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Lexi Winter #2
Retribution
Once a vigilante, now a cop ... but Lexi Winter still plays by her own rules. A fast-paced, suspenseful thriller for readers of Candice Fox and Sarah Bailey.
Ace hacker, ex-prostitute, Jack Daniels drinker and part-time vigilante Lexi Winter is now working with the police, with a new enemy in her sights and an old foe on her mind.
Most probationary constables would baulk at chasing a drug dealer into a train tunnel in the dead of night - not Lexi. But when she emerges, injured but alive, to face the wrath of her boss it's clear that while Lexi may now be in uniform, she has as much trouble with authority as ever. Just to prove it, Lexi is quietly using her hacking skills to investigate a notorious drug-dealing Sydney crime family with links to her old prey, the paedophile Damon Vaughn. As her colleague Detective Sergeant Finn Carson investigates a death on a Sydney building site that leads him to the picturesque Wondabyne train station on the Hawkesbury River, Inspector Rachael Langley oversees an enquiry that is becoming ever more complex as multiple lines of investigation seem to interweave. What they don't know is that Lexi is the only one who can unravel them - if only she'll toe the line.
'Phenomenal. Lexi Winter is the gritty hero I didn't know I needed ... I'm now desperate for more' - bestselling Australian author Nicola Moriarty on Unforgiven
Ace hacker, ex-prostitute, Jack Daniels drinker and part-time vigilante Lexi Winter is now working with the police, with a new enemy in her sights and an old foe on her mind.
Most probationary constables would baulk at chasing a drug dealer into a train tunnel in the dead of night - not Lexi. But when she emerges, injured but alive, to face the wrath of her boss it's clear that while Lexi may now be in uniform, she has as much trouble with authority as ever. Just to prove it, Lexi is quietly using her hacking skills to investigate a notorious drug-dealing Sydney crime family with links to her old prey, the paedophile Damon Vaughn. As her colleague Detective Sergeant Finn Carson investigates a death on a Sydney building site that leads him to the picturesque Wondabyne train station on the Hawkesbury River, Inspector Rachael Langley oversees an enquiry that is becoming ever more complex as multiple lines of investigation seem to interweave. What they don't know is that Lexi is the only one who can unravel them - if only she'll toe the line.
'Phenomenal. Lexi Winter is the gritty hero I didn't know I needed ... I'm now desperate for more' - bestselling Australian author Nicola Moriarty on Unforgiven
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2022
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November 9, 2022
EXCERPT: The cold envelops me. It takes a moment to figure out up from down, then the boat propeller kicks in too close to me and I push my arms out and kick my legs to send me backwards, out of the way. I push up for air, but my sleeve has caught on something. I exhale sharply at the unexpected jolt. I fling my body in all directions trying to get free from whatever it is I'm attached to. Something shifts. I feel the bump as it rises level with me then I'm staring as two cloudy eyes gaze sightlessly back at me from a damaged, discoloured face. The body it belongs to hovers inches from me, hair floating around the face, reaching out to mine, surrounding me with death.
ABOUT 'RETRIBUTION': Ace hacker, ex-prostitute, Jack Daniels drinker and part-time vigilante Lexi Winter returns, now working with the police - mostly - with a new enemy in the target and an old foe at the back of her mind.
Most probationary constables would baulk at chasing a drug dealer into a train tunnel in the dead of night. Not Lexi Winter. She emerges injured but alive, to face the wrath of her boss. Lexi may now be in uniform, but she has as much trouble with authority as ever, and is quietly using her hacking skills to investigate a notorious drug-dealing Sydney crime family with links to her old prey, the paedophile Damon Vaughn.
Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Finn Carson investigates a death on a Sydney building site ... which oddly enough, leads him to the picturesque Wondabyne station on the Hawkesbury River, and Inspector Rachael Langley oversees an investigation that could tie it all together. Lexi holds the key ... if only she'll toe the line ...
MY THOUGHTS: Whew! I feel like I have just run a marathon after reading the second half of Retribution in one sitting. Talk about intense and action packed - I couldn't put it down, not until I knew, for sure, what the outcome was.
I have to admit that during the first half of this book Lexi's being a cop didn't sit easily with me, but then she also struggles with the change in her profession - often. She finds it hard to 'play nice' with the others, to be part of a team. She doesn't like to share unless she's getting something in return. But I have to admire her grit, her determination; but the things she does, the lengths she goes to, the risks she takes, scare me.
I also missed Dawny, who only makes a remote appearance in the very last paragraph. But I am predicting that she will make a reappearance in the next book.
There's also a lovely cat rehomed after his owner disappears, called Gizmo. We'll also be seeing more of him.
The setting of this book, the Central Coast in New South Wales, is an area I am familiar with and I enjoyed those, 'Oh, I've been there!' moments.
There is a lot of violence in Retribution, but there are also some beautifully touching moments, like when Lexi discovers a memorial site at an abandoned dam in the bush. Slightly creepy, but touching. There are also some humorous moments, most of them coming from Lexi's mouth. She has a wicked sense of humour.
I can't wait to see where Sarah Barrie is going to take Lexi next, because this is not over yet. Not by a long shot.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.6
#Retribution #NetGalley
I: @authorsarahbarrie @harlequinaus
T: #AuthorSarahBarrie @HarlequinAUS
#australiancrimefiction #contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #murdermystery #mystery #policeprocedural #suspense #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Sarah Barrie is a bestselling Australian author writing suspense in rural settings, with a generous splash of romance. Her debut bestselling print novel, Secrets of Whitewater Creek, earned her a spot as one of the Top 10 breakthrough authors of 2014, and her next three books, the Hunters Ridge series, also reached best seller status. She has finaled in several major awards, twice in the RUBY, the Romance Writers of Australia’s premier award, and three times in The Australian Romance Readers Award for favourite Romantic Suspense.
In other incarnations, Sarah has worked as a teacher, a vet nurse, a horse trainer and a magazine editor. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her ferrying children to soccer or gymnastics, or trudging through paddocks chasing cattle, sheep, chickens or the Houdini pig that never stays put very long. Occasionally, she’ll attempt to ride her favourite horse who’s quite a bit smarter than she is, and not always cooperative.
Her favourite place in the world is the family property, where she writes her stories overlooking mountains crisscrossed with farmland, bordered by the beauty of the Australian bush, and where, at the end of the day, she can spend time with family, friends, a good Irish whiskey and a copy of her next favourite book. (Australianfictionauthors.com)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ, for providing a digital ARC of Retribution by Sarah Barrie for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'RETRIBUTION': Ace hacker, ex-prostitute, Jack Daniels drinker and part-time vigilante Lexi Winter returns, now working with the police - mostly - with a new enemy in the target and an old foe at the back of her mind.
Most probationary constables would baulk at chasing a drug dealer into a train tunnel in the dead of night. Not Lexi Winter. She emerges injured but alive, to face the wrath of her boss. Lexi may now be in uniform, but she has as much trouble with authority as ever, and is quietly using her hacking skills to investigate a notorious drug-dealing Sydney crime family with links to her old prey, the paedophile Damon Vaughn.
Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Finn Carson investigates a death on a Sydney building site ... which oddly enough, leads him to the picturesque Wondabyne station on the Hawkesbury River, and Inspector Rachael Langley oversees an investigation that could tie it all together. Lexi holds the key ... if only she'll toe the line ...
MY THOUGHTS: Whew! I feel like I have just run a marathon after reading the second half of Retribution in one sitting. Talk about intense and action packed - I couldn't put it down, not until I knew, for sure, what the outcome was.
I have to admit that during the first half of this book Lexi's being a cop didn't sit easily with me, but then she also struggles with the change in her profession - often. She finds it hard to 'play nice' with the others, to be part of a team. She doesn't like to share unless she's getting something in return. But I have to admire her grit, her determination; but the things she does, the lengths she goes to, the risks she takes, scare me.
I also missed Dawny, who only makes a remote appearance in the very last paragraph. But I am predicting that she will make a reappearance in the next book.
There's also a lovely cat rehomed after his owner disappears, called Gizmo. We'll also be seeing more of him.
The setting of this book, the Central Coast in New South Wales, is an area I am familiar with and I enjoyed those, 'Oh, I've been there!' moments.
There is a lot of violence in Retribution, but there are also some beautifully touching moments, like when Lexi discovers a memorial site at an abandoned dam in the bush. Slightly creepy, but touching. There are also some humorous moments, most of them coming from Lexi's mouth. She has a wicked sense of humour.
I can't wait to see where Sarah Barrie is going to take Lexi next, because this is not over yet. Not by a long shot.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.6
#Retribution #NetGalley
I: @authorsarahbarrie @harlequinaus
T: #AuthorSarahBarrie @HarlequinAUS
#australiancrimefiction #contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #murdermystery #mystery #policeprocedural #suspense #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Sarah Barrie is a bestselling Australian author writing suspense in rural settings, with a generous splash of romance. Her debut bestselling print novel, Secrets of Whitewater Creek, earned her a spot as one of the Top 10 breakthrough authors of 2014, and her next three books, the Hunters Ridge series, also reached best seller status. She has finaled in several major awards, twice in the RUBY, the Romance Writers of Australia’s premier award, and three times in The Australian Romance Readers Award for favourite Romantic Suspense.
In other incarnations, Sarah has worked as a teacher, a vet nurse, a horse trainer and a magazine editor. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her ferrying children to soccer or gymnastics, or trudging through paddocks chasing cattle, sheep, chickens or the Houdini pig that never stays put very long. Occasionally, she’ll attempt to ride her favourite horse who’s quite a bit smarter than she is, and not always cooperative.
Her favourite place in the world is the family property, where she writes her stories overlooking mountains crisscrossed with farmland, bordered by the beauty of the Australian bush, and where, at the end of the day, she can spend time with family, friends, a good Irish whiskey and a copy of her next favourite book. (Australianfictionauthors.com)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ, for providing a digital ARC of Retribution by Sarah Barrie for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
January 28, 2023
Lexi Winter was now a probationary police officer, partnering with a seasoned cop so he could guide her as she moved forward. Lexi had had a raw and harsh upbringing and her life before embarking on her current career had been one which saw her living on her wits, her intelligence and her uncanny ability with technology. So doing things "by the rules" was hard for Lexi. Chasing one of the Hamill twins down an active train line, in a tunnel, alone, was one of those rules she should have taken note of. The Hamill's evil family were into selling drugs, recruiting young and innocent kids into their web, and killing anyone who was in their way. Lexi was determined to take down the whole family.
With Inspector Rachael Langley overseeing the investigation into the Hamill family, and DS Finn Carson in charge of the case at a Sydney building site where the boss fell to his death from high up on the scaffolding, it soon became obvious that the two were linked. With Lexi doing her best to follow the rules, but quietly, at home, following her leads, would it be possible for the perpetrators to be brought to justice? How many more lives would be lost before it happened?
Retribution is the 2nd in the Lexi Winter series by Aussie author Sarah Barrie and I loved it! Lexi is a brilliant, gritty, intense and perfect character and I can't wait to see what she gets up to next! Unforgiven is the first in the series, and should be read before Retribution as the need to read and learn Lexi's character is paramount. I've always enjoyed Ms Barrie's books, and this one is one of her best yet! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
With Inspector Rachael Langley overseeing the investigation into the Hamill family, and DS Finn Carson in charge of the case at a Sydney building site where the boss fell to his death from high up on the scaffolding, it soon became obvious that the two were linked. With Lexi doing her best to follow the rules, but quietly, at home, following her leads, would it be possible for the perpetrators to be brought to justice? How many more lives would be lost before it happened?
Retribution is the 2nd in the Lexi Winter series by Aussie author Sarah Barrie and I loved it! Lexi is a brilliant, gritty, intense and perfect character and I can't wait to see what she gets up to next! Unforgiven is the first in the series, and should be read before Retribution as the need to read and learn Lexi's character is paramount. I've always enjoyed Ms Barrie's books, and this one is one of her best yet! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2023
We first met Lexi Winter in Book one in the Lexi winter series Unforgiven she was a bad ass hacker , prostitute & a Jack Daniels always by her side. Move to book 📚 2 Retribution she is now working as a probationary Constable 👮♀️ in the city of Wyong on the Central Coast of N.S.W my area yay for that.😊the book starts off with Lexi & her partner chasing two drug dealers through a tunnel she soon finds out they are related to a crime family who is dealing in drugs & money laundering the Hanukkah.
A body is found impaled on scaffolding on a work site he was thrown from the top of a building his name was Jeremy altimeter the boss of the site.
DS Rachael Langley & DS Finn Carson come together to figure out what happened & why?
When one of their own is murdered Lexi who doesn’t play by the rules digs her teeth into the investigation.
This was a compelling thriller that kept me turning the pages twists turns many killings going in I didn’t know where to look it was edgy top notch writing I can’t wait for the next instalment in this series.
A body is found impaled on scaffolding on a work site he was thrown from the top of a building his name was Jeremy altimeter the boss of the site.
DS Rachael Langley & DS Finn Carson come together to figure out what happened & why?
When one of their own is murdered Lexi who doesn’t play by the rules digs her teeth into the investigation.
This was a compelling thriller that kept me turning the pages twists turns many killings going in I didn’t know where to look it was edgy top notch writing I can’t wait for the next instalment in this series.
November 29, 2022
Lexi Winter, computer hacker and vigilante is now a probationary cop. In the real world - no way! In a book - what fun.
Lexi is based at Wyong, which is not far north from me in Sydney. I loved watching all the familiar place names. The book is a roller coaster of action beginning with the death of a cop and continuing with multiple murders, shootings, beatings and even explosions.
I enjoyed Lexi's character and her bravado, and it went well with those of D.S Finn Carson and Inspector Rachael Langley. I always like police procedurals and when a computer genius like Lexi is brought into play they are even more interesting.
This was a nicely written and very exciting book and I look forward to Lexi's continuing story.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Lexi is based at Wyong, which is not far north from me in Sydney. I loved watching all the familiar place names. The book is a roller coaster of action beginning with the death of a cop and continuing with multiple murders, shootings, beatings and even explosions.
I enjoyed Lexi's character and her bravado, and it went well with those of D.S Finn Carson and Inspector Rachael Langley. I always like police procedurals and when a computer genius like Lexi is brought into play they are even more interesting.
This was a nicely written and very exciting book and I look forward to Lexi's continuing story.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 19, 2022
I liked this offering more than its predecessor, but for some reason, as I’m a definite outlier on this one, I am still not captured by Lexi, vigilante come cop, as the rest of the reading population! Glad to see the preferred beverage of hers is not incorrect on the blurb this time around.
She has been very harmed in her past life and is allowed to do most of the things she is doing to find the baddies, supervised quite closely by Rachael, who let slip the worst perpetrator of the lot in the first book. Lexi is a renegade, she doesn’t do things by the book, nor is she a team player, but we have hopes for her as she is slowly learning.
A lot of death and destruction, and a LARGE offering of name soup. There are a lot of baddies to keep up with. I also found her step up from street working and vigilantism to uniformed police to be very quick, but this is fiction, and I think the main thing to know is that she graduated from the academy top of her class.
There are characters I would like to learn about more; Finn and Linc, and it will be nice to see how Lexi the woman progresses. She certainly isn’t a woman to mess with, and if she behaves herself a little more, and realises there are rules, she will become a great asset to the NSW Police.
Full of grit and darkness and death, I look forward to the next instalment and hope my rating will keep improving. Not to be read if the reader isn’t comfortable with profanities.
She has been very harmed in her past life and is allowed to do most of the things she is doing to find the baddies, supervised quite closely by Rachael, who let slip the worst perpetrator of the lot in the first book. Lexi is a renegade, she doesn’t do things by the book, nor is she a team player, but we have hopes for her as she is slowly learning.
A lot of death and destruction, and a LARGE offering of name soup. There are a lot of baddies to keep up with. I also found her step up from street working and vigilantism to uniformed police to be very quick, but this is fiction, and I think the main thing to know is that she graduated from the academy top of her class.
There are characters I would like to learn about more; Finn and Linc, and it will be nice to see how Lexi the woman progresses. She certainly isn’t a woman to mess with, and if she behaves herself a little more, and realises there are rules, she will become a great asset to the NSW Police.
Full of grit and darkness and death, I look forward to the next instalment and hope my rating will keep improving. Not to be read if the reader isn’t comfortable with profanities.
November 22, 2022
I have been eagerly awaiting this book and WOW, WOW, WOW truly Lexie just keep getting better, Sarah Barrie you have written a brilliant story that had me up very late last night, come a long a see how Lexie does her best to take down the enemy and is she getting closer to catching the paedophile Damon Vaughn.
After everything that happened last time Lexie is now a probationary constable working out of Wyong police station, her partner Rico is the best partner for her, Lexie is still finding it hard to overcome all the rules that are in place. When they go after a couple of drug dealers this leads to a much bigger case that the police force is investigating, that of a big drug dealing crime family, who also have links to someone that Lexie is determined to bring to justice her way.
Detective Sergeant Finn Carson is working on a murder case at a construction company this leads to links to the crime family which Inspector Racheal Langley and the drug and firearm squad are tracking, with more bodies turning up and links joining, Lexie is using her skills to do what she does and uncover more information when the lead boss Craig finds out what Lexie is doing they get her working with them, this does not sit well with all of the team members but Lexie is her true self and does what she does and so well.
This story is action packed, fast paced and filled with danger with bodies turning up everywhere, Lexie is devastated at what has happened and more than ever determined to get answers. Lexie is working hard and getting herself in trouble in so many ways, I love Lexie no matter what is going on, no matter what danger is there she is still so smart and witty and just her, she clashes with so many of the team for what she feels is right.
Sarah Barrie has created a character who is the best, she is strong, determined, sassy, smart, and witty and knows what she is doing, no matter how tough things are Lexie made me laugh and smile as well as worry. With all of the awesome characters back this time Rachael, Finn and the friendships they have it was awesome to catch up with them. This is a book that I highly recommend I loved Unforgiven and this one continues in such a fabulous way, I am really looking forward to seeing more of Lexie as she works to get her enemy in her own special way.
My thanks to Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
After everything that happened last time Lexie is now a probationary constable working out of Wyong police station, her partner Rico is the best partner for her, Lexie is still finding it hard to overcome all the rules that are in place. When they go after a couple of drug dealers this leads to a much bigger case that the police force is investigating, that of a big drug dealing crime family, who also have links to someone that Lexie is determined to bring to justice her way.
Detective Sergeant Finn Carson is working on a murder case at a construction company this leads to links to the crime family which Inspector Racheal Langley and the drug and firearm squad are tracking, with more bodies turning up and links joining, Lexie is using her skills to do what she does and uncover more information when the lead boss Craig finds out what Lexie is doing they get her working with them, this does not sit well with all of the team members but Lexie is her true self and does what she does and so well.
This story is action packed, fast paced and filled with danger with bodies turning up everywhere, Lexie is devastated at what has happened and more than ever determined to get answers. Lexie is working hard and getting herself in trouble in so many ways, I love Lexie no matter what is going on, no matter what danger is there she is still so smart and witty and just her, she clashes with so many of the team for what she feels is right.
Sarah Barrie has created a character who is the best, she is strong, determined, sassy, smart, and witty and knows what she is doing, no matter how tough things are Lexie made me laugh and smile as well as worry. With all of the awesome characters back this time Rachael, Finn and the friendships they have it was awesome to catch up with them. This is a book that I highly recommend I loved Unforgiven and this one continues in such a fabulous way, I am really looking forward to seeing more of Lexie as she works to get her enemy in her own special way.
My thanks to Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
December 3, 2022
I loved Unforgiven last year so I was excited to have more Lexi Winter. She is now a cop and still having trouble staying out of trouble. Even though she is a probationary constable, she pushes the boundaries and then some. She is still on the hunt for the Hamill's, leaving no stone unturned to get her revenge.
Full of action and danger, Retribution is another fantastic read from Sarah Barrie. I love that it was set on the Central Coast and Sydney, and I could picture the scene as I was reading. Lexi is a badass and I loved it. I have to admit that I missed her neighbour from the previous book, but it was still highly entertaining.
Be ready to lose sleep when reading this as you will just want to keep reading it. Big thanks to Harlequin Australia for my advanced copy to read.
Full of action and danger, Retribution is another fantastic read from Sarah Barrie. I love that it was set on the Central Coast and Sydney, and I could picture the scene as I was reading. Lexi is a badass and I loved it. I have to admit that I missed her neighbour from the previous book, but it was still highly entertaining.
Be ready to lose sleep when reading this as you will just want to keep reading it. Big thanks to Harlequin Australia for my advanced copy to read.
February 3, 2023
Having loved Unforgiven (Lexi Winter #1, 2021) early last year, I was excited to read author Sarah Barrie's follow-up, Retribution, which I found to be a worthy successor and the next instalment in what will no doubt become a much-loved new Australian crime-thriller series.
After the thrilling events of Unforgiven, in which Lexi's phenomenal talents were put to work as a civilian consultant, she's now a serving probationary Constable, having aced her studies at NSW's police academy. She's based at Wyong Police Station, on NSW's Central Coast (although the town of Wyong is actually situated slightly inland, on Tuggerah Lake). Lexi's paired with Sergeant Christian Rico, whose forbearance and humour in the face of Lexi's gung-ho attitude and lack of respect for the police hierarchy are admirable.
The book opens on the evening of Friday 4th March 2022, with train commuter Daisy witnessing an apparent altercation between a female fellow-passenger and a male assailant at isolated Wondabyne train station, located on the banks of Mullet Creek, an offshoot of the Hawkesbury River. The following day, Lexi defies Rico's orders by pursuing a suspected drug dealer into the nearby Woy Woy train tunnel, narrowly escaping an approaching passenger train.
Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Finn Carson is deputising for Inspector Rachael Langley, as the senior officer of the Sydney homicide squad. They're called to a suspicious death at a Hornsby building site - Jeremy Latimer, owner of Latimer Constructions, has been found impaled on scaffolding - but did he fall from the upper floors of the building site, or was he pushed?
After an operation gone disastrously wrong, Wyong's investigation into several drug-related crimes becomes intertwined with the Sydney case, as Lexi's after-hours pursuit of the notorious Hamill crime family uncovers links between the crimes and victims. Several dangerous pursuits and gruesome deaths later, a link to an historical crime is revealed, with the abrasive Lexi once again an unlikely heroine in the fight for truth and justice.
While there was plenty of action at the start and conclusion of the book, I felt that the plot lagged a little in the second quarter, and I struggled to maintain interest as the story seemed to become bogged down in somewhat repetitive police procedural dialogue and an overly-detailed narrative. That said, the pace and excitement certainly lifted again after the half-way point and I was thoroughly engrossed right up to the last page. I was quite content to suspend disbelief at some details of the police procedure that defied reality - such as an officer being allowed to continue working a case after direct involvement in the deaths of not one, but two, suspects!
Sarah Barrie's character development is excellent, with Lexi Winter an unusual, complex and fascinating creation as series lead character and flawed heroine. The large cast of supporting characters, both new and recurring, were also well-drawn and believable. While I'm not particularly familiar with the area north of Sydney, the setting in and around the Central Coast was evocative and had me regularly consulting Google Earth, which is always a sign I'm completely absorbed in a book!
I'd recommend Retribution to readers who enjoy action-packed, complex mystery-thrillers, and are comfortable with some dark themes and gruesome crime scenes. I'd strongly recommend reading Unforgiven prior to embarking on Retribution, as there are significant plot and character arcs which continue on from the previous book.
My thanks to the author, Sarah Barrie, publisher Harlequin Australia, HQ (Fiction, Non Fiction, YA) & MIRA, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this title.
After the thrilling events of Unforgiven, in which Lexi's phenomenal talents were put to work as a civilian consultant, she's now a serving probationary Constable, having aced her studies at NSW's police academy. She's based at Wyong Police Station, on NSW's Central Coast (although the town of Wyong is actually situated slightly inland, on Tuggerah Lake). Lexi's paired with Sergeant Christian Rico, whose forbearance and humour in the face of Lexi's gung-ho attitude and lack of respect for the police hierarchy are admirable.
The book opens on the evening of Friday 4th March 2022, with train commuter Daisy witnessing an apparent altercation between a female fellow-passenger and a male assailant at isolated Wondabyne train station, located on the banks of Mullet Creek, an offshoot of the Hawkesbury River. The following day, Lexi defies Rico's orders by pursuing a suspected drug dealer into the nearby Woy Woy train tunnel, narrowly escaping an approaching passenger train.
Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Finn Carson is deputising for Inspector Rachael Langley, as the senior officer of the Sydney homicide squad. They're called to a suspicious death at a Hornsby building site - Jeremy Latimer, owner of Latimer Constructions, has been found impaled on scaffolding - but did he fall from the upper floors of the building site, or was he pushed?
After an operation gone disastrously wrong, Wyong's investigation into several drug-related crimes becomes intertwined with the Sydney case, as Lexi's after-hours pursuit of the notorious Hamill crime family uncovers links between the crimes and victims. Several dangerous pursuits and gruesome deaths later, a link to an historical crime is revealed, with the abrasive Lexi once again an unlikely heroine in the fight for truth and justice.
While there was plenty of action at the start and conclusion of the book, I felt that the plot lagged a little in the second quarter, and I struggled to maintain interest as the story seemed to become bogged down in somewhat repetitive police procedural dialogue and an overly-detailed narrative. That said, the pace and excitement certainly lifted again after the half-way point and I was thoroughly engrossed right up to the last page. I was quite content to suspend disbelief at some details of the police procedure that defied reality - such as an officer being allowed to continue working a case after direct involvement in the deaths of not one, but two, suspects!
Sarah Barrie's character development is excellent, with Lexi Winter an unusual, complex and fascinating creation as series lead character and flawed heroine. The large cast of supporting characters, both new and recurring, were also well-drawn and believable. While I'm not particularly familiar with the area north of Sydney, the setting in and around the Central Coast was evocative and had me regularly consulting Google Earth, which is always a sign I'm completely absorbed in a book!
I'd recommend Retribution to readers who enjoy action-packed, complex mystery-thrillers, and are comfortable with some dark themes and gruesome crime scenes. I'd strongly recommend reading Unforgiven prior to embarking on Retribution, as there are significant plot and character arcs which continue on from the previous book.
My thanks to the author, Sarah Barrie, publisher Harlequin Australia, HQ (Fiction, Non Fiction, YA) & MIRA, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this title.
November 24, 2022
Retribution is the highly energetic follow up to Sarah Barrie’s first Lexi Winter novel, Unforgiven. She started off as an avenging vigilante who took down paedophile denizens of the dark web. She’s now become a little more legit, having earned her probationary constable stripe in the New South Wales Police force. But she’s still the same driven, rule-breaking force of nature as she ever was.
While learning the ropes under the tutelage of her seasoned partner Rico, Lexi is also putting in many long hours tracking down the child predator Damon Vaughn and his partner Debbie Reynolds. Her quest has led her into the midst of the notorious Hamill crime family. To take down Vaughn and Reynolds she has vowed to also take down the Hamills, but they are ruthlessly protective of their patch and are willing to wreak all kinds of vengeance on anyone who gets in their way.
Inspector Rachael Langley heads up a murder investigation that places the Hamill family firmly in the crosshairs and, understanding the value she can add to the case, draws Lexi in despite her low official rank.
Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Finn Carson has his hands full with a suspicious death on a building site. The chief suspect has gone missing and was last seen getting off a train up on the Central Coast. He also makes use of Lexi’s superb observational skills and her remarkable computer savvy.
There are many moments of great violence throughout the book, but this is also tempered by the ongoing development of the three principal characters. It’s not always smooth sailing but we are getting a great feel for what makes each of them tick along with a great sense of mutual respect that is clearly developing.
But there’s a constant question that demands to be answered throughout this book and, I don’t know if it was. Is Lexi Winter suited to the rules and regulations imposed on her by being a police officer? She challenges the ties that bind her with her vigilante tendencies repeatedly slipping out and it remains a sore point for all concerned. We’ll see how things play out as she careens into the next book in the series.
The pace is frenetic with multiple cases demanding the attention of Rachael, Finn and, of course, Lexi. However, her presence in the homicide squad isn’t appreciated by all members of the team and this creates an air of tension to go with the pressures of the job. On top of that is the ever-present danger of the Hamill family who are looking to seek retribution.
Retribution benefits from a strong cast of characters, an over-the-top nasty crime family and plenty of sharp dialogue that injects good doses of humour between some full-on confrontations.
This is a wonderful sequel to the first book in the series (Unforgiven) and has established Lexi Winter as a character I want to read more about. This is high quality stuff.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to read and review.
While learning the ropes under the tutelage of her seasoned partner Rico, Lexi is also putting in many long hours tracking down the child predator Damon Vaughn and his partner Debbie Reynolds. Her quest has led her into the midst of the notorious Hamill crime family. To take down Vaughn and Reynolds she has vowed to also take down the Hamills, but they are ruthlessly protective of their patch and are willing to wreak all kinds of vengeance on anyone who gets in their way.
Inspector Rachael Langley heads up a murder investigation that places the Hamill family firmly in the crosshairs and, understanding the value she can add to the case, draws Lexi in despite her low official rank.
Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Finn Carson has his hands full with a suspicious death on a building site. The chief suspect has gone missing and was last seen getting off a train up on the Central Coast. He also makes use of Lexi’s superb observational skills and her remarkable computer savvy.
There are many moments of great violence throughout the book, but this is also tempered by the ongoing development of the three principal characters. It’s not always smooth sailing but we are getting a great feel for what makes each of them tick along with a great sense of mutual respect that is clearly developing.
But there’s a constant question that demands to be answered throughout this book and, I don’t know if it was. Is Lexi Winter suited to the rules and regulations imposed on her by being a police officer? She challenges the ties that bind her with her vigilante tendencies repeatedly slipping out and it remains a sore point for all concerned. We’ll see how things play out as she careens into the next book in the series.
The pace is frenetic with multiple cases demanding the attention of Rachael, Finn and, of course, Lexi. However, her presence in the homicide squad isn’t appreciated by all members of the team and this creates an air of tension to go with the pressures of the job. On top of that is the ever-present danger of the Hamill family who are looking to seek retribution.
Retribution benefits from a strong cast of characters, an over-the-top nasty crime family and plenty of sharp dialogue that injects good doses of humour between some full-on confrontations.
This is a wonderful sequel to the first book in the series (Unforgiven) and has established Lexi Winter as a character I want to read more about. This is high quality stuff.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to read and review.
December 18, 2022
This is the second book in the Lexi Winter series and the pages flew by. If you haven't read the first book yet stop right here and don't read further - get 'Unforgiven' and then come back here.
Lexi is someone who has dealt with a lot of trauma, including terrible abuse as a child. She has always had to put up a tough facade and live life by her own rules. However, this book sees her as a freshly minted police officer trying to work within the rules and struggling.
Most characters from the first book are back, mainly Rachel and Finn, with Dawn, unfortunately only being referred too, although there is a strong indicator that a third book is on the horizon that may rectify this.
While I did really enjoy this second book, for me it didn't quite match the heights of the first book. Happy to recommend this, thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
Lexi is someone who has dealt with a lot of trauma, including terrible abuse as a child. She has always had to put up a tough facade and live life by her own rules. However, this book sees her as a freshly minted police officer trying to work within the rules and struggling.
Most characters from the first book are back, mainly Rachel and Finn, with Dawn, unfortunately only being referred too, although there is a strong indicator that a third book is on the horizon that may rectify this.
While I did really enjoy this second book, for me it didn't quite match the heights of the first book. Happy to recommend this, thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
November 16, 2022
The first book in this, the Lexi Winter series was a tour-de-force which I absolutely loved. After being used and abused, Lexi turned vigilante vowing to bring down those who had hurt her. She also helped the police bring down a paedophile ring. Police Inspector Rachel Langley, impressed with Lexi’s computer (hacking) skills suggests she train as a police officer. So that’s what she does.
As a newly minted probationary constable stationed at Wyong she is partnered with Rico, an experienced Sergeant. But Lexi also has a little side project where she maps out the layers and connections of the Hamill crime family.
This one started a little slowly and then took off like a rocket. Rico is killed (this happens early in the book so not a spoiler) and Lexi is also injured. After that there is no stopping Lexi. She is on a mission to bring down the whole rotten nest of vipers.
Rachel tries to temper her drive and get her to rest but eventually Rachel and the other detectives in the team realise that she is going to do this with or without them so she gets drawn into a very complex and dangerous game. The police characters are all so well portrayed they are caring and warm but tough as nails. There is even a darling cat to whom no harm comes!
The story was tautly plotted and got very tense and twisty towards the end. I’m pretty sure there will be more to come in this series and I will be very keen to read more. Many thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia HQ for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
As a newly minted probationary constable stationed at Wyong she is partnered with Rico, an experienced Sergeant. But Lexi also has a little side project where she maps out the layers and connections of the Hamill crime family.
This one started a little slowly and then took off like a rocket. Rico is killed (this happens early in the book so not a spoiler) and Lexi is also injured. After that there is no stopping Lexi. She is on a mission to bring down the whole rotten nest of vipers.
Rachel tries to temper her drive and get her to rest but eventually Rachel and the other detectives in the team realise that she is going to do this with or without them so she gets drawn into a very complex and dangerous game. The police characters are all so well portrayed they are caring and warm but tough as nails. There is even a darling cat to whom no harm comes!
The story was tautly plotted and got very tense and twisty towards the end. I’m pretty sure there will be more to come in this series and I will be very keen to read more. Many thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia HQ for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
February 10, 2023
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**4.5 stars**
Retribution by Sarah Barrie. (2022).
(Lexi Winter; #2)
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 30 November 2022**
Ace hacker, ex-prostitute, Jack Daniels drinker and part-time vigilante Lexi Winter is now working with the police. She's not worried to do dangerous work but she still has as much trouble with authority as ever. Lexi is quietly using her hacking skills to investigate a crime family with links to her old prey, paedophile Damon Vaughn. As her colleague Detective Sergeant Finn investigates a death on a building site, Inspector Rachael oversees a complex enquiry. Lexi is the only one who can unravel them - if only she'll toe the line.
After really enjoying the first novel in this series, 'Unforgiven', I was excited to see this book when it arrived in my mailbox. Lexi is one of those unforgettable leads - bit of a tortured soul and definitely has her heart in the right place but can't be bothered putting up with anyone's crap, particularly if it's getting in the way of what she considers justice. The storyline is quite fast paced with a lot of action, and readers will be cheering Lexi on to take down every member of a big and nasty crime family.
Overall: I highly recommend this Australian crime thriller, and I really look forward to future Lexi Winter novels.
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**4.5 stars**
Retribution by Sarah Barrie. (2022).
(Lexi Winter; #2)
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 30 November 2022**
Ace hacker, ex-prostitute, Jack Daniels drinker and part-time vigilante Lexi Winter is now working with the police. She's not worried to do dangerous work but she still has as much trouble with authority as ever. Lexi is quietly using her hacking skills to investigate a crime family with links to her old prey, paedophile Damon Vaughn. As her colleague Detective Sergeant Finn investigates a death on a building site, Inspector Rachael oversees a complex enquiry. Lexi is the only one who can unravel them - if only she'll toe the line.
After really enjoying the first novel in this series, 'Unforgiven', I was excited to see this book when it arrived in my mailbox. Lexi is one of those unforgettable leads - bit of a tortured soul and definitely has her heart in the right place but can't be bothered putting up with anyone's crap, particularly if it's getting in the way of what she considers justice. The storyline is quite fast paced with a lot of action, and readers will be cheering Lexi on to take down every member of a big and nasty crime family.
Overall: I highly recommend this Australian crime thriller, and I really look forward to future Lexi Winter novels.
February 14, 2023
She’s smart and capable, an ex prostitute, a hard core JD drinking, anti establishment vigilante who is also an expert computer hacker….and now she is also an invaluable Probationary Constable.
Lexi Winter is not your average probationary cop, she is mouthy, ballsy, and opinionated and likes to run her own race.
Lexi has been partnered up with a more experienced cop and finds it difficult to tow the line when things get active…but she proves herself to be invaluable in times of difficulty, where sometimes a more unconventional method of policing is required.
Retribution is the second book in the new Lexi Winter series by Sarah Barrie and is not your average cop procedural.
Lexi’s feisty no nonsense, kick ass attitude and unconventional ways gets her into all sorts of deep messes, but she gets the job done. Hers will be a fascinating journey to follow in future books and I look forward to going down that rabbit hole with her!
5⭐️s
With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
Lexi Winter is not your average probationary cop, she is mouthy, ballsy, and opinionated and likes to run her own race.
Lexi has been partnered up with a more experienced cop and finds it difficult to tow the line when things get active…but she proves herself to be invaluable in times of difficulty, where sometimes a more unconventional method of policing is required.
Retribution is the second book in the new Lexi Winter series by Sarah Barrie and is not your average cop procedural.
Lexi’s feisty no nonsense, kick ass attitude and unconventional ways gets her into all sorts of deep messes, but she gets the job done. Hers will be a fascinating journey to follow in future books and I look forward to going down that rabbit hole with her!
5⭐️s
With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
October 22, 2022
Retribution is book 2 in the Lexie Winter series by Sarah Barrie. Lexi Winter is not a vigilante anymore but is now a probationary constable. One night Lexi and her partner were chasing down two young boys, and Lexi Winter did a silly thing that coursed a chain reaction that involved her in one of Detective Sergeant Finn Carson's cases. The readers of Retribution will continue to follow Lexi Winter and Detective Sergeant Finn Carson's investigation to find out what happens.
Retribution brings Lexi Winter and Detective Sergeant Finn Carson together again in this enjoyable Australian romantic suspense mystery. I always enjoy books by Sarah Barrie, and Retribution did not disappoint. I engaged with the plot of this book from the first page, and it continues to the end. I love Sarah Barrie's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Retribution is well-written and researched by Sarah Barrie. I like Sarah Barrie's description of the settings of Retribution, which allow me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Retribution will understand the consequences of revenge and greed. Also, the readers of Retribution will learn about some of the issues law enforcement officers face.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC copy to read in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.
Retribution brings Lexi Winter and Detective Sergeant Finn Carson together again in this enjoyable Australian romantic suspense mystery. I always enjoy books by Sarah Barrie, and Retribution did not disappoint. I engaged with the plot of this book from the first page, and it continues to the end. I love Sarah Barrie's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Retribution is well-written and researched by Sarah Barrie. I like Sarah Barrie's description of the settings of Retribution, which allow me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Retribution will understand the consequences of revenge and greed. Also, the readers of Retribution will learn about some of the issues law enforcement officers face.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC copy to read in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.
November 21, 2022
Last year I really enjoyed Unforgiven, at least in part due to the change in direction for its author Sarah Barrie, firmly planting her in dark, gritty thriller territory. If anything, this follow-up is even better.
Lexi Winter has been busy since last time we met her. She's graduated at the top of her class at the Police Academy, and has managed to snag a posting as a probationary constable near her home. Working with a considerate and reliable partner, Rico, Lexi is finding her feet in her new role. But when the pair cross members of the notorious Hamill crime family, they could both be in danger.
Meanwhile back in Sydney DS Finn Carson is filling in for his aunt DI Rachael Langley when a call comes through to the overworked Homicide team to alert them to a suspicious death on a construction site. Could it be a safety breach, or something more sinister?
When both cases are found to be tied to a tiny unmanned train station, Lexi is the only one who can put the pieces together quickly enough to avoid more deaths. Seconded to Rachael's team she's finding obstacles coming from every direction; suspicious colleagues, a rule-driven force, and not to mention some hardcore criminals who want to see her dead. Lexi's life is never boring!
I was on the edge of my seat reading this one and enjoyed every minute. I mean, sure, there's no way a probationary cop would be given such a long leash, but where's the fun in that?? Lexi, Rachael and Finn make such a great crime-fighting team and now that they're ostensibly all on the same page, they're unstoppable.
Sarah Barrie, I want more!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to read and review.
Lexi Winter has been busy since last time we met her. She's graduated at the top of her class at the Police Academy, and has managed to snag a posting as a probationary constable near her home. Working with a considerate and reliable partner, Rico, Lexi is finding her feet in her new role. But when the pair cross members of the notorious Hamill crime family, they could both be in danger.
Meanwhile back in Sydney DS Finn Carson is filling in for his aunt DI Rachael Langley when a call comes through to the overworked Homicide team to alert them to a suspicious death on a construction site. Could it be a safety breach, or something more sinister?
When both cases are found to be tied to a tiny unmanned train station, Lexi is the only one who can put the pieces together quickly enough to avoid more deaths. Seconded to Rachael's team she's finding obstacles coming from every direction; suspicious colleagues, a rule-driven force, and not to mention some hardcore criminals who want to see her dead. Lexi's life is never boring!
I was on the edge of my seat reading this one and enjoyed every minute. I mean, sure, there's no way a probationary cop would be given such a long leash, but where's the fun in that?? Lexi, Rachael and Finn make such a great crime-fighting team and now that they're ostensibly all on the same page, they're unstoppable.
Sarah Barrie, I want more!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to read and review.
August 23, 2025
Retribution by Sarah Barrie
Synopsis /
Ace hacker, ex-prostitute, Jack Daniels drinker and part-time vigilante Lexi Winter is now working with the police, with a new enemy in her sights and an old foe on her mind.
Most probationary constables would baulk at chasing a drug dealer into a train tunnel in the dead of night - not Lexi. But when she emerges, injured but alive, to face the wrath of her boss it's clear that while Lexi may now be in uniform, she has as much trouble with authority as ever. Just to prove it, Lexi is quietly using her hacking skills to investigate a notorious drug-dealing Sydney crime family with links to her old prey, the paedophile Damon Vaughn. As her colleague Detective Sergeant Finn Carson investigates a death on a Sydney building site that leads him to the picturesque Wondabyne train station on the Hawkesbury River, Inspector Rachael Langley oversees an enquiry that is becoming ever more complex as multiple lines of investigation seem to interweave. What they don't know is that Lexi is the only one who can unravel them - if only she'll toe the line.
My Thoughts /
Retribution is the second book in the Lexi Winter series featuring former computer hacker Lexi Winter. In this instalment, the reader learns that Lexi has come full circle: from Perpetuator to law-abiding citizen. In fact, it's a little more than that: Probationary Constable Winter is now wearing the 'uniform', after joining the police and having graduated top of her class at the Academy.
Now based at Wyong Police Station on the NSW's Central Coast, the story opens with Winter and her new partner and mentor, Sergeant Christian Rico working the nightshift. Having spent the majority of her life relying on no one but herself to get by and to hell with any and all rules; Winter is finding it difficult to adjust to this new life – one which has her working with a team and working within the constraints of rules – lots and lots of rules. However, she's trying her best to honour the commitment she made when she joined the academy – well, at least during work hours….
Off books, Lexi is still hunting Damon Vaughn, the sociopath who, in the first book Unforgiven, delivered her into the hands of notorious paedophile and serial killer, Thomas Biddle, otherwise known as 'The Spider' – where she became just another child abuse victim of a massive paedophile network. Inspector Rachel Langley was the officer responsible for arresting Spider and dismantling the ring some 18 years ago. Now she has Winter on her team and under her wing.
This instalment sees the Inspector Langley and her team overseeing an investigation into the Hamill crime family. The Hamill family has been on the police radar for a myriad of drug and firearm offences for a long time, but there’s been little leverage to move on them. Until one nightshift, when Lexi, defying orders from her partner Rico, pursues a pair of suspected drug dealers into a train tunnel, only narrowly escaping an approaching passenger train. It turns out that although the suspects escaped they left behind a duffel bag filled with evidence which connects back to the Hamills.
A fast paced thriller with quite the in-depth plot; returning characters and plot points from the previous book also tying in to the current story; it's worth reading this series in order to be able to get a better understanding of the characters and where they fit into the hierarchy.
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first one, and maybe, like Lexi, I'm finding her new career choice as disconcerting as she is. Like trying to place a square peg into a round hole – Winter's past experiences have made her into what she is today and I enjoyed that about her in the first book. By placing constraints on her in terms of her policing career…..well, let's just say it will be interesting to see how that plays out.
Synopsis /
Ace hacker, ex-prostitute, Jack Daniels drinker and part-time vigilante Lexi Winter is now working with the police, with a new enemy in her sights and an old foe on her mind.
Most probationary constables would baulk at chasing a drug dealer into a train tunnel in the dead of night - not Lexi. But when she emerges, injured but alive, to face the wrath of her boss it's clear that while Lexi may now be in uniform, she has as much trouble with authority as ever. Just to prove it, Lexi is quietly using her hacking skills to investigate a notorious drug-dealing Sydney crime family with links to her old prey, the paedophile Damon Vaughn. As her colleague Detective Sergeant Finn Carson investigates a death on a Sydney building site that leads him to the picturesque Wondabyne train station on the Hawkesbury River, Inspector Rachael Langley oversees an enquiry that is becoming ever more complex as multiple lines of investigation seem to interweave. What they don't know is that Lexi is the only one who can unravel them - if only she'll toe the line.
My Thoughts /
Retribution is the second book in the Lexi Winter series featuring former computer hacker Lexi Winter. In this instalment, the reader learns that Lexi has come full circle: from Perpetuator to law-abiding citizen. In fact, it's a little more than that: Probationary Constable Winter is now wearing the 'uniform', after joining the police and having graduated top of her class at the Academy.
Now based at Wyong Police Station on the NSW's Central Coast, the story opens with Winter and her new partner and mentor, Sergeant Christian Rico working the nightshift. Having spent the majority of her life relying on no one but herself to get by and to hell with any and all rules; Winter is finding it difficult to adjust to this new life – one which has her working with a team and working within the constraints of rules – lots and lots of rules. However, she's trying her best to honour the commitment she made when she joined the academy – well, at least during work hours….
Off books, Lexi is still hunting Damon Vaughn, the sociopath who, in the first book Unforgiven, delivered her into the hands of notorious paedophile and serial killer, Thomas Biddle, otherwise known as 'The Spider' – where she became just another child abuse victim of a massive paedophile network. Inspector Rachel Langley was the officer responsible for arresting Spider and dismantling the ring some 18 years ago. Now she has Winter on her team and under her wing.
This instalment sees the Inspector Langley and her team overseeing an investigation into the Hamill crime family. The Hamill family has been on the police radar for a myriad of drug and firearm offences for a long time, but there’s been little leverage to move on them. Until one nightshift, when Lexi, defying orders from her partner Rico, pursues a pair of suspected drug dealers into a train tunnel, only narrowly escaping an approaching passenger train. It turns out that although the suspects escaped they left behind a duffel bag filled with evidence which connects back to the Hamills.
A fast paced thriller with quite the in-depth plot; returning characters and plot points from the previous book also tying in to the current story; it's worth reading this series in order to be able to get a better understanding of the characters and where they fit into the hierarchy.
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first one, and maybe, like Lexi, I'm finding her new career choice as disconcerting as she is. Like trying to place a square peg into a round hole – Winter's past experiences have made her into what she is today and I enjoyed that about her in the first book. By placing constraints on her in terms of her policing career…..well, let's just say it will be interesting to see how that plays out.
March 27, 2025
I have had this one only to-read list since Nov2022, which makes it part of my “Cleaning Out the To-Read Closet” challenge. I don’t know why it has taken me so long to finally get around to reading this second installment of the Lexie Winter series. Lexie, an abused child, turned prostitute, turned computer hacking vigilante, turned police officer, has had quite the life. LOVE LEXIE!!! Barrie has created a wonderful and brilliant, snarky, bad@$$ FMC in Lexie Winter!
The book summary introduces the different storylines of Lexie and her motley crew of street informants that she employs in gathering info on a local crime family, the Hamills, (from the last installment). Lexie is also working with DI Rachel again by providing Rachel’s team with the info Lexie collects from her street informants so that Rachel’s team can go after the Hamill crime family. Lexie is also working with DS Finn (from the first installment) again in hunting down pedophile, Vaughn and his accomplice, Debbie. Vaughn and Debbie had fled the country but are rumored to be back in the country (Australia).
Suffice it to say that Lexie has her hands in a lot pies and is just a little ragged and has no patience for her DS, who is irritated and resentful of Lexie, a probationary Constable, having friends in high places that basically tell him that Lexie is to be granted some latitude in order for her to be able to work with DI Rachel and DS Finn on some high level, top secret assignments.
Lexie is all over the place helping Rachel and Finn, while trying to protect her CI’s from getting killed by the Hamill family and their crew of “butchers” who go after people who have dirt on them and are providing it to law enforcement. It’s around the halfway point that my armchair detective has narrowed in on a couple of characters that I suspect are not who they are portraying themselves as and a whole other set of suspicions of how the story may go are beginning to formulate. The end comes in a flurry of scary and intense scenes for Lexie and the team as well as a twist I never saw coming.
I enjoyed the continuing development of the story’s characters, and especially liked the way that Lexie, Rachel and Finn are developing as tight and caring friends. The storyline is steady to fast and a reader needs to stay sharp not to miss all the activity going on. The storyline is interesting and I really like Lexie’s interactions with certain characters and her perfectly timed snark is entertaining. The writing was good as well as entertaining. However, I do want to say that if you are one of those types of readers whose enjoyment of a fictious story is contingent on the story’s level of believability, this probably isn’t the story for you. For me, where the crazier the better, it’s just right and why I read mostly fiction. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.2 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review.
The book summary introduces the different storylines of Lexie and her motley crew of street informants that she employs in gathering info on a local crime family, the Hamills, (from the last installment). Lexie is also working with DI Rachel again by providing Rachel’s team with the info Lexie collects from her street informants so that Rachel’s team can go after the Hamill crime family. Lexie is also working with DS Finn (from the first installment) again in hunting down pedophile, Vaughn and his accomplice, Debbie. Vaughn and Debbie had fled the country but are rumored to be back in the country (Australia).
Suffice it to say that Lexie has her hands in a lot pies and is just a little ragged and has no patience for her DS, who is irritated and resentful of Lexie, a probationary Constable, having friends in high places that basically tell him that Lexie is to be granted some latitude in order for her to be able to work with DI Rachel and DS Finn on some high level, top secret assignments.
Lexie is all over the place helping Rachel and Finn, while trying to protect her CI’s from getting killed by the Hamill family and their crew of “butchers” who go after people who have dirt on them and are providing it to law enforcement. It’s around the halfway point that my armchair detective has narrowed in on a couple of characters that I suspect are not who they are portraying themselves as and a whole other set of suspicions of how the story may go are beginning to formulate. The end comes in a flurry of scary and intense scenes for Lexie and the team as well as a twist I never saw coming.
I enjoyed the continuing development of the story’s characters, and especially liked the way that Lexie, Rachel and Finn are developing as tight and caring friends. The storyline is steady to fast and a reader needs to stay sharp not to miss all the activity going on. The storyline is interesting and I really like Lexie’s interactions with certain characters and her perfectly timed snark is entertaining. The writing was good as well as entertaining. However, I do want to say that if you are one of those types of readers whose enjoyment of a fictious story is contingent on the story’s level of believability, this probably isn’t the story for you. For me, where the crazier the better, it’s just right and why I read mostly fiction. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.2 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review.
January 27, 2023
The second installment in the Lexi Winter series is just as fast-paced and thrilling as the first. Lexi is now a probationary police officer but still chooses to not play by the rules. The hunt for Vaughn and Debbie is still on but this time round the Hamills, a dangerous crime family, are after Lexi too. Inspector Rachael Langley and Detective Sergeant Finn Carson are busy conducting investigations of their own that soon appear to be connected. I highly recommend reading Retribution but suggest that Unforgiven is read first to understand where it all began. I'm looking forward to Lexi Winter #3. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my digital copy of Sarah Barrie's latest book.
December 24, 2024
Lexi Winter is back in this dark, suspenseful crime thriller from Sarah Barrie.
Lexi was once a victim (of notorious paedophile the Spider), then vigilante (hacking and entrapping local paedophiles who the police cannot touch), and is now a probationary constable, who is not very good at staying out of trouble.
Such a fast-paced and well-written plot.
Lexi was once a victim (of notorious paedophile the Spider), then vigilante (hacking and entrapping local paedophiles who the police cannot touch), and is now a probationary constable, who is not very good at staying out of trouble.
Such a fast-paced and well-written plot.
November 15, 2022
Straight out of the academy at the top of her class Probationary Constable Lexi Winter is posted at Wyong Police Station. She’s a smartarse, badass and kicks butt – not endearing her to the boss. Her inability to follow rules stems from her background: abused child, prostitute and computer hacker. Her side gig is locating and bringing to justice Damon Vaughan, former cop, child-predator and murderer for profit with a link to her childhood nemesis Spider, and his partner in crime Debbie Reynolds a member of the drug and arms dealing Hamill family.
Lexi and her mentor Rico arrest two drug dealing teens who’d severely beaten a fellow constable, but in the skirmish a backpack is concealed in a railway tunnel. When the lads are released due to a reluctant witness, she and Rico race back to recover the evidence, but are ambushed resulting in Rico’s death and a concussed Lexi’s suspension from duties. So she gets busy in dark web chatrooms, using various assumed identities, to get dirt on the Hamill family, hoping they’ll give up Debbie.
Detective Sergeant Finn Carson is investigating the gory death of a construction business owner whose project manager, Mark Bradley, seems to have been embezzling funds. He’s on the run, but Bradley’s wife’s body is found in the Hawkesbury River, near the sleepy Wondabyne Station, close to the tunnel of Lexi’s ill-fated encounter. Under Inspector Rachael Langley, they race to unravel the connections while the body count of informers, bounty hunters and other Hamill enemies mount. When the Hamill patriarch issues death threats against Rachael and a $2 million dollar reward for the person bothering them on the dark web, the stakes escalate.
‘Retribution’, the second book in the Lexi Winter series by Sarah Barrie, proves that revenge and payback always provides a riveting read. Looking forward to the next exciting installment ...
Thanks to Better Reading and HQ Fiction for a review copy.
Lexi and her mentor Rico arrest two drug dealing teens who’d severely beaten a fellow constable, but in the skirmish a backpack is concealed in a railway tunnel. When the lads are released due to a reluctant witness, she and Rico race back to recover the evidence, but are ambushed resulting in Rico’s death and a concussed Lexi’s suspension from duties. So she gets busy in dark web chatrooms, using various assumed identities, to get dirt on the Hamill family, hoping they’ll give up Debbie.
Detective Sergeant Finn Carson is investigating the gory death of a construction business owner whose project manager, Mark Bradley, seems to have been embezzling funds. He’s on the run, but Bradley’s wife’s body is found in the Hawkesbury River, near the sleepy Wondabyne Station, close to the tunnel of Lexi’s ill-fated encounter. Under Inspector Rachael Langley, they race to unravel the connections while the body count of informers, bounty hunters and other Hamill enemies mount. When the Hamill patriarch issues death threats against Rachael and a $2 million dollar reward for the person bothering them on the dark web, the stakes escalate.
‘Retribution’, the second book in the Lexi Winter series by Sarah Barrie, proves that revenge and payback always provides a riveting read. Looking forward to the next exciting installment ...
Thanks to Better Reading and HQ Fiction for a review copy.
April 10, 2024
4.5 stars
Loving Sarah Barrie’s Lexi Winter series.
Brilliant, thrilling, nail biting, gritty.
IT’S A PAGE TURNER.
Listened to the audiobook on BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda/HarperCollins audio
Read by Cecelia Ramsdale
Duration: 10 hrs, 47 min. 1.25x Speed
Loving Sarah Barrie’s Lexi Winter series.
Brilliant, thrilling, nail biting, gritty.
IT’S A PAGE TURNER.
Listened to the audiobook on BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda/HarperCollins audio
Read by Cecelia Ramsdale
Duration: 10 hrs, 47 min. 1.25x Speed
January 15, 2023
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Retribution by Sarah Barrie
I was super excited to see another Lexi Winter book released after reading the addictive UNFORGIVEN (Lexi Winter #1) in 2021!
Lexi Winter is an ex-prostitute, vigilante, ace hacker and has a pet cannabis pot plant named Mojo. Abused by a notorious pedophile as a child she is now working with the police as a probationary constable after helping to bring down those that hurt her.
Our protagonist Lexi doesn’t adhere to authority, she’s highly intelligent, determined and a kick-ass heroine. I loved Lexi’s character so much, she really pushes the boundaries and plays by her own rules but I’m not sure how long she will last with the NSW police force if she doesn’t comply with theirs!
I also loved the other characters in the story especially Finn Carson and Rachael Langley who bring Lexi in to support their investigation.
The latter half of the book is flat out action packed, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, absolutely wow!! This is Aussie crime fiction at it’s best! I can’t wait for another instalment in this series.
Publication Date 30 November 2022
Publisher HQ Fiction AU
A huge thanks to Harlequin Australia for a copy of the book 🙏
Retribution by Sarah Barrie
I was super excited to see another Lexi Winter book released after reading the addictive UNFORGIVEN (Lexi Winter #1) in 2021!
Lexi Winter is an ex-prostitute, vigilante, ace hacker and has a pet cannabis pot plant named Mojo. Abused by a notorious pedophile as a child she is now working with the police as a probationary constable after helping to bring down those that hurt her.
Our protagonist Lexi doesn’t adhere to authority, she’s highly intelligent, determined and a kick-ass heroine. I loved Lexi’s character so much, she really pushes the boundaries and plays by her own rules but I’m not sure how long she will last with the NSW police force if she doesn’t comply with theirs!
I also loved the other characters in the story especially Finn Carson and Rachael Langley who bring Lexi in to support their investigation.
The latter half of the book is flat out action packed, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, absolutely wow!! This is Aussie crime fiction at it’s best! I can’t wait for another instalment in this series.
Publication Date 30 November 2022
Publisher HQ Fiction AU
A huge thanks to Harlequin Australia for a copy of the book 🙏
June 24, 2023
I went into this book with absolutely no expectations and I was very pleasantly surprised! This is my first read from Sarah Barrie and even though it is a sequel there is absolutely no reason you would need to read the first novel. Sarah does a great job of subtly including information throughout the novel that explains how our protagonist (Lexi) got to where she is and why without it sounding forced or like a full recap. From what I can gather the first novel in this series has some very dark themes and I don't actually think I could read about them. This, on the other hand, was a fantastic crime novel with an ending leaning into another book - I'm excited to see where this goes.
The author manages to write about a few investigations that have cropped up over a few days and gradually they all start to make sense and intertwine. I was concerned at one point that this would all feel forced but it didn't and I binged the whole book in a couple of days (something I don't do often as I'm usually a slow reader). The action started from the very first page and lasted until the last line. A very easy 5 starts from me (which I don't give out often).
The author manages to write about a few investigations that have cropped up over a few days and gradually they all start to make sense and intertwine. I was concerned at one point that this would all feel forced but it didn't and I binged the whole book in a couple of days (something I don't do often as I'm usually a slow reader). The action started from the very first page and lasted until the last line. A very easy 5 starts from me (which I don't give out often).
December 22, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Sarah Barrie’s intrepid hero returns for another dose of action and crime solving adventures with a distinct Aussie flavour in Retribution. This quick paced thriller stuns with many heart stopping moments of danger, violence and destruction. Intense, fast moving and consuming, I was completely on edge while reading Retribution.
Lexi Winter, hacker extraordinaire, is back with a bang in Retribution. Lexi is a probationary officer and has now joined forces with the police in her search for an old enemy. Lexi proves her worth and more by chasing down a drug dealer in a terrifying series of events, but Lexi’s superiors wonder what they have got themselves in for with this vigilante style of policing. Lexi doesn’t let the opinions of others bother her, especially her boss and she secretly continues her cyber fight with a well-known drug dealer. With Detective Sergeant Finn Carson and Inspector Rachael Langley also joining the lines of investigation, Lexi must learn to work with her colleagues instead of against them if she is to take down an old foe.
Sarah Barrie is a fantastic author, who in my opinion is one of the best in business in the mixed crime, suspense, rural and romance genres. Barrie’s ability to blend all these appealing genres successfully in the one page turning narrative is quite amazing. I was keen to get started on Retribution, as I had recently finished reading Unforgiven. Although Retribution is the second novel to feature gritty crime investigator Lexi Winter, it can be read as a standalone story.
Phew, Lexi sure does makes me feel dizzy and exhausted following her action adventures! What a tough, gritty, determined and headstrong woman! Lexi also has her flaws, which we are privy to in this latest Sarah Barrie adventure. I liked getting to know Lexi more on a personal and professional basis in Retribution. I think Barrie does a great job of revealing just enough personal information about Lexi to keep us intrigued about her character, while leaving the door wide open for more information to flow through about her lead. This time around Lexi must learn to work within the confines of a police department, but she still breaks the rules in true Lexi style. We see this independent spirit link in with two other officers, Finn and Rachael, which adds some interesting dynamics to this complex case.
The plot content in Retribution is full of battles, contests, conflicts and dark corners. Barrie incorporates some shady themes around drugs, shootings, murder and violence, which her crime fighting expert must work extra hard to unravel. The pace is pretty relentless for the entire book, but it accelerates in the second half of the story as everyone involved in this challenging case must dig deep to close the investigation. Retribution is set in the central coast area of NSW and while I am not familiar with this location, I felt like it was the perfect frame for this Australian crime suspense novel. Barrie takes us directly to the centre of the action in her second Lexi Winter novel thanks to her robust writing style. I felt like an extra on the set of this action adventure, which was great! It is easy to stay true to Retribution until the bitter end, as I guarantee you will be itching to find out how it all turns out for Sarah Barrie’s unconventional and tenacious lead.
A tough and steadfast story filled with dark deeds, Retribution is a solid follow up novel to last year’s Lexi Winter suspense adventure, Unforgiven.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Sarah Barrie’s intrepid hero returns for another dose of action and crime solving adventures with a distinct Aussie flavour in Retribution. This quick paced thriller stuns with many heart stopping moments of danger, violence and destruction. Intense, fast moving and consuming, I was completely on edge while reading Retribution.
Lexi Winter, hacker extraordinaire, is back with a bang in Retribution. Lexi is a probationary officer and has now joined forces with the police in her search for an old enemy. Lexi proves her worth and more by chasing down a drug dealer in a terrifying series of events, but Lexi’s superiors wonder what they have got themselves in for with this vigilante style of policing. Lexi doesn’t let the opinions of others bother her, especially her boss and she secretly continues her cyber fight with a well-known drug dealer. With Detective Sergeant Finn Carson and Inspector Rachael Langley also joining the lines of investigation, Lexi must learn to work with her colleagues instead of against them if she is to take down an old foe.
Sarah Barrie is a fantastic author, who in my opinion is one of the best in business in the mixed crime, suspense, rural and romance genres. Barrie’s ability to blend all these appealing genres successfully in the one page turning narrative is quite amazing. I was keen to get started on Retribution, as I had recently finished reading Unforgiven. Although Retribution is the second novel to feature gritty crime investigator Lexi Winter, it can be read as a standalone story.
Phew, Lexi sure does makes me feel dizzy and exhausted following her action adventures! What a tough, gritty, determined and headstrong woman! Lexi also has her flaws, which we are privy to in this latest Sarah Barrie adventure. I liked getting to know Lexi more on a personal and professional basis in Retribution. I think Barrie does a great job of revealing just enough personal information about Lexi to keep us intrigued about her character, while leaving the door wide open for more information to flow through about her lead. This time around Lexi must learn to work within the confines of a police department, but she still breaks the rules in true Lexi style. We see this independent spirit link in with two other officers, Finn and Rachael, which adds some interesting dynamics to this complex case.
The plot content in Retribution is full of battles, contests, conflicts and dark corners. Barrie incorporates some shady themes around drugs, shootings, murder and violence, which her crime fighting expert must work extra hard to unravel. The pace is pretty relentless for the entire book, but it accelerates in the second half of the story as everyone involved in this challenging case must dig deep to close the investigation. Retribution is set in the central coast area of NSW and while I am not familiar with this location, I felt like it was the perfect frame for this Australian crime suspense novel. Barrie takes us directly to the centre of the action in her second Lexi Winter novel thanks to her robust writing style. I felt like an extra on the set of this action adventure, which was great! It is easy to stay true to Retribution until the bitter end, as I guarantee you will be itching to find out how it all turns out for Sarah Barrie’s unconventional and tenacious lead.
A tough and steadfast story filled with dark deeds, Retribution is a solid follow up novel to last year’s Lexi Winter suspense adventure, Unforgiven.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
February 19, 2023
4.5 stars
Retribution is book two in the Lexi Winter series and opens with Lexi newly graduated from the Police Academy. Even though Retribution can be read as a stand-alone I would recommend reading Unforgiven as it will give you a good grasp of who Lexi is and where she has come from.
Currently assigned to Wyong Police Station, Lexi is hell bent on bringing down a notorious drug family, single-handedly if need be.
Retribution isn't quite as disturbing and hard-hitting as Unforgiven and starts off as a bit of a slow burn. I was wondering if it was going to match up to Unforgiven. I needn't have worried. As the story progresses the pace quickens and the tension rises, along with the body count.
Lexi plays by her own rules and everyone else has to fall in line. She gets results!
I really enjoyed the setting of Wyong, Woy Woy and Wondabyne, on the New South Wales central coast, as I know these areas and could picture them.
There are two cases under investigation; one is the murder of a building company owner and the other is bringing down the drug empire.
I thought it would be hard for Barrie to follow with another crime thriller that's as gritty and suspenseful as Unforgiven but when the tension in Retribution hits out of nowhere and the twists start coming all I could think was, Sarah Barrie has done it again!
*I received a copy from the publisher
Retribution is book two in the Lexi Winter series and opens with Lexi newly graduated from the Police Academy. Even though Retribution can be read as a stand-alone I would recommend reading Unforgiven as it will give you a good grasp of who Lexi is and where she has come from.
Currently assigned to Wyong Police Station, Lexi is hell bent on bringing down a notorious drug family, single-handedly if need be.
Retribution isn't quite as disturbing and hard-hitting as Unforgiven and starts off as a bit of a slow burn. I was wondering if it was going to match up to Unforgiven. I needn't have worried. As the story progresses the pace quickens and the tension rises, along with the body count.
Lexi plays by her own rules and everyone else has to fall in line. She gets results!
I really enjoyed the setting of Wyong, Woy Woy and Wondabyne, on the New South Wales central coast, as I know these areas and could picture them.
There are two cases under investigation; one is the murder of a building company owner and the other is bringing down the drug empire.
I thought it would be hard for Barrie to follow with another crime thriller that's as gritty and suspenseful as Unforgiven but when the tension in Retribution hits out of nowhere and the twists start coming all I could think was, Sarah Barrie has done it again!
*I received a copy from the publisher
January 4, 2023
Brilliant!
What a way to start my 2023 Reading Challenge. An excellent, complex, strongly written plot with outstanding female protagonists. Truly worthwhile reading this Australian series.
Fantastic second instalment.
What a way to start my 2023 Reading Challenge. An excellent, complex, strongly written plot with outstanding female protagonists. Truly worthwhile reading this Australian series.
Fantastic second instalment.
February 19, 2024
This is the second book about Lexi Winter, now a cop, but still doing things her way. It’s an action packed story that begins with a couple of crimes that seem unrelated until it all comes together. For me this book wasn’t as good as the first one (I really missed Dawny!). Fast paced and well written, another enjoyable read.
November 12, 2022
Retribution is the second instalment of the Lexie Winter series, set in Central New South Wales, Australia, about a young hacker/vigilante who survived childhood abuse and a serial killer and has now become a probationary police officer - but struggles with following the rules. You definitely need to have read the first book, Unforgiven, to understand Lexie’s back story and her relationships with Finn and Rachael. This is a dark, violent story about the dangerous underbelly of Australian society and while plenty of suspension of disbelief is required, the fast paced action had me gripped to the end.
After a police operation targeting the younger members of a notorious family of criminals goes horribly wrong, Lexie, injured but resolute, vows to take them down by any means necessary. Meanwhile Rachael is helping the federal police who are still pursuing the violent paedophile who escaped custody in Unforgiven, and his partner, and Finn is called to a suspicious death on a building site. As links between the cases begin to emerge, the villains always seem to escape formal justice, so maybe Lexie’s unconventional methods are the only way?
I do enjoy female vigilante stories, and Lexie, with her sarcastic humour and out of the box thinking is a great addition to the genre. This was a great twisty thriller with well developed and likeably flawed central characters. I had a few minor issues: Lexie’s POV is told in first person present, while everyone else’s is third person past, and the perspectives sometimes shift quite abruptly. Also the dialogue is written in a way that often made it hard to know who was saying what. There’s a lot going on here, and a high body count that made me sceptical that this would all have been left in the hands of the local police - and that Lexie would get away with as much as she does, but this didn’t stop me enjoying it immensely. I look forward to reading more of Lexie’s adventures - and the return of one of the best characters from the first book! 4.5 rounded down for the present tense.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
Retribution is published on November 30th.
After a police operation targeting the younger members of a notorious family of criminals goes horribly wrong, Lexie, injured but resolute, vows to take them down by any means necessary. Meanwhile Rachael is helping the federal police who are still pursuing the violent paedophile who escaped custody in Unforgiven, and his partner, and Finn is called to a suspicious death on a building site. As links between the cases begin to emerge, the villains always seem to escape formal justice, so maybe Lexie’s unconventional methods are the only way?
I do enjoy female vigilante stories, and Lexie, with her sarcastic humour and out of the box thinking is a great addition to the genre. This was a great twisty thriller with well developed and likeably flawed central characters. I had a few minor issues: Lexie’s POV is told in first person present, while everyone else’s is third person past, and the perspectives sometimes shift quite abruptly. Also the dialogue is written in a way that often made it hard to know who was saying what. There’s a lot going on here, and a high body count that made me sceptical that this would all have been left in the hands of the local police - and that Lexie would get away with as much as she does, but this didn’t stop me enjoying it immensely. I look forward to reading more of Lexie’s adventures - and the return of one of the best characters from the first book! 4.5 rounded down for the present tense.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
Retribution is published on November 30th.
January 7, 2023
‘Nope. I am absolutely not waiting.’
When we first met Lexi Winter (in ‘Unforgiven’) she was a vigilante, tracking down child abusers. Herself a survivor of child abuse, Lexi has now joined the New South Wales Police Force and is a probationary constable. But Lexi is not really comfortable with teamwork, and she’s still focussed on a couple of old enemies from the past.
One night, she and her partner capture two drug dealers who just happen to be junior members of the extensive Hamill crime family. A search for evidence leads to a tragedy and makes Lexi more determined than ever to bring the family down. Especially because they have links with the paedophile from her past.
Detective Sergeant Finn Carson is investigating a death on a Sydney building site, while Detective Inspector Rachael Langley is overseeing another higher-level investigation. Lexi’s skills and knowledge see her becoming involved in this investigation, despite the reservations of some of her colleagues. While Lexi’s investigatory skills are invaluable, she needs to learn how to work as part of a team. Lexi is a complex, gifted character whose desire to bring down the Hamill family (and others) often sees her taking risks. Her hacking skills and undercover intelligence gathering provide information that leads her and others into danger, and there are plenty of tense moments before the final page.
A roller coaster ride! And now I wonder what the future holds.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
When we first met Lexi Winter (in ‘Unforgiven’) she was a vigilante, tracking down child abusers. Herself a survivor of child abuse, Lexi has now joined the New South Wales Police Force and is a probationary constable. But Lexi is not really comfortable with teamwork, and she’s still focussed on a couple of old enemies from the past.
One night, she and her partner capture two drug dealers who just happen to be junior members of the extensive Hamill crime family. A search for evidence leads to a tragedy and makes Lexi more determined than ever to bring the family down. Especially because they have links with the paedophile from her past.
Detective Sergeant Finn Carson is investigating a death on a Sydney building site, while Detective Inspector Rachael Langley is overseeing another higher-level investigation. Lexi’s skills and knowledge see her becoming involved in this investigation, despite the reservations of some of her colleagues. While Lexi’s investigatory skills are invaluable, she needs to learn how to work as part of a team. Lexi is a complex, gifted character whose desire to bring down the Hamill family (and others) often sees her taking risks. Her hacking skills and undercover intelligence gathering provide information that leads her and others into danger, and there are plenty of tense moments before the final page.
A roller coaster ride! And now I wonder what the future holds.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
January 11, 2023
Retribution is the thrilling sequel to Unforgiven, in which Sarah Barrie introduced Lexi Winter.
Once a lone vigilante, after the events of Unforgiven, Lexi, the survivor of pedophile network that included her parents, has joined the police force and now is a probationary Constable. Working within the rules is not easy for her, but she’s doing her best to honour the commitment she made, at least during work hours. Lexi is still hunting for Damon Vaughn, the sociopath who delivered Lexi to the orchestrator of her childhood abuse, and is secretly playing a dangerous game designed to find him.
Lexi’s two worlds collide after she and her training officer chase a pair of teenage drug dealers. Tightly plotted with plenty of action that includes plenty of tense situations, violence, and several murders, Retribution is fast-paced and exciting. Set between the central coast area of NSW and Sydney, three seperate investigations, plus Lexi’s personal project, eventually intertwine, reuniting Lexi with Detective Inspector Rachael Langley and her Homicide squad, which includes Detective Sergeant Finn Carson.
Working with the team in an official capacity is a challenge for Lexi. Given her extraordinary talents, Lexi’s struggle humanises her, and I liked the role it plays in her personal growth. Barrie also provides more insight into the lives of Rachael and Finn, and I’m liking the hint of a possible relationship developing between Finn and Lexi.
Retribution is a gripping page turner and I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
Once a lone vigilante, after the events of Unforgiven, Lexi, the survivor of pedophile network that included her parents, has joined the police force and now is a probationary Constable. Working within the rules is not easy for her, but she’s doing her best to honour the commitment she made, at least during work hours. Lexi is still hunting for Damon Vaughn, the sociopath who delivered Lexi to the orchestrator of her childhood abuse, and is secretly playing a dangerous game designed to find him.
Lexi’s two worlds collide after she and her training officer chase a pair of teenage drug dealers. Tightly plotted with plenty of action that includes plenty of tense situations, violence, and several murders, Retribution is fast-paced and exciting. Set between the central coast area of NSW and Sydney, three seperate investigations, plus Lexi’s personal project, eventually intertwine, reuniting Lexi with Detective Inspector Rachael Langley and her Homicide squad, which includes Detective Sergeant Finn Carson.
Working with the team in an official capacity is a challenge for Lexi. Given her extraordinary talents, Lexi’s struggle humanises her, and I liked the role it plays in her personal growth. Barrie also provides more insight into the lives of Rachael and Finn, and I’m liking the hint of a possible relationship developing between Finn and Lexi.
Retribution is a gripping page turner and I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
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