Hard Girls

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Martina Cole

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Pages: 608 (Paperback)

ISBN: 0755328701

Pub: Headline

Pub date: 2010-04-15

Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 173

Editorial Review:

Martina Cole is not so much a publishing phenomenon (although she is certainly that) as a something of a force of nature. Though the sales of her tough East End-set novels are the envy of many a writer, and despite her punishing work regime (from the regularity of her publication schedule, it doesn't appear that she ever takes a holiday), the standard of her writing is always consistent: direct and no-nonsense. She writes about men and women who are prepared to bend the rules in the most uncompromising fashion, and it's clear that this technique strikes a chord in many a reader; we may lead law-abiding lives, but we can't deny that those who step outside the strictures of society hold a grim fascination. She has an unerring ear for dialogue and everyday speech, and it is this (as much of her in-your-face storytelling) that gives her books such an impact. Since her debut novel Dangerous Lady in 1992, there has been a steady stream of equally forceful books, of which the latest is Hard Girls
The murdered body of a prostitute is discovered, grotesquely mutilated and sexually assaulted. The condition of the body is a shock even to DCI Annie Carr -- a woman who has no illusions about life. Kate Burrows once held down the same job as Annie, but is now retired and acting as consultant. Kate is a woman who has plenty of experience when it comes to capturing murderers (the Grantley Ripper was one of those she tracked down), and took on a paedophile ring in the southeast. Kate takes on the task of helping to catch a sadistic killer, and working with Annie Carr, the two women realise that they will have to move into different territory -- territory that will be a challenge even to these two experienced police women.

Fans of Martina Cole (and they are legion) know exactly what to expect from her, and she delivers here as unswervingly as ever. And if you’re the kind of reader who is made uncomfortable by being forced to sympathise (or at least understand) protagonists who are on the wrong side of the law, Hard Girls is a book for you, with its two powerfully realised female copper heroines. Don't be surprised if (as in the recent TV adaptation of The Take) filmmakers come calling at Ms. Cole’s door over this one: this is a book which is simply crying out to be filmed. --Barry Forshaw

Reader Reviews:

martina cole (0/0 people found this helpful)

I have purchased all of Martina Cole's books from her first and, latterly have been disappointed. However, "Hard Girls" is an improvement and proved to be quite an enjoyable read.

Hard rubbish (0/0 people found this helpful)

This is a very badly-written book. Practically every one of the 143 mechanical chapters starts with the name of one of the characters followed by some scene setting, wooden dialogue and the writer telling the reader what is happening and how the characters are feeling or interacting with each other. We are told that Kate is a brilliant detective but we see no evidence whatsoever for this. This habit of "telling the reader" and the clunky style are the most irritating aspects of this woeful piece of work.
The bounds of credibility are stretched to breaking point. For example, there's no sign of a proper Police investigative structure or procedure: instead one of the detectives illegally hacks into databases with impunity, as if it's easy. As if! It's obvious who the killer is about halfway through the book.
I forced myself to finish reading it because I couldn't believe it wouldn't get better. It didn't. Now I'm off to throw it into the bin.

Enough to put you off the entire genre of crime thrillers! (1/1 people found this helpful)

I'd heard great stuff about Martina Cole, and actually bought this book. What a waste of money- forced myself to read it, and there's 3 hours I'll never get back. Have just had a cackling session at loads of the other comments- agree, agree, agree! Limited vocabulary, awkward conversation, lots of whining about getting old, affected jargon, one-dimensional characterisation and an utterly obvious murderer and motive from very early on. Thanks to some of the other reviewers though for recommending other authors to try.

So very disappointed!!! (1/1 people found this helpful)

I am a great fan of Martina and despite the reviews I purchased the book anyway and I wish I hadn't it was predictable and boring and as a lot of the reviewers I guessed the murderer quickly.

What has happened? Martina's stories usually have me gripped from the off (well with the exception of The take) but this left me cold, it appears that Martina may have lost her crown to Mandasue Heller and Jessie Keane.
This is the first reveiw I have done but felt I had to share my disappointment, please dont waste your money or time on this book.

FANTASTIC FICTION (0/1 people found this helpful)

I ENJOYED THIS STORY IT KEPT MY INTEREST FROM FIRST TO LAST LIKE ALL MARTINA COLE BOOKS.

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