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Vindictive Too
The best revenge never includes forgiveness. To truly punish the guilty, something worse must be done to them.
A chain of vengeful events is set in motion when a man's brutally murdered body is found in an alley behind a seedy bar. Inspector Declan James is put on the victim's case, only to discover his intimate connection to the slain man. After a not-by-chance meeting with the mysterious Véronique, a woman on a mission to right a terrible wrong, Declan finds himself mired in an intricate web of corruption, lies, and coverups.
Marie and Jacques Bergé, the owners of the internationally renowned Château Bergé, act publically as the pinnacle of society and wealth, but behind closed doors, their lives are in turmoil. From Marie's erratic behaviour and bizarre disappearances to Jacques's not-so-secret love for another woman, Fairporte's "it" couple teeters on the edge of destruction.
In the shadows, a bearded man, powerful and dark of heart, secretly orchestrates his machiavellian manoeuvres from a place of sadism and despair.
From the bustling core to the rustic outskirts of Fairporte, ON, secrets, suffering, and rage are found everywhere. As the cruel desire pain, the wronged seek retribution, and the fragile break, will anyone get their revenge before death or madness claim them?
A chain of vengeful events is set in motion when a man's brutally murdered body is found in an alley behind a seedy bar. Inspector Declan James is put on the victim's case, only to discover his intimate connection to the slain man. After a not-by-chance meeting with the mysterious Véronique, a woman on a mission to right a terrible wrong, Declan finds himself mired in an intricate web of corruption, lies, and coverups.
Marie and Jacques Bergé, the owners of the internationally renowned Château Bergé, act publically as the pinnacle of society and wealth, but behind closed doors, their lives are in turmoil. From Marie's erratic behaviour and bizarre disappearances to Jacques's not-so-secret love for another woman, Fairporte's "it" couple teeters on the edge of destruction.
In the shadows, a bearded man, powerful and dark of heart, secretly orchestrates his machiavellian manoeuvres from a place of sadism and despair.
From the bustling core to the rustic outskirts of Fairporte, ON, secrets, suffering, and rage are found everywhere. As the cruel desire pain, the wronged seek retribution, and the fragile break, will anyone get their revenge before death or madness claim them?
336 pages, Hardcover
Published December 13, 2022
54 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Lawrence
4 books146 followers“Lawrence’s title is apt, as most of his characters are engaged in plotting and scheming, enraged by the actions of another, which makes this story an entertainingly soapy affair… action packed tale of spite.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Vindictive is a riveting murder mystery novel that will have readers turning the pages to find out what happens with Jules and how the lies she has been told unfold. A fast paced novel perfect for readers looking for action, suspense and thrills.” – Literary Titan.
"Ryan Lawrence’s VINDICTIVE is a genuine page-turner filled with sex, violence, quality perfume, classy dishware, and determined revenge.” – IndieReader.
Ryan Lawrence was born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He is a 2000 graduate of The University of Guelph in English. Ryan has worn many hats professionally, including working over 12 years as a custom art framer. While writing has always been a part of his life, it was only after leaving this profession that Ryan seriously took his education and passion for writing by the horns and began the journey toward Vindictive, his first novel. Ryan has recently published his second novel, Vindictive Too, continuing his exploration into the theme of revenge.
Since 2002, Ryan has lived in London, Ontario, with his husband, Todd, together since 1997, and his massive comic book collection that once fell on Todd. He’s okay.
Read his BLOG over at www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca/blog!
“Vindictive is a riveting murder mystery novel that will have readers turning the pages to find out what happens with Jules and how the lies she has been told unfold. A fast paced novel perfect for readers looking for action, suspense and thrills.” – Literary Titan.
"Ryan Lawrence’s VINDICTIVE is a genuine page-turner filled with sex, violence, quality perfume, classy dishware, and determined revenge.” – IndieReader.
Ryan Lawrence was born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He is a 2000 graduate of The University of Guelph in English. Ryan has worn many hats professionally, including working over 12 years as a custom art framer. While writing has always been a part of his life, it was only after leaving this profession that Ryan seriously took his education and passion for writing by the horns and began the journey toward Vindictive, his first novel. Ryan has recently published his second novel, Vindictive Too, continuing his exploration into the theme of revenge.
Since 2002, Ryan has lived in London, Ontario, with his husband, Todd, together since 1997, and his massive comic book collection that once fell on Todd. He’s okay.
Read his BLOG over at www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca/blog!
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 18, 2023
Vindictive Too is book 2 in Ryan Lawrence’s Vindictive thriller series. The book takes place alongside the events that transpired in Vindictive (book 1) and introduces new twists and turns to an already exciting and thrilling series.
A chain of vengeful events is set in motion when a man’s brutally murdered body is found in an alley. This book centres around Marie Berge, wife of Jacque Berge, as she tries to cope with the unspeakable horrors of her past, horrors that might explain her unexpected disappearances.
In true Lawrence fashion, the author provides us with just enough information and clues to keep the reader salivating with each page, never revealing the true significance… until it’s too late. This book is so well written and planned out that the author should be commended on writing such an amazing and edge-of-seat thriller. I cannot wait until the next book in this series comes out. Highly recommend reading this book if you love thrillers.
This book does deal with sensitive topics, so please be aware of the trigger warnings.
A chain of vengeful events is set in motion when a man’s brutally murdered body is found in an alley. This book centres around Marie Berge, wife of Jacque Berge, as she tries to cope with the unspeakable horrors of her past, horrors that might explain her unexpected disappearances.
In true Lawrence fashion, the author provides us with just enough information and clues to keep the reader salivating with each page, never revealing the true significance… until it’s too late. This book is so well written and planned out that the author should be commended on writing such an amazing and edge-of-seat thriller. I cannot wait until the next book in this series comes out. Highly recommend reading this book if you love thrillers.
This book does deal with sensitive topics, so please be aware of the trigger warnings.
December 21, 2025
Much like his first book in this series, this is a gripping, emotionally charged, and intelligently written thriller set in Canada that features queer characters. The story oozes with tension from the first chapter onward. The characters feel real, and the emotional stakes are high without ever tipping into melodrama. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a fair share of bitchy drama, which is always fun because sometimes thrillers can be a tad stuffy or they take themselves too seriously (John le Carré, I’m looking at you!).
What stood out most for me was the way the novel handles themes of power, consequence, and resilience on a personal level. The different characters always felt authentic, especially when things fall apart, and they’re forced to face betrayal (which, like the last book, Vindictive, is around every frickin’ corner) and come to see who they really are and what they’re made of: stone or Jell-O.
The scenes with Marie and the shrink are insane, and so good! This second book in the series is intense and unafraid to push boundaries, especially when it comes to themes of mental illness and assault. So ya, trigger warning. And again, it’s set in Canada, which I love. My favourite character is someone who wasn’t in the first book: Declan, the hunky, kinda emotionally unavailable gay police inspector, who craves connection but carries baggage. A great addition.
What stood out most for me was the way the novel handles themes of power, consequence, and resilience on a personal level. The different characters always felt authentic, especially when things fall apart, and they’re forced to face betrayal (which, like the last book, Vindictive, is around every frickin’ corner) and come to see who they really are and what they’re made of: stone or Jell-O.
The scenes with Marie and the shrink are insane, and so good! This second book in the series is intense and unafraid to push boundaries, especially when it comes to themes of mental illness and assault. So ya, trigger warning. And again, it’s set in Canada, which I love. My favourite character is someone who wasn’t in the first book: Declan, the hunky, kinda emotionally unavailable gay police inspector, who craves connection but carries baggage. A great addition.
May 24, 2023
Jumping into Vindictive Too, I was excited to continue with the storyline from the first novel. To my surprise, I got something completely different and surprisingly enthralling. Ryan Lawrence kept the essence of betrayal, lies, deceit, and revenge from the first story and built an amazing storyline that was running parallel to the events of the first book.
Completely immersed in the new character's (some from the first book but more in the forefront of this one) arcs, you completely get involved with the direction of this book. The minor threads throughout the book to remind you this is part of the same world as the first story, is done elegantly, to the point that you don't care if they ever reconnect down the road, but know if they do, it will be a complete blowout of anarchy.
You never want to give too much away with a review, but I am anticipating book three crashing all our newly introduced characters into the world of the first, set in an all-out brawl of mayhem. Pure gold from Lawrence!
Completely immersed in the new character's (some from the first book but more in the forefront of this one) arcs, you completely get involved with the direction of this book. The minor threads throughout the book to remind you this is part of the same world as the first story, is done elegantly, to the point that you don't care if they ever reconnect down the road, but know if they do, it will be a complete blowout of anarchy.
You never want to give too much away with a review, but I am anticipating book three crashing all our newly introduced characters into the world of the first, set in an all-out brawl of mayhem. Pure gold from Lawrence!
October 12, 2024
Wow! Vindictive Too is an enthralling, seductive, tension-filled novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's definitely on par with the first book in the series. I'm eagerly anticipating the release of a third one!
August 19, 2025
"Vindictive Too" grabs you by the collar from page one and refuses to let go. Ryan Lawrence has a knack for weaving suspense, revenge, and human fragility into a web that feels chillingly real. Inspector Declan is the kind of character who sticks in your head long after you put the book down, and the dark, twisting layers of Fairporte kept me flipping pages way past bedtime.
This isn’t just a revenge story, it’s an intricate dance of lies, corruption, and hidden truths. If you like thrillers that don’t just entertain but also make you think, this book is a must-read.
Ryan Lawrence is definitely an author to watch, I can’t wait to see what comes next.
This isn’t just a revenge story, it’s an intricate dance of lies, corruption, and hidden truths. If you like thrillers that don’t just entertain but also make you think, this book is a must-read.
Ryan Lawrence is definitely an author to watch, I can’t wait to see what comes next.
May 31, 2023
Vindictive Too brings you back to Fairporte and its surrounding area for another round of mystery, revenge and betrayal. The novel accompanies the first not as a sequel but as a concurrent work focusing on other characters that were briefly met in Vindictive. Lawrence has expertly woven the two books together within the same timeframe filling in the pieces from the first and delving into the lives of the characters we only saw glimpses of in the original. I loved reading when the timelines and characters connected from the first novel. The character-rich plot doubled during this book and the “ah-ha” moments connecting characters made it such a fun and thrilling read.
Vindictive Too is fast paced with twists and turns along the way. The dark pasts of many come to light in the present. As the reader, I was drawn to the new characters (Declan and Veronique were especially intriguing) and turned each page wanting to find out more.
Without giving spoilers, answers were given, but then more questions arose. Lawrence has masterfully created an intricate mystery that has appeased the reader with some answers in the first two novels but still needs final resolutions. Who will be forgiven? Who will get the ultimate revenge? Will anyone be left unscathed? I cannot wait to find out in the third instalment.
Vindictive Too is fast paced with twists and turns along the way. The dark pasts of many come to light in the present. As the reader, I was drawn to the new characters (Declan and Veronique were especially intriguing) and turned each page wanting to find out more.
Without giving spoilers, answers were given, but then more questions arose. Lawrence has masterfully created an intricate mystery that has appeased the reader with some answers in the first two novels but still needs final resolutions. Who will be forgiven? Who will get the ultimate revenge? Will anyone be left unscathed? I cannot wait to find out in the third instalment.
April 30, 2024
💕 A thrilling ride that begins with murder and sexual assault. Running parallel to the original book, we have a new storyline and questions answered that were raised in the first book. We have the return of several old characters in addition to some brand new ones.
We uncover the truth about what is hidden underneath The Farm. Meet some of those unfortunate to have been kept there. Some lovely, kindhearted characters and some very unsavoury ones. We learn the identity of the bearded man, poised to make a grand comeback. We learn where Marie had been running off to.
Veronique is a wonderfully intriguing character. She’s beautiful and seductive. Cold and calculating, making her very dangerous in her mission for revenge. Declan. My heart bleeds for him. For Michael. For what was lost and the knowledge that a second chance could never come. A great story right from the start.
We uncover the truth about what is hidden underneath The Farm. Meet some of those unfortunate to have been kept there. Some lovely, kindhearted characters and some very unsavoury ones. We learn the identity of the bearded man, poised to make a grand comeback. We learn where Marie had been running off to.
Veronique is a wonderfully intriguing character. She’s beautiful and seductive. Cold and calculating, making her very dangerous in her mission for revenge. Declan. My heart bleeds for him. For Michael. For what was lost and the knowledge that a second chance could never come. A great story right from the start.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews