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A review by lynguy1
Lethal Vengeance by Robert Bryndza
4.0
Lethal Vengeance by Robert Bryndza is an excellent police procedural novel featuring Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster. In this eighth book in the series set in London, Foster finds politician Neville Lomas dead in his own apartment. However, the case is taken from her and quickly ruled as a death from natural causes. The case is closed until two months later when more deaths that are similar in nature occur. Foster isn’t about to let these cases be ignored.
Foster is principled and tends to go against authority if she feels they’re not doing what’s right. She has a direct manner, gets results, and is well respected by her team. However, because she occasionally bucks authority, her career feels stalled. The other characters are well defined as well, with a set of repeat characters from previous books along with new ones related to the cases in this story line. While most of the story is from Foster’s point of view, there are occasionally chapters from the point of view of the killer including some flashback scenes.
The plot is twisty, deeply involved, and intense at times. It quickly builds momentum as the plot twists and turns and higher-ups try to contain the investigation. There are unpredictable moments in the story that are unsettling. It’s well-written and flows well as readers gain insight into the thoughts, behaviors, and actions towards others of both Foster and the killer. My only quibble is that while the main mystery was solved, a couple of items were left open at the ending that I wanted answered. Themes include murder, guilt, revenge, political maneuvering, ethics, relationships, trust, responsibilities, and much more.
Overall, this gripping and complex police procedural has good characterization and a plot that keeps readers turning the pages to see what will happen next. While this is the first book in the series I have read, it worked as a standalone novel for me. However, I’m looking forward to reading more from this author and want to read the earlier books in the series as well as the ninth one when it is available.
Raven Street Publishing and Robert Bryndza provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 08, 2024.
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My 4.34 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Foster is principled and tends to go against authority if she feels they’re not doing what’s right. She has a direct manner, gets results, and is well respected by her team. However, because she occasionally bucks authority, her career feels stalled. The other characters are well defined as well, with a set of repeat characters from previous books along with new ones related to the cases in this story line. While most of the story is from Foster’s point of view, there are occasionally chapters from the point of view of the killer including some flashback scenes.
The plot is twisty, deeply involved, and intense at times. It quickly builds momentum as the plot twists and turns and higher-ups try to contain the investigation. There are unpredictable moments in the story that are unsettling. It’s well-written and flows well as readers gain insight into the thoughts, behaviors, and actions towards others of both Foster and the killer. My only quibble is that while the main mystery was solved, a couple of items were left open at the ending that I wanted answered. Themes include murder, guilt, revenge, political maneuvering, ethics, relationships, trust, responsibilities, and much more.
Overall, this gripping and complex police procedural has good characterization and a plot that keeps readers turning the pages to see what will happen next. While this is the first book in the series I have read, it worked as a standalone novel for me. However, I’m looking forward to reading more from this author and want to read the earlier books in the series as well as the ninth one when it is available.
Raven Street Publishing and Robert Bryndza provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 08, 2024.
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My 4.34 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.