(3.5 stars)
Retribution is another crime novel from a series where I haven't read the initial book. While Sarah Barrie doesn't labour the initial book, Unforgiven, you're in no doubt the book exists and it's about a pedophile case called Spider. For a new-to-the-series reader like myself, this retelling of the story leading up to the story you're engaged with can be tedious, and it can backfire, it can annoy you into not wanting to delve into the back catalogue. I'm on the fence with this one about whether or not I'd pick up Unforgiven.

Coming in fresh to the character Lexi Winter, at first she annoyed me, because she was introduced as a cop, but had a disgusting attitude to law and order: "I'm supposed to value all life and risk my own to save the little shits of the world so they can live on and, in the case of the two we're after tonight, keep being little shits." body shames: "His shirt rides up, exposing yet more ew." She values retribution over the criminal justice system: "This is the best way to deal with Rico's death. Not by talking to police psychologists and discussing feelings, but by keeping things moving. By making the Hamills pay." She is flippant about human life, joking about unplugging someone's "life support to charge my phone" and hiding "your dead body in the boot of my car and help the cops look for you" which are statements you just don't want to every pop out of a policewoman's mouth.

However as Retribution progresses, through observations made by the character of Inspector Rachael Langley, Lexi's actions become more explicable and you understand why being a cop is difficult for her because following law and order isn't the way she survived. As Langley puts it: "it takes time to unlearn the habits that kept you alive from an early age. She's still a very junior police officer who is going to make mistakes." So expect Lexi to grow on you as the book progresses.

Set in the Central Coast and the Hawkesbury River region makes this novel quite local for me, and it feels like a new and interesting setting for the rapidly growing Aussie noir genre. Having spent some time in Gosford and neighbouring Narara, I enjoyed her description of this suburb: "I find the house at the end of a very long, very quiet street on the dark side of the mountain in Narara. The houses are old and the nature strip is mostly a dumping ground for rubbish that the garbage collectors must forget on a regular basis." The book moves at a good pace, and will likely appeal to those who like the grubby Australia depicted in books like Trent Dalton's Boy Swallows Universe.

I am a massive Sarah Barrie and couldn't wait to read the latest Lexi Winter installment.

Lexi, once a vigilante is now a probationary constable. She pushes the limits with her job as well as her friendships and will stop at nothing to bring the Hamill's down. Full of nail-biting action, i couldn't get enough.

This book is a very addictive page turner that had me binge reading until it was finished. Looking forward until the next book is out in this fantastic series.

Sarah Barrie returns to the world of kick arse heroin Lexi Winter in Retribution, her follow up to Unforgiven.

Despite her chequered past, Winter is now a probationary constable in the NSW police force but it is not long for her past (and her ongoing vendetta against an organised crime family) catch up with her. Luckily, despite her penchant for breaking the rules, Lexi has guardian angels in the police force who keep her in the loop of operations despite her being injured, obtaining evidence illegally and just generally being a renegade. It is not long before the case of a dead property developer connects to the larger drug and weapons operation and Lexi is right in the thick of it.

Lexi continues to be a manic dream pixie of a character. She has Lisbeth Salander levels of computer knoweldge, can take all sorts of p;unishment, is brought on police operations that she should never be allowed on and of course takes time out to feed the homeless man outside her local police station. Meanwhile her colleagues are dealing with domestic dramas in the background.

The best thing about this book is the setting around the Hawksebury River on the northern edge of Sydney, With so much Australian rural crime around it is just refreshing to have crime fiction set in the city.

Retribution is a very workmanlike thriller crossed with police procedural elements. It ticks all of the boxes but does not do so in a way that is ultimately all that engaging or believable, particularly on the police side. Readers patience with it will depend how much they are on Lexi's side and this may possibly depend on whether they have read Unforgiven first.

I loved Unforgiven last year so I was excited to have more Lexi Winter. She is now a cop and still having trouble staying out of trouble. Even though she is a probationary constable, she pushes the boundaries and then some. She is still on the hunt for the Hamill's, leaving no stone unturned to get her revenge.

Full of action and danger, Retribution is another fantastic read from Sarah Barrie. I love that it was set on the Central Coast and Sydney, and I could picture the scene as I was reading. Lexi is a badass and I loved it. I have to admit that I missed her neighbour from the previous book, but it was still highly entertaining.

Be ready to loss sleep when reading this as you will just want to keep reading it. Big thanks to Harlequin Australia for my advanced copy to read.

Thanks to NetGalley for this copy to read. I really enjoyed the story of Lexi and even though I hadn't read the first book in this series, I found it didn't matter as I was able to pick up enough to understand some of Lexi's background. The book was fast paced and kept me intrigued, I couldn't put it down towards the end! I have read one of Sarah Barrie's other books and will definitely look for more now. I like the fact they are set in Australia and I could relate to the settings. The characters were strong and Lexi particularly was feisty and full-on. A crime thriller which kept me reading when I should have been doing other things!!

Wow! I’d never come across Sarah Barrie before reading this and boy was I missing out. Lexi is the rebellious hero that you just can’t help but love, and the supporting characters are just as great, even down to Gizmo the cat.

I loved the plot. While I feel like I would’ve liked to have read the previous book first, the book still works as a stand alone and I think most people who read it without having read the first book will want to go back and read it. There’s so much depth to the plot, far beyond the surface “someone committed a crime and they’ll be brought to justice”. It’s a reasonably fast paced, but well paced, ride that will have you drawn in quickly and not wanting to put it down.

Honestly, I thought America’s Michael Connelly had the detective fiction crown but Sarah Barrie is right up there with him and it’s really nice to be able to read about places I know. I’ll definitely be picking up copies of her other books as soon as possible. I think I’ve found a new favourite author to add to my list.

Loving this book, loving the pace and it is a great Australian read which I really enjoy.

This is a book that I picked up, started reading and just kept reading as I couldn't put it down. The writing is wonderful, the characters are well developed and feel so real. The story itself took me on a journey which is what every book should do.

I have not read any other books by Sarah Barrie but I think I need to. This book is full of surprises, there is suspense, intrigue, the main character Lexi is her own person and doesn't follow the rules which brings a bit of danger and interest to the story. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.

A very entertaining read and having just realised I have the first book on my bookshelf I am off to read that one now!

Highly recommend, a great book by a great author!

Retribution by Sarah Barrie.

Lexi Winter returns in a fast paced, action packed thriller. Lexi has now joined the police force and is learning to work within the rules, well trying her hardest!

I loved Unforgiven which introduced us to Lexi Winter and this follow up has not disappointed.

And she has done it again!
Another nail biting thriller from the pen of Sarah Barrie.
Lexie is starting to mature and has joined the police force. She struggles with obeying orders and working as a team player. Determined to bring her own vigilante style of law enforcement to bear on the Hamills leads Lexie and some colleagues into dangerous and deadly situations, leaving me with more sleepless nights chasing the conclusion.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for an ARC of this great book.

I had to force myself to put this down to go to bed.
I feel like I missed some really important stuff, and the different narration and 1st/3rd person threw me a little.
The plot was intriguing and quite a few things surprised me.
I might have to see if there are previous books, I think I could really enjoy this series.
I received a copy of this via NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

Gritty Australian crime thriller with strong characters and interesting subplots alongside a police investigation into a murder. The lead character Lexie is not entirely believable as a police officer but it’s an entertaining read.

This was another rip roaring ride from Sarah Barrie. Still on the hunt for the Hamills, Lexi is at her best on the computer and with her smart one line cracks. There were a few extra elements to this story, and the subplot of Daisy/ Jess was poignant and interesting. The relationships between the police involved make for good reading. Although at times, I wonder how often Lexi can survive the battles she gets in, it still makes for entertaining reading. Loved the end, guess there is more to come! I hope so.

A nail-biting Australian noir crime thriller. Brilliant writing and sensational story. My first Sarah Barrie novel and already looking for more. The characters were strong-willed and very well developed. The twists in the story lead to a very exciting finale. Well worth five stars.

This was a great continuation of the Lexie series and I loved it. I really enjoy reading crime series based in Australia and Sarah does it so well. Looking forward to book #3.👏👏📖📖