Retribution

Claire Whitcomb Western #1

by D.V. Berkom

They took everything. Now she wants revenge.

Spring 1880: Claire Whitcomb and her family are building a good life near the boomtown of Leadville, Colorado, when tragedy strikes: a group of renegades attack, killing everyone but Claire and burning their home. Not knowing who to turn to, Claire teams up with Mart Duggan, the town’s tough-as-nails marshal, to track down the outlaws responsible. Duggan and his friend, Thomas, a local Ute, skirt the law to get results, but that’s fine by Claire.
She’s gunning for the men who destroyed her life—and won’t settle for anything less than retribution.

Genres: Westerns, Thriller, Suspense

99 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2020

About the author

DV Berkom is the USA Today bestselling author of action-packed, riveting adventure and crime thrillers. Known for creating resilient, kick-ass female characters and page-turning plots, her love of the genre stems from a lifelong addiction to reading spy novels, action/adventure stories, and thrillers.

A restless soul and adventurer at heart, she spent years moving around the US and traveling to exotic locales before she wrote her first novel and was hooked. More than a dozen books later, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Mark, and several imaginary characters who like to tell her what to do. Her most recent books include the Claire Whitcomb Western Series: Retribution, Gunslinger, and Legend, and the latest in the Leine Basso thriller series: Final Encounter, Terminal Threat, Fatal Objective, A Plague of Traitors, and Shadow of the Jaguar. DV's currently hard at work on her next thriller.

For more information, visit her website at www.dvberkom.com. To be the first to hear about new releases and subscriber-only offers, go to: bit.ly/DVB_RL

Books by DV Berkom:
The Kate Jones Thriller Series:
Vol. 1 (books 1-3): Bad Spirits, Dead of Winter, Death Rites, Touring for Death
Cruising for Death
Yucatán Dead
A One Way Ticket to Dead
Vigilante Dead

The Leine Basso Thriller Series:
A Killing Truth
Serial Date
Bad Traffick
The Body Market
Cargo
The Last Deception
Dark Return
Absolution
Dakota Burn
Shadow of the Jaguar
A Plague of Traitors
Fatal Objective
Terminal Threat
Final Encounter

The Claire Whitcomb Western Series:
Retribution
Gunslinger
Legend

Reviews

[Richard Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super story in a new genre. I know several readers who say that they would never read a western. I also know some who don't read science fiction books. Pretty silly I think. Thrillers, space opera, Westerns, they are really the same in many ways. Different environment, I agree, but in reality, they are about people, and their relationships. I have, in past reviews, compared DV with John Sandford. I think her heroines compare well with his guys. In this case I probably would say she is more like Robert Parker. In his later years he added Westerns to his accomplishments, and like his stories, DV's are fast moving books with great word pictures, and plenty of action. She has included both the expected villains, but also some nuanced characters. I understand why she started with a novelette, trying out the new genre to see how it would be received, but now it's time for a full novel.

[HornFan2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received am advance ARC from the author for my honest review and I also purchased it from amazon.com. Something I like to do, too support one of my favorite authors.

It was the late author Bill Crider, with his 'Outrage at Blanco' novel that made me love revenge stories so much and in away revenge stories for me will always be a tribute to him.

With Retribution, D.V. Berkom introduces a new Western series, that features another badass character Claire Whitcomb, just like with her Leine Basso series, she just grabs you the reader, puts you in the pages, typical with her writing you have some great support characters, it's good verse evil and like that she didn't just write a bland tamed down story.

Being an avid Western fan, I thought this was a real good debut, just meat and potato's, it doesn't get bogged down with too much detail, typical with her it's not for the faint of heart. The only tweak I would do with this one is, when Claire's family killed, I would have had two other killers charge at her and she kills them both verse having them leave.

Just like with her Leine Basso series, D.V just seems to be like another favorite author of mine Ace Atkins and just seems create support characters that take over her stories.

With Retribution you get the town Marshall Mart Duggan and the educated Ute tribe member Thomas and do hope they'll appear again in the series. It be sweet to see her create a second Western series with Mart and Thomas, in a US Marshall series, bounty hunters or they travel around the West, helping the weak to defeat evil.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, wow! I don't normally read western style books (although my mum was a big fan and I was brought up watching them) I am more of a mystery fan but when one of your favourite authors branches out, you can't help but give it a read. Other than needing tissues, I loved it and it took me right back to being a kid again, I just needed some popcorn and I would have been set. I love D.V's female characters, they are always such strong characters that would give any male action figure a run for there money and despite needing tissues, you just knew the bad guys didn't stand a chance. The book starts with a bang and doesn't let up on the action, until the very end. The only disappointing thing was the length. I wish it could have been longer or I could read slower. Either way a great start to a new series and I hope it isn't long before the next book is out.
Claire is devastated when her world gets turned up side down. I one vicious attack Claire's whole family is wiped out by three Indians. But not everything is as it seems and soon Claire is running from the law. With her face appearing on wanted posters all over town, can Claire find out what really happened to her family before the law catches up with her?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Stuff 'n' Things

I am lucky enough to be a part of D.V. Berkom's advance reader team and I was sent a copy of this prior to it's release on 20-Nov-2020 for which I will be eternally grateful because what we have here is an introduction to what I believe will be another excellent series featuring a strong female character.

I am not normally one for reading westerns, in fact I usually give them a wide berth and don't even bother reading the blurb but given I have read several of D.V. Berkom's books featuring the excellent Leine Basso, when I was asked if I would like to receive an advance copy, I thought why the heck not and I was so pleased I did.

Claire, her husband Josiah and 3 children move to the Wild West in search of a new life however, tragedy strikes when Josiah and the children are brutally killed and Claire is left alone. It soon transpires that Claire is being accused of the murders and so she teams up with Mart and Thomas to clear her name and seek revenge.

This is a fast paced read with excellent characters, great setting and exciting plot. If I have one complaint, it's that it's over way too quickly; I was left wanting to read more now ... oh well, I will just have to wait to see what scrapes and adventures Claire finds herself mixed up in and how her character develops as she roams the Wild West on her trusty steed, Rose.

Thank you to D.V. Berkom for writing another absolute cracker, for giving me the opportunity to broaden my horizons and for introducing me to another genre ... now hurry up and get the next one finished 😉

[Library Champion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retribution is DV Berkom's first western-themed novel, and first in a series centered on protagonist Claire Whitcomb. In a literally fiery opening, Claire is left homeless with her entire family killed before her eyes. Set in and around Leadville, Colorado in 1880, the story tells how Claire seeks help, then seeks justice, then seeks retribution.

Claire is double-crossed by powerful men in the town and goes on the run. She is helped by kind-hearted people and eventually finds a pair of strong and reasonably honest men who protect and help her find her way to a satisfying resolution: retribution.

A fairly short novel that can be read in a single sitting, Retribution introduces Claire and sets up the series to follow. It is the first western I have read in quite a long time, but it has a contemporary sophistication and teases the reader to find out who Claire will become and where she goes in the future. It even left me humming the tune of a favorite TV western from my teen years!

[Ciclochick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction isn't my most-selected genre, I have to be honest. Not that I haven't enjoyed those I've read, however; I just seem to bypass the category. Now, I'm a big, big fan of DV Berkom. Her Kate Jones and Leine Basso series have been my favourite reads over the years, so I really had no hesitation in reading these three shorts, introducing a new kick-ass female, Claire Whitcombe. The only difference is, this lass is throwing her weight around in the late nineteenth century in the wild west. So, no NVGs, no GPS, no state-of-the-art weapons, no hi-tech correspondence or intel. Just her, her guns and her wits…and let's not forget we're talking pre the Emily Pankhursts of the world. Claire is in a man's world and she is awesome. In every sense of the word.

Book One (Retribution) plucks her out of a heart-breaking tragedy that moulds her future. Book Two (Gunslinger) follows her as she takes her first job as 'bodyguard' to a well-known actress. And Book Three (Legend) takes her to a place she never thought she'd find after her heart-break.

As readable, thrilling, compelling as all her other novels, Berkom transports you to Wyatt Earp and Jessie James country. But not in a John Wayne-clichéd way. There's been meticulous research and attention to detail.

Thoroughly enjoyable and if there are any full-length novels on the way, I'll be all over them.

[Linda Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an updated version of the old westerns written by great writers. I would recommend this book as a story worth reading. It is about a woman (Claire) who hears yelling outside the house
and goes out to see her husband and 3 children killed by Indians. She shoots one and when she
goes to check on him she finds he is not an Indian but a white man. On telling her story she is
suspected of killing her family. She runs away so she can figure out why they were killed and to
revenge them. She meets the Sheriff who helps her figure it out. But they are being hunted
by the ones who want her dead. I look forward to the next book about Claire and her adventures.

[LAURIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.V. Berlin is the author of the amazing unputdownable Leine Basso series.
This new foray into the western genre only shows her excellent writing skills.
Claire Whitcomb's family is brutally murdered and she needs to find out not only why
And who did it, but why did they leave her alive? With the help of a marshall, she
Struggles to find out.

The story remind me of an old fashioned western where John Wayne swoops in
On his horse to save the day. A wonderful story. Must read!

[Michael Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as ART. Excellent start to a new series. Great characters and plot. Claire lives a very happy life with her husband and 3 children. This world ends the day their ranch is attacked by 3 men dressed as Ute warriors. Accused of murdering her family, Clair escapes with only one thing on her mind, revenge. Believing her story, Marshal Mart Duggan takes Clair in and teaches her to shoot. Excellent start to a D V Berkom's tough women stories. I see a lot of Lenni Basso in Claire.

[Lady Buffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Berkom's back and introducing us to her newest female protagonist, Claire Whitcomb. Through trauma, loss, and grief emerges a strong, capable woman who walls off her grief to seek justice. This quick snapshot of Claire left me excited for more. She's my new favorite Berkom Babe and I can't wait for the next book in the series. I found myself rooting for Claire, and enjoying the nuances of quiet Thomas, and good guy Marshall Mart. It's a quick read so not every character was as fleshed out as I'd have liked, but again I'm already craving the next book. Berkom has another hit series to add to her repertoire.

[Lonnie Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally read westerns, but having read other books by the author I had to try it. This was a great introduction to a new series. Claire has to find the killers of her family. When she goes back with others to show them one of the killers the body is missing. They decide that she killed them and she has to escape to clear her name. This is a fast moving story and you won't want to put it down. You will join all of the other people reading this book waiting on the next book.

[LooseBoots · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow , what a whirlwind read that was.
A brand new western thriller from the pen of D.V.Berkom.
She goes for the jugular right at the start. I was literally glued to this story and couldn’t let it go.
Intense, exciting, thrilling.An action packed adventure with Claire Whitcomb as the main character. This promises to be a cracking series. I can’t wait to read more.
I can’t say how much I enjoyed this.
You want a great read, this it it!!

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

D V Berkom hooked me from the opening pages and I know I am going to love Claire, as she is forced to grown and change, from a family woman who watched her entire family be murdered to a gun totin’ force to be reckoned with. Woo Hoo…Let’s get on with it. “Don’t let them win Claire.” It was Josiah’s voice in her head, as surely as if he”d spoken the words aloud. And she vowed then and there to do just that. I should have known that D V Berkom would pot a twist that I never anticipated. Even though Claire wanted to crawl into the grave with her family, that was not to be. The law enforcement was enough to piss me off, so I can only imagine how she would have felt. Typical treatment of a woman and I love that if they weren’t going to look for the slaughterers of her family, she would do it herself. Riveting, suspenseful.

See more at fundinmental

[Richard Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the joys of e-books is that one can develop relationships with authors, including joining others as early or beta readers. In the case of DV Berkom, I was entranced with her Leine Basso series - a very kickass heroine and joined up, and asked to review her work ongoingly.

Retribution is a departure for Berkom. And, to a certain extent, that shows in the writing. Westerns are not a common subject nowadays. The era of Zane Grey is long gone. Even in movies, we aren't seeing Westerns - we are seeing modern stories with horses. So attempting to create the world as it might have been 100 years ago strips away a lot of the familiar world and forces an author to build a storyline and characters that stand out, above and beyond horses, sagebrush and Indians. The good news is that Claire Whitcomb is on the way to becoming a very solid character, although she's not quite there yet. Along the way, Berkom drops some hints at where she's heading, and so once again I find myself at an interesting place.

On one hand, I know an author needs to eat. An author needs to publish to eat. And it's smarter to stretch a story line over multiple volumes to 1) minimize world building, and 2) keep the story going. But on the other hand, the great, fat novels of the past seem to be disappearing. Writing seems to be heading towards episodic story telling. That may be the fault of the publishing ecology. But I get the feeling that we are in a world that seems to have given up on quality for quantity. The quality of the writing in Retribution is good - but we already know there are at least two more volumes to come, and I can't help but wonder what would have happened had they all been combined as one big story.

And I would be remiss if I didn't say that there's a certain attraction to the series style. I mean, I grew up on Tom Swift Jr, (and then found Tom Swift) and the Hardy Boys. I look forward to Berkom's Leine Basso works, and there are a number of other authors producing ongoing novels about singular characters that I read where a new volume is like a visit from an old friend. And I think that's the missing star (the fifth of five) - as an entry point to a new series, there's not enough of Claire Whitcomb's development and changes from a wife and mother to what appears to be an itinerant cowboy to have me look forward to what's next for her. Oh, I will read the net volume (and maybe more) but I wish Berkom had spent more time building her world.

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in D.V. Berkom A Claire Whitcomb Western. A family moves west from the east in hopes to strike it rich during the silver and gold rush. On day Claire hears screaming and runs out to see her family being attacked by savages. Her husband is shot and then she sees her young son hit in the head. She takes aim and shots one of them. The others get away. After examining the body of the dead savage something doesn’t look right. Come to find out it was a white man dressed as an Indian from the area. Why would a white mad do this. The next morning she goes to tell the marshal who is not in so goes to the banker to find out what to do. After the banker, and two deputies along with Claire get back to the homestead they find the body missing. The the deputies accuse Claire for the murder of her family. She get away and is now on the run. There are twist and turns and more action that keep you wanting to read and on the edge of your seat. Looking forward to the next book to see what Claire gets into next.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of Retribution in return for an honest review. Honestly, westerns are not a genre that I usually read. However, DV Berkom has introduced a strong frontier woman in Claire Whitcomb. Claire does not start out strong but seeing her whole family massacred flips a switch in her, and she kills one of the 3 renegades that slaughtered her husband and young children. When the body of the attacker mysteriously disappears, Claire is accused of the horrible crime. The town Marshall and a Ute Indian come to believe in her innocence and help to clear her name. This novel is a quick read with some surprising twists. I want to read about the life Claire forges for herself in the next book in the series.

[Dawn Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve not read any westerns before, (all my understanding of America at this time comes from childhood Bonanza and lego games Back To The Future!) so this was a departure from my usual genres. I’d not have bought it, but having read all DV Berkom’s other books I knew this would be an interesting read. I also know from her mailing list that she does proper research, so I really enjoyed the little period details that settle it so well into time and place. Location details are always one of this author’s strengths and she was able to evoke the 1880s extremely convincingly.
The story has a couple of twists to it. I began thinking that the plot was a departure from the author’s signature style and was a little concerned about the direction that was taking, until I hit page 10 at which point I relaxed, settled back and relished the ride.
Ideal escapism for the current climate, I’m very hopeful that Claire Whitcomb will be back, and also that as the character develops that I’ll learn more about this period in America’s history as the detailing slips into my mind through gentle osmosis

[DianaRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

RETRIBUTION by DV Berkom is a change from her normal writing.  I haven't read a western in years, but I must say I enjoyed this short introduction story to Claire Whitcomb.

Claire and her family moved west in search of a new life and riches. Unfortunately on a beautiful day, Claire watched her husband Josiah and three children murdered.  Now, she's accused of the murder of her family. 

This is a fast paced read with excellent characters and an exciting plot. My one complaint, it was over too soon. As another reviewer commented, the writing today seems to be heading towards episodic story telling with 3, 4 or 5 episodes making up one complete story. While this type of writing leaves you looking for the next installment, you are also left with the dissapointment of "that's all?"

I am now looking forward to finding out what trouble and adventures Claire finds herself mixed up in Book 2 in the series, 'Gunslinger'.

[Debbie Huntsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first few pages, the author immediately plunges you into the agonizing emotions of the heroine (Claire) losing her family in a most horrific way. From that point on, the reader is quickly immersed into the world of 1880's central Colorado with vivid and expansive descriptions.

Loved the characters in this book and it's a new genre for DV Berkom. It's a quick read and definitely makes you demand more of Claire's story. Look forward with anticipation to the release of book 2 in the series!

Even if you're not a fan of the western genre, don't let this keep you from reading. The plot and characters are well worth your attention and will keep you engaged and entertained!

[Gill Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the start of a brand new series, with a brand new heroine and D V Berkom's first western. However, the quality of writing is just a good as her other series and I'm looking forward to reading more. It was another of those 'I can't put it down' books. The other reviews will give you a taste of what's in store, so I won't repeat what they've said. However, I do recommend you read this book particularly if you like action packed stories with a tough but likeable lead character. This is a fairly short story, but it will certainly leave you wanting more.

If you haven't read any of D V Berkom's books before, and you like this one, I suggest you check out her other two series, both modern day action packed thrillers with strong women as the lead character. D V Berkom is an excellent author, her books are all well written and fast paced.

[Deb Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is golden! I am not a fan of western novels as a general rule, but this one had me hooked from the very beginning. I was gripped the entire way through and read it in a single sitting. I can sense that this is the start of a wonderful series. Claire has to change literally overnight, from a typical wife and mother into a strong and independant vigilante. She is lucky to have been "adopted" by Mart and Thomas. Beautifully crafted, engaging to read, I love this one.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Whitcomb and her family are attacked by what appears to be Indians. These men kill her husband and her 3 children. She shoots one of the men and discovers they are dressed up like Indians.
Claire goes to town to report this and when the sheriff comes to the house the body is gone. Claire becomes the lead suspect. Claire wants to find the men who did this and clear her name. Action and suspense in the conclusion to this novel.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well DV Berkom has added a big surprise to her usual repertoire! An asskickin new heroine from the Wild West! The characters are flawless as usual which makes the story so compelling. You will cry you will cheer, you will wonder what’s next from the first chapter to the last. Couldn’t put it down. Kudos DV for the exceptional heroines you create & the folks they champion. From the historic Wild West we now have a new one to take us on a thrilling journey!

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retribution: A Claire Whitcomb Western is outstanding and exciting. D V Berkom has written another amazing book. All of Claire Whitcomb's family is killed. She must prove her innocence and at the same time find her families killers. The characters in the book are so realistic and the setting is late 1800s. The book is so fast paced and interesting the I kept wanting to turn one page and then another. I read late into the night because I wanted to know what happened next! I can't wait to read the next book in this new series. I received an ARC for my honest review.

[Jay Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictable Western

This is a well-written western with a number of diverse characters. It is a quick read that could have used some fleshing out. I received an advanced copy from the author. I found no editing problems appreciated the story. If you quickly suspect who the bad guy is you will be right. I suspect this is an introduction to establish the character for subsequent stories. It is a great start.

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retribution - wow. Great read. Completed my previous book at 10pm, thought I'll have a quick glance. 2.5 hours later all read. Drew me right in. A great start to a series.🥳
I'm not much of a western fan but this one has plus factors, the major one being great writer.
I can't imagine anyone not liking this book.

[Dave and Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clair is a stronger women that she or her family thought she could ever be.
From a great tragedy she rises to seek her own way in the world.
She found that all men were not all animals after what was done to her and her family.
A women reborn with her new talents is let loose into the world and the world better be ready for her and her vengeance.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a brilliant read. A new female , for DV. And a truly amazing one too. I love how DV brings her female characters to life, making them strong and fearless but still feminine. Her family get murdered in front of her. She vowed to find them and do to them what they did to get husband and three children. Fabulous storyline. A must read....

[Sharon Simms · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a genre I would usually read, but once I started the book, I couldn’t put it down. Claire loses her family and her home and must figure out how to survive. With the help of a few new friends, she is able to find out who killed her family, and take action. I look forward to the next book!

[Laurie's 5th Fire · Rating 4 out of 5]

D.V. Is an awesome writer. Her stories are amazing. I really love the Leine Basso series, so compelling. Although I love westerns, and this book was really good, It wasn't as compelling as her other series. Still, this was a wonderful book.
In the opening scene, Claire finds her whole family murdered. She's determined to find the person who did it. She learns how to protect herself in the process.
Book 2 is Gunslinger and continues Claire's adventures.
Book 3 Is called Legend and completes the series. I thought book 3 was the best of the three and wraps up very nicely.