Product Description

An uncompromising and haunting story of betrayal and violence

Freddie Jackson is just out of prison. He’s done his time, made the right connections, and now he’s ready to use them. His wife Jackie dreams of having 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 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.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7174 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-14
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 608 pages

Review

'Right from the start [Cole] has enjoyed unqualified approval for her distinctive and powerfully written fiction'

(The Times )

'A blinding good read'

(Ray Winstone )

'The stuff of legend...utterly compelling'

(Mirror )

About the Author
Martina Cole is the No. 1 bestselling author of fifteen hugely successful novels. Highly acclaimed for her hard-hitting, uncompromising and haunting writing, as well as her incredible success, Martina Cole is the only author who dares to tell it like it really is.

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Customer Reviews

The Take
Another classic Martina Cole book. I read this in one weekend as I couldn't put it down. Once again Martina has capture the atmosphere superbly. You can almost see the characters in the room. Having read all other Martina Cole books this one has not dissapointed me. It is fantasic insight into the other world of gangsters, prostitution, killing and drugs.

Fantastic!
This is my third Martina Cole book having already read `The Know' and `The Ladykiller'. As with the other two books `The Take' sucks you in from page on and gives you an indepth look at the life of all the characters.

As with her other books The Take is set in the East End of London and The Take follows the lives of the Jacksons. Freddie Jackson has just been released from a stint in prison and is determined to climb the criminal ladder as quickly as possible having made all the right connections while behind bars. At his side is his loyal cousin Jimmy.

I won't say too much about what happens as that always ruins a book for me but I will say that this is one of the best books I've read in a while and I'm quickly becoming a Martina Cole addict. True as some others have said there is graphic violence and bad language but that is the way Martina Cole writes and I can't imagine too many East End hardmen with a posh accent and their pinky up when they lift their cup.

All in all this is an excellent story and I was gripped from page on until I reached the last page. Now I'm on the hunt for the next injection of Martina Cole.

WOW!!!!!
This book is completely un-put-downable! Would be great if it was made into a film. You really get to feel the hard life and ordeals the characters have to go through. Absolutely enthralling and one of the best i've read in a long while. Will definately be on look out for more by Martina Cole! 1st class!!!