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Harker and Blackthorn #9

This Wild Justice

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Retribution, noun

1) Punishment, sanctioned by law, meted out in return for an offence or crime.
2) You know what you did.
3) See also: Revenge.


For the first time ever, Amy finds herself wishing for a quiet life. Recent changes in her friendship with Steve mean that she’s not desperate to charge off chasing cryptids for a change. In fact, if Harker & Blackthorn could avoid any more trouble for a few months, that would be great. She has other things on her mind right now.


Be careful what you wish for – you might just get the complete opposite.


Summoned to Dartmoor by the brutal killing of Rebekah’s mentor, the Harker & Blackthorn team find themselves mired in deception and at odds with each other. A dangerous animal is on the loose, but the facts just don’t fit a diagnosis of murder.


With the boss fracturing under the weight of her grief and rage, and secrets threatening to split the fault lines in the team wide open, Amy and Steve find themselves facing an old enemy. One they barely survived an encounter with before. And this time, it’s personal.


The case is far darker than any of them could have imagined.


Rebekah isn’t the only one who wants revenge…



This Wild Justice is the ninth book in the edge-of-your-seat Harker & Blackthorn series. If you like sassy heroines, thrilling mysteries, shadowy scientific organisations and enigmatic creatures, try this kickass urban fantasy adventure series.

Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2022

1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Ironside

59 books355 followers
Urban fantasy and historical fiction author J.A. Ironside masquerades by day as member of the county library service, which strangely enough has less to do with books than you would think.

Jules grew up in Dorset in a house full of books, which probably explains a lot about how her mind works. You might think that folklore, fringe science, history, physics, magic and supernatural mystery wouldn’t go all that well together, but she’s hell bent on proving they do. Her urban fantasy series Harker & Blackthorn is now ten books long and counting. It features a sentient museum because someone needs to keep track of what’s going on. Unveiled – another UF series set in the same universe – is now complete.

Jules is also determined to show that historical fiction can be both factually correct and funny. The King’s Knight series is set during the tumultuous reign of Richard II, while the sweeping Oath and Crown Duology – co-authored with Matthew Willis – follows the events leading up to and around the Battle of Hastings.

When pried her away from her books, Jules enthusiastically engages in martial arts and playing the piano, although never at the same time. At least not yet. She lives on the edge of the Cotswold way with her boyfriend creature and two hell’s kittens. Find out more at www.jaironside.com


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5 stars
18 (69%)
4 stars
6 (23%)
3 stars
2 (7%)
2 stars
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
12 reviews
September 4, 2022
Before I write this I need to preface this review by saying that I live near the area the book is set and have a deep passion for black dog folk stories so that has defiantly biased me in strong favour of this book from the start.
That out the way I can say that I give it ten stars. I do not care that it is a five star system- ten stars! It has picked straight up from the sort of cliff hanger the last book left off on with Amy and Steve and it’s been wonderful to see them have at least one book where life is good.
Loved the setting and the mythology the author drew from as I’ve already said- very well researched and beautiful adapted into the narrative.
The focus on Rebekah and her backstory was unexpected and well I initially felt it was retreading things we already knew the emotional pay off at the end was so worth it. I mean I cried. Like ‘oh my god this such a sad beautiful moment’ cried.
Every time I read one of these I think that was the the best one yet and then every time the author exceeds my expectations with the sequel! If you haven’t read the series I highly recommend it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I don’t usually arc read but I love this series so much I’ll do anything to get my hands on the books a bit sooner.
Profile Image for Witch-at-Heart .
1,577 reviews21 followers
September 14, 2022
This wild Justice is book eleven in the Harker and Blackthorn series and honestly I can truly say it just keeps getting better!! I’m hoping for a million more. I absolutely love the mix of folklore, fringe science and a touch of the supernatural. Literally magic in this installment we get to delve into what forged Rebecca into the force of nature she is and how she deals with a tremendous loss.

As the team rally’s around Rebecca they soon discover what at first seems to be a tragic animal attack may be far more sinister.

The twists and turns kept me in the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it down. Plus Amy and Steven awe my goodness no words absolutely fantastic. I loved seeing a redeemable side of Don and a few crazy events they will definitely be having read about Em (Amy’s sister) I haven’t dropped into that series yet and I little can’t wait to see how she became the handmaiden of death. And Amy holy cow!!! I can’t ruin it for you but jets just say her grieving abilities are quit electrifying!! I highly recommend this series literally love everything about the series from the characters, world building, storylines and relationships. So well written!!
Profile Image for Hayley Wright.
121 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2022
To start with the storyline is once again fantastic, however I didn't love the characters as much in this story.

I was very happy with the progression of Amy and Steve's relationship but it seems like Ironside is already setting the scene for problems down the line. I feel like Amy's insecurities really don't make much sense, at least where Steve's concerned.

Another thing that bothered me was Bex and the way she was treated. There's no reason to believe that she would act irrationally just because she's grieving, she's far too logical for that and it's odd that Amy and Steve wouldn't see that. I'm also getting a little tired of her treatment of the other two. You can be sharp without being cruel and would it kill her to say sorry for once?

Despite all of my moaning this was still a great book, I liked the setting and the descriptions of the hound were so well written, Ironside is very good at creating tension. I'm very interested in finding out who this mystery person mentioned at the end is!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lauren C.
44 reviews
September 6, 2022
A good addition to the series. I really enjoyed the diary entries from Miss West and the insight they gave to Rebecca's childhood. I also liked the return of a particular character who I'm not going to mention so as not to spoil it. I did struggle with the way Amy and Bex interacted with each other in this book. It felt like eight books of friendship and development were ignored so they could doubt and snipe at each other. I'm looking forward to reading what's to come and this book has set up the next story nicely.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
868 reviews14 followers
September 30, 2023
Despite the very dark undertones to this tale for Rebekah in particular, this was an incredibly satisfying read. Amy and Steve are on the beginning of a journey and it showed some truly light and sweet moments amongst Amy having her skill and strength tested and Steve's obvious growing interest in occult studies. There was a lot of humour here as well and I loved meeting up with an old friend, even gaining a new team member? At this point every adventure feels like meeting up with friends and I enjoy every word. At the time of me writing this I have already read this book again as it is such a turning point in the series.
Profile Image for November Hebert-Rose.
42 reviews
August 27, 2022
I feel like I held my breath through about half of this book - the tension was oof! Murder conspiracy? Hell hounds?! Unrequited love? There are so many things going on in this one and while I totally know that the team will always figure out how to get outta danger, I still get panicky when they’re in these terrifying situations. I thought it was a great wild ride and already can’t wait for the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
21 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2022
The close-knit team reaches a point of contention as their ruthlessly logical leader sets out for revenge. It was interesting to see this side of the friendships built up over the previous books. Rebekah's reaction to the development between her team mates makes total sense for her, as does Amy's latent insecurities. I look forward to seeing how this tension continues and resolves. I'm also excited to learn more about Steve when the time comes.
Profile Image for merlin513.
375 reviews6 followers
September 6, 2022
These books have rapidly become my comfort novels. Full of characters that feel like old friends that I enjoy revisiting.

That said, this novel had me on edge with worry the whole time. Murder, revenge, a hell hound & old gods all set on the endless eerie environs of haunted Dartmoor. I worried at Rebecca’s loss of her usual cool logical aloofness. Worried about Amy & Steve’s burgeoning relationship. REALLY worried that everyone would actually make it thru unscathed! and, on some levels, they may not have. . .

An EXCELLENT addition to the series and hinting at a new dark direction to future stories.

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
126 reviews3 followers
September 12, 2022
This is an excellent addition to the series and at the same time a brilliant standalone read. The main characters continue to develop and evolve. I think this is a well paced story which held my intrest throughout. Im looking forward to see where the plot goes next. I definitely recommend this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
28 reviews
November 4, 2023
Good episode, but--

This is a good story with lots of action, perils, personal delimmas, and wiggly threads reaching a out to intrigue and start the next case, hence the four stars. Unfortunately, the author made the mistake here and there of indulging in preachy flights of moralizing that resulted in the dull mud of boring passages.
Profile Image for Alaine Farmer.
6 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2022
Brilliantly disturbing

Loved the premise and atmosphere this book brings as well as the uncomfortable feeling and recognition of overlooking things and shamefully, people. A brilliant read which I just couldn't put down.
1,236 reviews60 followers
September 22, 2022
What animal is in the woods. Rebekah and her friends need to discover who killed her mentor or what. Chilling read
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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