Heroes & Villains

The Revenge Pact by Liz Mistry is a gripping contemporary crime thriller that totally consumed me. It is the second book in the Solanki & McQueen series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first as there is a background story, begun in the first book, which runs underneath the main story. The ending reminds us that there is unfinished business which will be carried over to the next book.

I have to say the writing is superb. I loved the juxtaposing of opposites within a single sentence. “I’m clinging to life so that I can cause death.”

We follow gang-related crimes in Edinburgh and Glasgow, as decades old feuds continue. Turf wars between rival gangs mean trust is in short supply and memories are long.

A cold case is resurrected and reignites a desire to bring the guilty to justice.

All the characters were well drawn and realistic. They are rough, tough and ready – the criminals and police. There is no honor among thieves. In contrast the Jazz Queens in the force have each other’s backs.