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Detective Esther Penman #2
Vengeance
A MURDERED EXECUTIVE.
A MISSING STOCKBROKER.
A DRUG WORTH BILLIONS.
When a body turns up in a Belfield alleyway, Detective Sergeant Esther Penman quickly realises there’s more to it than simple homicide. With the dead man's links to a missing London stockbroker, and his firm on the brink of launching a new medicine worth billions, there’s plenty of motive for murder…
Meanwhile, Esther has trouble of her own to deal with. Having recently made an enemy of one of the city’s most ruthless criminals, she knows she has to watch her back. But as she begins to unravel the web of intrigue surrounding the alleyway murder, she can’t shake the unsettling sense that she herself is becoming a target…
Can Esther stay one step ahead of her enemies in her hunt for the killer?
Find out in Vengeance, the thrilling sequel to The Art Merchant.
A MISSING STOCKBROKER.
A DRUG WORTH BILLIONS.
When a body turns up in a Belfield alleyway, Detective Sergeant Esther Penman quickly realises there’s more to it than simple homicide. With the dead man's links to a missing London stockbroker, and his firm on the brink of launching a new medicine worth billions, there’s plenty of motive for murder…
Meanwhile, Esther has trouble of her own to deal with. Having recently made an enemy of one of the city’s most ruthless criminals, she knows she has to watch her back. But as she begins to unravel the web of intrigue surrounding the alleyway murder, she can’t shake the unsettling sense that she herself is becoming a target…
Can Esther stay one step ahead of her enemies in her hunt for the killer?
Find out in Vengeance, the thrilling sequel to The Art Merchant.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2024
168 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
J.K. Flynn
4 books26 followersI spent over ten years as a frontline police officer in the UK. It’s a job unlike any other, a job that exposes you to aspects of life and society that most people never get to see. It changes your perspective on the world. My time in law enforcement made me want capture that perspective, to write crime fiction with an authentic voice, raw and unvarnished. Detective Esther Penman is the product of those efforts – I hope you enjoy her stories!
Subscribe to my newsletter at jkflynn.co.uk for news on all promotional discounts on my books!
— J.K. Flynn
Subscribe to my newsletter at jkflynn.co.uk for news on all promotional discounts on my books!
— J.K. Flynn
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 15, 2024
A thriller that drew me in from the first chapter and kept me captivated until the end. Despite being the second in the Detective Esther Penman series, this was my first read from J K Flynn and I was easily able to get to grips with the main protagonist. Estranged from her mother and recently having buried her after a battle with cancer just whilst they were trying to get to know one another again, it is safe to say that Esther has her own issues and troubles. The opening chapter gives the detailed struggle and murder of the victim, who works for a pharmaceutical company and is illegally attempting to sell the cure for cancer. The hunt is on, not only for the killer, but for the briefcase and its priceless stolen contents. Esther faces some tough challenges, but also finds some peace and happiness. #vengeance #jkflynn #netgalley
August 27, 2023
After a compelling prologue featuring a murder that grabbed my attention, the story opens with DS Ester Penman still coming to grips with the fallout from her experiences in the first book and the recent death of her mother. Like all good crime fiction series writers, Flynn understands the importance of providing just enough backstory on the main character so that each novel works as a standalone for those who may not have read the first book. What Flynn does so well here is that she uses the opportunity to reveal to the reader more about the protagonist and other major recurring major characters appearing in this book. This helps the reader feel he is learning something new about Penman, not just rehashing past events.
Next, DS Penman and her colleague and friend, Detective Inspector Jared Wilcox, catch the investigation of the murder of the man, Carlton Riddell, that occurred in the prologue. The murder of Riddell, a pharmaceutical company sales representative for an international biotech company that is about to release a breakthrough cancer treatment drug that could be worth billions, immediately raises our suspicions that the murder motive may involve corporate espionage. This seems likely when Penman and Wilcox recover the victim’s briefcase and find papers inside that they later learn from his employer he shouldn’t have had.
What is initially a one-off murder soon leads to a second body, and so the pacing and tension maintain a high level throughout the entire story. Penman learns the London Met is investigating a missing person case involving a man with a link to Riddell. Eventually, his body turns up with evidence suggesting it is another murder possibly committed by the same person.
Flynn maintains the reader’s interest throughout, presenting a compelling set of characters and suspects. As much as I love the flawed, but likable main character, Ester Penman, the story features many notable secondary characters to keep the story interesting, in particular, Esther’s colleague and partner Jared, who plays a central role in the story. Vengeance will satisfy the most seasoned crime and thriller readers, following the standard police procedural narrative and keeping readers guessing until the end. Flynn’s experience as a former police officer shines through her writing, giving her storytelling unique authenticity.
Flynn also explores the challenges faced by women who choose a career in a profession that historically and to a large extent even today is male-dominated. This provides one strand of the main plot that runs parallel to and supports it. But there are two other strands Flynn expertly weaves into the story. One pivots around the development of a same sex romance and the other the unexpected appearance of Penman’s biological father who she never knew growing up.
Crime fiction novels quite saturate bookstores at the moment, and I know there are many books by outstanding authors in the genre vying for our attention. But Vengeance is one of the best I’ve read this year and isn’t to be missed. The end left me eager for more Ester Penman and curious to see what she gets up to next.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing me an advance review copy of the book.
Next, DS Penman and her colleague and friend, Detective Inspector Jared Wilcox, catch the investigation of the murder of the man, Carlton Riddell, that occurred in the prologue. The murder of Riddell, a pharmaceutical company sales representative for an international biotech company that is about to release a breakthrough cancer treatment drug that could be worth billions, immediately raises our suspicions that the murder motive may involve corporate espionage. This seems likely when Penman and Wilcox recover the victim’s briefcase and find papers inside that they later learn from his employer he shouldn’t have had.
What is initially a one-off murder soon leads to a second body, and so the pacing and tension maintain a high level throughout the entire story. Penman learns the London Met is investigating a missing person case involving a man with a link to Riddell. Eventually, his body turns up with evidence suggesting it is another murder possibly committed by the same person.
Flynn maintains the reader’s interest throughout, presenting a compelling set of characters and suspects. As much as I love the flawed, but likable main character, Ester Penman, the story features many notable secondary characters to keep the story interesting, in particular, Esther’s colleague and partner Jared, who plays a central role in the story. Vengeance will satisfy the most seasoned crime and thriller readers, following the standard police procedural narrative and keeping readers guessing until the end. Flynn’s experience as a former police officer shines through her writing, giving her storytelling unique authenticity.
Flynn also explores the challenges faced by women who choose a career in a profession that historically and to a large extent even today is male-dominated. This provides one strand of the main plot that runs parallel to and supports it. But there are two other strands Flynn expertly weaves into the story. One pivots around the development of a same sex romance and the other the unexpected appearance of Penman’s biological father who she never knew growing up.
Crime fiction novels quite saturate bookstores at the moment, and I know there are many books by outstanding authors in the genre vying for our attention. But Vengeance is one of the best I’ve read this year and isn’t to be missed. The end left me eager for more Ester Penman and curious to see what she gets up to next.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing me an advance review copy of the book.
August 25, 2023
When Detective Segeant Esther Penman learns about a murder on her turf, it seems on first blush like the motives for it are manifold. The victim, who worked for a multinational pharmaceutical, had arranged to sell the trade secrets for a cure to cancer no less, to European rivals on exchange for a piece of the action within the EU.
Penman wishes to keep busy, after being attacked by a hit an ftpm a cartel boss she was close to putting behind bars, and she was fresh from her mother's funeral. Surely, she she be taking a rest from it all before the demon drink beckons. Or so says a colleagues who is not really her best friend......
And who was the strange man observing her at the cemetery?
Work then indeed keeps Esther busy, as the mysteries,alongside the tension, unfold. This, however, is less a whodunit as a whydunnit, as the Red herrings threaten to detract our sleuth and her sidekick Jared from what is really going on. Two more murders down the line, and it becomes paramount to ascertain the murderer's true motive before he strikes again.
Penman is an engaging character with her own demons to face, even whilst chasing those of the wrongdoers she is tracking down. The writer succeeds in keeping the tension going as the stakes rise, this is a pretty satisfying page turner, with a satisfyingly damaged and evil adversary. Recommended for those who like old_school crime and detective novels.
Penman wishes to keep busy, after being attacked by a hit an ftpm a cartel boss she was close to putting behind bars, and she was fresh from her mother's funeral. Surely, she she be taking a rest from it all before the demon drink beckons. Or so says a colleagues who is not really her best friend......
And who was the strange man observing her at the cemetery?
Work then indeed keeps Esther busy, as the mysteries,alongside the tension, unfold. This, however, is less a whodunit as a whydunnit, as the Red herrings threaten to detract our sleuth and her sidekick Jared from what is really going on. Two more murders down the line, and it becomes paramount to ascertain the murderer's true motive before he strikes again.
Penman is an engaging character with her own demons to face, even whilst chasing those of the wrongdoers she is tracking down. The writer succeeds in keeping the tension going as the stakes rise, this is a pretty satisfying page turner, with a satisfyingly damaged and evil adversary. Recommended for those who like old_school crime and detective novels.
September 1, 2023
3.5 stars.
I haven't read the first book in this series but that didn't hamper my enjoyment at all. The main character, Esther Penman, is the troubled police protagonist that we are familiar with however her troubles are not a central part of the story - more, they give her depth and realness. They also helped me to connect with and care about her so that was very well handled by J.K. Flynn. Adding those personal elements also gave an opportunity to highlight the casual sexism and difficulties faced by a female in a male-dominated profession without it needing to be overt preaching.
The story itself is brilliant, it weaves around the cast of characters with great pacing. You know they are all going to be connected in some way, but the revelations are rationed out to keep you interested and to stop you knowing what is going to happen next. In a genre that is totally saturated, this book can hold its own without a doubt. It shows how the things that happen to us in our formative years can have an everlasting impact on us and shape the person we become - that view into what drove the people in the book to do the things they did, and the eventual consequences of those things, was really interesting and made all the characters three-dimensional.
Something that did bother me, and this is definitely a niche 'me' problem rather than any overarching criticism of the book, is that it was set in a fictional place. I like to recognise landmarks and areas when I read UK-based books and couldn't do this with this one.
I haven't read the first book in this series but that didn't hamper my enjoyment at all. The main character, Esther Penman, is the troubled police protagonist that we are familiar with however her troubles are not a central part of the story - more, they give her depth and realness. They also helped me to connect with and care about her so that was very well handled by J.K. Flynn. Adding those personal elements also gave an opportunity to highlight the casual sexism and difficulties faced by a female in a male-dominated profession without it needing to be overt preaching.
The story itself is brilliant, it weaves around the cast of characters with great pacing. You know they are all going to be connected in some way, but the revelations are rationed out to keep you interested and to stop you knowing what is going to happen next. In a genre that is totally saturated, this book can hold its own without a doubt. It shows how the things that happen to us in our formative years can have an everlasting impact on us and shape the person we become - that view into what drove the people in the book to do the things they did, and the eventual consequences of those things, was really interesting and made all the characters three-dimensional.
Something that did bother me, and this is definitely a niche 'me' problem rather than any overarching criticism of the book, is that it was set in a fictional place. I like to recognise landmarks and areas when I read UK-based books and couldn't do this with this one.
August 12, 2023
When I read the blurb for this book the fact that it was based around the medicine/pharmaceutical world intrigued me. There was a lot of mystery and intrigue not only in the book but also surrounding the author. I had not heard of the author before and there is only a little bio info available. This is their second book in the series, and it was a really good read even though I had not read the first book.
There is good character progression in the book, the fictional town where it is located is also clearly included within the expertly created plot. In a way it is like many crime books of late in that the main character is a serving police officer with 'issues' but I really got to know her and her colleagues through the book.
The book title really fits the plot and it does make you reflect back on things from your youth, in positive and negative ways.
If you enjoy UK crime, police procedurals, mystery and suspense books then I think you will enjoy this book. I am looking forward to seeing how the series progresses.
Many thanks to BooksGoSocial, JK Flynn and NetGalley for providing me with an electronic, advanced copy of the book in return for a honest and unbiased review.
There is good character progression in the book, the fictional town where it is located is also clearly included within the expertly created plot. In a way it is like many crime books of late in that the main character is a serving police officer with 'issues' but I really got to know her and her colleagues through the book.
The book title really fits the plot and it does make you reflect back on things from your youth, in positive and negative ways.
If you enjoy UK crime, police procedurals, mystery and suspense books then I think you will enjoy this book. I am looking forward to seeing how the series progresses.
Many thanks to BooksGoSocial, JK Flynn and NetGalley for providing me with an electronic, advanced copy of the book in return for a honest and unbiased review.
August 17, 2023
Vengeance is the second DS Esther Penman instalment, but can be read as a standalone. We follow Esther as she investigates both the death of an important businessman and the disappearance of a stockbroker. With a new miracle drug apparently the in making that is linked to both men, Esther is raving the clock for answers.
I enjoyed reading Vengeance; though I was unsure at first having not read the first book, I quickly settled into the story and enjoyed how the plot unfolded. There is certainly a good amount of mystery and intrigue incorporated and it kept me guessing throughout,
The book uses the tried and tested, and extremely popular trope of the main character being a flawed yet brilliant detective, but it wasn’t boring in the slightest.
I found the writing easy to follow with chapters that flowed well.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a copy of the book in return for an unbiased review.
I enjoyed reading Vengeance; though I was unsure at first having not read the first book, I quickly settled into the story and enjoyed how the plot unfolded. There is certainly a good amount of mystery and intrigue incorporated and it kept me guessing throughout,
The book uses the tried and tested, and extremely popular trope of the main character being a flawed yet brilliant detective, but it wasn’t boring in the slightest.
I found the writing easy to follow with chapters that flowed well.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a copy of the book in return for an unbiased review.
August 11, 2023
3.5 stars
Do you ever hate the main character for a really petty reason? I was turned off this book just because the cop hates cats without it adding anything to the book.
The storyline is decent, it becomes clear that there is a link between them but you don't see who it is until late. I just wish there was more to the side of Esther staying ahead of her own enemies rather than a shadowy figure for a couple of minutes and the enemy mostly being herself.
But generally, an enjoyable read. The partner cop works well and isn't a total cliche like some mysteries, you get some insight into the other characters and the different characters cross over well.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review this.
Do you ever hate the main character for a really petty reason? I was turned off this book just because the cop hates cats without it adding anything to the book.
The storyline is decent, it becomes clear that there is a link between them but you don't see who it is until late. I just wish there was more to the side of Esther staying ahead of her own enemies rather than a shadowy figure for a couple of minutes and the enemy mostly being herself.
But generally, an enjoyable read. The partner cop works well and isn't a total cliche like some mysteries, you get some insight into the other characters and the different characters cross over well.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review this.
January 24, 2024
Fantastic!
I devoured this book in 1 day. Great-written characters and plot. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time during “the chase”. If anything this book’s just reinforced my #1 rule when dealing with other people (be a nice person) because you don’t know what they’re going through. Esther is such a badass yet she’s so vulnerable I want to give her a hug and tell her everything’s going to be okay. I’m glad she’s found Triona who can help her feel balanced. They’re cute together. I’ll be here when book 3 drops!
I devoured this book in 1 day. Great-written characters and plot. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time during “the chase”. If anything this book’s just reinforced my #1 rule when dealing with other people (be a nice person) because you don’t know what they’re going through. Esther is such a badass yet she’s so vulnerable I want to give her a hug and tell her everything’s going to be okay. I’m glad she’s found Triona who can help her feel balanced. They’re cute together. I’ll be here when book 3 drops!
July 29, 2023
Brilliant.
The difficult second book syndrome obviously doesn’t effect JK Flynn
Esther Penman is a great character. Flawed in her behaviour, but with a brilliant mind, she is the type of person who hooks readers.
The story is great. The title of the book gives the motivation of the killer away. But the way Flynn Dee the story you forget your early assumptions
I really can’t wait to see what she does next
The difficult second book syndrome obviously doesn’t effect JK Flynn
Esther Penman is a great character. Flawed in her behaviour, but with a brilliant mind, she is the type of person who hooks readers.
The story is great. The title of the book gives the motivation of the killer away. But the way Flynn Dee the story you forget your early assumptions
I really can’t wait to see what she does next
September 18, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the eARC.
This was the first DS Esther Penman I've read (no. 2) and I loved it so much I bought the 1st right after reading it. I'm panting for no. 3!
She and her boss, Jared, are terrific characters, the writing is outstanding, the story hard to stop reading and I can't put into words how much I enjoyed it.
Do yourselves a favor and get this book!
This was the first DS Esther Penman I've read (no. 2) and I loved it so much I bought the 1st right after reading it. I'm panting for no. 3!
She and her boss, Jared, are terrific characters, the writing is outstanding, the story hard to stop reading and I can't put into words how much I enjoyed it.
Do yourselves a favor and get this book!
February 5, 2025
The book is incredibly thrilling. The story is clearly entertaining by the story itself. The plot has some interesting and intriguing talking points amongst the readers. The Characters are smart, strong and engaging. I enjoyed all the mystery and the twist the killer dished out to Esther and her team. The book was an easy, flowing read for me. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
January 18, 2026
Interested story
A detective story who has a lot of issues. Her mother has died and now she lives with her aunt. She holds a lot of issues, drinking sleeping around with both man and woman. Three persons are murder and she and her partner are trying to solve these murder. An interesting story. Well written.
A detective story who has a lot of issues. Her mother has died and now she lives with her aunt. She holds a lot of issues, drinking sleeping around with both man and woman. Three persons are murder and she and her partner are trying to solve these murder. An interesting story. Well written.
February 13, 2024
Loved it
I really enjoyed the series so far I love the characters the main character is a doozy I'm so glad that you found someone and I hope the next book will get more into the relationship can't wait for the next book
I really enjoyed the series so far I love the characters the main character is a doozy I'm so glad that you found someone and I hope the next book will get more into the relationship can't wait for the next book
January 21, 2026
Easy to read of not particularly challenging
Another reasonable police crime saga. Some aspects formulaic but face paced and enjoyable. There is a third book in the series which I'm sure I'll read too.
Another reasonable police crime saga. Some aspects formulaic but face paced and enjoyable. There is a third book in the series which I'm sure I'll read too.
January 19, 2024
GREAT
Another great read - the attention to detail is second to none and before you know it you are fully engrossed.
Another great read - the attention to detail is second to none and before you know it you are fully engrossed.
July 13, 2024
The amazing Esther hits the ground every day. She keeps the story going, kept me interested and the pages flipping. The book is interesting and held my attention. Well worth my time reading this one.
December 9, 2024
I enjoyed Vengeance very much. The characters were believable and fairly well developed. As for the storyline, I believe that the author could have tightened up the plot without having so many recaps during the action. I look forward to reading future books by the author.
September 22, 2023
DI Esther Penman is back in the 2nd instalment to this fantastic new series. Still reeling from the death of her mother, Esther is trying to throw herself back in to work - and she finds herself investigating the murder of a medical company sales executive who’s body was found in an alley. It soon becomes apparent that there is more to this than meets the eye when it becomes apparent that there’s a link to a new wonder drug worth millions, and then a stockbroker from London is reported missing - what is the link? Easter has a lot on her plate, she is still looking over her shoulder after getting involved in one of the biggest drug dealers in the city, can she ever escape?
I absolutely loved this book! It’s such a great series! We see more sides to Esther this time, as she comes to terms with losing her mother, trying to stay on the waggon as well as making a discovery about her father. The story has me hooked from the first page, and I can’t wait to see what Esther gets up to next time! Brilliant story, really well written!
I absolutely loved this book! It’s such a great series! We see more sides to Esther this time, as she comes to terms with losing her mother, trying to stay on the waggon as well as making a discovery about her father. The story has me hooked from the first page, and I can’t wait to see what Esther gets up to next time! Brilliant story, really well written!
September 1, 2023
My first foray into this series - and I do like Esther Penman!
Detective Sergeant Esther Penman's latestcase begins when the body of a sales executive is discovered in an alleyway. The very beginning of the investigation shows that there are links to a missing stockbroker in the capital, and with the deceased employed by a pharmaceutical firm about to launch a new product worth billions, there is certainly a strong probability of murder . . .
Esther has a very logical mind and, encouraged by her immediate boss, she is a very capable detective and it was a delight to follow her train of thought. I had my own thoughts on who did what to whom but this isn't a straightforward thriller; there are twists and turns all the way through and I was gratified to find out 'whodunnit'. The working relationship between Jared and Esther is a delight to read about, and I quickly took to both of them. Definitely a series I would like to follow and, who knows, I may even get the chance to read the first in this series. A very enjoyable crime thriller I'm happy to recommend and give 4.5*.
Detective Sergeant Esther Penman's latestcase begins when the body of a sales executive is discovered in an alleyway. The very beginning of the investigation shows that there are links to a missing stockbroker in the capital, and with the deceased employed by a pharmaceutical firm about to launch a new product worth billions, there is certainly a strong probability of murder . . .
Esther has a very logical mind and, encouraged by her immediate boss, she is a very capable detective and it was a delight to follow her train of thought. I had my own thoughts on who did what to whom but this isn't a straightforward thriller; there are twists and turns all the way through and I was gratified to find out 'whodunnit'. The working relationship between Jared and Esther is a delight to read about, and I quickly took to both of them. Definitely a series I would like to follow and, who knows, I may even get the chance to read the first in this series. A very enjoyable crime thriller I'm happy to recommend and give 4.5*.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews