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Retribution
An ex-soldier is mown down in a brutal hit and run.
Was it an accident, or was it an act of murder?
DCI Jane Birchfield is struggling to stay focussed as she comes to terms with a surprise marriage proposal and waits for news about a promotion.
She and her team are still tying up the loose ends on their last murder investigation. They’re all feeling the pressure.
But she has to push it all to one side as the investigation swiftly escalates into the biggest challenge she has ever faced, bringing her into conflict with her superiors, her partner, and the Army.
She’s tested to the limit, and finds herself asking whether it’s worth the sacrifice.
Retribution is the third of four books in the Jane Birchfield series, but can be read as a stand alone.
The others are Every Reason, Whatever It Takes, and Beneath The Surface.
‘Exciting and original’... ‘Gripping from beginning to end’...’A page turner.’
Was it an accident, or was it an act of murder?
DCI Jane Birchfield is struggling to stay focussed as she comes to terms with a surprise marriage proposal and waits for news about a promotion.
She and her team are still tying up the loose ends on their last murder investigation. They’re all feeling the pressure.
But she has to push it all to one side as the investigation swiftly escalates into the biggest challenge she has ever faced, bringing her into conflict with her superiors, her partner, and the Army.
She’s tested to the limit, and finds herself asking whether it’s worth the sacrifice.
Retribution is the third of four books in the Jane Birchfield series, but can be read as a stand alone.
The others are Every Reason, Whatever It Takes, and Beneath The Surface.
‘Exciting and original’... ‘Gripping from beginning to end’...’A page turner.’
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2021
4 people want to read
About the author
Heaton Wilson
7 books3 followersI've been a journalist, a postman, a glass engraver, a bad singer, run a theatre company, an actor, a playwright, a communications consultant...
but whatever I have done, I have always been a writer.
I was born and bred in and around Manchester, then lived and worked in Bolton, Herefordshire, Southampton and London, before travelling all over the place as a comms consultant.
I have now landed on the beautiful Isle of Wight, and hope to be allowed to stay!
Find out more at heatonwilsonbooks.com;
also @heatonwilsonbooks for Facebook and Instagram
but whatever I have done, I have always been a writer.
I was born and bred in and around Manchester, then lived and worked in Bolton, Herefordshire, Southampton and London, before travelling all over the place as a comms consultant.
I have now landed on the beautiful Isle of Wight, and hope to be allowed to stay!
Find out more at heatonwilsonbooks.com;
also @heatonwilsonbooks for Facebook and Instagram
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 14, 2021
DCI Jane Birchfield has been acting Chief Supt at Ashbridge CID in Manchester since the death of Charles Aston, her beloved boss and mentor, and she has been given to believe by the Chief Constable that the post may soon be hers permanently. Despite her partner journalist Allan still giving her occasional grief about the hours that she works, they have just had a great holiday together and have agreed to get married. However when Allan gets an offer of a great career boost, things become rocky again and they each wonder whether their relationship can survive their ambitions. Together with all this in the background, there are changes at work too. Mark has just left forensics to accept a great offer in the private sector, meaning that he and DC Loretta Irons (Lorry) can get engaged, Forensic Phil has decided to postpone retirement and stay in in the job he loves and excels at, and Jags’ future as a detective still hangs in the balance after his life changing injuries sustained in the previous case. Jane just has to hope that DI George Creasey will stay on as her excellent and very loyal second in command. A new case comes in, that of the hit and run death of a former soldier and decorated hero, and DC Paul Rossiter (Ross) and Lorry are called out. With no witnesses and debris, it looks a bit suspicious. Could it be murder dressed up as an accident? A second suspicious and very similar accident occurs soon after and eventually the dogged detectives establish a link between the two victims. However this only leads to more potential targets and with a lack of co-operation from the British Army, little in the way of evidence or suspects, Jane and her team, including the welcome addition of PC Eric Sykes into CID, find themselves frantically racing against time to stop the body count increasing.
This story has an excellent and cleverly written plot, with plenty of intrigue and suspense as the detectives battle to identify the motive and run a clever killer to ground, with a theme where not everything is as cut and dried as it first appears. All the investigative team are instantly very likeable, particularly “Forensic Phil", Eric and George, and together they work well under Jane's command. The whole book flows beautifully and is impossible to put down until the final gripping pages. Twisty, completely engrossing and highly recommended. 5*
This story has an excellent and cleverly written plot, with plenty of intrigue and suspense as the detectives battle to identify the motive and run a clever killer to ground, with a theme where not everything is as cut and dried as it first appears. All the investigative team are instantly very likeable, particularly “Forensic Phil", Eric and George, and together they work well under Jane's command. The whole book flows beautifully and is impossible to put down until the final gripping pages. Twisty, completely engrossing and highly recommended. 5*
October 15, 2021
I discovered Heaton’s work when I was invited to take part in the blog tour for ‘Whatever It Takes’, which was my introduction to the lead character of Detective Chief Inspector Jane Birchfield. I loved ‘Whatever It Takes’ and so when I heard that Heaton was due to release another book in the series, I just had to read it as soon as I could. I finally managed to get hold of a copy and oh boy, it was so worth the wait. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Retribution’ but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘Retribution’. In fact seeing the name ‘Detective Chief Inspector Jane Birchfield’ was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. Once I started reading, I knew that it was pointless to plan on doing anything else other than reading for the rest of the day, because I knew that I wasn’t going to be putting the book down any time soon. That’s exactly what happened. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. The pages turned over increasingly quickly as I worked my way through the story. My desperation to find out what happened just grew and grew. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of the book and I had to say ‘farewell’ to DCI Jane Birchfield and her team. I found ‘Retribution’ to be a gripping read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Retribution’ is superbly written. The author certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. The story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘Retribution’ felt like being on one hell of a fast and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. Just when you thought that you could take a minute to catch your breath and gather your thoughts then off the action would go again. I felt like I was part of the story and at the heart of the action which is thanks to Heaton’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Retribution’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Heaton’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘Retribution’. In fact seeing the name ‘Detective Chief Inspector Jane Birchfield’ was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. Once I started reading, I knew that it was pointless to plan on doing anything else other than reading for the rest of the day, because I knew that I wasn’t going to be putting the book down any time soon. That’s exactly what happened. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. The pages turned over increasingly quickly as I worked my way through the story. My desperation to find out what happened just grew and grew. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of the book and I had to say ‘farewell’ to DCI Jane Birchfield and her team. I found ‘Retribution’ to be a gripping read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Retribution’ is superbly written. The author certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. The story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘Retribution’ felt like being on one hell of a fast and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. Just when you thought that you could take a minute to catch your breath and gather your thoughts then off the action would go again. I felt like I was part of the story and at the heart of the action which is thanks to Heaton’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Retribution’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Heaton’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
October 17, 2021
'Retribution' by Heaton Wilson is the third book in a series to feature DCI Jane Birchfield. I have previously read 'Whatever It Takes' one of the earlier books and I was really pleased when this tour popped in my emails. I did hope this book would be just as good, if not better than 'Whatever It Takes', so I settled into Jane and her team's next instalment.
DCI Jane Birchfield has been acting Chief Superintendant at her CID department in Manchester, since her boss and mentor Charles Aston passed away. The Chief Constable has more or less assured Jane the post should be a permanent one. After returning from holiday with her journalist partner Allan, things seem to be on the up. They have agreed to get married. Allan is offered a career boost and their relationship starts to suffer. This makes them wonder if they can survive as a couple this time. The changes aren't just at home work sees it's fair amount of changes too.
A case comes in, the hit and run death of a former soldier who was a decorated hero too. It seems suspicious, with no witnesses or anything left at the scene. Could this be murder disguised as an accident? As another suspicious accident happens quite soon after the first, the two detectives who are on the case DC Paul Rossiter, Ross to everyone in the station, and Lorry find a link between the two. This gives more possible targets and with a typically uncooperative British Army, not many suspects or much evidence. We see Jane and her team racing against the clock before anyone else ends up dead.
Another skillfully written story with a plot that is full of suspense as we see Jane and the team do their utmost to find a motive and to weed out a killer before he strikes again. This is a case that isn't as straightforward as it first appears to be. Heaton Wilson has perfectly placed the twists in this story which just increases the intrigue and the addictiveness of the book.
His characters are, again, excellent. An investigative team that are all written in a way that makes them so likeable. I loved returning to Jane's life, personal and professional to catch up with her and everyone around her.
A book that I just couldn't put down I was that intrigued with what would happen next. Such a thrilling and gripping book.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Heaton Wilson for the copy of the book.
DCI Jane Birchfield has been acting Chief Superintendant at her CID department in Manchester, since her boss and mentor Charles Aston passed away. The Chief Constable has more or less assured Jane the post should be a permanent one. After returning from holiday with her journalist partner Allan, things seem to be on the up. They have agreed to get married. Allan is offered a career boost and their relationship starts to suffer. This makes them wonder if they can survive as a couple this time. The changes aren't just at home work sees it's fair amount of changes too.
A case comes in, the hit and run death of a former soldier who was a decorated hero too. It seems suspicious, with no witnesses or anything left at the scene. Could this be murder disguised as an accident? As another suspicious accident happens quite soon after the first, the two detectives who are on the case DC Paul Rossiter, Ross to everyone in the station, and Lorry find a link between the two. This gives more possible targets and with a typically uncooperative British Army, not many suspects or much evidence. We see Jane and her team racing against the clock before anyone else ends up dead.
Another skillfully written story with a plot that is full of suspense as we see Jane and the team do their utmost to find a motive and to weed out a killer before he strikes again. This is a case that isn't as straightforward as it first appears to be. Heaton Wilson has perfectly placed the twists in this story which just increases the intrigue and the addictiveness of the book.
His characters are, again, excellent. An investigative team that are all written in a way that makes them so likeable. I loved returning to Jane's life, personal and professional to catch up with her and everyone around her.
A book that I just couldn't put down I was that intrigued with what would happen next. Such a thrilling and gripping book.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Heaton Wilson for the copy of the book.
October 18, 2021
“Retribution”, by Heaton Wilson is the third book in the author’s DCI Jane Birchfield series, and carries on where the previous instalment, “Whatever it Takes”, left off. The team are still dealing with the events of their previous case, and the last thing they want is to launch into a brand new murder investigation.
When a decorated ex-military hero is killed by a car, it’s put down as a hit-and-run accident. But not all of Jane’s team is convinced, and when a second ex-military victim is claimed, who just happens to be a friend of the first, the investigation starts to heat up.
Alongside the increasingly complex investigation, Jane is dealing with the aftermath of the previous case, doubts over her relationship, new team members, including a smarmy new Chief Superintendent, and the growing worry that she might be being overlooked for promotion. And as the case progresses, she needs to use all her detective instincts and the skills she’s gained from previous mentors if she’s to bring the culprit to justice.
I really enjoyed reading this great police procedural from an author who is new to me. The reader learns quite early on who is responsible for the killings, and I enjoyed following along as the team tried to piece together what had happened and why. Jane and the team are a great group of characters (I had a particular soft spot for wine-gum-loving DI George Creasey!), and it was great to see how they all worked together to crack the case. None of them are perfect, but each brought something different to play in the investigation. Sections of the book were also told from the murderer’s point of view, and it was interesting to think about the path that had led to their actions, and understand their justifications for their actions.
The story and the case are completed by the end of the novel, but I hope there’s more to come from the author in this series, so we can find out what happens next for Jane and the team!
When a decorated ex-military hero is killed by a car, it’s put down as a hit-and-run accident. But not all of Jane’s team is convinced, and when a second ex-military victim is claimed, who just happens to be a friend of the first, the investigation starts to heat up.
Alongside the increasingly complex investigation, Jane is dealing with the aftermath of the previous case, doubts over her relationship, new team members, including a smarmy new Chief Superintendent, and the growing worry that she might be being overlooked for promotion. And as the case progresses, she needs to use all her detective instincts and the skills she’s gained from previous mentors if she’s to bring the culprit to justice.
I really enjoyed reading this great police procedural from an author who is new to me. The reader learns quite early on who is responsible for the killings, and I enjoyed following along as the team tried to piece together what had happened and why. Jane and the team are a great group of characters (I had a particular soft spot for wine-gum-loving DI George Creasey!), and it was great to see how they all worked together to crack the case. None of them are perfect, but each brought something different to play in the investigation. Sections of the book were also told from the murderer’s point of view, and it was interesting to think about the path that had led to their actions, and understand their justifications for their actions.
The story and the case are completed by the end of the novel, but I hope there’s more to come from the author in this series, so we can find out what happens next for Jane and the team!
October 17, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟
#retribution
@heatonwilson
#booktour #bookreview
A thrilling, exciting book that is part of a series involving DCI Jane Birchfield, but works as a standalone book if, like me you haven’t read any of the others.
The characters are well described and the story comes together perfectly to an exciting climax.
Perfect for fans of police thrillers, the author keeps the story strong and steady and keeps the reader guessing and turning the pages.
An overall great read and I will definitely be catching up with the other books in the series
Retribution
An ex-soldier is mown down in a brutal hit and run. Was it an accident, or an
act of murder?
DCI Jane Birchfield isn’t sure. She is struggling to stay focussed after a
surprise marriage proposal, and is still waiting for news about a promotion. But
she has to push it all to one side as the investigation swiftly escalates into the
biggest challenge she has ever faced, bringing her into conflict with her
superiors, her partner, and the British Army. She’s tested to the absolute limit,
and for the very first time, finds herself asking whether it’s worth the sacrifice.
Can she survive the pressure as the harsh reality of military conflict hits the
streets of Ashbridge
#bookworthreading #bookcommunity #freebookreviews #readerssupportingauthors #nurseswhoread #fortheloveofliterature #bookreviewersofinstagram #bibliophile #scotttishreader #somanybookssolittletime #scottishbookstagrammer #bookobsessed #allthegenres #honestreviews #paperbackbooks #alwaysreading #bookinhandatalltimes
#I❤️reading #womenwhoread #coffeeandabook #scottishbookblogger #glasgowbookaddict #expandyourmind #liveamillionlivesthroughbooks #escapewithabook #dontannoymewhenimreading #bookstagram
#retribution
@heatonwilson
#booktour #bookreview
A thrilling, exciting book that is part of a series involving DCI Jane Birchfield, but works as a standalone book if, like me you haven’t read any of the others.
The characters are well described and the story comes together perfectly to an exciting climax.
Perfect for fans of police thrillers, the author keeps the story strong and steady and keeps the reader guessing and turning the pages.
An overall great read and I will definitely be catching up with the other books in the series
Retribution
An ex-soldier is mown down in a brutal hit and run. Was it an accident, or an
act of murder?
DCI Jane Birchfield isn’t sure. She is struggling to stay focussed after a
surprise marriage proposal, and is still waiting for news about a promotion. But
she has to push it all to one side as the investigation swiftly escalates into the
biggest challenge she has ever faced, bringing her into conflict with her
superiors, her partner, and the British Army. She’s tested to the absolute limit,
and for the very first time, finds herself asking whether it’s worth the sacrifice.
Can she survive the pressure as the harsh reality of military conflict hits the
streets of Ashbridge
#bookworthreading #bookcommunity #freebookreviews #readerssupportingauthors #nurseswhoread #fortheloveofliterature #bookreviewersofinstagram #bibliophile #scotttishreader #somanybookssolittletime #scottishbookstagrammer #bookobsessed #allthegenres #honestreviews #paperbackbooks #alwaysreading #bookinhandatalltimes
#I❤️reading #womenwhoread #coffeeandabook #scottishbookblogger #glasgowbookaddict #expandyourmind #liveamillionlivesthroughbooks #escapewithabook #dontannoymewhenimreading #bookstagram
October 14, 2021
This is the second book I have read by this author and so I did have high expectations from it and they were definitely met!
This is a very gripping book , it catches you on the first page and doesn't let you go until the very last word ! In the book we have DCI Birchfield, she is tasked with solving the case of an extremely brutal hit and run involving an ex soldier, firstly was it an accident or was it murder? Then she needs to find the culprit to bring to justice, meanwhile the case is getting bigger and bigger !
If you like crime thriller fictions books then this one is a must read! There is more books in the series , even though it does work as a standalone I would recommend reading them all as they are brilliant , the characters are so well described and as you read and get to know them they tend to feel almost real! A true genius of an author!
This is a very gripping book , it catches you on the first page and doesn't let you go until the very last word ! In the book we have DCI Birchfield, she is tasked with solving the case of an extremely brutal hit and run involving an ex soldier, firstly was it an accident or was it murder? Then she needs to find the culprit to bring to justice, meanwhile the case is getting bigger and bigger !
If you like crime thriller fictions books then this one is a must read! There is more books in the series , even though it does work as a standalone I would recommend reading them all as they are brilliant , the characters are so well described and as you read and get to know them they tend to feel almost real! A true genius of an author!
October 19, 2021
This is definitely a well written fast paced thriller with a solid plot and plenty of twists and turns. I was captivated from the first page and couldn't put it down. This is the third book in the DCI Jane Birchfield series.
The story follows DCI Birchfield as she's tasked with solving a hit and run turned murder case. I also enjoyed the side stories that ran along with the main plot.
Apart from the writing style another plus point for the book is that we find out the identity of the killer and it was so interesting to find out how the team fits all the pieces together.
My favourite is Wilson's writing style and how well the characters were developed. The story just flows easily and flawlessly. This is my first read by the author and I have already ordered the first and second book in this series.
The story follows DCI Birchfield as she's tasked with solving a hit and run turned murder case. I also enjoyed the side stories that ran along with the main plot.
Apart from the writing style another plus point for the book is that we find out the identity of the killer and it was so interesting to find out how the team fits all the pieces together.
My favourite is Wilson's writing style and how well the characters were developed. The story just flows easily and flawlessly. This is my first read by the author and I have already ordered the first and second book in this series.
October 29, 2021
Retribution by Heaton Wilson is the third book in the DCI Jane Birchfield series. This is not my first read from this author, so when I had an opportunity to read this one, I jumped at the chance.
Heaton Wilson is a skillful author who writes plots full of suspense and intrigue. I was thoroughly entertained from the first to the last page. I love the pace and the perfectly placed twists that kept this story surprising.
The characters are excellent. I enjoy the team, and Jane is an interesting character.
A great read! Looking forward to more from this author.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
Heaton Wilson is a skillful author who writes plots full of suspense and intrigue. I was thoroughly entertained from the first to the last page. I love the pace and the perfectly placed twists that kept this story surprising.
The characters are excellent. I enjoy the team, and Jane is an interesting character.
A great read! Looking forward to more from this author.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
October 19, 2021
My first book in the DCI Jane Birchfield series, but that didn't detract from the story. Well described characters and sufficient background information to make this readable as a standalone. It's a detailed and fast-paced police procedural with relatable characters. The investigation team's dynamic is believable, and there is a good balance of personal and professional in the story. The plot is full of twists, immersing the reader in the investigation making it an addictive read.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
October 22, 2021
DCI Jane Birchfield is at it again with another case. This time it involves hit and runs and the army.
I love the fast pace of this book. It hooks you from the start and keep you engaged. I’ve read the first Jane Birchfield book but this can be a standalone. It’s a wonderful crime book.
I love the fast pace of this book. It hooks you from the start and keep you engaged. I’ve read the first Jane Birchfield book but this can be a standalone. It’s a wonderful crime book.
October 18, 2021
My review of Retribution is on my blog.
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
November 7, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’ve already added the previous two in the series to my reading list.
The author wastes no time in kicking the story off with a bang as the first of several fatal hit-and-runs take place. The deceased is a decorated former soldier on his way home from a Friday night out at the pub. Was it an accident? That’s certainly how it’s viewed initially, until a second incident occurs involving another former soldier and one who served with the first victim. Members of DCI Jane Birchfield’s team are no longer convinced these are accidents.
The investigation gets going proper only after Jane can convince her new boss that it’s worth looking into. The two of them have history, and Jane feels she’s been sidelined for promotion when he is appointed in a role in which she had been acting chief for several months. Nonetheless, he’s happy for her to pursue her enquiries (only because he really has no clue how to run the investigation!) Fortunately, Jane can rely on her own small team who set to work.
Running alongside the plot are several personal stories that flesh out the characters and affect their approach to the job. Jane is super ambitious, feeling a little dejected right now, but determined to scale to greater heights. At home, her partner is considering selling his newspaper business so the two of them can spend more time together. An out-of-the-blue proposal muddies the waters further and put increased pressure on their relationship as they seem to diverge further apart with each passing day. Jane’s wine-gum loving DI is considering retirement, and Jane worries about losing him from the team and her life.
The killer is known by the reader early on, and some chapters are told from his POV. It’s interesting to see the detectives put the pieces together as they get closer to catching the murderer before another death occurs.
This was an excellent police procedural from start to finish, a perfect character-driven, exciting crime thriller. I’m looking forward to reading more about DCI Birchfield and her team.
The author wastes no time in kicking the story off with a bang as the first of several fatal hit-and-runs take place. The deceased is a decorated former soldier on his way home from a Friday night out at the pub. Was it an accident? That’s certainly how it’s viewed initially, until a second incident occurs involving another former soldier and one who served with the first victim. Members of DCI Jane Birchfield’s team are no longer convinced these are accidents.
The investigation gets going proper only after Jane can convince her new boss that it’s worth looking into. The two of them have history, and Jane feels she’s been sidelined for promotion when he is appointed in a role in which she had been acting chief for several months. Nonetheless, he’s happy for her to pursue her enquiries (only because he really has no clue how to run the investigation!) Fortunately, Jane can rely on her own small team who set to work.
Running alongside the plot are several personal stories that flesh out the characters and affect their approach to the job. Jane is super ambitious, feeling a little dejected right now, but determined to scale to greater heights. At home, her partner is considering selling his newspaper business so the two of them can spend more time together. An out-of-the-blue proposal muddies the waters further and put increased pressure on their relationship as they seem to diverge further apart with each passing day. Jane’s wine-gum loving DI is considering retirement, and Jane worries about losing him from the team and her life.
The killer is known by the reader early on, and some chapters are told from his POV. It’s interesting to see the detectives put the pieces together as they get closer to catching the murderer before another death occurs.
This was an excellent police procedural from start to finish, a perfect character-driven, exciting crime thriller. I’m looking forward to reading more about DCI Birchfield and her team.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews