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Needs Must
She will kill again if needs must . . .
An unassuming Dottie Ellis falls for bad boy Jimmy Carson, who sweeps her off her feet.
But after discovering she is pregnant and learning that Jimmy has gone back to his ex-girlfriend Carrie Verne, her happiness falls apart.
Heartbroken, Dottie runs home, only to unearth a disturbing family secret that rocks her to the core. She is now faced with an agonising decision to protect her unborn child. What she does shocks the town.
In a moment of solidarity, Carrie makes a promise to Dottie, cementing an unlikely bond between them.
The aftermath of a serious fight at Jimmy and Carrie’s wedding leaves the two families at war. Carrie must choose between her family and the Carsons.
She chooses the Carsons . . . but only to protect her sisters.
Is Carrie strong enough to bring the Carson family down alone?
An unassuming Dottie Ellis falls for bad boy Jimmy Carson, who sweeps her off her feet.
But after discovering she is pregnant and learning that Jimmy has gone back to his ex-girlfriend Carrie Verne, her happiness falls apart.
Heartbroken, Dottie runs home, only to unearth a disturbing family secret that rocks her to the core. She is now faced with an agonising decision to protect her unborn child. What she does shocks the town.
In a moment of solidarity, Carrie makes a promise to Dottie, cementing an unlikely bond between them.
The aftermath of a serious fight at Jimmy and Carrie’s wedding leaves the two families at war. Carrie must choose between her family and the Carsons.
She chooses the Carsons . . . but only to protect her sisters.
Is Carrie strong enough to bring the Carson family down alone?
- GenresCrime
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2024
469 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Barnes
32 books211 followersKerry 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 26, 2024
I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on Kerry Barnes writing for what seems to have been a long time!!!
This was EXCELLENT
Meet the Carsons, every bit as awful as the rumours suggest, ruled by the matriarch of the family Jinty, they are dedicated to their mother, a life of seemingly petty crime, drinking, getting high and beating their wives!
Meet Dotty, from the better side of the estate, with “church going” parents who resent her presence, pregnant with Jimmy Carson’s child, shunned and desperate.
Meet Carrie, a pretty, clever girl from a big close knit family of girls, fated from birth to marry Jimmy Carson.
Things are about to become explosive!!
Annie Aldington narrates this title with such ease. It’ll have you gripped well into the night desperate to know what unfolds next. I can’t wait for the next instalment in the series, and I’m looking forward to discovering some of the authors other titles!
This is perfect for fans of Kimberly Chambers, Mandasue Heller or Roberta Kray.
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends
Thank you to W F Howes via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ELC
This was EXCELLENT
Meet the Carsons, every bit as awful as the rumours suggest, ruled by the matriarch of the family Jinty, they are dedicated to their mother, a life of seemingly petty crime, drinking, getting high and beating their wives!
Meet Dotty, from the better side of the estate, with “church going” parents who resent her presence, pregnant with Jimmy Carson’s child, shunned and desperate.
Meet Carrie, a pretty, clever girl from a big close knit family of girls, fated from birth to marry Jimmy Carson.
Things are about to become explosive!!
Annie Aldington narrates this title with such ease. It’ll have you gripped well into the night desperate to know what unfolds next. I can’t wait for the next instalment in the series, and I’m looking forward to discovering some of the authors other titles!
This is perfect for fans of Kimberly Chambers, Mandasue Heller or Roberta Kray.
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends
Thank you to W F Howes via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ELC
March 18, 2024
Meet the Carsons, what a family, repugnant in nature and actions, vile in their lives and horrifying to read about….but horrifying in a good horrifying way, there’s nothing like a shocking family with a mean foul mouthed Mum at the helm, Ginty, to draw you in, be shocked and love being shocked, this family are just that
We also meet our main 2 characters Dottie and Carrie who between them have got more than they bargained for from Jimmy Carson
And then all hell lets loose
And that’s just the beginning
From Prisons to streets you wouldn’t want to drive past and houses you would avoid like the plague Kerry Barnes once again writes a family feud story that is outrageous and brilliant
Got to mention that I love when the characters find themselves in strife and everyone in authority is against them I love how there is someone who sees their need and tries to help and not judge them ( as we would want life to be )
Another excellent 10/10 read
We also meet our main 2 characters Dottie and Carrie who between them have got more than they bargained for from Jimmy Carson
And then all hell lets loose
And that’s just the beginning
From Prisons to streets you wouldn’t want to drive past and houses you would avoid like the plague Kerry Barnes once again writes a family feud story that is outrageous and brilliant
Got to mention that I love when the characters find themselves in strife and everyone in authority is against them I love how there is someone who sees their need and tries to help and not judge them ( as we would want life to be )
Another excellent 10/10 read
April 12, 2024
Excellent. Kerry Barnes has done it again.
Wow, wow, and wow.
This book is a must-read and be warned it a book you can't put down
Love the twists, the bad boys, and poor Dottie who feels like she has no choice but to murder not once but twice.
It was a lovely ending as well.
Kerry Barnes, please write more books like this one.
Wow, wow, and wow.
This book is a must-read and be warned it a book you can't put down
Love the twists, the bad boys, and poor Dottie who feels like she has no choice but to murder not once but twice.
It was a lovely ending as well.
Kerry Barnes, please write more books like this one.
April 3, 2024
Fabulous
Omg I loved this book , I literally read it in 2 days Carrie and Dottie what great girls , I must admit I was sobbing and laughing at the sane time
I'm so sad I've finished it
Omg I loved this book , I literally read it in 2 days Carrie and Dottie what great girls , I must admit I was sobbing and laughing at the sane time
I'm so sad I've finished it
March 23, 2024
Dottie & Carrie- Riveting read! So many emotions running through its veins
Omg where to start. This book has everything.. Greed, excitement, emotions, jealousy, passion & hatred in spades!
Carrie marrying Jimmy was the worst thing she could ever do!
Dottie falling for Jimmy was the worst thing she could do! Jimmy is a vile creature of the highest order. Absolutely loved the Murphy brothers. I can’t wait for book 2! Fantastic book that will grip you from start! No spoilers from me but shocked at the opening but what a great read. I’ve read every single book Kerry has written and they’re all so easy to immerse yourself into. Characters are so easily pictured..
I absolutely hated every single Carson and can’t wait to see what lies in next book!!!
Omg where to start. This book has everything.. Greed, excitement, emotions, jealousy, passion & hatred in spades!
Carrie marrying Jimmy was the worst thing she could ever do!
Dottie falling for Jimmy was the worst thing she could do! Jimmy is a vile creature of the highest order. Absolutely loved the Murphy brothers. I can’t wait for book 2! Fantastic book that will grip you from start! No spoilers from me but shocked at the opening but what a great read. I’ve read every single book Kerry has written and they’re all so easy to immerse yourself into. Characters are so easily pictured..
I absolutely hated every single Carson and can’t wait to see what lies in next book!!!
March 6, 2024
As usual could not stop reading this book. Where ever she gets her plots for her writing is riveting. Definitely on a par with Martina Cole the undoubted queen of this genre .Try to put it down at times to do other things but to no avail. Have to read each one of her books to the end. Cant wait each time to get back to it. A true talent for entertaining well written reading.
March 7, 2024
Kerry Barnes‘s books should come with a warning on the cover, do not open until you have time to keep reading. Out of the two main characters, I don’t know whether Carrie or Dottie is the bigger victim but their true strength shows up when survival is at stake. Now that I know this is going to be the start of a new series, I can’t wait to see what’s next for the two ladies.
March 21, 2024
Wow what a read .
This so far is one of the best books I have read in a while and just could not put it down .I will take my cap of to you .I wished I could give you more stars because you deserve them Kerry .I also hope you do another novel about when the children grow up .from start to finish it was a good story like .I would recommend this book so well done Kerry .
This so far is one of the best books I have read in a while and just could not put it down .I will take my cap of to you .I wished I could give you more stars because you deserve them Kerry .I also hope you do another novel about when the children grow up .from start to finish it was a good story like .I would recommend this book so well done Kerry .
March 14, 2024
Brilliant as always
Started reading this book 6 o'clock yesterday evening and have just finished it 7 o'clock in the morning. I've been awake all night reading I couldn't put it down . Loved it . A brilliant read
Started reading this book 6 o'clock yesterday evening and have just finished it 7 o'clock in the morning. I've been awake all night reading I couldn't put it down . Loved it . A brilliant read
August 9, 2024
Needs Must is the first book in the new gang land series Carrie Vern by author Kerry Barnes, I listen to the audiobook with the great narration of Annie Aldington. When the book first starts we meet Dottie a good girl from the good part of the street who has a crush on bad boy Jimmy Carson. It is the 1980s in Jimmy is a teenage wannabe gangster and Dottie couldn’t be more enamored It isn’t long before she realizes she is expecting his child and is crushed when his mom tells her to go home and find a good boy and leave her Jimmy alone she tells the distraught young girl he is back with Carry and they’re getting married. When she makes it back home she tells our controlling parents that she is expecting and everything goes off the rails and her parents of wind up dead end Dottie winds up in prison eventually we meet Carrie Vern, her and her sisters have grown up with the Carson boys and all of them except Tilly is dating one of them it isn’t until Carrie and Jimmy’s wedding when once again everything gets out of control carry catches Albert Carson trying to assault her sister Tilly and when trying to stop them SH¥T flies. The bride and groom‘s family battle each other the Vern girls leave the Carson boys and all are planning to divorce them until The oldest Carson boy gives carry an ultimatum to either go home with her husband or else and it’s the or else she cannot turn her back on. Despite knowing her family will shun her she eventually goes back and although she regrets it she is looking at the bigger picture something the Carson boys aren’t smart enough to see. I found the first couple of chapters in my opinion was slow and for some reason and by the time I realized I was into the book I was so gripped by it I couldn’t stop listening. As soon as I was done with this one I downloaded the second book and have already started reading it. There is so much more to the story like the greatness of Carrie her neighbor Sonny who is one of the Murphy gang. And the Murphy’s are definitely the gentleman gangsters. This book is so gripping and Carrie is such a great character to root for I love this book and definitely recommend it. #NetGalley, #WFHouseLimited, #CaryVern, #NeedsMust, #KerriBarnes,
August 20, 2024
WoW!!!! Needs Must by Kerry Barnes and narrated by Annie Aldington was one of the best audiobooks I have listened to for a long time, even my hubby sat and listened to it with me! and he never does that..........
We meet Dottie Ellis, and she lives on the better side of the estate, with “church going” parents who resent her presence. Dottie falls for a bad boy Jimmy Carson, who sweeps her off her feet. But, she is now pregnant with Jimmy's baby and she has just learnt he has gone back to his ex-girlfriend Carrie Verne, everything around her starts to fall apart. She thought Jimmy was the one, she was so wrong!!!
Heartbroken Dottie, now, she has to wake up and tell her parents but, this is going to be so hard.
Dottie runs home, only to unearth a disturbing family secret that rocks her to the core. She is now faced with an agonising decision to protect her unborn child.
What she does shocks the town and all her friends!
Jimmy Carson is marrying Carrie Verne and a serious fight breaks out and now both families are at war with each other!!! Carrie must choose between her family and the Carsons.
Who will she choose?
She has to choose the Carsons . . . . . . . but only to protect her sisters.
Is Carrie strong enough to bring the Carson family down alone?
WoW this book was excellent 10/10 audiobook.
The narrated Annie Aldington she is simply the Best!!!! I love the way she tells the story and Annie always brings every book she narrators alive! Excellent!
Big Thank you to Netgalley and especially W F Howes for my copy of this excellent audiobook.
We meet Dottie Ellis, and she lives on the better side of the estate, with “church going” parents who resent her presence. Dottie falls for a bad boy Jimmy Carson, who sweeps her off her feet. But, she is now pregnant with Jimmy's baby and she has just learnt he has gone back to his ex-girlfriend Carrie Verne, everything around her starts to fall apart. She thought Jimmy was the one, she was so wrong!!!
Heartbroken Dottie, now, she has to wake up and tell her parents but, this is going to be so hard.
Dottie runs home, only to unearth a disturbing family secret that rocks her to the core. She is now faced with an agonising decision to protect her unborn child.
What she does shocks the town and all her friends!
Jimmy Carson is marrying Carrie Verne and a serious fight breaks out and now both families are at war with each other!!! Carrie must choose between her family and the Carsons.
Who will she choose?
She has to choose the Carsons . . . . . . . but only to protect her sisters.
Is Carrie strong enough to bring the Carson family down alone?
WoW this book was excellent 10/10 audiobook.
The narrated Annie Aldington she is simply the Best!!!! I love the way she tells the story and Annie always brings every book she narrators alive! Excellent!
Big Thank you to Netgalley and especially W F Howes for my copy of this excellent audiobook.
July 26, 2024
🎧4.25⭐️
My first read by this author with this crime thriller of family feuds and gangster vibes a new sub genre for me, set in the 1980’s.
It is read by Annie Aldington who does a good job with distinctive voices instilling feeling.
The female main characters are Dottie and Carrie connected by bad boy Jimmy Carson who has had relationships with both of them. Dottie comes from a ‘good’ family, Carrie from a criminal background. Carrie and Dottie manage to form an unlikely bond.
Our main characters start off as vict1ms but develop into strong women, I ended up really liking both of them.
Well this has a good pace throughout with plenty going on with this very character driven story. It really managed to keep my interest well throughout. I really enjoyed it, I think it’s because it only has g@ngster vibes as the main story comes from the women who are on the periphery of that life. I would recommend it, and will read more by this author.
My first read by this author with this crime thriller of family feuds and gangster vibes a new sub genre for me, set in the 1980’s.
It is read by Annie Aldington who does a good job with distinctive voices instilling feeling.
The female main characters are Dottie and Carrie connected by bad boy Jimmy Carson who has had relationships with both of them. Dottie comes from a ‘good’ family, Carrie from a criminal background. Carrie and Dottie manage to form an unlikely bond.
Our main characters start off as vict1ms but develop into strong women, I ended up really liking both of them.
Well this has a good pace throughout with plenty going on with this very character driven story. It really managed to keep my interest well throughout. I really enjoyed it, I think it’s because it only has g@ngster vibes as the main story comes from the women who are on the periphery of that life. I would recommend it, and will read more by this author.
August 8, 2024
🎧 This is the first book in the Carrie Verne series an I think I’ve found a new book series to get my underworld fix. I couldn’t stop listening and had it devoured in a day. Who doesn’t love a family that thinks they’re above authority and common decency with a foul mouthed mother as the matriarch… not me anyway but they sure do provide good entertainment 🤪. I loved the majority of the characters and found both them and the storyline well developed. Im hoping The Murphy’s have their own book series 😉 at some point. The storyline gave a good sense of the world they lived in. The narrator was just the perfect fit and moved at just the right pace. I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
Thanks to Netgalley and W.F Howes Ltd for the opportunity to listen to and review #NeedsMust
Thanks to Netgalley and W.F Howes Ltd for the opportunity to listen to and review #NeedsMust
February 13, 2025
Reading this reminded me of why Kerry Barnes is an auto read author for me. I love her books.
Imagine starting your stay believing you are lucky until 2 events change your life forever and not for the best.
Meet Dottie - she will share how this happened to her. It wii sadden and shock you at the same time.
What would you do if your life has been mapped out for you? Would you give in or retaliate?
Meet Carrie - you will find out how she does this?
Two girls joined together by circumstances form a friendship that you need to read about.
I guarantee if you love gangland crime books you will love this.
Imagine starting your stay believing you are lucky until 2 events change your life forever and not for the best.
Meet Dottie - she will share how this happened to her. It wii sadden and shock you at the same time.
What would you do if your life has been mapped out for you? Would you give in or retaliate?
Meet Carrie - you will find out how she does this?
Two girls joined together by circumstances form a friendship that you need to read about.
I guarantee if you love gangland crime books you will love this.
November 1, 2025
Needs must
Wow what a.book starting out with poor dotty the girl you feel sorry for having lead a sheltered life with her very Christian mum and strange dad, but on when the story takes a turn you would never imagine where this book takes you. It has everything and so much more. This is a brilliant either who knows how to create characters and a storyline to keep you turning the pages . Now my only worry is for Carrie as who knows what an unstable mind is plotting next ....
Wow what a.book starting out with poor dotty the girl you feel sorry for having lead a sheltered life with her very Christian mum and strange dad, but on when the story takes a turn you would never imagine where this book takes you. It has everything and so much more. This is a brilliant either who knows how to create characters and a storyline to keep you turning the pages . Now my only worry is for Carrie as who knows what an unstable mind is plotting next ....
March 7, 2024
Flipping heck Kerry you've done it again and delivered your readers to another fantastic crime book.
Making us gasp out loud through holding our breaths to see what happens next.
The story is basically about two girls who fall for a nasty bad boy and his manic family.
Kerry is so talented at describing her characters she makes them so real you feel as though you're in the book..
Making us gasp out loud through holding our breaths to see what happens next.
The story is basically about two girls who fall for a nasty bad boy and his manic family.
Kerry is so talented at describing her characters she makes them so real you feel as though you're in the book..
November 18, 2024
Kerry Barnes has done it again. This was another absolutely brilliant book! I was gripped from page one!
Found myself reading until the very early hours to find out what happened next…
I’ve literally started the next book in the series 30 seconds after I finished Needs Must.
A strong 5 star read, full of action, suspense, violence, twists and turns. Keep up the amazing writing Kerry, 100% recommended..
Found myself reading until the very early hours to find out what happened next…
I’ve literally started the next book in the series 30 seconds after I finished Needs Must.
A strong 5 star read, full of action, suspense, violence, twists and turns. Keep up the amazing writing Kerry, 100% recommended..
March 11, 2024
Excellent read
What an utterly brilliant book. It didn't go where I thought it was going to go when I first started reading. Full of unexpected twist and turns. I just loved it and could put it down.
What an utterly brilliant book. It didn't go where I thought it was going to go when I first started reading. Full of unexpected twist and turns. I just loved it and could put it down.
August 15, 2024
Brilliant!!!!!!
I love love loved this book.
It's was so easy to get into and I didn't want to put it down, it's a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you're looking for a good read don't look no further.
I love love loved this book.
It's was so easy to get into and I didn't want to put it down, it's a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you're looking for a good read don't look no further.
October 25, 2024
Wattsy
This is the first book I've ever read by Kerry Barnes and it certainly won't be the last,it was fast pacing,exciting, page turning,brilliant story can't wait to read the next one.
This is the first book I've ever read by Kerry Barnes and it certainly won't be the last,it was fast pacing,exciting, page turning,brilliant story can't wait to read the next one.
November 28, 2024
Kerry Barnes is a brilliant author and her books never disappoint. She writes a fantastic family feud drama that keeps you hooked from start to finish. This book kept me gripped and I can't wait to read the next one.
December 3, 2024
Brilliant!
I loved this book from the start. Pulled me in from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. Now onto the next instalment. As usual I was not let down by Kerry’s books.
I loved this book from the start. Pulled me in from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. Now onto the next instalment. As usual I was not let down by Kerry’s books.
January 16, 2025
I liked a lot of things about this book. It didn’t grab me until 20% in. The main shocking part needed way more build up for me. The relationships - particularly female are good and interesting. I feel like it needed to be longer for the foundations to be set for certain things. I liked it though. Very readable
March 9, 2025
Don't get me wrong, this was a good story. A page turner, but I can't give it a 4 or 5 stars when I'm comparing it to great classics I've read... which are undoubtedly a 4 or even 5 stars...it's all relative to what I've read... defo recommend if you want a crime thriller, easy read, page turner...
March 2, 2024
Wow
Absolutely gripping,one of the best author s around. I have every book from this author and all make excellent reading
Absolutely gripping,one of the best author s around. I have every book from this author and all make excellent reading
March 4, 2024
Another excellent book
Yet again another couldn't put it down book from kerry, can't wait for the next one. Hope it's a follow on series again
Yet again another couldn't put it down book from kerry, can't wait for the next one. Hope it's a follow on series again
March 4, 2024
Brilliant
I had work to do , but just wanted to keep reading. I've read quite a few of Kerry's books now . Never disappointed.
I had work to do , but just wanted to keep reading. I've read quite a few of Kerry's books now . Never disappointed.
March 7, 2024
Wow
Absolutely smashed it yet again, Carrie and dottie brilliant story unable to put this down, gripping read well done kerry Barnes 👏
Absolutely smashed it yet again, Carrie and dottie brilliant story unable to put this down, gripping read well done kerry Barnes 👏
March 9, 2024
Kerry Barnes has done it again. Gripped from the first page, I loved some characters and hated others. Couldn't wait to see how it all unfolded. Please please can there be another of this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews