Voice of Rage by Kerry Barnes (Rage #2)

Synopsis: First there was the Voice of Reason, but now there is the Voice of Rage Harley Mason, you may love her, or hate her, but never underestimate her. As the Masons settle down to a more normal life following the death of three family members, a shocking discovery of a schoolgirl found dead in nearby woods starts the finger-pointing once again.
Lewis Sanders, the detective on the case, struggles to believe that a teenage girl is capable of such a horrific crime. Yet the discovery of a second body could put Harley Mason in the frame.
Is the evidence staring at him in the face or is there more to it?
Proving a link between the Gemini Gene and higher functioning psychopaths had been Dr Katherine Renee’s sole purpose until she had to discontinue the study. Now, she questions her own sanity.
So, desperate to convince the police that Harley is the killer, is Dr Renee harbouring a dark secret of her own?
Katherine remembered nothing of her childhood, until she was sent to the orphanage and eventually saved by a nun. But now the lost research file has been found, and the truth is out.

My Rating: 5/5

My Review: First off, for anybody that hasn’t read this author I would hugely recommend her. She is a massively under rated author who has some serious talent. It’s been a while since I last read one of Barnes books and picked up Voice of Reason, with this book as the follow on. In my opinion you need to read book one to get a full understanding of all the characters in play, although there is still introduction to those that choose to read this as a standalone.

Harley Mason is a high functioning teenager along with her twin brother Hudson. They are now living with their grandmother and trying to get on with their life as best they can. However, when a young girl is found murdered in the woods Harley seems to be the prime suspect. Featuring heavily along with Harley is the psychiatric doctor Katherine, who has worked with the twins in her study. We also get to see Agnes, Katherine’s housekeeper and long time live in and as such is treated like family by Katherine.

The way this latest story unfolds is certainly shocking in parts, very descriptive but absolutely captivating. This is definitely a departure from the usual type of stories Kerry Barnes writes but I absolutely loved it. This most definitely falls into the psychological thriller category but I would suggest starting with book 1 Voice of Reason and then go straight onto this one. A magnificent read which took me out of the norm and into the slightly disturbing world of the Mason twins.

Voice of Reason by Kerry Barnes (Rage #1)

Synopsis: When Dionne married a nightclub owner, Luke Mason, a whisper in her ear told her she would have it all – the money, the house, and the luxury lifestyle. But she never expected her life to turn upside down the day they became parents to twins.

After a Mason family member is murdered, a psychiatrist is asked to assist with the investigation.

Dr Renee, a research psychiatrist, has spent her life’s work studying the existence of the ‘Gemini Gene’ – a gene believed to exist in a few high-functioning psychopaths.

Little does she know that she is not alone in her quest. In the shadows lurks someone who also has a special interest in the gene. However, the trial that they are conducting is so much more sinister.

Will Dr Renee discover if the Gemini Gene really does exist, or will it be the voice of reason who has the answers?

MY RATING: 4/5

My Review: Okay, so it’s been a while since I have read a KB book that I figured I’d give this one on my to read list a go and boy am I glad I did. This latest book by this author I felt wa sa bit of a departure from other books of hers I have read but still a thoroughly enjoyable read as always. This story was centred around Dionne who got her ultimate wish which was to marry the nightclub owner Luke Mason

She expected the life full of money, the house, and a luxury lifestyle to follow. What she wasn’t prepared for was giving birth to a pair of borderline pyschotic twins! When one of the Mason family member is murdered, a psychiatrist brought in to help the investigation. Dr Renee, joins the story and the reader can see that she has spent her life’s work studying the existence of the ‘Gemini Gene’ – a gene believed to exist in a few high-functioning psychopaths.

What everybody doesn’t realise is that Dr Renee is not the only person interested in the Gemini Gene. The whole storyline is very interesting and the characters engaging. I read this book in just under two days and absolutely loved it. A definite must read…

Deceit by Kerry Barnes

Kerry Barnes Deceit Synopsis: Living in a beautiful home on the edge of a council estate, Kara Bannon can’t imagine what it’s like to have nothing.

An eerie phone call plays on her mind and within three days she loses everything – her job, her home and Justin, the only person she thought she could trust.

Alone and terrified, she makes a decision that will change her life forever.

Suddenly she has to enter a new world – Prison.

Revenge is not always so sweet…

My Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “Deceit by Kerry Barnes”

The Choice by Kerry Barnes (Mike Regan #3)

516abDhS88LSynopsis: Mike Regan and Zara Ezra believe the so-called Governor is safely locked away – in Zara’s hangar.

But less than twenty-four hours later, the Governor is loose and out there, wreaking havoc.

After what Zara made him do to his own son, she knows he’ll be back with more than murder on his mind.

Moving the families to a safe place was all the firm could do to protect them. But now one of the boys goes missing. It can only mean one thing – the Governor has started his revenge.

Zara is faced with an unimaginable choice just as she forced the Governor to make his – only this time, it could cost the man she loves his life.

My Rating: 5/5

My Review: Oh. My. God. What an ending to this trilogy and a pretty amazing one at that! This was merely the cherry on the cake with this trio of books and my recommendation would be to buy all three. They are definitely making it into my top ten reads in this genre for the year!!! If you do plan on reading them in order, it’s probably best not to read on because there will inevitably be spoilers.

We return to Zara and Mike Regan along with Willie, Lou and Staffie. Alongside them we see their kids and we return to Ricky’s dilemma following his stay in hospital. From the very start of the book the action takes a front seat and pretty much stays there the entire book. Considering this is the last in the trilogy this didn’t surprise me as there is a lot going on.

The story line doesn’t need to be repeated in my review but I was surprised at a few events that unfolded. Having said that there wasn’t a moment in this book I didn’t enjoy. This is a prime example of what a British Crime writer should be doing, and boy has Kerry Barnes got it right! I was enthralled with this latest book but luckily I realised I have yet to read another of her books Deceit so I am off to start that!

The Rules by Kerry Barnes

Do you live by the rules, or die by them?

Holed up in prison, Mike Regan is offered a deal – his freedom in exchange for his firm taking down the gang that is supplying a new dangerous drug that has hit the streets. What starts as a game soon becomes a shocking revelation with devastating consequences.

Meanwhile, Mike’s fiancé, Zara Ezra, has her own firm to run. But when the so-called Governor is out to take her down, she has her own decision to make – either fight, run, or write her own rule book…

My Rating: 5/5  Continue reading “The Rules by Kerry Barnes”

The Hunted by Kerry Barnes

Synopsis: Having spent her life watching her father run his East London firm, Zara Ezra has learnt a thing or two about being a gangster, and she’s ready to take over when the time comes.

Mike Regan, a blast from Zara’s past, is the head of his own firm, but when his son is kidnapped in the middle of a gangland feud, Mike has no choice but to accept help from the Ezras to get his little boy back alive.

With a rival firm playing increasingly dirty, murder moves to the top of the agenda and Zara has some big choices to make. It seems that the only way to come out on top is to play them at their own game…

But will she become The Hunter or The Hunted?

My Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “The Hunted by Kerry Barnes”

Publication List – Kerry Barnes

Ruthless Series

  • Ruthless (2016) Book #1
  • Ruby’s Palace (2017) Book #2
  • Raw Justice (2017) Book #3

Cruel Secrets Series

  • Cruel Secrets (2017) Book #1
  • Wicked Lies (2018) Book #2

Hunted Series

  • The Hunted (2018) Book #1
  • The Rules (2019) Book #2
  • The Choice (2019) Book #3

Voice Series

  • Voice of Reason (2020) Book #1
  • Voice of Rage (2021) Book #2

Harper Kane Series

  • Trusted (2021) Book #1
  • Taboo (2022) Book #2
  • Torment (2022) Book #3

Georgie Deacon Series

  • Nemesis (2023) Book #1
  • Malice (2023) Book #2
  • Callous (2023) Book #3

Carrie Verne Series

  • Needs Must (2024) Book #1
  • Bitter Enemies (2024) Book #2
  • Broken Bond (2024) Book #3
  • Mercy Denied (2025) Book #4
  • Wrong Move (2025) Book #5

Menzie Family Series

  • The Debt Collector (2025) Book #1
  • Desperate Measures (2026) Book #2

Standalone Novels

  • Deceit (2018)
  • Outcast (2021)

Ruthless by Kerry Barnes

Synopsis: 1964 – London 

Dolly Vincent is born to an East End gangster but is sent away for her own protection. Mad Mick is hell bent on his revenge and will stop at nothing to kill her. Estranged from her family, she becomes a successful barrister, but after defending a young Italian man she finds herself caught up in a secret held by a high court judge. Tortured and left for dead she flees London and heads to New York. Only the Vincents know where she is, but even they don’t know the truth.

1990 – Francesca is back to face her demons but this time she is not alone. One woman three names…

Kat’s Rating: 4/5 Continue reading “Ruthless by Kerry Barnes”