The Take: A gripping crime thriller of family lies and betrayal

Martina tells it like it really is, and her unique, honest and compassionate style shines through in her latest novel. Jackie Jackson is preparing a party to welcome home her husband Freddie. Everyone is gathered at the party, including her sister Maggie. But after six years in prison, Freddie thinks he is the Essex equivalent to the Godfather. And he's going to make sure everyone knows it. In This Family, If You Want Something, You Take It. The Take By No.1 Sunday Times Bestselling Author Martina Cole Won The British Book Award For Best Crime Thriller Of The Year And Was Adapted For Television With An All-star Cast Including Tom Hardy, Brian Cox And Charlotte Riley. 'martina Tells It Like It Really Is' - Sun. Fresh Out Of Prison, Freddie Jackson Wants To Rule The Underworld. His Wife Jackie Wants Her Husband Back And In Her Bed Only. Jackie's Sister Maggie Wants To Be With Jimmy, Freddie's Cousin. And Jimmy Has Big Gangland Ambitions Of His Own. Everyone In The Jackson Family Wants Something. And There's No Such Thing As Loyalty. You Might Have Seen The Take And The Runaway On Tv - But That Certainly Doesn't Mean You Know What Happens In The Books! If you want it badly enough, take it ... When Freddie Jackson gets out of prison he thinks he owns the underworld, he's made the right connections, and now he's ready to use them. His wife Jackie just wants her husband home, but she's forgotten the rows, and the violence. Bitter and resentful, Jackie's life crumbles while her sister Maggie's star rises. In love with Freddie's cousin Jimmy, Maggie is determined not to end up like her sister ... Families should stick together, but jealousy and betrayal can infect everyone's life. And for the Jacksons, loyalty cannot win out. Because in their world you can trust no one. In their world everyone is on the take An uncompromising and haunting story of betrayal and violence