🚓🌇 “Hunted by a Killer” (2024) 🌇🚓 – Book Review

MY REVIEW 

 

Paperback: 208 pages 

Publisher: Love Inspired (July 23, 2024) 

Language: English 

ISBN-10: 1335980067

ISBN-13: 978-1335980069

⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information 

 

“Is she the pursuer…
 
 Or the pursued?
 
 When a body was found at the edge of the bayou, police detective Charlotte Reid knew the serial killer who murdered her sister was back. And if she didn’t stop him, he’d kill again. FBI special agent Austin Walsh insisted Charlotte couldn’t do it on her own. But then the murderer gave Charlotte a deadly challenge—catch him, or she’d be his next victim…” 

 

Thank you in advance to the author, Laurie Winter, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.

In an interesting, and VERY embarrassing admission 🫣 I actually forgot I’d read a book by the author a few years ago. (Please forgive me 🥺).

 

It was a Christmas story back in 2021, and definitely not the best year of the 2020’s. It was cute and whimsical, yet sad and heartbreaking Christmas romance. But, like some books, it did get forgotten. That isn’t the author’s fault – I have been known to read 50-100 books a year. 

 

However … 

 

When I saw this book, and it being my preferred genre, I didn’t hesitate to read it. And, this one made quite the impression. 

 

I was drawn to the story right off. The cover? Let’s say it wasn’t one of those that scream out, or isn’t that noticeable. There is something eerie about it. Almost like a creepy calmness. It is very deceiving. 

 

And, that deception is the perfect introduction to the story. 

 

The author introduces readers to:

 

🚓 Detective Charlotte Reid

🚔 FBI Special Agent Austin Walsh

🚓 Chief Alan Spencer (Charlotte’s boss)

 

Along with other characters that balance out the good guys/gals and the baddies. 

 

Like most suspense books, there will be some content that might be disturbing to some readers. In addition to the serial killings – most of which occurred prior to the story – there will be kidnappings, references to drug and alcohol addiction, mention of parental abandonment, parental incarceration, and kids in foster care. 

 

Winter doesn’t hesitate to jump into the story. 

 

Six years ago, Charlotte and Austin were investigating the serial killer known only as the Presque Killer. The last victim was Charlotte’s sister Ruby. After that, the killings stopped, and Austin was called away. While the two had grown close, Charlotte was angry at Austin. 

 

Six years later, another woman has been killed. While it isn’t for definite, Gunther wastes no time in calling in the FBI. And, Austin returns. Even before the investigation begins, the killer gets to Charlotte, giving her an ultimate – find him within seven (7) days or she’ll be one of his victims. 

 

This time, with a target on Charlotte’s back, Austin refuses to leave until the killer is caught. Despite knowing how his job impacts having a wife and kids, Austin still wonders what it would be like – especially with Charlotte. 

 

Being that the last killing six years earlier was connected to Charlotte, Austin has a feeling that it is personal. That becomes more of a fact as they re-examine the similarities with the previous victims to Charlotte, Ruby being one of them. 

 

What plagues them is the lack of DNA from the killer. They’re also wondering why he took a six-year hiatus. 

 

When the first woman is taken within the deadline, Charlotte and Austin ramp up their efforts, yet reach dead ends. The killer finds a way to Charlotte and taunts her at each turn. 

 

While Austin is confident they will catch the killer, he’s also worried about the mental impact it will take on Charlotte; in addition to what the future might hold for her as a detective. He knows that a conviction is not the end of the story for the families – the death still remains. 

 

He growing closer to Charlotte again; and she is also growing closer to Austin.

 

But, with the deadline ticking down, they can’t waste time. Yet, trying to find someone who leaves no evidence behind is not an easy task. 

 

Winter does a great job with keeping the suspense going since this is lighter on the suspense when compared to other books in the line. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it – I did. Immensely so. I was drawn right in, and ended up reading half of it in one sitting. I finished it inside of 24-hours. It started as the “one more chapter” deal, and ended up with three more past that and a late bedtime. The short chapters are the real deceivers here, but it keeps the story going and the reader’s attention (at least mine). 

 

The suspense is a cat/mouse game between the killer and Charlotte. It was creepy, but not sinister. The action really picks about 88% in, and got intense for me. The identity of the killer was easy to guess, though I still wondering what the connection was. 

 

While this is a romantic suspense, the romance barely takes up 6% of the story. 

 

Speaking of romance … 

 

One thing I did have a slight issue with was Austin and his idea that his job prevented him having a wife and family. It did seem a bit cliché. However, in research, I learned something interesting – some FBI agents work a part-time schedule anywhere from 16-32 hours in order to balance the family/work life. Of course, agents have to be past their probationary period. It would be something for Austin to look into. 

 

There were a few things I related to Charlotte with. The most relatable was being a stain magnet. She is thinking about why she has something white in her wardrobe as she attracts stains. I had to laugh because this is why I switched, despite our triple digit heat summers (we’ve had record 120°F highs), to black clothes (tops and bottoms). I just got tired of treating stains. A funny story –> I own NASCAR shirts for different drivers (quite a few), and one of my most favorite drivers – his shirts seemingly attracted food more than the others. 

 

Another connection to Charlotte – she preferred the print documents over electronic. I am the same way – I’d rather read a print book than an eBook. If it’s a PDF, I’ll print it. It’s just easier for me. Then again, I also don’t like staring at a screen longer than I need to as it hurts my eyes and head. 

 

The faith element didn’t get mentioned until about 24% of the way in, built up, and then slowed down. It wasn’t a major part of the storyline, and was confined to how the characters (Charlotte and Austin) dealt with their lives. There was a reporter who used the two going to church, painting Charlotte in a bad light. 

 

The community feeling of “does the police even care” about the victims was quite realistic. It’s easy to look from the outside in to wonder “what are the police really doing”. While, on the inside, it’s hard to investigate without evidence, leads, and witnesses. One of the victim’s family members made an impactful statement by saying that the community couldn’t expect the police to do their job unless they wanted to give the police information. 

 

I’m looking forward to what the author has planned next. While this seems to be a standalone read, I can’t help but feel it is the beginning of a series. The way the book ended leaves me to believe that. I felt it was a bit too abrupt to leave where it was. 

 

Anyone who enjoys the Love Inspired Suspense line, is sure to enjoy this read. 

 

 

 

RATING:  

 

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads  

 

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub  

 

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html; update: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)  

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Multiple award-winning author Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds to find true love. She keeps her life balanced with jogging and binge-watching true-crime shows. Laurie enjoys time with her family and two dogs, all of who inspire her every day. Learn more at: https://lauriewinter.com/. 

 

 

She can also be found on the following social media accounts: 

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieWinterAuthor 

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriewinter_author/ 

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lauriew_author 

 

 

 

 

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