Another excellent book in this series.
It was good to see characters from other books in this one.
The plot was suspenseful and kept me interested.

Really enjoyed reading this book a new author for me glad I tried this as the storyline was great and I did not loose interest got me where I did not want to put the book down
I will keep my eye out for future books recommend reading thank you

4☆ A Gritty and Suspenseful Read.

I'm a huge fan of Heather's books and so far loved all the working girl series but this one for me wasn't my favourite I'm afraid. It still was a blooming good read.

Crystal was a working girl. After a terrifying ordeal she decides that enough is enough. She needs to put an end to her drugs and career choice and focus on her daughter Candice.

But in order to get out the game, Crystal needs to take charge, get revenge and so she steals something belonging to a very very dangerous man Justin. Who really does have his fingers in too many pies.
So she sets out to Blackmail those who have hurt her the most, some she's successful... that is until she crosses Justin! 

It all comes to a dramatic end when he kidnaps Candice ( Crystal's young Daughter) and Crystal finally realises she's in too deep and maybe the revenge she so desperately craves isn't worth risking her Daughter’s Life!

But can Crystal find her before it's too late!

I loved seeing all the other characters make appearances especially Ruby, that was nice to see. Once again Ruby is a rock to Crystal.

This book for me was very different from the previous ones. I felt some of the storyline dragged on a little bit too much. Yes the plot was a really strong one and did have suspense and gripping scenes but I just didn't warm to Crystal this time round! I found her to be a little annoying.

But this is in no way a negative, Heather Burnside is a superb author and she has written another Gritty and Compulsive read and I can't wait to read the next installment. Which I'm about to start!
Although this book can definitely be read as a standalone there are a few strands of storyline and characters that make an appearance so I would recommend reading them in order, but it doesn't matter if you haven't!

Crystal by Heather Burnside is the third book in the Working Girls series and I loved it, especially as it was another easy read and this book could be read as a standalone book.
Crystal was a prostitute, and she can not get over the death of Gilly. But, then Crystal goes back on the streets and hits the drugs and booze hard. Not even her good mate Ruby can't make her see sense that she is killing herself!!! All Crystal can see, it's easy money.........But at what cost!!!
Is it too late to save her?

WoW! What an excellent end to this series......

I highly recommend this series id books and this author. Her books just get better and better.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Aria Fiction for providing a copy of the book for review.
All opinions are my own

I have read a few books by this author and personally I think they are great I cannot wait to read more by this author thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read it

Heather Burnside writes pacy page-turners about strong and fearless women who take on the world and – against all odds – triumph despite all of the danger and jeopardy they face and she is back with a fast-paced, hair raising and gritty thriller that will grab readers from the very first page: Crystal.

The bottom had fallen out of Crystal’s world when her pimp, protector and lover, Gilly died of a drug overdose. Heartbroken and devastated, Gilly had always been there to protect her on the mean streets where danger lurks around every corner and now she is all on her own with nobody watching her back ready to intervene when things get rough. A rival pimp immediately swoops in and offers Crystal protection, but she refuses. A strong woman who can look after herself, she is determined to go it alone. But with nobody there in her corner, Crystal is vulnerable and alone and suffers a vicious beating at the hands of cruel enemies who want to see her fail. Alone, vulnerable and incandescent with rage, Crystal is not about to give in and surrender – especially as she has a daughter to protect and take care of.

But Candice has started asking some difficult questions. Questions Crystal is not sure she wants to answer. She needs to make some changes in her life and when a high profile judge offers her money to keep mum about some of his less than savoury habits, it gives her an idea. An idea that is about to get her into a hell of a lot of trouble. Crystal will no longer sell her body for money, but get clients to pay her to keep her mouth shut about their most depraved activities. Yet, this fool proof plan is going to incur the wrath of dangerous men who do not take too kindly to being blackmailed – and will go to any lengths to ensure that Crystal keeps her mouth shut – even murder…

Crystal has chosen a very risky path with her latest scheme. Is she strong enough to defeat her enemies? Or will she end up paying the ultimate price?

Heather Burnside’s books are certainly not for the faint-hearted. She writes nerve-shredding and nail-biting gangland thrillers where the stakes are high, the action never stops and the tension and suspense relentless. Crystal is a tale of courage, determination and resolve featuring a ballsy, resilient and fearless heroine that is so engaging and enjoyable, I was still turning the pages late into the night.

Heather Burnside continues to cement her standing as the Queen of Urban Crime with Crystal, a must-read for gangland thriller fans everywhere.

I have very mixed feeling about this book. On one hand, I thought the storyline was really good, it sounded full of excitement and action and was drawing me in for that reason. On the other hand, I felt like the writing let it down. I love Martina Cole and Roberta Kray books, they are gangland stories with grit. This one felt like a poor relative, it was repetitive and in places, felt as though the author had either forgotten that she had written certain things, or felt the need to reiterate them unnecessarily making me feel like I was reading a childrens book. There wasn't much action either, and whilst I felt for Cyrstal, I actually thought the decisions she made were pretty dumb and not thought out....and Ruby was just bloody annoying, the best character in this book was Candice! I haven't read the previous two books in this series and I don't think I needed to as it works as a standalone, but I won't be reading the rest! It was a good time filler but really middle of the road for me.

After a vicious beating by a nasty client, Crystal decides she has had enough of being used and abused as a working girl. But getting out isn’t as easy as it sounds and she knows she needs money to ensure she can get clean and give her daughter the best possible life. She comes up with a plan to rob, blackmail and expose her most depraved clients but by doing so she uncovers more than she bargained for...

I’ve never read anything by Heather Burnside so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect but the synopsis caught my attention plus as this was set in Manchester, I was particularly interested to see how it differed to those in the same genre that are set in the gangland streets of London.

Heather’s writing is pacy and easy to follow but I found aspects of the storyline slightly unrealistic. And although Crystal’s character development is clear, she wasn’t the most likeable. Ruby on the other hand I liked a great deal. She came across as genuine and strong.

The plot was full of twist and turns and did keep my interest right to the end despite some obvious flaws.

I didn’t realise Crystal was the third book in The Working Girls series when I started reading it, but I‘m comfortable saying you can read it as a stand alone story as I didn’t feel like I was missing anything having not read the first two books.

Crystal is a story of abuse, corruption and revenge and therefore I’m giving trigger warnings for sexual abuse, violence, kidnapping and drug/alcohol abuse.

If you want a fast paced thriller with plenty of twists, then this series might just be for you.

I have been a fan of Heather's work for quite a while now. Whilst I haven't caught up with all of her books yet, I keep pace with her new releases and when I have a spare bit of time, I read one of her earlier books. Heather certainly writes gritty crime novels that pull no punches and tell it how it is. I read the synopsis for 'Crystal', which is the third book in 'The Working Girls' series and it certainly sounded like another cracking read from Heather. I wasn't wrong either because I absolutely LOVED reading 'Crystal' but more about that in a bit.
Crystal is an interesting character. The first plus point for her is the fact that she has red hair. I am more than likely biased though on account of me sharing the same hair colour, although mine is naturally ginger and hers perhaps isn't. Anyway I digress so sorry about that and back to the review I do go. Crystal is a working girl, who lives on her own with her young child. Crystal is mourning the loss of her pimp but at the same time she carries around a lot of guilt around with her for one thing or another. Crystal abuses both alcohol and drugs but I think that she uses them as a way of coping with her sometimes chaotic lifestyle and to cope with her problems. That said I did think that she was wrong in using both drink and drugs when her child depends on her. Something happens to Crystal, which really shakes her up and in retaliation she pinches the possessions of the perpetrator. In another instance a judge 'buys' Crystal's silence and it's not long until Crystal realises that she could make a packet out of blackmailing her clients and asking them to pay for her silence. Has Crystal bitten off more than she can chew? What happens to Crystal? Well for the answers to those questions and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh my flipping (not the word I wanted to use as Mamma Ginger Book Geek might be reading and she doesn't like me using that word), 'Crystal' was a seriously fantastic book and then some. The cover of the book was enough to grab my attention on account of the redhead on the front and the fact that the title was in purple, which is one of my favourite colours. I know, I know I am very superficial. The fact that it was written by Heather just sealed the deal as it were. I was drawn into the story from the first word on the first page. To say that reading 'Crystal' became an addiction is a massive understatement. If I was wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about the book and if I had to put the book down for any reason then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. I felt like an addict in constant need of her next fix. I wasn't able to read the book over the space of a single day because boring things like life got in the way but I did manage to read 'Crystal' in just under 48 hours, which is still pretty good going for me. I was gripped by the story and on the edge of my seat throughout.
'Crystal' is brilliantly written but then I think that to be true of all of Heather's books. She certainly knows how to write a gritty and tense story, that will keep you guessing. For me, 'Crystal' was perfectly paced. The story hit the ground running and maintained the pace throughout. Heather has one of those writings style that packs a punch and then some. Reading 'Crystal' felt more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I know that might sound silly to some but it makes sense to me. Heather describes the criminal world with all of its violence and the lifestyle of a working girl so vividly and so realistically that she scared the doo doo out of me. I felt as though I was part of the story myself which is all down to Heather's fantastic storytelling.
Reading 'Crystal' was much like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride, with more twists and turns to the tale than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Just when you thought that you could take a minute to catch your breath, reclaim your stomach and put down the cushion you were hiding behind, then off the action would go again.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Crystal' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Heather's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

The third book in the gritty and gripping working girls series features Crystal. Addicted to alcohol and drugs, Crystal reaches an all-time low when her partner and pimp Gilly dies. It's decision time for Crystal. She chooses to fight against her addictions and take revenge against her worst clients.
Blackmail forms the basis of Crystal's exit strategy from her old life, but she fails to see the inherent dangers.

Crystal's significant character development makes the ending positive in this story of redemption and revenge. Characterised by a pacy, twisty plot and positive female protagonists working girls is an addictive series worth reading.

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

This is book three in The Working Girls series.

This is Crystals story. She is absolutely devastated when her pimp and partner Gilly dies. She’s a great character who I really liked.

I love this authors style of writing. This is another gritty addition to this gangland crime series.

Set around MAnchester Crystal is the 3rd in the working girls series, The Mark and Ruby being the first two though it can be read as a standalone.

Crystal is a prostitute, after working for a good few years she's had enough and decides she wants to give it all up, the drugs, drink and the game. Her friend Ruby is becoming increasingly worried about her and she wants a decent life for herself and her daughter Candice.

She needs to come up with a plan to stop her habit so comes up with the idea of blackmailing some the characters she has serviced over the years to help her gain money without hawking herself anymore. She's had some right characters over her time and has gained a lot of knowledge on them.

These men obviously don't want what she has on them to become common knowledge nor do they want to pay her what she is asking. She is putting herself at risk but she's got attitude and the power to bring down these men.
This is such a gripping compulsive read and the thrills keep you on the edge of your seat as with each man she blackmails story unfolds.
I love the working class series, the characters are all likeable and sassy, real page-turners.
Thank you so much NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this excellent book xx

A fantastic finale to the Working Girls trilogy. I loved the strength and determination of Crystal - although she did make some silly decisions! Brilliantly written and really tied all the stories together. However, this can be read as a stand alone book as any reference to earlier books is rare and explained enough for you to get the thread of the history of the Working Girls.

Crystal is the third book in the Working Girls series a typical gangland crime thriller set in the city of Manchester, and although preferable it certainly isn't essential to have read the previous books before this one as it works perfectly well as a standalone novel.

I loved Crystal as a character and was routing for her all the way through the story of her to get her happy ever after.

Heather’s writing is engaging and it is so easy to be caught up in the world of the characters that she has created.

Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Heather Burnside for allowing me to read this Arc.
I have to admit this is the first book I've read by Heather. But my God it certainly won't be the last!! I'm definitely hooked!! I absolutely loved it. Just my type of book!! I cannot wait to read many, many more!!

I’d like to thank Aria and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Crystal’ by Heather Burnside in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

‘Crystal’ is the final part of The Working Girls trilogy set in Manchester and following the life of Crystal who at an early age turns to prostitution to finance her craving for drink and drugs. It’s only when she realises the need to straighten herself out before her twelve-year-old daughter Candice starts asking awkward questions that she comes up with an idea which in turn lands her in a perilous situation.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading the two previous instalments of The Working Girls trilogy and jumped at the chance to read ‘Crystal’. From page one I was intrigued at the direction Crystal’s life was going now that her pimp and partner Gilly was dead, and was so involved with the story that I couldn’t do anything else until I’d finished reading it, taking me less than eighteen hours from beginning to end. It’s gritty and down-to-earth with a well-written plot, tough strong-minded female characters, and is so exciting that I didn’t want it to end. Thank you, Heather, for producing what I consider to be the best by far of the three books and one I can definitely recommend.

Crystal is the third instalment in the Working Girls series of gangland crime thrillers set in and around the city of Manchester, and although preferable it certainly isn't essential to have read the previous books before this one as it works perfectly well as a standalone, as do each of the instalments. Crystal is understandably distraught at the death of her pimp and long-term partner, Gilly, and looking for an out she turns to drink and drugs to ease some of her emotional pain. But this has not escaped the notice of those close to her; her best friend and confidante Ruby starts to become extremely concerned for Crystal's wellbeing. She is luckily very self-aware and realises these behaviours cannot last if she wishes to be a good parent to her daughter, Candice. A plan forms in her mind whilst spending a fortnight in rehab to blackmail some of her clients; those she wishes to get revenge against in the hopes of starting a business with the proceeds. Blackmailing a bunch of men and requiring payment not to spill their dirty secrets, what could possibly go wrong!?

The most addictive of the instalments so far has everything you could want in a thriller - plenty of excitement, danger around every corner, engaging family relationships and a gutsy, intriguing cast of characters. The pacey narrative flows effortlessly which means you may intend to only read a couple of chapters before bed but will find yourself unable to sleep until you've read right through to the end as you're desperate to see how things pan out for Crystal; she's a sassy and relatable person and despite her line of work she has a tonne of self-respect. I strongly feel this is the most compulsive and compelling to date and it tells the story of a character we have met previously in the other novels - Crystal - as her life slowly begins to unravel. It is a gripping, compulsive and entertaining thriller and a great read for those looking for escapism and to enter a completely different world to their own for a while. A real page-turner. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Aria for an ARC.

Absolutely amazing again by Heather Burnside. Thoroughly enjoy reading the books. Highly recommend to anyone ! So glad Crystal eventually found happiness.

The 3rd in the ‘Working Girls’ series, Crystal can easily be read as a stand alone or also after ‘The Mark’ and ‘Ruby’

Crystal is a working girl, a prostitute and she has had enough, enough of her life and more than enough of the men who treat her less than human in her profession....she makes a decision, she is. going to come off drugs and give up ‘the game’ and make a decent life for herself and her daughter Candice

This though is easier said than done of course so she decides to get some cash behind her, she is going to blackmail some of her worst clients, the violent, the weird and the downright nasty and turn the tables on them, now she is in charge and they will do her bidding

But by doing this she is opening a can of worms ( and cockroaches! ) as some of these men fight back and Crystal is soon involved in a fight to save the thing that is most precious to her

And fight she does, tooth and nail
I LOVE this series ( and the authors previous series’ ) everything you want for a top notch gritty driven story is there and the book flows with a tense exciting plot coupled with no holds barred realism

The blackmailing chapters were really well done, listing the client, what they had done to cause her hatred and then the blackmail itself, sometimes successful, sometimes...well you will see what happens when you read the book

A thrilling ending, I expected nothing less and a really well presented story that saw folk getting their comeuppance and Crystal battle against all odds, great read

10/10
5 Stars

I have read other books by Heather Burnside, the mark, and ruby so thought I would read crystal as he as mentioned in the other books . This took me a while to read as I felt it was much the same as ruby and it didn't hold my attention . All though I did like how it gave you a bit about her job amd how it interwined with her personal life