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The Deadly Dozen Mysteries #2

Revenge of the Deadly Dozen

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The streets of London can be dangerous—but so can this secret society of crime-solvers . . .
Monica is barely a month into her role as leader of The Twelve—a clandestine group of retired experts tasked with eliminating London's most dangerous criminals—when a new case presents a major challenge. Ex-plumber David Latham brings them a personal hunting down a suspect who walked free after the racially-motivated murder of his best friend's son.
But as Monica and her team dig deeper, they uncover a web of corruption that reaches back decades. Old photos, hidden bribes, and buried secrets reveal the true killers—and a sinister legacy of violence.
As alliances are tested and enemies emerge from the shadows, Monica must lead The Twelve on a lethal pursuit to plot their own form of justice in this exciting new novel by the author of Lunch with the Deadly Dozen.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 14, 2025

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74 people want to read

About the author

Peter Berry

3 books8 followers
Peter Berry (known as PB to friends) was born in Surrey at the end of the 1960s and miraculously graduated from the University of York with a degree in history. He used this knowledge of the world to begin a career in PR which quickly lead to working in telly, theatre and film. In the 1990s he worked with Channel 4 publicising many of their US imports - Friends, E.R., Oprah Winfrey, Frasier and the short-lived but much loved by eight people, Bakersfield. He also used to receive Christmas phone calls from the actor, James Stewart. In 1996, he ambled into the music industry and spent ten high-speed years working with musicians as diverse as Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Steps, The Who, Groove Armada, Meat Loaf (always two words), George Benson, Billy Ocean, Atomic Kitten and many more. In 2001, he began working with Jamie Oliver and ultimately became the chef's Head of PR, travelling the world and eating delicious food; the toughest of gigs indeed. In 2016, he started the food PR business, Berry & Green with the excellent Chloe Green (no relation to Suzanne Green in Lunch with the Deadly Dozen). In 2019 he started writing a novel on the basis that, despite the excitement of the previous thirty five years, he hadn't actually ever created anything interesting (apart from a three page biography of The Blue Nile in 2004 which was quite good). The result, after four years, eighteen drafts, numerous rejection letters and four title changes, is Lunch with the Deadly Dozen. He lives in Hertfordshire with his wife, two daughters and a cockerpoo. He listens to music every day and is probably doing that right now.

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5 stars
139 (52%)
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94 (35%)
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25 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Sonia Cristina.
2,271 reviews79 followers
January 26, 2025
Ohhhb but this such a cute reading. This group of older folk is just so awesome, I'm delighted by them, how they get along so fine, their plots, how they are so compassionate. I love them.
The only problem is that there are too many of people and I get so confused🙈.
Profile Image for Bookstarreviews_.
340 reviews18 followers
February 22, 2025
4⭐️

An enjoyable sequel with characterisation at its core! 😍

It was wonderful to be back with The Twelve after I loved Lunch with the Deadly Dozen, and it was like we had never parted. Berry transported us right back into their shenanigans and it had me laughing throughout.

This cosy crime thriller had a rather slow start and it took a while to really build up to the main case and grab my attention, but I liked how in this build up, the characters were fully fleshed out and explored.

I loved reuniting with Thomas and seeing his friendships with the other characters blossom further and I also really enjoyed Monica and the slightly different side we saw of her.

The sprinkle of romance that we glimpsed in the first book was pressurised in this book and I loved it. Who knew that you’re at it that much when you’re older. I thought this worked really well with the plot dynamics.

I was constantly guessing throughout and there were a few twists that took me by surprise. I also found the plot a lot more clever and sophisticated than I’d first thought and this was clever of Berry!

Whilst I enjoyed the first book more due to the assassinations, I did like this character driven and humorous sequel and look forward to a potential third book!

A huge thank you to @pbscribblesstuff for this signed copy of Revenge of the Deadly Dozen which is out now! ❤️

I buddy read this with @mynextreads, @amylostinbooks and @scilly_geek and I loved our chats! 🫶

Check out this book if you’re looking for something a little less heavy! ☺️

⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
Profile Image for Trina 🌻.
269 reviews45 followers
May 22, 2025
I jumped into Revenge of the Deadly Dozen after being provided a copy by the author- thank you!

I have not read the first book but I was easily able to dive into the story. I love the retired twelve! Great character development. This is an enjoyable cozy crime story with the perfect amount of mystery! Now I’m going to have to read Lunch With the Deadly dozen!
Profile Image for Holly.
146 reviews9 followers
August 17, 2025
Revenge Of The Deadly Dozen is the second book in the Deadly Dozen mysteries, and follows The Twelve under new leadership as they take on another case. When one of the team brings them a personal mission, their investigation uncovers corruption going back decades. Old photos, hidden bribes, and buried secrets reveal the true killers and a sinister legacy of violence. And when police commissioner Suzanne Green makes a shocking confession, the team plot their own form of justice. The Twelve find themselves on their most dangerous mission yet. But will justice cost them everything?

What a joy it was to dive back into the world of The Twelve! Seeing their unique personalities clash, complement, and eventually come together in perfect balance is one of the most rewarding aspects of this series, and I was left wholeheartedly satisfied by this sequel. Peter Berry gives every member their moment to shine, and I found myself rooting for them all in different ways throughout.

I was completely drawn in by the mystery at the heart of Revenge Of The Deadly Dozen. Packed full of wit, red herrings and secrets, I found myself unable to put this book down. The pacing is sharp, moving from high-stakes action to quieter, more tense investigative moments, and it all builds towards an ending that felt both surprising and satisfying in both plot and character development.

Beneath the danger and clever plotting, Revenge Of The Deadly Dozen is ultimately about friendship, resilience, and proving that experience and wisdom are just as powerful as youth. I can’t wait to be reunited with The Twelve when Secrets of the Deadly Dozen comes out in September!

Thank you so much to Peter Berry for sending me this copy of Revenge Of The Deadly Dozen to read and review. My opinions are my own.
62 reviews
July 18, 2025
Loved, loved , loved it!

I will admit I was a bit nervous about reading this book as I lived Lunch with the Deadly Dozen so much and I wasn't sure how this one would compare. I needn't have worried, it was just as good and probably slightly better.

A fantastic cozy crime book that I just loved. I loved the plot and the whole concept. It makes you chuckle along as the deadly dozen exact their revenge.

A fantastic book you won't want to put down (I devoured it in a sitting). I cannot recommend this book enough and I can't wait for number 3 to come out.
1,042 reviews40 followers
June 2, 2025
Thanks to Peter for sending me a copy of his book.

I loooooved book one - Lunch With the Deadly Dozen; it was utterly fabulous and so I was thrilled when Peter sent me book two. And did I see my name in the acknowledgments there...? I think I did. Which was a lovely thing to see..

Cosy crime novels featuring old or retired individuals are ten a penny nowadays, and I love them, but they can get a bit samey. I think where Peter's stand out is that the characters are ex-somethings. They're not just older people who happened to get caught up in solving crimes. They're ex-police, ex-military, ex-spies etc. which gives them extra depth and makes it more believable that they know what to do.

Because it's been a while since I read the first one, and owing to the large quantity of characters, I was worried I'd be confused, lost as to what had happened previously and who everyone was, but I fitted right in almost instantly.

It's got adventure, thrill, darkness and sadness, but it also has humour and romance. It's got a bit of everything.

The big goings-on don't happen until after halfway, which for most books would be too late. But I think this book, and the previous one, excel in their character work. And so this gives the characters enough time to get their claws into the reader so that when the goings-on actually go on, you are fully invested.

I love the characters. There are some more prominent than others and some more likeable than others, but on the whole, I liked them all. They all bring something different to the table. It's very impressive because there is a large number of characters and it would be too easy to under-develop some or have it get too complicated, but he's mastered all of them.

I mean, is it always believable? No, of curse not, crime novels rarely are. But I don't care, because it really works.

I've said before, that whilst there is nothing lesser about self publishing or indie publishing, I find it astounding that this duology (and hopeful long series) hasn't been snapped up by a mainstream big publisher as it is just as good as other cosy crime novels out there and I really think there's a huge readership for it.
Profile Image for Helen Haythornthwaite.
215 reviews7 followers
February 8, 2025
I absolutely loved this one! What a brilliantly entertaining read it was!

The ‘Deadly Dozen’ are a group of retirees, both male and female, who have been recruited to form ‘The Twelve’. Their mission is to rid London and the surrounding area of criminals who have escaped the clutches of the law.

Despite their rather macabre objective, ‘The Twelve’ are all very likeable and rather fabulous characters. I was concerned that I might become confused as to who was who but that wasn’t the case at all. I liked that a few pairs were ‘together’ as that added a romantic element to story too.

The Twelve own various properties throughout London which have been bequeathed to them by past members of this group, which was formed over a hundred years ago. Each building houses a valuable art collection and I did enjoy reading about where these originated from.

It’s an unusual plot but it works! It’s not every day that you read about a group of highly intellectual retirees discussing cold-blooded murder - even if they think the victim deserves it for the crimes he has committed. Their meticulous planning, camaraderie and humour make this a gripping and exciting read.

For those who’ve read this one already - I just hope I’m taking as many ‘showers’ in my seventies! 😅



Profile Image for Teresa Collins.
1,114 reviews19 followers
January 27, 2025
I have fallen in love with this series. Maybe because I am around the same age as the members of The Twelve and I enjoy reading an author who us members of this group as active, intelligent, and capable people instead of someone sitting in a chair waiting for their lives to be over. That's not how the majority of us "older" people function. Then add in the fact that Mr. Berry is an excellent storyteller and it is a win-win situation. Plus, Mr. Berry acknowledges that just because a person qualifies for Social Security (or whatever the equivalent is in the UK), it doesn't mean your life no longer has worth. I wonder how many of us seniors and younger would benefit from such an attitude adjustment. Pick up Lunch with the Deadly Dozen and then Revenge of the Dealy Dozen and I think you may find you have more capabilities than you imagine..
I can't wait to see what Mr. Berry has in store for The Twelve on their next case, and I sure hope there's another case. I would like for this series to run for a very long time.
I received a review copy from the author via Bloodhound Books and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,551 reviews52 followers
January 1, 2025
I missed the first book in this series but it in now way hampered me from enjoying this dip into vigilante justice!

There is a cold case of murder to solve when The Twelve come to the conclusion that the person who was to received "justice" may just be an innocent party! There are plenty of twists and turns throughout the book and I loved learning all the characters idiosyncrasies.

The broad range of talents and abilities make the team really versatile and the tacit approval of the Met lends another layer to the story. These sexagenarians, septuagenarians and octogenarians really get about and I wish I had half their energy! They really have seized the day in their later years with love blossoming all around and in some intricate couplings (they even have a thrupple) - they are so current and quirky.

The story deals with some strong themes - racism, sexism, misogyny, sexual assault and they are handled so thoughtfully. I've decided I'd quite like to me Monica when I grow up!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
222 reviews22 followers
February 20, 2025
After reading Lunch with The Deadly Dozen last year I was thrilled to have a copy of Book Two arrive in my letterbox. I couldn’t wait to catch up with The Twelve and find out which unfortunate criminal would be their target this time around.

The case was a lot more complex this time however and a lot of diligent research was required before a plan could be carried out. The Twelve need to be absolutely certain before carrying out an assassination and I really enjoyed watching them solve the mystery.

There were also other issues going on behind the scenes with some of members of the group going through some personal issues. This definitely adds a sense of realism to the story as it shows that the characters have lives outside of The Twelve.

I also loved learning certain things about Martin the retired cab driver, it was definitely a surprise that I hadn’t been expecting.

I’d just like to thank The Author @pbscribblesstuff for sending me a signed copy as I loved book one so much. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being back with this group of deadly retirees.
Profile Image for Thrillergeek.
52 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2025
This is the second book of the Deadly Dozen. A group of retired experts. They eliminate criminals who were never punished for their crimes.
I read the first book too, Lunch with the Deadly Dozen. Loved that one, too. But the second one, in my opinion, is even better than the first one. This is a cozy crime story. You get to know the group very well personally and also the work they do en why. This story also let's you know that being elderly doesn't mean you have to sit behind the window flowers as we say it here in the Netherlands. 😂

I loved reading it. This second book was easier to read for me than the first one. The first one took a bit more effort than the second one as English is not my native language.
The story is well thought of and I loved the storyline. Also, I love to read about their personal lives, the problems, and their relationships.
Also, the end was great and I didn't expect what happened in the last chapters.

I really recommend this one and would be even better if you read the first one...
Profile Image for Kirsty.
159 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2025
Revenge of the Deadly Dozen by Peter Berry 🌹

A bit of a different read for me, but very much enjoyed!

The Deadly Dozen are a secret group of retired men and women, with useful skill sets, that have been recruited to help eliminate London of it's most dangerous criminals, most often those that have escaped the justice system.

While on their current mission a whole web of corruption is unearthed and the team have to work hard together to untangle the complex case, and ensure that the right people get what they deserve!

The Deadly Dozen are wonderful, charismatic, and very loveable characters 🫶🏻 Some of which are coupled up within the group, which added a nice touch of romance to the story, to run alongside the main plot.

An engaging, cosy crime thriller full of energetic pensioners that are thorough, efficient and committed to the cause.

Thank you again @pbscribblesstuff for sending me a copy of your wonderfully entertaining book 📕✨️
Profile Image for Scilly_Geek.
131 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2025
•Gifted•

The OAP’s strike again, and this time justice is served.

As Monica becomes the new leader of The Twelve, she’s thrown in the deep end with a tricky assignment. A personal connection to the case makes it all the more important to get it done right.

This book has a slightly different vibe to the first book.
There’s not as much death and it’s got a lot more storytelling to build the narrative.

There are so many characters and it can get difficult to remember who’s who, however we definitely learn a bit more of a backstory for the lesser known characters in this book.

It always surprises me how much romance there is between the deadly dozen! Even though they are all 60+ I think it’s brilliant seeing them still having fun.

It didn’t pack as much of a punch as the first one but I think it’ll be a great filler before book 3 👀

3.5⭐️
Profile Image for Val.
680 reviews
March 28, 2025
The second in The Deadly Dozen series of books. With Lexington now retired, Monica has taken the reins. Chris, still suffering the after effects of an injury, is looking ever more frail. Monica has to ask her lover Thomas, to take over watching a potential new recruit. Not an easy conversation, given the closeness of Thomas and Chris.
Meanwhile, David has been asked by long terms friends to look at making the murderer of their son The Twelve’s next case. As the group look into the murder, they soon realise all is not as it seems, and surveillance on the acquitted member of a gang and his mother backs their thoughts up. Not to be deterred, they are soon in the midst of finding the truth, and we all know what happens then. Really enjoying this series, I hope there are more to come.
67 reviews4 followers
January 11, 2025
If you enjoyed Lunch with the Deadly Dozen, you’re going to love Revenge of the Deadly Dozen!

Once again The Twelve are on a mission to right a wrong with deadly force! Guessing all the way they try to figure out who the culprit is and make a plan to assassinate the guilty person. Everything is not as it seems!

This group of retired men and women are so eclectic! Each one possesses their own skill set. Mr. Berry has wonderfully given each character his or her own personality as well. The scenery is impeccable and the mission is planned with an expertise that brings this group together to solve and punish the guilty that the police fail or cannot do.
638 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2025
Another good edition of the Deadly Dozen, unfortunately, I dropped a star because I thought it wavered a bit in places.
I know the last job they did, some did not fair well and still recuperating, but this one did not have the oomph like the last one.
I love the series and the idea of a secret society admonishing punishment to those who got away with it and hope there are more to come, obviously as there are all pensioners from a taxi driver to a surgeon the author has got them working well together.
100 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2025
The Twelve are back and this time it's personal.
Seeking justice for David's friends, it appears that things aren't as straightforward as they initially seemed.
And the fallout from their previous case starts to cause divisions.
This is a brilliant sequel to Lunch With the Deadly Dozen, which adds some background to some of the group.
I live the concept of a group of respectable pensioners delivering justice, and the characters and their relationships are well drawn.
I am looking forward to volume three.
134 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2025
Excellent follow up to the first book. I really hope there is s third, fourth, etc. I love the character building for each of The Twelve and the look backs to previous teams, leaders, and cases is a nifty way to get better grounded in The Twelves history. This story is about a tragedy which happened years ago to a friend of one of The Twelve operators. Add in botched investigations, possible police corruption, and oh yes, romances budding amongst our Holden Oldsters and, well, plan on spending a lively afternoon or evening figuring out the Who, the Why, and the How.
609 reviews15 followers
January 7, 2025
Very good sequel, and I hope there will be more. One of the member of the deadly dozen, a group of assassins in London who all happen to be in their 60s and 70s, is asked by his friends to get justice for their son who was murdered years before.
They feel that one of those responsible escaped justice and want to have him finally get it.
However, the group soon feel that something is not right.
A really good, well written book.
Profile Image for Cara bunnypop_bookstagram.
139 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2025
Another great outing from The Deadly Dozen

The way Peter writes his characters and keeps his chapters short certainly makes you engage with the characters and story and you just want to keep reading!

Nice to hear a little more about the background of The DD in this one and previous cases and a little link between the past and present day members!

I can’t wait for more in this series and look forward to hearing about the Dozens further adventures!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
39 reviews
January 22, 2025
Surprisingly I quite liked it!

My usual reads are by John Sandford, Thomas Perry, Lee Child and the like, but on a whim this piqued my interest and I'm glad it did. Well crafted, slyly witty and quite entertaining, with an improbable premise, I do recommend it. But the I'm an English mysteries fan. I've also read the sequel and was not disappointed
116 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2025
A fantastic 2nd book in the Deadly Dozen series! I loved having all the old characters, plus some newbies to get to know! It had twists and turns, laughs a plenty and the ending made me smile! I loved these character and it had made me look at older adults much differently! Amazing book and would definitely recommend for fans of a cosy crime thriller!
Profile Image for Lesley Hewitt.
832 reviews7 followers
May 18, 2025
Wonderful

Twelve elderly people are sort of assassins. They are a secretive group and always on the lookout for the next member. They assassinate criminals that the police, for some reason haven't been able to imprison. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope there will be more.
Profile Image for molly.
35 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2025
loved book 2! such a fun concept to have the members of society that are often overlooked in fiction be right in the middle of police cases, revenge, and assassination. the unexpected cameo from my dad gave me a good laugh too
Profile Image for Karla Eaton.
399 reviews7 followers
January 29, 2025
Not my cup of tea. Please stop forcing septuagenarians to be sexy and lascivious creatures. Please stop creating lives of retired folks as wealthy and surrounded by great art worth fortunes. It’s all so forced and ludicrous. I felt no concern for any character at all.
Profile Image for Beth Young.
86 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2025
Love this book so much!
Think Thursday Murder Club but with assassins.
Cozy mystery with a great storyline.
There were a lot of characters, which I struggled to keep up with and kept getting confused with who was who
294 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2025
A most enjoyable and intricate mystery for our intrepid oldsters.
Profile Image for Sue Crosby.
5 reviews
January 20, 2025
This is the second book in this series and it was a wonderful easy read with great characters. Hoping there are more books with these characters in the near future from this author.
Profile Image for Katies_cosy_reading_corner .
255 reviews6 followers
October 16, 2025
Book number 111 of 2025 smashed off and I'll tell you what, it was fantastic. This is the sequel, and I loved being able to reconnect with the fabulous 12 and team.

It has a highly unique premise, in which a dozen retirees work together to take down the most prolific criminals. A peculiar concept where they use their key career skills to combine the most effective murders. A thought-provoking tale which is controversial and will test your morals. After all, they are removing the most harrowing offenders from society, so this is a good thing, right?

Although this could probably be read as a standalone, I advise that you read book one so you can watch these crafty, adoring characters develop. This book certainly shone a light on a few and even broached upon mental health strains that these sorts of cases can have on a person.
Now I'm not usually one for a romantic tale, but I can't help but love the blossoming romance between Monica and Thomas. It's drizzled here and there, not overpowering, just heartwarming. There's even a thrupple! It's modern, authentic, and a thoroughly splendid reading journey.

I love how style and class get crossed within the dark mystery tale. This book certainly did approach some disturbing scenes, but it is touched lightly and approached with empathy.

This book explains the history behind the deadly dozen, how this policing method began, and some of the most recognised heroes from previous years. Monica uses this research to her advantage and looks at what her new leading role could bring positive change to the communities, and this was poignant.

Peter definitely has a way with words. I feel his writing is charming, elegant, and descriptive. It is sinister, yet lighthearted and has a real sense of mystery. It is on the lines of amateur sleuth, which is far away from my normal thrillers, but it becomes a very addictive palate cleanser. I find the setting of London becomes a comfortable backdrop for this book theme, atmospheric with the city life, believable crime, and clear social class divisions.

This really is a cozy crime series that it would be criminal for you to miss.
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