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Powell #5
Retribution
Powell has a temporary job as a bodyguard protecting Bob Hale, the local Member of Parliament, who is a senior member of the team negotiating Britain's exit from the EU.
Someone wants Hale dead. Powell suspects the motive may not be political. Is there a dark secret in Hale’s past? Powerful men will stop at nothing to prevent Powell discovering the truth.
In an emotional story of abuse and lost innocence, Powell must again walk a tightrope between the law and delivering justice.
Someone wants Hale dead. Powell suspects the motive may not be political. Is there a dark secret in Hale’s past? Powerful men will stop at nothing to prevent Powell discovering the truth.
In an emotional story of abuse and lost innocence, Powell must again walk a tightrope between the law and delivering justice.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2016
58 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Bill Ward
9 books177 followersBill’s love of reading commenced at a very young age. He credits his Gran for encouraging his interest by regularly taking him to the local library after primary school. At boarding school, when the lights went out in his dormitory, he was often encouraged by the other boys to tell stories. English Literature was always his favourite school subject.
A long and successful career in IT saw him live and travel all over the world. With hindsight it was the start of his writing fiction but they were called business proposals in those days! Having always enjoyed different cultures, the one life lesson Bill has learned is “wherever you go you will find good and bad people. This is not determined by colour, race, religion or country.”
Bill has finally fulfilled his lifelong ambition to become an author and has now written nine thrillers including seven in the best selling Powell series.
Bill lives near Nottingham, UK with his German wife and has seven daughters, a son, a stepson, three horses, a dog, two cats and two rabbites! When he’s not writing he’s probably watching his football team West Brom, who he has now been supporting for over fifty years!
A long and successful career in IT saw him live and travel all over the world. With hindsight it was the start of his writing fiction but they were called business proposals in those days! Having always enjoyed different cultures, the one life lesson Bill has learned is “wherever you go you will find good and bad people. This is not determined by colour, race, religion or country.”
Bill has finally fulfilled his lifelong ambition to become an author and has now written nine thrillers including seven in the best selling Powell series.
Bill lives near Nottingham, UK with his German wife and has seven daughters, a son, a stepson, three horses, a dog, two cats and two rabbites! When he’s not writing he’s probably watching his football team West Brom, who he has now been supporting for over fifty years!
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 26, 2017
POWELL STRIKES AGAIN
I must have read most of Bill Ward’s books staring the restaurant owning Powell and I will not stop until I have read them all. One reason his stories attract me is the down to earth approach. While we have spies, government mutterings behind the scene, crooks, villains and hit men, we see them as real people. No one in a Bill Ward book is a cardboard cut out. This time I became quite fond of the arch villain, although the sex change did not make too much sense to me and I might have dropped this to 4 stars. But then I remembered how much I enjoyed the story as a whole, so 5 stars it is.
I must have read most of Bill Ward’s books staring the restaurant owning Powell and I will not stop until I have read them all. One reason his stories attract me is the down to earth approach. While we have spies, government mutterings behind the scene, crooks, villains and hit men, we see them as real people. No one in a Bill Ward book is a cardboard cut out. This time I became quite fond of the arch villain, although the sex change did not make too much sense to me and I might have dropped this to 4 stars. But then I remembered how much I enjoyed the story as a whole, so 5 stars it is.
December 28, 2016
A great next book in the Powell series with a twist I never saw coming! A difficult subject as with most of the author's books, which is very much in the news. It was fun to read not only about Powell but his friends who have featured in the series. Never takes me more than a day to read one of the Powell books as they are very difficult to put down and this was no different. Highly recommended but start at the beginning with Trafficking!
December 10, 2016
Bill does it again with Retribution.
I absolutely love the writing skills of Bill Ward, yet again he has written an enthralling thriller, that is hard to put down. I know this is his latest work but,I am avidly awaiting his next book.
I absolutely love the writing skills of Bill Ward, yet again he has written an enthralling thriller, that is hard to put down. I know this is his latest work but,I am avidly awaiting his next book.
July 16, 2020
Purchase Verified Format: Kindle Version
Unexpected Twists
As a fan of Bill Ward’s books featuring Powell, I jumped at the opportunity of reading his fifth book in the Powell series entitled, ‘Retribution’, one that I had not come across before. I was not disappointed. It has all the well known and expected ingredients of fast-moving action and gripping suspense that you come to expect from this star character and leaves you hanging on your seat. In this episode, Powell is persuaded to take on a temporary job to bodyguard Bob Hale, a local Member of Parliament, who is a senior member of the team negotiating Britain’s exit from the EU. Before long, Powell finds himself in the thick of it, defending his charge from being killed by a mysterious marksman intent on seeking revenge. On top of that Powell is threatened by a couple of Cia and MI5 operators who are waiting to add him to the list and you have a dangerous situation that only man of Powell’s calibre can handle. But if you think that’s all, you’re in for a big surprise. From that point on, the story develops with so many unexpected twists, it leaves you wondering who the real victims are and more importantly who in the end turn out to be the villains. To reveal any more would give the plot away and that’s something you must not miss for yourself. If you’re looking for a tense and nail-biting finish don’t hesitate and get a copy. Highly recommended.
Unexpected Twists
As a fan of Bill Ward’s books featuring Powell, I jumped at the opportunity of reading his fifth book in the Powell series entitled, ‘Retribution’, one that I had not come across before. I was not disappointed. It has all the well known and expected ingredients of fast-moving action and gripping suspense that you come to expect from this star character and leaves you hanging on your seat. In this episode, Powell is persuaded to take on a temporary job to bodyguard Bob Hale, a local Member of Parliament, who is a senior member of the team negotiating Britain’s exit from the EU. Before long, Powell finds himself in the thick of it, defending his charge from being killed by a mysterious marksman intent on seeking revenge. On top of that Powell is threatened by a couple of Cia and MI5 operators who are waiting to add him to the list and you have a dangerous situation that only man of Powell’s calibre can handle. But if you think that’s all, you’re in for a big surprise. From that point on, the story develops with so many unexpected twists, it leaves you wondering who the real victims are and more importantly who in the end turn out to be the villains. To reveal any more would give the plot away and that’s something you must not miss for yourself. If you’re looking for a tense and nail-biting finish don’t hesitate and get a copy. Highly recommended.
May 31, 2018
Powell series just keeps getting better and better with each new book, and “Retribution” is probably my new favorite installment. Hired as a bodyguard for a prominent politician, Powell finds this new assignment a bit boring but at least no one is shooting at him for a change. However, the situation soon changes when an assassin suddenly strikes, and with each new attempt, it starts looking more and more personal. Soon, Powell starts questioning not only the nature of his employer but the motives of the assassin as well. Something extremely suspicious is going on, and Powell must get to the bottom of it before it’s too late…
What I enjoy the most about the Powell series is that each book is not only an action-packed thriller which is impossible to put down, but deals with such important issues as sex trafficking, terrorism, child abuse, kidnapping, and many more. Through Powell’s eyes, Bill Ward masterfully reveals the ugliest sides of human nature which must be eliminated and delivers justice with admirable dedication. Alex’s and Jasmine’s stories nearly broke my heart, and I couldn’t help but root for all of the characters to serve all the perpetrators what they deserve. It was a very emotional read, and I already can’t wait to continue with Powell’s series. Brilliant. Five huge stars.
What I enjoy the most about the Powell series is that each book is not only an action-packed thriller which is impossible to put down, but deals with such important issues as sex trafficking, terrorism, child abuse, kidnapping, and many more. Through Powell’s eyes, Bill Ward masterfully reveals the ugliest sides of human nature which must be eliminated and delivers justice with admirable dedication. Alex’s and Jasmine’s stories nearly broke my heart, and I couldn’t help but root for all of the characters to serve all the perpetrators what they deserve. It was a very emotional read, and I already can’t wait to continue with Powell’s series. Brilliant. Five huge stars.
August 20, 2018
Retribution was my second introduction to Bill Ward’s undeniable talent as a storyteller. I love a likeable yet flawed main character such as Powell, his ex-special agent.
Once I opened the book, I was left turning the pages of this fast-paced and exciting novel into the early hours. Powell finds an easy temporary assignment as a bodyguard turning into a conspiracy par excellence. Right up my alley. It doesn’t take long before the action kicks in, grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until the end. Rogue agents, perversions, political intrigue, and the spectre of the atrocities of the Balkan War.
Two nights later, I was sleep deprived but very satisfied.
Once I opened the book, I was left turning the pages of this fast-paced and exciting novel into the early hours. Powell finds an easy temporary assignment as a bodyguard turning into a conspiracy par excellence. Right up my alley. It doesn’t take long before the action kicks in, grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until the end. Rogue agents, perversions, political intrigue, and the spectre of the atrocities of the Balkan War.
Two nights later, I was sleep deprived but very satisfied.
February 22, 2017
considering the recent vote for Britain to leave the eu, this book is incredibly intense. action packed and full of twists, powell is yet again attempting to balance justice and the law.
bill ward' use of neutral terms throughout to continue the mystery is fascinating and makes "retribution" impossible to put down!!
HAPPY READING!!!
bill ward' use of neutral terms throughout to continue the mystery is fascinating and makes "retribution" impossible to put down!!
HAPPY READING!!!
April 14, 2018
Another goodie!!!
Powell, Jenkins and Afina are back and this is one of the best!! The theme this time is child abuse, but as usual there is a secondary story with Crawford raising his head again. I know that I have as if this before,but, what great television this would make!! Now looking for the sixth book! Enjoy.
Powell, Jenkins and Afina are back and this is one of the best!! The theme this time is child abuse, but as usual there is a secondary story with Crawford raising his head again. I know that I have as if this before,but, what great television this would make!! Now looking for the sixth book! Enjoy.
June 2, 2020
A***** storyline as usual
December 15, 2021
This book made my weekend! I’ve enjoyed all the “Powell” books... or I thought I had! I’d missed Retribution, which comes of failing to follow Bill Ward, one of my favourite authors, on Amazon.
The opening is dramatic, powerful, and gets straight to the heart of the horrors of child sex abuse. However, Powell playing bodyguard to a politician seemed unlikely. Unless Bob Hale wasn’t the upright citizen that he appeared to be...
Unusually, it isn’t only Powell who is intent on delivering justice... or does Alex have her own agenda? Enough – too much in some cases – has been said about the storyline by other reviewers, so I shall stop.
Suffice it to say the huge appeal Powell has for me is that he seeks the RIGHT result for victims of crime, often it isn’t the legal answer, but it is extremely satisfying.
Sarah Stuart – Readers’ Favorite Reviewer
The opening is dramatic, powerful, and gets straight to the heart of the horrors of child sex abuse. However, Powell playing bodyguard to a politician seemed unlikely. Unless Bob Hale wasn’t the upright citizen that he appeared to be...
Unusually, it isn’t only Powell who is intent on delivering justice... or does Alex have her own agenda? Enough – too much in some cases – has been said about the storyline by other reviewers, so I shall stop.
Suffice it to say the huge appeal Powell has for me is that he seeks the RIGHT result for victims of crime, often it isn’t the legal answer, but it is extremely satisfying.
Sarah Stuart – Readers’ Favorite Reviewer
March 8, 2017
I have read all of the Powell books and so when I saw this one, I had to read it and get the next instalment in the Powell story. I was not disappointed. It's a gripping tale from the start, throwing you in at the deep end and the story moves fast to the present day where Powell is doing a stint as a bodyguard. The book is well written and excellently crafted to make you sit up all night turning the pages for the thrilling conclusion. It's an amazing story from start to finish and although it ties up a few of the loose ends in the series, I do hope it's not the last we'll see of Powell. An excellent book. Highly recommended.
January 16, 2017
I previously read a book of Bill Wards called Trafficking which was the first in the Powell book series. That was a marvellous tense read and I hadn't realised there were already four more books until it was suggested that I read this.
I haven't read the three in between which I feel is a real shame because I might have appreciated the character development even more if I had. It wouldn't be a bad thing for me to do that now as I could quite enjoy an evening with Mr Ward's work. He does, after all, write beautifully but with such dark undertones that you feel as if you're catching up with old friends who are just about to embark on some dark mystery.
Here, Powell has been hired to protect a politician who has a dark past. Is there any other kind? Powell also faces his own problems when he receives threats from an unknown source. Placing the story in the arena of politics feels quite topical as people have recently became even more aware and more opinionated about politics and about the underlying corruption. Ward allows us to identify with his writing, which flows marvellously, and with his characters.
I would say bring on Powell number six, but I think I'm going to be tied up with number 2, 3 and 4 for so long that the next book will probably be finished before I am.
I haven't read the three in between which I feel is a real shame because I might have appreciated the character development even more if I had. It wouldn't be a bad thing for me to do that now as I could quite enjoy an evening with Mr Ward's work. He does, after all, write beautifully but with such dark undertones that you feel as if you're catching up with old friends who are just about to embark on some dark mystery.
Here, Powell has been hired to protect a politician who has a dark past. Is there any other kind? Powell also faces his own problems when he receives threats from an unknown source. Placing the story in the arena of politics feels quite topical as people have recently became even more aware and more opinionated about politics and about the underlying corruption. Ward allows us to identify with his writing, which flows marvellously, and with his characters.
I would say bring on Powell number six, but I think I'm going to be tied up with number 2, 3 and 4 for so long that the next book will probably be finished before I am.
January 4, 2017
Powell is back in a taught and tense story.
This is the fifth book in the Powell series. As with previous Powell books I've read, the writing is smooth and easy to follow. In this one, Powell is hired as a bodyguard for a politician with an unsavoury past. When the politician's past catches up with him, Powell's bodyguarding job becomes ten times more dangerous. Someone is intent on retribution for the politician's past deeds. In a sub-plot, someone want's Powell dead, and this adds to the tension. The plot is well constructed and the characters well drawn. I like a good ending and this one doesn't disappoint. One star off because the m/s just needs a bit more editing to make it perfect.
This is the fifth book in the Powell series. As with previous Powell books I've read, the writing is smooth and easy to follow. In this one, Powell is hired as a bodyguard for a politician with an unsavoury past. When the politician's past catches up with him, Powell's bodyguarding job becomes ten times more dangerous. Someone is intent on retribution for the politician's past deeds. In a sub-plot, someone want's Powell dead, and this adds to the tension. The plot is well constructed and the characters well drawn. I like a good ending and this one doesn't disappoint. One star off because the m/s just needs a bit more editing to make it perfect.
January 10, 2017
Another gripping installment in the Powell series. I've read them all and I'm already looking forward to the next one!
Although this was probably my least favourite of the 5, it is still a gripping read and it was great to catch up with Powell, Jenkins, Affina and Mara again.
These books are so readable, I lose track of time when reading them. I love how the characters introduced in the earlier books have developed and become such loyal friends. I have to say, I totally missed the big twist which to me is always a good sign of skilful writing.
A thrilling series, I highly recommend.
Although this was probably my least favourite of the 5, it is still a gripping read and it was great to catch up with Powell, Jenkins, Affina and Mara again.
These books are so readable, I lose track of time when reading them. I love how the characters introduced in the earlier books have developed and become such loyal friends. I have to say, I totally missed the big twist which to me is always a good sign of skilful writing.
A thrilling series, I highly recommend.
September 12, 2017
Retribution
Nice to see Mr Ward hasn't failed to deliver yet again another page turner.
My only gripe was there are a few grammar n spelling mistakes?
However within the main great to see there are still people who have good morals and will expose the people who are responsible for causing unnecessarily harm to others to satisfy their own needs.
Would so love to be part of Powell's team
Nice to see Mr Ward hasn't failed to deliver yet again another page turner.
My only gripe was there are a few grammar n spelling mistakes?
However within the main great to see there are still people who have good morals and will expose the people who are responsible for causing unnecessarily harm to others to satisfy their own needs.
Would so love to be part of Powell's team
January 3, 2017
5 stars for Bill Ward again!
Wow what a great reads this was , just like all the others I may add. Great characters with a great story. I would never have guessed about Alex! Lets hope there are more of the Powell books!
Wow what a great reads this was , just like all the others I may add. Great characters with a great story. I would never have guessed about Alex! Lets hope there are more of the Powell books!
July 28, 2017
Once again, in Retribution, Ward’s ex-special agent, Powell, exercises his great talent for getting into danger and mayhem without having to lift a finger to do so. Trouble just finds him the way flowers find wasps.
This time Powell accepts a straightforward assignment to bodyguard a politician for a short period. But within hours, the situation is anything but straightforward, and very soon Powell comes to realise that there are two targets: the man he is protecting … and himself. Throw in a couple of rogue CIA and MI5 operatives, an enigmatic Croatian soldier on leave in Britain, some stunning women, some very disturbing plot issues, Ward’s unmistakeable gift of story-telling … and you have a book that you just can’t put down.
Ward’s stories are always neatly plotted and, while the writing makes little demand on the reader, it is pacy and competent.
Apart from a few editorial issues which can easily be cleaned up, I have one small quibble. For some reason, Powell is much more in the shadows in this book than he normally is, plotting , scheming, setting traps. He is not called upon to exercise his great physical skills to any great extent. So I was a little disappointed with one particular scenario, where Powell was trapped in a house with one of the women and in very real danger. The writer then simply tells us what transpired with what can best be described as a dullish newspaper account of a somewhat obscure incident that would not hold any great incident for the public. I felt that the author missed a great opportunity to write a very tense, nerve-wracking scene here, that could have ended with a great spate of muscular and aggressive action. Of course, this is me wanting more. The author probably needed to move forward quickly.
That minor complaint aside - and the book does not suffer at all from this omission – the reader will be satisfied with a great action story with an interesting twist at the end. If you are a fan of Ward’s, go out and buy this book. You will enjoy it. If you are not yet a fan, you should be.
This time Powell accepts a straightforward assignment to bodyguard a politician for a short period. But within hours, the situation is anything but straightforward, and very soon Powell comes to realise that there are two targets: the man he is protecting … and himself. Throw in a couple of rogue CIA and MI5 operatives, an enigmatic Croatian soldier on leave in Britain, some stunning women, some very disturbing plot issues, Ward’s unmistakeable gift of story-telling … and you have a book that you just can’t put down.
Ward’s stories are always neatly plotted and, while the writing makes little demand on the reader, it is pacy and competent.
Apart from a few editorial issues which can easily be cleaned up, I have one small quibble. For some reason, Powell is much more in the shadows in this book than he normally is, plotting , scheming, setting traps. He is not called upon to exercise his great physical skills to any great extent. So I was a little disappointed with one particular scenario, where Powell was trapped in a house with one of the women and in very real danger. The writer then simply tells us what transpired with what can best be described as a dullish newspaper account of a somewhat obscure incident that would not hold any great incident for the public. I felt that the author missed a great opportunity to write a very tense, nerve-wracking scene here, that could have ended with a great spate of muscular and aggressive action. Of course, this is me wanting more. The author probably needed to move forward quickly.
That minor complaint aside - and the book does not suffer at all from this omission – the reader will be satisfied with a great action story with an interesting twist at the end. If you are a fan of Ward’s, go out and buy this book. You will enjoy it. If you are not yet a fan, you should be.
December 23, 2016
While they’ve all been good, this is perhaps my favorite of the Powell mysteries to date. The chapters flow seamlessly into one another, the forward momentum held up by strong plotting. I also found the idea of Powell acting as bodyguard for a high ranking government official who is nonetheless lowlife scum involved in sex trafficking to be an engaging concept. Usually we don’t see our heroes or good guys coming to the rescue of the bad guys. Needless to say we get a strong sense that Powell has been duped and that eventually he’ll realize he’s on the wrong side of things and has been played. But when? And will it be in time to undo the damage he’s done? Like I said, an engaging mystery with an unusual setup that’s all the more compelling for its uniqueness.
April 2, 2023
lost points
I don’t normally leave reviews but here goes, all in all it’s an amazing tale..but…bad grammar in some parts,one paragraph I really struggled with was one that contained the characters name about 5 times, also and I can’t say this enough…proof read I found a couple of spelling mistakes in there, while this may sound like minor points it did take away my attention from the plot.
I don’t normally leave reviews but here goes, all in all it’s an amazing tale..but…bad grammar in some parts,one paragraph I really struggled with was one that contained the characters name about 5 times, also and I can’t say this enough…proof read I found a couple of spelling mistakes in there, while this may sound like minor points it did take away my attention from the plot.
December 31, 2023
Fascinating tale. Loosely based on the Saville case
Loosely based on the Seville case. Toned down enough to be palatable.
Not a nice topic but serving it's purpose here.
Loosely based on the Seville case. Toned down enough to be palatable.
Not a nice topic but serving it's purpose here.
December 20, 2016
This is a thriller to top all thrillers. Ward writes in an easy flowing style that takes the reader right into the story, whether it be a sex scene or an act of murder, and there’s plenty of both. Powell, the main protagonist in the story was the good guy and the bad guy, as the situation demands. As the hired body guard of Bob Hale, the local Member of Parliament, Powell was a force to be reckoned with that is until he meets Alex. Although Alex is a woman, she turned out to be even more dangerous than Powell, but the two had a lot in common: Sex, murder and revenge, what a couple. Alex was singled-minded in her focus on killing the ‘Beast.’ Her agenda conflicts with that of Powell’s, until the reader is taken back to the beginning cliffhanger in the story. I can’t give away the plot, but boy, what a twisted, nail-biting, heart-wrenching ride.
January 18, 2017
Retribution (Powell Book 5) by Bill Ward starts out with a sinister teaser involving sexual child abuse and the plot quickly shifts to the perp, the man after him, and Powell. How they all interconnect is clever and fast paced. Foiled attempts at getting even, quick paced action, and sexual intensity add spice as the story progresses without letting up, involving several murder attempts on two main characters, an unlikely alliance, and a surprise twisting and turning ending. I’m a fan of this author and this series and was looking forward to this new book in the series. Without retelling the entire storyline suffice it to say it did not disappoint.
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