Oh yes. Erika Foster is back, and what a case. I really love this series and love how Robert Bryndza finds new, and equally twisted ways of creating mystery, tension and intrigue with every fresh case. With brilliant characters in her lead team, a clever and cunning foe to pit herself against and a crime which is set to mislead and misdirect, this book had me hooked from start to finish.

It really does seem that, when it comes to work, Erika is just not going to switch off. Whilst on a fancy night out with her partner, Erika slips away from her partner for a few moments of quiet. It a meal she is never destined to finish. On her way back to the restaurant, she finds herself caught up in a murder scene, the victim a prominent politician. Now it is fair to say that, as with most politicians, the suspect pool is likely to be huge, and there are those in certain quarters who have reason to want to keep the conditions surrounding his death quiet. That may be okay with one victim, but as the body count rises, it's clear that this is not simply a case of a disgruntled voter. It's a case that has Erika and the team stumped, and one that had me turning the pages at speed.

One of the real draws for me about this series are the characters. Robert Bryndza has created such a cast around Erika, from her team of Peterson, Moss and McGorry, her bosses, Superintendent Melanie Hudson and Commander Marsh, through to her wider circle, Forensic Pathologist, Isaac Strong, and her parter Igor. Each adds life and texture to the story, creating the camaraderie and challenge that is needed for a character as head strong as Erika. I have loved her since book one and whilst she has settled more into her role in the Met Police over the years, she is still somewhat of a thorn in the side of her senior officers. No doubting her talents in catching her man, nor her ability to ruffle feathers along the way. It was nice to also see more of her personal situation explored, away from her colleagues, and the progression of her relationship with Igor, whilst hesitant, is lovely to watch. The author has a real knack for creating a bond between the reader and the team, and in allowing us to feel all of the emotions with them, be it joy or trepidation.

This is a book teaming with tension. Most of the story follows the investigation and that deep dive into the private lives of the victims that may just hold the key to the whole case. But there are scenes also told from the point of view of the killer, giving us insight into their character and a slow building picture of the reasons for their actions. The final reveals, when they come, are perhaps not really a surprise as the story has been building from the start, and given the nature of the murders, the motive is perhaps expected. But the author still manages to hide the killer from view until the perfect moment for the reveal, and whilst we know and understand more about their story than the police, the suspense is maintained right to the end of the book. As we near the conclusion of the book, the pace and tension escalate as the team face a race against time to apprehend their killer. Will they make it? Well, you'll have to read the book to find out, won't you?

Another absolute cracker of a case. Definitely recommended.

What an addictive book, page after page, chapter after chapter, Robert is truly talented. I particularly enjoyed the way it reminded me of the 'Night Stalker' in the sense that we have both the perspective of Detective Erika and the villain/criminal. Absolutely fantastic, I think I will never tire of this character.

Regarding the story itself, I was left speechless at the end. What unfolds during the trial? What's the verdict?

Concerning Erika's future, I find it intriguing to envision her collaborating with Kate in investigations due to their big personalities. Another intriguing possibility could be Erika conducting an investigation alongside the Slovak police, offering readers a glimpse of her in her home country. This could evoke a sense of nostalgia and prompt her to contemplate returning, perhaps even just for one book.

This is book #8 in the Detective Erika Foster series. While I have not read them all, the author provides enough background for you to just jump into the series and enjoy it right away.
The story begins with Erika finding a dead body, politician Neville Lomas. His death is ruled that of natural causes but two months later a prominent footballer is found murdered in the same fashion and they must face the possibility a serial killer is on the loose. The case becomes even more strange when CCTV reveals five female suspects, all look alikes and one of them could be the killer.

As usual, this one was fast moving with lots of action and twists. Erika is such an interesting character who likes to veer off script and I enjoyed the second POV running through this one too. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing for this gifted review copy.

What a clever plot and storyline that had Erica totally flummoxed. It was really quite ingenious how they knew who the killer was, but they didn’t have and idea how to identify them. Along with the action there was also police and government intervention which hampered Erica’s investigations. The ending was pure genius, and I can’t wait for the next book. Hopefully we will see more of Igor and Tom in the next book.

Lethal Vengeance by Robert Bryndza is book eight in the Erika Foster series, and what a thrilling book it is.
With high profile murders, scandals at ministerial level, a daring killer who leaves no trace, cover-ups and a frustrated investigation team, this book has everything to pull the reader in and keep them reading.
Robert Bryndza knows exactly how to grab the readers attention, and keep them interested. Lethal Vengeance was a truly engrossing read that was hard to put down.
Thanks to Netgalley, Raven Street Publishing and Robert Bryndza for the eARC of this book.

Detective Erika Foster fears that the suspicious death of politician Neville Lomas is being covered up by those higher up the chain after it is ruled as natural causes. When two more deaths are discovered months later bearing all of the same hallmarks, she knows that a serial killer is in operation and that her bosses can no longer ignore what is happening. Erika finds herself on the hunt for a well-prepared killer who covers their tracks with ease. Can the detective force them into making an error or will they manage to evade capture?

A new Erika Foster book always moves to the top of my TBR list as this is a series I have loved since the first novel, The Girl in the Ice, was published in 2016. Erika is a fantastic character who knows her own mind and will stop at nothing to solve a crime. This often pits her against superiors and we see this here when she has to fight to get the chance to investigate the death of Neville Lomas. As she gets older, Erika is starting to see the gap widening between herself and her junior officers and I hope that this doesn’t lead to her retiring any time soon!

The killer is a particularly clever one and Erika certainly has her work cut out trying to figure out who they are. Despite their horrific crimes, Robert Bryndza managed to elicit some sympathy from me when reading about their past as we discover the reasons behind their actions. This sympathy was balanced out by disgust, however, as we read about the methods of killing used by the perpetrator. Robert Bryndza definitely has the knack for drawing you into the story.

Lethal Vengeance is a fast-paced thriller with an engaging plot that kept me gripped right until the end. Hopefully it won’t be too long before the return of Erika.

I stumbled across The Girl in the Ice and became hooked on the series and haven’t stopped reading since. Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster is a woman still facing obstacles in a male dominated profession. Her tendency is to speak her mind, not play politics or follow directions well. I like to read British Crime stories because I learn about the political climate of country, the differences and similarities in policing practices. The enormity of CCTV they have there is both alarming and useful. Erika lives in London now and a member of Parliament has been found dead in the type of circumstances that would make tabloid headlines. The case soon escalates as more victims are discovered. The bizarre clues lead to the cleverest serial killer I could ever imagine. I couldn’t read fast enough, the twists just kept coming. It sounds cliché but true – Bryndza just keeps getting better! This was a very clever plot, the cast of characters were compelling, interesting, evil, vengeful and some are exceptionally unique. I would give more stars if I could! If you haven’t read this author and love a thrilling mystery, you need to discover his novels!
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “Lethal Vengeance” A Detective Erika Foster novel #8, by Robert Bryndza, Raven Street Publishing. Publication date expected Feb 08, 2024. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without any compensation.

Thank you NetGalley, Raven Street Publishing and Robert Bryndza for the eARC.
Having just finished the book, I am still out of breath! What a fantastic read, I absolutely loved it! I haven't read all of Robert's books, but am in the process of remedying that; he's just become my favorite author.
Erika Foster is a great character and relentless as far as her cases go, even when her senior officers and the establishment try to force her to bend to their wills.
I have to admit that I felt empathy for the serial killer; the killings were brutal, but so were the victims. Hope we won't have to wait too long 'till the next book ... can't wait to see what happens next!

Let me start by saying that this probably the best in the series so far, that is difficult as they have all been outstanding books, definitely one of those just one more chapter book.

As always the plot is well thought out and developed, with the usual twists, As the narrative shifts seamlessly from past to present as the reasons for the crimes are revealed.

This times, Erika must deal not only with the crimes, but pressures from her own bosses and Government departments trying to control what she can and can’t do. All at a time when Erika is querying where her career is going as she turns 50. Plus, developments with Igor and his family.
Erika’s world is complex, but I love being there. I did notice that there seemed to be slightly less involvement with /from her team this time, But only really when you look back at it later on.

As I said earlier this probably the best in this amazing series and I highly recommend reading them all. This may well have been the best book of 2023.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Lethal Vengeance by Robert Bryndza in return for my honest review.
This is the eighth book in the Erika Foster series and they just keep getting better and better, I love the characters in these books its like meeting up with old friends when you start a new instalment. I recommend Robert Bryndzas’ books to anyone looking to start a new series.

A really good book that hooks you right in. Despite the wait between books the little recaps help to reconnect with the characters. Hopefully the next book will conclude the vague ending in this one.

There is such a long wait between these books but you are able to rejoin the characters with ease due to little recaps here and there. Not sure how I feel about the ending on this. I'm hoping there is more to come.

Another pulse raising instalment from our favourite detective! I love how fresh Robert still manages to keep these! Full review coming @bookedupgirl

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Bryndza, and Raven Street Publhing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

A fan of Robert Bryndza and his Erika Foster series, I excitedly reached for the next novel in the collection. Bryndza ends Foster’s hiatus with a great novel that ticks all the boxes and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. When a prominent politician is found bound and murdered, an investigation opens. However, it will take another prominent murder with a similar clue to really get things moving. Erika Foster is in the middle of it all as she tries to chase down leads and work with a new team member. Bryndza does well and captures all that I missed with Erika for the last few years.

When Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster discovers the body of a man who has been tied up and masking tape over his mouth, she cannot be sure if he is dead. A quick check for a pulse confirms what she thought. That this is MP Neville Lomas adds a certain concern to the discovery. After calling it in, a snarky beat cop arrives to begin collecting evidence. A call to the Met and DCI Foster is off the case, leaving a sour taste in her mouth. This is exacerbated when the death is ruled natural causes someone pressuring the medical examiner.

Two months later, a popular athlete is found in a similar situation with a collection of labelled Polaroids, same as MP Lomas. DCI Foster jumps at the case once more and discovers that there is some CCTV footage that could help. A group of five identically dressed women accompanied the athlete to his hotel room. Four later exited, leaving one as the suspected murderer. Detective Foster follows any lead she can and the hunt is on for the killer.

In a parallel narrative, a young girl is taken from her home and placed into foster care. She learns that life is anything but easy during her time in the system, which helps shape her into the woman she has become. She stays in the shadows, but has a story to tell and vengeance to dish out to those who cross her path. Will Detectives Chief Inspector Foster be able to locate her before it’s too late? Bryndza does a fabulous job with this story and shows why readers’ patience for new Erika Foster work has been worth it.

The work of Robert Bryndza has never failed to impress me. Be it the police work of Erika Foster or Kate Marshall, there is always something to enjoy. I love how Bryndza returns to this series as though no time had passed, keeping the reader fully engaged. With short chapters and a great narrative, the story moves along and keeps the reader fully engaged. The momentum build is apparent and the tension second to none.

Character development has been an ongoing thing for this series. Erika Foster has seen a great deal over her years, though Bryndza always finds ways to pepper in a little something readers do not know beforehand. Secondary characters are well presented and their backstories, particularly those essential to the novel, emerge and develop with ease. The same can be said of plot lines, where Bryndza creates and fosters (pardon the pun) these events, tossing in a twist or two along the way to keep it interesting. While it has been a few years since the last novel, it feels as though Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster is right where we left her.

Kudos, Mr. Bryndza, for your commitment and eagerness to keep this series alive.

Lethal Vengeance is the eighth book in the Detective Erika Foster Crime Thriller Series - and my 18th book in total.

I’m pretty sure that makes Robert Bryndza my most-read author of all time 🙌🏻❤️

A prominent politician is found dead; hog-tied in his bed. Erika is removed from the case which is then solved alarmingly quickly with an outcome - death by natural causes. That is until months later when a casting director and famous football player are found dead in strikingly similar circumstances. Strange.

Stranger yet is the CCTV footage that shows five almost identical women - making their search for the killer that bit more difficult. What ties these people together and what is making those higher up in The Met so nervous?!

This book is ingenious. There’s tension, humour, camaraderie, suspense, dead bodies and a whole lot of questions!? It’s fast paced (I read the majority in a day) with short chapters that mean ‘just one more chapter’ is inescapable. I just love Robert Bryndza’s writing.

Full of brilliant characters - It was so great being reunited with Erika, Helen, Isaac, and the gang. Erika’s refusal to bend to authority when she believes in something is admirable - I imagine she’d be a nightmare to manage, but she’s a joy to read.

A huge thanks to Raven Street Publishers and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book for review consideration.  All opinions are my own.

When Detective Erika Foster stumbles across a murdered politician in his room, the death is quickly covered up and Erika is told to stop investigating. It is signed off as natural causes.

After the death of a local footballer, Erika realises the cases are linked and the politician’s case has to be reopened.

This is the eighth book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. I know this because I haven’t read any of the other books in this series. I will be remedying this because it was a superb story.

It is a fast paced story and I thought that Erika was a great character. Once she has her teeth into something, she doesn’t let go.

I felt for her boyfriend, Igor, who is completely forgotten about when she is working a case.

A great plot with some fantastic twists along the way.

My thanks to NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

I am grateful to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for giving me opportunity to read this book.

This is a riveting crime thriller. Detective Erika Foster is such an interesting character. The mystery and suspense stays till the end and It will keep you guessing. All the characters appears to be mysterious. A lot of things happens in all of their lives. Every detail has been written with a purpose. The book is so gripping and suspenseful. I loved how Erika solved the murder mystery. The book is multilayered and loved to read Annabelle’s perspective too. If you are looking for a gripping Crime Thriller with Killer on loose and real cat and mouse chase, this is for you.

Book 8 in the Detective Erika Foster series and as compelling brilliant as the rest of the series. Can be easily read as a stand alone but it always helps to read the previous books to learn context of the individuals. A well known sleeze bag of an MP is found dead, trussed up and disembowelled and Erika and her team are given the case. However she is immediately thwarted as the powers that be insist it be treated as an accidental death. And the author had me. Completely engrossed by this exciting and fast paced read and I knew I was in for a late night!

Briefly, Erika’s concerns were well founded when a few months later a well known footballer is found dead similarly trussed up. Photographs were discovered at both scenes signed by “Annabelle”. When a third body is found it is clear a serial killer is at large and Erika and her team are struggling to find the murderer. Who is Annabelle and are they being protected by someone further up the chain of authority.

A very clever thriller with a very clever killer, they leave no evidence, none! This crime thriller bursts with deviousness as the fiesty detective fights with her bosses for control whilst desperately trying to solve the case. The story is dark and there are some upsetting scenes, but nothing gratuitous. A gripping and shocking story, a real edge of the seat read with a startling climax and oh that cliffhanger!

Erika Foster! She’s not your run-of-the-mill protagonist. Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster is not just experienced, intelligent, and dedicated; she’s also not afraid to go rogue or fly under the radar on occasion if it means getting information needed to solve a case. This does not endear her to her superiors. In Robert Bryndza’s eighth book of this compelling series, Lethal Vengeance, Erika encounters murders of highly sensitive – and public – nature, and the department, including the coroner’s office, is caught in a sticky situation.

First, a Conservative member of Parliament is found dead in an unnatural position, and the higher-ups are pressured to keep the circumstances quiet. Then, a popular athlete dies. As clues emerge, the situation becomes clearer, and at the same time, even more puzzling.

As readers, we are privy to the background, thoughts, and actions of the killer, to some extent at least. This killer is clever, well prepared, and precise. How many more will die before this person is caught?

Mr. Bryndza has once again crafted a smart, dark mystery that pulls the reader in. (Warning: sexual language and and references.) While it could be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the books in order. It’s more enjoyable when one knows the characters, and the members of Foster’s team are not introduced, per se. They are mentioned by name, but not much background information is given. Readers of the series will recognize the names Detective Kate Moss, Detective McGorry, and Detective Inspector Peterson, but only the newcomer, Dahlia Beck, is highlighted in significant detail. Her presence on the team is rather curious at times, as readers learn early on.

In what I’ve come to expect from Bryndza, the final chapters are quite dramatic and rather unexpected. Will we see more of any of these new characters?

I received a digital ARC of Lethal Vengeance in exchange for my honest review. My opinions and thoughts are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, Raven Street Publishing, and the author.

4 stars

Twisty police procedural about a serial killer who is out for revenge.

“It was always the stupid people who were so sure of themselves.”

Lethal Vengeance is the 8th book in the Detective Erika Foster series.

Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster happens to be having a romantic dinner with her partner when she stumbled upon the scene of the murder of a prominent politician. When his death becomes connected to a famous football star, Erika is warned not to investigate the case. Rather than take the threat lightly, Erika pushes boundaries and, in doing so, puts her job and her life at risk.

The narrative is primarily from Erika’s perspective who, even though she is a well-established detective, is struggling to find her place and is grappling with her future in the force. In addition to Erika’s POV, there are also chapters narrated by the mysterious Annabelle. I enjoyed these chapters as her cold, calculating character’s desire for revenge gradually took shape, and her voice drew me in.

The mystery of unraveling the killer’s identity has many layers, and the investigation goes deep. The intrigue surrounding the murders kept me turning the pages, and the tension and suspense continued to build, culminating in a wild showdown.

My major gripe is Brynzda’s constant reference to the characters' names multiple times in sentences and paragraphs drove me crazy as it was repetitive and overwrought. This element strained the narrative a bit as I was distracted by the overuse.

Despite my gripe with the writing, this was another solid addition to the series. The mystery is gripping, and Erika’s character continues to grow. Her relationship with Igor is cute, and I hope we see more of them in the next book.

TW: sexual assault

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing.