Death Retroactive

Retro Justice Force Mysteries #1

by Dahlia Bishop

Standing over the dead body of a 17-year-old girl, Detective St. John Deveraux hopes she was murdered. It's the only way he can save her. He's part of a new police force in an alternative Seattle that can execute a murderer before the crime is committed, but only if it meets the agency’s strict guidelines. So far none have.

As Deveraux closes in on the girl’s killer he finds his own agency implicated in her death and faces an impossible choice. If he convicts her killer he’ll reset the Timeline and lose all his knowledge of the corruption in his own force. But if he holds his superiors to account, he'll lose the chance to impose the sentence of Death Retroactive and do the one thing he came here to do... raise the dead.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

Reviews

[Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character Detective St. John Deveraux states from the beginning of this engaging mystery novel that he can undo death. Once readers accept the premise of time travel and all the nuances of changing the past, they will be hooked on the characters and their fates. Be prepared to read all night. Highly recommended! Can't wait to see what is in store for the next book in this series.

I received an advanced reading copy of this book and am happy to post this review.

[Jeremiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

With nods to the speculative fiction of Philip K. Dick (Minority Report / Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?) and the twentieth century mystery novel (Chandler, Christie, James), Bishop has crafted an engaging debut. Her character sketches are compelling and the concept of "retro justice" is adjacent to some of the best sci-fi of the modern era. Bishop's use of POV is admirable, and she has created a memorable protagonist with Detective St. John Deveraux. This is a fascinating detective novel / sci-fi hybrid, and I'm eager to read the next book in the RJF series.

[Janeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. It was a fascinating plot device to be able to punish crimes that have yet to happen. Enough was revealed about our main character to root for him but also wonder just a little bit. I love the mystery in a mystery. It had me thinking of Minority Report and Blake Crouch's Recursion in all the best ways and most especially because the author didn't try to wrap up all of the big questions in one novel. I'm excited to read the next book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detective St. John Deveraux is a detective with a difference, he can bring people back from the dead by eliminating the killer before they commit murder - well, the group he works for can. Strict Agency guidelines have to be met, but it seems that Deveraux can’t quite solve the number of crimes that he should do. Then comes a case that strikes a chord with him and he needs to get his first success.

I liked the premise of this book, being able to stop a murder before it happens, changing time lines and being a force for good. Unfortunately for me the book had me more confused than interested. I felt it was going round in circles a bit, which is part of the story, but it just left me feeling a bit frustrated. I liked Nina and could empathise with her, and I liked the young Devereaux but couldn’t quite take to the adult. Not the book for me but worth a read if you like the premise.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a one of a kind book! I read it nearly
straight through, and I absolutely cannot wait
for the next installment. The Author has come up
with an absolutely brilliant science fictional method
to deal with restoring justice and ensuring murderers
are dealt with in appropriate ways.
The Retro Justice Force Mystery Series is going
to continue and I cannot wait!
I recommend this to fans of the ‘In Death’ series by
JD Robb, to Science fiction - futuristic fiction and
anyone who enjoys good series’ books.
I received an advance review copy of this book from
Book Sirens and this is my honest review.

[Miranda Bueno · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mystery with excellent elements. Time travel always makes me imagine applications and implications in everyday life and with Retroactive Death was no different. I found myself wondering what it would be like if it were possible to undo death, at least murders, and that sounded great. The author made me look away from the real killer several times.
Despite being a little frustrated with the ending, this is only book 1 and I believe that the next ones will justify what happened.
Excited for book 2. Good Job, Dahlia.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me.
There was a lot going on and I found it hard to keep track of everything. I think the idea is interesting and kind of makes me want to watch Timecop.
The writing itself was good. It was concise and not too prose-like.
I received an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Becca]

I don't even know where to start. I can't say much because .. spoilers, but man. I could not be Dev and be ok knowing some things were going to be taken from you in an instant. I'm trying to be vague lol

But man, what a story. And knowing what he did. Just so many twists to this. So good.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest review!
Wow! A unique concept!
Don't miss!