by Val McDermid
Series: Tony Hill & Carol Jordan #7
Genres: Suspense Thriller
Source: Publisher
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.
Longlisted Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2012.
The Retribution is the seventh book in the Tony Hill & Carol Jordan series by Val McDermid. I was a little skeptical about reading a novel this far along in the series but my fears were unwarranted. McDermid provided enough background information, that I quickly felt I was in the loop. The novel is a British crime thriller that involves Police profiler Tony Hill and Detective Captain Inspector Carol Jordon and her team.
There are two plots working side by side in this novel. The prominent plot surrounds the escape of serial killer Jacko Vance. Vance was captured and sent to jail by DCI Jordon and her team 12 years ago. He is a methodical serial killer, who has spent years plotting his revenge on Hill, Jordon and the team. When he escapes prison, he begins executing his plans for retribution. The second is a series of new murders. The team quickly discovers a serial killer. He kills and mutilates ladies of the night. His signature is a tattooed word on his victims- Mine. With very little clues, the team races to profile and capture this killer, while dealing with Vance’s plans for revenge.
It is evident that the key characters Tony Hill and DCI Jordan are flawed, damaged souls. While the author provides the backdrop to these characters, I think if I had read the series, I’d better appreciate what had driven them to where they are today. Professionally they have a proven track record, and while not always liked in the department, they are respected. Their personal lives are a mess. There is a complicated relationship between Hill and Jordon that seems to ebb and flow. It is not yet a physical romance, but an emotional one.
Overall I enjoyed The Retribution. I was pleased that the book’s language was not altered for American publication. The tale was interesting but I am still up in the air about the dueling storylines. The author moved back and forth between telling Jacko Vance’s story and those of the crime unit. This left the second plot to be sprinkled throughout. While I appreciate that this makes it more realistic, as a reader I would have liked more details into each case.
I recommend this to fans of crime thrillers and British literature. The Retribution is scheduled for release on January 10, 2010. I look forward to reading more of McDermid’s work.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
