Blackmail: A completely unputdownable gripping and gritty crime thriller (The Manchester Thrillers)

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She never thought she would ever attract the attention of Gilly, a pimp who wants to use her for something but cannot figure out how yet. In the following weeks, Gilly increasingly becomes obsessed with Maddy, particularly when she starts dating Aaron, a successful businessman. A thrilling ending, I expected nothing less and a really well presented story that saw folk getting their comeuppance and Crystal battle against all odds, great read Businesswoman Laura Sharples owns a fashionable chain of clothing shops, but not so long ago she called herself Crystal and worked the streets of Manchester. Although she's moved on, she's never forgotten how far she had to go to beat her addictions and raise her daughter, Candice. I’ve never read anything by Heather Burnside so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect but the synopsis caught my attention plus as this was set in Manchester, I was particularly interested to see how it differed to those in the same genre that are set in the gangland streets of London.

When Beth meets wealthy crime boss Martin, he sets her up in business, dotes on her and gives her everything she wants. But Beth is plotting revenge on the man who tried to ruin her… Will her plan come together? Or, this time, will she lose everything for good? Sub-genres As for her inspiration she does not particularly have any since. Heather Burnside’s novels do not resemble the works of any of her favorite authors such as Jeffrey Deaver, Minette Walters, Val McDermid, and Nicci French. However, her work most resembles that of the likes of Mandasue Heller and Martina Cole.Heather now works full-time on her novels from her home in Manchester which she shares with her two grown-up children. Her writing style probably comes from all manner of influences as she has been known to read anything from autobiographies to sagas and crime thrillers. However, her biggest influence is probably the city of Manchester, which is the setting for most of her work. This book is fast-paced, addictive and completely absorbing. I loved Beth's character and was fully invested in her story. She comes across as genuine and believable. A great book, has twists and turns, its exciting and i couldnt put it down, highley recommend.' Netgalley Reviewer, *****

In addition to her long form fiction, she is also the author of “Crime Conflict & Consequences” which is a short story collection written in multiple genres. But she is an ambitious woman and it is not long before she owns her own brothel as madam. However, there are downsides to being the boss and she has a huge nightmare on her hands when some enemy from the past makes a reappearance. Crystal is a prostitute, after working for a good few years she's had enough and decides she wants to give it all up, the drugs, drink and the game. Her friend Ruby is becoming increasingly worried about her and she wants a decent life for herself and her daughter Candice. After taking a career break to raise two children, Heather completed a creative writing course. During that time, she had many articles published in well-known magazines and went on to run a writing services business before focusing on her novels.I LOVED IT!!! Clever, beautifully written and entertaining. And, what is unusual in the mass market of contemporary domestic noir/psychological thrillers, characters you actually care about.' NetGalley Reviewer , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

At the opening of the novel, she has no place she can call home even as all she wants is to fit in with the tough crowd. She had spent many of her teenage years drinking at the park and sleeping around and she had become a prostitute by the time she turned sixteen. Crystal is a story of abuse, corruption and revenge and therefore I’m giving trigger warnings for sexual abuse, violence, kidnapping and drug/alcohol abuse. Kept me up half the night as couldn't put it down . Absolutely adore Martin and Beth. Edge of seat all the way .' Reviewer, ***** Reading 'Crystal' was much like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride, with more twists and turns to the tale than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Just when you thought that you could take a minute to catch your breath, reclaim your stomach and put down the cushion you were hiding behind, then off the action would go again. Laura Sharples running her five fashion boutiques and trade is blooming with her daughter Candice at university and living in a new four bed house things could not be better for her since her days a s working girl Crystal.I’d like to thank Head of Zeus, Aries and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Guilt’ by Heather Burnside in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. In the 1990s, her estate was the home base for one of the most dangerous gangs in the city. It was regularly in the press due to drug related shootings, gang crime and other undesirable happenings. The plot was full of twist and turns and did keep my interest right to the end despite some obvious flaws. But before she can get out of the game, she will first have to take charge of her own life which starts with revenge. In her quest, she takes something that belongs to Justin, a very dangerous man that happens to have his fingers in a lot of pies. But this is in no way a negative, Heather Burnside is a superb author and she has written another Gritty and Compulsive read and I can't wait to read the next installment. Which I'm about to start!