Retribution [Hardcover]

Jilliane Hoffman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 2004

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

Editorial Reviews

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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 420 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Adult; 1st edition (January 5, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399151273
• ISBN-13: 978-0399151279
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (142 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #422,543 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ho Hum??? They're kidding right?, January 13, 2004

By 

William C. Smith "Grateful Reader" (Swannanoa, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Retribution (Hardcover)

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is one of my favorite books!!, February 28, 2006

By 

carolyn keene - See all my reviews

This review is from: Retribution (Hardcover)

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!!

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking thrill ride!, April 3, 2005

By 

Victoria Tarrani "writer, editor, artist, des... (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Retribution (Paperback)

.
This is one book that has stayed in my mind since I read it when it was first published.

It's hard to image the horror of rape and torture, but Jilliane Hoffman caught the experience through her words better than any book I read or movie I've seen.

The woman is C.J. Townsend, and through quirks of fate, she faces the monster 12 years later in court. The statute of limitations on her rape has passed, but she knows that he is vicious and she has the legal expertise to put him away for another crime, and he might well have done it -- the evidence certainly points to him. That is a compelling story in itself, but the book is so much deeper.

Is he guilty of the crime for which she is prosecuting? Should she recuse herself or can she be fair? Could anyone be fair?

The courtroom drama is brilliant and there is no getting lost in various legal issues. It is not filled with unnecessary details and jargon.

Her scenes are so vivid that I feel as if I have first hand information about what a rape victim goes through in trying to both remember and forget at the same time. That information has given me insight into others.

This is fast paced and intriguing. It is a first class read.