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Ruthless #1
Ruthless
1964 - London Dolly Vincent is born to an East End gangster but is sent away for her own protection. Mad Mick is hell bent on his revenge and will stop at nothing to kill her. Estranged from her family, she becomes a successful barrister, but after defending a young Italian man she finds herself caught up in a secret held by a high court judge. Tortured and left for dead she flees London and heads to New York. Only the Vincents know where she is, but even they don't know the truth. 1990 Francesca is back to face her demons but this time she is not alone. One woman three names
- GenresCrime
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2016
227 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
August 7, 2016
Looks like there is a new gang land author in town........This story is definitely Ruthless I absolutely freaking loved it. Kerry Barnes is certainly an author to look out for and for me has hit my favorite author list that's how much I loved this book!
Ruthless starts off in 1998 where we are meet Mary and husband Bill then we are taken back in time to 1963 where we learn how Mary and Bill met with one action packed scene, I have to say. After having three sons Mary finally has a baby girl....Dolly Vincent is born but is sent away for her own protection. Mad Mick is hell bent on his revenge and will stop at nothing to kill her. Estranged from her family she becomes a barrister, but finds herself caught up in a secret by the high court after defending a young Italian man. After being tortured and left for dead she flees London and goes to New York. OMG what a journey it is......One women three names!
I was hooked from start to end the author certainly knows how to keep the reader engaged with this truly gritty story. And like all Gangland story's there are characters you love and hate but this is what makes the story so gripping. Totally willing Francesca along. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next.
This is one hell of a page turner with plenty of action and nail biting scenes. I also found myself laughing and crying.......yes crying! you might need a couple of tissues at hand. Seriously this book has it all.Fans of Martina Cole, Kimberly Chambers and Mandasue Heller will simply love this story.
I highly recommend it, giving 5 massive stars. I seriously cannot wait to read Kerry's next book.
Thank you to Kerry Barnes for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Ruthless starts off in 1998 where we are meet Mary and husband Bill then we are taken back in time to 1963 where we learn how Mary and Bill met with one action packed scene, I have to say. After having three sons Mary finally has a baby girl....Dolly Vincent is born but is sent away for her own protection. Mad Mick is hell bent on his revenge and will stop at nothing to kill her. Estranged from her family she becomes a barrister, but finds herself caught up in a secret by the high court after defending a young Italian man. After being tortured and left for dead she flees London and goes to New York. OMG what a journey it is......One women three names!
I was hooked from start to end the author certainly knows how to keep the reader engaged with this truly gritty story. And like all Gangland story's there are characters you love and hate but this is what makes the story so gripping. Totally willing Francesca along. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next.
This is one hell of a page turner with plenty of action and nail biting scenes. I also found myself laughing and crying.......yes crying! you might need a couple of tissues at hand. Seriously this book has it all.Fans of Martina Cole, Kimberly Chambers and Mandasue Heller will simply love this story.
I highly recommend it, giving 5 massive stars. I seriously cannot wait to read Kerry's next book.
Thank you to Kerry Barnes for a copy in exchange for an honest review
June 2, 2017
So my good friend Deryl has told me for I don't know how long that I really need to read Kerry Barnes. Deryl knows what I like and I am, like many others, fans of authors such as Kimberley Chambers, Dreda Say-MItchell, Mandasue Heller, Jessie Keane...you get the picture. As always my ridiculous commitments I make mean my to read list is always growing and things I want to read get lost in the millions of others I want to read. I finally put my foot down and decided to give this a go. I am SO glad that I did. Now first off, Kerry Barnes is not like those authors I mentioned...she is Kerry Barnes! Yep she certainly knows how to write a cracking gangland style book, and yes I have no doubt if you like the authors I mentioned this style of book will be right up your street.
To my knowledge, I believe this was Kerry's début novel. It's the first in a trilogy of books however they can be read as stand alone books. I like to read in order and so started with this and what a début! It it perfect? No, but it's not far off it that's for sure. A few minor points grated but considering this was a debut novel I am literally chomping at the bit to read the next book, but that will have to wait while I work through some others I have to read for specific dates (damn it!).
This book is rather extraordinary because it's a pretty standard length book at 350 pages yet it feels like there is so much packed in. This story takes us from the East End to New York and features the local East End gangs to the Mafia. Dolly Vincent is the character that brings it all together. Her Mum and Dad Mary and Bill have all boys until Dolly comes along, and she is literally the centre of their world. When Dolly's life is at risk she's sent away and we see her life literally played out before us.
The characters Kerry Barnes has created are nothing short of spectacular, and VERY memorable. I remember loathing Charles, falling in love with Roberto and so on (you get the picture). Dolly is an outstanding woman whose strength both mentally and physically is challenged as we see her grow from a girl to a woman. There were a few minor niggles where reality was stretched a wee bit far, but nothing that deterred me from reading and I really didn't want to put the book down.
The ending of book one when it came was absolutely brilliant and I wanted to race on to book 2 but had to stop myself. I have a feeling that Kerry Barnes if she keeps this up will soon become a better known name than she is now and I certainly hope she does, if this first book is anything to go by. I was over the moon to see that the third book in this trilogy has now been released and so the next 2 are lined up nicely foir me to continue. Hugely recommended and a thoroughly stonking good read!
To my knowledge, I believe this was Kerry's début novel. It's the first in a trilogy of books however they can be read as stand alone books. I like to read in order and so started with this and what a début! It it perfect? No, but it's not far off it that's for sure. A few minor points grated but considering this was a debut novel I am literally chomping at the bit to read the next book, but that will have to wait while I work through some others I have to read for specific dates (damn it!).
This book is rather extraordinary because it's a pretty standard length book at 350 pages yet it feels like there is so much packed in. This story takes us from the East End to New York and features the local East End gangs to the Mafia. Dolly Vincent is the character that brings it all together. Her Mum and Dad Mary and Bill have all boys until Dolly comes along, and she is literally the centre of their world. When Dolly's life is at risk she's sent away and we see her life literally played out before us.
The characters Kerry Barnes has created are nothing short of spectacular, and VERY memorable. I remember loathing Charles, falling in love with Roberto and so on (you get the picture). Dolly is an outstanding woman whose strength both mentally and physically is challenged as we see her grow from a girl to a woman. There were a few minor niggles where reality was stretched a wee bit far, but nothing that deterred me from reading and I really didn't want to put the book down.
The ending of book one when it came was absolutely brilliant and I wanted to race on to book 2 but had to stop myself. I have a feeling that Kerry Barnes if she keeps this up will soon become a better known name than she is now and I certainly hope she does, if this first book is anything to go by. I was over the moon to see that the third book in this trilogy has now been released and so the next 2 are lined up nicely foir me to continue. Hugely recommended and a thoroughly stonking good read!
June 20, 2017
I enjoyed this book immensely. Dolly the only daughter of Mary & Bill Vincent gets sent to live with her aunt as another gangster Mad Mick vows revenge on The Vincent's . Dolly's life with her aunt transforms her life in many ways & dolly herself comes back into her old life in East end with revenge on her mind
This story takes you on Dolly's journey to Italy with the Mafiosi . About love . Revenge & greed . If you like Martina Cole you'll love this book
I give this book 4 stars
This story takes you on Dolly's journey to Italy with the Mafiosi . About love . Revenge & greed . If you like Martina Cole you'll love this book
I give this book 4 stars
September 10, 2024
I only recently discovered Kerry Barnes, and I think I mentioned once or twice that I love Kimberley chambers, and, if she’s the queen of the gangland crime, Barnes is certainly the princess.
For a fairly short book it’s completely jam packed with story and characters. A bit ott but I’m here for it! Loved it, and the next 2 in the series have gone straight onto the wish list. The narration by the fantastic Annie Aldington is perfection! I loved it!
Currently included with audible 🎧
For a fairly short book it’s completely jam packed with story and characters. A bit ott but I’m here for it! Loved it, and the next 2 in the series have gone straight onto the wish list. The narration by the fantastic Annie Aldington is perfection! I loved it!
Currently included with audible 🎧
April 26, 2018
Mary meet Bill in 1963 and married after a world wind romace. Mary gave Bill three strapping boys during there marriage. So when Mary gave birth to twins and one was a daughter they had always dreamed about. Dolly is then sent away for her own protection from a horrible bloke. Who is hell bent on revenge on Bill and what better way than Bill's beautiful princess Dolly.
After being away from her estranged family most ofher life she has made a career in a barrister.
Little did she know that she would be caught up in a secret defending someone and then being tormented and left to die in the sea. So when she was rescued she flee's to London to recover then she went of to New York.
After starting so many books after reading The escape by C.L Taylor I found that I had lost my reading mojo. So when someone in Crime Book club mentioned about trying a Kerry Barnes book I went onto amazon to find one and the blurb on this book sounded good and right up my street and to my surprise I had got this book on kindle ready and waiting for me to start.
I wasnt expecting it to grab me from the beginning of the book. I was that engrossed in the book I lost track of the time and I was that eager to find out what the outcome of the things happening I was sad when the book was coming to an end but the lovely kerry has told me about the second book in the series Ruby's palace which I will be reading myself. I absolutely enjoyed this book and it gived me my reading mojo back and I have Kerry to thank for that and her brilliant writing skills
After being away from her estranged family most ofher life she has made a career in a barrister.
Little did she know that she would be caught up in a secret defending someone and then being tormented and left to die in the sea. So when she was rescued she flee's to London to recover then she went of to New York.
After starting so many books after reading The escape by C.L Taylor I found that I had lost my reading mojo. So when someone in Crime Book club mentioned about trying a Kerry Barnes book I went onto amazon to find one and the blurb on this book sounded good and right up my street and to my surprise I had got this book on kindle ready and waiting for me to start.
I wasnt expecting it to grab me from the beginning of the book. I was that engrossed in the book I lost track of the time and I was that eager to find out what the outcome of the things happening I was sad when the book was coming to an end but the lovely kerry has told me about the second book in the series Ruby's palace which I will be reading myself. I absolutely enjoyed this book and it gived me my reading mojo back and I have Kerry to thank for that and her brilliant writing skills
March 24, 2016
Awesome !
Wow what a corker of a story ! I just could not put this one down, I was pulled in right from the beginning and clued ! Loved all of the main characters apart from the obvious ! Francesca ( aka Dolly/ Launa ) certainly goes through some tough situations which ultimately makes her become the ruthless women she needs to be ! Loved the Vincent's tight knit family and the bond they share together. I don't like giving too much away in reviews but if you like a good east end gangster / mafia read of the likes of Martina Cole, Kim Hunter or Jessie Keane then don't hesitate to buy this book, you so won't be disappointed, I feel Kerry barnes has upped the game with this book and I definitely can't wait for her next one to come out ! Good job Kerry excellent read
Wow what a corker of a story ! I just could not put this one down, I was pulled in right from the beginning and clued ! Loved all of the main characters apart from the obvious ! Francesca ( aka Dolly/ Launa ) certainly goes through some tough situations which ultimately makes her become the ruthless women she needs to be ! Loved the Vincent's tight knit family and the bond they share together. I don't like giving too much away in reviews but if you like a good east end gangster / mafia read of the likes of Martina Cole, Kim Hunter or Jessie Keane then don't hesitate to buy this book, you so won't be disappointed, I feel Kerry barnes has upped the game with this book and I definitely can't wait for her next one to come out ! Good job Kerry excellent read
May 10, 2018
What an explosive book this is!!! The story is set in the East End of London in the beginning,where Bill Vincent runs his business. Things take a turn for the worse when some shady characters start threatening his young family and in particular his young daughter Dolly.
The book expands around the lonely life that Dolly has to lead away from her loved ones and with another family member bringing her up to become a highly intelligent lawyer. I was enthralled with the way the book incorporated all the characters both in England and the USA.
I can highly recommend this author to other readers who enjoy a great thriller.
The book expands around the lonely life that Dolly has to lead away from her loved ones and with another family member bringing her up to become a highly intelligent lawyer. I was enthralled with the way the book incorporated all the characters both in England and the USA.
I can highly recommend this author to other readers who enjoy a great thriller.
January 13, 2018
What a brilliant start to a trilogy!! As a huge fan of Kimberley Chambers, Martina Cole and Mandasue Heller I was over the moon to find an author as good which I’d not read any of her books. I enjoyed the book immensely, the characters are well developed and 3 dimensional. An emotional read, with lots of violence. I was hooked from start to finish!! Well done Kerry!
May 5, 2016
absolutely enjoyed this book highly recommend and i hope to read more of you Kerry barnes
absolutely brilliant from start to end highly recommend hope there more books to be published kerry barnes as you gonna be on my authors list
absolutely brilliant from start to end highly recommend hope there more books to be published kerry barnes as you gonna be on my authors list
September 19, 2016
A real rollercoaster of emotions in a story of such hardship that all comes good. Some really special characters including the main one Dolly but especially loved the wolf she tames.
This would be a brilliant film too.
This would be a brilliant film too.
March 18, 2016
Brilliant read !!!
Absolutely loved this book from beginning to end literally could not sleep until had finished .definitely recommend ! ! !
Absolutely loved this book from beginning to end literally could not sleep until had finished .definitely recommend ! ! !
October 16, 2017
Fantastic set of characters that are definitely Ruthless
May 26, 2017
I am a long time fan of Gangland crime fiction and grew up devouring Martina Cole's books before veering off to the psychological thriller end of the market. So it has been a long time since I've read much of this genre.
Ruthless explores the life of Dolly Vincent and her family. Dolly was sent away to live with her aunt as a young child for her own protection when her gangland father gets caught up in a feud with local hard man Mad Mick. Her life takes a very different path from that of her East End childhood but despite her success, it is clear that there is something within Dolly's make up that connects her to a life of violence and crime. This is a hard-hitting and ruthless journey from London's East End to the Mafia of New York in the 1990s.
What a cast of characters and plot twists throughout - I loved Dolly/Francesca and was whooping her on as she sought her own form of revenge on those who done her wrong! She is one hell of a kick ass feisty woman and you would not want to be getting on the wrong side of her! Some of the characters I found a little weak and somewhat stereotyped but this was overshadowed by a gripping and fast-moving plot!
There were a couple of things that I found stretched the realms of credibility (the wolf as a pet and the social workers simply allowing Ruby to be handed over to Dolly without any check as to who she was and her relationship with them) However, in this genre this appears to be commonplace and again it did not detract from my enjoyment of the book.
Ruthless explores the themes of revenge, love and greed and oh my what a tangled plot is weaved; I found myself completely engrossed in the lives of Dolly and her family; I cried at the abuse and cheered as she transformed herself into a woman most formidable! Kerry Barnes has certainly proved that she knows how to tell a good story, a compelling read that will keep you turning the pages until way past your bedtime!
Ruthless explores the life of Dolly Vincent and her family. Dolly was sent away to live with her aunt as a young child for her own protection when her gangland father gets caught up in a feud with local hard man Mad Mick. Her life takes a very different path from that of her East End childhood but despite her success, it is clear that there is something within Dolly's make up that connects her to a life of violence and crime. This is a hard-hitting and ruthless journey from London's East End to the Mafia of New York in the 1990s.
What a cast of characters and plot twists throughout - I loved Dolly/Francesca and was whooping her on as she sought her own form of revenge on those who done her wrong! She is one hell of a kick ass feisty woman and you would not want to be getting on the wrong side of her! Some of the characters I found a little weak and somewhat stereotyped but this was overshadowed by a gripping and fast-moving plot!
There were a couple of things that I found stretched the realms of credibility (the wolf as a pet and the social workers simply allowing Ruby to be handed over to Dolly without any check as to who she was and her relationship with them) However, in this genre this appears to be commonplace and again it did not detract from my enjoyment of the book.
Ruthless explores the themes of revenge, love and greed and oh my what a tangled plot is weaved; I found myself completely engrossed in the lives of Dolly and her family; I cried at the abuse and cheered as she transformed herself into a woman most formidable! Kerry Barnes has certainly proved that she knows how to tell a good story, a compelling read that will keep you turning the pages until way past your bedtime!
September 22, 2024
Audio version of this book 📕- Fantastic as always !!
July 1, 2020
A bit disappointed with this one.
I expected a gritty East-End gangster tale with brutality and bodies galore. What I got was a little bit of that wrapped in a long drawn-out family drama, crossing the Atlantic to bring in the American-Italian mob and some pretty unbelievable coincidences. Added to this a MC who had several such vastly different personalities through the years that it couldn't possibly have been the same person - people just don't change THAT much.
As a saga of a woman's trials and tribulations and determination to not just overcome them but claim vengeance against those who wronged her, it's not bad. It just does not live up to the promises made in the cover notes, and it's dragged out over too long a period with far too much nothing for big parts of it. Oh, and the vengeance, when it comes, is pretty anti-climatic too.
An okay book, definitely not a great one, and only a good one in parts.
I expected a gritty East-End gangster tale with brutality and bodies galore. What I got was a little bit of that wrapped in a long drawn-out family drama, crossing the Atlantic to bring in the American-Italian mob and some pretty unbelievable coincidences. Added to this a MC who had several such vastly different personalities through the years that it couldn't possibly have been the same person - people just don't change THAT much.
As a saga of a woman's trials and tribulations and determination to not just overcome them but claim vengeance against those who wronged her, it's not bad. It just does not live up to the promises made in the cover notes, and it's dragged out over too long a period with far too much nothing for big parts of it. Oh, and the vengeance, when it comes, is pretty anti-climatic too.
An okay book, definitely not a great one, and only a good one in parts.
February 18, 2021
This was a brilliant read and very hard to put down.
I love the way Kerry manages complex family relationships and explores the dark side of that - revenge, sacrifice, love.
I love the way Kerry manages complex family relationships and explores the dark side of that - revenge, sacrifice, love.
September 6, 2020
Very gripping!
My first book by Kerry Barnes, it certainly won't be the last. The narrator was perfect, loved her accents. Loved it
My first book by Kerry Barnes, it certainly won't be the last. The narrator was perfect, loved her accents. Loved it
May 11, 2018
A Fantastic read
Oh my where do I start, this was a brilliant read full of edge of the seat moments and so hard to put down. The Vincent family are from the east end and quite a typical family of that time. Mum Mary and Dad Bill had 3 sons then Mary had twins another boy and a beautiful baby girl her family was complete. A feud between their family and another east end family kicked off and life was never the same again for any of them. This book has me laughing and I even had tears a couple of times too. Putting it down was definitely a struggle, I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Loved it
Oh my where do I start, this was a brilliant read full of edge of the seat moments and so hard to put down. The Vincent family are from the east end and quite a typical family of that time. Mum Mary and Dad Bill had 3 sons then Mary had twins another boy and a beautiful baby girl her family was complete. A feud between their family and another east end family kicked off and life was never the same again for any of them. This book has me laughing and I even had tears a couple of times too. Putting it down was definitely a struggle, I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Loved it
July 15, 2018
Honest to God, that was absolutely, BLOODY FANTASTIC!!!
Can't even tell you how happy I am to have found another author like Martina Cole, Jessie Keane and Kimberley Chambers...if you're also a huge fan of the genre, then you'll know the authors I mean.
And the cherry on this awesome cake?... KB has only gone and gotten Annie Aldington narrating her books - it just doesn't get any better than that!! AA, as always, brought flawless, perfect, breathtaking narration to the story. She's PHENOMENAL, without question the best in the business.
The combination of her excellence and KB's terrific writing made for a gripping story.
Can't even tell you how happy I am to have found another author like Martina Cole, Jessie Keane and Kimberley Chambers...if you're also a huge fan of the genre, then you'll know the authors I mean.
And the cherry on this awesome cake?... KB has only gone and gotten Annie Aldington narrating her books - it just doesn't get any better than that!! AA, as always, brought flawless, perfect, breathtaking narration to the story. She's PHENOMENAL, without question the best in the business.
The combination of her excellence and KB's terrific writing made for a gripping story.
October 9, 2017
I purchased this book purely on the recommendations of fellow readers in Facebook book groups. As a fan of some true Queens of crime such as Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller this book had a lot to live up to. I was in no way disappointed. This book hooked me in from the beginning and is truly unputdownable. The plot is fantastic and gripping and I cannot explain just how much I enjoyed reading this book. Kerry Barnes easily sits up there with the best and I am really pleased that I have purchased books two and three in the series.
November 9, 2018
Bring on book 2
This is the first book I've read by this author, having read the other reviews I felt I had to give it a go. It seemed to take forever to read as I usually finish a book in two days. Having said that, it really is a page turner and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is good and well written, I really like the authors writing style. This is the first book in this series and I'm going to download the second straight away.
This is the first book I've read by this author, having read the other reviews I felt I had to give it a go. It seemed to take forever to read as I usually finish a book in two days. Having said that, it really is a page turner and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is good and well written, I really like the authors writing style. This is the first book in this series and I'm going to download the second straight away.
August 15, 2017
Ohmygod! What can I say? This book has everything you need in a bloody good book. If you are a fan of Martina Cole or Kimberley Chambers you will LOVE this book. I couldn't put it down and spent a few nights reading into the early hours, just one more page! I will be adding Kerry Barnes to my list of authors that I collect. Off to by the next one now.....
February 2, 2019
addictive page turner
This author was recommended by a work colleague and i have not been disappointed.
An addictive read , with many a late night getting deeper and deeper into this great story about "Dolly"...all I can say is im definitely going to download the next book by this author, you have got to read Ruthless hence the 5stars .
This author was recommended by a work colleague and i have not been disappointed.
An addictive read , with many a late night getting deeper and deeper into this great story about "Dolly"...all I can say is im definitely going to download the next book by this author, you have got to read Ruthless hence the 5stars .
August 3, 2017
I loved this book so much that whilst reading I also purchased Kerry Barnes other books to. It's hard to put down but you've really got to read all three in order to see how the story line and characters pan out. It was well worth it
April 4, 2016
enjoyed every bit of this book by this new author looking forward to more
July 13, 2017
A really good read a little over the top in places but a good book all in all! So much happens in this book that it was hard to put down!
Martina Cole fans will enjoy Kerry's work.
Martina Cole fans will enjoy Kerry's work.
December 6, 2017
Highly recommended
Fantastic book enjoyed the Vincent family and the strength of dolly can't wait for the next one in the series
Fantastic book enjoyed the Vincent family and the strength of dolly can't wait for the next one in the series
November 20, 2017
Really enjoyed reading this book .. first time I’ve read anything written by Kerry Barnes .. looking forward to reading some more of her books
March 18, 2018
Ruthless, exciting read by Kerry barnes
Ruthless, what a brilliant read i found it hard to put down, it was also easy to read, would read more like this.
Ruthless, what a brilliant read i found it hard to put down, it was also easy to read, would read more like this.
July 4, 2018
Riveting read
Really good book hard to put down once got into the story now want to read next boo I Ruby
Really good book hard to put down once got into the story now want to read next boo I Ruby
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