The Business

In the Criminal Underworld, Family Is Everything—And Trust Is a Dangerous Game

The Business by bestselling crime author Martina Cole, published by Headline in 2012, is a dark, hard-hitting novel that takes readers deep into the ruthless world of organised crime, where power, loyalty, and betrayal are all part of doing business. Known for her unflinching portrayals of tough women and dangerous men, Cole delivers another gripping saga of survival and revenge.

Imelda Dooley has never had it easy. Raised in the tough streets of London’s East End, she learns early how to fend for herself—and how to fight for what she wants. When she meets gangster Barry Gannon, she thinks she’s finally found security and respect. But the deeper she gets into his world, the more she realises that being part of “the business” comes with a heavy price.

As years pass and loyalties shift, Imelda must navigate a treacherous world where betrayal can be fatal and enemies can come from within your own family. Her rise to power will demand everything she has—heart, ruthlessness, and the ability to strike before others do.

The Business is Martina Cole at her brutal best: raw, real, and impossible to put down. Perfect for fans of gritty crime fiction and powerful female protagonists who don’t play by the rules.