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Dying Retribution
Someone’s going to die — Spencer just doesn’t know who.
The Incident changed everything. When Spencer was fourteen, the once hopeful, naive child came home to a bloodbath. No one would tell him what happened that night, other than the attacker died in a failed attempt at killing his parents.
He never told anyone that weeks after The Incident, the dead man and his family started following him; and with them came visions of his loved ones dying. Especially his mom, who started acting differently — angry, erratic.
As if someone else was controlling her.
Until one day, Spencer found her room covered in blood.
He was too late to save her.
Now, ten years later, the family is back with more visions of people dying. Armed with nothing more than the ghosts’ cryptic messages, Spencer’s the only one who can stop more bodies from falling.
This time, he has to fix this.
The Incident changed everything. When Spencer was fourteen, the once hopeful, naive child came home to a bloodbath. No one would tell him what happened that night, other than the attacker died in a failed attempt at killing his parents.
He never told anyone that weeks after The Incident, the dead man and his family started following him; and with them came visions of his loved ones dying. Especially his mom, who started acting differently — angry, erratic.
As if someone else was controlling her.
Until one day, Spencer found her room covered in blood.
He was too late to save her.
Now, ten years later, the family is back with more visions of people dying. Armed with nothing more than the ghosts’ cryptic messages, Spencer’s the only one who can stop more bodies from falling.
This time, he has to fix this.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 29, 2025
(I received an ARC of this book and was previously a beta reader) If you think you’ve found out the biggest twist in this book….You haven’t.
I love a good ghost story. At its core this is a story about family in so many ways. The ones we’re given, the ones we make, the ones we lose and the ones we desperately want to have. It grounds the supernatural elements beautifully and truly makes it feel real.
All the characters are so authentic, they feel like real, independent people. This goes for the ghosts as well, which only adds to the tension.
The moments of suspense in this book are so good. Flawlessly crafted. No notes.
Moments to breathe come at the right time and for the right amount of time and give us the space to care about Spencer and the gang.
I’d say there were a few issues with phrases being repeated a little too much towards the end, but everyone’s mileage varies with those sort of things and at that point I was too invested in the story to mind much.
⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love a good ghost story. At its core this is a story about family in so many ways. The ones we’re given, the ones we make, the ones we lose and the ones we desperately want to have. It grounds the supernatural elements beautifully and truly makes it feel real.
All the characters are so authentic, they feel like real, independent people. This goes for the ghosts as well, which only adds to the tension.
The moments of suspense in this book are so good. Flawlessly crafted. No notes.
Moments to breathe come at the right time and for the right amount of time and give us the space to care about Spencer and the gang.
I’d say there were a few issues with phrases being repeated a little too much towards the end, but everyone’s mileage varies with those sort of things and at that point I was too invested in the story to mind much.
⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 26, 2025
ARC Review for ‘Dying Retribution’ by Anne Foster.
I had the honour of being a Beta reader for this book and now to ARC it made it extra special.
Spencer has lived through a horrible ordeal when he was a teenager. An attacker attempted to kill his parents but was killed himself. After that the spirit of the killed man and his family haunted him, hurting the ones he loved, which made draw into himself, even pushing away his love interest Kirsten.
Now years later, the dead ones are back. What messages do they have now?
I love a good paranormal story.
This book has suspense and keeps you on your toes.
The storyline flows smooth and has a slow but steady build up of suspense.
Spencer is so traumatized, and you notice the writer really got his character on paper, he is weak, introvert and wanting to be strong.
And when time comes to step up, when it’s time ‘to fix it’, he finally finds that strength.
I love how his friends were nothing but supportive of him.
And those last few chapters when finally everything comes into place, is like a big sigh of relief.
I enjoyed this debut book!
A 5/5⭐️
I had the honour of being a Beta reader for this book and now to ARC it made it extra special.
Spencer has lived through a horrible ordeal when he was a teenager. An attacker attempted to kill his parents but was killed himself. After that the spirit of the killed man and his family haunted him, hurting the ones he loved, which made draw into himself, even pushing away his love interest Kirsten.
Now years later, the dead ones are back. What messages do they have now?
I love a good paranormal story.
This book has suspense and keeps you on your toes.
The storyline flows smooth and has a slow but steady build up of suspense.
Spencer is so traumatized, and you notice the writer really got his character on paper, he is weak, introvert and wanting to be strong.
And when time comes to step up, when it’s time ‘to fix it’, he finally finds that strength.
I love how his friends were nothing but supportive of him.
And those last few chapters when finally everything comes into place, is like a big sigh of relief.
I enjoyed this debut book!
A 5/5⭐️
August 29, 2025
Full disclosure moment: I have had the immense pleasure of watching this novel be drafted, edited, re-edited, and then edited once more for good measure, ending in my final DR contribution as an ARC reader. I have also had the even more satisfying pleasure of watching Anne grow as a writer and, now, an author. While I have watched this book grow up, I am reviewing it as best I can from a new reader perspective. ✨
Dying Retribution is, to me, a love letter to hopeless romantics dealing with the obstacles of life (maybe including ghosts), and even more a love letter to the overthinking ones. The characters, all forged together directly and indirectly in the fires of Spencer’s ghost-related trauma, are a likable cast with unique personalities and voices. The plot takes you through graceful waves of suspense, while leaving room to breathe when we (and Spencer) need it most.
I don’t typically read paranormal thrillers / horror novels, but I may now try to make it a habit :3c
I loved the combination of thriller / suspense and wholesome romance. Some use romance as a vehicle of the horror elements in and of itself, and I found the absence of that here to be truly refreshing.
Let the ghosts be the ones to do the haunting.
While there were some small notes, I didn’t find any of them taking me out of the story or affecting my liking the book: just some little grammatical errors (yay being written by a human!) and formatting hiccups (which may also just be because mine is an ARC copy and, therefore, I had to do some out-of-the-ordinary file stuff). I typically don’t read novels this fast-paced, so this was an adjustment for me as well, but not to my detriment! Just a bit different.
If you like faster-paced plot points with real consequences, ghosts, and romances where he fell first, then this is a book for you 👻
I cannot wait to see where Anne’s writing takes her next!!!
Dying Retribution is, to me, a love letter to hopeless romantics dealing with the obstacles of life (maybe including ghosts), and even more a love letter to the overthinking ones. The characters, all forged together directly and indirectly in the fires of Spencer’s ghost-related trauma, are a likable cast with unique personalities and voices. The plot takes you through graceful waves of suspense, while leaving room to breathe when we (and Spencer) need it most.
I don’t typically read paranormal thrillers / horror novels, but I may now try to make it a habit :3c
I loved the combination of thriller / suspense and wholesome romance. Some use romance as a vehicle of the horror elements in and of itself, and I found the absence of that here to be truly refreshing.
Let the ghosts be the ones to do the haunting.
While there were some small notes, I didn’t find any of them taking me out of the story or affecting my liking the book: just some little grammatical errors (yay being written by a human!) and formatting hiccups (which may also just be because mine is an ARC copy and, therefore, I had to do some out-of-the-ordinary file stuff). I typically don’t read novels this fast-paced, so this was an adjustment for me as well, but not to my detriment! Just a bit different.
If you like faster-paced plot points with real consequences, ghosts, and romances where he fell first, then this is a book for you 👻
I cannot wait to see where Anne’s writing takes her next!!!
September 10, 2025
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS BOOK SPOILERS:
I had the immense pleasure of being an ARC reader for Foster’s debut novel, ‘Dying Retribution’. This novel is a standout for the genre ‘Paranormal Thriller’. It is emotionally charged, narratively unpredictable, and deeply immersive from start to finish. From the very first chapter, I was completely absorbed. I finished reading the book in just three days because I simply couldn’t step away. Every chapter pulled me deeper into a world where grief, justice, and the supernatural collide in ways that felt both unsettling and profoundly human.
The plot is refreshingly original. Rather than leaning on familiar tropes, Foster crafts a story that constantly defies expectations. I was kept on edge the entire time, genuinely unsure of what was to come. That unpredictability wasn’t just thrilling, but it was emotionally disarming. Few books manage to evoke such a complex mix of reactions from me, but this one had me angry, heartbroken, and deeply moved, often within the same scene. So much so that I had to pause and take a break. Either that, or I unleashed my wrath on Foster herself!
Brett’s death was a turning point. I found myself physically reacting, as I kept clutching onto my pillow in disbelief, stunned by the emotional weight of the moment. It was a plot twist for sure, but it was also a punch to the gut that left me speechless. And once I read what happened to Kirsten, I remember my jaw dropping, as my blood boiled as I was hit yet again with another unexpected plot twist. Foster’s ability to provoke such visceral emotions speaks to the strength of the writing and the depth of character development. Foster being able to write such characters to have readers like me caring about their fate is outstanding. No matter how much it broke me to read it, I have to applaud Foster for this.
The supernatural elements were equally compelling. The depiction of the ghosts was so vivid and atmospheric that I could picture them with unsettling clarity. The Mangled Man and The Girl, who were later revealed to be named Austin and Nikki, were haunting in every sense. Their pain, their longing, and their search for justice were portrayed with such vivid detail that I could practically see them. The father’s desperate quest to find his wife, and the daughter’s quiet anguish, were heartbreaking. Despite the torment they inflicted, I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for them. The love between the couple and child made my heart ache, knowing they could not move on without each other. Being trapped in years of unresolved torment due to a petty prank allowed the reunion between the three to be one of the most emotionally resonant moments in the book. This offered a rare sense of closure that felt earned and deeply cathartic.
Another emotionally devastating moment in the novel centres around Spencer and his mother. His grief over her presumed death shaped so much of his identity. His years of unresolved trauma, guilt, and longing haunted every decision he made. Discovering that she had been alive all along was a shock, but it was the final scene between them that truly saddened me. As she died in his arms, the rawness of this interaction was almost unbearable. Despite the physical harm she had caused Spencer, he was finally able to express his love. The writing in that moment was so honest and vulnerable, and it really touched me. It wasn’t just closure, but also an emotional release for not only Spencer and his mother, but also for the readers. Foster handled this with sensitivity, allowing space for both sorrow and healing to coexist.
Beyond the supernatural, the novel shines in its portrayal of relationships. The main friendship group was written beautifully. Each character was distinct, supportive, and emotionally grounded. Their interactions felt genuine, and the love shared between friends and romantic partners offered a comforting counterbalance to the darker themes, especially as the dialogue between characters was both natural and emotionally resonant. It is quite challenging not to have personalities bleed in with other characters, but Foster crafted each character with their own authentic dynamics and voice.
‘Dying Retribution’ is more than just a paranormal thriller. It’s an exploration of grief, loyalty, and the consequences of unresolved trauma. I would highly recommend it to readers who appreciate thrillers with heart, depth, and a touch of the uncanny. I am looking forward to reading more future projects from Foster, as I am positive she will flourish as an author.
I had the immense pleasure of being an ARC reader for Foster’s debut novel, ‘Dying Retribution’. This novel is a standout for the genre ‘Paranormal Thriller’. It is emotionally charged, narratively unpredictable, and deeply immersive from start to finish. From the very first chapter, I was completely absorbed. I finished reading the book in just three days because I simply couldn’t step away. Every chapter pulled me deeper into a world where grief, justice, and the supernatural collide in ways that felt both unsettling and profoundly human.
The plot is refreshingly original. Rather than leaning on familiar tropes, Foster crafts a story that constantly defies expectations. I was kept on edge the entire time, genuinely unsure of what was to come. That unpredictability wasn’t just thrilling, but it was emotionally disarming. Few books manage to evoke such a complex mix of reactions from me, but this one had me angry, heartbroken, and deeply moved, often within the same scene. So much so that I had to pause and take a break. Either that, or I unleashed my wrath on Foster herself!
Brett’s death was a turning point. I found myself physically reacting, as I kept clutching onto my pillow in disbelief, stunned by the emotional weight of the moment. It was a plot twist for sure, but it was also a punch to the gut that left me speechless. And once I read what happened to Kirsten, I remember my jaw dropping, as my blood boiled as I was hit yet again with another unexpected plot twist. Foster’s ability to provoke such visceral emotions speaks to the strength of the writing and the depth of character development. Foster being able to write such characters to have readers like me caring about their fate is outstanding. No matter how much it broke me to read it, I have to applaud Foster for this.
The supernatural elements were equally compelling. The depiction of the ghosts was so vivid and atmospheric that I could picture them with unsettling clarity. The Mangled Man and The Girl, who were later revealed to be named Austin and Nikki, were haunting in every sense. Their pain, their longing, and their search for justice were portrayed with such vivid detail that I could practically see them. The father’s desperate quest to find his wife, and the daughter’s quiet anguish, were heartbreaking. Despite the torment they inflicted, I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for them. The love between the couple and child made my heart ache, knowing they could not move on without each other. Being trapped in years of unresolved torment due to a petty prank allowed the reunion between the three to be one of the most emotionally resonant moments in the book. This offered a rare sense of closure that felt earned and deeply cathartic.
Another emotionally devastating moment in the novel centres around Spencer and his mother. His grief over her presumed death shaped so much of his identity. His years of unresolved trauma, guilt, and longing haunted every decision he made. Discovering that she had been alive all along was a shock, but it was the final scene between them that truly saddened me. As she died in his arms, the rawness of this interaction was almost unbearable. Despite the physical harm she had caused Spencer, he was finally able to express his love. The writing in that moment was so honest and vulnerable, and it really touched me. It wasn’t just closure, but also an emotional release for not only Spencer and his mother, but also for the readers. Foster handled this with sensitivity, allowing space for both sorrow and healing to coexist.
Beyond the supernatural, the novel shines in its portrayal of relationships. The main friendship group was written beautifully. Each character was distinct, supportive, and emotionally grounded. Their interactions felt genuine, and the love shared between friends and romantic partners offered a comforting counterbalance to the darker themes, especially as the dialogue between characters was both natural and emotionally resonant. It is quite challenging not to have personalities bleed in with other characters, but Foster crafted each character with their own authentic dynamics and voice.
‘Dying Retribution’ is more than just a paranormal thriller. It’s an exploration of grief, loyalty, and the consequences of unresolved trauma. I would highly recommend it to readers who appreciate thrillers with heart, depth, and a touch of the uncanny. I am looking forward to reading more future projects from Foster, as I am positive she will flourish as an author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2025
Dying Retribution is a thrilling story about a young man who is seeing ghosts and is getting visions of people close to him dying.
Spencer is trying to figure out what happened during "the incident" that took place when he was just a kid. He remembers coming home and finding blood everywhere. No one would tell him anything other than the attacker died in a failed attempt on his parents life. But just weeks after the incident, Spencer has started to see the dead man and his family. Their daughter brings Spencer visions of his loved ones dying. Spencer has to find out what these ghosts want, what really happened during the incident, and how to keep everyone alive.
I enjoyed the thrilling, cryptic nature of the story. I admired the way he loved, adored, and cared for his sister. That literally brought tears to my eyes. Spencer undergoes quite a bit of character development from the beginning to the end of the story, where he went from literally running from these apparitions to facing them head on. I did find some parts of the story to be slightly confusing, but I enjoyed the story overall.
Spencer is trying to figure out what happened during "the incident" that took place when he was just a kid. He remembers coming home and finding blood everywhere. No one would tell him anything other than the attacker died in a failed attempt on his parents life. But just weeks after the incident, Spencer has started to see the dead man and his family. Their daughter brings Spencer visions of his loved ones dying. Spencer has to find out what these ghosts want, what really happened during the incident, and how to keep everyone alive.
I enjoyed the thrilling, cryptic nature of the story. I admired the way he loved, adored, and cared for his sister. That literally brought tears to my eyes. Spencer undergoes quite a bit of character development from the beginning to the end of the story, where he went from literally running from these apparitions to facing them head on. I did find some parts of the story to be slightly confusing, but I enjoyed the story overall.
September 16, 2025
“He was supposed to have one more try. He was supposed to figure this out.”
That line really summed up the heart of this book for me. The story is heavy with the weight of regret, choices, and the question of whether redemption can ever truly come too late. While there were moments that didn’t click for me, there were also passages that hit with raw emotion and left me sitting with them.
Anne Foster clearly poured a lot into this novel. It might not have been a perfect fit for me as a reader, but I can see others connecting with the themes and the character journey in ways that will resonate more deeply.
That line really summed up the heart of this book for me. The story is heavy with the weight of regret, choices, and the question of whether redemption can ever truly come too late. While there were moments that didn’t click for me, there were also passages that hit with raw emotion and left me sitting with them.
Anne Foster clearly poured a lot into this novel. It might not have been a perfect fit for me as a reader, but I can see others connecting with the themes and the character journey in ways that will resonate more deeply.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews