Book Review - The Retribution by Val McDermid

The Retribution by Val McDermid -  I don't think I've read anything else by this Scottish author and that's clearly a mistake on my part.  While it's yet another forensic profiling meets crazed serial killer novel McDermid finds ways to bring a little freshness to the ideas.  The book is the latest in a series and I'm told it's not the best.  If this is the runt of the litter I can hardly wait to see McDermid at her best.  A case where her worst (and it's not a perfect novel) is better than a lot of people's best.  I do know of (but have never seen) the TV series "Wire in the Blood" which is based on one of the books in this series.

The story revolves around the two recurring characters profiler Dr. Tony Hill and Police Inspector Carol Jordan.  Beyond being professional partners these two have a very complicated and dysfunctional personal relationship as well.  Hill is the poster child for poor socialization while Jordan deals with her guilt and personal problems mostly through gin and anger.  The good doctor acknowledges that his skill in tracking down sociopaths is that he is very nearly one himself.  These are not warm and cuddly characters but they are interesting.  In this book they face an old nemesis, Jacko Vance, the national TV celebrity that they sent aware years before.  He's effected his escape and is seeking a little retribution from those he sees as having betrayed him.  Vance chooses his revenge carefully and comes at people from an angle rather than head on.  That gives the story a little freshness for me.  It's a serial killer novel so expect some blood and gore plus just the tiniest little bit of weird sex.

In the end the book stands out for me from the others of this genre I've read recently.  McDermid has a new book in this series with a 2013 publish date so I may take a look at it or go back and start from the beginning.

Rating - *** Worth A Look