Wrong Move: A gripping gangland thriller from bestselling author Kerry Barnes

by Kerry Barnes

A gripping gangland thriller from bestselling author Kerry Barnes.
Perfect for fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers.
You’ve met the Murphy brothers. Now meet the sister. . .Nellie Murphy wants out of her family’s shadow – and an empire of her own.

So when smooth-talking ex-con Radley Barratt offers her fast money and a chance to finally become someone, she takes it.

But Radley isn’t what he seems.

He’s married to Lisa, who runs a brothel and believes his promises of a fresh start.

But he lied. . .

He’s playing his own game – with Kenny Ruck and a ruthless crew of Russians. Then came the wildcard – a reckless woman with a score to settle.

Turning her back on her family, Nellie is in too deep.

If she wants to survive, she’ll have to think like a Murphy and fight with everything she’s got. Because when you’re a Murphy, you don’t die.

But in a world built on secrets, betrayal, and revenge, nothing is ever as it seems. One wrong move can cost you everything.

Power has a price – and Nellie is about to pay it.

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2025

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

[Khurshid Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the Carrie Verne series. The Murphy family are known for being the strongest and toughest family in the criminal world. They are not to be underestimated.

Meet Nellie - she is the youngest in the family and wants to carve her own way. Some thought they could cut her down

But

They underestimated her and forgot what her surname was.

She grew up in the underworld, has seen blood and heard her family talk.

She is sharp witted and beautiful as her mother
Ruthless as her brothers

She has her own kill count and it is impressive.

Highly recommend for readers of gangland crime.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

if I had to describe this book in two words, it would have to be just excellent but luckily enough I can do better than that, it's full of intrigue which is what the readers can expect from the first page of any of Kerry Barnes's books along with a few oh no moments and hopefully this isn't the end of the series. A twisty but brilliant 5 star read for me

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kerry Barnes delivers another captivating gangland crime novel. I never tire of her incredible talent. Several times, I found myself holding my breath as I was absorbed in the characters' thrilling antics and violence. This is a fantastic series, and I hope she has another explosive installment in store for us.

[Liz Otter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy reading but felt that it just skates over things. Story wasn't in depth enough for me. Also each paragraph often contradicts the previous, ie she fancied him for 'this or that' then next paragraph was why he was dangerous and didn't fancy him, but it was written like this all the time. Feel it's been left for a sequel??

[pamela carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrong Move

Oh my days as good as all the previous Carrie Verne series, the twists the turns the lump in the throat to the tears towards the end of the book and that was just me reading it, Kerry Barnes has been one one of my favourite authors long may she reign,

[Nancy Dunlop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read


I've loved all the Carrie Verne series in fact I love all books by merry Barnes you know you are in for a great read. I get so carried away I can't put the book town.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read. KB never fails to deliver

[Julie Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant

[Karen Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best yet

Kerry has done it again, brilliant read and just keeps getting better with every book
Look forward to the next chapter in this

[janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

Once again Kerry you have written a blinder I'm sure that you can find more to bring to the front for another in this series ..... please

[Joanne Dickinson]

Well done, Kerry Barnes. You done it again

A great read and a final to the best family in the series.

[Elizabeth Ayris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Once again Kerry Barnes delivered another fantastic book I was gripped from page one the Carrie Verne Series is bloody fantastic.