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Joan

The True Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Diamond Thief

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Joan

By: Joan Hannington
Narrated by: Kim Taylforth
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend.

Joan Hannington was the most notorious female figure in London's criminal underworld during the 80s, earning her the nickname 'The Godmother'. With her stunning looks and glamorous wardrobe, Joan was constantly underestimated, but she used this to her advantage and became an undetected mastermind in high-stakes jewellery theft. Often transforming herself into different characters, Joan seamlessly got away with millions of pounds in diamonds.

Coming from a violent, loveless childhood, Joan learnt to trust no one but herself. At seventeen, she becomes a mother, but is trapped in a disastrous marriage with a brutal thug. When he goes on the run, Joan seizes the moment to leave her old life. Motivated by her desire to care for her daughter, Joan gets swept up in the exhilarating world of a life of crime and makes some heartbreaking decisions as she sets her sights on a better life.

Joan is the true story of her meteoric rise from petty offender to one of Britain's most accomplished diamond thieves, making a success of life by not playing by the rules when the odds seemed stacked against her.

©2024 Joan Hannington (P)2024 Penguin Audio Murder True Crime Crime Scary Thought-Provoking Exciting

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All stars
Most relevant  
Loved the pure honesty and couldn’t care less attitude about how she made her money and how she lived her life.

Great listen

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Great read wanted to learn about the real Joan after the TV series and wasn't dissapointed. very well written very true to life and really enjoyed the book. would recommend

what a woman!

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A good listen, at times hard to hear especially her awful childhood. It was also funny, sad, gripping & unbelievable all at the same time. Very unusual woman. Recommend this listen to anyone who has an interest in how one young woman could create a life with such bizarre outcomes & somehow survive it all.

Joans experiences

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This autobiography is really excellent. What a life, so interesting, engaging, compelling even. The narration is also faultless. The TV drama is different and has clearly used lots of artistic licence. Both are very enjoyable. Highly recommend.

Brilliant!

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I rarely leave reviews but oh my god what a life and what difficulties she endured.
I love that has no regrets and accepts what was wrongdoing!
Take a bow

Power of a woman!!

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Amazing life - complete page turner. Couldn’t put the booking down. Fascinating story about a gritty upbringing

Excellent novel

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Loved it,Joan is an incredible lady.It was so upsetting how her father was,her family also,i'm so sorry.
What a fantastic listen,
shocking captivating,thank you for sharing!

The Joan of Arc

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Brilliant book the tv version does not do the book justice. The excellent choice of narrator just put the cherry on top

So Much Better Than The TV Version

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I liked the whole story and listened to it in one day I was so hooked and couldn't turn it off. I really admire Joan and wish her all the best for the rest of her life thanks for writing your book it was so informative and easy to listen to. Such a sad life in places but she remained positive. Hope she stays happy for the rest of her days 😘
Tracey

Bloody Brilliant

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Listen to this is a day, totally addictive, and brutally honest from the author. I never wanted it to end. I’ve watched the TV show which is good, but this book is absolutely amazing. I also enjoyed the updated part at the end.

Best Book I’ve Listed to

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