Retribution

by D. Jay Kay

After the traumatic and chaotic conclusion of the investigation into Samantha McAllister's death, Sally Yates finds herself demoted and pushing papers at New Scotland Yard. Meanwhile, in the English Midlands, a highly respected senior officer goes missing, and the team investigating his disappearance is nowhere close to finding him or the perpetrators.
The West Midlands Chief of Police calls in a favor and asks the Metropolitan Police for help solving the case. Detective Inspector Sally Yates and Detective Sergeant Andy Dawson are dispatched to add their experience to the local team. They quickly determine that the case is not at all what it seemed at first glance. The deeper they dig into the mystery, the more convoluted and disconnected the case becomes.
Sally Yates has other problems to deal with. The new head of the Malenkov crime syndicate in Russia is intent on killing her to even the score after the death of his uncle and stepbrother. Sal must solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance and deal with the Russian mob as she seeks to reinvent herself and her career at Scotland Yard.

380 pages, Paperback

Published March 3, 2025

About the author

I have led a full and interesting life, having travelled extensively throughout my career. Born and raised in the UK, I left school at the tender age of 16 and joined the Merchant Marine as an officer cadet. After 14 years, and following the completion of my master’s license, I left the sea to get married and pursue a new chapter of life onshore in the United States.

Happily married for over 40 years, my wife and I have two amazing children, who live reasonably close to us here, in Texas. I am semi-retired and, in addition to writing books, I also do a bit of consulting.

I am an avid motorcyclist and, up until very recently, taught motorcycle safety classes to both new and experienced riders. I love teaching people who have never ridden before and seeing the look on their faces when they go ‘solo’ for the first time. Once motorcycling gets in your blood, it never leaves you. It has been a lifelong passion of mine since I rode my first bike in 1974. A Yamaha 250 two-stroke for the cognoscenti among you. Motorcycles and riding are deeply ingrained in the fabric of many of my books.

Other pastimes include sports. I never saw a sport I wasn’t interested in. Formula 1, motorcycle racing, and golf have to be at the top of the pile with footy (Premier League) and American Baseball running close behind. Then, of course, there is reading, and I thoroughly enjoy it. Dorothy Dunnett, Nigel Tranter, Larry Niven, Isaac Asimov, and Patrick O’Brien are some of my favorite authors, but I also love Michael Connelly’s books and have read everything he has ever written. I am also a huge fan of Angela Marsons' books and her heroine, Kim Stone (another biker), as well as John Connolly, James Lee Burke, and Ken Follett. I love historical works, and in particular books about the Royal Navy, and the days of sail are always near the top of my list. I have also read extensively about Rome and the Roman Empire.

As I mentioned earlier, I have travelled extensively all over the world, but the one place I want to visit and have never been is Space. I read everything and anything related to space travel and astronomy, and often gaze in wonder at the nighttime sky. Our minds cannot grasp the immensity of Space, but we can all agree that it is a constant source of wonder to any thinking person. With all those stars and presumably associated planets, there has to be other life out there, surely?

I hope that in some small way, my book(s) please you and perhaps allow you, however briefly, to envisage one possibility among the multitude of possibilities “out there.”

DJK

Texas 2025

Reviews

[Lauren Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not usually leave reviews but this one genuinely deserves it. I picked up Retribution on a Friday evening thinking I would read a chapter or two and ended up finishing it by Sunday. Sally Yates feels completely real, flawed in exactly the right ways and impossible not to root for. The missing officer case pulls you in immediately but it is the Russian mob storyline running alongside it that kept me turning pages way past midnight. One of the best crime thrillers I have read this year.

[Prince Inkrise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up on a recommendation and I am so glad I did. The plot moves fast but never feels rushed. Every time I thought I had figured out where things were going the story turned in a direction I did not see coming. Sally Yates is a character who deserves her own television series honestly. Cannot recommend this enough

[Peter Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

What got me about Retribution is how real everything feels. The police politics, the investigation, the danger closing in from Russia, none of it feels exaggerated or Hollywood. It feels like something that could actually happen and that is what makes it so gripping. D. Jay Kay clearly knows this world inside out. One of the best crime thrillers I have read this year without question

[Patrick Denmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not usually write reviews but this book genuinely made me feel like I had to. Sally Yates is one of the most compelling detectives I have read in years. The way she holds herself together while the Russian mob is literally hunting her and she still has a missing officer case to solve is just incredible writing. I finished this in three days and immediately went looking for more from this author.

[David Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It challenged me, encouraged me, and reminded me of the importance of waiting on God instead of relying on my own understanding. The author's passion comes through on every page, and I appreciated the practical wisdom throughout the book. I believe many readers will find comfort, hope, and spiritual encouragement in these pages. This is definitely a book worth adding to your collection.

[Prince Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stood out to me most was the sincerity behind the message. The author shares truths that are simple but powerful, and I found myself thinking about many of the chapters long after I had finished them. This book reminded me that knowing God is not about rushing but about spending time in His presence. I highly recommend it to anyone who desires a closer walk with the Lord.

[Jerry William · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book grabs your attention right from the start and doesn’t slow down. The plot is intense, and the twists kept me guessing the whole way through.

[Jerry William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sally Yates is such a strong and believable character. I really enjoyed following her journey as she tries to rebuild her career while facing serious threats.

[Jerry William · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fast-paced and full of suspense. The mix of investigation and organized crime made this a very exciting read.

[Jerry William · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great storyline with multiple layers. It takes a little time to connect all the threads, but once it does, it’s very satisfying.

[Roisin Meaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love crime thrillers, and this one did not disappoint. The tension builds perfectly, and the stakes feel very real.

[Roisin Meaney · Rating 1 out of 5]

The international angle with the Russian syndicate adds a lot of depth. It’s more than just a missing person case.

[Jerry William · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well-written and engaging. The characters feel authentic, and the dialogue flows naturally.

[Daniel Keyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid sequel. If you read Book 1, this continues the story nicely and raises the stakes even higher.

[Donna Leon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down. Every chapter reveals something new, and the suspense keeps building.

[Jerry William · Rating 2 out of 5]

The investigation is complex but easy to follow. I liked how everything slowly connects together.

[Daniel Job · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great pacing and a very gripping plot. Definitely one of the better crime thrillers I’ve read recently.

[Thailand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the character development, especially Sally. You really see her growth and determination.

[Jerry William · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plenty of twists and surprises. Just when you think you know what’s going on, something changes.

[Jerry William · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really strong sequel. The story picks up quickly and keeps you hooked all the way through.

[Jerry William · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked how the case becomes more complicated the deeper they investigate. Keeps you thinking.

[Jerry William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read overall. A bit slow in the middle, but the ending makes up for it.

[Jerry William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sally Yates is a fantastic lead character. Tough, smart, and very realistic.

[Roisin Meaney · Rating 1 out of 5]

The mix of police work and international crime makes this stand out from typical thrillers.

[Roisin Meaney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well-paced and engaging. I finished this in two sittings.

[Jerry William · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid crime thriller with a lot of moving parts. Worth the read.

[Daniel Keyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The tension with the Russian syndicate adds a whole new level of danger to the story.

[Donna Leon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of twists and surprises. I didn’t see the ending coming at all.

[Jerry William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the character development. Sally’s struggles make her more relatable.

[Daniel Job · Rating 1 out of 5]

A gripping story from start to finish. Definitely recommended for thriller fans.