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The Hunted #1

The Hunted

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Kerry Barnes is back with an explosive new series!
Having spent her life watching her father run his East London firm, Zara Ezra has learnt a thing or two about being a gangster, and she’s ready to take over when the time comes.

Mike Regan, a blast from Zara’s past, is the head of his own firm, but when his son is kidnapped in the middle of a gangland feud, Mike has no choice but to accept help from the Ezras to get his little boy back alive.

With a rival firm playing increasingly dirty, murder moves to the top of the agenda and Zara has some big choices to make. It seems that the only way to come out on top is to play them at their own game…

But will she become the The Hunter or The Hunted?

432 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2018

480 people are currently reading
194 people want to read

About the author

Kerry Barnes

32 books212 followers
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.

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5 stars
1,196 (68%)
4 stars
375 (21%)
3 stars
120 (6%)
2 stars
26 (1%)
1 star
22 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Mark.
1,688 reviews
March 28, 2021
‘The Hunted’ is Book 1 in the series which also includes ‘The Rules’ and ‘The Choice’ books 2 and 3

This is a real gangland thriller full of what a gangland thriller reader loves, larger than life characters, back stories and histories of the gangs, ‘firms’ trying to take over and outwit each other and an ‘anything goes’ feeling running through it all
Now I have to say this book has a lot of characters, the mains, their associates, rivals, ex’s etc and I did at times have to stop and catch up on myself who was who, why and when
Also the book is not for the faint hearted, there is violence metered out by the gangs, lots of it and it’s brutal in its description, the author does not shy away from the reality of gang life!
The main story is all about revenge and also a man who has lost his one true love and son to his rivals, I will say no more on the story so don’t give anything away but it’s fast and furious and doesn’t let up
A great start to the series and will be reading Book 2 ‘The Rules’ soon

9/10
5 Stars
Profile Image for The Book Review Café.
870 reviews238 followers
November 9, 2018
4.5 ⭐️ If you enjoy a gangland thriller where violence is common place, revenge is brutal and where loyalties are tested at every turn, then I would highly recommend you buy a copy of The Hunted by Kerry Barnes, it’s a fast paced tale with more than a hint of gritty realism. This is the first book in a new series and OMG what an introduction, with an array of bad ass characters including some very unlikeable ones, and a fast paced plot that takes the reader into the inner circles of a gangland feud, this is definitely a book I would highly recommend to fans of Martina Cole, Jessie Keane and Kimberley Chambers.

Mike Regan is the bad boy in The Hunted but luckily he also has some redeeming features, he’s loyal and adores his son Ricky. When Ricky is kidnapped seemingly by a rival gang, all hell let’s loose and Mike has to call upon Zara the head of an East London firm to help get his son back. It’s great that the author has created a Zara a strong female character, as most gangland thrillers tend to be male dominated, she’s uncompromising and intimidating with balls of steel, but on the flip side she’s vulnerable and very much has to make her mark in a male dominated world.

There are some scenes that the faint hearted amongst you might find a bit much, but personally I feel if you are going to read a fictional book about gangland feuds then you should expect violence and plenty of swearing, personally I think these are the things which make The Hunted much more authentic and gritty in its telling. This isn’t just a story about a boy being kidnapped, it’s one full of treachery, revenge, life long grudges and retribution. I was surprised to find I actually found one point in this book very emotional to read, and that’s a testament to Kerry Barnes writing, as I found myself completely immersed in Mike and Zara’s story.

The Hunted is a book that you will rush through, it’s one of those that you just have to read “one more chapter” as the author weaves her tale of the murky world of gangland feuds incorporating lashings of grit. There were larger than life characters that despite doing terrible things manage to get under your skin, so you invest in their story. I really enjoyed this book and Kerry Barnes ends The Hunted with a humdinger of a teaser that already has me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. Would I recommend this book? It’s a definite “hell yes”.

All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
Profile Image for Joanne Robertson.
1,407 reviews646 followers
November 10, 2018
I have to admit that although this is a genre I really enjoy reading, it’s actually the first Kerry Barnes book that I’ve ever read! But I will be rectifying that as soon as possible as I really loved this book and can’t wait to read more! I love the fact that I’ve come to discover a new author right at the beginning of a new series, it means that I’ve already been able to add book #2 The Rules to my wishlist!

I didn’t think it was possible to get so emotionally caught up in such a hard hitting gangland drama but the family connections at the core of this action packed drama really tugged at my heartstrings. Mike Regan had his hands full with the despicable Jackie but absolutely adores his son Ricky. So when they disappear he will do whatever it takes to get his child returned to him.

The twists and turns that rocked this book really took my breathe away! I became totally invested in the characters and their interconnected lives which felt authentic from the start. But just when I thought this book couldn’t get any better, along came the last quarter of The Hunted and it totally blew me away! I ran a whole gauntlet of emotions during those last few chapters and cried some very bittersweet tears which was an unexpected surprise for me! Kerry Barnes really grabs the attention of her readers and this unrelenting thriller was compulsive reading from start to finish.

I’m delighted to have discovered Kerry Barnes and can highly recommend her as an author if you’re a reader of Martina Cole. Be prepared for strong language and violent scenes throughout but that authenticity is what takes this book from good to GREAT!

Highly recommended by me!
Profile Image for Best Crime Books & More.
1,192 reviews179 followers
March 12, 2019
OH. MY. GOD! I have read one other Kerry Barnes which I really enjoyed but as many of you know reading has taken a bit of a back seat for a year or two now….until NOW! I started reading this book and literally a few chapters in that wad it. Everything stopped (work, TV, dinner the lot…) and didn’t resume normal service until I was done…until I realised the next book was available! Kerry Barnes made me feel much like I did back in the day reading the earlier books of Martina Cole. If you are a fan of this genre, especially people like Kimberley Chamber, Dreda Say-Mitchell and Jessie Keane then TRUST me you really need to start reading this author.

Mike Regan has a firm but is an old school Gentleman in many ways. He has his loyal friends on the firm Staffie, Lou and Willie and when Mike’s young son Ricky goes missing all hell breaks loose. On the opposing side you have Zara Ezra who works for her Father’s firm and within a matter of what seemed like seconds the two firms collide when a third party gets involved. I don’t want to re-has the story as there’s plenty in the synopsis. However, there is a lot going on in this book, none of which I wanted to miss.

I fell in love with Mike’s crew and the story spans over a number of years and you get a real feel for all the characters involved. Although the time gaps are sometimes a few years the story was absolutely impeccable and held my attention for every single page…literally!

The second half of the book was THAT good I made my husband have cheese on toast for dinner as I could read my kindle while using the grill! By the time I had got to the end I was almost devastated that it had ended and immediately went onto Amazon and was over the moon to realise that the next book featuring Mike Regan was available (released last month) so keep your eyes peeled as the review for this will no doubt be very soon. An absolute MUST read for fans of this type of book!
13 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2018
Kerry Barnes is soaring on wings like that of an eagle, reaching dizzying heights and fast becoming a highly esteemed, modern gangland mistress of our time!

A shot of adrenaline to the imagination and a hard-hitting compelling read, be prepared to be swept along at this fast-paced powerful family drama.

Boldly told, rich with menace and grit it will leave the hairs standing up at the back of your neck!

One particular scene in the book played out so vividly in my mind's eye, it was an absolute mind-bending experience, for a moment I actually thought I was the protagonist herself and going through every motion she went through, my senses kicked right in like a film being played in my head I literally fell to my knees shouting NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! OMG 'No Way' No Way' is this happening that I ended up checking my own bodily self to make sure it wasn't me it was happening to!
That's how engrossed and caught up in the moment I was!

Even though the book is full of grit, profanity, and violence Kerry put's heart right back into the book, by the ending it becomes sensitive and poignant BUT we know there is more to follow -

A battle rages on and revenge to take!

The question is will YOU be there to experience it?

I know I will!

I have The Rules already on my wishlist and I don't want to miss out!

Profile Image for ~ Cariad ~.
1,926 reviews54 followers
January 17, 2019
Holy shit!
THAT was outstanding.

No one and I honestly mean NO ONE, beats Annie Aldington when it comes to narrating. I was gripped from beginning to end.

Can't wait for book 2 :)
Profile Image for Miss Dizzy Read .
598 reviews6 followers
January 20, 2019
Aarrgghh, thought it would never end!!! I know these sort of gangster books are far fetched but some are more believable than others, this was was not one of those, also predictable, sorry but not for me, only bonus was it was 99p.
Profile Image for Vicki - I Love Reading.
961 reviews58 followers
November 15, 2018
If you haven't read a book by Kerry Barnes then you really don't know what you are missing. Curled up over the bonfire weekend, fire roaring and a hot drink in hand, I didn't know what was more explosive, the books or the fireworks outside. It felt like the perfect time to be reading this explosive book.
I don't know where to start, this book has it all Deceit, corruption, murder, feuds, rivalry, violence. It's a first class page turner. If you're a lover of a good gangland thriller, then you really are in for a treat.

​The first book in a new series, I believe The Rules should be available in Feb 2019 followed by The Choice in May 2019.
​Both available to pre order now.

This book gallops along at an amazing pace. Dragging you right into the story. At times I could feel I was there, I was so engrossed in it. There are, as you would expect some fantastic characters, and I believe like me there will some characters you love, and some you'll hate. Kerry has certainly worked her magic and has managed to bring these characters to life.
I particularly liked Mike Regan, his bad boy, villain character, with a hidden softer side was a fave. Mike's world comes crashing down when his Son Ricky is Kidnapped. Having believed he was protecting his son, he sent his wife away with him thinking they would be safe. Mike enlists the help of Zara, a woman he has a past with, to help find his son. Zara Ezra is the new Woman about town. Having taken over her fathers firm, she has a lot to prove. It's certainly not going to be easy for Zara proving she can cut the mustard in what is believed to be a 'mans world. But Zara certainly isn't a weak and feeble woman, she's a woman with an agenda. A woman with a mind of her own, and power to back it. Or is she?
I can see this becoming one EPIC series of books.
They say time flies by, but it doesn't, it drags like hell when you are waiting for the next book... I'm not sat here drumming my fingers and singing 'why are we waiting'... honest I'm not. lol

Kerry Barnes is certainly making a name for herself in this genre, she's way up there with the best. I'm relatively new to Kerry's books but I can safely say I haven't been disappointed with one yet. They really do get belter and better with each book. When I first read - Cruel Secrets, I really didn't believe not only Kerry, but anyone could top that book. Having read this one, I know I was wrong. Kerry has smashed it, Big time. First class story telling. If you are new to Kerry's books then OMG how awesome as you will get to read them back to back, WOW how exciting is that.
Profile Image for Tracy ann  Robinson.
1,154 reviews27 followers
December 2, 2018
kerry has done it again what a book gripping all the way so love the characters so cant wait for book 2
174 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2018
Brilliant

I gave it five stars because I really enjoyed it. It got a bit of everything.I was so glad Mike was reunited with his son Ricky after thinking he had been murdered
Profile Image for Donna Louise Kay.
139 reviews
November 23, 2018
Just brilliant

Again Kerry Barnes has gotten my eyes to leak, my heart to jump, my anger to rise, my shoulders to shake with chuckling and another sleepless night because I couldn't put the book down. She's amazing. Just amazing
155 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2018
Brilliant writer.

Well done Kerry you have once again scored a 5 stars from me . All your books are all so different and I certainly would put you in the same bracket has Martina Cole so well done . Hope their will be another novel to follow up of the Hunted it will now keep me in suspense. I would highly recommend this book also all her other books . Well done Kerry.
69 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2018
Outstanding

Just when you think Kerry couldn't get any better he knocks it right out of the park. Loved it even had a little cry. Fantastic can't wait for the next one.
5 reviews
November 13, 2018
Bloody fantastic

Like all of Kerry’s books I just couldn’t put it down they just keep getting better and better and I can’t wait for the next one *****
Profile Image for Lin Robertson.
162 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2018
We start off in South London, 1968.
Ronnie is a man in love, but the Jewish community expect him to prove himself. He was going to marry their queen, their worshipped sister. Two families, who have an enemy. Arthur Regan and the Regan crew.

Later, we meet Arthur’s son, Mike Raven, who got my interest. Yes, he’s a bad boy, but he’s protecting the business. He’s married to the wrong woman, in my opinion. He loves his son, she loves his money.

Then we have Zara. She’s following her Jewish father’s wishes and learning the business. But of course, she’s not a man, so the Jewish community are feeling sceptical about her.
Let me tell you, this lady can really look after herself!

Lots to this story that just got better and better. Lovely characters. Bad characters. Lots of exciting scenes, lots of blood.
Now we get to understand what ‘The Hunted’ really means.

The ending was a real tear jerker!

Just saw there is a book 2 coming out, so just preordered
107 reviews
November 6, 2018
Blinding book

Omg such a brilliant read.couldn't put it down.Loved the characters,so believable.
I can't wait for a follow up to this book
Kerry Barnes you've nailed it 100%
Profile Image for Jody Wheeler.
390 reviews
November 5, 2018
Wow

What can i say excellent book. I never wanted this book to end it was fantastic. I would recommend this author to anyway she is so good at what she does its amazing thank you for another great read
113 reviews
November 3, 2018
Brilliant

Absolutely smashed it again loved the characters great story line cried like a baby at times another mouth watering heart in mouth read from kerry barnes oh i want a mikey regan
Profile Image for AM H.
221 reviews8 followers
July 5, 2019
Started reading this book & several chapters in I had to stop. I didn’t like any of the characters & everyone seems to be a horrible person. Decided this kind of book is complete garbage for me. I don’t know how others could enjoy this kind of fiction. Then again I’ve never enjoyed books or movies about gangster life or druggie life. Almost seems to be glorifying it. Yuck.
Profile Image for Marc Clegg.
94 reviews4 followers
February 14, 2020
Another brilliant read from the best selling gangland crime author! Her books are a must read and shes up there with my fave authors kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller,i can not wait to read her books but cry whenniv finished x
2 reviews
November 23, 2018
This was so boring, I literally had to force myself to finish it quickly just so I could forget about the wooden characters in it. My advice don't bother with this amateurish piece of rubbish
Profile Image for Ted Tayler.
Author 79 books299 followers
January 14, 2019
"Gritty urban thriller"

If you wish to understand the nature of criminal gangs, particularly of those populated by London family crews then this is a great place to start. Their stories run deep, often stretching back more than fifty years. The children of criminals are shown to be pre-disposed to breaking the law and committing acts of extreme violence. This story isn't for the faint-hearted. Whether they are operating close to their manor, or inside prison walls the code never changes and the authorities have no answer. This gloomy vision of life in modern Britain for members of these gangs has no light or shade. Everything is black. This genre has its legion of fans. For me, this book shouldn't be seen as entertainment. It's more a reflection of the Wild West Britain in which we now live.
885 reviews9 followers
November 10, 2019
Five stars plus. I am sooo sorry Ms Barnes but I have had this paperback for a while. I bought it because of the blurb not the cover. Cringe. Girly. Hubby would never entertain this book...by the cover. The first book I have read by this author.
Shocked. Totally (swear word) shocked. Had me on the edge of my seat? Nah...I was on the (another swear word) floor!!! My goodness what a totally gripping read. One of my top five reads this year...and I have read a lot. It even made my eyes swell with emotion (and yep, I am a tough cookie). Gruesome, shocking, brutal.....an amazing read. I want more. NO...I need more!! Go get this book people.
Profile Image for Khurshid Ali.
845 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2020
I feel that I have found another brilliant author to read. Kerry Barnes has such an insight into the world of crime and the strengths and disadvantages shown by family and friends in this world.

We have loyalty, revenge, grassing up, bitterness and more importantly the showing of not giving up.

I can’t wait to start on the next one on this series.

With each genre, we see strong characters and with this author, I see the same together with the psychological element added to explain character growth. If you have read previous books it is evident such as having an evil gene pool, being tarred with the same brush as evil family members.

One author to look at for and one of my favourite .
Profile Image for Dannielle Davis.
Author 2 books5 followers
January 16, 2019
I have just finished The Hunted and have found myself utterly compelled to write a review. This book features the most sizzling characters whose stories you can become fully immersed into with complete ease. Even though the plot portrayed the very depths of human depravity it was realistic and completely addictive. Without spoiling the storyline I was moved to a complete blubbering mess at the end which hasn’t happened to me in ages with a novel. A brilliant read! Congratulations Kerry Barnes you have smashed it again!!!
25 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2018
They just get better !

This book had me hooked from page 1; such a gripping story so much so I lost so much sleep ! This author Kerry Barnes has so much talent and knowledge. It was a lovely surprise to read about Sandycroft estate where I grew up ! I have loved all the books written by this author, hurry up with the next one please ! If you are in any doubt downloading this book, honesty, don't be, you won't be disappointed it is a cracker of a read !
147 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2019
Outstanding

Only my 2nd time giving a book 5 stars and I would have given it more if I could. It had the gangsters, the crimes, murder and so much more. It was like watching a movie for me reading this book, I even cried during it . This isn't something that I do very often but it is so good it really touched me and I thank Kerry Barnes for having such a great talent, and sharing it with us all.
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