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The Family Business
Blood's thicker than water... and they're not afraid to spill it
Donnie Black. Charming, successful… and utterly terrifying, he rules the Glasgow underworld with an iron fist. Nothing - or no one - will stop him and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty to grow his fortune.
Layla Black. She’s been married to Donnie for twenty years, enjoying the lavish world he has worked hard to create. But behind the perfect image Layla is crumbling, numbing her pain with alcohol. But Layla doesn’t know the secrets Donnie keeps – and the truth will send her spiralling.
Louise Bellshaw. She’s young, beautiful and innocent. She’s charmed by Donnie’s sweet words, and believes she’s found true love. But Louise doesn’t know her dream man has plans that will turn her life into a nightmare.
As the three collide, no one can predict how family ties will turn to bloodshed. Because you’ll do anything for the ones you love, won’t you?
A dark, twisty and totally gripping thriller set in the heart of Glasgow gangland - fans of Mandasue Heller and Kimberley Chambers won't be able to put this down.
Donnie Black. Charming, successful… and utterly terrifying, he rules the Glasgow underworld with an iron fist. Nothing - or no one - will stop him and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty to grow his fortune.
Layla Black. She’s been married to Donnie for twenty years, enjoying the lavish world he has worked hard to create. But behind the perfect image Layla is crumbling, numbing her pain with alcohol. But Layla doesn’t know the secrets Donnie keeps – and the truth will send her spiralling.
Louise Bellshaw. She’s young, beautiful and innocent. She’s charmed by Donnie’s sweet words, and believes she’s found true love. But Louise doesn’t know her dream man has plans that will turn her life into a nightmare.
As the three collide, no one can predict how family ties will turn to bloodshed. Because you’ll do anything for the ones you love, won’t you?
A dark, twisty and totally gripping thriller set in the heart of Glasgow gangland - fans of Mandasue Heller and Kimberley Chambers won't be able to put this down.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2022
34 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Alex Kane
12 books40 followersLibrarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This is Alex Kane with three spaces.
Pseudonym for author Emma L. Clapperton.
This is Alex Kane with three spaces.
Pseudonym for author Emma L. Clapperton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 27, 2022
I received a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
The Family Business is a fast-paced gangland, crime fiction book that I almost read in one sitting.
The Black family are the king pins of the criminal underworld in Glasgow. Donnie Black and Steff Black are the brothers who run the show, but Donnie wants to go in a different direction, and this doesn't sit right with Steff. A power struggle ensues as neither brother wants to lose, and once you're in with the Blacks, there's no going back - you're in for life.
The characters in this book were strongly plotted and prepared for being introduced to many of them. They're fairly easy to keep up to speed with, and I loved how they all intertwined with each other towards the end of the book. This dark crime thriller is full of twists and really keeps you on your toes. Once I started reading, as always with Alex Kanes books, I struggled to pull away.
The Family Business is a fast-paced gangland, crime fiction book that I almost read in one sitting.
The Black family are the king pins of the criminal underworld in Glasgow. Donnie Black and Steff Black are the brothers who run the show, but Donnie wants to go in a different direction, and this doesn't sit right with Steff. A power struggle ensues as neither brother wants to lose, and once you're in with the Blacks, there's no going back - you're in for life.
The characters in this book were strongly plotted and prepared for being introduced to many of them. They're fairly easy to keep up to speed with, and I loved how they all intertwined with each other towards the end of the book. This dark crime thriller is full of twists and really keeps you on your toes. Once I started reading, as always with Alex Kanes books, I struggled to pull away.
February 4, 2022
Donnie Black. Charming, successful.... and utterly terrifying, he rules the Glasgow underworld with an iron fist. Nothing p- or no one will stop him and he's not afraid to get his hands dirty to grow his fortune. Layla Black has been married to Donnie for twenty years, enjoying the lavish world he has worked to create. Louise Bellshaw. She's young, beautiful and innocent. She's charmed by Donnie's sweet words. As the three collide, no one can predict how family ties will turn to bloodshed.
This is a fast paced read from the beginning. Set in Glasgow's underworld and the Black families criminal empire. Filled with gangland characters who earn their money through drugs and sex workers. This is a gripping page turner and I couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting. This is a well written, tense and action packed read. I lived it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeraBooks and the author #AlexKane for my ARC of #TheFamilyBusiness in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fast paced read from the beginning. Set in Glasgow's underworld and the Black families criminal empire. Filled with gangland characters who earn their money through drugs and sex workers. This is a gripping page turner and I couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting. This is a well written, tense and action packed read. I lived it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeraBooks and the author #AlexKane for my ARC of #TheFamilyBusiness in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2021
With every book that Alex writes they just get better and grittier and she is fast becoming the Queen of gangland!!
I say after I have read each book by Alex that it's her best, but this one seriously is her best work yet.
Here we have the Black family Donnie taken over as head of the family and let's just say taken a new found love for the export trade.
I felt so sorry and really felt for his wife Layla which after 20 years has no idea what her husband actually gets upto and Louise well we all knew it was heading for disaster.
Donnie thinks he is the topboy and totally untouchable, what a family!
I absolutely loved this, Another fantastic gripping nail biting read from Alex.
.
Full of tension throughout this will have you racing through the pages.
I say after I have read each book by Alex that it's her best, but this one seriously is her best work yet.
Here we have the Black family Donnie taken over as head of the family and let's just say taken a new found love for the export trade.
I felt so sorry and really felt for his wife Layla which after 20 years has no idea what her husband actually gets upto and Louise well we all knew it was heading for disaster.
Donnie thinks he is the topboy and totally untouchable, what a family!
I absolutely loved this, Another fantastic gripping nail biting read from Alex.
.
Full of tension throughout this will have you racing through the pages.
February 21, 2022
Oh! My! Goodness! What a brilliant one sitting read The Family Business is!
Set in Glasgow and the start of a power struggle between an existing and well-known gang and the new up and coming one. The Blacks rule the roost of the criminal underworld in this city. Brothers Donnie and Steff run the show. Donnie decides to take a different direction and this doesn't sit well with several of his team and so they splinter.
The thing with The Blacks is that once you are in, you are in for life... however long that may be! |So expect repercussions.
There are many characters involved in his story and they are introduced in a manageable way, so it made it easy for me to know who was who pretty quickly. This turned out to be ideal as it isn't until later that I realised how interconnected various characters are.
Layla is a key character, she is the wife of Donnie. After the death of her sister, her life has spiralled out of control. Louise flies close to the wind as she is flattered by her new boyfriend, then we have characters like Kev, Chud, Tam, Dunny, Susie, Darcie and a few more. All these have a great role to play and not realising how important their role is until later in the story kept me reading.
This is a dark and twisted crime thriller, there is something about the gangs and underworld stories that appeal to me. They are all bad, but for me, in fiction, there are good baddies and bad baddies, and in some cases really evil baddies. This book has them all and the author will keep you guessing as to which category if any they fall into.
As I mentioned earlier, this book was a one-sitting read. It is a gripping story that soon captured my attention and once started I couldn't leave it for a moment. There is a real dangerous edge to this story and it made for an exciting read. There are some brutal scenes and the author creates such a suspenseful and edge of your seat read.
If you like really edgy, dark, dangerous and twisted crime, thriller stories with hard-hitting storylines then this is one you really need to put on your TBR> It is one I would definitely recommend.
Set in Glasgow and the start of a power struggle between an existing and well-known gang and the new up and coming one. The Blacks rule the roost of the criminal underworld in this city. Brothers Donnie and Steff run the show. Donnie decides to take a different direction and this doesn't sit well with several of his team and so they splinter.
The thing with The Blacks is that once you are in, you are in for life... however long that may be! |So expect repercussions.
There are many characters involved in his story and they are introduced in a manageable way, so it made it easy for me to know who was who pretty quickly. This turned out to be ideal as it isn't until later that I realised how interconnected various characters are.
Layla is a key character, she is the wife of Donnie. After the death of her sister, her life has spiralled out of control. Louise flies close to the wind as she is flattered by her new boyfriend, then we have characters like Kev, Chud, Tam, Dunny, Susie, Darcie and a few more. All these have a great role to play and not realising how important their role is until later in the story kept me reading.
This is a dark and twisted crime thriller, there is something about the gangs and underworld stories that appeal to me. They are all bad, but for me, in fiction, there are good baddies and bad baddies, and in some cases really evil baddies. This book has them all and the author will keep you guessing as to which category if any they fall into.
As I mentioned earlier, this book was a one-sitting read. It is a gripping story that soon captured my attention and once started I couldn't leave it for a moment. There is a real dangerous edge to this story and it made for an exciting read. There are some brutal scenes and the author creates such a suspenseful and edge of your seat read.
If you like really edgy, dark, dangerous and twisted crime, thriller stories with hard-hitting storylines then this is one you really need to put on your TBR> It is one I would definitely recommend.
November 3, 2024
Brilliant and lots of twists
February 3, 2022
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 368
Publisher - Hera Books
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
Blood's thicker than water... and they're not afraid to spill it
Donnie Black. Charming, successful… and utterly terrifying, he rules the Glasgow underworld with an iron fist. Nothing - or no one - will stop him and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty to grow his fortune.
Layla Black. She’s been married to Donnie for twenty years, enjoying the lavish world he has worked hard to create. But behind the perfect image Layla is crumbling, numbing her pain with alcohol. But Layla doesn’t know the secrets Donnie keeps – and the truth will send her spiralling.
Louise Bellshaw. She’s young, beautiful and innocent. She’s charmed by Donnie’s sweet words, and believes she’s found true love. But Louise doesn’t know her dream man has plans that will turn her life into a nightmare.
As the three collide, no one can predict how family ties will turn to bloodshed. Because you’ll do anything for the ones you love, won’t you?
A dark, twisty and totally gripping thriller set in the heart of Glasgow gangland - fans of Mandasue Heller and Kimberley Chambers won't be able to put this down.
My Review
Hello Glasgow, meet Donnie Black - we first meet him as a young teen and quickly get the measure of his character. Skip on to him as an adult, the loss of his father and taking over the empire with his brother, making his mark on things. His wife Layla, sweet Layla had no idea back then what she was getting into and loses herself in a cloud of booze to cope with her life. Layla has no idea just how bad Donnie is and Donnie is about to get his hands even dirtier.
I do think Kane goes from strength to strength, I read her first book and have a few others on the tbrm. Gangland, turf wars, a gangster wanting to prove himself just as good as his old man and getting into darker avenues. He really is scum, he manipulates, exploits, uses people because to him they are commodities, a means to an end.
The book looks at some really dark aspects of humanity, human trafficking, violence, murder, drugs, family all of the dark and dangerous goings on and it is set in Glasgow! I love when a book takes place somewhere you know or have been, for me it adds a bit of something.
The family business looks at how some people test loyalty, have none, destroy anything, risk everything and the good old actions and consequences. It is hard to go into without spoilers and I don't do spoilers. The book is bursting with action, shocking behaviour, redemption, emotional, abuse, violence and absolute breath holding moments, 4.5/5 for me this time. I need to bump the rest of them up my tbrm. I hope she brings us more set in the city of Glasgow!
Pages - 368
Publisher - Hera Books
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
Blood's thicker than water... and they're not afraid to spill it
Donnie Black. Charming, successful… and utterly terrifying, he rules the Glasgow underworld with an iron fist. Nothing - or no one - will stop him and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty to grow his fortune.
Layla Black. She’s been married to Donnie for twenty years, enjoying the lavish world he has worked hard to create. But behind the perfect image Layla is crumbling, numbing her pain with alcohol. But Layla doesn’t know the secrets Donnie keeps – and the truth will send her spiralling.
Louise Bellshaw. She’s young, beautiful and innocent. She’s charmed by Donnie’s sweet words, and believes she’s found true love. But Louise doesn’t know her dream man has plans that will turn her life into a nightmare.
As the three collide, no one can predict how family ties will turn to bloodshed. Because you’ll do anything for the ones you love, won’t you?
A dark, twisty and totally gripping thriller set in the heart of Glasgow gangland - fans of Mandasue Heller and Kimberley Chambers won't be able to put this down.
My Review
Hello Glasgow, meet Donnie Black - we first meet him as a young teen and quickly get the measure of his character. Skip on to him as an adult, the loss of his father and taking over the empire with his brother, making his mark on things. His wife Layla, sweet Layla had no idea back then what she was getting into and loses herself in a cloud of booze to cope with her life. Layla has no idea just how bad Donnie is and Donnie is about to get his hands even dirtier.
I do think Kane goes from strength to strength, I read her first book and have a few others on the tbrm. Gangland, turf wars, a gangster wanting to prove himself just as good as his old man and getting into darker avenues. He really is scum, he manipulates, exploits, uses people because to him they are commodities, a means to an end.
The book looks at some really dark aspects of humanity, human trafficking, violence, murder, drugs, family all of the dark and dangerous goings on and it is set in Glasgow! I love when a book takes place somewhere you know or have been, for me it adds a bit of something.
The family business looks at how some people test loyalty, have none, destroy anything, risk everything and the good old actions and consequences. It is hard to go into without spoilers and I don't do spoilers. The book is bursting with action, shocking behaviour, redemption, emotional, abuse, violence and absolute breath holding moments, 4.5/5 for me this time. I need to bump the rest of them up my tbrm. I hope she brings us more set in the city of Glasgow!
March 1, 2022
I was completely gripped from the prologue which gives us a glimpse of the dark world we are about to step into. It raises so many questions, and stays in the back of your mind as the pages turn.
The story starts when the characters are young and we quickly see Donnie’s terrible nature. We learn they are a group of school friends involved in gang life where fear prevails, and any inclination to do the right thing is met with a violent reminder of who’s in charge and what’s expected of them.
I loved that the story’s told from multiple points of view so we really get to know the characters on a deep level. There’s incredible character development, they feel like genuine people, and each character elicited strong feelings from me.
Donnie was born into the life but fully embraces it. He enjoys destroying people and has no empathy whatsoever. He only cares about power, money, and control, and is written so brilliantly – he’s a truly disturbing, cruel, and sinister character!
Layla, Donnie’s wife, drinks to escape the trauma she’s suffered and the reality of her life. She is totally dependent on Donnie emotionally and financially and it seems a hopeless, desperate situation.
Louise unwittingly gets drawn into Donnie’s world and becomes so involved that she trusts him implicitly, with no idea in whose hands she’s placing her life. It gets you thinking as we never really know someone, just the person they present themselves to be, and Donnie’s all about presenting himself as the good guy!
The Barrhouse Firm is made up of Kevin, Cammy and a few others from their younger days. They no longer want to be part of Donnie’s disturbing plans and break away to build their own enterprise. But once you’re in there’s no getting out!
As the story unravels we see how one wrong choice can set someone on a path they can’t turn back from, the impact of one person’s actions on everyone around them, and how every action has a reaction. The lives of the characters’ intertwine and influence each other in unexpected and undesirable ways. I could not stop reading, after each chapter ended I just had to know what was going to happen next!
At the heart of the story it explores how far you would go to protect the ones you love. It really gets you thinking about human nature, and how the lines can become blurred of what’s right and wrong. The moral compass becomes a bit skewed but if it’s for the right reason does that make it okay? It’s like the battling wolves proverb, the good and bad inside us, where the one that wins is the one we feed. This is definitely at play here where the choices made clearly shape who they become, but not everything is black and white and I loved the ambiguous grey shades!
Kane expertly draws us into this dark story and catapults the reader into a world of loyalty, betrayal, violence, secrets and lies. One minute it was emotional, and the next it gave me chills. There’s so many shocking twists I was on the edge of my seat wondering how it would play out! The final chapters were wow – what an ending to the tense, suspense filled ride we are taken on!
With thanks to @ZooloosBT, @AlexKaneWriter and @Herabooks for a place on the tour and the opportunity to read and review this book.
The story starts when the characters are young and we quickly see Donnie’s terrible nature. We learn they are a group of school friends involved in gang life where fear prevails, and any inclination to do the right thing is met with a violent reminder of who’s in charge and what’s expected of them.
I loved that the story’s told from multiple points of view so we really get to know the characters on a deep level. There’s incredible character development, they feel like genuine people, and each character elicited strong feelings from me.
Donnie was born into the life but fully embraces it. He enjoys destroying people and has no empathy whatsoever. He only cares about power, money, and control, and is written so brilliantly – he’s a truly disturbing, cruel, and sinister character!
Layla, Donnie’s wife, drinks to escape the trauma she’s suffered and the reality of her life. She is totally dependent on Donnie emotionally and financially and it seems a hopeless, desperate situation.
Louise unwittingly gets drawn into Donnie’s world and becomes so involved that she trusts him implicitly, with no idea in whose hands she’s placing her life. It gets you thinking as we never really know someone, just the person they present themselves to be, and Donnie’s all about presenting himself as the good guy!
The Barrhouse Firm is made up of Kevin, Cammy and a few others from their younger days. They no longer want to be part of Donnie’s disturbing plans and break away to build their own enterprise. But once you’re in there’s no getting out!
As the story unravels we see how one wrong choice can set someone on a path they can’t turn back from, the impact of one person’s actions on everyone around them, and how every action has a reaction. The lives of the characters’ intertwine and influence each other in unexpected and undesirable ways. I could not stop reading, after each chapter ended I just had to know what was going to happen next!
At the heart of the story it explores how far you would go to protect the ones you love. It really gets you thinking about human nature, and how the lines can become blurred of what’s right and wrong. The moral compass becomes a bit skewed but if it’s for the right reason does that make it okay? It’s like the battling wolves proverb, the good and bad inside us, where the one that wins is the one we feed. This is definitely at play here where the choices made clearly shape who they become, but not everything is black and white and I loved the ambiguous grey shades!
Kane expertly draws us into this dark story and catapults the reader into a world of loyalty, betrayal, violence, secrets and lies. One minute it was emotional, and the next it gave me chills. There’s so many shocking twists I was on the edge of my seat wondering how it would play out! The final chapters were wow – what an ending to the tense, suspense filled ride we are taken on!
With thanks to @ZooloosBT, @AlexKaneWriter and @Herabooks for a place on the tour and the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 28, 2022
I have been a fan of Alex’s work for a while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that she has written to date but I am getting there. I read the synopsis of ‘The Family Business’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of book I have come to expect from Alex – a fast paced, gritty and at times rather scary read. ‘The Family Business’ was certainly all that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Family Business’ but more about that in a bit.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into ‘The Family Business’. In fact the synopsis grabbed my attention and the story within the book’s covers sealed the deal as it were. As soon as I started reading I knew that reading the book would become seriously addictive and that I wouldn’t be able to put the book to one side for any length of time. I was right on both counts. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I had become so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the characters that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I got to the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to the characters. I found ‘The Family Business’ to be a tense, gripping and dramatic read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘The Family Business’ is superbly written but then I have to come to expect nothing less from Alex Kane. She certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a read. For me the story started with a bang, hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. The book is divided up into parts with each part focusing on a specific time period, illustrating what happened to the main characters to get them to where they are in the present day. Reading ‘The Family Business’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. The tension gradually builds throughout the story and culminates in a tense and dramatic conclusion. I love the way in which Alex makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Family Business and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. Fans of books by Kimberly Chambers, Kerry Barnes and Kerry Kaya will especially enjoy Alex’s books. I will definitely be reading more of Alex’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into ‘The Family Business’. In fact the synopsis grabbed my attention and the story within the book’s covers sealed the deal as it were. As soon as I started reading I knew that reading the book would become seriously addictive and that I wouldn’t be able to put the book to one side for any length of time. I was right on both counts. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I had become so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the characters that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I got to the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to the characters. I found ‘The Family Business’ to be a tense, gripping and dramatic read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘The Family Business’ is superbly written but then I have to come to expect nothing less from Alex Kane. She certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a read. For me the story started with a bang, hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. The book is divided up into parts with each part focusing on a specific time period, illustrating what happened to the main characters to get them to where they are in the present day. Reading ‘The Family Business’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. The tension gradually builds throughout the story and culminates in a tense and dramatic conclusion. I love the way in which Alex makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Family Business and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. Fans of books by Kimberly Chambers, Kerry Barnes and Kerry Kaya will especially enjoy Alex’s books. I will definitely be reading more of Alex’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
February 27, 2022
As soon as I see an Alex Kane book out, I need to read it as soon as I can. I have read a few of her books now, and they are all as good as each other. She always writes a brilliant gritty gangland thriller that I can really lose myself in. I am an avid reader of Kimberley Chamber and Mandasue Heller, and I personally think Alex Kane is up there with both authors.
The Family Business is set in Glasgow, and we meet the Black family. Donnie has taken over as head of the family, and he rules the Glaswegian underworld with an iron fist...no velvet gloves here, I tell you. He will stop at nothing to make even more money, and things are about to get even dirtier.
A story filled with plenty of characters, colourful or otherwise. Introduced in a way that doesn't overwhelm the reader, so we can really get to grips with everything and everyone quite easily. Layla is Donnie's wife of twenty years, and Louise is so flattered by her new boyfriend, and as these women and Donnie collide, expect repercussions of a massive type.
Alex Kane has written such a dark and twisted crime thriller with The Family Business that I read it all in one go! It was such a gripping story that grabbed me immediately. She has again managed to bring characters that I love to hate and ones that I could see had just taken a wrong turn in life.
There are brutal scenes in the book, but I wouldn't expect anything else, and it does increase the suspense and danger of the story. The issues raised are very important in todays world as well, making it a rather hard-hitting storyline. I will say this is so much an 'edge of your seat' book. I loved it.
If you love dark, twisted, and thrilling gangland crime books that aren't scared of bringing very hard-hitting storylines, I definitely recommend this book. Thanks to Hera Books and Netgalley.
The Family Business is set in Glasgow, and we meet the Black family. Donnie has taken over as head of the family, and he rules the Glaswegian underworld with an iron fist...no velvet gloves here, I tell you. He will stop at nothing to make even more money, and things are about to get even dirtier.
A story filled with plenty of characters, colourful or otherwise. Introduced in a way that doesn't overwhelm the reader, so we can really get to grips with everything and everyone quite easily. Layla is Donnie's wife of twenty years, and Louise is so flattered by her new boyfriend, and as these women and Donnie collide, expect repercussions of a massive type.
Alex Kane has written such a dark and twisted crime thriller with The Family Business that I read it all in one go! It was such a gripping story that grabbed me immediately. She has again managed to bring characters that I love to hate and ones that I could see had just taken a wrong turn in life.
There are brutal scenes in the book, but I wouldn't expect anything else, and it does increase the suspense and danger of the story. The issues raised are very important in todays world as well, making it a rather hard-hitting storyline. I will say this is so much an 'edge of your seat' book. I loved it.
If you love dark, twisted, and thrilling gangland crime books that aren't scared of bringing very hard-hitting storylines, I definitely recommend this book. Thanks to Hera Books and Netgalley.
February 25, 2022
Before I get to the meat of this story, I have to talk about the prologue. Personally I love a prologue, one that makes me hit the literary ground running and sets me up for a cracking read. Now the prologue for The Family Business does that and more; it chilled me to the bone and left me with questions, questions I wanted answers.
But then I met the Blacks and the Barrhouse firm. Proper (well what I imagine to be proper) Glaswegian gangs trying to get one up on the other. I’ll admit, neither is perfect but I did end up mentally siding with one gang. But ever-so-often, my thoughts drifted back to that dramatic prologue, trying to fathom how those events fitted in to the present day…
Devoured in a few short hours, I was addicted to the goings on in Glasgow. I was gobbled up in to the dark and violent work of the Blacks and the Firm only to be spat out after one stupendous climax. I was desperate for the relative good (no one is an angel when it comes to gangs right?!) to conquer evil. But in this, as the story went on, who was the lesser of the evils?! The waters got muddied on that one!
Kane has delivered yet another hard hitting crime thriller from the darker side of the trackers. She’s created a realistic gangland bubble where I felt threatened at every turn. I love Kane’s writing and The Family Business is no different. I personally felt this was darker and possibly her most brutal read – I loved it!
But then I met the Blacks and the Barrhouse firm. Proper (well what I imagine to be proper) Glaswegian gangs trying to get one up on the other. I’ll admit, neither is perfect but I did end up mentally siding with one gang. But ever-so-often, my thoughts drifted back to that dramatic prologue, trying to fathom how those events fitted in to the present day…
Devoured in a few short hours, I was addicted to the goings on in Glasgow. I was gobbled up in to the dark and violent work of the Blacks and the Firm only to be spat out after one stupendous climax. I was desperate for the relative good (no one is an angel when it comes to gangs right?!) to conquer evil. But in this, as the story went on, who was the lesser of the evils?! The waters got muddied on that one!
Kane has delivered yet another hard hitting crime thriller from the darker side of the trackers. She’s created a realistic gangland bubble where I felt threatened at every turn. I love Kane’s writing and The Family Business is no different. I personally felt this was darker and possibly her most brutal read – I loved it!
April 26, 2022
Wow, starting with Demi in 2019 in the prologue you instantly learn that this book will be darker than anticipated. Trafficking, drugs, rape if you don’t like reading these sort of things this book won’t be for you. As part 1 starts you learn of the good in the book and the bad even if these roles don’t always remain that way. The descriptions, arguing, action was so vividly explained it felt so real. I don’t know what I expected but was so shocked at the flow and the time lapse of this read. You are left in each part knowing a little bit more and then further on you start to place these characters together. The names start coming together and this builds up so much excitement.
Beware this is extremely fast paced so be prepared to keep up to speed. As Donnie becomes top dog of the black empire you get an understanding of what sort of work he does in the city. Building connections with not so nice people over sees. Taking after his father, leading the life his father had done. I had such empathy for Layla. I do love it when an author has great taste in music too.
I think it’s brilliant how a book can make you see different sides to a story and a character. There was a lot of moments I felt sorry for people knowing that they were such bad people. The story escalated really quickly and spiralled in such a positive way. Although I found the topics hard to read I’m so glad that I gave this one time and persevered. This book is absolutely epic.
Beware this is extremely fast paced so be prepared to keep up to speed. As Donnie becomes top dog of the black empire you get an understanding of what sort of work he does in the city. Building connections with not so nice people over sees. Taking after his father, leading the life his father had done. I had such empathy for Layla. I do love it when an author has great taste in music too.
I think it’s brilliant how a book can make you see different sides to a story and a character. There was a lot of moments I felt sorry for people knowing that they were such bad people. The story escalated really quickly and spiralled in such a positive way. Although I found the topics hard to read I’m so glad that I gave this one time and persevered. This book is absolutely epic.
February 28, 2022
I love gangland crime. In the beginning I thought it would not be my cup of tea, because when, in real life, I almost faint when I see one drop of blood. And I can tell you this is about more than one little droplet. 😊
Why do I like it so much then? It’s because of the love between the members of a gang and their family and friends. Friends who are in fact family too. They will protect them with all they have and take revenge on everyone who harms them. I admit their way of dealing with the problem is not the way it should be but I think you understand what I am saying if you are a fan of this genre too.
The bosses are fierce. They will deal with enemies in a way they won’t be able to tell the tale, but they have the biggest heart for their loved ones.
Donnie is not like that though. Donnie is number one, no matter what he has to do to keep himself happy. In the beginning I thought Donnie was a bit of a too soft name for a crime boss. Don has a lot more strength, no? Well, let me tell you Donnie fits him perfectly. I think you will agree once you have finished the book too. 😉
I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to this author’s next story. 5 stars
Thank you, Alex Kane and Zooloo’s Book Tours
Why do I like it so much then? It’s because of the love between the members of a gang and their family and friends. Friends who are in fact family too. They will protect them with all they have and take revenge on everyone who harms them. I admit their way of dealing with the problem is not the way it should be but I think you understand what I am saying if you are a fan of this genre too.
The bosses are fierce. They will deal with enemies in a way they won’t be able to tell the tale, but they have the biggest heart for their loved ones.
Donnie is not like that though. Donnie is number one, no matter what he has to do to keep himself happy. In the beginning I thought Donnie was a bit of a too soft name for a crime boss. Don has a lot more strength, no? Well, let me tell you Donnie fits him perfectly. I think you will agree once you have finished the book too. 😉
I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to this author’s next story. 5 stars
Thank you, Alex Kane and Zooloo’s Book Tours
February 28, 2022
Holy Freaking Hell what a book….
You know what I honestly think that Alex is one of those authors that is at the top when it comes to grit lit. She always tells a story that will have you hooked from start to finish. Full of action and terrifying moments that leave you wanting more. Brilliant characterisation that jump out of the pages and feel so real. You can feel the emotions within the characters. She always delivers a nail biting, gritty story. Just when I thought she couldn’t get any better Alex has totally excelled herself making The Family Business her best book to date.
So we meet bad Boy Donnie Black comes across all charming and nice but that’s just it he’s out for what he can get. Has the story unfolds we learn more and more about him and I literally wanted to knock him out! poor Layla, poor Louise they have no idea. The plot just gets deeper and deeper and without Donnie this book wouldn’t be what it is. It is absolutely flipping awesome….Totally blown me away, I found myself pulled into this this whirlwind of emotions. One minute I am screaming at my kindle then next I am reminding myself to breathe. So many twists and turns…..Love, love, love it.
One word that sums this book up…. phenomenal! Read it and you will see what I mean!
You know what I honestly think that Alex is one of those authors that is at the top when it comes to grit lit. She always tells a story that will have you hooked from start to finish. Full of action and terrifying moments that leave you wanting more. Brilliant characterisation that jump out of the pages and feel so real. You can feel the emotions within the characters. She always delivers a nail biting, gritty story. Just when I thought she couldn’t get any better Alex has totally excelled herself making The Family Business her best book to date.
So we meet bad Boy Donnie Black comes across all charming and nice but that’s just it he’s out for what he can get. Has the story unfolds we learn more and more about him and I literally wanted to knock him out! poor Layla, poor Louise they have no idea. The plot just gets deeper and deeper and without Donnie this book wouldn’t be what it is. It is absolutely flipping awesome….Totally blown me away, I found myself pulled into this this whirlwind of emotions. One minute I am screaming at my kindle then next I am reminding myself to breathe. So many twists and turns…..Love, love, love it.
One word that sums this book up…. phenomenal! Read it and you will see what I mean!
March 3, 2022
#TheFamilyBusiness was a mostly fun and entertaining read throughout, however it got a little tiresome towards the end. The execution was ok, but take that with a grain of salt, as this was my first go at the 'gangland' genre. There were a lot of characters to keep track of and very little description or character development. It wasn't vital at all to know who was who, so I ended up glazing over names and just read through the action of the story. The first few parts of the book are incredibly short and take place far in the past, written to set up the backstory and give some context. This was surface-level and didn't enrich the characters much in my opinion. Donnie and Steff Black are gangster brothers whose rivals are another group called the firm. Layla, Donnie's wife, is affected by her husband's involvement with gang life in adverse ways; she was by far the most interesting person to follow. There are some crazy and unexpected twists and turns that made it a wild ride, but sometimes I couldn't really believe what I was reading. Nothing deep or amazing, but a pretty fun way to pass the time. Thank you #NetGalley!
February 21, 2022
The family business by Alex Kane.
Blood's thicker than water... and they're not afraid to spill it
Donnie Black. Charming, successful… and utterly terrifying, he rules the Glasgow underworld with an iron fist. Nothing - or no one - will stop him and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty to grow his fortune.
Layla Black. She’s been married to Donnie for twenty years, enjoying the lavish world he has worked hard to create. But behind the perfect image Layla is crumbling, numbing her pain with alcohol. But Layla doesn’t know the secrets Donnie keeps – and the truth will send her spiralling.
Louise Bellshaw. She’s young, beautiful and innocent. She’s charmed by Donnie’s sweet words, and believes she’s found true love. But Louise doesn’t know her dream man has plans that will turn her life into a nightmare.As the three collide, no one can predict how family ties will turn to bloodshed. Because you’ll do anything for the ones you love, won’t you?
I did enjoy this book. Great story and characters. I liked the cover too. 4*.
Blood's thicker than water... and they're not afraid to spill it
Donnie Black. Charming, successful… and utterly terrifying, he rules the Glasgow underworld with an iron fist. Nothing - or no one - will stop him and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty to grow his fortune.
Layla Black. She’s been married to Donnie for twenty years, enjoying the lavish world he has worked hard to create. But behind the perfect image Layla is crumbling, numbing her pain with alcohol. But Layla doesn’t know the secrets Donnie keeps – and the truth will send her spiralling.
Louise Bellshaw. She’s young, beautiful and innocent. She’s charmed by Donnie’s sweet words, and believes she’s found true love. But Louise doesn’t know her dream man has plans that will turn her life into a nightmare.As the three collide, no one can predict how family ties will turn to bloodshed. Because you’ll do anything for the ones you love, won’t you?
I did enjoy this book. Great story and characters. I liked the cover too. 4*.
February 13, 2022
📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚
The Family Business By Alex Kane - Publication Date - 24th Feb 2022
Donnie Black become head of the Black Family Gang, supported by his brother and other gang members. Some of these gang members being friends since being teenagers. But there are trying times ahead and loyalties are severely tested! As usual, I won’t give too much storyline, absolutely detest spoilers!!
Alex Kane yet again, had me gripped as soon as I started reading!! Gangland crime is my favourite genre of books but there are few authors that have the ability to make each book feel.... like you need to know what happens next BUT not want it to end!! Each time Alex delivers!!
Thanks for allowing me to read and review the ARC
#netgalley #alexkane #herarabooks
#book #review #bookstagram #london #reading #books #blog #blogger #bookworm #food #read #love #bookish #happy #booklover #art #instagood #bookshop #uk #feedback #instabook #reviews #author #movie #booksofinstagram #beauty #
#bookclub
The Family Business By Alex Kane - Publication Date - 24th Feb 2022
Donnie Black become head of the Black Family Gang, supported by his brother and other gang members. Some of these gang members being friends since being teenagers. But there are trying times ahead and loyalties are severely tested! As usual, I won’t give too much storyline, absolutely detest spoilers!!
Alex Kane yet again, had me gripped as soon as I started reading!! Gangland crime is my favourite genre of books but there are few authors that have the ability to make each book feel.... like you need to know what happens next BUT not want it to end!! Each time Alex delivers!!
Thanks for allowing me to read and review the ARC
#netgalley #alexkane #herarabooks
#book #review #bookstagram #london #reading #books #blog #blogger #bookworm #food #read #love #bookish #happy #booklover #art #instagood #bookshop #uk #feedback #instabook #reviews #author #movie #booksofinstagram #beauty #
#bookclub
April 8, 2022
The Black family are the rulers of the Glasgow underworld with Donny Black as the head. He is charming and will do anything to increase his wealth, he has no time for his wife of 20 years Layla who although enjoys spending the money he earns gets through life by drowning herself in alcohol every day.
We learn early that Donny and his brother Seth among other things are into the sex trafficking trade. Donny with his good looks and charm will lure you girls to fall in love with him, he will wine them, dime them, treat them like princesses, and then does the dirty on them. Louise Bellshaw is one of the girls that fall for his charms.
This book oozes thrills and you will not be able to put it down once you start, there are a number of characters but they are introduced steadily so you can identify them easily. It is fast-paced and exciting.
I have loved all of Alex Kane books but this one stands out among one of the best.
We learn early that Donny and his brother Seth among other things are into the sex trafficking trade. Donny with his good looks and charm will lure you girls to fall in love with him, he will wine them, dime them, treat them like princesses, and then does the dirty on them. Louise Bellshaw is one of the girls that fall for his charms.
This book oozes thrills and you will not be able to put it down once you start, there are a number of characters but they are introduced steadily so you can identify them easily. It is fast-paced and exciting.
I have loved all of Alex Kane books but this one stands out among one of the best.
January 8, 2022
Donnie Black rules the Glasgow underworld and he'll stop at nothing to grow his fortune.
Layla Black has been married to Donnie for 20 years but she doesn't know the truth behind what her husband really does.She's turned to alcohol to ease the pain she now feels in her loveless marriage.
Steff Black is Donnies brother and best friend but his hiding a secret from everyone,how long can it stay secret?
Louise Bellshaw is young and innocent and believes she's found her dream man in Donnie but his got plans for her that will turn dreams into a nightmare.
A brilliant read,gripping I could'nt put it down the writing is so good you feel like your part of the action.
Highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hera Books for the ARC.
Layla Black has been married to Donnie for 20 years but she doesn't know the truth behind what her husband really does.She's turned to alcohol to ease the pain she now feels in her loveless marriage.
Steff Black is Donnies brother and best friend but his hiding a secret from everyone,how long can it stay secret?
Louise Bellshaw is young and innocent and believes she's found her dream man in Donnie but his got plans for her that will turn dreams into a nightmare.
A brilliant read,gripping I could'nt put it down the writing is so good you feel like your part of the action.
Highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hera Books for the ARC.
January 6, 2022
what a book, the Glasgow Gangland family the Black's Donnie, brother Steff, and sister Mel, his wife Layla and best mate Cammy McNab The Black's empire only want to make money with the sex workers and drugs. but things are about to change when the great hardened gangster father Donald dies suddenly leaving behind their mother Maggie and Donnie is set to take over the business, Mel has other idea's and want Cammy out of the firm she wants a normal life with him.
This book is so gripping and unputdownable right through. Fantastic and not your normal family with loads of full on action I loved it all.
This book is so gripping and unputdownable right through. Fantastic and not your normal family with loads of full on action I loved it all.
February 5, 2022
Alex Kane never fails to deliver a page turning thriller - so addictive it will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
Donnie Black is ruthless and rules the Glasgow underground with an iron rod and earning a good living from his exploits but as he begins to expand into new adventures some of his boys don’t want to get involved and remove themselves forming their own gang - Donnie isn’t happy and if he’s not happy he makes sure to pursue the root of the problem and in his own way irradiate no matter who gets hurt in the process.
Blood, guts and true grit - if you are a lover of gangland thrillers then this is definitely for you.
Donnie Black is ruthless and rules the Glasgow underground with an iron rod and earning a good living from his exploits but as he begins to expand into new adventures some of his boys don’t want to get involved and remove themselves forming their own gang - Donnie isn’t happy and if he’s not happy he makes sure to pursue the root of the problem and in his own way irradiate no matter who gets hurt in the process.
Blood, guts and true grit - if you are a lover of gangland thrillers then this is definitely for you.
January 9, 2022
Donald black is controlling and and rules his 2 sons and daughter. but Donald dies and is eldest son Donnie takes over the family firm with his brother Steff and his sister Steff. but Donnie is greedy one of his dads business associates Goran tells him he made a deal with his father to traffic young girls abroad. now his old friends and members of his work team are so against this that they go there own way and Kevin wants to bring Donnie down. how the story unfolds is brilliant another good read buy this author
February 6, 2022
loved this book, 3 lives are entwined, its gritty, Donnie black is a gang leader of the underworld, he has been married to layla for 20 years, layla feell apart when her sister kerry died and blames donnie she seeks solace at the bottom of a bottle. Louiise is young and thinks she is in love with donnie, he is married, has money and is a known face, what louise doesnt realise is donnie is using her ....... why???? Highley recommended
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2022
The Family Business by Alex Kane is one brilliant gritty and fast paced book. I was hooked from the beginning till the end. If you love gangland crime books this is a book for you. It has everything you need to get your fix of this gene.
I highly recommend this book and all of Alex Kane's books they are all a brilliant reads
Big thank you to Thanks to Hera Books and Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I highly recommend this book and all of Alex Kane's books they are all a brilliant reads
Big thank you to Thanks to Hera Books and Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for a honest review.
March 22, 2022
It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did I enjoyed it. It’s a gritty, gangster genre with lots going on. Revenge is high on the list as so many people have been hurt by Donnie Black. Even those closest to him have been caught in Donnie’s need to prove he’s as hard and tough as his name sake father. If you like the gangster genre then you’ll enjoy this book.
January 31, 2022
This is a fast paced tale, centred around the Glasgow gangster underworld, and full of tension. The plot is based around the Black family and their criminal empire. It's a quick, easy, well written and satisfying read from an author at the top of her game. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
February 9, 2022
Wow! This book was fantastic. I have never heard of this author before but she certainly could be the queen of gangland thrillers! It was a gripping and nail biting read from start to finish. Will definitely look out for more books by her in the future
March 7, 2022
Good book
I did enjoy this book but some parts didn't add up. It's as if by the middle of the book the author forgot they had all been friends at the start. It didn't change the storyline or the enjoyment it was just a bit confusing.
I did enjoy this book but some parts didn't add up. It's as if by the middle of the book the author forgot they had all been friends at the start. It didn't change the storyline or the enjoyment it was just a bit confusing.
January 20, 2022
Thanks NetGalley for my copy of the family business. A true Glasgow gangster book with all the trimmings. A fast paced easy read that all will enjoy
March 2, 2022
What a fab book
Another brilliant book by Alex at gets better with each book she writes as usual there is plenty going on with murders, drugs and even people trafficking.
Another brilliant book by Alex at gets better with each book she writes as usual there is plenty going on with murders, drugs and even people trafficking.
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