The publisher created a new category with the publication of this novel, that of ‘gangster saga’, and it’s not far off the mark. A gangland 60’s saga set in Gosport with a strong heroine and some memorable characters. It’s got heart, violence, sex and an underground current which is very atmospheric. Evocative and gritty, it’s the beginning of a series that continues in the follow up, Broken Bodies. 

See the links below to read the books in order.

1 Trust Nobody

2 Broken Bodies

3 Damaged Goods

4 Fatal Cut

5 Jail Bait

6 Fighting Dirty

Similar this month:  None.
Comparison: Martina Cole, Mandasue Heller, Lynda La Plante.

Synopsis

It is 1962 and Daisy Lane, whose husband Kenny is in jail for robbery, runs and lives over the family's cafe in Gosport with Kenny's older brother Eddie. Daisy looks out for pretty, vulnerable, 16-year-old Suze, who works in the cafe and, along with prostitute Vera, who also shares the house, the women form a strong and lasting bond.

The Lane brothers suffered a violent childhood, but Eddie took the brunt of the beatings. He has grown into a handsome, resourceful villain with a streak of viciousness that leads him to commit acts of terrifying violence to get his way - and Daisy prefers not to know the details of Eddie's 'business' dealings.

But hard man Eddie has an Achilles heel - Daisy. She resists him, but when her visits to Kenny in jail become more and more difficult, it is Eddie she turns to for support. Then Eddie pulls a racket too far, venturing on the patch of a villain who is even harder and more territorial than he is.

And Daisy discovers the hard way to trust nobody - especially not the man you love...

Reviews

About the Author

June Hampson is fifty. She lives in Gosport, Hampshire, where she runs a market stall selling books. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation