Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Maddox

Rules for keeping Hiro nice and safe (who am I kidding?):

#1: Don’t go anywhere alone with ghosts

#2: Don’t leave your cell phone sitting ten feet away when you frequently run into trouble

#3: Don’t play dirty movies for my boss and blame it on the dead

#4: Have a peaceful and romantic vacation with no interruptions

Hiro

Maddox foolishly believes we need any rules when we’re simply going to Japan to meet my extended family. What’s he think we’re going to do? Run into a serial killer? Like that would ever happen (let’s pretend it didn’t happen recently).

We’re going to relax, see the sights, spend some romantic nights together, try not to fret about meeting my family… and stop someone from being killed. (Weirdly, that last one wasn’t on the itinerary.)

When my cousin’s boyfriend shows up surrounded by ghosts, I wonder whether it’s some kind of premonition of what’s to come. The ghosts are unresponsive and fixated on their target, making Maddox and me question if we’re working against the clock to save this man. The two of us discover a disturbing pattern of people haunted by ghosts who are predicting their imminent death, and we’re swept into danger. Far from home, we’re left relying on my found family of rather unique ghosts who would risk their lives for me… if they still had lives to risk.

Maybe Maddox needs to change his rules a bit.

 

Book Review

“Running toward danger is foolhardy. ... But so is closing your eyes to it. Many perils become less dangerous once you understand their potential hazards.” ~  Brandon Mull, Rise of the Evening Star

 

Hiro and Maddox, of 'Retribution' by Alice Winters, need a vacation, far away from their usually chaotic life of ghosts, murder investigations, and mayhem. They, along with Hiro's menagerie of ghosts, travel to Japan to meet and visit with Hiro's blood family while relaxing and enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, this isn't to be. On the flight, ghosts with unresolved issues appear, and with the help of his ghost squad, Hiro does his best to sort them out.

 

When Hiro meets Hikaru, his cousin Yumi's boyfriend, he sees ghosts surrounding him. From experience, Hiro recognizes it as a sign he is in danger of dying soon. Hiro explains his observation to Maddox, who is unhappy but resigned. Maddox accepts that being with Hiro means going with the flow wherever it may lead. As lunch goes on, Hiraku seems anxious and unable to relax. When Hiraku receives a call, he excuses himself to talk privately. Hiro finds Hikaru and helps save him.  

 

As Hiraku recovers in the hospital, Hiro and Maddox attempt to enjoy their vacation without further incident. But before leaving, they run into Charlotte, the eccentric, overly friendly woman they met on the flight. Hiro has the same experience with Charlotte as he did with Hikaru; there are ghosts about. The difference is that these ghosts are afraid of her and rush away. Naturally, Hiro is alarmed at their reaction and decides to investigate further.

 

I enjoyed reading 'Retribution’, but it was a bit overwhelming with too many characters and storylines going in different directions. I loved getting to know Hiro's mom and brother. The snark and deadpan humor were just as hilarious as ever. The ghosts were just as outrageous as always but played a more helpful role in this book.  Hiro will always be a magnet for trouble, and Maddox will always be a saint for supporting him. Thank you, Alice, for giving the guys another great adventure!

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 376 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	19-November-2024
Price	$5.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Retribution-Medium-Trouble-Book-ebook/dp/B0DLBVWXH1