Loyalty

by Martina Cole

'The Queen of Crime is back!' CloserDon't miss the brand new novel from legendary author Martina Cole. If you want to survive in this world, there's one thing you should value above all LOYALTY.Dara Tailor has had to grow up fast. With a mother addicted to cocaine, Dara must look after her seven younger siblings, until social services split them up for ever.Grace Perry has led a sheltered life. Until her widowed mother is attacked and left for dead and Grace is taken into care.At Holly Brookes Children's Home, the two girls unite in the face of horrific abuse and form an unbreakable bond of loyalty.But when their loyalty is tested can they rely on each other to do the right thing?Friendship - it's all about trust.

Don't miss the explosive new novel from the queen of crime Martina Cole.'She's a total one-off' Guardian'The stuff of legend . . . utterly compelling' Mirror'Superstar crime writer' This Morning'The undisputed Queen of crime writing' Erwin James'Her gripping plots pack a mean emotional punch' Mail on Sunday'One of the best fiction authors around . . . spectacular' Closer'Dark and dangerous' Sunday MirrorDue to health reasons, Martina Cole has chosen to collaborate with writer Jacqui Rose to finish her upcoming novel Loyalty.

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery

602 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2021

About the author

Martina Cole was born and brought up in Essex. She is the bestselling author of fourteen novels set in London's gangland, and her most recent three paperbacks have gone straight to No. 1 in the Sunday Times on first publication. Total sales of Martina's novels stand at over eight million copies.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am not sure how much input Jacqui Rose had in the book but 1. It worked well and both authors are singing ( or writing from the same page! ) and 2. When I say author etc I mean both

Well, Martina Cole is back and back with an unapologetic bang
I have read many gangland books inc all of the authors previous but got to say this for me was probably the grittiest, hard hitting and genuinely brutal one yet
It’s unflinching in its portrayal of the characters we meet, and we meet some disgusting, evil, perverted ones who literally have below zero morals and then some
It’s violent, to the core, no benign descriptions that are to be left to the imagination here
There are trigger points that deal with chid abuse, sexual and physical, rape, violence towards women, drug taking and if you flinch at the C word be prepared to flinch a lot
It really is eye wateringly real and every nasty in life is here in this 600 pages
And yet as the author is so so good at doing it shows friendship and how it can get people through any situation and it shows sacrifice and love
It shows loyalty, true raw loyalty
If you like Martina Cole and have been waiting for this book you will love it but take a breath every once in a while as it is hard going in places with the realism
Got to mention on a lighter note the Mother from hell,Phyllis,is a classic written character, I couldn’t stand her ( the love to hate was strong ) and as for Judy, well you will be shouting at the book about her….
More than good about more than bad
Excellent writing and story.

[Lorraine Southern · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I’ve outgrown these two ladies. Far too much repetitive effing and jeffing and just a tad bit too unbelievable for me now. That said, I would have thoroughly enjoyed this a decade and a half or so ago, so don’t mind me!!!

[The Book Review Café · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Martina Cole’s gritty gangland crime thrillers, but if I’m being honest, her last few books have been an enormous disappointment. But I’m thrilled to report the queen of crime is BACK! Loyalty is gritty, brutal, and the definition of a “page turner”. Due to health reasons, Martina Cole has chosen to collaborate with writer Jacqui Rose, and what a partnership! Loyalty tells the horrifying story of friends Dara and Grace who meet at Holly Brookes Children’s Home. The two girls unite in the face of horrific abuse and form an unbreakable bond. But when their loyalty is tested, can they rely on each other to do the right thing? Readers who are familiar with the authors' previous books won't be shocked by the violence and swearing, but those new to her work should be warned!

The characters definitely have different ideas about what loyalty means to them. Especially those who use it to blackmail, abuse and manipulate. Talking of the characters, they're such a mixed bag. Some you will love, others you will love to hate, and then there are others that you will loathe. Every character is memorable for very different reasons. Judy’s loyalty to her husband will make your blood boil! There’s Phyllis who is never going to win a mother of the year award! But it’s Dara and Grace’s relationship that brings warmth to this dark tale.

Martina Cole has always been an author who doesn’t shy away from the horrors of real life and tackles subjects head on. This is definitely not a book for the fainthearted! In fact, there were times when I struggled to read certain passages. Martina Cole and Jacqui Rose have written a cracking read. Loyalty is a chilling, unflinching, and disturbing insight into the live’s of those living in and on the fringes of the criminal underworld. Surprisingly I felt really emotional why I read the ending. Highly recommended.

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[Ruby Mann · Rating 1 out of 5]

The shitest book on planet earth, what the hell

[Julie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martina Cole is back!
I have to admit her last couple of books did not hit the mark for me but this one is absolutely brilliant. I’m not sure how the writing worked with Jacqui Rose but the two authors have come up with a great gangland crime thriller.
The two main characters, Dara and Gracie couldn’t be much different when they meet at a children’s home, but they soon form a strong bond and look out for each other.
There’s some really evil things going on at the home but somehow they get through it.
There’s other characters involved in the story but I won’t spoil it by revealing how all their lives are linked.
I can’t wait to read Martina Cole’s next book now.

[Charlie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow!!! This is the best book I have read in a very long time. It is a very hard read and covers every awful thing you can think about but so good. I cried real tears at the end of it. 1000% would recommend

[Margot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so disappointed it hurts.

I have read lots and lots of Martina's books, and this one I think is her weakest one. The writing was okay, but the plot wasn't.

The main theme was very heavy and dark, which wasn't a problem. But it felt like everything else was just a mix of all other tropes Martina used before, just changed a bit and mixed all together, that's why the whole book felt so repetitive. I just couldn't shake the feeling of "I have seen this film before".

The last part was pure bonkers. BONKERS. I didn't like it at all. Plus, it felt so rushed. The first 80% of the book was well paced, but the ending was rushed and didn't feel natural at all. And I am not even touching the plot twists. BONKERS.

[Lisa Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite sure how to review this. I hadn’t read Martina Cole before, my friend said it’s a good gangster read. She forgot to add in about the other gruesome, and deeply disturbing part of this book. It certainly isn’t for the faint hearted. BUT the first 2/3rds, whilst utterly horrific, I was engrossed by.

Unfortunately I think the last third really let the book down. I’ve given it 4 stars but only just. The last third felt rushed and I think the story lost its thread a bit which was a shame.

Not sure I’ve got the stomach for another Martina Cole anytime soon!

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martina Cole is back at her very best with the help of Jacqui Rose . Loyalty was an absolute page turner of a read for me . It’s certainly not for the faint hearted. It’s got lots of triggers which may be a problem for some people . It’s sad and brutal in parts and it did make me cry at times . It’s an excellently written book and the title couldn’t be better . Friends staying loyal to each other through thick and thin . The characters were all excellent in their own way . It’s a long read at 600 pages but it was that good the time just flew by as I was reading it.

[Racheal Pedder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love Martina Cole books, never disappoint! Loved the storyline and characters.

[Kelly Hagendoorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down and cried at the end. Loved this book!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The usual Martina Cole x👍

[Jeanette Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating throughout. A must read for anyone into gritty crime novels. I cried at the end!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put this down.

[Grace Suma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when I can’t predict what is going to happen, and this book was exactly that (or if I did predict it, something else unexpected blew that out the water)

I also cried a lot

Well deserved 5 star that I don’t dish out often 🫡

[Toby Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 billion stars!

Wow - this was quite the read. I was a tad intimidated by the over 600 pages when I first cracked into the book. But by the end I was bummed that it was only 600 pages.

Martina Cole is the ultimate badass when it comes to weaving a story with unforgettable characters and a plot that never quits. I wouldn't have thought that a book that contained child abuse, rape, domestic violence, multiple murders, abuse of power, and sodomy among many other atrocities would be impossible to put down but that was the case with Loyalty. I can't recommend this book enough!

[Evelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant as per usual, hopefully not that long a wait before there’s a new release 👌

[Vicki - I Love Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

It fells like it's been a long wait for this book by the Martina Cole.
Written With Jacqui Rose - this book was worth the wait.

A collaboration from two authors whose books I have read for years, this seemed to work well as this book was just as I expected it was going to be.
Gripping and interesting to read.

This book felt more like Martina's earlier works, and turned out to be a great page turner.

[Sophie Shasby · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read about 30% of this and couldn’t carry on. I can’t grasp why someone would want to write about child sexual abuse in such horrific and graphic details. Some would argue to raise awareness but I don’t think this book does that at all. I couldn’t carry on reading it because I thought it was just so wrong!

[Tracey Orchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been a while since I read one of Martinas books. Everything I expected and more. Didn't see that ending coming!!!! Thought the ending was just a bit of a quick clean up but gave some sense of tying up the loose ends. Good read.

[Sue Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same old same old I am afraid

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mini Review 📚📚
Loyalty by Martina Cole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Pages 602.

This is a large book that won't take you long to finish as you can't put it down and What a ride this one has been. I can't believe how good this was.

I have loved all of Martine Coles' stories, but this latest is one of the best I've read for a while.

This is a grippy, sleazy, shocking book that has so many triggers I wouldn't know where to start, from the violence to paedophilia, these characters make you feel sad, angry and happy, this is a rollercoaster of a book for your feelings.

The story is about two girls that are in a children's home of the worst kind and the horrific abuse they face at the hands of the adults running it and their guests. (Keep an eye out for the reference of a famous paedophile) It still makes me so angry when I think of what they did. This is uncomfortable reading at times, which makes you angry and sad for the people who are hurt by predators in real life.

Dara is a strong young girl who wants to look after everyone around her, and Gracie is a girl who shouldn't be in the environment she finds herself in, and the story of there lives together is a harrowing one. As always I don't want to give the plot away so I won't say to much but again I really do recommend this Martina Cole book, if you like stories that are of real life, of real crime and of the hardships that is happening everyday in the world then this is a book for you.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martina Cole was one of the first adult aurhors I started reading as a teenager and I was engrossed in her portrayed of criminal gangland London.

Her books of recent years were repetitive and not as good as her earlier releases but she is back with a bang.

This book was honestly brutal and not for the faint hearted, it comes with a list of many trigger warnings as Martina would say "longer than Oxford road".

If you enjoy a gritty crime novel give this a try but be prepared for some shocking scenes.

[Sophie Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had so much tension and a massive story line! With lots of twist and turns, at first the story feels all over the place but it all comes together at the end! The book had my attention the whole way through, and gripped my to get it finished, it took me 2 weeks to read but that was also due to being on holiday, short chapters so easy to read ❤️

[Ari Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure how I’d get on with this book as I have only read books in first person. The authors writing style is incredible and although it is so long I got so invested in all of the characters. I loved how all of the characters linked together and I could really envisage everything that happened. The ending broke me but omg what an amazing book!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely vicious. I haven’t read a Martina Cole novel in ages but I’m right back into it now. Couldn’t put it down. Ended in floods of tears ! Martina is hard core, not for the faint hearted, but she’s such a good story teller.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well what can I say Martina Cole is back with the help of Jacqui Rose not sure who wrote what bits as it just flowed great story would highly recommend to any Gangland crime fan

[Pol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Martina cole/ jacqui Rose new book
Last couple of her books were a disappointment but the Queen of crime/ Gangland is back
It was a page Turner couldn't put it down

[Emma Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic couldn't put it down would recommend

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was martina Cole at her absolute best. Loved It didn't want it to end