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Mercy Denied
Billy Murphy built his empire on loyalty, strategy, and power, while Jesse Murphy built his career by enforcing the law.
Two brothers, two sides, one war, from which neither can escape.
Kenny Ruck is out of prison and out for revenge. His target? Cas Ferrier, Billy’s closest ally. But the real threat isn’t Ruck. It’s the Shipley family.
They need Jesse to bury evidence in a murder case, and yet they know he can’t be bought.
There is one Shipley who Dottie could never forget – Candice. Now she’s back . . . and she’s the head of the hydra.
The Shipleys have no code and no limits. Their warnings are brutal, relentless, and crystal clear. They will destroy Billy, his empire, and everyone he loves.
Now Billy has a to give the Shipleys what they want or . . .
The question isn’t who wins. It’s who survives.
A gritty, high-stakes crime thriller packed with ruthless power plays, deadly rivalries, and explosive twists. Perfect for fans of dark underworld crime fiction, pulse-pounding suspense, and edge-of-your-seat action.
Two brothers, two sides, one war, from which neither can escape.
Kenny Ruck is out of prison and out for revenge. His target? Cas Ferrier, Billy’s closest ally. But the real threat isn’t Ruck. It’s the Shipley family.
They need Jesse to bury evidence in a murder case, and yet they know he can’t be bought.
There is one Shipley who Dottie could never forget – Candice. Now she’s back . . . and she’s the head of the hydra.
The Shipleys have no code and no limits. Their warnings are brutal, relentless, and crystal clear. They will destroy Billy, his empire, and everyone he loves.
Now Billy has a to give the Shipleys what they want or . . .
The question isn’t who wins. It’s who survives.
A gritty, high-stakes crime thriller packed with ruthless power plays, deadly rivalries, and explosive twists. Perfect for fans of dark underworld crime fiction, pulse-pounding suspense, and edge-of-your-seat action.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2025
268 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Barnes
32 books212 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 23, 2025
Oh my goodness! What a rollercoaster of a book!
This has been a cracking series, with every instalment it just gets better.
There was quite a few characters to love and equally as many to loathe. Billy Murphy is such a gent but he certainly had a dark side. Jesse is another, if he was the police officer looking for me I think I'd hand myself in.
Highs, lows, twists and turns not to mention laugh out loud moments are all included in this book.
If you like authors like Mandasue Heller, Emmy Ellis and Heather Atkinson then Kerry Barnes is one to add to your list.
This has been a cracking series, with every instalment it just gets better.
There was quite a few characters to love and equally as many to loathe. Billy Murphy is such a gent but he certainly had a dark side. Jesse is another, if he was the police officer looking for me I think I'd hand myself in.
Highs, lows, twists and turns not to mention laugh out loud moments are all included in this book.
If you like authors like Mandasue Heller, Emmy Ellis and Heather Atkinson then Kerry Barnes is one to add to your list.
April 28, 2025
Kerry Barnes is by far the best crime writer ever to write a book
Carrie Verne Series
Set in the brutal and unforgiving world of London’s criminal underbelly, Kerry Barnes’ Carrie Verne series follows a gripping journey of survival, loyalty, betrayal, and ruthless ambition.
When a shocking betrayal forces Dottie Ellis to abandon everything she knows, she becomes entangled with the Verne family — powerful players in the underworld. Carrie Verne, a woman as fierce as she is loyal, must protect her family’s empire against bitter enemies and dangerous alliances. As old feuds reignite and violent secrets surface, Carrie faces heartbreaking choices between love, blood ties, and power.
Each book builds a web of tension, where trust is scarce, enemies are everywhere, and survival demands ruthless decisions. Carrie's strength and determination light the way through betrayal, revenge, and unexpected tragedy — proving that in a world ruled by crime, loyalty can either save you or destroy you.
Carrie Verne Series
Set in the brutal and unforgiving world of London’s criminal underbelly, Kerry Barnes’ Carrie Verne series follows a gripping journey of survival, loyalty, betrayal, and ruthless ambition.
When a shocking betrayal forces Dottie Ellis to abandon everything she knows, she becomes entangled with the Verne family — powerful players in the underworld. Carrie Verne, a woman as fierce as she is loyal, must protect her family’s empire against bitter enemies and dangerous alliances. As old feuds reignite and violent secrets surface, Carrie faces heartbreaking choices between love, blood ties, and power.
Each book builds a web of tension, where trust is scarce, enemies are everywhere, and survival demands ruthless decisions. Carrie's strength and determination light the way through betrayal, revenge, and unexpected tragedy — proving that in a world ruled by crime, loyalty can either save you or destroy you.
May 14, 2025
This is gangland crime at its best Kerry Barnes has done it again proving she is one of the queens of gangland pride.
Law
Family is everything
If one is attacked revenge is sought
Meet the Murphy Family and close family friends. When one is threatened or harmed all will band together to mete out Justice.
It began with Bronte and ended with revenge for Bronte.
Are you ready to read about how revenge is enacted? I can promise you the following
✅ Use of firearms
✅ Use of knuckle busters
✅ Use of a Samurai
✅ Blood shed
Highly recommend for readers of Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers, Jesse Keane and Mandasue Hellet
Law
Family is everything
If one is attacked revenge is sought
Meet the Murphy Family and close family friends. When one is threatened or harmed all will band together to mete out Justice.
It began with Bronte and ended with revenge for Bronte.
Are you ready to read about how revenge is enacted? I can promise you the following
✅ Use of firearms
✅ Use of knuckle busters
✅ Use of a Samurai
✅ Blood shed
Highly recommend for readers of Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers, Jesse Keane and Mandasue Hellet
September 13, 2025
Audio book...
Mercy Denied (Carrie Verne Series, Book 4) by Kerry Barnes
Wow, what a ride! This is a gritty, high-stakes crime thriller that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Real edge-of-your-seat stuff. Annie Aldington smashes it again with the narration — she always brings the characters to life and makes the story even more gripping.
If you love gangland thrillers , this one’s a must listen. But do read the first 3 books first. Highly recommended!
Mercy Denied (Carrie Verne Series, Book 4) by Kerry Barnes
Wow, what a ride! This is a gritty, high-stakes crime thriller that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Real edge-of-your-seat stuff. Annie Aldington smashes it again with the narration — she always brings the characters to life and makes the story even more gripping.
If you love gangland thrillers , this one’s a must listen. But do read the first 3 books first. Highly recommended!
June 14, 2025
Wow, another fantastic book from Kerry! This is the fourth installment in the series, and it’s just as gripping, tense, and powerful as the first three. The characters are well-developed, and the story can be easy to read yet shocking at times. Kerry Barnes never fails to engage readers from the very first page to the last. She is such a talented writer!
November 2, 2025
Kerry Barnes is the best author i have come across for a long time, absolutely addictive. Sometimes brutal but clever. I can't wait for the 5th book to be released as audio. Annie Aldington is also absolutely amazing and the best person to partner with Kerry Barnes. I hope she has a treasure trove of more material in her head because i cannot wait for more.
June 9, 2025
Please,please do another series.
This is one he'll of a book and you could just carry on with this series well done .This as got to be the best book for 2025 .once again I felt I was actually in the story it was so good .I would recommend this book also 1.2.and 3 .
This is one he'll of a book and you could just carry on with this series well done .This as got to be the best book for 2025 .once again I felt I was actually in the story it was so good .I would recommend this book also 1.2.and 3 .
April 24, 2025
Gritty and fast-paced. KB always delivers.
April 26, 2025
Fast paced with a few oh no moments but such a great read.
April 27, 2025
absolutely brilliant
Wow wow wow loved this book from start to finish so well written I couldn’t put it down I think it’s my favourite of Kerry’s books yet was amazing
Wow wow wow loved this book from start to finish so well written I couldn’t put it down I think it’s my favourite of Kerry’s books yet was amazing
May 1, 2025
Absolutely love Kerry’s books, and this series has been excellent. I couldn’t put this book down but now I’m sad it’s finished! Please don’t say it’s the final book for the Murphy’s…………….
May 14, 2025
Great series to read!!!
Loved every book of this series. Once you start you won’t want to put it down!
Gipsy combined with gangster is all you need for a good read!
Loved every book of this series. Once you start you won’t want to put it down!
Gipsy combined with gangster is all you need for a good read!
May 18, 2025
brilliant
Loved every word the book has humour. Suspense and love and family honour loved the characters was sad when I got to the end
Loved every word the book has humour. Suspense and love and family honour loved the characters was sad when I got to the end
May 19, 2025
Brilliant
Wow wow wow what a read absolutely awesome so many nights I fell asleep with this book on my face I couldn't put it down well done Kerry
Wow wow wow what a read absolutely awesome so many nights I fell asleep with this book on my face I couldn't put it down well done Kerry
June 12, 2025
brilliant again could not put this book down
November 12, 2025
great book, in a great series
December 19, 2025
Excellent
Another excellent edition of this superb family saga. Rounded off nicely with no
Loose ends. Perfect. A must for fans.
Another excellent edition of this superb family saga. Rounded off nicely with no
Loose ends. Perfect. A must for fans.
November 26, 2025
I am loving this series of books. What a family. I really recommend
June 1, 2025
Brilliant author every book a winner 🏆
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews