Freddie Jackson thinks he owns the underworld when he gets out of prison. He’s done his time, made the right connections, and now he’s ready to use them. His wife Jackie just wants her husband home, but she’s forgotten the rows, the violence, and the girls Freddie can’t leave alone. Bitter, resentful, and increasingly unstable, Jackie watches her life crumble while her little sister Maggie’s star rises. In love with Freddie’s cousin Jimmy, Maggie is determined not to end up like her sister.

Families should stick together, but behind closed doors, jealousy and betrayal can fester until everyone’s life is infected. And for the Jacksons, loyalty cannot win out. Because in their world you can trust no one. In their world everyone is on the take.

Martina tells it like it really is, and her unique, honest and compassionate style shines through in her latest novel. Jackie Jackson is preparing a party to welcome home her husband Freddie. Everyone is gathered at the party, including her sister Maggie. But after six years in prison, Freddie thinks he is the Essex equivalent to the Godfather. And he's going to make sure everyone knows it.

Martina Cole was born and brought up in Essex. She is the bestselling author of eleven novels set in London's gangland, and her most recent two paperbacks, as well as her latest hardback, have gone straight to No. 1 in the Sunday Times on first publication.

2008-04-20 Aaaarrrgggghhhhhhh!

What a let down this one is! quite unreadable and repetitive, about whose characters one could not give a jot. Having skipped paras and pages I gave up on page 113, went to find some wet paint to watch!