The Make

In this solid suspense novel from Keane (Jail Bird), Gracie Doyle, a Manchester casino owner, returns to London, where she grew up in the East End, after hearing distressing news about her two estranged brothers: George has been brutally attacked and is in the hospital, while Harry has gone missing. George and Harry, we learn in flashbacks, set up their own escort business. George struggled with his feelings for a male “punter” on the run, while Harry fell for a woman from Hong Kong. In searching for answers, Gracie and her mother become the targets of some unknown scoundrel. Gracie’s estranged husband, Lorcan, who also runs a casino, lends a helping hand. Gracie thinks “they were probably all doomed, every last one of the Doyles,” but despite her well-justified fears, the human heart triumphs over evil in a story that has more to do with family reconciliation than catching the bad guy. (Feb.)