Evie Hunter has launched a brand new gangland thriller series with "Dirty Business," a thrilling story set in the apparently luxurious but perilously clandestine world of Frenchurch Falls. The first book in the series throws readers straight into a high-stakes world where money and power conceal a dark underbelly of crime and deadly secrets.

The story revolves around Callie Renfrew, owner of the exclusive Frenchurch Falls, whose somewhat estranged husband Gavin abruptly disappears. Although Callie is not surprised by Gavin's disappearance, considering his past record of shady business practices, the reality she starts to uncover is much darker and more extensive than she could ever dream of. Hunter masterfully employs Gavin's disappearance as a trigger to uncover the dark underbelly beneath the glitzy façade of Frenchurch Falls.

What makes "Dirty Business" most compelling is the emphasis on the relationships among Callie and her two oldest friends, Angela Dalton and Dawn Frobisher. All three women are inextricably linked to the spa, and as Gavin's disappearance endangers Callie's livelihood, it also puts their lives and occupations at risk. The relationship between these three women constitutes the emotional center of the story. Their loyalties, their common history, and their respective strengths become important as they are pulled into the perilous turmoil left behind by Gavin.

Hunter weaves a tense plot with accumulating debts, merciless enemies hiding in the shadows, and Callie's tenuous hold on control slipping. The main enigma about Gavin's destiny – is he alive, or has someone already exacted vengeance? – holds the reader captive and in suspense. The plot effectively weighs the external dangers against the internal demons of the characters as they fight their way through a world where trust is a brittle and possibly deadly currency.

For fans of the gangland thriller genre, specifically readers who appreciate authors such as Kerry Kaya, Gillian Godden, and Edie Baylis, "Dirty Business" has the potential to deliver the goods in terms of thrills and tension. The location of Frenchurch Falls offers an interesting context, juxtaposing the external facade of opulence against the harsher truth of the criminal underworld that exists below.

In summary, "Dirty Business" is an exciting beginning to a new gangland thriller series. Evie Hunter has written an engaging story with interesting characters, an entertaining plot, and an evocative setting. Fans of tales of high stakes, risky secrets, and the tenacity of friendship despite troubles will surely find themselves immersed in the dirty business of Frenchurch Falls.

It’s been a while since I read a Gangland Crime Thriller and this book was certainly a great choice for me to get back into reading this genre. Dirty Business is the first book in a brand new series by Evie Hunter. It didn’t take me long to get engrossed in this book and after a few chapters I was hooked on the story . The main thing I loved about this book was the role of the females and how they were able to carry on and make things happen when the men in their lives weren’t around. Usually in this genre it’s the men who are top dog and the ladies are hovering in the background. This was done in a different way and I loved it . There’s a few twists and turns along the way. I feel the characters will become more developed as the series progresses and one big question is who can or can’t be trusted. All in all a superb start to a new series.

Mainly driven by female characters and based in a different setting to many in the genre, this is a great read. Ending sets things up nicely for the next book in the series.

This was a great start to what promises to be a gripping series! I’ve always enjoyed Evie Hunter’s storytelling, and this book delivered the drama, tension, and atmosphere I’ve come to expect. From the very beginning, Callie stands out as a tough, no-nonsense woman, and her determination to uncover the truth about her husband Gavin’s disappearance makes for an engaging plot.

Things quickly escalate when her friend Angela’s husband also goes missing, adding an intriguing layer of mystery. Set against the darker side of Brighton, the story delves into its grittier corners, exploring the possibility that something sinister has happened to these men who weren’t exactly saints.

The characters feel real, with just enough complexity to keep you guessing, and the twists—while not shocking—were well executed and kept the story moving. There’s an undercurrent of tension throughout, balanced by strong female friendships and an authentic sense of place.

Overall, a compelling, fast-paced read with just the right amount of grit and heart. I’m looking forward to seeing where this series goes next!

What a great start to a new series! I’ve always enjoyed Evie Hunter’s books and this one was no exception. From the get go you know that Callie is a strong woman who doesn’t take any prisoners. After her husband Gavin goes missing, and along with friends Angela and Dawn, she is determined to find out where he is and why he has disappeared. Then it transpires that Angela’s husband Paul has gone missing too. Are their disappearances connected? Both mix with the more unsavoury characters of Brighton where this is set so there is also the possibility that someone has taken them. A cracking good read that has believable and interesting characters, the undercurrent of violence, the seedier of life as well as a few twist and turns. Can’t wait for the new book! Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC

WoW!!! Dirty Business by Evie Hunter was an excellent gangland crime thriller from start to finish. It is full of brilliant twists and turns that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat! Superb book!

I loved the 3 main main character Callie Renfrew and her friends Angie Dalton and Dawn Cavendish, they were excellent and it was great to have a gangland crime thriller mainly about women!
When Callie Renfrew’s husband, Gavin, vanishes, she isn’t entirely surprised this has happened!. He is the owner of Frenchurch Falls and this is the playground of indulgence for the rich and famous.
Callie has always known Gavin had a great knack for skirting the law. But, this time he hasn't been so lucky! and what she uncovers about his dealings. . . . will drag her into a web of danger.

Now, with Gavin’s disappearance this threatens more than Callie’s business, it also threatens the lives of her oldest friends, Angela Dalton and Dawn Cavendish. They are each tied to the spa in their own way. Now, drawn into the chaos, they all must uncover the truth: The biggest truth they all need to find out. . . . . .

Is Gavin alive, or has someone already exacted vengeance?

With mounting debts, ruthless enemies circling to get their monies, everything is crumbling around them!,
Callie must rely on Angela and Dawn like never before. But. Trust means everything and it comes at a price! in this world this can be deadly, misplaced faith could cost Callie everything and even her life and the life of others!

WoW. this book is so good I ended up reading it in one sitting and I loved it. . . . Looking forward to the next one.

I highly recommend this book!

Although this book was a good read, it wasn't a great read, personal view. It began well with some of the characters likeable while others were quite nasty! The story line was OK but the author repeated herself too often and I felt that there was too many descriptive passages. I admit that I felt obliged to finish this book, I lost interest in the story! Could have been a fantastic book but I felt it was a bit bogged down in places.

Friends Callie and Angie are shocked when both their husbands disappear. Angie then finds out her son Henry is also missing. On looking into what’s happening they find there is a lot about their husbands they didn’t know. Mixing with violent gangsters and then leaving Callie to face them on her own, Callie soon realises that Gavin was up to something far more dangerous than even she imagined. Who can Callie trust and just where has Gavin gone. This is a great start to a new gangland series.

A brilliant introduction to a new gangland series. A good range of character introductions with Callie and Angie being good strong female protagonists.
The overall storyline is well thought out and written well, a good depth to the plot and a realistic approach.
The final chapters are great for setting up for the second book in the series.

The first book in BRAND NEW gripping gangland thriller series by bestselling author Evie Hunter!
WOW! If this isn't a book to brag about I don't know what is... I started it late last night. Never did I anticipate I would be closing the book at 1am left in complete shock... This book was insane! It was twisted, it was gripping but it was so darn good! Wow!…

Dirty Business is a good start to a new gangland crime series. I really liked the main character Callie and her friend Angie. Both their husbands are missing and Callie and Angie want to know where they are and why and take matters into their own hands. The story is well written and flows easily, and the plot is good and certainly realistic and all too believeable. There are characters you like and root for and others you loathe and just want them to be found out. I enjoyed this read, it is good, engaging and held my attention and interest but it didn't wow me. The ending is good and sets up the next book perfectly which I'll want to read to see what is in store for Callie next. If you like gangland crime books with strong characters give this a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

3.5 stars

Dirty Business is a thrilling start to a new gangland series with strong female characters. Callie and Angela's husbands have disappeared and with the help of her friends Callie needs to find out if they are alive and why and where they have vanished too while keeping the spa business operating. Featuring the rich and famous you can't trust anyone as they are not all what they seem on the surface and some are downright ruthless. It's a fast paced read and after every page you just want more! I enjoyed that the females were the leading characters and I have a feeling that one of them is hiding something.

I enjoyed this book. The characters were good and it was a good storyline. I found the ending quite open so hopefully it will lead on to another story. However it does tie it up well. I would recommend this to others who enjoy the gangster type novel.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book, although I did find the ending a little predictable. Recommended.

This is an intense gangland crime thriller. For a change, it focuses on the females of families, and I do like this.

The females in question have been thrust into the midst of something they no nothing about. When the local thugs come knocking at their doors demanding to know where their husbands are. Not only are two husbands missing, but also a son!

when the women have no idea what is going on they do not know who they can trust. After all, this is a lifestyle where secrets, devious backhanders, mysterious shenanigans and threats of violence are part of everyday life. The fact that the males of the families are not missed for a while, goes to show how relationships have been stretched.

I enjoyed the fact that this story was told from the female perspective and it showed a different side to the gangland crime family. This meant I learnt what was being unearthed as the women did, it made it feel more personal.

Gangland crime is a great genre to read and this book was a fabulous way to start a new series, I cannot wait to see what happens next. There are unanswered questions and I imagine there are lots of opportunities for revenge, more secrets and deviousness to come.

If you are a fan of gangland, crime, and thriller books then this is one I would definitely recommend.

A great start to a gangland thriller. It had a great storyline, fast paced and so many twists. I already am looking forward to the next.
5*****

It's a great start to a gangland thriller.

The main character, Callie Renfrew, owns a spa that serves as a front for money laundering. When Callie's husband Gavin suddenly disappears without a trace, she, along with her friends Angela Dalton and Dawn Frobisher, begins to investigate his dealings, unsure if he is alive or dead.

Callie didn't realize just how devious her husband was or the extent of his connections in authority.

What a gripping book this is! Great story! It's fast-paced, leaving you wanting more after each page.

We encounter the rich, the famous, and the downright ruthless.

Really enjoyed this book.. The 1st book in a gangland thriller series. Love that it is strong female characters and enjoyed the plot. Looking forward to contine reading the rest of the series. Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for ARC.

Excellent book and a really good start to a new series. Fast paced throughout and with authentic characters.

A gangland thriller with beautiful babes, yes please. If this sounds up your alley, pick up Dirty Business by Evie Hunter. You'll love it.