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The Life cover art

The Life

By: Martina Cole
Narrated by: Annie Aldington
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Summary

The most authentic novel of gangster family life ever written, from the number one best-selling author Martina Cole.

The Bailey brothers are gangsters determined to make their mark in the world. Peter and Daniel are chalk and cheese in many ways - Peter's calm exterior belies his ruthless nature, while Daniel's penchant for spectacular violence is legendary - but together they are unstoppable. From the late 70s they rule London's East End, and when their sons join the business, it seems that no one can touch the powerful Baileys. Although it's never easy at the top; there is always someone waiting to take you down - sometimes even those closest to you....

Lena Bailey is determined to shield her youngest child Tania from the Life. But when a terrible tragedy occurs, Tania's eyes are opened to their world in a way that forces her to make an irrevocable choice that will determine her future.

Martina Cole's gritty and gripping new novel is an unflinching portrait of a family torn apart by violence and betrayal, but ultimately bound by loyalty, by blood, and by a burning desire for revenge.... It is a story of the Life, told as only Martina Cole can.

©2012 Martina Cole (P)2012 Headline Digital

Critic reviews

"Utterly compelling." ( Daily Mirror)

What listeners say about The Life

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Another gripping read

Loved it and it wasn't until chapter two that I realised I had already read this title, but that didn't take anything away from the story. Looking forward to hearing the next Martina Cole audiobook.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book

Really enjoyed this. One of her best. Great narration by Annie Audington. Brings the book to life

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

The Life

Its difficult to get into the narrator is hard to listen too not so good with the male cockney, but eventually its a good read if you have read martina cole before you will know the stories are predictable but good

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1 person found this helpful

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the life

loved every bit of it. the story, the vocals and Martina Cole. wanted to listen at bedtime but brought it downstairs

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absolutely gripping

brilliant always love reading Martina Cole but it's a whole new brilliance when the story is being told to you, ciuldntget enough of it, gutted its ended now but on to my next story I go

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Amazing

Gripping story very engaging.
Another excellent book by Martina really good never disappointed with her books

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Marinta Cole - The Life

Another cracking read from Martina Cole she brings the characters to life and you feel as if you are there with them through all the tragedy, brutality and also the joy





I always enjoy reading the books by this writer.

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annoying

most annoying thing is every couple minutes is a new chapter. Great narration as always

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not my best... but still.enjoyed it..

I struggled with the first half of this book even though i started it again .but the 2nd half of really picked up and I loved it..narrator brill as usual..stick with it...it does get good

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Gripping

As usual Martina Cole delivers again, narrated with quality.. gutted when it ended….
Highly recommend
Five stars all the way

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