What do you think?
Rate this book
Cruel Secrets #1
Cruel Secrets
A gripping thriller that will shock you to the core.
Controlled all her life by her religious mother, fifteen-year-old Kelly Raven commits the ultimate sin.
She soon discovers that running away to the cold, frightening streets of London is less harsh than her previous life.
A drug dealer, two fraudsters, and a prostitute are her new family now and she becomes the woman she was destined to be.
Little does she know that Eddie Raven is coming for her, but she is no sweet four-year-old child and he is certainly no doting father.
The Raven's blood may run through her veins, but in her case, blood is not thicker than water.
Controlled all her life by her religious mother, fifteen-year-old Kelly Raven commits the ultimate sin.
She soon discovers that running away to the cold, frightening streets of London is less harsh than her previous life.
A drug dealer, two fraudsters, and a prostitute are her new family now and she becomes the woman she was destined to be.
Little does she know that Eddie Raven is coming for her, but she is no sweet four-year-old child and he is certainly no doting father.
The Raven's blood may run through her veins, but in her case, blood is not thicker than water.
478 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2017
402 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
October 6, 2018
Kelly is just fifteen and has never been shown love by her mother. Her mother is a religious fanatic but Kelly's mother doesn't know the true meaning of Christ's love. She controls Kelly's every move and if Kelly ever steps out of line then Kelly is cruelly punished. One day Kelly commits the ultimate sin and runs away hoping never to be found.
Alone,cold and hungry on the streets of London a stranger takes pity on Kelly and he takes her home.
Soon she has a new family that comprises of a drug dealer, two fraudsters and a prostitute. Her new family can't protect her from prison though because that's where she eventually ends up. It's not long before Eddie Raven finds out about her existence. Kelly has something that Eddie wants and he's coming to find her.
I don't usually read gangster stories and I was really surprised at how much I loved this story.
This is the first audiobook that I have listened to by this author and I'm looking forward to reading more stories in the future.
Alone,cold and hungry on the streets of London a stranger takes pity on Kelly and he takes her home.
Soon she has a new family that comprises of a drug dealer, two fraudsters and a prostitute. Her new family can't protect her from prison though because that's where she eventually ends up. It's not long before Eddie Raven finds out about her existence. Kelly has something that Eddie wants and he's coming to find her.
I don't usually read gangster stories and I was really surprised at how much I loved this story.
This is the first audiobook that I have listened to by this author and I'm looking forward to reading more stories in the future.
November 14, 2017
I get so excited it when I come across a new author and even more so when When I pick up their book and it exceeds all my expectations. Cruel Secrets by Kerry Barnes falls into this category and WOW I can’t believe I haven’t picked up a book by this author before, in fact I’m kicking myself, how have I never heard of this author before? The author writes what I call “grit lit” and it’s a genre I really enjoy reading, Kerry Barnes writing has been likened to that of Martina Cole, I would agree there are some similarities but in my opinion the author has her own unique style that made Cruel Secrets an exciting and very gritty read.
What I really loved about Cruel Secrets was the abundance of characters, all of whom appear lager than life, you have the good, the bad and the downright ugly. Kelly is a brilliant character you can’t help rooting for her, as someone who starts off as the underdog I loved the way her character evolved, she’s a mass of contradictions gentle but tough, caring but hard as nails when people cross her, but she also has an air of vulnerability that make the people she meets along her journey want to care for her and protect her. Unfortunately her father Eddie Raven, the epitome of a gangster thug is definitely not a likeable character, in fact I ended up despising him, to the “why” I felt like this you will just have to read the book and see.
Cruel Secrets explores the underbelly of the crime world, so expect violence and plenty of swearing, for me this added a gritty authenticity to the plot. The author certainly knows how to write a story that packs a punch. From the first chapter it’s one of those books that just grabs your attention with a wicked plot and characters who get under your skin and worm their way into your heart (but definitely not Eddie Raven). Kerry Barnes brilliantly delivers a story of violence, treachery and family ties, a fab book to read and an impossible one to put down. I will definitely be pre-ordering the sequel Wicked Lies which will be published in 2018.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
What I really loved about Cruel Secrets was the abundance of characters, all of whom appear lager than life, you have the good, the bad and the downright ugly. Kelly is a brilliant character you can’t help rooting for her, as someone who starts off as the underdog I loved the way her character evolved, she’s a mass of contradictions gentle but tough, caring but hard as nails when people cross her, but she also has an air of vulnerability that make the people she meets along her journey want to care for her and protect her. Unfortunately her father Eddie Raven, the epitome of a gangster thug is definitely not a likeable character, in fact I ended up despising him, to the “why” I felt like this you will just have to read the book and see.
Cruel Secrets explores the underbelly of the crime world, so expect violence and plenty of swearing, for me this added a gritty authenticity to the plot. The author certainly knows how to write a story that packs a punch. From the first chapter it’s one of those books that just grabs your attention with a wicked plot and characters who get under your skin and worm their way into your heart (but definitely not Eddie Raven). Kerry Barnes brilliantly delivers a story of violence, treachery and family ties, a fab book to read and an impossible one to put down. I will definitely be pre-ordering the sequel Wicked Lies which will be published in 2018.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
January 10, 2018
I have to start firstly saying that this book deserves so much more than the 5 stars given. It's easy to say this is one of the best books in this genre that I have read in a long time. This books has so much going on, yet seems so easy to follow. Gripping and unputdownable, don't do it any justice as all.
Wow, wow and wow again. I'm actually speechless, I don't know how I will find the words to do it the justice it so deserves.
So the story, well where do you start. There is so much packed into this book that I could easily waffle on about it forever. However I'm aware I can't be spoiling for others that may have not read the book yet so, what I will say is, Kelly Raven born into a very mixed up family. Brought up by her controlling mother after her criminal father is sent to prison for 12 years. For reasons I won't go into, Kelly at the age of 15 does a runner to London. This is where she meets a guy and ends up living with him and his family.
Only these are not your average family, this family is made up of a drug dealer, a Prostitute and two fraudsters. ok it's 2018 maybe this is your average family. Kelly soon has to learn to grow up.
Kelly also has criminal father who is trying to find her, little does she know that her life is about to change in so many ways.
Kelly is one of the best characters created in a book in a long time, she's one of those characters you follow on a journey and many times I ended up talking to the pages, OMG! NO! WHAT!
She's just a brilliant character, Vulnerable, shy, caring yet Ruthless, confident and hardfaced all at the blink of an eye. To those who hold her close she's an angel, to those who wish her harm, well then trust me, she's no angel.
This book once it's grabbed you will not let you go, trust me.
Wow, wow and wow again. I'm actually speechless, I don't know how I will find the words to do it the justice it so deserves.
So the story, well where do you start. There is so much packed into this book that I could easily waffle on about it forever. However I'm aware I can't be spoiling for others that may have not read the book yet so, what I will say is, Kelly Raven born into a very mixed up family. Brought up by her controlling mother after her criminal father is sent to prison for 12 years. For reasons I won't go into, Kelly at the age of 15 does a runner to London. This is where she meets a guy and ends up living with him and his family.
Only these are not your average family, this family is made up of a drug dealer, a Prostitute and two fraudsters. ok it's 2018 maybe this is your average family. Kelly soon has to learn to grow up.
Kelly also has criminal father who is trying to find her, little does she know that her life is about to change in so many ways.
Kelly is one of the best characters created in a book in a long time, she's one of those characters you follow on a journey and many times I ended up talking to the pages, OMG! NO! WHAT!
She's just a brilliant character, Vulnerable, shy, caring yet Ruthless, confident and hardfaced all at the blink of an eye. To those who hold her close she's an angel, to those who wish her harm, well then trust me, she's no angel.
This book once it's grabbed you will not let you go, trust me.
May 31, 2020
4.5 Stars
November 9, 2017
Crikey I actually don't know where to start with this review. After reading the Vincent series and loving it Kerry takes her writing skills to a whole new level with Cruel Secrets. I can only imagie for the author it can be very nerve racking bringing out a new novel after the last one has done so well. But has a reader I found myself nervous and excited at the same time. thinking will I enjoy it, will I like the characters etc. But I was confident enough to read this without reading the blurb. Knowing what a fantastic writer Kerry is and whatever happened I knew there would be no chance of me disliking it. But OMFG what a book… I am actually blown away by how good it is. It is definitely a corker Kerry needs to give herself a pat on the back. She is right up there with authors like Kimberly Chambers, and Dreda Mitchell
So here I am back from work and has always the first thing I do is put the kettle on. Well I decided to make a start and read one chapter while having my brew.That was it, I was totally sucked into Kelly’s world. I kept saying to myself just one more chapter then before I knew it I had devoured it. Talk about grabbing you round the throat and not letting you go until the very end! This is without a doubt one of those books.
Cruel Secrets takes us into a sinister world of the unknown full of secrets and lies. Kerry brings us fresh new characters and a totally new original storyline. It is full of real life likeable characters and the bad guys are badder than bad. Eddie Raven is just vile but makes it a gritty read. Kelly who had it tough when she was a kid and the more I read the more I liked her she is a really well developed character and goes from strength to strength has the story unfolds.
This is jam packed with twists and turns and plenty of OMG moments. You cannot resist turning the page to find out what is to happen next.
Kerry has an incredible gift of making the reader feel very emotion the character is feeling. One minute I am on the edge of my seat say NO WAY then I am overwhelmed with sadness. Yes Kerry made me cry again.
Cruel Secrets is without a doubt one of my top reads this year. Which I cannot recommend enough giving it a very well deserved 5 stars
So here I am back from work and has always the first thing I do is put the kettle on. Well I decided to make a start and read one chapter while having my brew.That was it, I was totally sucked into Kelly’s world. I kept saying to myself just one more chapter then before I knew it I had devoured it. Talk about grabbing you round the throat and not letting you go until the very end! This is without a doubt one of those books.
Cruel Secrets takes us into a sinister world of the unknown full of secrets and lies. Kerry brings us fresh new characters and a totally new original storyline. It is full of real life likeable characters and the bad guys are badder than bad. Eddie Raven is just vile but makes it a gritty read. Kelly who had it tough when she was a kid and the more I read the more I liked her she is a really well developed character and goes from strength to strength has the story unfolds.
This is jam packed with twists and turns and plenty of OMG moments. You cannot resist turning the page to find out what is to happen next.
Kerry has an incredible gift of making the reader feel very emotion the character is feeling. One minute I am on the edge of my seat say NO WAY then I am overwhelmed with sadness. Yes Kerry made me cry again.
Cruel Secrets is without a doubt one of my top reads this year. Which I cannot recommend enough giving it a very well deserved 5 stars
September 16, 2018
Audio Book - I've not been into reading recently but this book is amazing so many twists and turns I couldn't turn it off! It is long but sooo sooo worth it 😊
December 27, 2017
Wow. Cruel Secrets was absolutely amazing. Easily one of the best books that I have read this year and, just a warning in case you are going to read it, extremely addictive. I was reading this book at every available opportunity. I couldn’t get enough of it and when I’d finished the story I was bereft. Minor spoiler... there’s going to be a sequel!
Cruel Secrets is probably in my Top 3 books of the year. However I am still on a high from finishing it so don’t quote me on that. I’ve read many gangland set thrillers over the years and have always been quite snobby in the ones that I have read (eg only reading published authors for example) and that means I have often missed out on some great reads. Such as not reading Casey Kelleher before she signed for Bookouture. Cruel Secrets is just as good as any of the gangland books published by traditional publishers if not better and I can’t recommend it enough. Kerry Barnes is a phenomenal storyteller.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot of the story or the characters except to say that I just loved Kelly. From the outset where we see her escaping her horrible mother to finding herself alone on the streets of London, it’s all too easily to believe in this girl and to want to see her succeed. The characters we meet on the way I was like Kelly, unsure of whether they can be trusted but I just loved the mismatched family of people that she finds safety with in London. It’s such an eclectic mix and they all work so well together. Criminals they may be however they stay within their own criminal world and don’t harm everyday people. It’s not long however before Kelly’s past catches up with her and before long she’s in a whole world of trouble.
I loved how much was packed into this book. At one point it became a cross between Bad Girls and Wentworth and I couldn’t read quick enough. I was constantly on edge wondering what else could possibly go wrong for Kelly, how much more pain one person could go through. But I was constantly in awe at her strength and the ability she had to overcome everything that she faced. It would have been all too easy for her to give up, but her focus was always on getting herself and those they loved some kind of freedom and happiness and that was such a joy to read about. Don’t think for one minute that this is one of those stories full of heartache that just ends with some cliched happy ever after. It isn’t the case at all. Instead it’s a believable tale and by the end of the story Kelly and the reader have been put through the wringer. At certain point in the story I was speechless at what I was reading and there were a number of twists/reveals that I just didn’t see coming and which completely stunned me. Just pure brilliance (and pure evil on the parts of some of these characters).
I finished this book and wanted to scream about it from the rooftops. I finished it almost breathless and wishing that I had the sequel in my hands already. It really was a phenomenal read and I already have Kerry’s other books downloaded to my Kindle however I am holding off on reading them until the new year only because I like to start my Goodreads Challenge with some excellent books and I have no doubt whatsoever that I will love her other books. I can not recommend Cruel Secrets enough.
Cruel Secrets is probably in my Top 3 books of the year. However I am still on a high from finishing it so don’t quote me on that. I’ve read many gangland set thrillers over the years and have always been quite snobby in the ones that I have read (eg only reading published authors for example) and that means I have often missed out on some great reads. Such as not reading Casey Kelleher before she signed for Bookouture. Cruel Secrets is just as good as any of the gangland books published by traditional publishers if not better and I can’t recommend it enough. Kerry Barnes is a phenomenal storyteller.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot of the story or the characters except to say that I just loved Kelly. From the outset where we see her escaping her horrible mother to finding herself alone on the streets of London, it’s all too easily to believe in this girl and to want to see her succeed. The characters we meet on the way I was like Kelly, unsure of whether they can be trusted but I just loved the mismatched family of people that she finds safety with in London. It’s such an eclectic mix and they all work so well together. Criminals they may be however they stay within their own criminal world and don’t harm everyday people. It’s not long however before Kelly’s past catches up with her and before long she’s in a whole world of trouble.
I loved how much was packed into this book. At one point it became a cross between Bad Girls and Wentworth and I couldn’t read quick enough. I was constantly on edge wondering what else could possibly go wrong for Kelly, how much more pain one person could go through. But I was constantly in awe at her strength and the ability she had to overcome everything that she faced. It would have been all too easy for her to give up, but her focus was always on getting herself and those they loved some kind of freedom and happiness and that was such a joy to read about. Don’t think for one minute that this is one of those stories full of heartache that just ends with some cliched happy ever after. It isn’t the case at all. Instead it’s a believable tale and by the end of the story Kelly and the reader have been put through the wringer. At certain point in the story I was speechless at what I was reading and there were a number of twists/reveals that I just didn’t see coming and which completely stunned me. Just pure brilliance (and pure evil on the parts of some of these characters).
I finished this book and wanted to scream about it from the rooftops. I finished it almost breathless and wishing that I had the sequel in my hands already. It really was a phenomenal read and I already have Kerry’s other books downloaded to my Kindle however I am holding off on reading them until the new year only because I like to start my Goodreads Challenge with some excellent books and I have no doubt whatsoever that I will love her other books. I can not recommend Cruel Secrets enough.
February 14, 2024
This was a new author for me and I didn’t think I was going to get into this book I found it very informative but slow and long chapters but it turned into a book I couldn’t put down it was so good so glad I stuck with it
November 9, 2017
Loved every line of this book!!!! Fantastic, cannot wait for the next instalment
November 17, 2017
Best book I have read in 2017, fantastic from start to finish could not stop reading. waiting now for Kerry Barnes sequel .wicked lies, out early 2018.
May 5, 2020
Another great book
Another great book from kerry barnes couldn't put it down very intriguing with the turn of each page absolutely brilliant
Another great book from kerry barnes couldn't put it down very intriguing with the turn of each page absolutely brilliant
September 18, 2024
Another excellent gangland novel.
I love Kerry Barnes writing style, and I love how the stories vary, mostly though I think I enjoyed the found family aspect of this title.
Is it weird that these are my perfect idea of escapism 😂
Narrated brilliantly yet again by Annie Aldington.
Currently included with audible 🎧
I love Kerry Barnes writing style, and I love how the stories vary, mostly though I think I enjoyed the found family aspect of this title.
Is it weird that these are my perfect idea of escapism 😂
Narrated brilliantly yet again by Annie Aldington.
Currently included with audible 🎧
July 7, 2018
Fast n furious
Omg, this is so engrossing, unputdownable. Kerry Barnes is fast becoming one of my favorite writers. I cannot wait for the squel.
You must read all her previous books, they are just as fast and exciting
Omg, this is so engrossing, unputdownable. Kerry Barnes is fast becoming one of my favorite writers. I cannot wait for the squel.
You must read all her previous books, they are just as fast and exciting
January 23, 2018
Brilliant
Loved it from the very start. The story kept me hooked. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Looking forward to the sequel.
Loved it from the very start. The story kept me hooked. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Looking forward to the sequel.
March 16, 2022
This is the only book so far that I have read for the second time. I came across it again and I remembered really enjoying the story and the charting it but couldn’t exactly remember what happened in it so as I knew I enjoyed it the first time I thought I’d give it another go…especially when I realised that there were now two other books in the series! Im not one that usually reads books again no matter how much I enjoyed it the first time as I have so many other book on my tbr list that I think what’s the point in reading one I’ve already read….but when I saw that it had two more books now in the series it made the decision for me as I’d need to remember everything that happened in this book before moving on to the 2nd & 3rd books.
I do not regret it! I loved it just as much as before if not more. The characters I just loved and truly care about what happened so then and it still had me gripped reading it this time. I very rarely give 5* because I save that for the very very best or favourite of books imo and this book/series I just had to give the full 5* because I love it so much and think it’s just got a bit of everything that I love in a book…
I can’t wait to read the next book and I’m sure I will love it just as much. This was the first book I’d read from this author but absolutely won’t be the last even after this series I will be looking at her other series.
I do not regret it! I loved it just as much as before if not more. The characters I just loved and truly care about what happened so then and it still had me gripped reading it this time. I very rarely give 5* because I save that for the very very best or favourite of books imo and this book/series I just had to give the full 5* because I love it so much and think it’s just got a bit of everything that I love in a book…
I can’t wait to read the next book and I’m sure I will love it just as much. This was the first book I’d read from this author but absolutely won’t be the last even after this series I will be looking at her other series.
November 22, 2017
This book pulled me in from the very first page. Kelly Raven has lived a sad existence; growing up with her devoutly religious and cruel mother. Without giving much away, she ends up going on the run to London. I felt so much empathy towards this young girl and constantly spurred her on. In London, she is taken in by what becomes her 'new family'; all of whom are great characters. I laughed and cried. At almost five-hundred pages, this is longer than most books I read but by the end, I just wanted more. The next in the series is due out early 2018 but had it been available, I would have downloaded it straight away. I always read customer reviews on Amazon, both positive and negative. There were a couple of comments that it was a little far-fetched but I'd have to disagree. Living in a city and growing up on a council estate, I am all too aware that from the small dealer on the street, to the big men at the top, gangland is very real and this Author manages to convey that perfectly. This is definitely one of my favourites this year, absolutely loved it!
January 19, 2021
Gangster with a difference
Kelly Raven had what she thought was a tough start in life stuck with a cruel mother who tortured her and the only saving grace was her mum. One day after an awful turn of events Kelly runs away from home and she is found cold and wandering the streets by a man who takes her into his home he shares with his closet pals and she begins to thrive and for a couple of years she finally feels at home.
Then her past catches up with her and she ends up in prison and there she is attacked and she toughens up and meets another inmate who is her aunt from her father who left and was incarcerated. There Kelly learns more about her past and things take another turn and when she is released the story picks up at a pace. She is no longer an innocent child she is anything but....
Kelly Raven had what she thought was a tough start in life stuck with a cruel mother who tortured her and the only saving grace was her mum. One day after an awful turn of events Kelly runs away from home and she is found cold and wandering the streets by a man who takes her into his home he shares with his closet pals and she begins to thrive and for a couple of years she finally feels at home.
Then her past catches up with her and she ends up in prison and there she is attacked and she toughens up and meets another inmate who is her aunt from her father who left and was incarcerated. There Kelly learns more about her past and things take another turn and when she is released the story picks up at a pace. She is no longer an innocent child she is anything but....
February 5, 2025
Cruel secrets
Oh wow. This is the first book I've read by this either and it definitely will not be my last. I'm thrilled to see she has many many more books to be read and I will be working my way through them.. This book gripped me from the start. This poor child who had suffered at the hands of her cruel mother and had a villain as her father but the secrets that was to be uncovered just kept on coming. This book will grip you so much you can't stop turning the pages..The writing is very clever as the story goes on but uncovering more secrets and lies along the way but seeing how far this broken down bullied school girl comes makes an an exceptional gripping read, you will not be dissapointed
Oh wow. This is the first book I've read by this either and it definitely will not be my last. I'm thrilled to see she has many many more books to be read and I will be working my way through them.. This book gripped me from the start. This poor child who had suffered at the hands of her cruel mother and had a villain as her father but the secrets that was to be uncovered just kept on coming. This book will grip you so much you can't stop turning the pages..The writing is very clever as the story goes on but uncovering more secrets and lies along the way but seeing how far this broken down bullied school girl comes makes an an exceptional gripping read, you will not be dissapointed
December 18, 2017
Awesome !
Did not want to put this down from the moment I started reading. The characters are so up my street, gangster type books is mostly what I tend to read and this has topped them all !!! I fell in love with most of characters, especially Kelly, Keffa, Lippy, to name a few
apart from the obvious ! I just get so hooked to the point I actually feel I'm living it too ( crazy i know but that's what this author does to you ) so thrilled to know there is a sequel, just can't wait to read more from this brilliant author. Don't hesitate to buy, you will not be disappointed. Well done Kerry another cracker under your belt !
Did not want to put this down from the moment I started reading. The characters are so up my street, gangster type books is mostly what I tend to read and this has topped them all !!! I fell in love with most of characters, especially Kelly, Keffa, Lippy, to name a few
apart from the obvious ! I just get so hooked to the point I actually feel I'm living it too ( crazy i know but that's what this author does to you ) so thrilled to know there is a sequel, just can't wait to read more from this brilliant author. Don't hesitate to buy, you will not be disappointed. Well done Kerry another cracker under your belt !
August 8, 2019
just brilliant
I have read a few hundred books now but only two of kerry barnes after reading cruel secret I am wondering which one to read next with eager anticipation I have important things to do but I just want to choose a mother one of her books .They are so well put together I did get lost with all the names but that was a fault of mine .Kerry Barnes is a master of fiction so much so you could begin to believe it was real I love love love it. And near the end it was so funny in places I honestly cannot praise it enough please read it and enjoy believe me you will not want to put it down
I have read a few hundred books now but only two of kerry barnes after reading cruel secret I am wondering which one to read next with eager anticipation I have important things to do but I just want to choose a mother one of her books .They are so well put together I did get lost with all the names but that was a fault of mine .Kerry Barnes is a master of fiction so much so you could begin to believe it was real I love love love it. And near the end it was so funny in places I honestly cannot praise it enough please read it and enjoy believe me you will not want to put it down
October 16, 2019
Eeeeeekkkkkk Another Kerry Barnes Book, since I became aware of Kerry Barnes and read her first book I been been hooked, She is a brilliant author and so hard working.
This book follows the life of 15 year old Kelly Raven who runs away from home, and her controlling religious mum to the murky streets of London where she meets a stranger who offers her a place to crash for the night at his, staying with drug dealers,fraudster and a prostitute but the night to crash turns into an instant family for her. But after a stint in prison,her dad who she hasn’t seen since the age of 4, who she once idolised, finds her out and she has something that he wants and will go to any lengths to get!
This book follows the life of 15 year old Kelly Raven who runs away from home, and her controlling religious mum to the murky streets of London where she meets a stranger who offers her a place to crash for the night at his, staying with drug dealers,fraudster and a prostitute but the night to crash turns into an instant family for her. But after a stint in prison,her dad who she hasn’t seen since the age of 4, who she once idolised, finds her out and she has something that he wants and will go to any lengths to get!
August 10, 2020
Wow I loved this book! It certainly evokes a lot of emotions fear pity hatred sorrow jealousy averice lust the list is endless! I personally hated Eddie Raven what a nasty piece of work. I can’t say his awful sister Toni was much better! Maureeen the mam she doesn’t deserve that title of mam. Filthy Uncle Patrick he got what he deserved the sick pervert. I will try not to spoil it ! Poor Kelly finds herself on the run and thankfully runs into her savior Rudy. There are some wonderful characters in this book and I was 100% committed to it ! It has certainly left me downloading the next books .
December 15, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up for entertainment to the max!
This is such a great holiday read. It's a London gangster rags-to-riches story featuring a young girl who endures a cruel and bleak childhood to be forced to run away as a teenager and face life on the the streets... or in prison.
Excellent story-telling... it's more of a fairy tale (but with modern day bad people) than anything else and although there is violence and misery, there is also love, friendship and hope.
It's a bit superficial but still a great story 😍
This is such a great holiday read. It's a London gangster rags-to-riches story featuring a young girl who endures a cruel and bleak childhood to be forced to run away as a teenager and face life on the the streets... or in prison.
Excellent story-telling... it's more of a fairy tale (but with modern day bad people) than anything else and although there is violence and misery, there is also love, friendship and hope.
It's a bit superficial but still a great story 😍
November 25, 2017
Kelly Barnes is back .
Cruel Secrets must be the best book for 2017 .
I love the way that Kelly puts her characters together I actually feel that I am inside the book playing the characters myself . Brilliant read and looking forward to her next novel . I would recommend this book to all the people who like Kelly also if you haven't read any of her novels then try and you will not be disappointed .
Cruel Secrets must be the best book for 2017 .
I love the way that Kelly puts her characters together I actually feel that I am inside the book playing the characters myself . Brilliant read and looking forward to her next novel . I would recommend this book to all the people who like Kelly also if you haven't read any of her novels then try and you will not be disappointed .
January 24, 2018
What a fantastic book i loved it To grow up denied the love of her mother kelly raven is a loner even school pals take the micky but soon things change.When kelly runs away scared for her life she has no where to go but soon meets Rudy who takes a shine to her.over time all those who live at Rudy's come to care for kelly like family.Soon things change and kelly needs help.i can highly recomend this book and can't wait for the next one.
May 6, 2018
Brilliant
First time reading this author's work and oh my it definitely won't be the last, I found I just couldn't put it down. The characters especially Kelly, were brilliant. Going on her journey with her from start t art to finish was nail biting to say the least. Would I recommend this book, without a doubt. This was definitely my cup of tea and I loved it, if I could have given it more than 5 stars I would have.
First time reading this author's work and oh my it definitely won't be the last, I found I just couldn't put it down. The characters especially Kelly, were brilliant. Going on her journey with her from start t art to finish was nail biting to say the least. Would I recommend this book, without a doubt. This was definitely my cup of tea and I loved it, if I could have given it more than 5 stars I would have.
August 8, 2018
This book started off good. I thought great, I will enjoy this. She runs away to London, and it goes down hill from there. I lived in London around the time this book is set in. There is no way you would meet a 'good Samaratian' in a late night cafe that would buy you a meal, take you home, and look after you like his own daughter. Perhaps some people can let things like this pass by. I cannot it has to be factual as in the real world, even when the story is fiction.
May 31, 2019
Where do I start. I found the writing juvenile at best and there were so many contradictions throughout the story that the whole thing just became completely farcical. The writer was so hellbent on cramming as many mini stories as possible into one book that the whole thing lacks authenticity and conviction. The characters are akin to poor stereotypes from a Guy Ritchie film and don't get me started on the "accents" portrayed particularly by "Bluey" *cringe* herself!
December 4, 2019
Incredible
I read this book when it first came out, but wanted to read it again to recap before I read Ugly Truth (third book in series). It was even better the second time around! I finished it in less than two days, reading into the night and even whilst eating, I couldn't put it down. I'm going to read Wicked Lies (second book in series) again now. Really recommend this author 100% 😀
I read this book when it first came out, but wanted to read it again to recap before I read Ugly Truth (third book in series). It was even better the second time around! I finished it in less than two days, reading into the night and even whilst eating, I couldn't put it down. I'm going to read Wicked Lies (second book in series) again now. Really recommend this author 100% 😀
September 13, 2020
Great gangland story
I thought this was a really good story, a young miss treated girl discovering her beginnings in a background of criminal violence. Plenty of action and interesting characters which is why i persevered to the end. I did find the writing at times, difficult to follow. The style was inconsistent and i was not drawn into the story, it felt more like reading a young persons diary with naive use of language and grammar. It was however, a really good story line
I thought this was a really good story, a young miss treated girl discovering her beginnings in a background of criminal violence. Plenty of action and interesting characters which is why i persevered to the end. I did find the writing at times, difficult to follow. The style was inconsistent and i was not drawn into the story, it felt more like reading a young persons diary with naive use of language and grammar. It was however, a really good story line
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews