This is the second book in the Lexi Winter series and the pages flew by. If you haven't read the first book yet stop right here and don't read further - get 'Unforgiven' and then come back here.
Lexi is someone who has dealt with a lot of trauma, including terrible abuse as a child. She has always had to put up a tough facade and live life by her own rules. However, this book sees her as a freshly minted police officer trying to work within the rules and struggling.
Most characters from the first book are back, mainly Rachel and Finn, with Dawn, unfortunately only being referred too, although there is a strong indicator that a third book is on the horizon that may rectify this.
While I did really enjoy this second book, for me it didn't quite match the heights of the first book. Happy to recommend this, thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.

Loved the return of Lexi, with some questionable occupations revealed in the first book, she is now a probationary constable and still secretly using her computer hacking skills to continue searching for her nemesis.
Although this book does continue from the first, it certainly can be read as a stand-alone novel.
I really enjoyed the introduction of some new characters in the form of another police team and there was also some more delving into other private lives.
Lots of action but unfortunately for me, I have had a extraordinary busy fortnight and that reduced my reading time. It meant that this book had lots of interruptions and I would have preferred to read it much quicker…hence I may have rated 5 stars if I had the time to devour!
Eagerly await the next instalment, as I presume from the ending.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.

Retribution is an absolutely fabulous follow up to Unforgiven, I found this one extremely hard to put down and was engrossed from the get go. Please allow some time when you start reading because you will not want to stop!

Retribution is an action packed thrill ride with so much excitement around every corner. Lexi is one tough cookie and I adore the spunk of her character. This story was wonderfully plotted and came together in brilliantly.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for this early reading copy, Retribution is out now, and it gets a big 5 stars from me.

Lexi Winter is back and now she is a fully trained police officer. The book drags you straight in with Lexie chasing drug dealers through a train tunnel and to make it even more dangerous it's at night time. She comes out unscathed but her boss is not pleased with her. She still doesn't like authority and this makes it a great storyline. Lexi is working on her mission to bring down the Hamil's who are connected to her nemesis Damon Vaughn. She is out for revenge.

I absolutely loved book one in the Lexi Winter series and guess what I loved book two as well. Shock horror. Bring on book three because that phone call cliffhanger has me holding on. I need more Dawny escapades. You definitely need to read book one to get the back story and you won't be disappointed.

Thank you Harper Collins and Netgalley for a copy of this book for my honest review.

Another fantastic book! I loved Lexie in Unforgiven and I was very keen to get to know her better. Retribution is an action packed police procedural (although Lexi doesn't always follow procedure) that is basically nonstop from start to finish.
I found it to be a very engaging and enjoyable read.

Thank you to @netgalley and @harlequinaus for an ARC to read and review. Retribution is out now.

Although the main character, Lexi Winter, has already debuted in another book by the author, this one can be read as a stand-alone. To begin with I found it really hard to get to grips with Lexi and nearly gave up on the entire book, but I persisted and eventually her role as a police probationary officer with considerable computing expertise really grew on me.
This is an action packed novel that reads like a police TV show, with intersecting story lines and gritty characters. The relationship between the three main characters of Lexi, Finn and Rachael keeps the story going on an interpersonal level as they take on a criminal gang operating on the north coast not far from Sydney. I can see this being picked up by a streaming service in the future if it hasn’t been already.

This was my first time reading this author and this character. I think enough was covered about her briefly to understand where she was coming from.
I enjoyed the locations around Sydney, coming from Melbourne I had a vague idea and understood the lingo.
Lexi is real and raw, facing and tackling issues without really thinking of the outcome. She seemed likely to get her killed but had such a quick wit to save herself time and time again.
The story took me a while to get into but by the half way mark like a roller coaster it took off. Constant action, murder and danger kept me riveted. I had no clue and I loved that I was surprised.

Book blurb…
Once a vigilante, now a cop ... but Lexi Winter still plays by her own rules. A fast-paced, suspenseful thriller for readers of Candice Fox and Sarah Bailey.
Ace hacker, ex-prostitute, Jack Daniels drinker and part-time vigilante Lexi Winter is now working with the police, with a new enemy in her sights and an old foe on her mind.
Most probationary constables would baulk at chasing a drug dealer into a train tunnel in the dead of night - not Lexi. But when she emerges, injured but alive, to face the wrath of her boss it's clear that while Lexi may now be in uniform, she has as much trouble with authority as ever. Just to prove it, Lexi is quietly using her hacking skills to investigate a notorious drug-dealing Sydney crime family with links to her old prey, the paedophile Damon Vaughn.
As her colleague Detective Sergeant Finn Carson investigates a death on a Sydney building site that leads him to the picturesque Wondabyne train station on the Hawkesbury River, Inspector Rachael Langley oversees an enquiry that is becoming ever more complex as multiple lines of investigation seem to interweave.
What they don't know is that Lexi is the only one who can unravel them - if only she would toe the line ...

My thoughts…
This is the second Lexi Winter novel I have read and I enjoyed both stories.
I would not like to walk in Lexi’s shoes. She certainly lives a life of danger. The structure and plotting is well done and leads a reader down a path hand in glove with the police investigation. I always feel like I’m a part of the story with a Sarah Barrie book.

Really, really, really good (and three ‘really’ ratings are rare for me!) Well done and I look forward to the next story.

Retribution by Sarah Barrie is the second in the series featuring (former sex worker and computer hacker) Lexi as well as DI Rachael Langley and her nephew Finn Carson (also a cop), and I for one was excited by their return as I really liked Lexi when she was introduced in Unforgiven.

Here she's joined the police and when the book opens is on nightshift with a likeable new partner and mentor while secretly continuing to chase after Damon Vaughn, the man who'd tried to kill her when we last met.

It doesn't matter if you haven't read Unforgiven as you're caught up pretty weekly and the case/s here are only kinda related to the substance of the previous book through Vaughn's connection to the Hamill crime family. 

Although the Hamill family's been on the police's radar for a myriad of drug and firearm offences there's been little leverage. Until Lexi and her partner arrest grandsons of the patriarch. Unfortunately, results turn out to be dire and Lexi's given a harsh reminder that she now needs to be a team player as there are more lives than hers at risk. In order to find Vaughn she needs to unsettle the family however and manages to pick the family off (in a not-entirely-legal but non-violent way) one by one, resulting in arrests and sees her partnering up with Finn and working again with Rachael. 

This was a standout read for me. Barrie's created a strong group of complex characters in Lexi's sister Bailee, Rachael and Finn as well as newcomers to Rachael's team - one of whom I have my suspicions about.

My previous reviews of Barrie's work have commented on her ability to imbue a sense of place. This however is more about the characters and their stories and I enjoyed the dip into Finn's personal life and struggles with his daughter and ex-wife. There's a smidge of posturing but Barrie doesn't go down the cliched route of turf wars amongst police officers or pissing competitions between homicide and drugs and firearms squads. I came away with the feeling I'd observed something very real. This is very much about the people and the crimes they're solving, offered up effortlessly and elevating this to be an exceptional read.

4.5 stars

After reading the first in the series, Unforgiven, I was hooked. So imagine my delight when I realised there was a sequel!

Lexi, once a victim, turned vigilante, now a member of the New South Wales Police force - she is ready to take on one of the biggest crime families known to the area. Criminals who don't play by the rules, so either will Lexi.

Lexi is the hero I never knew i needed - here's to hoping this is not the end of Lexi's adventures!!

4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Special thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Once a vigilante, she’s now a cop….
Who doesn’t play by the rules.

Lexie Winter is back!!! After absolutely loving Unforgiven I have been waiting not so patiently for Retribution and I wasn’t disappointed!

Lexie is now a cop but she’s not a rule follower. Her smart mouth and actions end up with her in trouble with her superiors. She’s using her skills to track and bring down a crime family with links to paedophile Damon Vaughn. DI Rachael Langley and DS Finn Carson are back bringing Lexie into their investigation when they realise their cases are linked.

I cannot get enough of Lexie Winter! She makes you laugh, admire her toughness all the while capturing glimpses of her soft, caring side. This was a wild ride with non-stop action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Be prepared to not be able to put this book down.

Available to purchase now. Thank you to @harlequinaus and @netgalley for the eARC.

Lexi Winter, computer hacker and vigilante is now a probationary cop. In the real world - no way! In a book - what fun.

Lexi is based at Wyong, which is not far north from me in Sydney. I loved watching all the familiar place names. The book is a roller coaster of action beginning with the death of a cop and continuing with multiple murders, shootings, beatings and even explosions.

I enjoyed Lexi's character and her bravado, and it went well with those of D.S Finn Carson and Inspector Rachael Langley. I always like police procedurals and when a computer genius like Lexi is brought into play they are even more interesting.

This was a nicely written and very exciting book and I look forward to Lexi's continuing story.

I am so excited to have discovered through Netgalley a wonderful Australian author who I had never heard of! This book felt so exciting because Sarah captures various facets of Australian culture so well, and weaves them into her investigative story. I don't want to say anymore as I don't want to give anything away. Pick this up if you're a crime fan!

Retribution by Sarah Barrie is the second in the Lexi Winter series. While I haven’t read the first, Unforgiven, it might have been a good idea. However while there were a lot of references back to the first story where Lexi is a vigilante and had some pretty terrifying experiences, it didn’t really stop me from enjoying this nail biting, tense story of Lexi as a probationary cop where she struggles to refrain from doing her own thing rather than work with her police force team.

Fast moving with a lot of twists and unexpected turns keeping the reader on the edge especially when a criminal family is seeking revenge. Being IT savvy Lexi using her skills to ‘seek and destroy’ which leads to some terrifying moments!

Highly recommended read.


This review is based on a complimentary copy from Harlequin Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The first book in the Lexi Winter series, Unforgiven, is an amazing tale, so getting an early copy of the next book Retribution was a big thumbs up from me.

And wow. Just wow. Retribution is an adrenalin-inducing, non-stop heart thumping conclusion to this particular storyline (I am hoping there will be more Lexi Winter in the future.)

Lexi is now skirting the line between vigilante and police officer, and as frustrating as it is for her and her supervisors,I love how they give her room to do her "thing" as well as getting her to toe the line.

I needed to turn each page to find out what was happening, while also wondering what twists and turns we would be taken on next.

I just loved this story and I look forward to more from Sarah Barrie in the future.

Retribution is the highly energetic follow up to Sarah Barrie’s first Lexi Winter novel, Unforgiven. She started off as an avenging vigilante who took down paedophile denizens of the dark web. She’s now become a little more legit, having earned her probationary constable stripe in the New South Wales Police force. But she’s still the same driven, rule-breaking force of nature as she ever was.

While learning the ropes under the tutelage of her seasoned partner Rico, Lexi is also putting in many long hours tracking down the child predator Damon Vaughn and his partner Debbie Reynolds. Her quest has led her into the midst of the notorious Hamill crime family. To take down Vaughn and Reynolds she has vowed to also take down the Hamills, but they are ruthlessly protective of their patch and are willing to wreak all kinds of vengeance on anyone who gets in their way.

Inspector Rachael Langley heads up a murder investigation that places the Hamill family firmly in the crosshairs and, understanding the value she can add to the case, draws Lexi in despite her low official rank.

Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Finn Carson has his hands full with a suspicious death on a building site. The chief suspect has gone missing and was last seen getting off a train up on the Central Coast. He also makes use of Lexi’s superb observational skills and her remarkable computer savvy.

There are many moments of great violence throughout the book, but this is also tempered by the ongoing development of the three principal characters. It’s not always smooth sailing but we are getting a great feel for what makes each of them tick along with a great sense of mutual respect that is clearly developing.

But there’s a constant question that demands to be answered throughout this book and, I don’t know if it was. Is Lexi Winter suited to the rules and regulations imposed on her by being a police officer? She challenges the ties that bind her with her vigilante tendencies repeatedly slipping out and it remains a sore point for all concerned. We’ll see how things play out as she careens into the next book in the series.

The pace is frenetic with multiple cases demanding the attention of Rachael, Finn and, of course, Lexi. However, her presence in the homicide squad isn’t appreciated by all members of the team and this creates an air of tension to go with the pressures of the job. On top of that is the ever-present danger of the Hamill family who are looking to seek retribution.

Retribution benefits from a strong cast of characters, an over-the-top nasty crime family and plenty of sharp dialogue that injects good doses of humour between some full-on confrontations.

This is a wonderful sequel to the first book in the series (Unforgiven) and has established Lexi Winter as a character I want to read more about. This is high quality stuff.

The second book featuring protagonist Lexi Winter, Retribution by Sarah Barrie is a quality action crime thriller. Whilst Lexi is now a police probationary constable, her former computer hacker and vigilante talents are called upon as she pursues old enemies. The first three chapters feature different characters and events, yet over time, the narrative weaves these into an action-packed, tension-building story that you cannot stop wanting to read. Having no knowledge of Lexi’s backstory is no disadvantage for this enjoyable police procedural set in New South Wales. A truly remarkable tale with a sassy hero, delightful characters and plenty of action, making it a four and a half star crime read rating. With thanks to Harlequin Australia and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.

I have been eagerly awaiting this book and WOW, WOW, WOW truly Lexie just keep getting better, Sarah Barrie you have written a brilliant story that had me up very late last night, come a long a see how Lexie does her best to take down the enemy and is she getting closer to catching the paedophile Damon Vaughn.

After everything that happened last time Lexie is now a probationary constable working out of Wyong police station, her partner Rico is the best partner for her, Lexie is still finding it hard to overcome all the rules that are in place. When they go after a couple of drug dealers this leads to a much bigger case that the police force is investigating, that of a big drug dealing crime family, who also have links to someone that Lexie is determined to bring to justice her way.

Detective Sergeant Finn Carson is working on a murder case at a construction company this leads to links to the crime family which Inspector Racheal Langley and the drug and firearm squad are tracking, with more bodies turning up and links joining, Lexie is using her skills to do what she does and uncover more information when the lead boss Craig finds out what Lexie is doing they get her working with them, this does not sit well with all of the team members but Lexie is her true self and does what she does and so well.

This story is action packed, fast paced and filled with danger with bodies turning up everywhere, Lexie is devastated at what has happened and more than ever determined to get answers. Lexie is working hard and getting herself in trouble in so many ways, I love Lexie no matter what is going on, no matter what danger is there she is still so smart and witty and just her, she clashes with so many of the team for what she feels is right.

Sarah Barrie has created a character who is the best, she is strong, determined, sassy, smart, and witty and knows what she is doing, no matter how tough things are Lexie made me laugh and smile as well as worry. With all of the awesome characters back this time Rachael, Finn and the friendships they have it was awesome to catch up with them. This is a book that I highly recommend I loved Unforgiven and this one continues in such a fabulous way, I am really looking forward to seeing more of Lexie as she works to get her enemy in her own special way.

My thanks to Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

Lexi Winter is back!

We were first introduced to Lexi in Sarah Barrie’s 2021 novel Unforgiven, since then Lexi has joined the police force, graduated from the academy and is walking the beat as a probationary constable.

One night whilst chasing down a couple of young lads suspected of drug dealing she is separated from her partner and this leads to an unexpected chain of events which are destined to shape the type of officer she will become.

Following the events of that night Lexi is forced to take leave, though she is still hell bent on getting a result she resorts to the skills learnt in her vigilante days.

I was thrilled that Inspector Rachael Langley & Detective Sergeant Finn Carson return in Retribution and continue to have significant part in the storyline.

Retribution is an immersive read, it is a fast paced, action packed crime thriller, that will have you holding your breath.

Without a doubt I could not have enjoyed this book more, I found it impossible to put down, especially the last half, and just when I thought the story had reached its climax there was one more twist to catch me by surprise.

I would not hesitate in recommending Retribution to anyone who enjoys police procedural, murder mystery and a twisty thriller with a large dusting of the underbelly world all wrapped up.

Last year I really enjoyed Unforgiven, at least in part due to the change in direction for its author Sarah Barrie, firmly planting her in dark, gritty thriller territory. If anything, this follow-up is even better.

Lexi Winter has been busy since last time we met her. She's graduated at the top of her class at the Police Academy, and has managed to snag a posting as a probationary constable near her home. Working with a considerate and reliable partner, Rico, Lexi is finding her feet in her new role. But when the pair cross members of the notorious Hamill crime family, they could both be in danger.

Meanwhile back in Sydney DS Finn Carson is filling in for his aunt DI Rachael Langley when a call comes through to the overworked Homicide team to alert them to a suspicious death on a construction site. Could it be a safety breach, or something more sinister?

When both cases are found to be tied to a tiny unmanned train station, Lexi is the only one who can put the pieces together quickly enough to avoid more deaths. Seconded to Rachael's team she's finding obstacles coming from every direction; suspicious colleagues, a rule-driven force, and not to mention some hardcore criminals who want to see her dead. Lexi's life is never boring!

I was on the edge of my seat reading this one and enjoyed every minute. I mean, sure, there's no way a probationary cop would be given such a long leash, but where's the fun in that?? Lexi, Rachael and Finn make such a great crime-fighting team and now that they're ostensibly all on the same page, they're unstoppable.

Sarah Barrie, I want more!