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The Retribution by Val McDermid Book Review
Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press (January 2012)
Genre: Thriller/Suspense Fiction 416 pages
Source: Netgalley
Author Website: Val McDermid
About the Book:
There is one serial killer who has shaped and defined police profiler Tony Hill’s life. One serial killer whose evil surpasses all others. One serial killer who has the power to chill him to the bone: Jacko Vance. And now Jacko is back in Tony’s life. Even more twisted and cunning than ever before, he is focused on wreaking revenge on Tony – and DCI Carol Jordan – for the years he has spent in prison. Tony doesn’t know when Jacko will strike, or where. All he knows is that Jacko will cause him to feel fear like he has never known before? and devastate his life in ways he cannot imagine…
My Two Cents:
It is no secret that Val McDermid is my all time favorite Suspense/Thriller author. It is no secret that meeting her at the 2011 BEA was the highlight of my trip.
It's really us! Happy Dance
Yes I did have to post this picture again. I look like a loon but I was on cloud nine!
Ok, about the book. I LOVED IT!!!!! I have read ALL of Ms. McDermid’s books and I feel like Dr. Tony Hill and I are good friends. Especially after watching Wire in the Blood which is based on these Tony Hill books. I can identify so much with him it’s scary at times.
In Retribution one of the meanest, cold-blooded killers is back, Jacko Vance, he has escaped from prison where Tony and Carol put him and he is not happy. He is out for revenge on Carol and Tony and the ways he does it will shock you. Yes, shock you. Even you die-hard serial killer fans who have read it all will still be sitting on the edge of your seat, holding your breath and biting your nails waiting to see if he will be stopped.
I was saddened by parts of the book like the fight between Carol and Tony. I feel she treated him so unfairly but I can also almost understand why she felt the way she did. Tony will always be my favorite character in these books. He is a great doctor, but as a person he is more than a little off. As we read the series we learn reasons why he is the way he is but it still tugs at my heart-strings. To me, in many ways he is like a lost boy and I just want to have a coffee with him and give him a hug.
The suspense is high, very high. I was turning pages so fast (better said, swiping pages since I read on my Nook) to find out what this bastard Vance would do next. Would Tony be able to figure things out this time? How many more people are going to die in horrible ways before he is stopped? WHO stopped him was awesome! I NEVER saw it coming and actually cheered out loud when it happened. The book like all of Ms. McDermid’s books is not for the faint hearted and it is quite disturbing. Not with blood and gore but because we are inside the head of a maniac who things nothing of killing. No one does it like Val McDermid, no one!
The only thing I was disappointed in was the ending. This was not the author’s fault, it was not a bad ending just a sad one in my eyes. I am hoping there is another book coming. Though next in a series, this book can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel. The author does a great job of filling in the blanks so you don’t feel confused or left out. It’s always fun to have followed characters from the start, then you are really part of their lives but again, not necessary to enjoy this book.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. If you have never read any of her books… WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR???
If you are a huge fan like I am you will love this book!
Did I mention that Val McDermid is my favorite author and that I met her at BEA? 
She signed Trick of the Dark for me!!!!
5/5 Great Book
Challenges Met:
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Cat Thursday and Updates
It’s Thursday already and that means CATS!!!! I love cats every day but this is a special meme day devoted to the kitties. This meme is hosted by Michelle at The True Book Addict. Pop on over to her site and sign up. One can never loot at enough cat pictures.
Is this not the best? My fav author who writes the more grotesque and twisted murder thrillers, Val McDermid,has authored a children’s book! I LOVE it. I am postive it is fun and kids will love it. I would be first in line to buy it for my granddaughter but alas, it’s not available in the states yet. Poor me. I hope there is more to come!
