTOBER 2024**

**MY NEXT SELF PUBLISHED BOOK, DEADLY GAMES (BLAGGER'S CODE SERIES #6) WILL BE RELEASED ON 29TH SEPTEMBER 2024 ONLY ON AMAZON KINDLE**

Author of over seventy books so far. Living on the beautiful west coast of Scotland with my husband, twin daughters and a cat called Mavis, although I am originally from Lancashire in the north of England.

My tastes in all things are eclectic, which extends to my writing. Although I primarily write crime books - especially gangland thrillers - I also write gothic historical romance and fantasy. I publish on Amazon Kindle and some of my novels are available in paperback too. I also have a traditional publishing contract with Boldwood Books.

When I'm not writing - which isn't very often - I enjoy reading Daphne Du Maurier, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, MR James and the Brontes, among many others. I also enjoy swimming, walking and spending time with my family.

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gallowburn Series Book 2

Glasgow gangster Jamie Gray and his fellow Blood Brothers rule the Gallowburn estate with an iron fist. But when Jamie's erstwhile dad, Jason Gray, reappears after many years away - some of them spent behind bars - the Blood Brothers are drawn into a murky and dangerous world of the toughest gangster of them all - the Queen of Glasgow, Toni McVay, Toni is the head of the most powerful organised crime family in Scotland and the psychotic leader enjoys scooping the eyeballs of those who displease her.

I did not know that this was the second book in the series when I requested this book. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read the first book. I feel I have missed out on some of the backstory. The streets of Gallowburn are now drug free, Jamie is missing his girlfriend Allegra, his absent dad, Jason is back and the trial is getting him down. There's also some humour thrown in throughout the book.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #HeatherAtkinson for my ARC of #BloodBrothers in exchange for an honest review.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Blood is the second thrilling instalment in the Gallowburn series set on and around the notorious Gallowburn Estate in Glasgow, Scotland. Jamie Gray and his friends, known as the Blood Brothers, are back to keep those around the estate they call home under control including the crime rate, drug dealing and any other shady business. Unfortunately, this was not to last and although the Blood's had cleaned up their act there was an even more brutal and disturbing gang ready to take their place and claim Gallowburn as their territory. There had already been an attempted rape as well as multiple assaults and muggings and the residents turn to Jamie and co to put a stop to the increasingly terrifying behaviour. Jamie reminds them that Gallowburn is theirs unless they’d like a holiday to intensive care. Jamie’s also struggling as he misses Allegra, the woman he loves, but she's safer in exile hiding far away from Scotland's shores as her own father, Cameron Abernethy, had tried to kill her. Jamie is lost without her by his side and it's clear to see that not even the bonds of blood preclude you from being targeted by violence. Meanwhile, Cameron’s trial gets underway at Glasgow High Court and he's charged with murdering his daughter, Allegra, Jamie is the only one who knows that she's still alive, and attempting to murder Jamie too. They are hoping Allegra staying away will help the court to conclude that she's dead.

With such a dangerous they feel it's their best chance to get him put away for the good of the entire family. In another plot thread, Jamie's long-estranged father, Jason, shows up at his mother Jackie’s house. He had just gotten out of prison three months ago for robbery and claimed he was ready now to be a father. Rightly, the family are suspicious that he has an ulterior motive and soon they discover they were correct; he was back because he had shared a cell with one of Toni McVay’s thugs - known as the Queen of Glasgow and the kingpin of the most feared gangster family in Scotland - and she had taken him under her wing because he knew Gallowburn well. Toni believed that the Blood’s having driven out all the dealers in the area left it free and clear for her product to be distributed there. This is one of the few areas that has remained out of her reach, but she’s seen its potential and wants to bring the scheme under her control. Can Jamie hold it together and keep Toni’s ’psychos’ off his turf? This is a brilliant, riveting sequel to Blood Brothers and has enough drama, twists and gritty gangland action to keep you entertained and glued to the pages throughout. It's powerful, with lots of badass characters who are embedded in the local Glaswegian underworld but in their heart is a fierce love and unbridled passion for protecting their family. It's fast-paced with some snarky humour woven in and if you enjoy gangland drama you'll love this. Highly recommended.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Brothers is my first read from author Heather Atkinson, and now I consider myself a new fan. This is a gripping, page-turned that I had trouble setting down.

Crime novels involving gangs is a plot setup for a cracking read, and Blood Brothers is just that. I was engaged the entire time. I loved the tension, the feeling of anxiety as I watched the main character try to get through this crazy situation.

I loved the characters too. Part of the reason this book was so compelling, is the characters were real. The bad guys felt bad, and the good guys were relatable.

Unpredictable and truly fast-paced. Highly recommended.

[Tammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

No matter how many books Heather writes she out does herself over and over. The blood brothers carty on the keeping the estate in an orderly fashion when a piece of Jamie's unwanted past turns up, things may seem like it's going to work out but ulterior methods are soon made. Who turns put to be the one on top when father and son fight then the father is all out set not to lose

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to be back on the fictional Gallowburn estate in Glasgow. The scheme as it is referred to is rough, poverty-stricken and has spread to cover a huge area, but essentially it contains good people who still know what it is like to live in a community and look out for their neighbours. However, no one goes to the police – they rely on the Blood Brothers instead to sort out their problems. Most of the brilliant characters from book one are still there, including psychotic ice-cream man Ephraim, ferocious weapon wielding pub landlady Deirdre and husband Eric, and of course Jamie’s fiercely protective and loyal mother Jackie. Blood Brothers Jamie Gray, Logan, Gary and Digger are still together and right at the start of the book are seen doing what they do best, protecting their turf from three interlopers who are promptly sent packing, much to the approval of the Reverend Valerie Brown who Gary has a massive crush on. The story begins with the trial of Cameron Abernethy for the murder of his daughter Allegra and the attempted murder of Jamie. Of course Jamie and the reader know that Allegra is still alive, having neatly set up her father. Although from a completely different background, she was perfect in terms of strength and mentality for Jamie and he never gives up hope that one day they can be reunited. Giving evidence is gruelling for Jamie and then to cap it all a suited and booted man appears on their doorstep. It doesn’t take Jackie more than two seconds to tell Jason Gray to sling his hook! The waste of space who beat her and Jamie and drunk his way though all their money is most certainly not welcome after eight years apart. Causing trouble to get Jamie’s attention, it transpires he’s been in prison for robbery, and now sober apparently wants to make amends. In an illegal way, of course, offering the Blood Brothers the chance to work for the notorious Toni McVay, aka the Queen of Glasgow and head one of the most feared families in Scotland. It’s a big no from Jamie, who hasn’t rid the Gallowburn of all the dealers just to invite another one in. However, to keep his eyeballs in place, he has a suggestion that both sides are happy with and goes away to await further instructions via his father.
On bail at his home awaiting the verdict of his trial, Cameron Abernethy is not a happy man. He strongly suspects Allegra set him up, and is still alive and somehow in touch with Jamie. He employs a man called Mullen, a hard man private detective to find his daughter and then not only will he gain his freedom, but he has plans to really make her suffer for what she has done.
As Jamie gets closer to Jason and further into the employ of the McVays, he realises how much danger he is being dragged into. His hands are full enough taking care of their business, without being under the watchful eye of Mullen and of course there is always the prospect of retribution from sworn enemies the Lawsons as well. But the Blood Brothers are a formidable team and with a born leader like Jamie, surely they can handle any threat to themselves and the peace of the Gallowburn? This will be their biggest test yet.
There is a lot of humour in the story and light-hearted moments, like the thought of Digger’s mother using her best wool to knit them balaclavas, and Jamie’s mum, Jackie, still posing a scary threat with her frying pan! There is lots of action and gritty language as might be expected, and once again it was a highly enjoyable read, not horrific or purely out to shock like a lot of gang stories, but as much about love, life and loyalty. It’s not a necessity to have read book one but I would very much recommend doing so, if only for the fact it’s a fantastic story and gives the introduction to these great characters that this book then builds upon. I am very much looking forward to another instalment in this series. 5*

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read, loved and reviewed the first book in the ‘Gallowburn Series’ called ‘Blood Brothers’. When I heard that the second book in the series was to be released, I knew that I just had to read the book as soon as I could. When I managed to get my hands on a copy, I squirreled myself away and I didn’t re-emerge until I had read the very last word on the very last page. I really enjoyed reading ‘Bad Blood’ but more about that in a bit.
As soon as I started to read I felt as though I was back there on the Gallowburn Estate and before long I was left feeling that I had never been away. I have to be honest and say that most of the characters in ‘Bad Blood’ scared the crap out of me but then I am a bit of a wimp. The ease with which they switched from being calm one minute to beating the crap out of somebody the next minute sent a shiver down my spine. To say that reading ‘Bad Blood’ became addictive is a massive understatement. In fact I couldn’t have put this book down if I had tried. The book seemed to have developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn’t willing to break. I simply had to keep reading to see if things got worse for certain characters and to see if others managed to crawl their way out of trouble. I found ‘Bad Blood’ to be a gripping and gritty read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Bad Blood’ is brilliantly written but then I have found that to be true of all of Heather’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading. She certainly knows how to start the story with a bang, which grabs your attention and draws you in. She then takes you on one hell of a journey. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘Bad Blood’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I must admit that I almost had to read through my fingers at times because I feared what was going to happen next. ‘Bad Blood’ is certainly one hell of a gritty, dramatic, scary, tense, fast paced read.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Bad Blood’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Heather’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gritty, gutsy and not for the faint of heart, Bad Blood is a chilling, creepy and captivating gangland thriller by Heather Atkinson that will leave readers with their jaws on the floor.

The Gallowburn Estate in Glasgow is the sole domain of the Blood Brothers. Run by Jamie Gray, nothing happens on the estate without the Blood Brothers knowing about it – and that’s exactly how it will stay. The Estate is ruled with an iron fist and nobody wants to get on the wrong side of Jamie Gray and his gang. The Blood Brothers do not scare easily. Nothing and nobody intimidates Glasgow’s toughest gang – until Jamie’s erstwhile father comes back after years away and plunges them headlong into danger and straight into the path of the toughest gangster of them all: Toni McVay, the queen of Glasgow. Have the Blood Brothers finally met their match?

Toni is absolutely ruthless. As somebody who has no morals or scruples, blood-thirsty Toni doesn’t let anyone get in her way. Staying on the right side of her is absolutely imperative and Jamie must do her bidding because if he displeases her in any way, shape or form, the consequences simply do not bear thinking about. Jamie has a lot to lose. With the love of his life Allegra missing, Jamie has his enemies snapping at his heels waiting for his downfall His family’s well-being is in jeopardy and the only one who can keep them safe is Jamie.

Can Jamie rise to the challenge and protect the ones he loves? Or is he about to lose everything?

Heather Atkinson is at her dark and disturbing best with her addictive new gangland thriller, Bad Blood. Full of twists and turns and plenty of dramatic revelations that will have readers jumping out of their skin and hiding behind the sofa, Bad Blood is a high stakes and high octane page-turner in the tradition of Martina Cole.

A book that is next to impossible to put down, Heather Atkinson’s Bad Blood is an immensely enjoyable thriller that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glaswegian Jamie Gray is head of the Blood Brothers, offering a protection racket on the Gallowburn estate. His gang are respected for removing drugs and keeping the peace. But the peace is shattered when Jamie's dad is released from prison and tries to start drug trafficking from another Glasgow gangster Toni McVey. Meanwhile Jamie is embroiled in the court case against his girlfriend's father and alleged murderer but Allegra is secretly waiting abroad for him...
Bad Blood throws you into the action straight away and doesn't let up! This is the second book in the series but the first that I have read. There is a continuance of plotlines from the first book and the author catches us up quickly.
Jamie is an intriguing lead character. His actions are questionable but he has a sense of honour that makes him likeable. He is devoted to his Blood Brothers as well as his family and girlfriend Allegra. The arrival of his dad makes him consider his role in the community but he attempts to stay true to his mum's values. He seems quite mature but is in fact only in his early 20s.
Being a gritty crime thriller, there is violence, and danger is never very far away. I admit that I did get a little weary of the frying pan wielding and eyeball gouging references. However they did show that strength of reputation is important to maintaining position!
I enjoyed the dialogue which had an authentic feel and fully evoked the Scottish accent. This helped to reinforce the setting and brought the characters to life. The book is written in the third person so that we can see multiple perspectives, both the characters we like and those that are trying to destroy them.
Bad Blood is a compelling gang crime thriller and I hope to read the first in the series as well as find out what happens next! Absolutely loved it!

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This intensely gripping, addictive and action-packed gangland story had me so engrossed that I found it hard to put down. A thrilling page turner that has everything I would expect and much more of this genre. Dangerous and violent, Heather Atkinson had me captivated from the first few chapters.

Based around Jamie Gray of the Gallowburn Estate, and his band of merry men known as the Blood Brothers, this covers his involvement with top dog, irrational, and notorious Toni McVey, thanks to his estranged father who has returned from prison. Toni is not someone to be messed with, and her actions are definitely not for the faint hearted. If any readers are squeamish, there is quite a bit in this to skip through. With a theme of family unity and loyalty weaved effortlessly throughout, there is not anything flawed about this book. The fast-paced plot had me eager to read on late into the night and I read this over two sessions.

Before reading this, I was aware that this is the second instalment to a series, and due to how well it is written, it still works as a stand-alone. Having read the first one would obviously have its advantages, but I don’t think it’s a necessary.

I have never read anything by this author before, but now I have finished Bad Blood, I will definitely be looking for the rest of Heather’s work. A hard-hitting writer that has left me wanting more.

Undoubtedly, a five-star read from me and I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of crime fiction.

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Heather Atkinson, for a gifted digital version of this book, in exchange for a honest review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, what a brilliant continuation from book one, Blood Brothers, which was equally as good.

With Allegra, hiding out in another country to get away from her dad, Jamie is missing his Princess.
He is aware she is alive but the rest of the Blood brothers have no idea and nor does anybody else. It is believed that she was murdered in the hope of having her vile father sent down for life. Meanwhile, on the Gallowburn estate Jamie's father Jason makes an appearance after many years on the missing list, but not before he beat the hell out of Jamie's mum Jackie and half scaring Jamie and his younger brother to death. Jackie is suspicious that he is there to cause trouble but Jason says he is full of remorse for his actions to his family and is trying to make amends.
I really enjoyed this book and there are some interesting characters, Watch out for one to mention is Toni McVay who is the head of a crime family in Scotland and has some weird ways of punishing victims.
That's all I'm going to say!!!

[JayRaeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

💙 Set in Glasgow, Scotland this novel explores the life of Jamie Gray and his fellow Bloodbrothers, and their rivalry with an opposing gang. The gangland setting was extremely exciting in my opinion, and as I don’t read the crime/thriller genre very often, it was also very unique to me! Now to be fair, for someone that reads a lot of crime novels, this type of setting might not be as unique, but the plot is definitely still worth the read!
⠀
💙 This is actually the second book in the Gallowburn series, which I didn’t know until I was part way through the book. 😂 I will definitely be going back and reading the first book, and I hope there will be a third book in this story!
⠀
💙 The crime and gang aspects of this story are interspersed with some fun comedy and a torn-apart-lovers secondary plot, which combined makes this novel a great read! I’m ready to check out some other Heather Atkinson novels.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you thought book one was good wait till you read this very addictive i am a big fan of this author i love the way she has brought one of my favourite characters in Jamie and his friends now have the streets of Gallowburn clean of crime and drugs . Jamie is so missing his princess and with the trial everything getting him down .and in walks his dad again Jason what agenda does he have .as usual there funny bits serious and people who think they are better than the blood brothers and has Jackie found the one . this author never lets you down very very good so recommend all this authors books you wont be disappointed

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the blood brothers series. We meet up with Jamie Gray and his gang as the trial of Cameron gets underway for Jamie’s attempted murder and also the murder of Cameron’s daughter the love of Jamie’s life. Jason Gray comes back into Jamie’s life with apologies for how he treated him and his Mum Jackie but does he have an ulterior motive or is he genuinely sorry. This is an action packed read with lots going on. If gangland crime is your genre then I can highly recommend this series I give it a well deserved five stars

[julie radbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Atkinson does not disappoint

Well what can I say..............
Yet another fantastic book by the brilliant Heather Atkinson, I don't want to give away any spoilers in the book.
If you love crime/gangland with an exceptional string family bond. Then this book is for you, if you love books by Martia Cole and Kimberly Chambers then look out for All books by Heather Atkinson. You will never be disappointed, just upset you hadn't found this author sooner. Happy reading 📚 😊

[Martha Brindley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I might be in the minority with this review as I just failed to get into this book. i really enjoyed the first book but the follow up not so much. Jamie is struggling to come to terms with Allegra, his girlfriend, being absent. The trial is seriously affecting him and his absent dad makes an appearance again. There are some touches of humour throughout but overall, it's just an ok read with no apparent plot or sense of direction. Just my opinion and I thank Net Galley for my ARC.

[Tasha Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Blood is the second book in the Gallowburn series. I have not read book one and in this instance, I feel I would have benefitted from reading these books in order.
Bad Blood is a well written gang world thriller with plenty of tension and drama that kept me engaged throughout.
The pace is a good one and the plot is well developed.
This is a gritty, intense read that lovers of this type of thriller would enjoy.

[EILEEN SHEPPARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

This series just got even better, the continuing saga of the Gallowburn estate was such a fantastic book to read wow. Jamie Grey and the rest of the blood brothers had some intense pressure to deal with in this book but oh my they didn't fail in what they had to do. I don't want to give the plot away and spoil all the excitement but suffice to say if you enjoyed the first book your going to Love this one for its even better.

[Vee Dowdie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fam

Brilliant

I really enjoyed this book.
Jamie's dad reappears in his life and he hopes it's because he wants to try and build a relationship with him but those dreams are shattered when he realised that he's only out for himself as usual. He's working for the McVay family and he drags his son Jamie and his friends (the rest of the blood brothers) into it too.
Can't wait for the next instalment in this seties

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read continuing the story of the boys in the Gallowburn gang / estate. Furthers the threads of the gang and their families, the community as well as furthering the story with the trial of Cameron Abernethy. The introduction of Jamie's dad - Jason Gray - brings Toni McVay and her organised crime family into the bigger picture and sucks the gang into bigger, more dangerous things.

[Biff meechan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Blood

I loved reading about Jamie and his family again.I love the characters especially the main ones,Heather Atkinson does it every time for me she gets the storyline and the characters so right that I believe in the story and can't wait to read more about them ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[John Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping read from start to finish! Tough to read at times but so glad I persevered! Can't wait to see what book 3 holds in store! I highly recommend this series. Best to start from the beginning. You won't regret it!

[Mrs.Catherine Round-Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great author. Great storyline and Great characters

Highly Recommend

[meloney ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad blood

Looking forward to the next book. Really enjoyed reading it. Read it in 2days as I could not put it down

[Shirley Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than ever

Never thought Heather’s books could get better but they have cannot wait for next book hopefully these books are 2 of many more to come

[catherine a connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!

Hugely talented writer characters are immense and the story line keeps you hooked the whole way through!!

Thank you for been such an amazing author!!

[lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant as always

Love these characters and the strange comedy aspect of a crime novel extremely entertaining page turner...couldn't put it down fantastic

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

A decent storyline with the usual humour with nods to other characters from her previous books blended seamlessly together.
I await the next instalment

[marlene nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad blood

This book was if not better than the last one about the blood brothers I couldn't put it down but I also didn't want to get to the end well done Heather

[lorna kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood brothers

BLOOD BROTHERS.... AMAzing as always... Heathers books never fail to deliver and this one was no different... roll on the next one..

[MRS P STEWART · Rating 5 out of 5]

another excellent book i just love all of heathers books