I have finally gotten around to reading this book and so glad that i did. I've enjoyed it so much i went right on to book 2 and now i'm half way through book 3.

This is the first book in the Georgina Garret series.
This is one of those books that grips you from the get go. One of those books you know you will not be putting down until you have finished it.

A brilliant introduction to characters, buit up tension and excitement throughout. The story line really drags you in and has you hooked. You know while reading this book, knowing there are more of the series that it's going to be someing you will be following closely.

This is the first book in the Georgina Garret series and one which gripped me from the first chapter. It is set around Battersea in London and starts in 1914 when World War 1 is just breaking out. It’s gangland mixed with family saga and this worked fantastically with this book. This is such a well written and descriptive book with great characters, all with a story of their own. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. 5⭐️

Trickster by Sam Michaels.
Geoergina Garrett #1.
This is Geoergina story from birth.
I really enjoyed this book I don't normally read historical but I did enjoy this book.
Starting in 1914 when Georgina was born
Lots of action with characters I loved and hated. Billy and his crew just some. Looking forward to the next book. 5*.

Thank you to Aria and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the book but it just Isn’t for. Me. Star Rating is just my reflection of not enjoying the book, but a book I’m sure will appeal to fans more suited to the genre

Thank you NetGalley and Aria for this arc.

Maybe its just me..... I just couldn't get into this one. It felt awfully Oliver Twist-ish early on, and while George/Georgina was never and orphan and was surrounded by family and friends throughout the story, it felt unnecessarily contrived to me. I was never able to connect with any of the characters either. They just seemed to all develop at the speed of light and the author's all tell and no show presentation of the story left me with too many "Huh??" moments for any real reading enjoyment.

2.0 stars

Trickster
by Sam Michaels
Aria

Mystery & Thrillers , Women’s Fiction

Pub Date 16 Apr 2019

I am reviewing a copy of Trickster through Aria and Netgalley:

Georgina Garrett is born just as the First World War is announced. People have no idea that someday she will grow up to rule the streets of Battersea.

A tragic event in her early childhood will leave her Father to make a decision he will raise Georgina as George.

When you come from a deeply impoverished family the only way to survive is street smarts.

When you are raised by a Father who steals, and a Grandmother of the night
and a Mother long dead you have anything but an easy life.

I found Trickster to be worthy of three out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

5☆ I can't Recommend this Gritty Thriller Enough!

TRICKSTER is a Gritty, Enthralling, Pacy, thriller that delves into the highs and lows, heart breaks, of growing up the daughter of a thief and learning the ropes, whilst trying to stay strong and fearless, no matter what life throws at her!

George (aka Georgina) has had a very colourful upbringing, her mother died during child birth, her Dad Jack unable to cope moves in with his Mum and Step Dad as they help raise her.

It's set in the war times and life is tough, people have to turn to crime and prostitution to survive.

I really don't want to give anything away as this book is so good i want you to discover why Georgina became George for yourself.

The story follows George's life as she grows into the fierce, not to be messed with young lady, who has painful scars that run deep, she's ruthless, street smart, courageous, loyal and protective of those she loves.

There are other stories that run alongside George's which weave together seamlessly and are just as thrilling and gritty.
For example you have the story of Molly, who is George's best friend but lives in squalor and watches her mother get repeatedly beaten by her drunken father, as she tries to protect her sisters.
Then there is the notorious villain Norman who runs the brothel & protection racquets and his pure evil son Billy who make everyone's lives a living hell!.

At times this can be a lil uneasy to read, with some seriously sensitive subjects, such as child abuse, rape, domestic violence, murder, but Sam had handled the sensitive subjects with sensitivity but still makes a powerful impact.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gripping book, it's hard to believe it's just the first book in the series it's so good!
I was captivated and enthralled by George's story. Her story broke my heart, but the strength she has shone through.
The plot is gritty, compulsive, Pacy, thrilling, I devoured it in one night!
The Characters are deeply flawed, yet so well written and believable.

I'm so excited for the next instalment...i can't wait! Sam Michaels is definitely going on my to watch out for list.

So would I recommend reading this action packed thriller?.... without a doubt....100%....YES!!....A Must Read!!

Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

It is 1914. World War I has just been declared. Poverty is the way of life for residents of Battersea. In a small, derelict room, with her final breath, young Sissy names her newborn baby girl. Georgina Garrett was born of pain and marked for suffering from her first mouthful of air.

Georgina is raised by her thieving father Jack, and her tough-as-nails grandmother Dulcie. They live hand- to-mouth off what Jack can steal, trade or sell. Their survival depends on it.

When the unthinkable happens to young Georgina, Jack enlists the help of Norman Wilcox, Battersea’s powerful strong-arm, to aid him in recovering her from certain danger. Norman Wilcox sees to the evil offender, but not before a heinous crime is committed. Traumatized, Jack resolves to safeguard Georgina and thus, George is born. Raised as a boy, hair cut short, dresses in boy’s clothing, trains to box and defend herself, and is taught her father’s art and skill of grafting, and how not to get caught.

Sam Michaels brings to life her many diverse characters. She creates a powerful female lead; George is fearless and bold, tenacious and passionate. And she watches over her loved ones, including her best friend, the sweet-tempered Molly, with the fierceness of a mother bear. George’s adversary and enemy, the merciless Billy Wilcox and his sadistic ways, is brilliantly characterized. You beg for the intense hostility towards each other to reach its breaking point and get to the battle you know is coming.

The historical depiction of the era is heart-wrenchingly realistic. I felt transported to the lawless privation of the slums and into the dilapidated condition of the homes. The dialoguing, the slang street talk of the time is real – colourful, and gaudy when it needed to be. The writing is clever, accomplished and impressive.

With a kicker twist, Sam Michaels closes with an excellent finish that leaves you in anticipation for much more of Georgina.

I highly recommend Trickster as a smashing debut read and, one of my new favourites. I cannot wait to see what Sam Michaels enthralls us with next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for the read of Sam Michael’s, Trickster.

My opinions of this review are my own.

Dilly Court meets Martina Cole in Trickster, Sam Michaels’ impressive debut tale of survival, revenge, deception and ruthlessness.

Britain is at war and a baby girl is born at the very same moment that the First World War is announced. Millions of babies are born every year, but what makes this child so special is that this baby is Georgina Garrett, a woman who is destined to grow up to rule the streets of Battersea and to make the criminal underworld her own. Having grown up in extreme poverty, Georgina had known from a very young age, that she had to do whatever it takes to survive. Life was not going to be a walk in the park for her and there was absolutely no room for emotion or weakness in her life. Georgina had learned from the cradle to be ruthless, calculating and to never let anybody in. The walls which she been built around herself were impenetrable and nobody and nothing was going to stand in her way to rise above the life she had been born into.

Crime had been the family business and Georgina had few other options but to follow into her family’s footsteps. Her father was a professional thief, her grandmother a prostitute and her mother had died, leaving Georgina with almost no people to rely on other than herself. However, when tragedy causes ripple effects across all of their lives, Georgina’s father is left shaken and distraught and determined to ensure his daughter’s safety. He makes a monumental decision that has dangerous consequences for all of the family – and especially for Georgina herself: she will be raised as George and thus her destiny is sealed forever.

Georgina’s new identity guarantees her safety yet also plunges her deep into a world of risk, jeopardy and danger. There are enemies around every corner, all determined to see her fail. But Georgina might just end up surprising everyone: including herself.

Sam Michaels certainly knows how to tell a fantastic story and with Trickster, she has penned a hair-raising and heart-pounding read where the shocks come thick and fast, the pace is relentless and the twists and turns totally jaw-dropping. Georgina Garrett is a heroine who jumps out of the page and who is absolutely impossible to forget. Ruthless, fearless and determined, she is a heroine you will love, hate and empathize with in equal measure.

Trickster is a thrilling, exciting and exhilarating read you will struggle to put down and with more titles planned in the series, it looks like we haven’t quite seen the end of Georgina Garrett just yet – and I can hardly wait!

I have loved crime fiction, authors like Mandasue and Kimberley, and even though this book isn't really crime fiction, it does give me the idea that Sam Michaels is someone we need to look out for!! This is the first book featuring a strong-willed girl named Georgina Garrett, and even though she is brought into live through pain and suffering she survives it all and puts her own stamp on things. I can't wait to see what Georgie does next!
Highly recommended.

Set in the early 20th-century ‘Trickster’ follows the fortunes of Georgina Garrett from her birth in 1914 when England declared war on Germany. Georgina knows tragedy from her first breath, she is no stranger to loss and falls foul of the depravity she is born into, despite the love and protection of her family.

This historical crime saga is characterised by well-researched historical detail, which brings the story to life. It’s easy to imagine the poverty, depravity and violence of the London slums. The writing is full of vivid imagery and dialogue which gives it an authentic feel.

The characters are believable and even though many of them are criminals, they are easy to empathise. Many are victims of circumstance, they commit crimes and act violently to survive. The strong family bond essential for gangland crime fiction is evident in this story, and it is this that makes it such an absorbing read.

The abuse, language and violence are graphic, but not gratuitous. They make this story an authentic reading experience, but there will be times when you will cringe or want to look away.

The plot is well- written and has many twists, that shape Georgina Garrett and her future self. The underlying theme of the story is based on a misnomer, which gives this story a refreshing uniqueness. This is an accomplished debut story and I look forward to reading book two.

I received a copy of this book from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Trickster is the first book in the Georgina Garrett series, set in London 1914 and what a great page-turner it is. At the time women were viewed as being of less intelligence and less productive when compared to men, so in order to get around this Georgina becomes George to ensure her survival. Raised as a boy by her father she grows up to be a ruthless woman at the very heart of her families criminal dealings. This is an action-packed, gripping read from beginning to end and demands to be read in a single suspenseful sitting.

Even though the family are hardened criminals you can't help but find them likeable and intriguing and there's a strong sense that they're are doing what they're doing merely as a means of income during a time of high unemployment. It is an exciting, accomplished debut with a no-nonsense and truly fearless protagonist and is exceptionally written with many twisty surprises in store for readers. The portrayal of poverty and depression was moving and authentic; it's clear that the author has researched this period extensively, and I found the period detail indeed added to the atmosphere of the story.

Those who enjoy gangland crime and historical crime will no doubt find this as thrilling as I. I look forward to the next instalment due out in October.

Many thanks to Aria for an ARC.

Goorgina Garrett was born to be ruthless and she's about to earn her reputation. As World War 1 is announced a baby girl is born into the harsh life on London's streets. Little do people realise that she's going to grow up to rule the borough of Battersea.

I was gripped from the very first page of this new crime thriller series. George's (Georgina) dies while giving birth to her. Her father takes her to live with his mother so that he can go out on the rob to help pay for their keep. Eventually George is introduced to the life of crime. There is so much happening in George and her families life's. The story is action packed from begining to end. This is the first book in anew series and I can't wait to read the second instalment due out in October.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Aria and the author Sam Michaels for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a really good debut novel by Sam Michaels. Set in Battersea, starting in 1914, Georgina's mother died giving birth to her. Raised by her father and grandmother as a boy, she fights for survival. The book gripped me from the start and I liked the characters. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC. Reviews on Facebook and Goodreads.

Trickster by Sam Michaels is her debut novelt and what a fantastic read it is. I requested it because one I love historical fiction but, also love Gangland crime and I was excited to see it both in the same book.
It’s around the time of World War one, in the poorest areas of Battersea. Georgina Garrett is born but, her mother dies in childbirth. Her father a local thief, lives with their gran who is a prostitute. Her father for her safety brings her up dressed up as a boy and changes her name to George. They spend the days together, her father teaching her his thieving ways until she grows up and can’t help him no more. There is also Norman Wilcox and son Billy who take control of the area and terrorises the local people if they don’t pay up every week money towards their gang.
I won’t give anymore of the storyline away. But I loved this book from the very first page. It gripped me from the start. It has a great storyline and plot and likeable characters, especially George/Georgina. I like her gutsy character and her determination. With all her events that took place in her life, she dusted herself off carried on and didn’t let any man get in her way. I can’t wait to read the second instalment due out in October. A big 5 stars from me.
Thank you NetGalley and Aria for a copy of this book.

A cracking debut book from Sam Michaels. Georgina Garrett is born just as World War One is announced. Her mother dies during childbirth and Georgina grows up living in poverty with her father, an accomplished thief and her grandmother, who used to be a prostitute. Life is one long hard struggle for the family and Georgina is raised as a boy by her father in order to protect her. She soon enters a life of crime and becomes just as good at thieving as her father. Georgina was never in for an easy life but despite the cruel and unjust things that happen in her life and the tragedies that unfold she grows up to be a strong and independent woman.

There is rarely a dull moment in this book and there is a great cast of characters. Love the portrayal of the strong women particularly Georgie and Dulcie. Billy Wilcox, the constant threat in Georgie's life is described perfectly...I disliked him instantly. Then there is Georgie's best friend Molly, whose plight will tug at your heartstrings. Totally believable descriptions of the effects of poverty during this time.

I believe there will be further books in this series and I will definitely be looking out for them. An excellent read that will keep you turning the pages well into the night.

Thank you to Aria, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Fabulous book! I loved all of the characters - even the nasty villains. Very well written and really takes you back to the times of poverty and desperation throughout the early decades of the 20th century. Really looking forward to the next book.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I am not sure about this book at all as it is the same as all the other books by various, I finished it but cannot say that I really enjoyed it.

Okay, if you're looking for a happy, hopeful read you should walk away right now. I mean really, what do you expect from a book that opens with an impoverished mother dying during child birth? But, if you're looking for strong characters, a touch of adventure, and a bit of grafting it out, this is the book for you!

Full of honourable villains, true friends, and even the embodiment of pure evil there's rarely a dull moment. I adored the cast of central characters with the strong wiled Dulcie, wily Jack, despicable Percy, fragile yet loving Ruby, and the spunky and tenacious George/ Georgina.

It was fun watching George grow up, although some of the events she had to endure were less than comfortable to read. Yet despite it all her spunk was infectious. I loved how Jack went out of his way to not only protect his daughter but also to make sure that she could protect herself despite the gender norms of the day. I found it endearing how George took it upon herself to protect and empower those who didn't know how to defend themselves, and how she chose her friends based character not their social standing.

And then there's Billy Wilcox. I suppose he must have exceptionally well written as I spent the entirety of the novel waning to wring his neck! And his scenario was entirely believable - a prized son raised in a hard crime household, with a father often absent on business, constantly pressured to be tough and compassionless to keep up the family name, and left to run the streets with no supervision - yikes! Now add in the blindness of a mother's  love, a hard neighbourhood, and an early exposure to regularized violence ad voila, you have a budding serial killer and sociopath.

At least Norman Wilcox was an arse with morals. After all, it's one thing to do away with someone who crosses you in business (especially when you head a crime syndicate) or tries to kill you themselves, but it's something else entirely to torture and kill for pleasure. Some of his actions made me grossly uncomfortable - but when the situations and characters get so deeply under your skin you know it's a job well done. 

My heart really went out to Fanny and Molly Mipple, and was surprised that it took so long for Mike Mipple to meet his fate. But, in a time when a marriage to an undesirable man was more preferable to being an unmarried mother, or worse divorced, it really drove home how hard it was for women (especially those without means) between the wars. 

Brutal or no, none of the scenarios felt contrived. Perhaps the only thing that really ruffled my feathers was some of the typecasting such as Ezzy the Jew who dealt in stolen jewellery, or Lash the traveller who made his living in bare-knuckles boxing. And yet, I couldn't decide if I was offended by the typecasting, or if it was a genuine representation of the positions available to these people, at this time, and in this place. It probably doesn't help Lash's case that I was annoyed by the fact that after George made it so far as strong and independent woman, that he so easily swept her off her feet. I was surprised by George's acknowledged need for a man's protection and the security that their relationship offered, and I was left on the fence as to whether or not this was George taking the easy route or if she was making a calculated decision that garnered her more power on the street. But, I suppose even the strongest people need to be loved, and I can't begrudge George's affections!

Would I recommend this book? Oh hells yes! It's quick paced, action packed, and full of strong and interesting characters. And, it's a quick read - perfect for when you're curled up beside the fire with a drink in hand. Read it my friends. For lovers of period pieces this is an absolute beauty!

I really enjoyed this book!.
Would recommend to others! Am looking forward to book 2 hope i have not got to wait long