Thank you to NetGalley and Raven Street for my copy of Lethal Vengeance by Robert Bryznda

Erika Foster is back after a long 18 months without her. And it is well worth the wait.
Trying to solve a politicians murder and being stalked by the shadowy men at the heart of government Erika has to have all her wits about her.
When another high profile man suffers the same fate Erika must find the link before anyone else is killed.
A great read, wonderful to have the team back together.

Even though this is a continuation of a previous series, I think you get enough context to enjoy the story if you jump right in. Erika is a multifaceted character, and I like her black sheep/contrarian position she has. She is in the search for the truth, no matter what the cost. The mystery and the murders are particularly gruesome, in escalating brutality throughout the book, almost to the point of excess for me. There are a lot of characters that you're unsure if you can trust, and there is a deeper mystery that needs unraveling which adds to the urgency to solve. I flew through this with excitement! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

Robert Bryndza's latest DCI Erika Foster is a brilliant addition to his Lewisham based crime series, with the sky high tension in the most challenging of her cases, facing the kind of obstacles that have her feeling her age. Erika is 50 years old, seemingly hitting a glass ceiling, despite having a unbeatable crime solve rate, but her integrity and unwavering commitment to truth and justice has made her implacable enemies in the police hierarchy. On a personal level, she has a partner, Igor, all is going well, they are having dinner at an exclusive establishment which has her uncomfortable and leaving to get some fresh air. On her return, she enters the wrong door, and finds herself the scene of a hog tied dead man, a well known politician, Neville Lomas MP, but she is soon pushed off the case which is led by Superintendent Dan Fisk.

There is little Erika is able to do when the case is speedily shut down by higher ups with the conclusion of death by natural causes. An investigation that is necessarily reopened after a similar MO death of controversial famous footballer, Jamie Teague, could only be murder. Bizarrely, the killer could only be one of 5 women caught on video, all made up to look identical, 'the glitch in the matrix girls'. Erika is in charge of an case in which her control is under constant threat from Commander Paul Marsh, giving orders that she finds difficult to follow. Moreover, whilst Erika can rely on her regular team that includes DI Peterson, DI Kate Moss, and John McGorry, she is less certain of a new addition, Dahlia Beck. The story includes the perspective of the killer, driven by vengeance, with their experience and history of the terrors and abuse within a residential children's home..

With other murders taking place, Erika and her team are up against a truly smart and intelligent murderer who we might find ourselves empathising with, Annabelle, they struggle to identify her, and any solid evidence that will help to convict her, particularly given her 'insurance policy'. Erika has to face down the kind of draconian establishment pressure that will blame the innocent whilst letting the powerful off. This is a complex and multilayered crime read that grips from beginning to end, with a well established protagonist who is undergoing constant skilful character development, keeping the series both fresh and engaging. I look forward with great anticipation to the next in the series! Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

I do so enjoy reading a book where the main character is DCI Erika Foster.
A rebel of a detective who always wants to do her best for victims,no matter the consequences from 'higher-ups ' in the chain of command.
This latest read is no exception finding Erika going up against the Government as well as her own superiors trying to tie her hands behind her back, so to speak,.
Excellent read

'Lethal Vengeance ' by Robert Bryndza. This is the latest in the Detective Erika Foster series, which began with the excellent 'The girl in the ice" . These are good solid thrillers and Erika is a good character who has developed over time. I also love the pathologist Issac Strong. The series has had some highs and lows but this is a good page turner about a disturbed but highly intelligent woman who commits a series of crimes for her own reasons. Can Erika stop her before time runs out? I think you know the answer! If you are looking for readable thrillers, these would fit the bill!

3.5*

#bookrecommendations #bookstagramireland #bookstagram #thriller

The latest Erika Foster - and brilliant, as ever! High-profile men are being found murdered, hog-tied in bed, leading to the search for a serial killer. However, Erika's investigation seems to be repeatedly thwarted by the 'higher-ups'. A 'man in a grey suit' comes to 'warn' her off.
A sex worker is sought, but CCTV around her latest victim gives no clues as to the identity. they cover their tracks superbly. Someone is trying to keep everything under wraps; too high-profile personalities are involved, going to the heart of the establishment. The back story is fascinating and you actually feel empathy for the perpetrator - a sign of Bryndza's superb storytelling and writing. It's easy-flowing, exciting and addictive - and I can't wait for the next instalment. My only regret is that Bryndza has aged Erika so rapidly - she's 50 now. Please slow down so we get a good number more, of books around her. She's too good to lose!

I am late to the Bryndza train, so I have not read all of the Erika Foster series, but I enjoy what I have read, and do not feel that I have missed so much that I cannot enjoy each book as it comes along.

There were many twists and turns in this installment. I liked the premise of this one, the way the murder occured was different and unusual.

However, I did find it dragging a bit in the middle, and I found myself skipping chapters written from the POV of one particular character. And I am not sure if I was supposed to dislike some characters as much as I did, when I haven't been like this about them before.

I do look forward to more Erika Foster series, and more work by Bryndza in the future.

A new Erika Foster thriller is always a cause for celebration, and this, the eighth installment in the series, got the party going with a bang. With a scintillating plot, shady political shenanigans, and my favorite female detective going rogue in style, I found it an intoxicating, propulsive read.

There’s a serial killer on the loose in London, one with a very distinctive MO and calling card: Polaroid photos of the gagged and hog-tied victims, signed by ‘Annabelle’. It couldn’t be more obvious, but when Erika suggests a link between the death of a celebrity footballer and that of a high-profile MP, she’s quickly warned off, both by her bosses and the political establishment. Then the bodies start piling up.

Bryndza is a member of that exalted cadre of authors that effortlessly combines the intricacies of a complex crime procedural with the fascination of a multifaceted and likeable MC. I’m sure I’m not alone in reading this series as much to catch up with Erika as to revel in the thrill of a another brilliantly plotted murder investigation.

And here, as always, Bryndza perfectly balances these two aspects of his narrative.

I loved that the main procedural thread was broken up by brief chapters from Annabelle’s POV, letting the reader into her mind and gradually revealing her motives and desire for vengeance. I actually quite liked her, as she came across as an intelligent and wronged antagonist rather than a cold-blooded killer.

But as usual, it was Erika who stole the show for me. She’s such a great character; having overcome personal tragedy and misogyny to reach the rank of DCI in a job that she loves. She’s bold and feisty without being brash, has great instincts and the loyalty and respect of her team. But she also has an endearingly vulnerable side, and I once again enjoyed reading about developments in her private life. Is it too optimistic to be holding out for a happy ever after with Igor?

Already looking forward to book nine.

Another cracker from Mr B. I like Erika and she never has an easy time, poor dab ,and this was no exception .Great story, and a puzzling series of murders ,kept me page turning as fast as I could read. Terrific ,I loved it.

I've been with this series since the first book was published back in 2016, so I'm very excited to see new sequels popping up more regularly again. The Detective Erika Foster series is easily one of my favorite detective series, both because of the cast of characters and the writing itself. The books tend to be fast-paced, extremely engaging and suspenseful, and Lethal Vengeance is no exception to that rule. It turned out to be yet another successful detective slash serial killer thriller!

Before I continue, I have to stress that while you can technically read Lethal Vengeance as a stand-alone without missing out on too much information, I personally wouldn't recommend it. The previous books are all excellent detective thrillers, and you won't fully appreciate the little nuances in Erika's character as well as the dynamics with the rest of the team otherwise... The case in this sequel stand on its own though, and it's another serial killer murder investigation; although this time with a conspiracy-vibe twist.

Lethal Vengeance uses a POV structure that switches between our detective Erika Foster and the killer: Annabelle. I always love a good serial killer POV, so I was especially intrigued to learn more about Annabelle and her motivations to do what she does. This doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy spending time with Erika though, and I liked what both POVs contributed to the plot. There is quite some focus on child abuse, abuse in general as well as rape along the way, so make sure to brace yourself for some trigger warning worthy content as well as the usual dose of murder.

There is something about the writing that makes it incredibly easy to fly through the story, and the only reason I didn't read Lethal Vengeance in one sitting was because I simply didn't have the time. The banter helps balance everything out, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged... In a way it was a shame you already know who is behind it all with Annabelle's POV being so prominent, but since you don't know her 'real' identity there is still some speculation possible. There is also the conspiracy vibe to consider, and the mysterious man and threats popping up to keep you on your toes.

If you are looking for an engaging, suspenseful and twisted serial killer slash detective thriller, Lethal Vengeance is a great choice! I can highly recommend the whole series for that matter.

As much as I love Robert Bryndza's Kate Marshall series I am always very excited when there is a new Erika Foster book out. I can't believe that this is book eight in the series already! It only seems like five minutes since The Girl in The Ice came out and I've been a huge fan of his ever since. It has been interesting watching Erika's development as the books progress. This book opens with Erika and her boyfriend Igor on a date at the restaurant at the top of the Oxo Tower. Something that would not have seemed possible just a few books ago. However Erika is anxious and afraid that Igor is going to propose and manages to escape in a panic from the venue leaving her phone on the table.

Reentering the building by a different door she stumbles across a woman reporting a murder on the fourth floor to the police. Neville Lomas was a member of parliament and he has been hog tied naked on his bed with masking tape over his mouth. A series of polaroid photos has been placed next to him, signed Annabel. Although Erika is first on the scene she soon realises that this is a particularly sensitive case and it is apparent that she is being pushed out and that something is being covered up. The Met Police quickly rule that death is from natural causes and the case is closed.

It is only when a well known footballer is found in the same position some months later that they realise that a serial killer is on the loose and targeting some very different men. Who is the mysterious Annabel and what do they all have in common? As Erika starts to sift through the evidence and finds more linked deaths it becomes a race against time to find the killer before they can strike again.

Lethal Vengeance was one of my favourite books in the Erika series. Not only do we have the bad ass female lead detective but we also have a clever and dangerous woman with a terrible past committing the crimes. Although Robert will not easily be forgiven for that cliff hanger ending! Bring on the next book very very soon!

Supplied by Net Galley and Raven Street Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

UK Publication date: Feb 8 2024. 407 pages.

Another excellent novel from the master Robert Bryndza. It was so lovely to be back with Erika Foster as she investigates the links between the deaths of a politician and a superstar footballer.
As always there are plenty of twist and turns as well as clashes with those in authority. Erika ontinues to follow her instincts and often refuses to follow the party line. She hets results but often upsets her superiors on the way

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Feb. 8, 2024
“Lethal Vengeance” is the eighth in the series of Robert Bryndza’s DCI Erika Foster novels. “The Girl in the Ice” was the first introduction to DCI Foster and her crew, and it hooked me from the start. I have had the privilege to read and review all of Bryndza’s Erika Foster novels, and if “Lethal Vengeance” isn’t the best one yet, it sure comes close!
A prominent government MP is found murdered- hog tied in his hotel room, with Polaroids of his death beside him, labeled only with a name, “Annabelle”. Erika Foster is first on the scene and immediately submerges herself into the investigation. Erika’s bosses and many other higher-ups want the death identified as “natural causes” and covered up. Until a famous footballer is found dead in the same way, with the same set of Polaroids. Going against direct orders, Erika is determined to find out who is behind the missing celebrities, and what their motive is.
For those of you not familiar with Bryndza, his novels are like many police procedurals in that you do not need to read his previous novels in the series in order to follow along. However, unlike many, Bryndza’s characters are intriguing and relatable, and their relationships are genuine and, at times, hilarious, and I recommend reading as many Erika Foster novels as you can. Erika continues to be a force to be reckoned with- solving crimes and taking names!
The plot of “Lethal Vengeance” focuses on bad men in power doing nasty things and getting their comeuppance. Due to this, there is no “bad guy” necessarily, as the person responsible is someone who, against my better judgment, gained my sympathy. Right from the beginning, we know who the responsible party was so there was no guessing game, but the creative path Foster takes to identify them is exceptionally unique (for example, “the glitch in the Matrix girls” was not only hilarious but an exceptional way to disguise the suspect!)
I am hopeful that Erika Foster will return in a ninth instalment, as I will definitely be jumping at the chance to read it. Bryndza continues to deliver with his Erika Foster series, and, after eight novels, I am still captivated by all that Foster has to offer and I’m left wanting more!

Diving into "Lethal Vengeance" by Robert Bryndza felt like catching up with an old friend after a year-long hiatus from Erika Foster's world. It's the eighth book in the series, and even though it's been a while since I delved into Erika's investigations, it was like picking up where I left off – as if no time had passed at all.
The author skillfully ensures that even newcomers or those who haven't read the series in a while can enjoy this as a standalone. The crimes investigated are lovely and gruesome, adding a captivating layer to the narrative. The tangled plot is executed with finesse, leaving me thoroughly satisfied by the end.
Eagerly awaiting the next book, I'm hopeful that Robert Bryndza is writing at a swift pace. This review encapsulates the joy of reuniting with a beloved series, showcasing the author's ability to maintain a compelling storyline and leaving readers, including myself, anticipating the next thrilling chapter in Erika Foster's adventures.

Erika Foster is back! And with her our beloved Moss, Peterson, McGorry and Crane ( well Marsh is back too but no thank you )

Erika was always a thorn in the higher ups sides but it comes to a new level in Lethal Vengeance. We have some signed NDA's, weird guys in grey suits and it seems like there is an overall conspiracy brewing which was really enjoyable to read!

The whole book kept you on your toes as you didn't only have the Killer but also the hiding and secrets. Throw in a new unlikeable Team member and the highly exciting book is ready.

Oh and it ends with a serious cliffhanger ;) so it keeps you wanting more!

Thank you to Raven Street Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another exciting episode in the Erika Foster series. The murder of a sleazy politician and then a premiership footballer starts everything off and as usual Erika ploughs her own path despite hurdles placed in her way by the top brass and a dark character from a government agency . An intriguing perpetrator with a master plan of revenge for past deeds is Erika’s opposition and the eventual shock ending leaves one thirsting for more! Excellent.

Another excellent read in the DCI Erika Foster series. Set in London, Erika is investigating the murder of a politician found dead in his flat. The plot is twisty, complex and quite gripping which kept me engrossed until the end. The characterisation is excellent, I am really liking young Tom, and the characters are well developed. There are lots of layers to this book, all very skilfully woven together by the author. I loved it! Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

‘Please, God, don’t let this be a proposal, thought Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster.’

Stepping out of a restaurant to avoid a potentially awkward moment, DCI Foster returns via another door and, following the noise of a commotion, finds a naked man, hog-tied and dead in his bed, accompanied by a number of Polaroid photographs. Neville Lomas was a politician, the investigation is taken from DCI Foster and quickly ruled to be a death from natural causes. Then, sometime later, the bodies of a casting director and a star footballer are found murdered and positioned in the same way. Yes, a serial killer is at work.

DCI Foster’s involvement in the investigation has a few challenges, including a new staff member she is unsure of. And why is the hierarchy so nervous about these cases?

In a parallel story, we read about a young girl who was placed in foster care. Her treatment at the hands of so-called carers has her swearing vengeance against those responsible for her pain. She is clever and ruthless and seems to know quite a lot about some very powerful (and increasingly nervous) men.

Mr Bryndza ramps up the tension while balancing the story of the girl, the murder investigations as well as giving us more insight into Erika Foster’s personal life. And the ending had me wanting more.

While I’ve read several of Mr Bryndza’s other novels, I have only read two of the novels in this series. Yes, they can be read as standalones, but I find Erika Foster intriguing and want to read more.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Robert Bryndza is a fantastic thriller writer, the Erika Foster series is stand out. Lethal Vengeance does not disappoint. 5 stars!

It is so good to have Erika Foster back! As much as I enjoy all of Robert Bryndza's books, it is this series which stands out. Erika has come a long way since The Girl In The Ice and her life has been full of drama. In this new novel, she discovers the body of a politician tied up and naked, but the case is dismissed as natural causes. However, when a footballer is discovered in similar circumstances, a serial killer is thought to be at large. Detective Foster must work out the connections, but finds herself thwarted at every turn. Enthralling.