Casey Vice: Spitfire of Vengeance is a crime thriller novella written by Joseph Rousell. When she was eight years old, Casey and her big brother Cameron’s biggest problem was getting their five-year-old little sister, LeAnn, to play Monopoly by the rules, which meant sticking with the game piece she started out with. LeAnn knew that Casey would always give in to her demands even if Cameron gave Casey a hard time afterwards. Everything changed, however, on a typical late afternoon when their mom was preparing dinner and their dad, Captain Richard Vice, was due home at any minute. When not one, but two cars pulled up into the driveway, Casey wondered who was in that second car as no guests were expected.

Her mom swiftly went outside, shutting the door behind her. Moments later, the stunned children heard gunshots and the sound of their mother screaming. Cameron knew instinctively what to do. He herded his sisters to their dad’s safe room and bolted the door. Captain Vice headed an elite unit whose sole purpose was to take down organized crime in Saturn City, hence his custom-designed safe room. When the police arrived, Cameron and Casey were horror-stricken to learn that their parents were dead. Fifteen years later, they were still looking for LeAnn, who had been swept away by social services into foster care. Casey was now an elite officer herself, a detective who was determined to carry on her father’s legacy.

Casey Vice: Spitfire of Vengeance is a fast-paced and exciting story that had me visualizing the action as I read. Rousell’s characters are well-defined and credible, and I loved seeing Casey stand up to the mob and earn her brother’s nickname, Spitfire of Vengeance. The plot works wonderfully with that initial shocking scene propelling the reader into the story and making him/her feel invested in the outcome of Casey’s meeting with the mob boss. Casey Vice: Spitfire of Vengeance is as much fun as any graphic thriller novel I’ve encountered. Rousell’s writing makes imagining each scene quite an effortless and enjoyable pastime. Casey Vice: Spitfire of Vengeance is most highly recommended.

Casey Vice: Spitfire of Vengeance by Joseph Rousell is a crime novel centered around a 23-year-old detective called Casey Vice, nicknamed Spitfire of Vengeance. When she was eight, her parents were murdered in a shooting in front of their home. Casey, her brother, and younger sister were left as orphans. As an adult, Casey dedicates her life to fighting organized crime. A certified workaholic, she follows in her father's footsteps, working in the Criminal Intelligence Organized Crime Unit in Saturn City, an organization he started. She comes to the attention of Shawn Anderson, head of Saturn City's mafia. He contacts her, requesting she pay him a visit in person at his private estate. She does so, putting herself in a very vulnerable position. He makes her an offer and she has no option but to refuse. Unfortunately, this leaves her in deadly danger and with a bounty on her head.

This is a short novel but it packs a punch. Casey Vice is a feisty woman doing a difficult job and I couldn't help but feel empathy with her, especially after the tragic loss of her parents. All the characters are strong, realistic and interesting. The crime-fighting plot line is engaging. I was particularly taken with the mystery of the missing younger sister and I am keen to see how this plays out. Casey Vice: Spitfire of Vengeance really is a gripping crime drama and has been written by someone with a natural flair for composition. I hope Joseph Rousell has written the next novel in the series because I am keen to read more from this writer.

Amazing read! I was reluctant at first but I saw that it earned 5 stars on Amazon, so I gave it a chance. I'm glad I did. This is the next big thing. I'm calling it now.