Scarlet Women - Softcover

Keane, Jessie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007274009 ISBN 13: 9780007274000

Publisher: HARPER, 2009

Synopsis

She was a madam in a brothel, then a gangster’s moll. Now Annie Carter owns the East End of London, and God help anybody that crosses her...

It’s 1970, London, and there’s a killer on the loose.

When gang boss Annie Carter gets a call, suddenly it’s personal. A close friend of hers is the latest victim, and another is in the frame for the murder.

With the hated Delaney gang still causing trouble, and NY mob boss Don Constantine Barolli’s family making no secret of the fact that they hate her, she senses a feud blowing up in all their faces very soon.

To save her old friend, Annie has to try to find out who’s been targeting the girls. Before long she’s diving head-first into the seedy underbelly of the streets.

How long before the killer strikes again? And who will be the next victim?

About this title

Review:

Praise for Jessie Keane:

‘This is a riveting story, with gutsy, gritty characters and a genuine feel for the period.’ Books Monthly

‘A cracking story from a great new writer’ Mandasue Heller

‘Sensational, thrilling...the pace never lets up, not for an instant.’ Books Monthly

‘Gritty and powerful, Martina Cole fans will love this addictive novel.’ Closer

‘A fast-paced thriller. Three stars.’ Star Magazine

From the Author:

When did you start writing?
As soon as I could crawl. I drew little figures with balloons floating above their heads, and stuffed the balloons full of words – mostly rubbish words, but it was a start. I then progressed to throwing big words I didn’t understand into any sentence I wrote – ‘mutation’ was a favorite. My English teacher concluded that I was either a talented writer, or slightly disturbed.

Where do you write?
At home, in a tiny corner under the eaves, or in the kitchen while cooking - anywhere the mood takes me, really. What are the pros and cons of being a writer? Pros – getting paid for something you are compelled to do and absolutely love to do. Cons – working-alone anxiety and driving yourself crazy over little details you think you’ve missed.

What writers have inspired you?
Shakespeare, Sue Townsend, Lynda La Plante, Dick Francis. How important is a sense of place in your writing? Extremely important. It sets the tone for the whole book. My first book Dirty Game is set in 1960’s East End London, my second Black Widow in 1970 in the same area. That strong sense of place (and time) is essential.

Do you spend a lot of time researching your novels?
Only after the first draft’s written. Then I go back and research and embellish until it’s perfect.

Do your characters ever surprise you?
Not too often. I’m the referee, they’re the players – I’m there to keep them in order.

How much of your life and the people around you do you put into your books?
Very little. I have a wildly vivid imagination!

How did it feel when you saw your book in print for the first time? Deeply weird, and very delightful. If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing now? I’d either be in a proper job, or banged up, but I guarantee that I’d still be scribbling away and trying to get those scribbles published!

About this edition

• Publisher: HARPER
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0007274009
• ISBN 13: 9780007274000
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 544