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Cruel Secrets #2
Wicked Lies
Eddie Raven’s legacy continues … A gripping thriller with a shocking twist of fate. Behind the cold damp walls of the cottage, seventeen-year-old Malakai River is left to fend for his younger sisters.
In her selfish quest for freedom, his mother shacks up with a small-time gangster and recklessly leaves the children behind.
When Jean River returns a year later, she makes two shocking discoveries – a decomposing body of a young woman in her cottage … and Kelly Raven.
Malakai, battling to keep his sisters safe, steps into a world he knows nothing about, but he soon realises he has what most men fear – the face of his father.
Yet even that won’t stop the enemy in the wings trying to destroy his family.
Four children – four fathers – four lies.
Once Cruel Secrets – now Wicked Lies
In her selfish quest for freedom, his mother shacks up with a small-time gangster and recklessly leaves the children behind.
When Jean River returns a year later, she makes two shocking discoveries – a decomposing body of a young woman in her cottage … and Kelly Raven.
Malakai, battling to keep his sisters safe, steps into a world he knows nothing about, but he soon realises he has what most men fear – the face of his father.
Yet even that won’t stop the enemy in the wings trying to destroy his family.
Four children – four fathers – four lies.
Once Cruel Secrets – now Wicked Lies
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2018
287 people are currently reading
179 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 - 30 of 126 reviews
April 19, 2018
Wicked Lies is my 100th read of 2018. I don’t usually read a particular book at these landmarks but this time chose to read a book I had been eagerly awaiting to mark the occasion. I only discovered Kerry Barnes at the end of 2017 when I read Cruel Secrets, a book that went on to become one of my favourites of the year. To say I enjoyed it would be an understatement, I was blown away by it and the same can be said of its sequel, Wicked Lies. Kerry Barnes is a real talent, she writes the kind of gangland thrillers that I just love and if you started off in this genre with early Martina Cole, you will love these books. I haven’t been this excited to read a new gangland author since Kimberley Chambers. Outstanding.
Wicked Lies is a sequel and whilst it could potentially be read as a stand-alone, I feel it works so much better having already met some of the characters first especially the fantastic Kelly Raven. I wondered who I would want to play her in a TV series and I’m thinking someone like Charley Webb. I always say Sheridan Smith or Jaime Winstone because I love those two actresses but there’s just something about Kelly Raven that makes me think of Debbie Dingle. Whilst Kelly features heavily here and it is a nice continuation of her story, the plot centres mostly around Malakai River and his journey from a young boy to a man.
Malik is a fantastic character. One of those who you are rooting for just from reading the blurb. The book opens and we see his life with his sisters and his despicable mother. I haven’t hated a character as much as I did Jean in a long, long time. When she absconds and abandons her children, Malik’s fear that they will all end up in care sees him take to the streets to find ways to get food and money to keep his family together. Kerry Barnes immediately endeared me to this family set-up and I could only admire the strength and resilience that Malik had whilst looking after his family. Trying not to give too many spoilers away all I will say is that Malik soon catches the eye of a local villain, and soon after that a connection between him and the infamous Kelly Raven is revealed. And so a chain of events is set in motion that completely consumed me, I was addicted to this story and wanted to read it at every available opportunity.
Wicked Lies isn’t a short read but they are exactly the kind of gangland thrillers that I want to be reading. It seems like Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane are the only two authors who go above 500 pages these days. Bring back the days of the Martina Cole doorstop because I never want these stories to end when I am reading them. What I also like about Kerry Barnes is she is not afraid to write graphically or to put her characters in uncomfortable situations, situations that whilst hard to read about are so incredibly addictive to witness. The plot here is just fantastic and I wish I could say what my favourite moments were but honestly this story unfolds and contains so many little twists and so many unseen moments between certain characters that I was constantly being surprised as I read and I genuinely felt every emotion it’s possible to feel whilst reading this book. There’s so many layers to this story that it was what I call an epic, there isn’t just one generic gangland story here but there’s multiple threads and each character has a role to play in the proceedings. The story is believable, I loved and hated some of these characters and whilst yes they are criminals, a lot of them were likeable and memorable characters making the best of the life they had been given.
I am so glad that I have finally discovered Kerry’s books and I implore anyone who likes this genre to pick these books up. She truly is a phenomenal author and the two books in this series have been some of the best that I have ever read in this genre. I am so excited to go back and read Kerry’s other books and I will be at the front of the queue to read her next book. Those who have followed my reviews this year will see my ratings and reviews have become much harsher and more critical, that’s because I am looking for those memorable and amazing books that blow me away and leave a lasting impression and I will be remembering the story in Wicked Lies for a long time yet and so this book deserves 5 stars and more.
Wicked Lies is a sequel and whilst it could potentially be read as a stand-alone, I feel it works so much better having already met some of the characters first especially the fantastic Kelly Raven. I wondered who I would want to play her in a TV series and I’m thinking someone like Charley Webb. I always say Sheridan Smith or Jaime Winstone because I love those two actresses but there’s just something about Kelly Raven that makes me think of Debbie Dingle. Whilst Kelly features heavily here and it is a nice continuation of her story, the plot centres mostly around Malakai River and his journey from a young boy to a man.
Malik is a fantastic character. One of those who you are rooting for just from reading the blurb. The book opens and we see his life with his sisters and his despicable mother. I haven’t hated a character as much as I did Jean in a long, long time. When she absconds and abandons her children, Malik’s fear that they will all end up in care sees him take to the streets to find ways to get food and money to keep his family together. Kerry Barnes immediately endeared me to this family set-up and I could only admire the strength and resilience that Malik had whilst looking after his family. Trying not to give too many spoilers away all I will say is that Malik soon catches the eye of a local villain, and soon after that a connection between him and the infamous Kelly Raven is revealed. And so a chain of events is set in motion that completely consumed me, I was addicted to this story and wanted to read it at every available opportunity.
Wicked Lies isn’t a short read but they are exactly the kind of gangland thrillers that I want to be reading. It seems like Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane are the only two authors who go above 500 pages these days. Bring back the days of the Martina Cole doorstop because I never want these stories to end when I am reading them. What I also like about Kerry Barnes is she is not afraid to write graphically or to put her characters in uncomfortable situations, situations that whilst hard to read about are so incredibly addictive to witness. The plot here is just fantastic and I wish I could say what my favourite moments were but honestly this story unfolds and contains so many little twists and so many unseen moments between certain characters that I was constantly being surprised as I read and I genuinely felt every emotion it’s possible to feel whilst reading this book. There’s so many layers to this story that it was what I call an epic, there isn’t just one generic gangland story here but there’s multiple threads and each character has a role to play in the proceedings. The story is believable, I loved and hated some of these characters and whilst yes they are criminals, a lot of them were likeable and memorable characters making the best of the life they had been given.
I am so glad that I have finally discovered Kerry’s books and I implore anyone who likes this genre to pick these books up. She truly is a phenomenal author and the two books in this series have been some of the best that I have ever read in this genre. I am so excited to go back and read Kerry’s other books and I will be at the front of the queue to read her next book. Those who have followed my reviews this year will see my ratings and reviews have become much harsher and more critical, that’s because I am looking for those memorable and amazing books that blow me away and leave a lasting impression and I will be remembering the story in Wicked Lies for a long time yet and so this book deserves 5 stars and more.
April 2, 2018
Kerry barnes is one talented lady her books get better and better this story quite heart tugging how can a mother leave her children and how it all comes together is brilliant the women superintendent is a nut job and how a young boy protects his sisters and feeds them a top notch read highly recommend
April 15, 2018
Fab read
Really loved this Malik is such a fab character
Deff worth a read and following the series as these books just get better
Really loved this Malik is such a fab character
Deff worth a read and following the series as these books just get better
May 11, 2020
Brilliant!
Thoroughly enjoyed listening to every word of that.
Hope there's a book 3?
Thoroughly enjoyed listening to every word of that.
Hope there's a book 3?
April 2, 2018
Wicked Lies was a brilliant, totally addictive read, straight away I was drawn in by the characters, Malakai and his little sisters and the tough life they had to endure caused by their mother walking out on them, they way he looked after them touched by heart so much.
I highly recommend this book, you will not want to put it down 😊
I highly recommend this book, you will not want to put it down 😊
March 27, 2018
well worth the wait!!!
love the first book and the other 3 from the Vincent trilogy, I loved the way some of the characters from the other books came into this one I really hope the story isn't finished, kerry barnes is a fantastic author I found her searching for books similar to Martina cole and while they are similar they are also unique, kerry barnes is no copycat like many others I've read.
love the first book and the other 3 from the Vincent trilogy, I loved the way some of the characters from the other books came into this one I really hope the story isn't finished, kerry barnes is a fantastic author I found her searching for books similar to Martina cole and while they are similar they are also unique, kerry barnes is no copycat like many others I've read.
July 25, 2018
I could not stop reading wicked lies, it gripped me from the first page till the last one. Great. Loved all the main characters and story kepted me turning the pages just to see what happened next. Was not disappointed, deserved 10 stars.
April 6, 2018
Outstanding.
This is a new author to me and now she's up there with my favourites. Wow what a book packed full with gritty characters and a heart stopping story line. Loved the fast paced stories that intermingled throughout. Well done Merry Barnes you have an amazing talent for telling a story.
This is a new author to me and now she's up there with my favourites. Wow what a book packed full with gritty characters and a heart stopping story line. Loved the fast paced stories that intermingled throughout. Well done Merry Barnes you have an amazing talent for telling a story.
April 5, 2018
Wow what an amazing book
What an amazing book from a very talented author and I thought it couldn't get any better from the first book but was I wrong because the second book had me hooked from the first page and I couldn't put it down... I can't wait to read more from this author...
What an amazing book from a very talented author and I thought it couldn't get any better from the first book but was I wrong because the second book had me hooked from the first page and I couldn't put it down... I can't wait to read more from this author...
March 30, 2018
Malakai River and his 3 sisters have a sad life with their so called mother,all she wants is hard men with money.When Malikai meets Cyril his life changes he is fighting to feed his sisters and give them a life to be proud of but their mother has set things in motion that only cause hurt.When Malikai phones cyril begging for help cyril jumps in his car and they all return to cyrils.As life begins to settle Kelly Raven arrives and gets a shock she always thought she had no family left but one look at Malakai tells her different.As they get to know each other a storm is brewing and Kelly and Keffa have to sort things out.I can highly recomend this book and i would of given more stars if i could excellent work Kerry Barnes you have never disapointed me yet with a book.Well woth 5*
January 27, 2021
*Riveting Read*
Well, I cannot get enough of this series. I love how each character develops, some for the better and some absolutely for the worse. There definitely is more to tell and I will be reading/listening to the next instalment which looks like the last. Definitely worth reading in order especially the prequel which explains more about the characters. If you like villains especially the ones who are irresistible yet dangerous this is for you. Kelly Raven goes from strength to strength - she has gained a brother she never knew about Malakai River who breaks your heart as he struggles to look after his siblings with a nightmare mother only after her own gains who leaves them in the lurch. He does what he has to and this is the start of a powerful union.
Well, I cannot get enough of this series. I love how each character develops, some for the better and some absolutely for the worse. There definitely is more to tell and I will be reading/listening to the next instalment which looks like the last. Definitely worth reading in order especially the prequel which explains more about the characters. If you like villains especially the ones who are irresistible yet dangerous this is for you. Kelly Raven goes from strength to strength - she has gained a brother she never knew about Malakai River who breaks your heart as he struggles to look after his siblings with a nightmare mother only after her own gains who leaves them in the lurch. He does what he has to and this is the start of a powerful union.
February 14, 2025
Wicked lies
Oh wow, the first book had me gripped a d this one was just as good. This author I had a brilliant way with the script. And I was very surprised with how it ended with rlh, but I will give. I spoilers. Her story is not predictable at all and so keeps you on the edge of yr seat. I can not wait to now read book 3 the last in series. I will just say I did miss the characters from first book so was happy to catch up with them briefly in the end but with all the new characters and plot twists ect I guess things had to move on
Oh wow, the first book had me gripped a d this one was just as good. This author I had a brilliant way with the script. And I was very surprised with how it ended with rlh, but I will give. I spoilers. Her story is not predictable at all and so keeps you on the edge of yr seat. I can not wait to now read book 3 the last in series. I will just say I did miss the characters from first book so was happy to catch up with them briefly in the end but with all the new characters and plot twists ect I guess things had to move on
May 8, 2018
Didn't want it to end
I would have given this book 10 stars if I could have, I laughed, cheered, and said a few colourful words myself reading this book, I loved it from start to finish. It's a hard hitting read like the book before this but it's also full of love and family life, no matter how screwed up that really is. Would I recommend this book to others to read, in a heartbeat.
I would have given this book 10 stars if I could have, I laughed, cheered, and said a few colourful words myself reading this book, I loved it from start to finish. It's a hard hitting read like the book before this but it's also full of love and family life, no matter how screwed up that really is. Would I recommend this book to others to read, in a heartbeat.
August 20, 2020
Wow just wow I absolutely loved this book.Brilliant I literally read it in 2 days . You know the book is good when you are planning your day around reading it! The first book was fantastic then this one oh my god . Cleverly written and all the connections very clever !! I still hate Eddie Raven and Valerie Campbell and the poor apology for a mother Jean River but Kelly Malik Keffa Cyril Sassy Star Tilly. Am excited to read the third book . No spoilers here !
May 5, 2018
Well well well
I honestly didn’t think I would find anyone to stand up to the work of Jessie Keane or Kimberley Chambers, but I absolutely have. I loved and I mean loved reading these two books. I kind of wish there would be a third book. Keffa and Kelly’s story was awesome, from start to finish. Your one amazing author truly my most favourite by far.. keep up the good work. Xx
I honestly didn’t think I would find anyone to stand up to the work of Jessie Keane or Kimberley Chambers, but I absolutely have. I loved and I mean loved reading these two books. I kind of wish there would be a third book. Keffa and Kelly’s story was awesome, from start to finish. Your one amazing author truly my most favourite by far.. keep up the good work. Xx
June 30, 2018
Could not of picked a better book to read .
Kerry Barnes is a brilliant story writer she brings her characters to life . I have read all her novels and can't wait for her next book to be released . I also think Kerry Barnes is has good has Martina Cole . If I could give more stars then I most certainly would . I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed .
Kerry Barnes is a brilliant story writer she brings her characters to life . I have read all her novels and can't wait for her next book to be released . I also think Kerry Barnes is has good has Martina Cole . If I could give more stars then I most certainly would . I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed .
July 25, 2018
Wicked story- fantastic 😃
The story continues of Kelly and her business/lovelife/family.
I read this book in 2day straight after I read Cruel. Secrets. Amazing + gripping storyline with loveable characters. Thanks + well done Kerry for amazing book.
Can't wait for the next one!X
The story continues of Kelly and her business/lovelife/family.
I read this book in 2day straight after I read Cruel. Secrets. Amazing + gripping storyline with loveable characters. Thanks + well done Kerry for amazing book.
Can't wait for the next one!X
February 27, 2019
Read this jot realising it was a sequel but wow. What a book! Can't wait to red the first one now, and others by Kerry Barnes. Thoroughly enjoyed this and couldn't wait til I had time to get back to reading it. Sincerely hope there is a 3rd to this. Characters were full of live, lovable, relatable and expertly described.
January 30, 2022
The second instalment from Kerry’s Cruel Secrets trilogy and it does not disappoint. Hooked from the first few pages and as always with Kerry’s storytelling I felt for the characters, I loved to hate sone of them and wanted nothing more than to see my favourite characters reign. I’m very excited to continue with the next book.
March 28, 2018
Absolutely fantastic, even better than the first and that's saying something!
Amazing, I honestly did not want it to end! I've been chomping at the bit for the sequel to the first book in this fabulous series and I wasn't disappointed!
Amazing, I honestly did not want it to end! I've been chomping at the bit for the sequel to the first book in this fabulous series and I wasn't disappointed!
March 30, 2018
Oh my god!! I absolutely loved every minute of this book! Kerry mentioned on Facebook that she was worried because it was something new, introducing a whole new family. Well, no need to worry, I can’t wait to read the next one!
April 1, 2018
WOW!!
Kerry has done it again, yet another binding read. Thanks Kerry for some of the best books I've ever read! If you haven't read any of Kerry's books yet, you have a brilliant reading experience ahead of you.
Kerry has done it again, yet another binding read. Thanks Kerry for some of the best books I've ever read! If you haven't read any of Kerry's books yet, you have a brilliant reading experience ahead of you.
April 5, 2018
Fantastic
Wow what a great book really enjoyed reading this from highs to lows and twists to turns I have to say I'm gutted its finished I hope that there's another one soon well done to Kerry Barnes fantastic.
Wow what a great book really enjoyed reading this from highs to lows and twists to turns I have to say I'm gutted its finished I hope that there's another one soon well done to Kerry Barnes fantastic.
May 27, 2018
FAB
Absolutely loved this couldn't put it down hope to read more about the Ravens thought it was a good touch to include the Vincents can't wait to read more like this from Kerry Barnes
Absolutely loved this couldn't put it down hope to read more about the Ravens thought it was a good touch to include the Vincents can't wait to read more like this from Kerry Barnes
April 7, 2018
OMG! Brilliant
What a brilliant book I was engrossed from start to finish I just didn't want it to end..you really get into the minds of the characters. Can't wait for the next instalment..Massive well done yet again Kerry Barnes 😀
What a brilliant book I was engrossed from start to finish I just didn't want it to end..you really get into the minds of the characters. Can't wait for the next instalment..Massive well done yet again Kerry Barnes 😀
April 9, 2018
10/10
This book was brilliant. Loved the old and new characters.great storyline kept me turning the pages.really hope there's a follow up.Loved the reference to legend.well done kerry barnes.x
This book was brilliant. Loved the old and new characters.great storyline kept me turning the pages.really hope there's a follow up.Loved the reference to legend.well done kerry barnes.x
April 20, 2018
Absolutely Brilliant!
Yet another addictive read! I'm already awaiting our next instalment. Couldn't put the book down. Kerry Barnes has a knack of making her characters and situations seem so real. I feel like I know them personally . Well Done Kerry Roll on the next book.x
Yet another addictive read! I'm already awaiting our next instalment. Couldn't put the book down. Kerry Barnes has a knack of making her characters and situations seem so real. I feel like I know them personally . Well Done Kerry Roll on the next book.x
April 23, 2018
Just as good as the first
What a book. I finished the first book the other day and didn't realise this one followed but i a so glad it did. They are both long books but omg are they both worth the read.
What a book. I finished the first book the other day and didn't realise this one followed but i a so glad it did. They are both long books but omg are they both worth the read.
April 24, 2018
Another amazing book by an amazing author
This book gripped me from start to finish I loved malaki and all he did for his siblings and how friendship is so special I didn’t want it to end
This book gripped me from start to finish I loved malaki and all he did for his siblings and how friendship is so special I didn’t want it to end
April 24, 2018
Fantastic
I've read everyone of Kerry's books and she never fails to surprise me. Fantastic read by a fantastic author. I've only started reading her books since before Christmas and I'm hooked. Hope there's a follow up in the near future.
I've read everyone of Kerry's books and she never fails to surprise me. Fantastic read by a fantastic author. I've only started reading her books since before Christmas and I'm hooked. Hope there's a follow up in the near future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews