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Anne Brooke
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The Gangster's Wife: A quirky crime caper with a dash of British humour! Kindle Edition

by Anne Brooke (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.3 3.3 out of 5 stars 374 ratings
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Elise Walker’s married life is about to change forever!...

When 53-year-old Elise Walker returns home after a day at the office to find her husband Gerald dead of a heart attack, she doesn’t expect a visit from the police with revelations about Gerald’s secret life.

Soon, however, her own life takes a definite turn for the surreal, with missing loot, online crime and curious neighbours the least of her problems. Not to mention dealing with never-ending funeral arrangements and staying on top of her job.

Thank goodness then for the support of her ever-reliable boss, Hugh. But will even he turn against her when she contacts Gerald’s former gang members to find out more? And what is the real significance of the note Gerald left her? Most important of all, if Elise ever finds the money, will she be able to keep it?

Readers are loving The Gangster’s Wife, a quirky crime comedy perfect for British humour fans.

“It made me laugh so much! Elise was just fantastic as she manages in a perfectly "Surrey" way to cope with being a widow and with finding out her late husband was a criminal. Just brilliant. I could not stop reading.” (5-star Amazon review)

“A very well written and readable book.” (5-star Amazon review)

“This is a delight. Thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, even the gangsters.” (4-star Amazon review)

“Another good read from Anne Brooke. Nice reading to put your feet up and have a cuppa with.” (4-star Amazon review)
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  1. Print length
    255 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    September 15, 2014
  4. File size
    2.1 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
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  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Anne Brooke lives in Surrey, UK. She is a multi-published author in a variety of genres, including gay erotic romance, fantasy, comedy, thrillers, biblical fiction and the occasional chicklit novel. Her fiction has been shortlisted for the Harry Bowling Prize (for novels set in London) and the Royal Literary Fund Scheme. When not writing, she spends time in the garden attempting to differentiate between flowers and weeds. Occasionally, she can also be found in the kitchen making cakes. Every now and again, they are edible.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00NMURCGK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Anne Brooke Books (September 15, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 15, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 255 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.3 3.3 out of 5 stars 374 ratings

About the author

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Anne Brooke

Anne Brooke

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Anne Brooke lives in Surrey, UK. She is a multi-published author in a variety of genres, including gay erotic romance, fantasy, comedy, thrillers, biblical fiction and the occasional chicklit novel. Her fiction has been shortlisted for the Harry Bowling Prize (for novels set in London) and the Royal Literary Fund Scheme.

When not writing, she spends time in the garden attempting to differentiate between flowers and weeds. Occasionally, she can also be found in the kitchen making cakes. Every now and again, they are edible.

Her websites can be found at: www.annebrooke.com, www.gayreads.co.uk, www.biblicalfiction.co.uk and www.gathandria.com (for fantasy fiction).

She has a Facebook fan page here: http://www.facebook.com/annebrookebooks

She is also on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AnneBrookeBooks

Reviews:

"Every single character here is unique. I couldn't stop thinking while reading this story that each and every one of them pulses with life." (MM Good Book Reviews on Maloney's Law)

"a flawlessly written, beautiful yet haunting story, at times gritty, dark and intense" (Queer Magazine Online on A Dangerous Man)

"an exceptionally well written and thrilling mystery novel. This novel grabbed a hold of me almost immediately and would not let go." (Romance Junkies Reviews on The Bones of Summer)

"a slow burning mystery woven into the ordinary lives of a close-knit group of friends. This is a great choice for readers who prefer to get to know characters well before the plot heats up. The payoff at the end is well worth the initial emotional investment." (Long and Short Reviews about Thorn in The Flesh)

"a great, laid back story with many twists to keep you laughing. The fast paced flow of the wacky story was undeniably fun. I say that if on a rainy day or just when you need to laugh in a 'The Birdcage' feel, this book is for you." (Dark Diva Reviews on Pink Champagne and Apple Juice)

Customer reviews

3.3 out of 5 stars
374 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book's readability, writing quality, and narrative. They found the story engaging with an interesting plot. The characters were well-developed and enjoyable, with a good mannered protagonist. The humor was described as subtle and British-styled.

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ReadabilityWriting qualityNarrative qualityCharacter developmentHumor
7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and engaging. They describe it as a fun, relaxing read with humor and mystery.

"...An interesting read." Read more

"...Another good read from Anne Brooke. I always enjoy authors doing something different and this is a deviation from others of Brooke's that I've read...." Read more

"This was a fine book to read. I enjoyed the possibility of happening in the real life, even if the book is pure fiction...." Read more

"...This is a delight. Quite humorous and I could not begin to predict how it was going to end...." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality. They find the author brilliant and luminous, with an enjoyable language and good story evolution.

"...The writing is good, as I always expect from Anne Brooke, and the story was The Gangster's Wife engaging...." Read more

"...With an enjoyable language and a good story evolution, I don't regret purchasing and reading the book, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants..." Read more

"Anne Brooke is a brilliantly luminous writer in a variety of genres and people should be reading her stuff...." Read more

"3.5, really. I enjoyed the characters and the writing was great; I was just hoping for a little more at the climax/ end of the book...." Read more

6 customers mention "Narrative quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the narrative engaging with an interesting plot and British setting. They describe the book as quirky and charming, not your typical gangster wife novel.

"...The plot was interesting and if not believable it did keep us wondering where this would all end. An interesting read." Read more

"...It's contemporary fiction - with subtle British humour and style - which follows several months in Elise Walker's life from the day of her husband's..." Read more

"...With an enjoyable language and a good story evolution, I don't regret purchasing and reading the book, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants..." Read more

"Unusual book, overall. The writing is smooth and almost dispassionate, slightly removed from events...." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters. They find the protagonist well-mannered and intelligent.

"...Thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, even the gangsters." Read more

"3.5, really. I enjoyed the characters and the writing was great; I was just hoping for a little more at the climax/ end of the book...." Read more

"...The characters are well-fleshed-out and real. I really enjoyed this one - and so will you!" Read more

"...novels, this offering from Anne Brooke has a good mannered English protagonist with smarts...." Read more

3 customers mention "Humor"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor and British setting of the book. They appreciate the contemporary fiction with subtle British humour and style.

"...It's contemporary fiction - with subtle British humour and style - which follows several months in Elise Walker's life from the day of her husband's..." Read more

"...This is a delight. Quite humorous and I could not begin to predict how it was going to end...." Read more

"Entertaining Light-Hearted Humor In The Midst Of Sadness..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • BarbarinaS
    3.0 out of 5 stars Cosy crime
    Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This lacked tension and excitement for me but I am new to this genre. The female lead was both oddly knowing and almost prosaic in her approach making it difficult to make a connection with her for most of the book. The plot was interesting and if not believable it did keep us wondering where this would all end.
    An interesting read.
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  • Kazza - On Top Down Under/Dark Hints Book Reviews
    4.0 out of 5 stars Humour. Mystery. Engaging.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This is a hard book to review as nothing particularly (or overly) fantastical or outlandish occurs. It rolls along and builds momentum. The Gangster's Wife was a nice change for me. Not a romance, although there is a hint of it, but that's it. It's contemporary fiction - with subtle British humour and style - which follows several months in Elise Walker's life from the day of her husband's death to life after. Finding out Gerald had a whole other life of (white collar) crime on the side that she knew absolutely nothing about.

    If it's not enough to be burying your steady and gentlemanly husband, there's also the matter of some stolen money that Elise's husband seems to have stashed somewhere. Something his crime associates and the police are most interested in. Of course there is that one word note that may or may not mean a thing. Then there's Hugh, Elise's boss, and university admin machinations, a well-meaning neighbour who is good for tea, cake, and sympathy - although the sympathy may mean different things to the individual. The funeral service had to be one of the most random services with a crime member, a police officer and Elise all giving their own... unique eulogies, which I found pretty quirky and amusing.

    The writing is good, as I always expect from Anne Brooke, and the story was The Gangster's Wife engaging. Even though Elise isn't necessarily one of the warmest characters on page, her outlook makes the book because if she were maudlin it would be a rather miserable story. And all circumstances considered, she is not easily phased and is quite shrewd. I admired that. She didn't let the police push her around and she made a decision to do what it took to save her house - ill-gotten gains or not. And when she thinks about it, she's rather proud of her husband's criminal business acumen and the fact that he always remained a gentleman, which the criminal element support. The police, however, leave a lot to be desired.

    "But you never managed to catch him actually doing anything illegal, did you?" Elise cut in, suddenly feeling inordinately proud of her secretive criminal husband.

    ...

    "So if any of what you're about to tell me is true, then whatever he might have been, my husband was in fact cleverer than you, and for rather a long time. He was also more polite, as you've not even welcomed me or thanked me for coming here yet." Sergeant Bradley cleared his throat, and blinked, while the constable made a sound that might have been a laugh.

    Overall:

    Another good read from Anne Brooke. I always enjoy authors doing something different and this is a deviation from others of Brooke's that I've read. I recommend The Gangster's Wife for people who enjoy a British setting, humour, and narrative - because that's what you get. Crime in Surrey? Please, how un-Surrey-like. People who also like subtleties and empathise with what it's like getting older and set in your routine/ways - and suddenly that rug gets pulled out from underneath you - may find rapport with Elise and her motivations. If you like character driven stories it helps, but there is also a bit 'o' mystery regarding the stolen cash as well. Nice reading to put your feet up and have a cuppa with.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Mariuca Asavoaie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good purchase!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This was a fine book to read. I enjoyed the possibility of happening in the real life, even if the book is pure fiction. The story might seem shocking, but I actually saw it like a great movie. One other positive aspect was the fact that the author juggled with words in a way in which you actually see all the things that you are reading.

    Anne Brooke is well known for her various books of fiction, and "The Gangster's Wife" does not disappoint. Is has just about everything and a bit more, enough to keep you hooked up in the story.

    With an enjoyable language and a good story evolution, I don't regret purchasing and reading the book, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to escape in a weird, but catchy story.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Gloriamarie Amalfitano
    4.0 out of 5 stars This is a delight
    Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Anne Brooke is a brilliantly luminous writer in a variety of genres and people should be reading her stuff. Something that is unique to Brooke's writing is her ability to interest me in things I would have thought I would dislike. This has happened on more than one occasion and has me seeking out everything she has published.

    This is a delight. Quite humorous and I could not begin to predict how it was going to end. Thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, even the gangsters.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Eponine83
    3.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining but felt a little cut short.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    3.5, really. I enjoyed the characters and the writing was great; I was just hoping for a little more at the climax/ end of the book. It all wrapped up neatly and very quickly when all was said and done!
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  • Cheri Roan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining Light-Hearted Humor In The Midst Of Sadness
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    After an ordinary day at work, 53 year-old Elsie Walker returns home to find her husband 55 year-old Gerald dead of a heart attack. Nothing unusual about that until two police officers arrive on her doorstep setting Elsie on a mystery of suspense and intrigue. She must find out the truth was he a criminal with a secret life and money hidden somewhere or are the police wrong about the man she thought she knew…

    Brooke takes us into the mind of Elsie. That’s the part I loved best as we begin to know Elsie, we find she is a no-nonsense kind of woman set in her own ways even though her husband is gone and her world is turned upside down by the police, her feelings for her boss Hugh and Lottie the neighbor trying to bring comfort to someone who doesn’t need friends. Throughout she tries to continue on with life without Gerald. The story has a unique twist as it unfolds completely through Elsie’s mind, eyes and heart. Her quest to find out the truth about her husband’s secrets and missing money makes for light-hearted humor in the midst of sadness. Overall an excellent novel that keeps the reader entertained.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Jean4
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unusually good style.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Unusual book, overall. The writing is smooth and almost dispassionate, slightly removed from events. Elise arrives home one day to find her husband, Gerald, dead of a heart attack. There is no wailing and moaning from Elise, however. She and Gerald had had a good, albeit uneventful, marriage, or so she thought before discovering that there had been more to Gerald than met the eye. She is a cool and calm woman and decides to move forward with her life - but it has great surprises for her. The characters are well-fleshed-out and real. I really enjoyed this one - and so will you!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Rick
    3.0 out of 5 stars A fun read
    Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2016
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    As with Dick Francis novels, this offering from Anne Brooke has a good mannered English protagonist with smarts. Even the criminals display proper restraint and civility until the need for dastardly acts is absolutely necessary. A goiid read.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • linda r
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not whit I expected
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 29, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This was a very easy to read book, but it was also too slow, I was constantly waiting for the storyline to pick up, but was sadly disappointed.
    The only bit of interest & more action was in the final pages of the book. A slight twist in the tale, but the end was also something that in real life wouldn't have happened, I'm certain no one would have been allowed to walk away with any amount of money by the police. Yes, they could never prove where Gerald had put the money, but even so, that money would still have been taken by the police.
    This is also the first book I've read that hasn't left me wanting more. I clearly need more racy books with the action going much faster.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Gangsters Wife
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2016
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    A very well written easy readable book. Keeps you interested all the way through,and would recommend it to anyone that wants a more genteel gangster book.,Bob Mitchell, Reading Berks
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  • supergran
    4.0 out of 5 stars Funny and easy
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 28, 2016
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    This is very amusing and the inner dialogue is very British middle class Surrey!' I haven't yet finished this book but am nearing the end. A very easy book to read - just what you need after a hard day's work.
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  • UK customer
    2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 2, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    an easy read with a simple predictable story. Glad it was free!
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  • Little Nell
    1.0 out of 5 stars Rubbish!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 6, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    What a load of tosh! I can't seriously believe that anyone could like this load of nonsense! So glad it was free and I didn't waste any money on it! Only sorry I wasted time on it.
    Report

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