Book Review: Retribution

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

Retribution     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jilliane P. Hoffman
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Thriller   Legal Setting   Serial Killer
Series: C.J. Townsend and Dominick Falconetti

'Retribution' is very much in a particular modern style - one featuring both a strong female protagonist and graphic, sexually -motivated torture. In addition, there is, apparently, no mystery, since the criminal is caught red-handed at the beginning of the novel. Of course, as the story develops, the reader becomes less certain as to whether the obvious solution to the crimes is the correct one.

The female protagonist is a tough prosecuting attorney, who does not realize how strong she really is. The novel begins with an incident from which she does not think she will ever recover. Her struggle is not for physical recovery, and is not even entirely for psychological health. She is enduring a moral and ethical struggle as well - or, perhaps, she deals with her dilemma too quickly and easily. At the end, the reader is left wondering whether the protagonist's decisions were right - and if it is possible for something to be moral but unethical. This theme adds an interesting twist to a good but otherwise unremarkable novel.

Cheryl - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM