Once a vigilante, now a cop … but Lexi Winter still plays by her own rules. A fast-paced, suspenseful thriller for readers of Candice Fox and Sarah Bailey.
Ace hacker, ex-prostitute, Jack Daniels drinker and part-time vigilante Lexi Winter is now working with the police, with a new enemy in her sights and an old foe on her mind.
Most probationary constables would baulk at chasing a drug dealer into a train tunnel in the dead of night – not Lexi. But when she emerges, injured but alive, to face the wrath of her boss it’s clear that while Lexi may now be in uniform, she has as much trouble with authority as ever. Just to prove it, Lexi is quietly using her hacking skills to investigate a notorious drug-dealing Sydney crime family with links to her old prey, the paedophile Damon Vaughn. As her colleague Detective Sergeant Finn Carson investigates a death on a Sydney building site that leads him to the picturesque Wondabyne train station on the Hawkesbury River, Inspector Rachael Langley oversees an enquiry that is becoming ever more complex as multiple lines of investigation seem to interweave. What they don’t know is that Lexi is the only one who can unravel them – if only she’ll toe the line.
Read some great 5-Star reviews from our Preview readers here:
It is so great to be back in the world of Lexi Winter again. I loved Unforgiven so it was great to see how the character of Lexi has progressed from the first book to now. This book kept me thoroughly engrossed from start to end and there were many twists along the way. This book can be read as a stand-alone but it would definitely be helpful to have read the first book. I can’t wait for book 3 to see what is next in store for Lexi Winter. Rebecca, ACT, 5 Stars
Thank you to Better Reading for an advance copy of this book to review. I had not read anything by Sarah Barrie, but after reading this one, I will be going back for more. Although I hadn’t read the first novel in this series, I found this story easy to follow and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Lexi and her colleagues/friends. This was a fast paced novel with lots of characters and intertwined stories with twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I had trouble putting this book down! I am a big fan of Australian crime novels, and love anything written by Jane Harper or Chris Hammer. While Sarah Barrie’s style of writing is a little different, if you like these authors, I highly recommend reading this one. I’m looking forward to seeing what Lexi gets up to next! Belinda, NSW, 5 Stars
Both explosive and fast-paced, Retribution is a suspenseful thriller for new readers and old fans alike that only Sarah Barrie can deliver. Lexi Winter – ex vigilante now turned cop – faces a new enemy and an old foe. Still struggling with authority Lexi is quietly using her hacking skills to investigate a notorious drug dealing family that also just happens to be linked to her old prey. Her colleagues Detective Sargeant Finn Carson investigates a death on a Sydney building site whilst Inspector Rachel Langley oversees an enquiry entrenched in complex and multiple lines of enquiry. Neither Detective Carson nor Inspector Langley realise that only Lexi is the only one who can unravel their cases – but only if she can obey the rules of authority. Catherine, NSW, 5 Stars
Retribution by Sarah Barrie had me hooked in the first short chapter (little did I know then that this chapter would be so important to the story line). Lexi is a complicated character with a background ideal for solving crime. She has the street smarts to deal with crooks and the brains to know how to get into their minds. Hopefully there will be a follow up book as I felt the ending was not actually the end. I’m anxious to see what has happened to Dawny and Desmond. Also there might be a little romance in store for Lexi? Highly recommend this book. Karen, VIC, 5 Stars
Retribution is the fast paced sequel to Unforgiven by Australian author Sarah Barrie. In Retribution, we are once again, introduced to the strong, determined, sassy, smart, and witty Lexi Winter. However this time Lexi is no longer a computer hacking vigilante but is now a probationary constable. Lexi and Detective Sergeant Finn Carson have come together in a romantic suspense mystery with a roller coaster of action, multiple murders, shootings and beatings. Retribution is fast paced right from the first page, however to really know the character Lexi Winter, Barrie’s first book in this series, Unforgiven should be read first. The plot of this book is so action packed and filled with danger that I engaged with the plot of this book from the first page. I could also relate to the law enforcement issues having worked in this field myself for many years. Being set in Central Coast of Sydney I found myself truly immersed in the surrounding Australian scenes which I love in so many of the stories I read. Lexi’s character is so well developed that I feel totally connected to her and hope that this isn’t the last time we see her as the feature character in a novel. Thank you Better Reading for my preview copy I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Ally, TAS, 5 Stars
Retribution is a thrilling novel mainly set just north of the Hawkesbury River on Sydney’s outskirts. The junior constable Lexi Winter has more lives than a cat. While her background make her very street-wise and her approach to policing is not in the NSW Police manual, her detective and computer skills are very sharp as she quickly gains the respect of her fellow law-makers. Lexi also uses these skills to befriend those on the dark side of the law, which gains her access to valuable information. Sarah Barrie’s writing style takes us into Lexi’s intimate world – we are right in there helping her hunt down a thug, dodge a bullet (or knife!) or jump into a creek to find a victim. As much of the plot involves gangsters and drug dealers, the body count is high. Dealing with the underworld takes courage and insight, which our protagonist has in spades. A thoroughly engaging novel, full of surprises, that is hard to put down. Roger, VIC, 5 Stars
Loved the intrigue and the web of intricate details that was joining all the Characters together. It certainly kept you on your toes, trying to work out how everyone fitted together. Building to the climax towards the end is certainly a page turner, and kept you guessing. Great read for anyone who loves mystery and intrigue. Jan, VIC, 5 Stars
‘Retribution’ is the second iteration in the Lexi Winter series of books by Sarah Barrie. It is a book that grabs you from the first to the last page. Although beneficial…one does not need to have read the first book…’Unforgiven’…as the quality of the writing has you immersed in the character of Lexi and all the competing contradictions and relationships in her life. This is and will be a great summer/on the beach read as it has you hanging out for the next page as you finish the previous page. Indeed, it may have you forgetting to apply sunscreen as you follow Lexi’s journey. Therefore, it is very relatable for an Australian reader, as a crime novel, as it is set in Sydney with all the issues of crime families, contract killings and the fight of good police over evil and corruption. As an avid reader of crime…and therefore very dismissive of mundane crime novels…you will not be disappointed. Indeed, as with other outstanding Australian crime writers, I am hanging out for the next instalment of Lexi and her journey. Jenny, VIC, 5 Stars
Thank you Better Reading for the opportunity to read Retribution by Sarah Barrie! I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! Lexi is a probationary cop, but she is extremely smart and is the best hacker!! Lexi doesn’t always follow the rules and that can get her in hot water!! I couldn’t wait to keep turning the pages to see what was the next twist in the story!! This book has it all, drug dealers, murders, hit men and awesome detectives all set in Sydney and the central coast! Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Judy, NSW, 5 Stars
Loved it! A bit slow to begin with but definitely worth continuing. Full of action and suspense I can’t wait for the next instalment! Katrina, QLD, 5 Stars
I have been eagerly awaiting this second book and it’s been worth it. What a page turner and kept my interest piqued right to the end. Cath, ACT, 5 Stars
Retribution by Sarah Barrie is the action-packed, riveting second book in the fantastic Lexi Winters series. Like the first book in the series, Unforgiven, Retribution is well written, fast-paced , and impossible to put down. While the plot is amazing, my favourite aspect of the book is the development of the main character. Lexi, is gritty, intense, flawed, tough, but also incredibly real, interesting, and likeable. This is a fantastic second edition to the series and I highly recommend it. Amanda, QLD, 5 Stars
Retribution was a fast paced, nail biting crime thriller. Exactly the type of book I love. It was full of interesting characters and plenty of action which made it hard to put down. Looking forward to more stories from Sarah Barrie. Natalie, NSW, 5 Stars
Sarah Barrie is quickly becoming one of my favourite Australian authors. Lexi Winter is a most unlikely heroine, with a very dark past. As a probationary constable she doesn’t know when to be quiet. She stirs up her superiors and everyone in authority but most of all she enjoys stirring the evil bad guys with her exceptional I.T knowledge. Retribution was a rollicking ride with Lexi going from one dangerous situation to another. How she survives and is still moving is unbelievable. This book was so exciting I had to read it in one sitting into the wee hours of the morning. Merry, TAS, 5 Stars
Loved this book! Lexi is the hero I didn’t know I needed! Fast paced, lots of twists, and some laugh out loud Australian references, tied up in a brilliant crime thriller! Will definitely look for more stories from Sarah Barrie now. Alanna, QLD, 5 Stars
I recently received an ARC review copy of Retribution by Sarah Barrie thanks to #BetterReadingpreview and #HarperCollins. If you love a fast paced thriller this book is for you as the plotline hits the accelerator from page 1. I love the fact it is set on the central coast and upper North Shore of NSW as it’s my area which makes it more relatable and easier to visualise the scenery. Lexi Winter is the heroine again in Barries latest story. She’s a rebel who doesn’t follow the rules and doesn’t care who likes it. She’s determined to get justice for victims of a vicious drug dealing family who will stop at nothing to have total control of the area’s lucrative business. With the help of her new partner Detective sergeant Finn Carson they will do what it takes to stop these criminals risking life and limb at every turn to protect the innocent. This book was one of my favourite reads this year. Do yourself a favour and get your hands on a copy now. Hirell, NSW, 5 Stars
This was my first time reading Sarah Barrie and it certainly won’t be the last! I loved the character of Lexie. In fact, all the characters were strong and well-developed, which helped the different plots hold my attention. It kept me guessing and wondering what would happen next. I found it difficult to put down, and often perplexed at how Lexie managed to escape various situations. Gritty, nail-biting, with a fantastic finale. If you enjoy well-written thrillers with strong characters, and intriguing plots, then you will love this. Ellen, TAS, 5 Stars
Be prepared to keep reading late into the night once you start this book. What a fantastic sequel to the first in the series, unforgiven. I found this book fast paced, full of danger and packed with action. There are multiple cases demanding the attention of Rachael, Finn and Lexie. Lexie is now a probationary constabie and she’s still having a hard time staying out of trouble. Lexies prescience is not appreciated by all members of the squad which creates tension on top of the pressures of the job. Lexie is a determined, strong, smart and witty character, that pushes the boundaries. She made me smile and made me worry. An absolutely fantastic sequel and I can’t wait to read more about Lexie. Kirstie, QLD, 5 Stars
Loved, loved, loved! Never read this author before but am now searching out her novels. Such a fast paced but easy to follow story with a slew of interesting characters and back stories. Could not put it down and read it all in one sitting. Fabulous story. Tracy, WA, 5 Stars
A real page turner! Sarah Barrie has done it again with her second book, Retribution. Lexi ropes us in with her good cop/bad cop demeanour, you never know what she’s upto next. Absolutely loved it! A great sequel. Kylie, SA, 5 Stars
Lexi is back in this fast paced nail biter! Such a lovable character! Lexi is now a police officer however is still doing her thing on the side to try and locate and bring down Vaughn along with a whole family of career criminals. Interweaving story lines and multiple lines of investigation to unravel will have you turning the pages a lightning speed! Loved it! Rachel QLD, 5 Stars
There is only one word to describe Retribution – WOW. Sarah Barrie’s sequel to Unforgiven is fast-paced from the start. Lexi Winter is a character whose flaws only make you love the character more. Her inner strength and her vulnerabilities, products from her past, always make her rush in without thinking. Becoming a police officer hasn’t changed that. This time, she is trying to track down members of a family, not only involved with drugs, but also with connections to paedophile Damon Vaughn. Again, she is working with Finn Carson and Rachael Langley. The relationship between these three is brilliantly written, and it’s great seeing how they have developed since Unforgiven. When new characters are introduced into the story, it changes the dynamics and makes for some great scenes. I found thanks to her writing, Sarah Barrie helps the reader even feel sympathy for some minor criminals for how they end up involved. Even though it deals with dark crimes, the emotional storylines involved really make this more than just a thriller. Sarah Barrie makes you care about the characters and it was great to see a hint that we might see more of Lexi in the future. A brilliant read. Theresa, NSW, 5 Stars
Loved Retribution which has a great plot and marvellous characters but found it necessary to re-read Unforgiven first. This was no hardship. Enjoyed both enormously. Jenn, VIC, 5 Stars
Retribution is the second novel in the Lexi Winter series by Sarah Barrie, and after thoroughly enjoying Unforgiven earlier this year I couldn’t wait for more. Retribution did not disappoint because although Lexi was once a vigilante she is now a cop who struggles to follow orders which makes for lots of tense situations often ending in death. I love Lexi because she is gutsy, has a good heart even after the miserable life she endured in her youth, and her tenaciousness guarantees that she will will move heaven and earth to get the bad guys. Lexi’s character evolves in Retribution as she slowly learns to trust those who care about her the most even though she doesn’t always agree with their decisions. She is no longer a vigilante doing everything on her own, she is now part of a team and she struggles with this. Retribution starts off slowly but once the action takes off you won’t want to put it down. Lexi ends up battered and bruised but her indomitable spirit, and the odd glass or two of JD, ensures that she fights on until justice is served. I highly recommend this book. Patricia, QLD, 5 Stars
If readers enjoyed Unforgiven they are going to love Retribution written by Sarah Barrie, Lexi Winter has now joined the police force and is based on the NSW Central Coast, We all know Lexi has trouble following the rules and nothing has changed, This book is full of drama and suspense absolutely brilliant looking forward to Lexis next adventure. Gavin, NSW, 5 Stars
Straight out of the academy at the top of her class Probationary Constable Lexi Winter is posted at Wyong Police Station. She’s a smartarse, badass and kicks butt.Her inability to follow rules stems from her background: abused child, prostitute and computer hacker. Her side gig is locating and bringing to justice Damon Vaughan, former cop, child-predator and murderer for profit and his partner in crime Debbie Reynolds a member of the drug and arms dealing Hamill family. Lexi and her mentor Rico arrest two drug dealing teens, but in the skirmish a backpack is concealed in a railway tunnel. When the lads are released due to a reluctant witness, she and Rico race back to recover the evidence, but are ambushed resulting in Rico’s death and a concussed Lexi’s suspension from duties. So she gets busy in dark web chatrooms to get dirt on the Hamill family, hoping they’ll give up Debbie. Detective Sergeant Finn Carson is investigating the gory death of a construction business owner whose project manager, Mark Bradley, seems to have been embezzling funds. He’s on the run, but Bradley’s wife’s body is found in the Hawkesbury River, near the sleepy Wondabyne Station, close to the tunnel of Lexi’s ill-fated encounter. Under Inspector Rachael Langley, they race to unravel the connections while the body count of informers, bounty hunters and other Hamill enemies mount. When the Hamill patriarch issues death threats against Rachael and a $2 million dollar reward for the person bothering them on the dark web, the stakes escalate. Anita, QLD, 5 Stars
This book started a little slow with a few different scenes and characters’ points of view. It was a little confusing to start and I felt like I missed out by not reading the first book. Once I got into the book, all the different scenes linked in nicely and so cleverly. There were lots of twists and turns that kept me interested and I struggled to put the book down. I loved Lexi’s character and her determination with her computer skills. Learning about Mojo was quite funny. I had a soft spot for Finn and loved when the girls stood up for him against Viv. I was a little confused about Dawny at the end. Tara, WA, 5 Stars
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