As much as I liked Slur, you can tell that Gangster’s Grip is Burnside’s second novel as it feels a little more polished and well-paced. Frantic now, Beth carried on battling her way towards Rex till she had almost reached the end of the clump of bushes. You’ll be having your feet washed when we get back,’ said Beth, frowning as Rex splashed his way through puddles and the white fur of his legs became filthy. Although she’s moved on, she’s never forgotten how far she had to go to beat her addictions and raise her daughter, Candice.

I was familiar with the dialogue used (as I live in the UK) and felt that it fitted with the story well. When they’d first met, she had been bowled over by the fact that he was so charming and couldn’t seem to do enough for her.

As Beth moves on from her trauma with new husband Brady , she seems a happy, successful career girl. Then Beth looked down, shocked to discover that he was clutching a blood-drenched knife, which was rubbing against her clothing and staining her coat.

He tugged at her until she was behind the densest area of shrubbery, right next to the large tree trunk.The new home suited Brady, who was aspirational and liked the fact that he was now residing in Marple. When Beth meets wealthy crime boss Martin, he sets her up in business, dotes on her and gives her everything she wants.