The Retribution: A Novel - Couverture souple

As detective Carol Jordan is set to move from downand-out Bradfield to a new post in nearby—and less crime-ridden—Worcester, Tony Hill, her longtime criminal-psychologist colleague, wonders if there might also be new horizons for their complicated relationship: he and Carol have been brought together professionally over the years by ruthless crimes, which has led to an undeniable—but maddeningly stalled—personal connection.

But sex workers are being targeted and viciously killed in Bradfield, and it’s up to Carol to determine if the murders are connected—and where the killer might strike next.

Meanwhile, in a nearby prison, someone is dreaming of rare steak, fine wine—and revenge. Jacko Vance, former sports hero and TV celebrity, murdered almost twenty teenage girls before being caught. He knows exactly who is responsible for putting him behind bars, and Tony and Carol are at the top of the list. Following an audacious escape, he’s on the loose and planning to teach them all a lesson they will never forget. Now the pair are squarely in a psychopath’s crosshairs—and he’s just getting started.

VAL McDERMID is the internationally bestselling author of more than twenty crime novels. She has won the CWA Gold Dagger Award for Best Crime Novel of the Year and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize; her novels have been selected as New York Times Notable Books and have been Edgar Award finalists. She was the 2010 recipient of the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Crime Writing. More than 10 million copies of her books have been sold around the world. She lives in the north of England. Visit her website at www.valmcdermid.com.