Book Review: Dangerous Lady by Martina Cole

A very lively debate was had.
A crime novel about the London/ Irish Ryan family,  starting in post war London and spanning the decades between 1950 - 1980.
It depicted the rise from abject poverty to extreme wealth through criminal enterprise.
The protagonist Maura is the only female in a family of 7 brothers.
Brother Michael becomes head of a powerful East End criminal gang.
After a failed romance with "good guy" policeman Terry ( who is unaware of her family's criminality), and a devastating back street abortion which leaves her infertile, she defies the traditional role for women of the time and joins Michael in the crime syndicate.
The novel covers
Extortion
Prostitution
Violence in all forms
IRA connections
A gold bullion robbery.
One of the joys of our book club is the diametrically opposed views on the novels we read, dangerous lady was no exception.
1. Some loved it, and had already tried to source the follow up saga ( with no success, as no longer in print).
2. Others did not enjoy any part of the book , and would never read another Cole written book.
1. Discussed the social history of the time, and felt it was very believable. Although the writing was simple and not at all challenging to read it was entertaining and easy, a good page turner.
Some content was extremely graphic, especially the pregnancy termination chapter. It was horrific, but plausible that " back street " operations were indeed this seedy.
( it was only in 1968 that the law was passed to introduce legal terminations).
It gave a fascinating in sight into gangland East End.
Maura was clever and indeed dangerous, but because of personal circumstances was limited in her choices.
Although a villain, she was likeable.
Her mother however, was narrow minded, vicious and a hypocrite.
Devastated by the deaths of 2 of her sons, she fully intended to inform the police of all of her remaining children's lawless activities.
She was happy to accept the proceeds from their criminal behaviour while she despised them.
The ending was manufactured, but tied up neatly with Terry dissolutioned by the corrupt police force, choosing to be with the woman he loved. 
A happy ending is always welcome.
On the other hand.
2. Deliberate sensationalism.
Over dramatically expressed.
No character had any redeeming factors.
Very simple writing,  and an improbable best seller.
Chunky, and repetitive .
Please, NO MORE Cole novels.
Next month's read is
Northern Lights by
Phillip Pulman.
Enjoy.