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Cruel Secrets #3
Ugly Truth
Ugly Truth: A gripping crime thriller with mystery, murder and shocking twists. (Kelly Raven)
After all the heartache that Kelly Raven has gone through, she can finally enjoy her life. The business is lucrative, her family are happy, and in a few months, her baby will be born.
However, in one evening everything changes . . .
The old firms have plotted to bring the Ravens’ down, in retribution for Eddie Raven’s reckless reign.
Detective Valerie Campbell has escaped capture and is on the run, with vengeance on her mind.
Another Raven is out there, determined to step into Kelly’s shoes and take over her empire.
But, behind the masked gunman lies the ugly truth.
Kelly Raven will have to fight alone – or at least die trying.
After suffering the cruel secrets and the wicked lies, the ugly truth may kill her yet.
After all the heartache that Kelly Raven has gone through, she can finally enjoy her life. The business is lucrative, her family are happy, and in a few months, her baby will be born.
However, in one evening everything changes . . .
The old firms have plotted to bring the Ravens’ down, in retribution for Eddie Raven’s reckless reign.
Detective Valerie Campbell has escaped capture and is on the run, with vengeance on her mind.
Another Raven is out there, determined to step into Kelly’s shoes and take over her empire.
But, behind the masked gunman lies the ugly truth.
Kelly Raven will have to fight alone – or at least die trying.
After suffering the cruel secrets and the wicked lies, the ugly truth may kill her yet.
517 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2019
363 people are currently reading
168 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 71 reviews
November 13, 2019
Oh my, what a brilliant book, I loved Cyril even though he was a face, he had a heart of gold and lived for his family.
Pregnant Kelly Raven is kidnapped and held in a room, handcuffed to a bed with a bucket to use for the loo, the odd meal and fire banked up are all her captor gives her. We are kept in suspense right the way through as to who it is and I found myself making many guesses and getting it wrong.
What a brilliant writer and storyteller Kerry Barnes is. Her imagination is outstanding and keeps us the reader greedily turning the pages as the story unfolds.
The characters she created were so believable because it is a continuation from "Cruel secrets and Wicked lies" I felt I was catching up with old friends and enemies.
Kerry Barnes is a shining star in the book world and I feel is going to be turning out fantastic books for many a year. I wish i could give her all the stars in the sky, not just the 5 we are allowed, she is so worth it.
Pregnant Kelly Raven is kidnapped and held in a room, handcuffed to a bed with a bucket to use for the loo, the odd meal and fire banked up are all her captor gives her. We are kept in suspense right the way through as to who it is and I found myself making many guesses and getting it wrong.
What a brilliant writer and storyteller Kerry Barnes is. Her imagination is outstanding and keeps us the reader greedily turning the pages as the story unfolds.
The characters she created were so believable because it is a continuation from "Cruel secrets and Wicked lies" I felt I was catching up with old friends and enemies.
Kerry Barnes is a shining star in the book world and I feel is going to be turning out fantastic books for many a year. I wish i could give her all the stars in the sky, not just the 5 we are allowed, she is so worth it.
November 3, 2019
What a BRILLIANT book Ugly Truth is Kerry Barnes just gets better with each book.Kelly Raven has grown from a girl to a woman with the help of her family and friends and it has been a hard slog for them all.Kelly is pregnant with Keffa's baby and preparing for the birth is tiring,Keffo goes out to do business and Ugly Truth begins if i could i would give more stars as i believe Kerry Barnes has nailed it.Well done.5*
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November 8, 2019Another great story from Kerry in the Raven series and all through the book, I kept guessing who was behind all the trouble that was caused and I was convinced right to the end who I thought it was but as usual Kerry managed to surprise me with the ending. I hope that this isn't the last we hear of Kelly and the rest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2020
Bloody brilliant!!
January 28, 2021
Listened to All her books on Audible loved them
February 24, 2025
Ugly truth
Wow what a series this has been with some amazing chara ters who have to say I am going to miss.. I could of easy gone on with another book in this series,,,, if you like a good crime gangster family mixed with forming friendships, a bit of a love story and lies and receipt all coming ahead constantly keeping you on edge of Yr seat then this is for you. All started with a young girl abused by her mother and a father Eddie raven who was a top crazy drug gangster but against all the odds Kelly grew up nothing like her father but defo not an easy ride. Read this series y.it won't disappoint
Wow what a series this has been with some amazing chara ters who have to say I am going to miss.. I could of easy gone on with another book in this series,,,, if you like a good crime gangster family mixed with forming friendships, a bit of a love story and lies and receipt all coming ahead constantly keeping you on edge of Yr seat then this is for you. All started with a young girl abused by her mother and a father Eddie raven who was a top crazy drug gangster but against all the odds Kelly grew up nothing like her father but defo not an easy ride. Read this series y.it won't disappoint
August 25, 2020
This was the end of the trilogy and wow what a conclusion!! I didn’t see that coming . I am sad I have finished these books as I was completely engaged with the characters! Some I hated with a passion and some despite their criminality I loved them. The story picks up the success of Kelly Raven and I love how Malik and Sassy develops. I don’t want to give any spoilers at all but read these books !
November 6, 2019
I would give this book 10 stars if I could. It was a great read and a real twist at the end. Looking forward to reading the next instalment of the family's goings on. Hopefully we won 't have a long wait.
Because I was gripped from the beginning, and was not disappointed I found the book unputdownable( if that is even a word)
Because I was gripped from the beginning, and was not disappointed I found the book unputdownable( if that is even a word)
November 6, 2019
Was so happy to meet up with Eddie Raven’s off spring again. Ok, only the one’s that I liked!
There’s a copper in this story, who drove me mad. I thought the Ravens bought their help?
This story was so real. Yes, there were guns, and backup when needed. Kelley and her brother were the best.
Couldn’t put this story down. Another brilliant read, by Kerry Barnes.
There’s a copper in this story, who drove me mad. I thought the Ravens bought their help?
This story was so real. Yes, there were guns, and backup when needed. Kelley and her brother were the best.
Couldn’t put this story down. Another brilliant read, by Kerry Barnes.
November 14, 2019
Incredible
You definitely need to read the two books in the series before this one. As always with this author I couldn't put this book down. I stayed up until 3am to finish it even though I had to get up early, no regrets whatsoever! As always I now wish I'd made it last longer but I really couldn't stop myself from reading at any moment spare I got.
You definitely need to read the two books in the series before this one. As always with this author I couldn't put this book down. I stayed up until 3am to finish it even though I had to get up early, no regrets whatsoever! As always I now wish I'd made it last longer but I really couldn't stop myself from reading at any moment spare I got.
November 19, 2019
Utterly outstanding
Kerry snashes it right out of the ball park again. Life can become a bed of roses when complacent and even more so as the queen of the criminal world, when Kelly Raven thinks life is back on track little does she realise that around the corner is nothing but trouble.
Kerry snashes it right out of the ball park again. Life can become a bed of roses when complacent and even more so as the queen of the criminal world, when Kelly Raven thinks life is back on track little does she realise that around the corner is nothing but trouble.
November 26, 2019
Just love this auther.
Well done Kerry Barnes you have cracked it again .This author should be in the league with Kimberly chambers.Martina Cole and many more good authors . I enjoyed all of her books from start to finishing and cannot wait for her next novel . I recommend this book to friends family also whoever would like a new book .Kerry I salute you.
Well done Kerry Barnes you have cracked it again .This author should be in the league with Kimberly chambers.Martina Cole and many more good authors . I enjoyed all of her books from start to finishing and cannot wait for her next novel . I recommend this book to friends family also whoever would like a new book .Kerry I salute you.
January 31, 2021
Explosive Revelations
This trilogy has been amazing. Even down to the last instalment revelations left right and centre. You will find yourself if you are like me guessing all the way through, Kelly, Malik, Sassy & Cyril are my favourite characters. So much going on and then the day of reckoning right at the end just had me gripped. Fantastic read and listen.
This trilogy has been amazing. Even down to the last instalment revelations left right and centre. You will find yourself if you are like me guessing all the way through, Kelly, Malik, Sassy & Cyril are my favourite characters. So much going on and then the day of reckoning right at the end just had me gripped. Fantastic read and listen.
April 25, 2021
Brilliant read
So hard to finish a series of stories with the characters you grow to know and love the ups and downs of their life's, a great series a rollercoaster of a series , each book draws you in from the first page highly recommended as a must read,
also brilliant narration by the brilliant Annie alderton 10/10 and 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 thank you Kerry Barnes
So hard to finish a series of stories with the characters you grow to know and love the ups and downs of their life's, a great series a rollercoaster of a series , each book draws you in from the first page highly recommended as a must read,
also brilliant narration by the brilliant Annie alderton 10/10 and 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 thank you Kerry Barnes
February 15, 2022
Another gripping chapter in the world of the Ravens and family. I thought I had figured out who was behind the mayhem but I was wrong. Some brilliant twists and shocks along the way. I hope this isn’t that last time we delve into their world. It’s hard to pick a favourite character when the book is filled with so many great choices.
November 8, 2019
What a ride!!
I couldn’t wait for this book to be released! I was not disappointed. It grabs you by the scruff of the neck and drags you along with it. I loved catching up with the family and I can’t wait for the next instalment
I couldn’t wait for this book to be released! I was not disappointed. It grabs you by the scruff of the neck and drags you along with it. I loved catching up with the family and I can’t wait for the next instalment
November 17, 2019
Wow
Loved this book its the best one yet. This book has a bit of everything, kidnapping, beatings and murder. I love reading about Cyril, Kelly and the rest of the crowd. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who likes Martina Cole
Loved this book its the best one yet. This book has a bit of everything, kidnapping, beatings and murder. I love reading about Cyril, Kelly and the rest of the crowd. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who likes Martina Cole
January 7, 2020
Great book
This book was great i couldn't put it down. The story must had you booked like you personally was In the story yourself. Great writing Kerry Barnes can't wait for the next one. Thank you
This book was great i couldn't put it down. The story must had you booked like you personally was In the story yourself. Great writing Kerry Barnes can't wait for the next one. Thank you
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January 17, 2020Another excellent story
Love this series of books.
Not been able to put the book down.
Lots of twists and keeps you guessing who has Kelly.
Worth reading the series of these books.
Love this series of books.
Not been able to put the book down.
Lots of twists and keeps you guessing who has Kelly.
Worth reading the series of these books.
September 6, 2020
Ok
Having read all KB’s books this was not entirely great. Seemed to be a bit long winded and for the first time I started skimming pages just to get to Kelly’s abductor. All books I’ve read are worthy of 5* but this book just didn’t do it for me.
Having read all KB’s books this was not entirely great. Seemed to be a bit long winded and for the first time I started skimming pages just to get to Kelly’s abductor. All books I’ve read are worthy of 5* but this book just didn’t do it for me.
September 28, 2020
Addictive!!
I'Ve read these 3 books back to back within a week and I must say they were fab. The characters just draw you in as does the twists and turns of the story. Definitely one of my new favourite authors...will definitely be reading more of her stuff.
I'Ve read these 3 books back to back within a week and I must say they were fab. The characters just draw you in as does the twists and turns of the story. Definitely one of my new favourite authors...will definitely be reading more of her stuff.
December 29, 2020
Again what a brilliant continuation for this saga. It was gripping from start to the end. I love the way Kerry incorporated the possibility Eddie’s evil gene may be in all his children, and then showing that rearing children has more power that a bloodline.
It was a fitting end to see happiness for all.
I can’t wait to read more.
It was a fitting end to see happiness for all.
I can’t wait to read more.
October 21, 2022
Excellent read .. one gripe though .. I'm not sure if it's the publisher or Kerry Barnes's fault but it seems, in places ,there is a tendency to woffal on needlessly on insignificant things instead of keeping to the straight and narrow of the story. Hence only 4 out of 5 stars.
February 11, 2025
And the brilliant story continues
Loved this book as I have all this series. Could not put it down, read it whilst I was on the tube to work, missed my stop yet again, but it was worth it
Loved this book as I have all this series. Could not put it down, read it whilst I was on the tube to work, missed my stop yet again, but it was worth it
November 3, 2019
Excellent
Another great book by an excellent author, every book written by Kerry Barnes keeps you reading and reading until you sadly finish. Hopefully many more and soon.
Another great book by an excellent author, every book written by Kerry Barnes keeps you reading and reading until you sadly finish. Hopefully many more and soon.
November 4, 2019
Brilliant I can’t wait to read more about kelly saskia ditto all of them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2019
Fantastic
Kerry Barnes bloody brilliant. Got to be best novel I've read this year.
Throughly enjoyed it thank you. Your brilliant xxxxxx
Kerry Barnes bloody brilliant. Got to be best novel I've read this year.
Throughly enjoyed it thank you. Your brilliant xxxxxx
November 9, 2019
Another 5/5 from Kerry. Had me on the edge of my seat all the way through
November 10, 2019
Brilliant
Absolutely smashed it again every single page was so enthralling exciting and heart wrenching its an stinker of a story yet again well done Kerry barnes
Absolutely smashed it again every single page was so enthralling exciting and heart wrenching its an stinker of a story yet again well done Kerry barnes
November 14, 2019
Everything you want in a book.
Kerry Barnes can't do no wrong when it comes to writing, I always say the book i read of hers is the best, but this one truly is.
Kerry Barnes can't do no wrong when it comes to writing, I always say the book i read of hers is the best, but this one truly is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews