Deceit by Kerry Barnes, oh wow what an amazing, heart racing, fabulous contemporary psychological thriller. Once I picked it up, I could not put it down.
The novel breaks down long held preconceptions as we enter the world of a women's psyche and see inside the prison walls - both literal and psychological. The walls we build in our mind are as much a barrier as actual brick walls. Life deals us a certain hand, what we do with it is up to us but we must remember "actions have consequences." No matter how much "I wish I could turn the clock back," we cannot.
The novel is about truth and lies. "Plotting the next lie." It is up to the reader to work out the fact from the fiction. The problem with lies, is the more we tell, the deeper we go until even we find it hard to distinguish the truth.
There is the "power of knowledge." An education informs but knowledge can be "good and bad... [it] can heal and can kill." It is up to us to behave morally and conscientiously.
Class prejudices and misconceptions are broken down. There is a wonderful unity and camaraderie of the women in the novel. Those who have it all, seem to keep it all. Those who have nothing, are generous with the little they have. "When you have [nothing]... you tend to share what you have."
Envy is a dangerous thing. Envy is not a good motivator. Beware of wanting to walk in another's shoes, the walk is not always as rosy as you think. We all hide secrets.
A word of caution - there is a lot of bad language in this novel but it does add to the realism. The characters would not be speaking the Queen's English. Their manner of speech merely serves to produce characters in glorious 3D.
I absolutely loved Deceit. I thought the plotline was cleverly constructed. The ending was brilliant, very cleverly conceived by Kerry Barnes. I loved the characters - tough, rough and ready, strong women with mouths like sewers but with hearts of pure gold.
Deceit would make a fabulous ITV drama - producers out there please take note. I can picture Joanne Froggatt in the leading role.
Absolutely fantastic. I will be reading more by Kerry Barnes.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Deceit was an outstanding, totally addictive read, straight away I was drawn in by the characters especially by Kara, how the story unfolded, it was just amazing with twists and that kept me gripped throughout, I just absolutely love Kerry Barnes.

Kara and Justin have a beautiful home, good jobs and are very happy together. Things suddenly slip away for Kara and following one desperate action she is sent to prison on remand, awaiting trial. The story that follows is gripping and totally absorbed me. There are plenty of plot twists and those in the latter part of the book literally took my breath away. There are so many elements to this book and the way that the plot entwines is so cleverly written. I didn’t hesitate in giving this book an easily deserved five stars.

Really enjoyed this latest novel from kerry barnes, read it in a day. Totally different to her usual stuff, not a nightclub in sight!
Still full of all the usual tension and a twist you definitely won't see coming at the end.