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Bitter Enemies
He wants her back . . .
Book two in the brand new Carrie Verne series.
When Jimmy Carson, twice the size and with twice the bravado, leaves prison, he’s hellbent on getting his family back.
Determined that nothing will stand in his way, he reignites the long-standing feud between the Carsons and the Murphys, which erupts into a raging inferno and threatens to consume everything in its path.
Carrie Murphy always knew that one day the Carsons would be released from prison, either broken or vengeful. But she never anticipated the catastrophic events that would follow – for herself, her family, and her business.
After a diabolical incident that shatters Carrie’s life, she learns the extent of hatred and envy that runs through Jimmy’s veins.
And just when the Murphys think things can’t get any worse, they do. Someone else out there is seeking revenge.
Book two in the brand new Carrie Verne series.
When Jimmy Carson, twice the size and with twice the bravado, leaves prison, he’s hellbent on getting his family back.
Determined that nothing will stand in his way, he reignites the long-standing feud between the Carsons and the Murphys, which erupts into a raging inferno and threatens to consume everything in its path.
Carrie Murphy always knew that one day the Carsons would be released from prison, either broken or vengeful. But she never anticipated the catastrophic events that would follow – for herself, her family, and her business.
After a diabolical incident that shatters Carrie’s life, she learns the extent of hatred and envy that runs through Jimmy’s veins.
And just when the Murphys think things can’t get any worse, they do. Someone else out there is seeking revenge.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2024
361 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Barnes
32 books215 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 44 reviews
July 4, 2024
Book 2 in the Carrie Verne series and the author is in her element 😎
After Book 1 ‘Needs Must’ I didn’t think we could get more explosive ( literally ) action but instead of resting on laurels the author has again gone further and created a pitch perfect gangland family drama that instead of holding no punches delivers them, fast and furious
The characters are from kind hearted to lovable rogues to downright poisonous, and there are a lot, but each distinctive and play their roles superbly
The plot thickens by the second and all ends in a frenzy
You can maybe tell, I loved it, such good, honest, frank and raw storytelling, an amazing book from start to finish….
After Book 1 ‘Needs Must’ I didn’t think we could get more explosive ( literally ) action but instead of resting on laurels the author has again gone further and created a pitch perfect gangland family drama that instead of holding no punches delivers them, fast and furious
The characters are from kind hearted to lovable rogues to downright poisonous, and there are a lot, but each distinctive and play their roles superbly
The plot thickens by the second and all ends in a frenzy
You can maybe tell, I loved it, such good, honest, frank and raw storytelling, an amazing book from start to finish….
October 12, 2025
Audio version of this book 📕- a great addition to the series
January 31, 2025
Kerry Barnes knows how to pull you into her books
Keeps you wanting to keep turning the pages untill the end
Brilliant really enjoyed her 2nd book in this series
Can’t wait to read the 3rd book
Keeps you wanting to keep turning the pages untill the end
Brilliant really enjoyed her 2nd book in this series
Can’t wait to read the 3rd book
July 3, 2024
Could not put this down. Billy and Jesse were loveable rogues, so cheeky and so tough. A happy ever after and all loose ends tied.
July 18, 2024
Superb book , thank you . I just love the way the author subtly introduces characters which you know are going to be integral to the plot !
Also how the new characters develop potential to be the next best thing in hopefully a follow up.
No spoilers from me . Just start this series I love a writer who always delivers . Love Kerry’s books
Also how the new characters develop potential to be the next best thing in hopefully a follow up.
No spoilers from me . Just start this series I love a writer who always delivers . Love Kerry’s books
August 6, 2024
Absolutely gripping from start to finish
Absolutely blinding read. This book has everything.. Crime, it wouldn’t be a book by Kerry if I didn’t.. The passion, love , family loyalty runs through the core of this book but Carrie & Dottie are a force of nature and no one can stop them when they’re out for blood..
James, I confess, I’m a little in love with.. Love the gentle giant protector in him, yet has the murderous character everyone fears..
Billy & Jesse I can see feature highly in next book but Billy I feel is the next gen..
lived the way Clarkson pulled a blinder!
Colt, well let’s just say, ( no spoiler) is right where he needs to be..
Jimmy came back bigger & badger than before..
excellent book, can’t wait for the next instalment !
Absolutely blinding read. This book has everything.. Crime, it wouldn’t be a book by Kerry if I didn’t.. The passion, love , family loyalty runs through the core of this book but Carrie & Dottie are a force of nature and no one can stop them when they’re out for blood..
James, I confess, I’m a little in love with.. Love the gentle giant protector in him, yet has the murderous character everyone fears..
Billy & Jesse I can see feature highly in next book but Billy I feel is the next gen..
lived the way Clarkson pulled a blinder!
Colt, well let’s just say, ( no spoiler) is right where he needs to be..
Jimmy came back bigger & badger than before..
excellent book, can’t wait for the next instalment !
February 1, 2026
🎧 This is the 2nd book in The Carrie Verne Series. I had read the first one ages ago so it took me a minute to get to grips. If you like the underworld and gangland fiction this is a book series to get into. Anyone that knows me knows I love this type of genre and I really like all the characters. I love the antics and the ruthlessness but in a book 😉. I did find the narration off at times. a little childish is the only way I can describe it. I’m on to the next in the series now as I did enjoy it…
3.5/5 🌟🌟🌟/🌟
3.5/5 🌟🌟🌟/🌟
July 20, 2024
Another belter by my favourite
Contains spoilers
I have won't lie, I rolled my eyes at yet another wrongly imprisoned storyline, but this was a little different. The book kept me guessing for a good while. I loved it. Hopefully it's not he last we'll hear from the Murphy's. Although I wouldn't mind Dottie taking up more of an he story. She intrigues me still. Carrie's character is black and white. But Dottie is much deeper.
I can't wait for he hopefully next instalment
Contains spoilers
I have won't lie, I rolled my eyes at yet another wrongly imprisoned storyline, but this was a little different. The book kept me guessing for a good while. I loved it. Hopefully it's not he last we'll hear from the Murphy's. Although I wouldn't mind Dottie taking up more of an he story. She intrigues me still. Carrie's character is black and white. But Dottie is much deeper.
I can't wait for he hopefully next instalment
February 16, 2025
This is the 2nd book in the series and what a brilliant 2nd novel. We have everything that we need for a good crime continuation :-
1. A prison stint ✅
2. Feuds ✅
3. Revenge ✅
4. A sense of watching your back ✅
In the beginning Carrie and Dottie were young and now they are adults.
Both are close
Both have the same goals
Soon
Events take a dark turn where nothing is safe
Absolutely Nothing
Highly recommend for those who read Martina Cole, Mandasue Heller, Kimberley Chambers
1. A prison stint ✅
2. Feuds ✅
3. Revenge ✅
4. A sense of watching your back ✅
In the beginning Carrie and Dottie were young and now they are adults.
Both are close
Both have the same goals
Soon
Events take a dark turn where nothing is safe
Absolutely Nothing
Highly recommend for those who read Martina Cole, Mandasue Heller, Kimberley Chambers
July 9, 2024
Excellent as always
Gotta say it I thoroughly enjoyed this, as with the first in the Carrie Verne series. Carrie cracks me up, she's one of those folk that says what she feels and what she thinks even if she sometimes shouldn't lol.
If you like such as Kimberley Chambers, Mandasue Heller and Emmy Ellis give Kerry Barnes a try you'll be hooked :)
Gotta say it I thoroughly enjoyed this, as with the first in the Carrie Verne series. Carrie cracks me up, she's one of those folk that says what she feels and what she thinks even if she sometimes shouldn't lol.
If you like such as Kimberley Chambers, Mandasue Heller and Emmy Ellis give Kerry Barnes a try you'll be hooked :)
July 30, 2024
as usual this author wrote an exciting novel that for a change i read from start to finish. Her characters are nasty to the extreme and honest and loyal for those who were fighting for their livelihood. She is hands on with gangland life and on a par with other well known authors who entertain us in this genre. For those who enjoy the dark side of humanity this is a good read.
August 30, 2024
Brilliant
This book is definitely a page turner, I love love loved it and I jus couldn't put it down.
If you're on the look out for a good book then look no further. Book one in the series was just as brilliantly written as this one was. I promise you you'll be hooked for hours, they're absolutely un-put-down-able.....
This book is definitely a page turner, I love love loved it and I jus couldn't put it down.
If you're on the look out for a good book then look no further. Book one in the series was just as brilliantly written as this one was. I promise you you'll be hooked for hours, they're absolutely un-put-down-able.....
November 20, 2025
Bitter enimies
Wow absolutely brilliant from start to finish. Brilliant characters but can't wait to read the next book. I don't believe all will stay good and Billy is definitely going to go off the rails I'm sure. This author really knows how to keep a great story going keeping you hooked
Wow absolutely brilliant from start to finish. Brilliant characters but can't wait to read the next book. I don't believe all will stay good and Billy is definitely going to go off the rails I'm sure. This author really knows how to keep a great story going keeping you hooked
July 1, 2024
Sensational
Another fantastic read by a brilliant author the book had me on a roller coaster from start to finish. I have read all of Kerry’s books and cannot wait for the next one!
Another fantastic read by a brilliant author the book had me on a roller coaster from start to finish. I have read all of Kerry’s books and cannot wait for the next one!
July 27, 2024
Fantastic story
Kerry Barnes did it again
Second book in the series and wow
Love the action, drama, characters, the feud, gangsters, bent police
Definitely a book that you can't put down once you start reading it.
Kerry Barnes did it again
Second book in the series and wow
Love the action, drama, characters, the feud, gangsters, bent police
Definitely a book that you can't put down once you start reading it.
October 31, 2024
Wattsy
Wow what an excellent book,everything came together in the end,a great page turner,love the characters,you will definitely lose yourself in this series,worth more than 5 stars I would certainly give it 10 or more.
Wow what an excellent book,everything came together in the end,a great page turner,love the characters,you will definitely lose yourself in this series,worth more than 5 stars I would certainly give it 10 or more.
November 16, 2024
A good read
Good book couldn't put it down
Good characters brilliant story line
Enjoyed it to the end just Starting my next read, broken bond ,will let you know my
Version on the the book
Good book couldn't put it down
Good characters brilliant story line
Enjoyed it to the end just Starting my next read, broken bond ,will let you know my
Version on the the book
February 20, 2025
Loved this, the second of the Carrie stories and maybe even better than the first one, you got to know the characters in the first book and they are still around in the second but the boys are now 11/12 and great characters. We need a third book now.
March 11, 2025
predictable but still an ok 👍 read
I enjoyed the book, and will most likely read the next book. Easy reading especially for those like me read, too pass time when I am unable to sleep 💤
I enjoyed the book, and will most likely read the next book. Easy reading especially for those like me read, too pass time when I am unable to sleep 💤
April 17, 2025
Constant Page Turner
Such an amazing second book I do love all the story line continuation of the first book wow it's so worth reading I laughed cried smiled Kerry Barnes is such a marvellous way of telling a story I can't wait for the 3rd book.
Such an amazing second book I do love all the story line continuation of the first book wow it's so worth reading I laughed cried smiled Kerry Barnes is such a marvellous way of telling a story I can't wait for the 3rd book.
May 16, 2025
Carrie Verne series
Another gripping read in the series - from Dottie & Carries teenage years to family life ,….the fuse between the Carsons and Murphy’s - great pace and book - can’t wait to read the next one
Another gripping read in the series - from Dottie & Carries teenage years to family life ,….the fuse between the Carsons and Murphy’s - great pace and book - can’t wait to read the next one
October 3, 2025
Loved it
Great second book of the carrie verne series. Straight on to the third. Can't wait to see what's next. Great book. Well written. So reminds me of Martina Cole so if you love her books you will love these too.
Great second book of the carrie verne series. Straight on to the third. Can't wait to see what's next. Great book. Well written. So reminds me of Martina Cole so if you love her books you will love these too.
July 5, 2024
Brilliant
I could not put this book down. It was even better than the first one. Absolutely loved it. I Hope there will be more.
I could not put this book down. It was even better than the first one. Absolutely loved it. I Hope there will be more.
July 6, 2024
Wow, tense and nail biting and as usual with Kerry Barnes,s books, I wanted to get to the end but also
I didn’t want it to finish it. A definite 5 star read.
I didn’t want it to finish it. A definite 5 star read.
July 6, 2024
Great Read
Loved the characters. Especially loved the humour of Billy. Hopefully there will be a follow up about Billy and Jess when they get older .
Loved the characters. Especially loved the humour of Billy. Hopefully there will be a follow up about Billy and Jess when they get older .
July 7, 2024
Brilliant book really enjoyed reading it
July 11, 2024
Another brilliant edge of your seat story by Kerry Barnes. I have read every one of Kerry's books and I can promise you, each one is better than the last
July 15, 2024
Brilliant
I was so enthralled with this book I couldn't put it down I didn't want the book to end. As always another fantastic read from Kerry Barnes.
I was so enthralled with this book I couldn't put it down I didn't want the book to end. As always another fantastic read from Kerry Barnes.
July 18, 2024
Book review
Loved it from start to finish great story can't wait for next story line in the series please soon if possible
Loved it from start to finish great story can't wait for next story line in the series please soon if possible
July 24, 2024
Excellr
Brilliant yet again now I got to wait again when is the next one due out I get stuck reading them
Brilliant yet again now I got to wait again when is the next one due out I get stuck reading them
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews