By Eric Richardson.
Content Warning - Gang Violence, Torture, Emotional Abuse, Drug Use, Sexual Exploitation, Racial Discrimination, Sexism and Misogyny.
Blood Betrayal is a visceral and gripping exploration of East London’s underworld in the 1980s. As readers, we are immediately immersed in the violent, gritty lives of brothers Mat and Nic as they take control of their father’s crime syndicate.
Raised in the brutal gangland life, the brothers are thrust into leadership, navigating a treacherous landscape of corruption, betrayal, and escalating violence. Their rise to power comes at a steep price, as loyalty is fragile and alliances are fraught with danger.
The heart of Blood Betrayal is Mat’s involvement in the illegal drug trade, where he becomes Pablo Escobar’s primary cocaine distributor in Europe. This move propels the Hunter gang into the highest echelons of organised crime, transforming them from local players into a near-untouchable syndicate.
The author's attention to detail shines through in his depiction of the East End, capturing not only the physical environment but also the cultural tensions and power struggles of the time. The author’s research into the period’s criminal underbelly is evident in his portrayal of the Hunter gang’s operations, from laundering millions of dirty money to controlling the cocaine trade.
Mat and Nic’s relationship is at the core of the story, with their bond both a source of strength and tension. Mat, the more ambitious and ruthless of the two, becomes the driving force behind the gang’s expansion, while Nic grapples with his loyalty to the family and his moral struggles. The brothers’ dynamic is complex, with moments of genuine affection and devastating betrayal. Richardson skillfully explores the psychological toll of their choices, making their descent into deeper criminality feel both inevitable and tragic.
This book combines gripping action, dark humour, and rich character development to create a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Fans of crime fiction will find much to admire in Richardson’s portrayal of gangland life, and the book's exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and power will resonate long after the final page is turned.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a direct copy of the book, and thank you for the content warnings beforehand! The book is also being published by Troubador Publishing.
Buy the Kindle book here - Free on Kindle Unlimited.
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