Malice

by Kerry Barnes

The first mistake was to underestimate Georgie. The second mistake was to underestimate her daughter. When Georgie Deacon’s husband, Dixie, is found shot dead in the street, the police assume it’s a revenge killing. However, things are not what they seem when two of her brothers-in-law are arrested for Dixie’s murder. After she discovers a substantial padlock on her garage door and a box containing a child’s toy and a pair of trainers in her husband’s wardrobe, Georgie is forced to confront the secrets of her husband’s past. No matter how sinister they appear to be. The shocking kidnapping of her daughter pushes Georgie to the brink, and she must do everything to get her daughter back. But if she can’t turn to the police, who can she turn to? A twist you won’t see coming. If you enjoyed the suspenseful twists and turns of Nemesis by Kerry Barnes, you’ll love the gripping, thrilling suspense of Malice.

Genres: Crime

313 pages, Paperback

Published June 29, 2023

About the author

Kerry Barnes: The Voice of British Gangland Fiction.
Kerry Barnes is a bestselling British gangland and crime thriller author, known for writing gritty, hard-hitting stories rooted in the darker side of organised crime. Her novels are packed with tension, betrayal, revenge, and morally complex characters — often driven by fierce, uncompromising women who refuse to back down.
Widely recognised for her raw, fast-paced style, Kerry’s books explore the realities of loyalty, power, family, and survival within the criminal underworld. Her stories pull no punches and aren’t afraid to venture into uncomfortable territory, making her a firm favourite with readers who enjoy dark, authentic British crime fiction.
With multiple chart-topping and number one bestselling titles, Kerry Barnes has built a loyal readership among fans of gangland fiction and crime thrillers. Her work is frequently compared to leading voices in the genre such as Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers, while maintaining a distinctive edge and voice of her own.
Kerry is the author of several popular series, including the Dolly Vincent Trilogy, Carrie Verne Series, Nemesis Trilogy, Harper Kane Trilogy, and The Hunted Trilogy, alongside a growing list of standalone novels and dark psychological thrillers.
Her latest work continues to push boundaries, delivering intense storytelling with sharp dialogue, emotional depth, and relentless pace — perfect for readers who like their crime fiction bold, brutal, and unforgettable.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think you have read the ultimate Kerry Barnes….you read Book 2
It’s a raw, real, chilling, gangland/family/revenge/character led stunning second book in the series and everything you could imagine could be in a story is
I was actually tense in part of the book and on edge waiting to see what would happen, the authors writing has you like this, involved in this brutal world and it all felt so real, like I was there with Georgie ( main character )
The 2 elder Mum’s in it are described wonderfully and as all the character’s right there in my minds eye
This is no soft and gentle read, its powerful and direct, poignant and at times troubling, perfect challenging reading
And it wont be long until I read Book 3 as need to know what happens next

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what an edge of your seat book was to read, Kerry Barnes has another hit as far as i am concerned. The Deacon family are back and force to be reckoned with as family means everything to them. Georgie has a daughter who she loves beyond measure and will do anything to keep her safe and happy.BRILLIANT Book and worth 10 stars but i can only give 5*

[Jayne Jackson WasEdmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always with Kerry Barnes this was well written. She draws the reader in and then whips up a storm full of twists, turns, plots and sub plots whilst moving at breakneck speed through the book.
This is not a book you can read a bit then put down for a while and come back to it. If you do this then you yourself as a reader may find all the characters too much to handle. I personally found the book to be a very fast paced book with me turning to the next page and then finding that I had sat in the same place for over an hour I was that engrossed in the storyline.
Another superb book.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from KB. Plenty of twists and turns, along with violence, heartache, and wrongdoing, made right. A cliff-hanger at the end leads to me thinking they'll be another in this series of Georgie Deacon?

[bernie doyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worse book

So badly written.characters were over the top and unbelievable.Kerry Barnes is usually a decent read but this is below her standard

[Khurshid Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this book as the author had ended the first book on a cliff hanger. I was not disappointed.

I love the way Kerry Barnes writes as she goes into depth and creates likeable characters. I was totally immersed in the story.

This has it all, murder, torture, corruption.

Always keep on high alert.
Always remember to watch everyone you care for

Otherwise

A murder can take place
Again your child is in danger

If your surname is Deacon, watch out as your life is about to change and not a good change.

[George Nnochiri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book in a charity shop and didn't realize that it was part if a series and that there was a predecessor. I felt it was assumed that the reader had read the earlier book and didn't really explain early enough the events of that book making it a little bit confusing and trying to catch up / work out what had happened. This rather distracted from my enjoyment of the book. Previously when I have just grabbed a book that wasn't the first in the series by different authors, I didn't have the same problem

[deborah fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow absolutely superb read! Georgie Deacon is a force to be reckoned with but her daughter Dixie Lee I think comes a close second. Fast paced action Henry’s cafe is targeted and the alleged hero is anything but ! Noel is certainly not what he seems to be and I’ve got to say I was surprised at Georgie’s initial re action to him ! There are 2 stories intertwined who killed Dixie what was he involved in , and the Oliver’s and Marks family. Excellent book 10 out of 10 read it !

[Tracy Mckie Peart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely blinding read yet again!

Wow, this follow up to nemesis has it all... Emotive, funny,heartbreaking and will have you holding your breath one minute and raging for Georgie with the next. Twists and turns keep you glued until the end, up late at night as you'll be gripped.. I'm a little bit in love with Ro, but what a women Georgie is.. As for Dixie lee.. She's her mother's daughter! Well done Kerry on another blinder... Can't wait for the 3rd instalment!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kapow. Kerry Barnes knocks it out of the park with this one, the first book "Nemesis" was gripping but this one is exceptional.

A strong woman fighting gangland thugs, kidnapping, torture, and much much more.
I was gripped to the edge of my seat with this one and then spat out.
What an amazing talent and mind this lady has. She is one of our best top crime writers. Loved the cat's protection nod. 😘

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another great read from Kerry Barnes and one I hated leaving down as I wanted to get to the end but also because I enjoyed it so much didn’t want it to end as I thought it was the last book but there is a hint of a third book so fingers crossed that we will meet Georgie and her family again. I wish there was an option to give more than 5 stars as this book deserves that.

[Joanne Dickinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, but not as good as Kerry other books.

Good read

The only small point is I haven't found as good as Kerry Barnes other books

I love all her books and can not normally put them down. Unfortunately, not this book.

If there is a third book, I won't be reading it.

[Lynda Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Brilliant

I absolutely loved this book.So pleased when I realised after reading Revenge this was a continuous story into the lives of The Deacons. The characters are to be admired and loved and the storyline is amazing. If you want a book that is incredibly difficult to put down this is the one for you. Enjoy!!!!

[Kev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant follow up to the equally brilliant first novel in this saga, Nemesis.

The twist and turns were none stop throughout. The story is cleverly intertwined and keeps you guessing on what and why certain things are happening while on the edge of your seat.

Both novels would make a gripping TV drama, if only the right people would see that.

[Vee Dowdie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I loved every minute and every page of this book and I couldn't put it down.
Every waking moment when I had the time was spent on it, it's definitely a page turner.
It'll keep you hooked from beginning to end and leave you wanting more.

[Biff meechan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malice:gripping crime drama ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I love all Kerry Barnes books and this is not a disappointment.I loved it from the first page till the last.I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys gangland thrillers & series ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[emma smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable

Simply couldnt put this book down but didn't want it to end.
Absolutely brilliant read. The story of Georgie can't be over surely? There has got to be another one after this.

[gaynor rawlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I chose five stars because I enjoyed this book so much. It was nice to catch up with Georgie, Dixie Lee and the rest of the family. A family feud between Georgie Deacon and the Oliver family. Plenty of bloodshed and kidnapping to keep you wanting more. Loved it

[Kay Stoneham · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic

I great follow up to Nemisis. I’m hoping there will be a third book to continue the wonderful world of Georgie Deacon.
So many twists and turns, amazing writing. First class Kerry Barnes

[Vicki - I Love Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malace

What a superb read. I

Thoroughly enjoyed each and every home t reading this book.
A superb author that delivers exactly what readers want and then some.
Bravo Kerry Barnes you've smashed another epic read

[Lisa Thewlis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Fantastic, can't give this a big enough review. Kerry Barnes is one fantastic writer, if you like Martina Cole,Jessie Keane then this is the book for you.. Enjoy

[Heidi Lett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I couldn’t stop reading, loved it is there going to be a 3rd one to add to the collection please?

[Kerry Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant.

This book was a brilliant read, with lots of twists. Hope there is another that follows on. Give it a read you wont be dissappointed.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet ..Brilliant 5*****

[sandra christine richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

As always brilliant book from start to finish, story line has you in suspense and fear, didn't want to put it down once I started. Need to find another one now.

[yvonne griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely brilliant

Brilliant
Hope there a part 3
Couldn’t put it down
Highly recommend
Kerry Barnes brilliant as per usual keep going

[Tracey Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD

Great read. All emotions covered ! Twister keeping you fully into the story. Looking forward to the next in series!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Head spinner!

Wow this book had so much going on my head was spinning! Brilliant writing I am downloading series 3 as we speak

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me.

[Laura evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kerry barnes is slowly becoming my favourite author, the authorising of this book had me gripping the sides of my seat - great read