A short way into reading Gallowstree Lane I realised that it was part of a series and that I had missed a couple of books. However, I did decide to carry on and I believe that it works well as a book to read on its own. I do think that I would have connected better with a few of the characters if I knew their history more fully, I got the impression this was explained in previous books. In particular the relationship between some of the characters. It did leave me feeling like I wasn't part of the joke at times!
The story begins with a fatal stabbing whilst sadly feels all too relevant with the current increase in knife crime in the U.K at the moment. This made the story harder hitting and rather emotional, especially being the mother as well.
I wasn't particularly keen on the language used when from the youth's point of view, however accurate it may be, It felt jarring and interrupted the flow for me.
If you have an interest in gang culture then this may well be the book for you. sadly it wasn't for me.
The story begins with a fatal stabbing whilst sadly feels all too relevant with the current increase in knife crime in the U.K at the moment. This made the story harder hitting and rather emotional, especially being the mother as well.
I wasn't particularly keen on the language used when from the youth's point of view, however accurate it may be, It felt jarring and interrupted the flow for me.
If you have an interest in gang culture then this may well be the book for you. sadly it wasn't for me.