This is the third book in the Gallowburn series. I have read and reviewed the two previous books, and they were brilliant reads. I love a gritty, gangland thriller, and Heather Atkinson brings just that with every book I have read from her.
The Blood Brothers are back! Jamie Gray and his three friends Gary, Digger, and Logan formed Blood Brothers when they were in school. Now, in their twenties, they have grown up rather quickly,especially since they started working for the notorious Toni McVay. A woman who is known as the Queen of Glasgow and head one of the most feared families in Scotland.
Then there is Cameron Abernathy, who is in Barlinnie Prison for killing Allegra, his daughter, and Jamie's girlfriend. The biggest issue is that Allegra is not dead, and Cameron knows this. He has plans for Jamie upon his release. The added pressure of rival gangs attempting to take over the Blood Brothers turf Jamie knows they have to up their game. The problem is that they don't know who to trust or which way to turn. Will Jamie manage to keep everyone safe, and who will come out on top? I won't tell you, go read it!
A story that easily rivals those from Kimberley Chambers or Mandasue Heller. The quality of Heather Atkinsons writing really places you right in the Gallowburn Estate with the Blood Brothers. The authors' characters are still second to none, with so many from the previous two books still playing their own unique part within this series. I do have a soft spot for Jamie's mum, Jackie. She just reminds me of those parents who stand by their kids through thick and thin. Her loyalty or protectiveness of Jamie never wavers.
The banter is still present, and along with that and their loyalty to each other, the Blood Brothers made me feel a part of the gang, and yet again, I loved it! Three books later, I am still eager to read more!
Thanks to Rachel Gilbey, Boldwood Books and NetGalley.

As soon as I started the book, I had a weird feeling like I was back at “home” on the Gallowburn with these vibrant and somehow likeable characters. Jamie is brave, resilient, loyal and clever. His ‘Maw’ is also brave, ruthless and a true matriarch of the family and the “Blood Brothers” group. I have become completely invested in their lives: their romances, rivalries and dilemmas.

This is another pacey, gripping installment and I’d highly recommend anyone reading this review to pick up this book even if you haven’t read the previous books. With Heather’s easy style, you will quickly get into the story and become engrossed in the characters and their lives. No-one writes gritty, complex and yet sympathetic characters quite like Heather Atkinson.

As the story moves on and the situation escalates, main character and hero Jamie is having to dodge bullets from all angles. The story is increasingly tense, exciting and sometimes explosive.

There is darkness in the violence, threat, hidden identities and constant fear of being found. However, there is lightness in the humour, loyalty, tenderness and love shown between the central characters. This provides a perfect balance and makes this series that stands apart, and above, others in this genre.

I have no hesitation in giving this series five stars and would recommend this book and author to fans of Martina Cole, Emma Tallon and Caro Savage.

Gallowburn Series Book 3
Let me start with, if you have not read any of Heathers books yet, then you really should. Intersting, gritt and often hard hitting. These books are a must for any gangland crime thriller reader.
If you enjoy Casey Kelleher, Kimberley Chambers, Kerry Barnes and Mandasue Heller, then you will love Heathers books.
Reading these books you are taken into the underworld of crime. Friendship, enemies, Heroics, Drugs, crime, Loyalty, its all in there, it all keeps you turning those pages.
This is book 3 in the Gallowburn series. For me personally I would say read them in order. I feel you will get the best of the series with knowing the backgrounds of the characters a little more.
The Blood Brothers are 4 friends who live on and run the Gallowburn estate. The estate is like many others around the country and has its good and bad points. The lads are not out to cause trouble, they want their estate to be a good place to be. With Jamie Gray at the head of the 'Brothers, the Gallowburn estate is mainly kept free of trouble.
Any problems you have on this estatate, then it's Jamie and his friends that you go to, not the police. The lads, Jamie, Logan, Gary and Digger are a great bunch of characters to read about. I love the banter and fun that goes between them. Now working for the notorious Toni McVey, a woman you wound not want to get on the wrong side of, the lads are soon caught up in the problems of 2 rival gangs who want to take out Toni McVay. This is not going to be plain sailing, and there will be trouble ahead. The lads will do all they have too, to survie.
An excellent read with just enough going on that you will not want to stop reading. A rollercoast of thrills, get your feet up and get reading.
​A superb and exciting read.

Danger lurks everywhere for the Blood Brothers on the Gallowburn estate. The scheme, as it is referred to, is rough, poverty-stricken and has spread to cover a huge area, but essentially it contains good people who still know what it is like to live in a community and look out for their neighbours. However, no one goes to the police – they rely on the Blood Brothers instead to sort out their problems. Living on the north side of the estate, Jamie Gray and his three friends Gary, Digger and Logan form a gang called the Blood Brothers and have been together since their school days. In their early twenties they have grown up fast, particularly since falling under the employ of the notorious Toni McVay, aka the Queen of Glasgow and head one of the most feared families in Scotland, anxious to please her and keep their eyeballs intact. The Brothers are all about protecting their own and hanging on to their territory and their sworn enemies are the Lawson gang from the south side. With the psychotic Craig Lawson now in Barlinnie for murdering Cameron Abernethy’s accountant, younger brother John is less than up to the job and Craig relies on his cousin Nick for help on the outside. Also in the same prison is Cameron, set up by his daughter Allegra and convicted for her murder. Only Jamie, Jackie and the private investigator Gavin Mullen know that she is still alive living under an alias in Europe. Cameron is convinced that Allegra is alive and plots with Craig to bring about Jamie’s downfall by setting an investigator on her trail. Meanwhile on the Gallowburn, the Gordon family from Maryhill pose a threat to the Brothers as they are looking to target Toni’s business there. With the Gordons constantly feuding with their arch rivals the Thompsons from Possilpark, both of these families know only one of them can take over the estate and standing in their way are the Brothers who will really need to rally their troops and step up their game to protect their turf. Just who can be trusted? Will Jamie be able to keep everyone safe from harm? Will Jackie and Mullen ever be reunited? Just who will come out victorious in the second Battle of Gallowburn?
I really love this series!! Most of the brilliant characters from books one and two are still there, including my absolute favourite, the psychotic ice-cream man Ephraim, ferocious weapon wielding pub landlady Deirdre and husband Eric, the superb Reverend Valerie Brown who in the previous book actually turned out to be a McVay herself and of course Jamie’s fiercely protective and loyal mother Jackie. There is masses of thrilling action in this excellent story and I have a great affection for the boys and their families who, with their obvious loyalty and humorous banter, have really grown me in the three books so far. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next for them! 5*

This is the third book in the Gallowburn Series. Its got everything you would expect from a gangland book. Lots of grit, lots of violence and strong bonds. I was totally drawn into this world where anything goes. Great storyline and a brilliant cast of characters. I loved it

Blood ties by Heather Atkinson.
Gallowburn Series Book 3.
The queen of Glasgow Toni McVay is back but this is no ordinary crime boss you do not want to cross.
A brilliant read. Great story and characters. Although I was a little afraid of Toni myself. Love this series. 5*.

Blood Ties is the second book in this series which I wasn’t aware of.It’s a well written book about the Blood Brothers Jamie.Logan,Gary and Digger and their latest troubles.You really need to read the first book in order to get know to the characters,I just thought some of the story was a bit far fetched and I know it’s fictional but this book really wasn’t for me,which was a surprise because I’ve read previous books by Heather Atkinson and enjoyed them.So sorry this book is only a 3 star read from me, I think I may be I’m the minority but I didn’t enjoy it

I do enjoy this series of books, set in fictional Gallowburn in Glasgow. This is another good read by Heather Atkinson as Jamie battles with two rival gangs in the latest episode. Jackie's character is very amusing, especially when she wields her frying pan! I love the humour and the banter between the Blood Brothers, the characterisation is excellent. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

I’d like to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Blood Ties’ written by Heather Atkinson in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Jamie Gray together with his friends Gary, Digger and Logan are the Blood Brothers and they work for Toni McVay the Queen of Glasgow’s Gallowburn. Cameron Abernethy is in Barlinnie Prison for killing his daughter Allegra, Jamie’s girlfriend, but Cameron knows she’s still alive and plans to get even with Jamie with landing him in prison.

‘Blood Ties’ is a well-written gangland thriller with an action-packed and interesting plot. I found the characters, especially the members of Blood Brothers, amusing rather than bloodthirsty which is what I was expecting but as I got into the story I became involved in the happenings in Gallowburn although I found it more tongue in cheek than gritty and shocking. I enjoyed this novel but not as much as I’d hoped.

Another story about the bloodbrothers who rule the Gallowburn and work for Tony Mcvay. 2 new gangs want to test Jamie so there is plenty of action.
This was a real page Turner and I can't wait for the next one.

Jamie worked for Toni and did all of her dirty work
The rival Families the Gordon’s and the Thompsons are ready for war
Who will win or lose
I had an ARC

Another amazing book
Real page turner , read it in one day
Could not put it down
Keep up the good work
Can’t wait for the next one

Toni Mcvay is the queen of Glasgow feared by many.Jamie Gray and his gang the Blood Brothers are learning all they can from Toni by doing her dirty work,to keep safe they need to keep her happy.
The Gordon's and the Thompsons are rival families,they want to take over the Gallowburn estate and take Toni down,but can they trust each over to join forces.
Thinking the Blood Brothers are the weak link could be their downfall before they have even started.
Jamie has problems in his private life he needs to keep his biggest secret hidden but at what cost.
Another great read from Heather Atkinson I could'nt put it down.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for the ARC

Another fantastic read from Heather Atkinson . I can't wait for the next book they are so addictive you just can't put them down . There is so much more to come from the blood brother's I think

O WOW, i love this set of books, the characters are fantastic. The blood brotbers run the gallowburn estate and are working with the mcvays the most fearsome family, Allegras dad cameran abernethy is convinced his daughter is still alive. ....... he is in prison for her murder but a body hasn't been found. Jackie gets happiness with mullen and is very handy with tackling people out to caise the blood brothers harm with her trusty frying pan, BRILLIANT . .... couldnt put this down. Twists turns highley recommend

i so love this authors books and so enjoyed . the blood brothers have there hands full this time two family s want to take everything from Toni MCVAY , and Cameron Abernethy gets Natalie to look for Allegra as he wants out of prison and he will not stop at nothing the characters in this book are so funny i so can not wait for next book in series

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this ARC. Heather you have not failed this book is brilliant didn't want it to end.
Read in one sitting page turner can't wait for the next one

Yet another outstanding book by this amazing author.
I really enjoyed it and so many things happened I didn't see coming. I hope there is another one coming from her
If people haven't heard of heather Atkinson they really should pick up one of her books
This was amazing

Blood Ties by Heather Atkinson

The Queen of Glasgow, Toni McVay, is no ordinary crime boss.

For one thing, she likes to discipline disappointing employees by scooping out their eyeballs and keeping them as souvenirs. Jamie Gray and his gang the Blood Brothers are happy to do her dirty work in return for lessons in the ways of the local underworld, but are in no doubt that they need to keep Toni sweet to keep themselves safe.
The author has done it again by writing a truly gripping crime book of the very highest calibre, and the type we have learnt to expect from her.
Raw , gritty , sensational , bloody , and deadly , it has it all.
Fantastic character in Toni McVay , loyal to her family and those she trusts with her life , but cross her and wait for the consequences ! Loved it.