Product Description

retribution: n. punishment that is considered to be morally right and fully deserved
-The Oxford American Dictionary

When an elite prosecutor faces the most lethal predator she's ever encountered, it all comes down to a choice between justice . . .

. . . and retribution

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1003183 in Books
• Published on: 2004-01-05
• Released on: 2004-01-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 432 pages

From Publishers Weekly
With this graphic serial killer/courtroom thriller, debut novelist Hoffman joins the lengthening list of high-powered legal ladies whose professional expertise serves as the basis for authentic, insider crime fiction. Blond, beautiful law student Chloe Larson is looking forward to a great future with successful New York businessman Michael Decker. Her expectations are shattered forever after a madman in a clown mask rapes and tortures her until she is near death. She survives physically, but psychologically slips into an extended mental breakdown. Twelve years later she's dyed her hair mousy brown and become unassuming, hardworking C.J. Townsend, assistant chief of the Miami Dade State Attorney's office. A suspiciously lucky break nets serial killer suspect William Bantling, and C.J. takes over the prosecution as part of her normal workload. When Bantling stands up in court and speaks, C.J. realizes he's the man who raped her years ago. C.J. learns that the statute of limitations has run out on her rape and that her involvement in that case might very well cause Bantling to be freed on a technicality. Love interest Special Agent Dominick Falconetti knows there is something seriously wrong as C.J.'s mental state begins to deteriorate, but she brushes off his concern and immerses herself in her work on the case. The far-fetched resolution will throw some readers, but Hoffman compensates with a compellingly horrific villain and an undeniably exciting final confrontation.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Hoffman comes on to the scene with a vengeance in her debut novel. It's 1988, and Chloe, fresh out of law school and cramming for the New York State bar exam, has her future shattered when she is brutally raped and maimed; she blows off the exam and her would-be fiance because she is so haunted by the crime and the indelible mark it has left on her life. Cut to 2000; there is a serial rapist on the loose who doesn't just injure his victims, he carves out their hearts and leaves them for dead in conspicuous places. On the case is compassionate officer Dominick Falconetti of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and when a suspect is found, Dominick is teamed with C. J. Townsend of the Major Crimes Unit of the state's attorney's office. Together the talented cop (male) and aggressive prosecutor (female) build the case against the creep, but there is an urgency to C. J.'s actions that makes Dominick wonder about her motivation. This is a fine first novel, with twists and turns of the highest order and an ending that is downright breathtaking. Mary Frances Wilkens
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
...Retribution delivers. -- New York Daily News, January 18, 2004

...Retribution delivers. -- New York Daily News, January 18, 2004

Strongly recommended. -- Library Journal, starred review, October 1, 2003

The twists and turns are a suspense lover's dream -- the climax is chillingly good. An absolutely remarkable first outing. --Rendezvous Magazine, January 2004

Nice first edition in great shape. Looks brand new. One small spot on inside front cover created during manufacturing. Could be good gift or addition to set of first editions. --Seller

Satisfying...chillingly dark. (San Francisco Chronicle) Guaranteed to follow in the bestselling footsteps of Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, and Tess Gerritsen. (The Guardian, London) A little bit of James Patterson, a little bit of John Grisham. (New York Daily News) You'll be hooked at page one. ( Redbook) --Amazon

Strongly recommended. -- Library Journal, starred review, October 1, 2003

The twists and turns are a suspense lover's dream -- the climax is chillingly good. An absolutely remarkable first outing. -- Rendezvous Magazine, January 2004

Customer Reviews

Ho Hum??? They're kidding right?
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.

This is one of my favorite books!!
When i first checked this book out, i looked at the werid font and short chapters and thought hmm this doesnt look that good. But i decided to give it a shot and was soo glad i did. I absolutely love it!! I read it in one sitting. C.J Townsend is a prosecutor in a case involving a man who is accused of killing dozens of women. During the trial, she finds out that the man she is prosecuting is the same man who raped her 12 years ago and changed her life. She wants justice for the women and herself, but finds out that there was no probable cause to arrest the man. She is torn between her legally duty as a prosecutor and her moral duty to herself. This book is excellent. I felt the characters pain, frustration, and anger. I loved this book so much, i went out and bought it! I recommend it to anyone who likes mystery reads because this one is a thriller!!

Without redemption
I keep hearing this is a good novel for a first effort, but that would be more appropriate for a publisher's rejection letter, not for a published book.

This book is raw and badly written. The characters are completely without redeeming features, even the victims, which is what you will be if you pay for this book. If you must read this, use your library card and save your money.