I loved getting to know and understand Queenie better. Having a fairly normal upbringing until the war happened which then turned her and her families lives upside down. More so for her and her mother. Queenie finds a friend and mother figure in their new neighbour Mary, Mrs O’Leary. I loved the bond between them both. I saw Kimberly Chambers being interviewed just this week on the BBC, and she’s so down to earth, not to mention amusing, and this certainly transfers to her books, along with an incredible gift for writing. If you haven’t read any of her books, then you’re really missing a treat! I am a huge Kimberley Chambers fan and I have been so excited to read Queenie ever since Kim first said she was writing a prequel to the Butler series. And what a prequel this is, the tag line of the Queen of Gangland Crime has never been truer. I don’t want to speak too soon and say this is Kim’s best book yet, but it’s certainly one of them. I did cringe at one part but I totally understand why, as we need to be reminded how dangerous these men are.

Not for the faint hearted this, so put on your seatbelts and prepare for a rollercoaster. My name is Queenie and this is my story’ And as I said with the last bookThe Wronged, I didn't believe Kimberley could match it, By god how this woman likes to prove you wrong. she's freakin smashed it with this book. And this book just show's why Kimberley Chambers is the favourite author of many, many people. She is certainly one of my all time favourite authors. Tainted Love was perfect. Well in my humble opinion anyways. My thoughts could be clouded from the haze my mind has been in since submerging myself in these books just about a month ago but quite frankly Kimberley Chambers incredible imagination has provided for many surprising and rather unnerving twists and turns that I found myself completely fixated with lives of the Butlers. Kimberley Chambers is one of those unique writers that can make dysfunctional families addictive reading.

What To Read Next

If you are looking for a bit of evil in your reading world then this series is a must. I guarantee that Vinny Butler is one character you won’t soon forget. This is a great book to immerse yourself in and for fans of the Butlers a must read that cant disappoint and brings a huge feel good factor to her fans and readers

Where do I start, fans of Kimberley Chambers will love this and I firmly believe this could be her best book yet. You do need to read the first 3 in this series in my opinion to fully experience this story.. From 1986 to 2001 we are taken on a high speed tour of the family and how it could grow apart and then once again come together. We see both Vinny and Michael’s children also take their rightful place in the East End society. Dan and Lee were Michael’s boys, with Little Vinny and Ava, Vinny’s children. We see them get older and develop their own character; Ava cared for by Queenie with Fred her dog, who has a thing for Viv’s leg. The story takes us through Queenie’s childhood into adulthood, her marriage, having children and getting to know the younger butlers as children and watching them grow. There is just something about the bond between mother and son and Queenie and Vinny’s is both heartwarming and heart breaking. The final thrilling showdown between the Mitchells and the Butlers. This is Kimberley Chambers at her heart-stopping best! a gripping novel that brings the east end to life, with many brilliant characters abound...it also gives insight into the lives that were lived in those times during the war after the war, the teddy boy era and into today and it worked so well...and you have to feel for queenie what she had to fight for and bring her boys up with the man she married who couldnt or wouldnt find a proper job

The Traitor Chambers

Vinny oh Vinny ....... is over the moon to be working alongside Eddie. Vinny is now aged 56 and life is looking good and certainly on the up, new club and at last he has met the one woman who might just be someone he wants to settle down with.

Now married to the useless Albie Butler, Queenie is raising her children to fight their own battles. If the O’Learys taught her anything, it was that surviving meant doing whatever you had to, no questions asked, and family always comes first. The Butler boys will make sure their mother’s name becomes East End legend. Wedding's, Death, funerals, Births, Sex, Drugs.......... this book has it all, and mixed together makes a whole bit pot of Butler madness. We return to the Butlers lives following the death of Vinny and Michael’s brother Roy Butler and their cousin Lenny. Vinny Butler is the most ferocious of the Butlers and unfortunately has made many enemies on his journey to become a feared and well known face. Unfortunately some of his enemies are closer than he thinks. Vinny’s younger brother Michael also makes a return along with his wife Nancy and their kids. Nancy hasn’t been well and life has not been straightforward for Michael either. Nancy is trying to recover both in her health, and with her relationship to Michael. She also has the added pressure of trying to bond with Michael’s son Lee. Joanna is married to Vinny and has her own troubles as she struggles to bond with Vinny’s son (aptly named Little Vinnie) from another relationship. However, when she gives birth to Molly, Vinny changes for the better and Joanna wonders if the birth of his daughter will be the making of him.As with the other books in this series I wanted to sit and read this in one sitting, but I paced myself to make the book last, all the way through I wanted to carry on, just keep reading that little bit more and find out what was happening and as usual you get near to the End and you just don't want it to finish.. Michael didn't exactly expect Peters and Lee to be crooning 'Welcome Home' as he strolled through the front door. He is cold, ruthless, will do anything to save his own skin. I don't want to say too much for fear of giving anything away. I really cannot get into the plot. I wouldn’t know where to begin. Be assured though that these books are addictive and enthralling. I loved them all. I'm a big fan of Kimberley Chambers. I've read all of her books, so when I learned she was writing this book, i couldn't wait to read it. The story tells us how Queenie's life was before we met her in The Trap. Her life has not been an easy one. You will need to read the book to find out the reasons why. The storyline is believable and the characters are dysfunctional but lovable. There is humor and sadness in the Butlers lives. This book can be read as a standalone but I'm sure if you haven't already read the Butler series, you will after reading this marvellous book. I highly recommend it.