* I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book. *

Lexi Winter is a probationary constable who resents rules and procedures when they interfere with her idea of what it takes to achieve justice. And Lexi is determined to achieve justice or, more likely, retribution, against the crime family who have been sheltering a paedophile that she is obsessed with tracking down.

Lexi's idea is to take down the mobsters one by one until the kingpins are forced to hand over the person that she desperately wants to get hold of - the former cop who can lead her to her ultimate target. But the casualties keep piling up in the course of her unofficial investigation, until her bosses are forced to try and rein her in.

This was a really good crime thriller, with an interesting twist in the resolution. It is the second in the series, and I really recommend reading Unforgiven first, because I did feel that I was missing some things that gave better background to Lexi's story, and the grounds for her obsessions. ( )

"Retribution" was a captivating read from start to finish but the end . . . !!!! I kept turning pages to see if I had missed something - what a cliffhanger! I didn't realise this was part of a series until I went looking to see what other novels Sarah Barrie has written.

I loved Lexi. She was such a complex character with a very interesting part (to say the least) - computer hacker, prostitute, vigilante and now police officer - and was unafraid to bend the rules when necessary. The other members of the police force were also great and I enjoyed all their interactions, Rachael and Finn in particular.

Gripping, fast-paced and with great characters "Retribution" was a very entertaining read. Although it was the first novel I have read by this author, it definitely won't be my last. ( )

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. ( )