The Retribution

While I am a fan, particularly of the dr.hill/carol jordan series, I was dismayed with the rehashed plot line from a previous book (wire in the blood) and a completely uninteresting secondary plot that seemed as filler more than anything else. In the last few Tony Hill and Carol Jordan novels the author seemed to finally allow them to acheive some peace. They are wonderful characters. Here instead the characters act inconsistent with their growth. The novel turns on a "mistake" neither character would make. Thus, the premise of the book fails as soon as this "mistake" happens. Scenes are disjointed and the book ends quite suddenly with no surprises.

The Retribution is the 7th book in the Tony Hill/Carol Jordan series, and to my mind is one of the best. Other reviewers have lamented the "rehashed plot," bringing back Jacko Vance, a truly diabolical killer from "Wire in the Blood," the second book in the series. If you have not yet read "Wire In the Blood," I suggest you do so before reading this book. It's not that you can't follow the plot or enjoy The Retribution without knowing Wire In the Blood. It's just that you will more fully experience the horror, tension and suspense if you have already read the first book with Jacko Vance as villain.

As can be expected, Jacko's revenge on the people "responsible" for ruining his life by putting him in jail or for other perceived wrongs is cruel and often indirect, inflicted on the people closest to the people at whom his revenge is aimed. As a result of that indirect revenge, and the means used to accomplish it, I found this book to be intense, full of suspense, often frightening, and very emotional.

The vengeance wreaked by Vance creates situations which damage the Hill/Jordan relationship even further than before, and other suffer needlessly. Some people have found the ending quite sad. However, given the fact that another book in this series is scheduled to come out this fall, I believe that the ending is not nearly as permanent as it seems.

I look forward to reading more of this series.

I am a fan of Val McDermid, and especially the Tony Hill, Carol Jordan works. This is one of her best, continuing the story of Tony, Carol and her team in Bradford.

Tony makes one of the worst mistakes of his life!

Wonderful mastery of the characters.

Not your average serial killer, take a friend to see it with you.

I like to follow series. This is probably the most consistent in quality story to story. Thus far not a dud in the lot. I gave this one a 4 but for me the ending was not the best. I highly recommend this series for extended reading.

The audio is great because the narrator draws the listener in to the plot!

There is no other writer that can compare to Val McDermid.

He is gritty. Gerard Doyle is able to use many accents and inflections.

YES!!! I immediately wanted the next book.

Jacko Vance is the most evil creature! As a serial torturer and killer of young women he went undetected for years. Once in prison, he enjoys planning his revenge for the people responsible for his capture and conviction. Murder, disfigurement, and emotional pain are all dished out to his targets. He is truly diabolical.

In another episode with complicated personal and professional relationships, a new serial killer, and the mayhem accompanying Jacko's escape from prison, Tony Hill and Carol Jordan juggle it all. I think this is the best so far in the series.

Having read some of the prior episodes would add depth to much of the emotional pain in The Retribution, but I think it can stand alone as a worthwhile read.

I can't say much more without creating a big spoiler, but I was really sad when the story ended.

Gerard Doyle, as always, does an excellent job of narrating.

Sure, its a bit gory in places, fairly predictable and totally unbelievable - especially the "escape" from prison - which was totally ridiculous.

Yes

Yes , just as good

No, thank goodness

A follow on thriller which really was a bit sensational and unbelievable.

The narrator was excellent

Not really, I prefer to sip rather than quaff books, but that is a personal preference.

I liked the plot, enjoyed going back to revisit an earlier episode and found the majority of the book enjoyable. It is a measure of how engrossing the characters are when you start thinking that they need shaking and some strong advice next time you see them, until you remember this is fiction. I did, however find the ending somewhat truncated and unsatisfcatory. No point in revealing it but it was a bit predictable. Still very enjoyable on the whole though.