Casey Kelleher is one author whose books I turn to when I’m looking for my ‘grit lit fix’ I’m a huge fan of stories that delve into the murky world of crime. For me personally this type of book has to have an engrossing story line that features violence, feuds, family, but above all that it has to be a tale of survival against the odds. Guess what? No Escape the latest book by the author has it all, and so much more to offe. No Escape is set on the notorious Griffin Estate where crime and violence are very much part of the residents every day life. The plot follows the life’s of Detective Lucy Murphy,  Fifteen-year-old Shannon and her thirteen-year-old brother Kian. 

The author has created some remarkable characters. My heart went out to Shannon and Kian, the responsibilities they have forced upon them through living with an alcoholic mum, mean they’ve had to grow up fast. The lack of parental supervision means Kian is the ideal candidate to be recruited by wannabe gangster Jax and the Griffin boys. Newly qualified police officer, Lucy Murphy is another character who I warmed to, despite witnessing her mothers horrific murder at five years old, she doesn’t come across as a victim, quite the opposite, as she’s determined to make a difference to the life’s of kids like Shannon and Kian. There is also a superb supporting cast, some I grew to loathe, but there were other that pulled on the heartstrings, offering hope in the most depressing circumstances.  


Casey Kelleher takes the readers into the seedy and murky world of the criminals at work on the Griffin Estate it’s not pretty, it’s violent, grubby and sometimes very disturbing, the scenes, the violence, the gangs that prey on the vulnerable residents of the estate give this book an authentic feel to the read. The author draws you into this world; you feel the fear and emotions of the residents, experience their frustrations and pain, the Estate comes alive thanks to the authors descriptive writing. I really enjoyed No Escape with its vibrant characters and gritty, authentic plot. Casey Kelleher’s writing goes from strength to strength and I’m keeping everything crossed this is the first book in a series featuring Lucy Murphy and the Estate.  Highly recommended 

This review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog.

Another fantastic read by Casey Kelleher, No Escape is an amazing read that you will want to out down, love the twists and the grittyness that makes it a 5 star read.

No Escape is a tough gritty drama set on a notorious sink estate in London. With plenty of twists and turns throughout the story, this was an addictive read from start to finish which I have come to expect from this author.

When she was just five years old, Lucy Murphy witnessed her mother’s brutal murder in their home on London’s notorious Griffin Estate. The case was never solved. Now a newly qualified police officer, Lucy has been given her first job: she’s going back to the Griffin Estate. The one place she never wanted to go back to. The one place she can’t escape.

This is a highly enjoyable gangland thriller with an exciting storyline and some great characters. I am hoping it's the start of a new series as would love to hear more about Lucy.

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

With a show stopping prologue like that I knew there was no chance of an early night for me! Talk about pushing all my buttons and more! With no spoilers, as it’s in the blurb, we have our first introduction to Lucy Murphy in a heart wrenching prologue and I just sat back and watched as Casey Kelleher delivered that all important killer hook moment that dragged me screaming into the pages!
No Escape has it all, it’s gritty, it wraps its fingers around your heart pulling at all the emotions, it’s authentic, this is the life for many people across our country and Casey Kelleher pulls no punches when telling the story of the lives of those who live on the estate; the characters will engage you, as the first in (what I hope is a long series) this is like being welcomed into a new home or family as you settle yourself down in this new environment and watch the faces around you, watching and learning.
No Escape is a nail biting police procedural meets grit-lit meets soap opera exhilarating kind of read. Introducing the reader to a whole host of characters, some of whom will earn a well-deserved place in your heart to others whom you will wish all depths of hell on and their lives will rip your heart into little shreds. Shannon and Kian are the kids of alcoholic and drug addict, Michelle Winters and their story will rip your heart apart as from the very outset it becomes clear that Shannon is taking on the role her mother is unable to play. Yet it isn’t hard not to feel sorry for Michelle, this novel forces you to look beyond the poverty porn headlines and think a little bit about what drives people to dark places where they find it hard to escape from.
The cuckooing scenes were the most disturbing scenes to read, I’m not going to say much but oh my god, I might have ugly cried!
I loved Lucy Murphy’s character, with her own issues to deal with in her personal life, this new role as a detective is not going to be an easy one for her and the resentment from some of her male colleagues was all too realistic. With such a dramatic backstory to be explored this was a perfect introduction to Casey Kelleher’s latest character.
Highly topical and most definitely socially relevant it explores county lines, cuckooing and the very real experience of life on the periphery of society. It made me angry, it made me cry and made me smile too. But it definitely left me waiting eagerly for more from life on the estate and DC Lucy Murphy’s life.
My review will be on my blog as part of the blog tour

This is a story that’s character driven. There are a few likeable ones and ones that are far from it!

Lucy, a young qualified officer, has her own bad memories of the estate where she lived until her mother was brutally murdered. It was interesting to see how her past has shaped her into the person she is now. Along with investigating crimes that seem to keep coming back to the Griffin estate, she also juggles looking after her gran whose memory sadly is going.

The storyline to do with Lucy’s gran was endearing as well as heart breaking. My own gran suffered with dementia and I could relate to how awful it is to see a loved one going through it and them not even knowing most days who you are. I like how the author incorporated this thread in with the rest of the story.

There are so many stand out characters for me in this story. Shannon and Kian, sister and brother who are both good kids with Kian falling into the wrong crowd. Phillip, a vulnerable young man, whose life is being made a misery by Jax and his gang. Benny, Shannon’s boss, who makes you realise there are some lovely people in this world. Each one had me compelled to read more about them. Even Jax. A nasty piece of work but all of them made this an absolute must read story.

No Escape is a brilliantly gritty and engrossing story. I love stories that are set on estates and the author draws you into this world, feeling the fear and emotions of the residents. There were a couple of unexpected twists where the author kept me on my toes and had me hanging off every word. A great read!

Gritty police thriller with some great female characters. Good,but horrible,portrayal of live on a troubled estate.

Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Casey Kelleher for allowing me to read this Arc.
As usual a brilliant book by Casey.
Based around the roughest and toughest tower block estates. Detective Lucy grew up on the estate where at five years old, while hidden in a wardrobe she witnesses the brutal murder of her mother!
Having now made Detective she is called out to the estate to investigate several incidents caused by the notorious Griffin gang!!
Read on for a fantastic treat.

Wow!!! A gritty twisty addictive read...Casey Kelleher never fails to bring a great read with plenty of surprising shocking twists together!!
Five stars from me!

Been looking forward to this book. And it did not disappoint me. I loved the whole story this author is amazing and is slowly becoming a queen of crime

when Lucy murphy was five years old she had to watch the brutal murder of her mother hidden in the wardrobe .she goes to live with her grandmother years later Lucy becomes a police woman then later she becomes a Trainee detective .the one place she dreads she has to go to the place it happened to a call out .the story is about two other children . this is going to be a must read series the author has put this story together with a few little shocks. and twists .so recommend .

What a BRILLIANT book i do so hope this is the start of a new series.Lucy Murphy witnessed the worst crime at the age of 5 her mothers murder,now Lucy is now DC Lucy Murphy and back on the Griffin Estate to stamp down on the crimes happening against the residents.Shannon and Kian Winters live with their alcoholoc mom and her present boyfriend,living hand to mouth most of the time but Kian wants the good things he sees the Griffin Boys wearing and knows it will come at a cost.Shannon is desperate to help her mom get better but will her mom listen.This is a gripping,gritty story that had me hooked and wanting more.5*

Absolutely fantastic read!! I finished this book in one day! I love all of Casey’s book, even though I was quite late to the party. This book gets right into the nitty gritty of what it’s like, growing up today, on an estate where you just can’t seem to escape the badness, no matter how hard you try. Thank you for letting me review this title. I can’t wait for the next one!

Omg another brilliant book by this author. Definitely up there with Martina Cole, Mandasue Hellier. Cannot rate it enough if you love gangland thriller you will love this. Definitely more than a 5 star