This is the third book in this gangland thriller series.
This book is twisty and gripping and is told in a dual timeline.
This book is gritty, intense and compelling.

Sometimes I wonder what planet I'm on!
I can't believe I've just read book 1 and then book 3. How did I manage to completely miss book 2. As I'd recently read book 1, for me I feel these books would be better read in order. I felt in parts I'd really skipped some chunks of life. Having said that I still really enjoyed to book. The story flows and there is enough going on to keep you reading. I've been a fan of Helen Black books for many years and always look forward to reading them.

I believe this is the third in this gangster family saga. Whilst I enjoyed this tale of county lines and the small glimpse of the Greenwood family background I would like to read the two previous books to fully understand the characters and how they became the people they are.

Many thanks to the publishers and netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really tried with this book. I read the first 150 pages but there were so many characters that I couldn't make out who was who, every time I thought I knew about a character another one was thrown in, I didn't know if I was reading that Rose was a police officer or Tiffany or Crystal. It was extremely confusing and I'm sad to say I didn't continue with this book. I'm very sorry. I don't feel i can leave a review as I just don't know where to begin.
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. x

Playing Dirty is the third book in the Liberty Chapman series, and although it's preferable to read the instalments chronologically it certainly isn't a necessity. Liberty Greenwood and ex-policeman and partner Sol Connolly are forced to fight an out-of-town rival gang who are hellbent on taking over their patch by whatever means necessary. Liberty and her criminal family take on the Manchester crew in an all-out gang war to let the "invaders" know who's boss in these parts. The Greenwood clan are far from angels, but Liberty has tried to steer them away from their nefarious dealings of late, however, this doesn't help the dangerous situation they currently find themselves in.

Liberty is a powerful and likeable protagonist despite her wayward actions and the whole story is absorbing and well written. It begins in a little bit of a pedestrian manner but hang in there as it soon picks up in terms of both pace and action. It's twisty and intense with the plotline switching seamlessly between present-day and the past, and the usual setting of London's East End is exchanged for the Northern City of Leeds without losing any of the big city tension and atmosphere. Gritty and gripping from start to finish, this is a set of books that should be on the must-read list of every crime connoisseurs. Many thanks to Constable for an ARC.

Playing Dirty is the latest book in the Greenwood series by Helen Black.

I found that the book took a little while to get going but once it did it was a fast moving and entertaining book with a good story line.

Whilst this is the latest book in a series it can be read as a standalone without too many issues as there is sufficient backstory for you to fully enjoy the book.

Overall a very enjoyable book that is recommended

Playing Dirty is the third book in this series and it doesn’t disappoint.

The story brings us back into the lives of the Greenwood family and their nefarious dealings. Liberty wants the business to take a more legitimate course but obstacles are forever being put in the way. As an all out gang war threatens to erupt, Liberty must make the hard decision about which way to go.

The story is told in 1990 and gives an indication into Liberty’s troubled early life and present day where she is a fully paid up member of the Greenwood family.

A well-written, action packed book with twists that will keep you guessing. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Another amazing book in this series
Highly recommended and will keep you up most of the night as it’s a real page turner
Love Helen black as an author
Enjoyed all the books and I would insist this author is on your list of books to read

*3.5 stars *

Liberty Greenwood is just one member of a notorious family of gangsters who control their area of Leeds, in the North of England, with an iron fist, so when gangsters from over the county line in Manchester try to move in on their patch, it’s obvious that it heralds an all out war. This is especially unwelcome news for Liberty, who has recently returned to the family nest after giving up her career as a solicitor. Her intention is to lead her family away from their criminal activities, so this challenge upsets the apple cart and puts her plans on hold.

Told by means of dual timelines, 1990 and the present, it gives our protagonist a voice, enabling the reader to see how Liberty initially came to turn her back on her family’s criminal activities and become a respected solicitor, and then eventually return to the family fold.

Wasn’t entirely convinced by some of the things that happened, kind of had to suspend disbelief once or twice, and that meant I lost concentration at times, but on the positive side there were some really intense, heart stopping moments, especially towards the end.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.

I enjoyed this book and thought it was very well written and moved along at a fast pace. It switched from past to present very well and held my attention. Plenty of plot twists in the story to keep you guessing. First book I’ve read by this author and would read more of her books. Recommended.

It was a beautifully written crime novel by an extremely talented writer. Excellent character depiction, plus an exciting storyline make for a roaring success. Highly recommended.

I've been looking forward to this book since I finished the last one. And it did not disappoint me. There were twists I didn't see coming.
If you haven't tried this author I totally recommend her!
Am now waiting for the next in the series.
5*****

Love all the Helen black books this was just as good as the rest I love liberty and her strength the stories are so realistic and she doesnt exaggerate I love all the twists and turns deffo one of the best crime writers and I carnt wait for the next instalment

Absolutely fantastic book I read it in one night.
Helen black is a brilliant author and this book has got everything in it.