The new Erika Foster book and as we've come to expect it's brilliant. Erika is such a tenacious character you'd think the "Top Brass" would know telling her to back off just makes her more determined!! I devoured this book in one sitting as it's just too good to put down. Loved it and can't wait to read more.

The man lay on his front, his arms and legs bound and pulled up with a rope connecting the two. His head was arched back, so he faced the curtains, and there was masking tape over his mouth. Erika gingerly reached out and checked his pulse.

Yep. Dead all right.

When Detective Erika Foster finds politician Neville Lomas naked, hog-tied, and dead in his own bed, skittish higher-ups at the Met quickly rule the death from natural causes. Case closed . . . until two months later when a well-known casting director and a star footballer are found murdered and tied with the same knots. The Met can no longer ignore what’s staring them in the face: there’s a serial killer loose in London, and they’re out to settle a score.

An intensely gripping and highly enjoyable read. I was left breathless by the twists in this book, and throughly enjoyed the storyline. I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style, but enjoyed the story nonetheless.

Erika is at it again! Someone is murdering people in the most horrendous way. There are a few distinctive characters to connect all these cases to one culprit. But who is she? This is a hard case for Erika to crack, not that she is even allowed to handle it at first, and not every detail about the famous people who have been murdered are shared with her.

A tense and twisty case that is very gritty, and a murderer who clearly has an agenda of her own. Will they catch her? Erika is preoccupied in this book, and wondering where her personal life is about to take her, but the case keeps interrupting her private life. Great read. I felt it has a bit more depth than most detective stories nowadays, which is a really good thing. Highly recommended!

"Lethal Vengeance" is a gripping crime thriller that plunges readers into the heart of a chilling mystery. When Detective Erika Foster stumbles upon the body of politician Neville Lomas, hog-tied and lifeless, she uncovers a string of murders tied by a sinister serial killer. Despite initial dismissal by higher-ups, Erika's determination leads her down a twisted path where CCTV footage reveals five identical female suspects. As the clock ticks and the body count rises, Erika faces off against powerful forces determined to keep their secrets hidden.

With relentless pacing and an intricate plot, "Lethal Vengeance" keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Robert Bryndza masterfully weaves together suspense, intrigue, and a race against time, making this novel impossible to put down. Dive into the world of Detective Erika Foster as she navigates through a web of deception, uncovering the truth behind the murders and confronting the dark forces at play. If you're a fan of gripping crime fiction that keeps you guessing until the very end, "Lethal Vengeance" is a must-read. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue that will leave you breathless.

This is book 8 of this most excellent series and you know what is coming next. OK so the main story is self contained but, as well as the backstory and character development, you'll be missing out on 7 cracking books if you don't!
So... Erika is having a meal out with her partner when she dodges out to avoid a situation she doesn't want to happen. Returning, she takes a wrong turn and finds herself in the residential part of the building. Where she hears screams. She duly rushes to the sound and is shocked to discover Politician Neville Lomas naked and hog tied on a bed. Oh and he is also dead. She starts the investigative wheels turning but is swiftly undermined and removed from the case. She is also shocked when she finds out how the cops that took over from her are categorising the case. But there is nothing she can do. It's a politician, they have their own rules for, ahem, covering things up... Until that is, when a famous footballer turns up in an identical situation and the cat can no longer stay in the bag.
And so begins a rather perplexing case for Erika and her team, as they try and piece together the footballer's last movements. Which they do, with the assistance of CCTV, but that only really muddies the water all the more... and then there's a third connected body...
I love this series. Erika is kick-ass no nonsense kind of a gal and she don't take no flack from anyone, which is evident in the way that she won't let the politician's death go. Even with the threats from "on high". She has a good team under her and a boss who, within reason, also mostly backs her, But it mostly comes from her. And she is tested to the extreme with the shenanigans in this book, which does highlight the power imbalance between the haves and the have-nots. Refreshingly topical in this current news climate methinks! But I can say no more...
All the other things I need to make a good book a great read are front and centre herein. Pacing with matches the narrative all the way through, characters who all do their jobs no matter how big or small a part they play, and a cracking story that had me gripped all the way through, leaving me wholly satisfied at its conclusion.
All in all, a worth addition to an already magnificent series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

I cannot put my finger on just what it is about Robert Bryndza’s books that makes them so utterly readable. He seems to have the magic touch — his thrillers are fast-paced and gripping, his characters so vivid. His Erika Foster series is brilliant, and Lethal Vengeance, the eighth in the series, is no exception.
I was drawn in from the very start as Erika, complex as ever, meets her partner, Igor, for dinner. She’s in a complete state as she’s worked out he’s going to propose to her – and she simply isn’t ready for that. She’s frightened of loving someone again – she is happy with Igor, and it scares her. And so Erika, being Erika, simply avoids the moment – by disappearing and leaving the poor man stranded with his dinner. This is typical Erika, and yet, despite her sometimes misguided social skills, you can’t help but admire and like her.
Like her love life, her police work is complicated. She’s far too blunt and direct and difficult to manipulate for many of the higher-ups —she’s unlikely to toe the line should politicking require untruths or a cover-up.
In Lethal Vengeance Erika and her team must track down a cruel serial killer. Erika is lumped with an extra team member, one not of her choosing, and that she mistrusts. She’s also suspicious of a cover-up, as the first murder victim is an MP who turns out to have a rather nasty history. Despite being pressured from above, and suspicious of the motives of one of her team, Erika thrusts herself headfirst into the investigation, not always respecting the instructions of those higher in the pecking order. She knows she’s a good detective, and refuses to bow to pressure. Interestingly, we also meet the serial killer quite early on, gaining insight into their early years and motivation.
This is a great read, with loads of surprises and interesting twists. I raced through it and can’t wait for the next in the series.

Erika Foster has become a fabulous character. Years ago she became a widow and only recently began a relationship with a high school love. Reading how her cases cause a little friction for Igor is an unfortunate reality in police work. This case is intense, between political angles and mystery clues, Erika has numerous hurdles to solve it. We do hear from the murderer’s p.o.v. and their reasons for these deaths are substantial and completely understandable. The Foster series is exciting in a puzzling way that grips you and won’t let go. Her colleagues have her back, well most of them do, and there’s a thrill reading about their investigation techniques. Here’s to hoping Foster has plenty of cases and Bryndza keeps writing her story. Always a fan I feel lucky to have read an early copy and happy to leave my voluntary review.

An amazing thriller full of twists and turns. The plot is good without gaps and the main characters are very ‘realistic’. Brilliantly written - hooked me from the first pages. Highly recommended !!!

I have followed the adventures of Erika Foster since the beginning so was excited to receive this book as a review copy.
“Lethal Vengeance “is a serial killer mystery with many twists. . Whilst out on a date with her boyfriend, Igor, Erika finds herself first at the scene of an unexplained death of a well known MP. Keen to investigate Erika is happy to take on the case but inexplicably the death is ruled unexplained and murder does not seem to be suspected. Seemingly the powers that be seem to be trying to cover up the MP’s death and Erika is not happy with the way things are going.
Then a footballer is targeted in the same way in her own police district leading and the team begin to link the two cases.
The plot is cleverly constructed as it also alternates between Erika and the actual killer so the reader gradually gets to know them and finds out why they are doing what they are doing.
The murders are complicated and it is incredibly difficult to work out the connection between the victims but this is one of Erika’s strengths and gradually she works out what is going on.
I also enjoyed reading about her relationship with Igor and his son Tom. She fears too much commitment due to her background but is keen to do the right thing by Igor and Tom. She is really torn.
Although the murderer was revealed really early on the tension was maintained as it was not clear if they would be caught and even the last page of the book contained a twist.
I definitely recommend Lethal Vengeance as a five star read- it’s a great addition to the series but would equally work as a standalone.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

What a wonderful book although I would expect nothing less from such a talented author. Twists and turns and genuinely believable, characters and storylines. I always enjoy the relationship dynamics a gripping police procedural series. Once you discover this author you will be hooked.

Lethal Vengeance is a great addition to the series. Erika has moved on with her personal life although she feels stuck in her professional career. In this story she is searching for a killer who leaves behind signed photographs of the victims who apparently have nothing in common. Her work is followed closely by her superiors and she feels her and her team's work is being hampered by them. The story is fast-paced, well-written, and provides good entertainment for a few hours.
I thank Mr. Bryndza, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

Another brilliant crime thriller from Robert Bryndza.
I love this series and it’s always good to catch up with Erika and the team.
Erika is out having a meal at a top restaurant in London when she needs to get some air. Whilst away from the restaurant she comes across a murder. With the victim hog tied and showing clear signs of strangulation, Erika works quickly to secure the scene.
However, someone else has other plans and takes over the case.
A few months later Erika is called to another crime scene and this time it is a famous footballer who has also been hog tied and killed.
Erika and the team want to find the killer but several obstacles are put in their way to try and keep some information quiet, but as always, Erika is determined to find the killer.
This is a great crime thriller that I’d highly recommend.
Thanks to Raven Street Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Erika Foster is back!! And she has a boyfriend! This is a new direction for our favorite detective and throughout the book the reader sees the impact of that on her. In addition, she is getting fed up with the politics that shouldn't be involved in police work. Why are all these much younger less experienced people getting ahead of her? Well, as she and any of the series readers know, Erika pulls no punches! Is there a change coming for our by-the-book sleuth? The future doesn't matter. What does is this stunning maze of a serial killer hunt. Erika is at her finest!

Another great read in the DCI Erika Foster series. They just get better and better and darker and darker. If you love police crime/drama books you will love this series. I highly recommend starting from book 1 and they follow on from each other

Finally another Erika Foster novel.
When a politician is found trussed up and very dead, Erika thinks it is murder. When she is moved off of the case and an open verdict is announced she sense something is up, but deals with her other caseload.
Then a footballer is found dead in the same way and Erika smells a rat.
A high octane thriller which is what I have come to expect from Mr Bryndza. A good read.

I love the DCI Erika Foster series and this installment is fab. When erika is called to a murder scene, bolshy superintendent Fisk appears and takes over the case, Erica also has to cope with a new member of the team being forced on her., she also wonders whether Fisk has put a spy in the camp???? It appears on the surgace that the team are chasing their tails, especially with high profiled people being murdered, but why? Polaroids are also left with the body and signed Annabelle who is she? The team need to catch this killer and quick....... great action, gripped till the end. Highly recommend.

Erica is back and this case is a weird one! Things progress quickly and there is one twist after another. There is also some interesting developments in Erica's personal life. I waffled a little on Igor this go around. There was definitely some humor with his son Tom. The school line was one of my favorite scenes. The ending was great and also left me with my jaw dropped. Another great read by this author!

Lethal Vengeance (Detective Erika Foster, #8) by Robert Bryndza

My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Raven Street Publishing and author, Robert Bryndza for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for February 08, 2024.

If you follow along with this reader's review ramblings, you probably will have noticed that I bang on about reading 'in order'. And I do, I admit, well, bang on about it. So, it's about now that I must let you in on a confession. As I put my fingers to the keyboard to tell you all about Robert Bryndza's latest addition to the hugely addictive, Detective Erika Foster series, book #8 <i>Lethal Vengeance</i>….DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO. Yes, I confess that I have been reading this series out of order. [If you were thinking it was going to be something more salacious, sorry to disappoint!]

It's a testament to Bryndza's writing style that I've been able to read this series out of order.
🌟Brilliant pacing
🌟Enthralling storyline
🌟An excellent police procedural investigation (which focuses on the use of procedure and its officers)
🌟A strong and impassioned FMC
🌟Killer characters
🌟Enough backstory so that you never feel left behind

Calling all die hard police procedural crime lovers, there's a serial killer loose on the streets of London. First, conservative MP, Neville Lomas, aged 66. Officers from the Met Police were called to his central London apartment, where he was found unresponsive. Initially, his death was not thought to be suspicious. Then, the body of footballer, Jamie Teague, was found in his apartment in the new Greenwich One complex. Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster of Lewisham Row Police Station happened to be the first responding officer for each callout. Both victims were high profile. Both victims were bound and tied in the same way and found dead in their beds. But the similarities didn't end there. A series of photographs of the victim, each in various states of pose, were left at each crime scene, and all photographs had the name Annabelle written on them.

When DCI Foster searches the databases for similar crime scene scenarios, she turns up a third victim. Certain of her intuition that she is now hunting a serial, Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster, and her team (Detective Inspector Kate Moss, Detective Inspector James Peterson and Detective John McGorry) must use their combined skills and work as a team to catch the killer.

Now 50, DCI Foster is beginning to feel like a 'dinosaur' compared with her much younger colleagues. But Foster knows her worth, and she's not backward in coming forward to the Met's top brass that she still has what it takes. She was born to do this job. She's bold and calculating, she's opinionated, but she owns up to her flaws and this is part of what makes her extremely likeable and a great mentor.

Whilst I am a voracious reader, I'm not a fast reader, so it says a lot about a book when I finished it in one day. Short and punchy chapters, with the odd one interspersed from the POV of the killer will keep you riveted to the page. This is a cleverly crafted plot, filled with a good number of twists and surprises.

If you haven't had a chance to read this series, I recommend that you start with book 1, The Girl in the Ice; and yes, I have read that one!

So, for my final words on the subject? A hugely satisfying read that can be easily read as a stand-alone, but it always helps to read the previous books to learn the context of the individuals and their backstory!!!!!

I love the Erika Foster series and this book (8 in the series) did not disappoint!
Super twisty hunt for a killer.
I love the characters-they feel like real people.
Fast paced, left some unanswered questions…but the author said at the end he plans to continue the series.

4.5⭐ This book is part of a series (book 8) and my first book by Bryndza. I haven't read the others, and I feel like this can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this police procedural. Detective Erika Foster comes across a murder of a politician while out for Dinner. The case is quickly closed by the higher ups! Then another murder of a football player happens, Erika is on the case to find the murderer. You get chapters told by the murderer, who is fueled by revenge. While reading, there were times where I could actually empathize with the murderer. I found this book to be very suspenseful and intriguing and the plot was fast paced and very gripping. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books in this series.

Out February 8.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.