If you are a Chambers fan then I have no need to say how long some of us hoped and waited for this book. If you are new to her writing then as this is Queenie's story, a prequel, here is as good a place to start as any. However, it is no secret I LOVE the Butler book's and whilst they have predominantly been about the boys, Queenie was always there. Now, with this book, we learn her story, how she came to be the woman we met over those books and that immovable relationship with her boys, particularly Vinny. Now residing in a gorgeous tiny cul-de-sac in Rainham with her decent husband and an admirable social life, everything seems to be working out for her.

Kimberley Chambers Books in Order (16 Book Series) Kimberley Chambers Books in Order (16 Book Series)

While I could talk about the story all day, and it would literally take me all day because this isn’t just a book, it felt like multiple books in one. It’s a proper saga that I took my time to read because I wanted to savour it and didn’t want it to end. It reminded me of when I fell in love with Martina Cole’s earlier books which weren’t just one story but were epic tales spanning many decades. Kim captures each the time periods so fantastically, it’s a truly evocative read and I always have no trouble visualising in my mind what I am reading about. The sights and sounds of London from the war onwards are brought to life here so vividly. For some reason I have always loved the East End of London and have always been fascinated by its history. Coming from a rough area of Liverpool maybe that’s why, but I always love reading about the old East End, and Kim always brings it to life so well. There was a line in the book where I think it’s Queenie who says about how a coffee shop wouldn’t do well in the area, well you can’t move for them now in some parts of the East End and while some say regeneration is good for what some see as ‘bad’ areas, it’s not for all of the people who get pushed out. The characters who grew up there and who made the area what it was are all present here and it’s a fantastic read of times gone by. Kimberley Chambers is] the queen of the gritty, low-life tale . . .a fast-paced, thrill-a-minute ride that takes you on all sorts of twists and turns” - Bella This fourth novel from Kimberly Chambers introduces readers to the criminal world of two mob families; the Mitchells and the O’Haras. These two families compete against each other for turf and businesses. Caught between the greed and pride of two dangerous families are two children whose lives will never be the same. The Traitor Chambers But despite his commendable efforts to begin a new chapter, the past will soon return to haunt him. Sadly the council stopped the parking near the market and that killed it off so I began working as a DJ in pubs and clubs and did that until I was 29 years old,” she tells us.For the first time we get learn Queenie's story from a young girl in World War II up until the 60's. The gifted novelist only has nine books, but her impact on London and around the world has been huge. Chambers has a three book series: The Traitor Chambers, Victim and The Feud. The series revolves around a long time feud between two families; the Mitchells and the O’Haras. The plot centres around the start of WWII, and how the children were affected, how people felt losing loved ones, and how some kids who were taken to people out of the cities where the war was. Initially I felt like the writing style was a bit simplistic, but I warmed to it and soon came to understand it as a reflection of the protagonist. Wounded and alone, she finds solace at the arms of Barry’s childhood friend, Wayne; something that leaves Barry furious.

Queenie – HarperCollins Publishers UK

I'm a big fan of Kimberley Chambers. For me Life of Crime is her best book yet. Brutally realistic, epic in scale and with a twist I didn't see coming” - Jaime Raven So when Kimberley Chambers decided to give us Queenie's story I just knew it was going to be a blinder of a read. I am aware of the Kray twins, of course, and the havoc they raised around them, but I would hate to think every reader of this book, and Kimberley Chambers is a popular author I understand, that everyone from the east end was like this.Thank you Kimberly your books are just brilliant my sister in law gave me the ohara trilogy I couldn’t put them down. I am now onto the butlers equally as brilliant. I am from Romford so it brings the books alive as I’ve actually been to a lot of the places you write about. I live in Ireland now so these books are like a small piece of home. Thank you so much don’t ever stop writing. It was a god send when I had to isolate in January can’t wait to read a family man. Any issues with the book list you are seeing? Or is there an author or series we don’t have? Let me know! Kimberly Chambers is one of those rare authors who has a gift for creating colourful characters, that are larger than life, you feel you know them inside out, and despite their flaws (they all have plenty of those), a small part of you can’t help but fall in love with everyone of the Butlers. it’s a testament to the authors writing that she is able to make you laugh and cry at their antics, love and hate them, all in the space of a few minutes! The special thing that this author creates is the characters and this along with her other books she certainly knows how to bring them to life. For fans of Kimberly Chambers Butler family, we discover how Queenie became the woman she is today - the experiences that moulded her thoughts and actions, and most importantly, how she ended up being matriarch of this much feared (though respected) gangland family.

Queenie: The gripping, epic historical crime novel from the

I loved getting to know and understand Queenie better. Having a fairly normal upbringing until the war happened which then turned her and her families lives upside down. More so for her and her mother. Queenie finds a friend and mother figure in their new neighbour Mary, Mrs O’Leary. I loved the bond between them both.As you would expect the dialogue between the characters is as usual spot on full of humour, sadness, and sometimes anger, it gives the reader a wonderful insight into the Butler’s life, like many families they are protective of their own (most of the time anyway!) they argue, fall out, make up and fall out again! But it’s this that makes them credible characters. Another thing that’s amazing about this authors writing is her attention to the small details, whatever era she is writing about she brings it to life with descriptions of the fashions and music trends, they transport you bang into the East End. Although her life finally gets interesting, Stephanie is left shattered after Barry is forced to move to Spain by his family.