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Dirty Tricks
IN GANGLAND MEN REIGN BUT ITS THE WOMEN WHO RULE
Mo Watson is caught in the crossfire of a vicious gangland war.
She'll need every dirty trick in the book to survive.
Pint-sized teenage tearaway,Maureen 'Big Mo' Watson, creates mayhem running her own street gang. Her dad is long gone and she won't listen to the pleas of her mum and granddad. When she's talent-spotted by local villain Barker, Mo jumps at the chance to start climbing the criminal underworld ladder.
Then a vicious and violent East End gangland war to the finish breaks out between Mo's boss, Barker and fearsome gangster, Jimmy Southpaw, the head of the notorious Steele family. Mo is soon in the thick of this brutal struggle. But why are Barker and Jimmy really fighting? And will Mo live long enough to find out?
Mo Watson is caught in the crossfire of a vicious gangland war.
She'll need every dirty trick in the book to survive.
Pint-sized teenage tearaway,Maureen 'Big Mo' Watson, creates mayhem running her own street gang. Her dad is long gone and she won't listen to the pleas of her mum and granddad. When she's talent-spotted by local villain Barker, Mo jumps at the chance to start climbing the criminal underworld ladder.
Then a vicious and violent East End gangland war to the finish breaks out between Mo's boss, Barker and fearsome gangster, Jimmy Southpaw, the head of the notorious Steele family. Mo is soon in the thick of this brutal struggle. But why are Barker and Jimmy really fighting? And will Mo live long enough to find out?
- GenresThriller
Paperback
Published November 1, 2020
331 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Dreda Say Mitchell
46 books520 followersHer Majesty, The Queen appointed Dreda an MBE in her 2020 New Year’s Honours’ List. Dreda scooped the CWA’s John Creasey Dagger in 2004, the first time a Black British author has received this honour. Dreda and Ryan write across the crime and mystery genre – psychological thrillers, gritty gangland crime and fast-paced action books Spare Room, their first psychological thriller was a #1 UK and US Amazon Bestseller. Dreda is one of twelve acclaimed and bestselling international female writers contributing to a new Miss Marple anthology. Dreda is a passionate campaigner and speaker on social issues and the arts. She has been a frequent guest on television and radio including BBC Breakfast,, Celebrity Pointless and Celebrity Eggheads, The Stephen Nolan Show, Front Row and Woman’s Hour. She has presented Radio 4’s flagship books programme, Open Book. Dreda was named one of Britain’s 50 Remarkable Women by Lady Geek in association with Nokia. She was the 2011 chair of the Theakston Harrogate Crime Fiction Festival. Dreda was born and raised in the East End of London where she continues to live. Dreda’s family are from the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada and her name is pronounced with a long ‘ee’ sound in the middle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 1, 2020
Dirty Tricks is such an apt title for this book; it certainly contains plenty of dirty tricks! It is a fantastic, fast paced, addictive read with so many secrets and twists and turns that it became very hard for me to put down once I started reading it.
I love, love, LOVED every part of this clever, intriguing, gritty, witty story and I felt a mix of emotions throughout. Dirty Tricks is Queen of Crime Book 1 and I am SO excited for more as I enjoyed this so much. Some scenes really had me thinking about the characters and the situation and I love feeling a bit apprehensive and trying to guess what might happen next. The story is well structured with realistic characters and Brother Bertie being my favourite, I loved him!
I enjoyed seeing Little Mo grow, loved her feisty character, but will she or won't she make it to the top?!
Dirty Tricks is a must-read - I highly recommend it.
I was honoured to receive an ARC (advanced ready copy) from the author.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
I love, love, LOVED every part of this clever, intriguing, gritty, witty story and I felt a mix of emotions throughout. Dirty Tricks is Queen of Crime Book 1 and I am SO excited for more as I enjoyed this so much. Some scenes really had me thinking about the characters and the situation and I love feeling a bit apprehensive and trying to guess what might happen next. The story is well structured with realistic characters and Brother Bertie being my favourite, I loved him!
I enjoyed seeing Little Mo grow, loved her feisty character, but will she or won't she make it to the top?!
Dirty Tricks is a must-read - I highly recommend it.
I was honoured to receive an ARC (advanced ready copy) from the author.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
March 20, 2022
Cliché ridden
March's Amazon First Read selection was particularly poor and took me a while to decide to even bother downloading one of them.
What has that got to do with Dirty Tricks? Well the author's latest book was part of the roster.
Having never heard of Dreda Say Mitchell ( I rarely watch terrestrial TV or listen to the radio) but seeing the many five star rating for this book and others, I thought choosing 'Say Her Name' would be the best of a bad bunch.
I haven't read East End gangland types of fiction since Martina Cole many moons ago. In fairness, I've probably never been that interested in the sub genre and a read of a couple of those books tied it off nicely.
I've lived in the East End briefly which means nothing in the big scheme of things but gives some context to my thoughts. I don't get this mock Cockney stereotype that is on display, who speaks like that - rhyming slang 24/7.
Perhaps I wasn't hanging out with the right crowd: all these faux hard men and predictable gritty women.
That and the Caribbean theme cheesed me right off. More about that later.
It's all shades of ridiculous and sorry for the spoilers but how is it even possible that Big Mo never knew who her father was, when it seems so many people knew. Or does that explain the reach of a big time gangster?
And what does it say about Mo's father's family who are only interested in her now that he's dead and there's a vacancy in the family business? They've always know who and where Mo was, but never claimed their place in her life or welcomed her into theirs.
What was most disappointing was Mo's motivation to be someone so she could have something, status or money to show off to her unknown father. All this talk of destiny, being good at being a wrong'un wasn't to live well, rather instead a two fingered salute to a father who wasn't around. All it displayed was a longing to belong; to know this absent figure and to be important in a world that sees her as insignificant
Being biracial added another element to this gangster trope, yet that raised more questions that I don't want to bother my brains with. Characters overblown, others underutilized and Dell's inclusion and backstory was a joke.
Two stars because my personal objections aside it wasn't terrible. Not my cuppa but could easily be someone else's.
March's Amazon First Read selection was particularly poor and took me a while to decide to even bother downloading one of them.
What has that got to do with Dirty Tricks? Well the author's latest book was part of the roster.
Having never heard of Dreda Say Mitchell ( I rarely watch terrestrial TV or listen to the radio) but seeing the many five star rating for this book and others, I thought choosing 'Say Her Name' would be the best of a bad bunch.
I haven't read East End gangland types of fiction since Martina Cole many moons ago. In fairness, I've probably never been that interested in the sub genre and a read of a couple of those books tied it off nicely.
I've lived in the East End briefly which means nothing in the big scheme of things but gives some context to my thoughts. I don't get this mock Cockney stereotype that is on display, who speaks like that - rhyming slang 24/7.
Perhaps I wasn't hanging out with the right crowd: all these faux hard men and predictable gritty women.
That and the Caribbean theme cheesed me right off. More about that later.
It's all shades of ridiculous and sorry for the spoilers but how is it even possible that Big Mo never knew who her father was, when it seems so many people knew. Or does that explain the reach of a big time gangster?
And what does it say about Mo's father's family who are only interested in her now that he's dead and there's a vacancy in the family business? They've always know who and where Mo was, but never claimed their place in her life or welcomed her into theirs.
What was most disappointing was Mo's motivation to be someone so she could have something, status or money to show off to her unknown father. All this talk of destiny, being good at being a wrong'un wasn't to live well, rather instead a two fingered salute to a father who wasn't around. All it displayed was a longing to belong; to know this absent figure and to be important in a world that sees her as insignificant
Being biracial added another element to this gangster trope, yet that raised more questions that I don't want to bother my brains with. Characters overblown, others underutilized and Dell's inclusion and backstory was a joke.
Two stars because my personal objections aside it wasn't terrible. Not my cuppa but could easily be someone else's.
April 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this, bit like a Kimberly Chambers in style.
August 15, 2022
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages -
Publisher -
Source -
Blurb from Goodreads
IN GANGLAND MEN REIGN BUT ITS THE WOMEN WHO RULE
Mo Watson is caught in the crossfire of a vicious gangland war.
She'll need every dirty trick in the book to survive.
Pint-sized teenage tearaway,Maureen 'Big Mo' Watson, creates mayhem running her own street gang. Her dad is long gone and she won't listen to the pleas of her mum and granddad. When she's talent-spotted by local villain Barker, Mo jumps at the chance to start climbing the criminal underworld ladder.
Then a vicious and violent East End gangland war to the finish breaks out between Mo's boss, Barker and fearsome gangster, Jimmy Southpaw, the head of the notorious Steele family. Mo is soon in the thick of this brutal struggle. But why are Barker and Jimmy really fighting? And will Mo live long enough to find out?
My Review
Book one in the new series Big Mo. We meet Mo as a wee girl, bullied, harrassed by girls much bigger than she is. We see her mettle and spark as she refuses to lie down to them, despite being overpowered. From there on Big Mo just wants to make her mark, not continue as small change, theft etc. Her mouth gets her into trouble as does her sticky fingers however a rob of something she should never have touched brings her into the sight of big names in the gangster circles and Mo finally gets her chance to prove herself.
It is gangland, gritty, violent, swearing, crass, racism so these types of books are not for the easily offended. I do enjoy stepping into the seedy belly of the underworld sometimes and whilst this is only book one, a foundation book, I liked it but didn't love it.
Some of the scenes I did cringe a bit for Mo, I absolutely get her desperation to make something of herself but some of her decisions/chat eeek. It isn't just Mo trying to climb the ladder we also see her being tested, in situations that your normal everyday person would balk at. Family life, strong friendship themes, loyalty, the good and bad of people, it certainly is a colourful start to a new series. Heavy going on the lingo at points which some readers will enjoy, some not so much, you will need to read it and see where you fall, 3/5.
Pages -
Publisher -
Source -
Blurb from Goodreads
IN GANGLAND MEN REIGN BUT ITS THE WOMEN WHO RULE
Mo Watson is caught in the crossfire of a vicious gangland war.
She'll need every dirty trick in the book to survive.
Pint-sized teenage tearaway,Maureen 'Big Mo' Watson, creates mayhem running her own street gang. Her dad is long gone and she won't listen to the pleas of her mum and granddad. When she's talent-spotted by local villain Barker, Mo jumps at the chance to start climbing the criminal underworld ladder.
Then a vicious and violent East End gangland war to the finish breaks out between Mo's boss, Barker and fearsome gangster, Jimmy Southpaw, the head of the notorious Steele family. Mo is soon in the thick of this brutal struggle. But why are Barker and Jimmy really fighting? And will Mo live long enough to find out?
My Review
Book one in the new series Big Mo. We meet Mo as a wee girl, bullied, harrassed by girls much bigger than she is. We see her mettle and spark as she refuses to lie down to them, despite being overpowered. From there on Big Mo just wants to make her mark, not continue as small change, theft etc. Her mouth gets her into trouble as does her sticky fingers however a rob of something she should never have touched brings her into the sight of big names in the gangster circles and Mo finally gets her chance to prove herself.
It is gangland, gritty, violent, swearing, crass, racism so these types of books are not for the easily offended. I do enjoy stepping into the seedy belly of the underworld sometimes and whilst this is only book one, a foundation book, I liked it but didn't love it.
Some of the scenes I did cringe a bit for Mo, I absolutely get her desperation to make something of herself but some of her decisions/chat eeek. It isn't just Mo trying to climb the ladder we also see her being tested, in situations that your normal everyday person would balk at. Family life, strong friendship themes, loyalty, the good and bad of people, it certainly is a colourful start to a new series. Heavy going on the lingo at points which some readers will enjoy, some not so much, you will need to read it and see where you fall, 3/5.
November 29, 2020
Very disappointing!!
If you like a story that's jam packed full with spelling mistakes and all sorts of grammatical errors, then this is the book for you!! I normally give a star 🌟 rating for a book but comments not very often, but I was so disappointed with the writing and felt I had to day something. Aren't novels proof read and edited anymore? Extremely annoying for the people paying good money for the privilege of reading the book. Apart from that I have to say the story itself was so - so, have read a few of her other books and thought they were pretty good.
If you like a story that's jam packed full with spelling mistakes and all sorts of grammatical errors, then this is the book for you!! I normally give a star 🌟 rating for a book but comments not very often, but I was so disappointed with the writing and felt I had to day something. Aren't novels proof read and edited anymore? Extremely annoying for the people paying good money for the privilege of reading the book. Apart from that I have to say the story itself was so - so, have read a few of her other books and thought they were pretty good.
November 6, 2020
we have waited a while for this authors new gangland series but she never disappoints it pulls you in from page 1 the characters are so good and had the giggles in places this author knows how to write a story i love big mo and her grandad so cant wait for book 2
April 16, 2021
An entertaining gangland drama between gangs in East London. The writing is amazing, colourful and packs a punch. Books like these make me wonder why I bother being a writer, but where others shine, Dreda dazzles.
More than anything I love her characters, Mo, the gutsy teenager, Grandad Bertie, his friend, Ruddy, Sister Aggie and her food bank... characters you really care about as the story jogs along. It is well-paced, gripping, violent but with a comic twist that reminded me of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels; the rivals so busy fighting between themselves, it's laughable in parts but with a warm and satisfying ending that left a smile on my face.
I'll definitely be reading the sequel.
More than anything I love her characters, Mo, the gutsy teenager, Grandad Bertie, his friend, Ruddy, Sister Aggie and her food bank... characters you really care about as the story jogs along. It is well-paced, gripping, violent but with a comic twist that reminded me of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels; the rivals so busy fighting between themselves, it's laughable in parts but with a warm and satisfying ending that left a smile on my face.
I'll definitely be reading the sequel.
July 18, 2021
This book sets out the basis for this series explaining Mo's lineage and family. The book sets out with the death of a villainous Prince in waiting. He is oddly banged up in an old police station without being booked in and then the nick burns down, killing him. An electrical fault or a really difficult way to commit murder? The ins and outs of the plots take some following but its a really good read if the language is somewhat simplistic in places.
Dreda's knowledge of the East End is obvious when she describes the settings. A measure of how much I enjoyed the book is that it only took me 13 days to read. Quick for me.
Dreda's knowledge of the East End is obvious when she describes the settings. A measure of how much I enjoyed the book is that it only took me 13 days to read. Quick for me.
February 20, 2021
A book that once you start to read it is a job to put down
Right from the start this book drew me in . As I read this book I tried to to think ahead as to the outcome. Just when I thought a I had it sorted it took a turn in another direction. I found myself wanting to finish Hhe book yet never wanting it to end. This is my first book by this Author. I don't usually follow any particular Author but this time I have already doloaded my second book.
Right from the start this book drew me in . As I read this book I tried to to think ahead as to the outcome. Just when I thought a I had it sorted it took a turn in another direction. I found myself wanting to finish Hhe book yet never wanting it to end. This is my first book by this Author. I don't usually follow any particular Author but this time I have already doloaded my second book.
August 24, 2021
Good
I did love the story but thought the bad language was totally unnecessary as these crime stories can be told without them hence four stars awarded. I loved the twist. I loved the friendships made strong by looking out for each other. On the contrary however family feuds still occur today so that was a nice touch. Thank you for the storyline but I won’t be reading any more of the series.
I did love the story but thought the bad language was totally unnecessary as these crime stories can be told without them hence four stars awarded. I loved the twist. I loved the friendships made strong by looking out for each other. On the contrary however family feuds still occur today so that was a nice touch. Thank you for the storyline but I won’t be reading any more of the series.
August 26, 2021
I only managed to read about 30% of this before giving up.
I hated all of the major characters and found them all equally unbelievable. The dialogue and the plot were equally unconvincing & I found the writing style really aggravating. I just could not be bothered to stick with it to find out what happened.
In the little bio at the end it says the author has won awards and that this is a collaboration with someone else - so maybe I'll try something she produced on her own.
I hated all of the major characters and found them all equally unbelievable. The dialogue and the plot were equally unconvincing & I found the writing style really aggravating. I just could not be bothered to stick with it to find out what happened.
In the little bio at the end it says the author has won awards and that this is a collaboration with someone else - so maybe I'll try something she produced on her own.
March 2, 2021
East End antics
I think that this series will just get better as it goes along. We have the East End gangsters, we have their crews and families, we have little Mo who goes on to be Big Mo a teenager with plenty of ambition and big ideas.This book was easy to read and follow, I pre ordered the next one , it's good and I can't wait to start reading about Mos new adventures.
I think that this series will just get better as it goes along. We have the East End gangsters, we have their crews and families, we have little Mo who goes on to be Big Mo a teenager with plenty of ambition and big ideas.This book was easy to read and follow, I pre ordered the next one , it's good and I can't wait to start reading about Mos new adventures.
November 6, 2021
I. Wish. I. Had. Read. This. Book first but. Never. Mind. It. Was. Very. Entertaining. I. Like. No. She. Is. Brilliant. I. Also. Love ruddy. She. Made. Me. Cry. Laugh
Ing. At. Her the. Book. Keeps. You. Reading. Even. When. You. Should. Be. Doing. Other. Things. Great. Read. I. Am. Ready. For. The. Next. One. Thank. You
Ing. At. Her the. Book. Keeps. You. Reading. Even. When. You. Should. Be. Doing. Other. Things. Great. Read. I. Am. Ready. For. The. Next. One. Thank. You
January 7, 2022
excited to start a new series
I’m new to this author and I’m happy to say I’m a new fan! I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to seeing how Big Mo gets on in her new life in the next book. It was good to get to know her from a young age and watching her grow and how she feels about what she’s getting herself into. Onto the next one for me!!…
I’m new to this author and I’m happy to say I’m a new fan! I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to seeing how Big Mo gets on in her new life in the next book. It was good to get to know her from a young age and watching her grow and how she feels about what she’s getting herself into. Onto the next one for me!!…
January 16, 2023
Bad writing
I don't no how anyone can read it!!! I'm from Manchester have 3 sons, 4 brothers a husband and father , social used to slang! But this... My God it's too much. The book would be about 3 pages of she took the jibberish waffle out. Good story line too seems a shame. I made it to chapter 7 before I had to stop.first book if ever not completed.
I don't no how anyone can read it!!! I'm from Manchester have 3 sons, 4 brothers a husband and father , social used to slang! But this... My God it's too much. The book would be about 3 pages of she took the jibberish waffle out. Good story line too seems a shame. I made it to chapter 7 before I had to stop.first book if ever not completed.
November 24, 2020
Fabulous read
A strong story line ,gripping ,heartwarming,No is an easy character to follow and get drawn into all her highs and lows ,looking forward to the next chapter in her life
A strong story line ,gripping ,heartwarming,No is an easy character to follow and get drawn into all her highs and lows ,looking forward to the next chapter in her life
December 8, 2020
Although I did enjoy this book and it kept me gripped I only gave 4 stars as nit as good as the blood series and a little but far fetched but I will continue to read dreda say Mitchell as she does tell a good story
December 10, 2020
Brilliant Again
Yet again Dreda Say Mitchell has blown it out of the water. I was captivated and invested in the character.
I didn't figure out the twist, always a sign of a fantastic book.
Yet again Dreda Say Mitchell has blown it out of the water. I was captivated and invested in the character.
I didn't figure out the twist, always a sign of a fantastic book.
December 18, 2020
Just brilliant
As usual, Dreda has knocked it out the park with this book. I'm so glad it's going to be a series too as I've fully invested in Big Mo, the little lady with a giant wallop! brilliantly written, brilliant characters, just, well, brilliant!
As usual, Dreda has knocked it out the park with this book. I'm so glad it's going to be a series too as I've fully invested in Big Mo, the little lady with a giant wallop! brilliantly written, brilliant characters, just, well, brilliant!
December 30, 2020
Fantastic start to a new series
Dirty tricks is a fantastic start to a new series of books from Dreda.
If you enjoy a great criminal thriller you'll love this book.
From the beginning you can start relating to the characters, I cant wait for the 2nd book in the series to be released.
Dreda Say Mitchell is amongst my favourite authors due to books like this.
Dirty tricks is a fantastic start to a new series of books from Dreda.
If you enjoy a great criminal thriller you'll love this book.
From the beginning you can start relating to the characters, I cant wait for the 2nd book in the series to be released.
Dreda Say Mitchell is amongst my favourite authors due to books like this.
January 2, 2021
Wowzers!
If you are looking for gangland crime you must read this! Hooked from beginig to end.
Yet another fantastic read from this extremely talented author!
Ruddy Nora you've smashed it again dreda !
If you are looking for gangland crime you must read this! Hooked from beginig to end.
Yet another fantastic read from this extremely talented author!
Ruddy Nora you've smashed it again dreda !
March 10, 2021
Awesome
Glad I chose this to read. A well put together novel, that keeps you guessing. If book two is the same I shall add this lady to my list of favoured authors. Thank you Dreda,
Glad I chose this to read. A well put together novel, that keeps you guessing. If book two is the same I shall add this lady to my list of favoured authors. Thank you Dreda,
June 25, 2021
Exciting and promising
First time reader. What a writer , using perfect English, although perhaps very colourful at times. Lovely plot, many twists, some shocking. Role in the next "Dirty" book!
First time reader. What a writer , using perfect English, although perhaps very colourful at times. Lovely plot, many twists, some shocking. Role in the next "Dirty" book!
August 30, 2021
Brilliant book. Totally gripping. Cleverly written with all the threads tying up at the end, with an explosive finale. I can't remember the last time that I read a book so quickly. Now off to read the second in the series.
November 28, 2020
Excellent
Cracking read I loved all the characters especially Damien can't wait for the follow on keep up the good work dreda
Cracking read I loved all the characters especially Damien can't wait for the follow on keep up the good work dreda
December 4, 2020
Great new series
Brilliant read! Full of love ‘em or hate ‘em characters and lots of twists and turns, this book is a must read! Can’t wait for the follow up.
Brilliant read! Full of love ‘em or hate ‘em characters and lots of twists and turns, this book is a must read! Can’t wait for the follow up.
December 15, 2020
Absolutely loved this book.
Fast and pacy storyline, love big Mo.
Fast and pacy storyline, love big Mo.
December 22, 2020
Great book
Loved every minute of this book,it was easy to read and a great story,can't wait to read the next book
Loved every minute of this book,it was easy to read and a great story,can't wait to read the next book
December 29, 2020
Gripping page Turner
Gripping, page Turner can’t wait for book 2, was gutted book 2 wasn’t available now! Love big Mo and Jimmy!
Gripping, page Turner can’t wait for book 2, was gutted book 2 wasn’t available now! Love big Mo and Jimmy!
January 10, 2021
Great read
A great gangland thriller with lots of twists and turns. Mo took me on an emotional journey of a tough East End girl but also showed a vulnerable side. The characters were great and kept you turning the page. Great read
A great gangland thriller with lots of twists and turns. Mo took me on an emotional journey of a tough East End girl but also showed a vulnerable side. The characters were great and kept you turning the page. Great read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews