Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
Page turner, 21 Mar 2004
I am a lover of Grisham and Cornwell have read all their books and was looking for something different. Retribution is a page turner, unputdownable. From the first page to the last I was gripped with the main character, taking in her story, feeling sad for her as well as willing her to carry on. The pace completely changes in the middle of the book, and the 'oh no' phrases are often. The way this book is written it felt as though I was the character, I lived and breathed her happiness, sadness, my heart pumped as Chole turned her life around and became somebody else - I am unable to comment further as I would give away the plot - read it, breathe it and wish for more at the last page as I did. Can't wait for Jilliane Hoffman's new book.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
High quality debut thriller, 15 Nov 2004
In this critically acclaimed bestselling first novel by Jilliane Hoffman, Miami State Attorney Chloe "C.J." Townsend helps track down the sadistic serial murderer of at least nine women. But the case turns personal, and Chloe soon finds that she must face her own frightening past to catch a killer - and make a choice between justice and retribution. It's a story based on the nightmare experiences of a young woman previously living in New York and on the verge of becoming a lawyer - she has a boyfriend who is already rich and successful whom she expects to marry. After a night out she returns to her apartment and is brutally raped. Not unexpectedly this has a profound effect on her life and her relationships, particularly as her rapist makes himself known to her some time afterwards. This triggers a reaction and she moves away from New York.
The pace of the novel is impressive resulting in a very readable thriller set against a court background. Some of the acronyms and the American system of justice may cause English readers some confusion but this is inevitable and should not detract from the power of the story. It is well written, particularly in respect of dialogue, court procedure and investigative methods. It graphically portrays the trauma of rape and its consequences and your sympathies are with Chloe/CJ. The court scenes and the investigation are described particularly well.
The plot is ingenious - the rape victim who after 12 years gets the opportunity for revenge. A whodunit with a twist at the end with clues placed strategically along the way. Women identify easily with a rape victim, but men will find this just as enjoyable a read as it is a relatively gender-neutral writing style. There are many very interesting psychological factors and interplays between victim, oppressor and therapist.
I had been reading several books that year (2004) which involved rape and revenge themes, and Retribution is comfortably at or near the top of the list. Very highly recommended - Jilliane Hoffman should be a name to watch out for in the future; regrettably the sequel to this debut novel - LAST WITNESS - didn't live up to my high expectation.
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