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Summary: Exciting first Novel
Review: Jilliane Hoffman knows the legal system but more importantly, is able to enter the minds and souls of her characters. The characters were well drawn, the story line unbelievably believable. The conclusion does not easily allow a sequel which is positive as it invites subsequent novels to be as fresh and interesting as this one.
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Summary: sleepless nights abound!
Review: After the first page, I was hooked! 4 a.m. came and went and I was still reading! I sincerely hope Ms. Hoffman continues to share her talent with an avid reader such as myself! It is such a disappointment when you've discovered an excellent author and there are no more books to fulfill your need! Get going Ms. Hoffman! I couldn't put this one down, and now that I've finished, I excitedly await the next!
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Summary: Please , please , please make this a new series!
Review: What an wonderful first novel! I couldn't put it down. Just don't try and read the gorry stuff while eating. I hope C.J. and Dom come back to entertain us over and over again! I'll be the first person in line.
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Summary: Great entertainment for a rainy day
Review: This book reminds me of Patricia Cornwell at her best. The graphic forensic details are enough to keep single females awake at night and the legal issues are obviously written by someone who understands the system and knows the law. C.J. Townsend is a woman who has been transformed by a single catastrophic event, and quite believable to those who have suffered any kind of life-altering trauma. Not only does this book have a riveting plot with unexpected twists and turns, but it has at its core a compelling moral issue that lends itself to discussion. While some people may take issue with the prose, I read for entertainment, and when a book grabs me from page one and continues to keep me reading until I turn the last page in less than 24 hours, I believe it has fulfilled its obligation to the reader. I find it hard to believe that this is the work of a first-time author and am eagerly awaiting Ms. Hoffman's next book.
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Summary: Ho Hum??? They're kidding right?
Review: Wow I can never get over the negative descriptions of really good books. Some people have to read and analyze the story's various parts without actually "reading" the story. If you're a reader and not an analyzer, read this one. C.J. Townsend is prosecuting another suspected mass killer and loses her ability to speak upon hearing the voice of the accused as he berates his attorney. It was a voice she'd heard years before in her bedroom, coming from her rapist/torturer wearing a clown's mask. C.J. then was a young law student with a bright future, attractive, dating a soon to be partner in a prestigious firm. But after her attack her life is changed. There are alot of legal issues at battle here in the plot of this great book, but there are alot of humane issues falling about too. After reading Retribution I felt entertained by the story because it was so horrific but also educated as to just how damaging such an event can be in one life. I think I have a better empathy for rape victums now after reading this novel than before. If any of the women in my life, and I pray that it never happens, should become a victum, I now have a better understanding of how to react as a friend, or father, or husband. This book is good on alot of different levels. It's a thriller that'll have you turning the page, it's a courtroom drama, that'll really suck you in, and it's got some twists and surprises that make it worth the effort all alone. For the reviewers previously that say this one's been written before, I'd like a list; because this one was new territory for me and I enjoyed it. If you're a "reader" too, I believe you'll like it as well.
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Summary: Not for fans of literate mysteries
Review: It's obvious by the reviews that readers either love this book or feel it was not as good as its hype. Put me in the latter category. I'll grant that the story line was fairly interesting -- who doesn't love a story of revenge? But the writing was hackneyed (...) and the dialog embarrassingly awkward, particularly the rapist's internal dialog as he awaited his victim ("Yum yum" as I recall). In the hands of Scott Turow or Dennis Lehane this would have been a much more satisfying novel.
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Summary: This is a Great book
Review: It is hard for me to believe that "Retribution" is the product of a first time author. The characters are so fully developed and true to life, the descriptions are vivid, and the details on forensic science are astounding.I was sucked into the story from the first page, it has plot twists, courtroom drama and is incredibly thrilling. Jillane Hoffman is one to watch to out for.
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Summary: Couldn't put it down.........
Review: I read books for entertainment and when I can't put a book down then I give it 5 stars. This book was everything I look for in a serial killer mystery. I loved the characters and how the entire story evolved. I think Ms. Hoffman did an excellent job on her first book and I can't wait till her next one comes out. This book was anything but ho hum!
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Summary: Best Book I Listened to in a LONG time.
Review: I truly Enjoyed this book. I should not that I listed to it via Audiobook. I found myself making excuses to spend more time in my vehicle so I could finish it. The plot has lots of plot twists and turns. This is the first book I have read by the author but it definitely won't be my last!
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Summary: Thrilling Debut
Review: Jilliane Hoffman is a name to remember. Her writing debut is excellent and if she has other stories in her head that are on par with RETRIBUTION, she will become one of the superstars of commercial fiction. C.J. Townsend is the tormented state prosecutor assigned to present the case against a suspected serial killer charged with the brutal butchery of the last of his ten victims. The way in which the ten women were allegedly killed coupled with the physical mannerisms of the accused triggers a psychological response in C.J. in which she re-experiences the trauma of an event that happenned in her twenties. The story takes place twelve years later as she begins to prosecute the serial killer. The author creates a deeply layered plot with realistic dialogue and characterization. The skill with which Hoffman ties the story together leads to a surprising yet very satisfying conclusion. This review is purposely vague so as not to ruin the ending of this appropriately-titled thriller. Hoffman has created a web of intrigue and has painted a realistic portrait of a woman with PTSD. RETRIBUTION is the highly recommended debut novel of an author with a very bright future.
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