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Retribution
What can happen when an ordinary member of the public’s mobile phone is hacked?
A student has been murdered in North Wales and the press are hounding her landlord, Gareth Evans. Peter Gray, a reporter, sent up from London to cover the story, tries to protect his ex-colleague Gareth, but becomes embroiled in a murderous plot.
Craig Fletcher, a drugs runner, wants retribution. He plans to torture and kill James Ryan, the man he believes tried to have him killed six years ago and who is now running his former drugs empire in the north-east of England. Fletcher’s plot involves the abduction and murder of IT worker Travis Williams, whose disfigured body in a burnt out car will keep James Ryan’s men off the scent while Fletcher exacts his revenge.
But in its bid to be first with a ‘new angle’ on the murdered student case, a tabloid newspaper conflates the two stories and the result is confusion and chaos. As the body count rises and the journalists, the local police and Travis’s acquaintances, Nick Parker and Ann Butler, try to work out what is really happening, the race is on to find the location where innocent people are being held before more deaths are added to the list.
Their intense experience over three long days drives many involved to question some deeply held assumptions and re-examine their consciences. Ultimately, in various different ways, nearly everyone caught up in the media frenzy becomes a victim of press intrusion and phone hacking.
A student has been murdered in North Wales and the press are hounding her landlord, Gareth Evans. Peter Gray, a reporter, sent up from London to cover the story, tries to protect his ex-colleague Gareth, but becomes embroiled in a murderous plot.
Craig Fletcher, a drugs runner, wants retribution. He plans to torture and kill James Ryan, the man he believes tried to have him killed six years ago and who is now running his former drugs empire in the north-east of England. Fletcher’s plot involves the abduction and murder of IT worker Travis Williams, whose disfigured body in a burnt out car will keep James Ryan’s men off the scent while Fletcher exacts his revenge.
But in its bid to be first with a ‘new angle’ on the murdered student case, a tabloid newspaper conflates the two stories and the result is confusion and chaos. As the body count rises and the journalists, the local police and Travis’s acquaintances, Nick Parker and Ann Butler, try to work out what is really happening, the race is on to find the location where innocent people are being held before more deaths are added to the list.
Their intense experience over three long days drives many involved to question some deeply held assumptions and re-examine their consciences. Ultimately, in various different ways, nearly everyone caught up in the media frenzy becomes a victim of press intrusion and phone hacking.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2013
5 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Charles R. Stubbs
7 books39 followersI have earned my living by writing for more than 12 years. Previously a senior executive in the UK telecommunications industry, since 2001 I have crafted sales and marketing literature for major organisations - some of them household names - enabling them to improve their business performance.
'Web of Deceit' is my first eBook. A thriller set in North Wales in 1999, it examines how the media can manipulate public opinion, and how the internet has the potential to affect the lives of ordinary people.
My second book in the Travis #WebOfDeceit series involves the same group of characters five years later. In ‘Retribution’, the focus is on the activities of the UK press (some of them illegal) that came under the spotlight in the Leveson Inquiry. The novel shows how innocent people’s lives could be turned upside down by dubious media practices.
My blog at http://webofdeceit.org/blogs deals with issues relating to the media and their influence over our lives.
I live in the UK in the Midlands. When I'm not writing or working in my garden, I like to go birdwatching. I have incorporated this hobby into my books. This does make the stories somewhat unique - along with the fact that the action takes place in North Wales!
'Web of Deceit' is my first eBook. A thriller set in North Wales in 1999, it examines how the media can manipulate public opinion, and how the internet has the potential to affect the lives of ordinary people.
My second book in the Travis #WebOfDeceit series involves the same group of characters five years later. In ‘Retribution’, the focus is on the activities of the UK press (some of them illegal) that came under the spotlight in the Leveson Inquiry. The novel shows how innocent people’s lives could be turned upside down by dubious media practices.
My blog at http://webofdeceit.org/blogs deals with issues relating to the media and their influence over our lives.
I live in the UK in the Midlands. When I'm not writing or working in my garden, I like to go birdwatching. I have incorporated this hobby into my books. This does make the stories somewhat unique - along with the fact that the action takes place in North Wales!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 26, 2013
In Retribution, author Charles R. Stubbs skillfully offers tidbits of intrigue that keep readers turning the pages till the wee hours of the night. If you haven’t read his first book, Web of Deceit, Stubbs provides background facts on the returning characters in this second book in the series so that it can be read as a standalone. Once more, media manipulation and telecommunications influence the lives of ordinary people in the story. And once more, we are alerted to how media frenzy can affect us in the real world.
Stubbs is adept at repeating certain scenes and showing them from the viewpoint of different characters. Not only does this technique give readers insight into an event from the perspective of multiple characters, but it also reinforces the imagery of the overall scene and builds suspense. He cleverly uses this technique while ensuring that the plot continues to move forward at a steady, dynamic pace. This is no easy task and sets Stubbs apart from his fellow thriller writers.
If you love a complex plot and unusual characters, this thriller will definitely keep you engaged. Highly recommended.
Stubbs is adept at repeating certain scenes and showing them from the viewpoint of different characters. Not only does this technique give readers insight into an event from the perspective of multiple characters, but it also reinforces the imagery of the overall scene and builds suspense. He cleverly uses this technique while ensuring that the plot continues to move forward at a steady, dynamic pace. This is no easy task and sets Stubbs apart from his fellow thriller writers.
If you love a complex plot and unusual characters, this thriller will definitely keep you engaged. Highly recommended.
September 16, 2013
A jigsaw puzzle of a plot.
Retribution is a well thought out thriller, the second in the Web of Deceit series. It follows a diverse group of characters including members of the Welsh police, ruthless Polish drug lords and ambitious London journalists who will stop at nothing to deliver a front page story.
The story is told from multiple points of view, which did require my full concentration at times, but the strength of this story is in the very cleverly constructed narrative with clues scattered expertly throughout the plot and there were many twists and turns that I truly did not expect. Mr Stubbs also gives frightening insight into the way our modern technology makes it so easy for people to hack into our lives (I immediately searched how to change the password on my voicemail) and also into the terrifying ruthless power of the press.
Retribution draws you in and you have to keep reading to find out what really happened five years ago. It would make an awesome film.
Retribution is a well thought out thriller, the second in the Web of Deceit series. It follows a diverse group of characters including members of the Welsh police, ruthless Polish drug lords and ambitious London journalists who will stop at nothing to deliver a front page story.
The story is told from multiple points of view, which did require my full concentration at times, but the strength of this story is in the very cleverly constructed narrative with clues scattered expertly throughout the plot and there were many twists and turns that I truly did not expect. Mr Stubbs also gives frightening insight into the way our modern technology makes it so easy for people to hack into our lives (I immediately searched how to change the password on my voicemail) and also into the terrifying ruthless power of the press.
Retribution draws you in and you have to keep reading to find out what really happened five years ago. It would make an awesome film.
October 30, 2013
Great Read!
In fact, I am not so much into thrillers and suspense. However, this book grabbed my attention with its depth achieved, moral issues raised, some social awareness provoked. The narrative style is enjoyable, kind of natural, though quite intelligent and even scientific.
I was also impressed by the author's biography, including hobbies.
Honestly speaking, I was really somewhat relieved to reassure myself it was just a work of fiction. When speaking of the UK, I like the idea of people being surprised by such events and actually denouncing such practices. Whereas, in some other parts of the world journalists are being threatened, to say the least. And those cases being classified as 'it just happens from time to time' or 'that's normal around here' is simply ludicrous.
By all means, this book could serve as a good example not only for the UK, but also around Europe and allegedly the world.
In fact, I am not so much into thrillers and suspense. However, this book grabbed my attention with its depth achieved, moral issues raised, some social awareness provoked. The narrative style is enjoyable, kind of natural, though quite intelligent and even scientific.
I was also impressed by the author's biography, including hobbies.
Honestly speaking, I was really somewhat relieved to reassure myself it was just a work of fiction. When speaking of the UK, I like the idea of people being surprised by such events and actually denouncing such practices. Whereas, in some other parts of the world journalists are being threatened, to say the least. And those cases being classified as 'it just happens from time to time' or 'that's normal around here' is simply ludicrous.
By all means, this book could serve as a good example not only for the UK, but also around Europe and allegedly the world.
September 2, 2013
I just finished reading Retribution. It was amazing!
In this second installment of the Travis Web of Deceit thrillers, we find that the events of five years ago have come back to haunt all those connected with what happened in 1999 - whether they are connected innocently, remotely, or otherwise. There were so many things I liked about this book that it's hard to know where to start.
The author does a great job of taking the complex plot and breaking it into easily digested scenes, both in a way that gives the reader a wide perspective but also keeps you interested. Stubbs kept me guessing throughout the book as we find that once again, "facts" don't add up and it's hard to know who to believe. I loved the realistic way in which the police and the media played against one another. Though the story is set in the UK, I found that the issues and concepts the author brings to light are just as applicable to similar issues we face in the US. Innocent people often pay the price for incomplete, inaccurate or outright false information – not to mention (shockingly) true information which is illegally obtained and then improperly used.
There are a few parts of Retribution that really stand out in my mind. One of my favorite scenes is one in which two journalists are talking about the deterioration of their profession. Peter Gray remarks that "It's human nature to make assumptions based on very little data." This entire section stuck with me because it's something my husband and I have had lengthy conversations about. People often see something in the paper or on TV and they just believe it, even though there is honestly no reason they should. All we really know, for sure, is that some reporter said it!
Another of my favorites was a plot twist near the middle of the book in which Travis and Ann have a very difficult time. It kept the mystery going and actually scared me more than once as the plot unfolded. This was a glimpse into a bad situation turning horrible and shows how the malevolent use of modern communications technology eventually led to a nearly impossible set of circumstances.
I could continue, but needless to say this great mystery set in North Wales will challenge your thinking and the way we receive and process information from the media.
In this second installment of the Travis Web of Deceit thrillers, we find that the events of five years ago have come back to haunt all those connected with what happened in 1999 - whether they are connected innocently, remotely, or otherwise. There were so many things I liked about this book that it's hard to know where to start.
The author does a great job of taking the complex plot and breaking it into easily digested scenes, both in a way that gives the reader a wide perspective but also keeps you interested. Stubbs kept me guessing throughout the book as we find that once again, "facts" don't add up and it's hard to know who to believe. I loved the realistic way in which the police and the media played against one another. Though the story is set in the UK, I found that the issues and concepts the author brings to light are just as applicable to similar issues we face in the US. Innocent people often pay the price for incomplete, inaccurate or outright false information – not to mention (shockingly) true information which is illegally obtained and then improperly used.
There are a few parts of Retribution that really stand out in my mind. One of my favorite scenes is one in which two journalists are talking about the deterioration of their profession. Peter Gray remarks that "It's human nature to make assumptions based on very little data." This entire section stuck with me because it's something my husband and I have had lengthy conversations about. People often see something in the paper or on TV and they just believe it, even though there is honestly no reason they should. All we really know, for sure, is that some reporter said it!
Another of my favorites was a plot twist near the middle of the book in which Travis and Ann have a very difficult time. It kept the mystery going and actually scared me more than once as the plot unfolded. This was a glimpse into a bad situation turning horrible and shows how the malevolent use of modern communications technology eventually led to a nearly impossible set of circumstances.
I could continue, but needless to say this great mystery set in North Wales will challenge your thinking and the way we receive and process information from the media.
February 21, 2014
Although this book can be read as a stand alone, it is the second in the Travis series and I really wish I’d read the first book before embarking on this one. There is no doubt at all that this is a gripping thriller but in the beginning I found it hard to get to know the characters as so many seemed to be introduced without really giving the reader a chance to identify with them. This was further compounded by the numerous pseudonyms that were used throughout with several characters having more than one name. Add to the mix, action that takes place in Wales, Poland, The North-East and that the action is divided into five parts rather than a beginning, a middle and an end, and you can see that it is a recipe for confusion.
Having said that, I really liked the way the author dealt with topical problems such as phone hacking and media harassment. The fact that the newspaper refuses to change its story even after getting the facts wrong speaks volumes about today’s society.
By the end of the story I could admire the way the author brought all the strands together with many unexpected twists and turns. In addition, the character of Ann is very well portrayed and we were given glimpses into what had happened five years ago. Gareth too is extremely well described but I think that the whole story would have been held together far better by reading the first book.
On the whole this is a thrilling story of suspense with some real villains. Personally though I would have preferred fewer characters and more backdrop about the location. I felt the description of Wales worked well but as for Poland, to be honest the setting could have been anywhere as there were few details to relate to. The villains and especially the Russian Mafia did come across as slightly stereotyped at times.
If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller that will have you wondering about the next twist then I can recommend it- just read book one first!
Having said that, I really liked the way the author dealt with topical problems such as phone hacking and media harassment. The fact that the newspaper refuses to change its story even after getting the facts wrong speaks volumes about today’s society.
By the end of the story I could admire the way the author brought all the strands together with many unexpected twists and turns. In addition, the character of Ann is very well portrayed and we were given glimpses into what had happened five years ago. Gareth too is extremely well described but I think that the whole story would have been held together far better by reading the first book.
On the whole this is a thrilling story of suspense with some real villains. Personally though I would have preferred fewer characters and more backdrop about the location. I felt the description of Wales worked well but as for Poland, to be honest the setting could have been anywhere as there were few details to relate to. The villains and especially the Russian Mafia did come across as slightly stereotyped at times.
If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller that will have you wondering about the next twist then I can recommend it- just read book one first!
October 16, 2013
Ann and Travis are back and embroiled in a new adventure that might be the death of them. “Retribution” picks up five years after “Web of Deceit” and begins with a student murdered in North Wales. As the authorities try to solve this crime, another man, Craig Fletcher, plots a complicated revenge against a man he suspects of trying to kill him six years ago. The two plot lines intertwine and Travis and Ann are unwillingly dragged into the thick of things.
I won’t give you any more of the plot because I don’t want to give anything away. There are so many unexpected twists and turns that follow fast one upon the other that the story moves along at a breakneck pace. Fortunately, the writing is clear and the author has done a masterful job of keeping the reader engaged. Personally, I was on the edge of my seat and several times frantic with worry that some of my favorite characters might not make it to the end. Despite the twists (which really are unexpected), it is easy to follow the action so that you don’t get confused. The story is much more of a tale of thriller/suspense than a mystery, although there is certainly a mystery element.
An interesting aspect is the interplay of the natural world and technology. Stubbs draws a frightening picture of how technology can be used to track and even manipulate people, with a fascinating counterpoint of how listening to something as simple and natural as a bird’s song can aid us in unexpected ways.
Having read “Web of Deceit,” I was pleased to see Ann and Travis again, and I was particularly pleased with how Travis has developed. In fact, although I liked him in “Web of Deceit,” I found that I really enjoyed this more mature version of him. Stubbs does an excellent job with characterization and I look forward to another story featuring Travis an Ann to continue their life journey.
I won’t give you any more of the plot because I don’t want to give anything away. There are so many unexpected twists and turns that follow fast one upon the other that the story moves along at a breakneck pace. Fortunately, the writing is clear and the author has done a masterful job of keeping the reader engaged. Personally, I was on the edge of my seat and several times frantic with worry that some of my favorite characters might not make it to the end. Despite the twists (which really are unexpected), it is easy to follow the action so that you don’t get confused. The story is much more of a tale of thriller/suspense than a mystery, although there is certainly a mystery element.
An interesting aspect is the interplay of the natural world and technology. Stubbs draws a frightening picture of how technology can be used to track and even manipulate people, with a fascinating counterpoint of how listening to something as simple and natural as a bird’s song can aid us in unexpected ways.
Having read “Web of Deceit,” I was pleased to see Ann and Travis again, and I was particularly pleased with how Travis has developed. In fact, although I liked him in “Web of Deceit,” I found that I really enjoyed this more mature version of him. Stubbs does an excellent job with characterization and I look forward to another story featuring Travis an Ann to continue their life journey.
September 27, 2013
FAST AND CLEVER.
Retribution is not your ordinary gangster gore. Charles R. Stubbs has rearranged the great order of events in his story to paint action into reaction, so your body stays perfectly still, as you are caught up reading every line, while your head spins ‘round to catch the many angles to the plot, where even ornithology fits the bill.
Travis Williams is the man we’re following, and Stubbs describes him well, making sure to add the flaws, weaknesses, fears, as our man recovers from an ordeal he lived through five years prior. Yet, he is a qualified bird watcher; so we sense a gentleness and attention to detail lurking behind his shy demeanor.
As Travis learns to espouse life again, he makes plans to meet someone who caught his eye, all those years ago, Ann Butler. And thus the adventure begins, quickly, an adventure to put all their lives in mortal danger.
One other character worth exploring is ‘Mr. Smith’. He goes by the name of Barry Styles, one of those characters we love to hate. As treacherous as he seems, Nobby, as they call him, is well described and actually as threatening as the author makes him out to be; meaning you wouldn’t want to find yourself walking down the street with Nobby trailing a few steps behind.
My read-o-meter states I find I can easily recommend this book and give Retribution a 5 star rating.
Retribution is not your ordinary gangster gore. Charles R. Stubbs has rearranged the great order of events in his story to paint action into reaction, so your body stays perfectly still, as you are caught up reading every line, while your head spins ‘round to catch the many angles to the plot, where even ornithology fits the bill.
Travis Williams is the man we’re following, and Stubbs describes him well, making sure to add the flaws, weaknesses, fears, as our man recovers from an ordeal he lived through five years prior. Yet, he is a qualified bird watcher; so we sense a gentleness and attention to detail lurking behind his shy demeanor.
As Travis learns to espouse life again, he makes plans to meet someone who caught his eye, all those years ago, Ann Butler. And thus the adventure begins, quickly, an adventure to put all their lives in mortal danger.
One other character worth exploring is ‘Mr. Smith’. He goes by the name of Barry Styles, one of those characters we love to hate. As treacherous as he seems, Nobby, as they call him, is well described and actually as threatening as the author makes him out to be; meaning you wouldn’t want to find yourself walking down the street with Nobby trailing a few steps behind.
My read-o-meter states I find I can easily recommend this book and give Retribution a 5 star rating.
August 6, 2014
I gave this a four and half stars but only four on Amazon since I couldn't give it a half star. I didn't quite love it but I liked the story as written by Charles. The only thing that bugged me about the story was that there were gaps (Blank spaces) in the middle of some of the words. I am sure it was caused in the uploading and converting the story into Mobi. Otherwise, the story is a gripping story that will keep you riveted to the book to find out what happens next. Set in the context of how the tabloids rush stories to print without knowing the whole truth just to be the first to print the stories. In their rush to print, countless lies are told that people believe and some end up destroying the lives of those they fabricate the story about. This story is about how a murder sets in motion a series of events that brings back most of the characters in Charles's "Web of Deceit series". A good fast paced story that will feed that reading hunger you have.
January 8, 2014
Although Retribution can certainly be enjoyed as a stand-alone thriller I found it more helpful to read it as a sequel to 'Web Of Deceit'. The story takes place some years later and involves a number of the characters from the first novel.
In Retribution Travis and Ann find themselves embroiled in an escalating murder plot, which is acted out against the stunning landscape of North Wales.
Mr Stubbs delights in weaving complex tales, told from multiple viewpoints, to a background of press abuse. He is also obviously a bird enthusiast, and his expertise is cleverly woven into the tale, adding a fascinating extra dimension to the story.
A clever and thought provoking novel which, as another reviewer has said, would make an engrossing film.
In Retribution Travis and Ann find themselves embroiled in an escalating murder plot, which is acted out against the stunning landscape of North Wales.
Mr Stubbs delights in weaving complex tales, told from multiple viewpoints, to a background of press abuse. He is also obviously a bird enthusiast, and his expertise is cleverly woven into the tale, adding a fascinating extra dimension to the story.
A clever and thought provoking novel which, as another reviewer has said, would make an engrossing film.
October 24, 2013
Masterpiece of suspense
A thoroughly gripping plot loaded with a cast of gritty characters including Russian Mobsters and the infamous Nobby. To top it off a plot that keeps you guessing the whole way through. The author's crisp prose sprinkled with bits of proper English was absolutely refreshing. Charles Stubbs effortlessly guides us through the action packed events leading up to its conclusion. The levels of character develop and technical details were incredible. It kept me completely on edge with only a brief but subtle rest of bird watching. I just couldn't put it down. It reminded me of Derek Raymond. This was an awesome read, I'm glad I picked it up.
A thoroughly gripping plot loaded with a cast of gritty characters including Russian Mobsters and the infamous Nobby. To top it off a plot that keeps you guessing the whole way through. The author's crisp prose sprinkled with bits of proper English was absolutely refreshing. Charles Stubbs effortlessly guides us through the action packed events leading up to its conclusion. The levels of character develop and technical details were incredible. It kept me completely on edge with only a brief but subtle rest of bird watching. I just couldn't put it down. It reminded me of Derek Raymond. This was an awesome read, I'm glad I picked it up.
December 18, 2013
A Fine Rubik’s Cube of a Thriller
What do underworld power plays, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the demise of news media ethics, continuous cliff hangers, and bird-watching have in common? Charles R. Stubb’s multi-layered, brilliantly thought out “Retribution”.
Much like a Rubik’s Cube, each character and plot device is vital, and as the author rearranges these pieces, these snippets, using a back and forth time sequence structure, the story steadily unfolds until at last, the cube is complete. In short, if you not only enjoy edge-of-your-seat action but also want to use your brain, this is the book for you. A highly recommended 5 star read!
What do underworld power plays, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the demise of news media ethics, continuous cliff hangers, and bird-watching have in common? Charles R. Stubb’s multi-layered, brilliantly thought out “Retribution”.
Much like a Rubik’s Cube, each character and plot device is vital, and as the author rearranges these pieces, these snippets, using a back and forth time sequence structure, the story steadily unfolds until at last, the cube is complete. In short, if you not only enjoy edge-of-your-seat action but also want to use your brain, this is the book for you. A highly recommended 5 star read!
August 20, 2014
While I had read the first book some time ago, I found keeping track of the principal players hard. However, I plunged through it in the course of a day and found I did enjoy the plot, the information intertwined about bird watching/counting and dealing with mobile phone foibles. The book was divided into four parts. The style of writing allowed for misdirection; it emulated somewhat of today's media frenzies so I appreciated the eking out of key information.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews