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Voice Of Reason
When Dionne married a nightclub owner, Luke Mason, a whisper in her ear told her she would have it all – the money, the house, and the luxury lifestyle. But she never expected her life to turn upside down the day they became parents to twins.
After a Mason family member is murdered, a psychiatrist is asked to assist with the investigation.
Dr Renee, a research psychiatrist, has spent her life’s work studying the existence of the ‘Gemini Gene’ – a gene believed to exist in a few high-functioning psychopaths.
Little does she know that she is not alone in her quest. In the shadows lurks someone who also has a special interest in the gene. However, the trial that they are conducting is so much more sinister.
Will Dr Renee discover if the Gemini Gene really does exist or will it be the voice of reason who has
the answers?
After a Mason family member is murdered, a psychiatrist is asked to assist with the investigation.
Dr Renee, a research psychiatrist, has spent her life’s work studying the existence of the ‘Gemini Gene’ – a gene believed to exist in a few high-functioning psychopaths.
Little does she know that she is not alone in her quest. In the shadows lurks someone who also has a special interest in the gene. However, the trial that they are conducting is so much more sinister.
Will Dr Renee discover if the Gemini Gene really does exist or will it be the voice of reason who has
the answers?
451 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2020
331 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Barnes
32 books210 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 133 reviews
March 27, 2021
Audio - 4 Stars
Story - 1 star
Story - 1 star
October 22, 2020
There is,( for the purpose of the book ), some researchers think, a gene that makes a psychopath ‘go down the evil route’, the Gemini gene and if you have it you are ruthless, cold and determined, in every way
Dionne has her goals set, her man, her house, her future and if she has to have kids to secure that well then so be it....imagine her relief when shs is infertile, but her husband wants to adopt and so she ‘goes along with if’ what she is not expecting is twins, and not normal twins but aloof, angry, spiteful ones that seem intent on ruining her life, she is at a loss what to do as they cause more and more problems for her...and then the killing begins
A spine chilling tale of a family in chaos ( the author usually writes ‘gangland’ books and there is a nod to this re the family and their ‘dealings’ ) and the evil that lurks within, horrific in parts and with some in depth ( not boring ) info on psychopaths and their traits it all ties up into a race against time to save the innocent, but as in all good thrillers as the book progresses you start to wonder who is good, who is bad and who is plain evil
A sobering ending indeed that left me shuddering and in general a good exciting read with a mix of story telling and scene setting and action
Scary, realistic and brutal
9/10
5 Stars
Dionne has her goals set, her man, her house, her future and if she has to have kids to secure that well then so be it....imagine her relief when shs is infertile, but her husband wants to adopt and so she ‘goes along with if’ what she is not expecting is twins, and not normal twins but aloof, angry, spiteful ones that seem intent on ruining her life, she is at a loss what to do as they cause more and more problems for her...and then the killing begins
A spine chilling tale of a family in chaos ( the author usually writes ‘gangland’ books and there is a nod to this re the family and their ‘dealings’ ) and the evil that lurks within, horrific in parts and with some in depth ( not boring ) info on psychopaths and their traits it all ties up into a race against time to save the innocent, but as in all good thrillers as the book progresses you start to wonder who is good, who is bad and who is plain evil
A sobering ending indeed that left me shuddering and in general a good exciting read with a mix of story telling and scene setting and action
Scary, realistic and brutal
9/10
5 Stars
February 7, 2021
4.5 stars
October 14, 2020
Just wow!!
What a brilliant story!
I thoroughly enjoyed this psychological crime thriller and had absolutely no idea how the story would unfold.
I'm afraid to mention anything for fear of spoiling the anticipation, so I'll just say, read it! You won't be disappointed!
What a brilliant story!
I thoroughly enjoyed this psychological crime thriller and had absolutely no idea how the story would unfold.
I'm afraid to mention anything for fear of spoiling the anticipation, so I'll just say, read it! You won't be disappointed!
October 5, 2025
Setting: London, England; modern day.
Dionne is from a fairly deprived background but has managed to 'hook' nightclub owner Luke Mason, the older of three brothers in a major London crime syndicate. But, despite having the money, the house and the luxury lifestyle, Dionne is not especially happy in her marriage - and Luke is not happy with her when he discovers she is unable to have children. When he arranges for them to adopt twin babies, Dionne's life is turned upside down - she doesn't appear to be able to form any kind of bond with the pair, Hudson and Hayley, although they adore their father and are thick as thieves when together. However, the pair are very different from their peers and there are a number of violent incidents at school, which drives Dionne to the edge - especially when Luke is jailed when caught with guns and a substantial sum of money.
When the twins are taken to see a psychiatrist and later put into a psychiatric study into genes, one of the scientists is hoping to find evidence that some high-functioning psychopaths possess a particular gene. But someone working in the background, outside the scientific community, also seems to be conducting his own experiments - without the 'control' of scientific procedure. This leads to a number of deaths in the extended Mason family and the police struggle to identify the real culprit and their motives....
This was an intriguing read, the first in a series, and I am delighted that I bought both the first two books in this series at the same time. I enjoyed the twisted storylines and trying to work out what exactly was going on, right up to the big reveal and the final shocking twists. My main gripe about the book was the lack of page numbers, something you don't see much nowadays! - 9/10.
Dionne is from a fairly deprived background but has managed to 'hook' nightclub owner Luke Mason, the older of three brothers in a major London crime syndicate. But, despite having the money, the house and the luxury lifestyle, Dionne is not especially happy in her marriage - and Luke is not happy with her when he discovers she is unable to have children. When he arranges for them to adopt twin babies, Dionne's life is turned upside down - she doesn't appear to be able to form any kind of bond with the pair, Hudson and Hayley, although they adore their father and are thick as thieves when together. However, the pair are very different from their peers and there are a number of violent incidents at school, which drives Dionne to the edge - especially when Luke is jailed when caught with guns and a substantial sum of money.
When the twins are taken to see a psychiatrist and later put into a psychiatric study into genes, one of the scientists is hoping to find evidence that some high-functioning psychopaths possess a particular gene. But someone working in the background, outside the scientific community, also seems to be conducting his own experiments - without the 'control' of scientific procedure. This leads to a number of deaths in the extended Mason family and the police struggle to identify the real culprit and their motives....
This was an intriguing read, the first in a series, and I am delighted that I bought both the first two books in this series at the same time. I enjoyed the twisted storylines and trying to work out what exactly was going on, right up to the big reveal and the final shocking twists. My main gripe about the book was the lack of page numbers, something you don't see much nowadays! - 9/10.
August 23, 2020
Chapter 1 and I am intrigued
Chapter 2 and I am hooked
Chapter 3 and I am addicted
Chapter 28 and I am mesmerised
Don't be worried. Be afraid. Be scared.
Kerry Barnes has come from being a dyslexic author to the writer of a masterpiece. Kerry already sits at the top table of the gritty crime and underworld gangland genre but this change of direction to psychological thrillers takes her to the next level and puts her centre stage. Praise, admiration and awards will be heading her way as she prepares to be crowned as the new queen of this genre.
This book will take you on a rollercoaster of a ride. It will be all that you think about as you try to process the twists and turns. Sleep, food, family and other activities will be of no concern to you.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the genre, or with an interest in how the brain works and the effects that mental illnesses can have upon the family and the wider community
I read this book through Kindle Unlimited.
Chapter 2 and I am hooked
Chapter 3 and I am addicted
Chapter 28 and I am mesmerised
Don't be worried. Be afraid. Be scared.
Kerry Barnes has come from being a dyslexic author to the writer of a masterpiece. Kerry already sits at the top table of the gritty crime and underworld gangland genre but this change of direction to psychological thrillers takes her to the next level and puts her centre stage. Praise, admiration and awards will be heading her way as she prepares to be crowned as the new queen of this genre.
This book will take you on a rollercoaster of a ride. It will be all that you think about as you try to process the twists and turns. Sleep, food, family and other activities will be of no concern to you.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the genre, or with an interest in how the brain works and the effects that mental illnesses can have upon the family and the wider community
I read this book through Kindle Unlimited.
October 25, 2020
I was really looking forward to reading this, because of the rave reviews on my online book club. The last choice was The Curator, which I loved so much that I went back and read the others in the trilogy, so had high hopes! However, I was very disappointed and found it a bit of a chore!
Highly unlikeable cast of characters, and although I don't need to bond with characters to enjoy a book, I really didn't care about any of them. Dionne annoyed me immensely, Lillian and Mir were stereotypes, Archi was a cardboard cutout and the twins were unbelievable. The whole book was contrived and the ending was so strung out, I thought it was never going to end? But thankfully it has and I can put this one down as a mediocre experience.
Highly unlikeable cast of characters, and although I don't need to bond with characters to enjoy a book, I really didn't care about any of them. Dionne annoyed me immensely, Lillian and Mir were stereotypes, Archi was a cardboard cutout and the twins were unbelievable. The whole book was contrived and the ending was so strung out, I thought it was never going to end? But thankfully it has and I can put this one down as a mediocre experience.
August 20, 2020
Omg, you won’t want to miss this story!
We start off with a family, with money.
A nice house.
Not forgetting the twins. Now they were super smart.
It’s a shame their dad made a mistake.
But at least they had a good mom to do the school run each day.
Life doesn’t always go the way you wish.
However, the kids will always need each other.
Apparently the lad has a few issues.
I just thought, at least he can look after himself, when the kids at school get nasty.
There is a lot more to this story, but I don’t want to give it away.I will say though, the police become involved at one point.
What a fantastic story by Kerry Barnes.
We start off with a family, with money.
A nice house.
Not forgetting the twins. Now they were super smart.
It’s a shame their dad made a mistake.
But at least they had a good mom to do the school run each day.
Life doesn’t always go the way you wish.
However, the kids will always need each other.
Apparently the lad has a few issues.
I just thought, at least he can look after himself, when the kids at school get nasty.
There is a lot more to this story, but I don’t want to give it away.I will say though, the police become involved at one point.
What a fantastic story by Kerry Barnes.
April 18, 2021
If i would use one word to describe this book it would be CREEPY.
More accurately is VERY VERY CREEPY.
The book is very well written and the suspense is real and palpable.
The ending was bit far fetched and the many twists in the end took it a bit too far, in my opinion, but all in all a great thriller!!
More accurately is VERY VERY CREEPY.
The book is very well written and the suspense is real and palpable.
The ending was bit far fetched and the many twists in the end took it a bit too far, in my opinion, but all in all a great thriller!!
August 21, 2020
Premise was good but not for me. Felt like reading an episode of Eastenders. Too much jumping between viewpoints and no likeable characters. Improved towards the end but don’t think I’ll be reading any more.
August 23, 2020
Fab read
Omg I was totally gripped by this
The characters the plot totally fab
I could not put this down
More books like this plz 👏👏👏
Omg I was totally gripped by this
The characters the plot totally fab
I could not put this down
More books like this plz 👏👏👏
May 23, 2023
Great book really enjoyed it. Full of twists and turns .
A good story throughout now onto book 2 in the series.
A good story throughout now onto book 2 in the series.
September 14, 2024
Excellent!!!!
Deeply disturbing, superbly smart , sinister and haunting!
Deeply disturbing, superbly smart , sinister and haunting!
July 25, 2024
Wow. Gripping psychological crime thriller. Twists and turns throughout, this book had you second guessing. Not what I was expecting from KB but probably the best so far.
Now Voice of Rage
Now Voice of Rage
March 17, 2021
OMG WOW WOW WOW. What an utterley gob smacking fantastic read, this was a very deep dark book i found. One that had me on the edge of my seat and creeped out. Im gutted it ended. If you havnt read this book yet you must ......... the twins hudson and harley are adopted by the masons. ,but who are their real parents.........
September 2, 2024
This story is intriguing was dragging on and on. This is the best example of a great story tanking because of poor editing. This book could easily have been cut short by a 100 pages atleast. Also,.some of the situations and premises were too far fetched and convenient. Nevertheless, a good one time listen.
February 8, 2021
This is an absolute belter of a book, gripping from the start and impossible to put down. Its been a while since I read anything by Kerry Barnes, (having moved away from gangland thrillers because I find them too violent), but this was something remarkable with scientific research woven into its structure. The family are very likeable, despite an organised crime background; Luke, shady and slightly sinister, although I hated Dionne... adopted twins, Harley and Hudson, are not like normal kids and appear to develop psychopathic tendencies. Parts of this book reminded me of Peter James's 'Perfect People' and I remember the research into 'the warrior gene' associated with high-functioning psychopaths. The family suffer a rollercoaster of highs and lows and as the twins get older, you start to question how much of a danger to society they really pose. But there is a monster in this story - a monster lurking behind the scenes and more terrifying than you could imagine. The underlying motive is blood-chilling, one where you fear for the characters, as they are picked off one by one. There are twists in this story that left cold, an ending I never expected but all in all, a very well thought out plot and well-written. I'm rather hoping there might be a sequel.
August 15, 2020
Just wow
I've read all of Kerry's books which are gangland thrillers. Whilst this book still has a big element of gangland Kerry has cleverly also made it a physiological thriller.
The story of Dionne bought up by her parents in a basic household and Luke who comes from a naughty family with a fierce temper who fears nobody.
The twists in the story are pure genius. The creativity is like no other book I've ever read. Just when you think you know you don't know right up until the end.
Kerry you have truly surpassed yourself this time. Every time I think you've written your best book you somehow manage to top it again.
You need to polish your crown girl cause you are truly becoming the queen of these books!
I've read all of Kerry's books which are gangland thrillers. Whilst this book still has a big element of gangland Kerry has cleverly also made it a physiological thriller.
The story of Dionne bought up by her parents in a basic household and Luke who comes from a naughty family with a fierce temper who fears nobody.
The twists in the story are pure genius. The creativity is like no other book I've ever read. Just when you think you know you don't know right up until the end.
Kerry you have truly surpassed yourself this time. Every time I think you've written your best book you somehow manage to top it again.
You need to polish your crown girl cause you are truly becoming the queen of these books!
August 17, 2020
Firstly I should say I was quite surprised by this book as it’s completely different to others Kerry has written in the past, however, this simply proved Kerry’s talent as a multi genre author which didn’t really come as a shock after her debut simply blew me away!
The research that must have gone into this is immense and the hard work surely pays off. This is a book with more layers and twists than an onion on a Helter skelter but isn’t so complicated that you lose the plot.
Kerry Barnes, top of the class x
The research that must have gone into this is immense and the hard work surely pays off. This is a book with more layers and twists than an onion on a Helter skelter but isn’t so complicated that you lose the plot.
Kerry Barnes, top of the class x
August 24, 2020
Kerry Barnes done in again!
This is an explosion of a book, packed with more twists and turns that had my head feeling like it was on a fairground ride.
This a very clever thriller about scientists trying to prove the gemini gene is true. It's about the stakes it takes to accomplish the findings about the gene and the families it affects.
Someone is playing games but is it all real?
I enjoyed this book so much and all the characters that I have felt a connection with.
I recommend this book to all the crime thriller lovers out there.
This is an explosion of a book, packed with more twists and turns that had my head feeling like it was on a fairground ride.
This a very clever thriller about scientists trying to prove the gemini gene is true. It's about the stakes it takes to accomplish the findings about the gene and the families it affects.
Someone is playing games but is it all real?
I enjoyed this book so much and all the characters that I have felt a connection with.
I recommend this book to all the crime thriller lovers out there.
August 31, 2020
Wow Voice of Reason
Great book. I have read all the authors other books and all brilliant. Kerry Barnes is one of the best in the business. This is very different to her other books however. She has moved into the Psychological Thriller Genre with this effort. Brilliant read with lots of twists, turns red herrings and an explosive finish. It reminded me of the sort of story Dean Koontz would have written in his hey day. Which is a great compliment from me as I loved him. Once you start this book you won't want it to end. Great work Kerry 👌👌
Great book. I have read all the authors other books and all brilliant. Kerry Barnes is one of the best in the business. This is very different to her other books however. She has moved into the Psychological Thriller Genre with this effort. Brilliant read with lots of twists, turns red herrings and an explosive finish. It reminded me of the sort of story Dean Koontz would have written in his hey day. Which is a great compliment from me as I loved him. Once you start this book you won't want it to end. Great work Kerry 👌👌
August 17, 2020
Kerry's latest and it's completely different from her other books, it got my attention from the first page and sorry Kerry, I fell asleep reading it, that's how much I wanted to get to the end, it's full of twists and brings you in several directions and some of the characters aren't what they seem. It's cleverly written and although I hate talking about the ending of a book but I never would have guessed it. I wish I could give more than 5 stars.
September 7, 2020
Wow what a great read . I love the style of this author who with her style ensures you are completely engaged and enthralled with the characters from day one! A really different read with a great twist .
Dionne not a maternal bone in her body ! Luke violent psychopath 😂 Lillian grandmother to Hudson and Harley and Mum to Dionne what a lovely woman. I don’t want to spoil anyone reading this book by saying too much other than this is a great book x
Dionne not a maternal bone in her body ! Luke violent psychopath 😂 Lillian grandmother to Hudson and Harley and Mum to Dionne what a lovely woman. I don’t want to spoil anyone reading this book by saying too much other than this is a great book x
September 14, 2020
Honestly blown away. I love Kerry’s books. All of them. Physiological Thrillers aren’t really my thing but as it was Kerry I gave it a go. Wow Wow Wow is all I can say. I was hooked from beginning to end. Came up with so many theories. All wrong lol the way Kerry wrote this still kept in her amazing gangland style just shook it up a bit and boy did it work. AMAZING. A super talented lady and I cannot wait for more.
October 9, 2020
Best author of the year .
Well done Kerry Barnes if I could you a nomination then I would .this as got to be the best book for 2020 .your mind is brilliant. This novel kept me guessing all the way through and I just not put this book down .I have read all your novels but this one has got to be the best one .can not wait for your next book .you have got to be the best author for 2020 .I salute you .
Well done Kerry Barnes if I could you a nomination then I would .this as got to be the best book for 2020 .your mind is brilliant. This novel kept me guessing all the way through and I just not put this book down .I have read all your novels but this one has got to be the best one .can not wait for your next book .you have got to be the best author for 2020 .I salute you .
June 25, 2025
Not bad. Not as good as I anticipated. It dragged a lot. I skim read quite a bit towards the end. Unnecessary waffle in my eyes. (The policeman and doctor liking each other - who cares??) but in my opinion the characters lacked depth. Nobody stood out. I felt like we didn’t get to truly know any of the characters properly and so as I reader I couldn’t empathise with any of them. Lots of jumping around. I was glad to finish it to be honest.
August 17, 2020
Absoutely brilliant book yet again!! The only downfall for me is I started it then had to put the bugger down as was going to god daughters birthday party so finisned it through the night this morning lol! It keeps you guessing right up until the end, this author can do no wrong in my eyes, well done Kerry yet again 👏
August 17, 2020
Voice of Reason⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The latest book from Kerry Barnes⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I just enjoy reading these kind of books, Kerry can certainly imagine characters that are believable and I enjoy it all unravelling and even when I guess things there is always another twist.if you like the authers you will enjoy the book👍
The latest book from Kerry Barnes⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I just enjoy reading these kind of books, Kerry can certainly imagine characters that are believable and I enjoy it all unravelling and even when I guess things there is always another twist.if you like the authers you will enjoy the book👍
August 23, 2020
Kerry Barnes does it again, what a thrilling and exciting book. A gangland book with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat and the pages turning so fast as you want to see what happens next.
Great characters and loved learning where they fit into the story. A completely different book from Kerry but she has done herself proud as it's a cracker.
Great characters and loved learning where they fit into the story. A completely different book from Kerry but she has done herself proud as it's a cracker.
September 3, 2020
Fantastic
Five stars for sure , my kind of read . Murder intrigue fantastic characters .plot twist . We all say it. But I really couldn't put it down . Had me from the first to last page . I'm gutted I finished it . Kerry you Are a master. Can't wait for your next book . Whatever that one is . Brilliant read from begging to end .
GRIPPING
Five stars for sure , my kind of read . Murder intrigue fantastic characters .plot twist . We all say it. But I really couldn't put it down . Had me from the first to last page . I'm gutted I finished it . Kerry you Are a master. Can't wait for your next book . Whatever that one is . Brilliant read from begging to end .
GRIPPING
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews