Book: Vendetta
Author: Dreda Say Mitchell
Publisher: Hodder Paperbacks
Price: Paperback £6.99
Review by Andrea Enisuoh
Vendetta, Dreda Say Mitchell’s sixth novel, is a fantastically fast paced read, as expected, but it’s also a departure from her usual style. Though still a crime novel, it is chiefly a murder mystery that keeps you guessing from the first chapter.
At a time when some almost unbelievable stories have hit the news headlines about undercover police officers infiltrating ‘anti social’ groups with a few even fathering children, it is timely that Mitchell decided to change tack.
The main character Mac, an undercover police officer, wakes up in a sleazy hotel room covered in blood, with little memory of the night before. What he does know is that he was meeting a woman called Elena – and now she is stone cold dead in the bathroom.
His recently fired gun is on the floor and police are about to storm the hotel. After making a hasty – and daring – escape from the hotel, he sets out to avenge Elena’s murder, but he has just 24 hours in which to do it.
Vendetta is an original and gripping story. There are so many twists and turn I got dizzy reading it. When reading murder mysteries we often try and second guess who the villains are. This book will keep you guessing until the bitter end with a few surprises along the way.
Mitchell’s work has always been praised for producing strong characters. This book is no exception. Many readers will sympathise with Mac, but for me, the strongest character is Detective Inspector Rio Wray, a determined and principled black woman who is searching for Elena’s killer.
Wray has fought against the police service’s canteen culture and is focused on getting the job done. People will want to read more about her, of that I have no doubt.
This book is not for the faint-hearted. There are a lot of violent, even sadistic scenes, but there is certainly traction for it to be made into a film. And I for one am really hoping there is a sequel.
Vendetta was a risky move. Mitchell has gained a huge following with books like Killer Tune and Gangster Girl. Undoubtedly some of her fans may be hesitant at her change in genre. But they can rest easy. This is her best work yet.