Review ~ The Madam by Jaime Raven

AvonMay 2016

A bit of book blurb..

Scars might fade but the memories don't…

Three years and eleven months. That's how long Lizzie Wells was banged up inside Holloway prison for, serving time for a crime she didn’t commit. 

Six months. That's how long it took Lizzie to fall in love with a woman inside the prison. Scar, who might just have reason for her name.

Now Lizzie is finally free, the duo embark on a search to find those who framed Lizzie and sent her down for cold blooded murder.

My thoughts ..

On her release from prison, Lizzie Wells hits the ground running as she is determined to discover just who framed her for a murder she didn't commit, and more importantly why the perpetrators have been allowed to cover their tracks so convincingly. Armed with nothing more than the occasional knife, and their determination, Lizzie and her feisty companion Scar, delve into the murky world of the Southampton's criminal elite. It's a dark and dangerous world of deals and subterfuge, places where murder, loyalty and vengeance go hand in hand, and where getting on the wrong side of someone can lead to untold disaster.

I found The Madam all quite believable and even though there were times when I wanted Lizzie to slow down and think a little more carefully, I think part of the excitement, for me, came from never knowing what she was going to do next. Scar is the perfect calm counterfoil to Lizzie's impetuousness and together they make a great couple.

The plot develops really quickly and it’s very easy to go along with the story as it unfolds. Both Lizzie and Scar are exciting characters; they each have their own faults and failings but each have an undeniable strength and courage when it comes to facing down their enemies. The plot is fast and furious with never a dull moment and there's a gritty, realistic edge which is so essential to a dark and dirty crime story. There is swearing and graphic violence, so if this type of story upsets you, then it's not going to appeal.  I think this author’s works sits comfortably alongside the likes of Julie Shaw, Kimberley Chambers and Martina Cole, so if you’re a fan of gritty crime, then this will, probably, appeal to you.

Overall, the author has written a believable story and has given the characters great personalities. I even liked some of the bad guys. The twist in the tale is plausible and in a way, I think that the ending lends itself to a continuation, and maybe even a series, as I can well imagine Lizzie and Scar getting inadvertently drawn into more dark and gritty investigations.

Best read with...A glass of champagne and... a packet of cheese and onion crisps...

More about The Madam here 

Amazon UK

My thanks to the author for sharing The Madam with me.

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