Written by Emlyn Rees — Hunted is a fast-paced thriller that focuses primarily on a chase through London after a shooting. The story is well researched, containing numerous details to add flavor and depth to the scenes. In addition, current and recent events are peppered throughout the text to connect the reader to the motivations of the characters and to provide context and import to the actions.

The primary character is Danny Shanklin, a former intelligence agent who has turned to private security. When he is framed for a horrible shooting and the deaths of political targets and civilians, he begins his flight, and the story enters its groove. The chase of the officers and agents spans the city and keeps both Danny and the reader guessing about what will come next. Numerous obstacles seem to mark the end of his run, but each time his resourcefulness is demonstrated. There is also a secondary story set years before the events that explains the character. Told through flashbacks, it gives flavour and colour to Shanklin who is occupied with his flight.

There are many turns of fortune, betrayals, plots, schemes and chases. The pace is rapid and the action does not slow. That being said, the duration of the flight presents a couple of problems. Behind the well written action, the story progresses through much of the novel during the primary chase. While the purpose of the book lies in the manhunt, there are numerous mysteries and questions which hang in the air as an offshoot of the pursuit. In order to progress the story toward the conclusion, many details are revealed in short order towards the end.

If you are looking for an action-packed tale of evasion, espionage, gadgets and high personal stakes, this is a good book for you. It is well written and delivers the goods in a way less formulaic than many in the genre. However, the deeper story feels somewhat hollow and while the ending may be functional, some readers will find it less than satisfying. Currently, the book is great value on Kindle, at just £1.

Corsair
Print/Kindle/iBook
£7.01

CFL Rating: 3 stars