World-class crime writer Val McDermid has sold millions of copies of her books worldwide. In The Retribution, clinical psychologist Tony Hill and detective Carol Jordan face a terrifying reality: serial killer Jacko Vance has escaped imprisonment-and appears hellbent on revenge against those who put him behind bars. "Be very afraid as you meet a truly inventive serial killer. Val McDermid's 25th novel is stunningly good."-Times (UK)
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"I'm not really a thriller reader, and Val McDermid's writing is always pretty graphic in its detail of the victims which is usually a turn-off for me. But the whole Wire in the Blood series has absolutely enthralled me, primarily because of the lead characters of Tony Hill and Carol Jordan, and I have to say that I thought this one was the best yet. There are two story lines - a serial prostitute killer in Bradfield and the planned revenge of Jacko Vance on all who brought him to justice. Both, especially the latter, are gripping. But the real strength of this book is in the characterisation - not just Tony and Carol, or Jacko Vance, but all the supporting cast of police and family all of whom are fully rounded and wholly real. The sense of dread throughout the book is palpable - it makes you ache - and the additional exploration of Tony and Carol's backgrounds and relationship only add to it. I've mentioned before the rarity of finding a book that you just can't bear to put down and carry everywhere in the hope of fitting in just another few minutes reading - this is one of those books. A wonderful piece of writing, and Val McDermid deserves every accolade heaped upon her - and what an ending!My thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this one on my Kindle ahead of publication."
— Annie (5 out of 5 stars)
“Val McDermid’s twenty-fifth novel is stunningly good, but it comes with a health warning. Not in the sense of too many detailed descriptions of violence or post mortem examinations, but in what she does in entering the mind of a wholly evil, exceptionally inventive serial killer of teenage girls…Vance is a character in the exaggerated mold of the likes of Hannibal Lector and Lisbeth Salander, and his tussle with Hill and Jordan achieves grotesque, frightening proportions.”
— Times (London)“A gripping and well-written crime thriller. If you’ve been following McDermid’s Hill/Jordon series, this new addition won’t disappoint you. And if, like me, you’re new to Val McDermid’s work, The Retribution is a good introduction.”
— Philadelphia Enquirer“One of McDermid’s strongest efforts.”
— Publishers Weekly“For those who like script-like prose with shock after shock…McDermid is perfect.”
— Booklist" As a follower of the "Wire in the Blood" BBC series this was a good sequel. "
— Kevin, 2/16/2014" A real page-turner! I could not put it down and didn't get much else done all day. The ending is a little sad and unsatisfying as far as the main protagonists are concerned, but maybe that leaves room for more development in the next book. "
— Kate, 2/13/2014" Tony Hill, Carol Jordan and her team investigate a serial killer of sex workers while trying to capture escaped prisoner Jacko Vance - a serial killer of teenage girls they jailed years ago. He's out for revenge. "
— Ruth, 2/5/2014" This is a great suspense book. You can put yourself into the minds of the characters. It's a little difficult to always relate to the British terms, but that can be expected when reading a book that's primary audience and writer are not from your own. Good book. "
— Jesse, 1/24/2014" As always, McDermid delivers a good vacation read. I was a bit disappointed in the ending - while I could see it coming, I hoped for a different presentation - but overall I enjoyed it. "
— Melanie, 1/21/2014" 3 1/2 stars. I've read all of the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan books. I've been expecting to see Jacko Vance since his Wire in the Blood days. I knew we hadnt seen the last of him, but was surprised it took so long for him to appear again. I finally understand why Tony has been in love with Carol Jordan, because she is just like his mother. She is now much different from prior books and she is now just a mean and cruel drunk. I'm getting a little tired of all of Tony's groveling for Carol. Their relationship is now like a sickness that I want them both to be cured of. Whereas before it was intriguing and interesting and fun to read about. Now hopefully they will both just go there separate ways. "
— Gail, 1/21/2014" Wow! Return of Jacko Vance (my favorite perp of the series) but a bit disappointed in the ending. "
— Leslie, 1/19/2014" This is the sixth in the Tony Hill series by the amazing Val McDermid. Awesome writing, characters that earn their way into your hearts, and a plot and pace that keeps building. This is what mystery writing is supposed to be. Thank you, Val McDermid! "
— Kristin, 12/23/2013" Wasn't crazy about the ending, but everything that led up to it was awesome :) Love Tony and Carol, and now I'm dying for the next book because V.M. left me with a cliffhanger... "
— Elle, 11/1/2013" Brilliant twist with this I'm hoping that this isn't the end for carol n tony "
— Vici, 10/10/2013" This is a new series for me but one that I will read more of. "
— Judy, 5/6/2013" Overall, the book was good. I love this series and I enjoy the books almost as much as the tv show Wire in the Blood. The whodunit cases were pretty good. I still love Tony and Carol together both working cases and the 5 minutes they have not working cases. "
— Mari, 2/19/2013" Found the ending quite abrupt and unsatisfying - hope there's a sequel in the works with some resolution! "
— Alasse, 2/14/2013" Would have received more stars if Jacko was simply out of the book and McDermid simply concentrated on the other story thread; Jacko's storyline was a bit dull. "
— Primula, 12/18/2012" Another Amazing book from a wonderful author. Following Dr Tony Hill, Carol Jordan & her team on yet another thrilling case. A must read for all Val McDermid fans & if you havn't read one of her books before you definitely should. "
— Kerry, 5/3/2012Val McDermid is an author whose bestselling novels have won the Los Angeles Times Book of the Year Award, and the Crime Writers' Association's Gold Dagger and Cartier Diamond Dagger Award for outstanding achievement. She is also a multiple finalist for the Edgar Award, including for the true crime nominee Forensics. Her novels have been translated into forty languages and have sold over 16 million copies. Visit her online at ValMcDermid.com.
Gerard Doyle, a seasoned audio narrator, he has been awarded dozens of AudioFile Earphones Awards, was named a Best Voice in Young Adult Fiction in 2008, and won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. He was born of Irish parents and raised and educated in England. In Great Britain he has enjoyed an extensive career in both television and repertory theater and toured nationally and internationally with the English Shakespeare Company. He has appeared in London’s West End in the gritty musical The Hired Man. In America he has appeared on Broadway in The Weir and on television in New York Undercover and Law & Order. He has taught drama at Ross School for the several years.