They say everyone has at least one book in them. A story to tell. Michael Emmett for sure has one. And an almighty one at that. This is a book about a broken child, growing up within a criminal family. It’s about living with the ripple effects of learnt behaviours living with the brokenness of abuse, addiction, grief and low self worth having to masking your way through it and all its ugliness.

This was a quick read for me and I enjoyed it immensely.

I can see how some readers may struggle with what might appear to be a glamourisation of his criminal past and the empire he grew. The trappings of criminal wealth, a boasting of what a criminal career can yield you. For him, this was his life. It is his story after all. It was did not bother me to read it. I actually had a little chuckle to myself about his criminal escapades. He was as bold as brass! And no doubt countless other criminals have been and will be for generations to come. But really at the heart of this boldness, Michael was wearing a mask throughout this dark time in his life.

Anchored by sexual abuse as a child. Having a very low self worth. Being surrounded by his father's criminal empire he had only way to go...wear the mask proudly and head into the abyss of the criminal underworld himself. Diving head fast as deep as he could. Criminals have a reputation to uphold, a presence and menacing one at that. That is part of what makes them that way. However the redemption came from behind the gates of HMP. The redemtption itself is where the beauty is in this story.

With an insightful look into the world of organised crime, the family life around that and for a hope filled redemptional conclusion where someone has its stripped away and has turned their life around for better then look no further than this book.

Thank you NetGalley and @harperinspire for my ARC in return for my honest review.