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Dylan Hunter #1
Hunter
(AUTHOR'S NOTE: This Kindle edition bears the original cover. See the updated Kindle edition for the new series cover.)
"A masterwork of thrills and suspense." --Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author of The Assassins
#1 KINDLE BESTSELLER in "MYSTERIES & THRILLERS"
WHO IS HUNTER? WHO IS PREY?
WHO WILL SURVIVE?
Two people, passionately in love.
But each hides a deadly secret.
He is a crusading vigilante, on a violent quest for justice.
She is tracking this unknown assassin, sworn to stop him.
Neither realizes the truth about the other.
And neither knows that a terrifying predator is hunting them both . . .
A WALL STREET JOURNAL "TOP 10 FICTION EBOOK"
From its first gripping pages, HUNTER takes you on a nonstop thrill ride: from the top floor of the CIA, to the marbled corridors of Capitol Hill . . . from the posh hotels of downtown Washington, to the city's mean, violent streets. It introduces a colorful new hero for our time -- and a dazzling heroine every bit his equal.
#1 KINDLE BESTSELLER in "ROMANTIC SUSPENSE"
A spy mystery . . . a crime thriller . . . a passionate romance: HUNTER is a genre-bending novel unlike any you've read. Deviously plotted, filled with vivid characters, and propelled at a breakneck pace, it's a tale as memorable for its provocative ideas as for a rousing climax that has readers cheering.
If you enjoy the thrillers of Lee Child, Stephen Hunter, Brad Thor, and Vince Flynn, you'll love HUNTER.
"A masterwork of thrills and suspense." --Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author of The Assassins
#1 KINDLE BESTSELLER in "MYSTERIES & THRILLERS"
WHO IS HUNTER? WHO IS PREY?
WHO WILL SURVIVE?
Two people, passionately in love.
But each hides a deadly secret.
He is a crusading vigilante, on a violent quest for justice.
She is tracking this unknown assassin, sworn to stop him.
Neither realizes the truth about the other.
And neither knows that a terrifying predator is hunting them both . . .
A WALL STREET JOURNAL "TOP 10 FICTION EBOOK"
From its first gripping pages, HUNTER takes you on a nonstop thrill ride: from the top floor of the CIA, to the marbled corridors of Capitol Hill . . . from the posh hotels of downtown Washington, to the city's mean, violent streets. It introduces a colorful new hero for our time -- and a dazzling heroine every bit his equal.
#1 KINDLE BESTSELLER in "ROMANTIC SUSPENSE"
A spy mystery . . . a crime thriller . . . a passionate romance: HUNTER is a genre-bending novel unlike any you've read. Deviously plotted, filled with vivid characters, and propelled at a breakneck pace, it's a tale as memorable for its provocative ideas as for a rousing climax that has readers cheering.
If you enjoy the thrillers of Lee Child, Stephen Hunter, Brad Thor, and Vince Flynn, you'll love HUNTER.
488 pages, ebook
First published June 21, 2011
767 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Robert Bidinotto
19 books76 followersHi, and thanks for stopping by. By way of introduction: I'm a full-time, bestselling thriller novelist and creator of Dylan Hunter: the thriller world's "new face of justice."
All my life — since I was a little kid during the Fifties and Sixties, watching “The Lone Ranger” and Zorro on TV and reading Batman comics — I have been passionate about the principle of justice. When I began to write nonfiction in my teens, that was the underlying principle in everything I wrote. It remained the theme of my work throughout my later career as an award-winning essayist, investigative journalist, reviewer, blogger, editor, and nonfiction author of books on crime.
Now it's the central theme of my fiction-writing, too.
Like me, the hero of my Dylan Hunter vigilante thrillers is motivated by his passion for justice. He cannot walk away when injustices are committed against those he cares about.
My debut novel, HUNTER, bridges and blends the crime and spy-fiction genres, but with a powerful love story at its heart. It draws upon my experiences as an investigative journalist writing "true crime" books and articles. HUNTER became a Kindle Editors' Pick in November 2011 and immediately skyrocketed up the Kindle Bestseller List. It reached #4, ahead of the latest titles by Stephen King, James Patterson, Stephanie Meyer, Janet Evanovich, Lee Child, and John Grisham. It also became a Wall Street Journal "Top Ten Fiction Ebook."
I hope you check out the Kindle ebook edition, available on Amazon; the trade paperback edition is available on Amazon or, personally inscribed, from my blog, "The Vigilante Author ." The audiobook edition, narrated by voice actor Conor Hall, is available from Amazon, Audible.com, and iTunes.
The first sequel in the Dylan Hunter series, BAD DEEDS, was published in May 2014. It picks up where HUNTER left off, but with a whole new set of deadly challenges and personal complications for vigilante hero Dylan Hunter and his lover Annie Woods. BAD DEEDS was named CLFA "Book of the Year" for 2014. Here's the link to the Kindle ebook edition. On that page you can obtain the trade paperback or audiobook editions, too.
WINNER TAKES ALL, published in December 2017, rounds out the opening Dylan Hunter thriller trilogy. This time the stakes are even higher -- and ripped from the headlines -- as Dylan uncovers a murderous international plot to throw the U.S. presidential election. Many readers think this sweeping, grand-scale political thriller is the best Hunter novel yet. You can find it here .
A bit more background about me:
As a Staff Writer for Reader's Digest, I authored high-profile investigative pieces on crime, the environment, and other public controversies. I'm perhaps best known for my article "Getting Away with Murder" in the July 1988 issue of the Digest. It stirred a national controversy about crime and prison furlough programs during the 1988 presidential election campaign, and is widely credited with having affected the outcome of the election. That article was honored as a 1989 National Magazine Award finalist for "Best Magazine Article of the Year in the Public Interest Category" by the American Society of Magazine Editors.
My previous nonfiction books are Criminal Justice? The Legal System vs. Individual Responsibility, with a Foreword by John Walsh, and Freed to Kill, a compendium of horror stories that exposed the injustices in our legal system.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
April 4, 2015
The story begins with a sting to capture a traitorous CIA chief. Annie Woods was the analyst that uncovered his activities and was responsible for bringing him down. Her efforts gain her the attention of Grant Garrett, a reknowned agent heading up a special intelligence division in Langley, who asks her to join his team. When an assassination takes place at a highly secretive safe house location, Grant and Annie realize they have another insider at large.
The beginning of this story really piqued my interest and I was prepared to settle into an intriguing espionage-type thriller. However, it quickly segued to a vigilante style killing in the Washington, DC area. The victim was responsible for a brutal crime where he was able to get off easy because of his juvenile status. The victim had been the focus of a recent article written by a mysterious writer named Dylan Hunter. As Hunter releases more articles highlighting other offenders receiving light or no sentences for heinous crimes, the subjects start dropping like flies as a result of the vigilante killer. In the meantime, Annie and Dylan, who meet through a mutual relationship, embark on a personal, passionate love affair.
It soon becomes clear that there is a clear delineation in this story of who is considered good and those evil. The legal and criminal justice system is indicted here, with those that are part of the system that provides aid and support to defendants in the evil column and law enforcement on the good side. My issue isn't with the position taken about an obviously flawed system but with the absolute sense of imbalance in portrayal of the players. It was impossible to avoid the underlying political agenda of the story and it interfered with me being able to rationally evaluate the point of view. And, the shameless celebration of the vigilante killer seemed to undermine that point of view. By the end of the story, I was frustrated, disappointed and glad to escape the diatribe.
I'm big on law and order and have little tolerance for a perpetrator's circumstances leading up to their commitment of crimes. But, I also recognize that all those involved in the system of protection and rehabilitation of those accused of a crime aren't blinded to the realities of their clients. This story doesn't attempt to provide realistic characterizations and ends up with oblique parodies that I found offensive. I was unable to ignore what I know to be true to suspend belief for this story. The writer missed an opportunity to more effectively sway the reader to his point of view and fails to engage the reader more positively.
I was turned off by this story and regret having read it. It doesn't invite meaningful discourse about our system of justice but celebrates a different kind of criminal behavior. I regret having bought the book and read this story.
The beginning of this story really piqued my interest and I was prepared to settle into an intriguing espionage-type thriller. However, it quickly segued to a vigilante style killing in the Washington, DC area. The victim was responsible for a brutal crime where he was able to get off easy because of his juvenile status. The victim had been the focus of a recent article written by a mysterious writer named Dylan Hunter. As Hunter releases more articles highlighting other offenders receiving light or no sentences for heinous crimes, the subjects start dropping like flies as a result of the vigilante killer. In the meantime, Annie and Dylan, who meet through a mutual relationship, embark on a personal, passionate love affair.
It soon becomes clear that there is a clear delineation in this story of who is considered good and those evil. The legal and criminal justice system is indicted here, with those that are part of the system that provides aid and support to defendants in the evil column and law enforcement on the good side. My issue isn't with the position taken about an obviously flawed system but with the absolute sense of imbalance in portrayal of the players. It was impossible to avoid the underlying political agenda of the story and it interfered with me being able to rationally evaluate the point of view. And, the shameless celebration of the vigilante killer seemed to undermine that point of view. By the end of the story, I was frustrated, disappointed and glad to escape the diatribe.
I'm big on law and order and have little tolerance for a perpetrator's circumstances leading up to their commitment of crimes. But, I also recognize that all those involved in the system of protection and rehabilitation of those accused of a crime aren't blinded to the realities of their clients. This story doesn't attempt to provide realistic characterizations and ends up with oblique parodies that I found offensive. I was unable to ignore what I know to be true to suspend belief for this story. The writer missed an opportunity to more effectively sway the reader to his point of view and fails to engage the reader more positively.
I was turned off by this story and regret having read it. It doesn't invite meaningful discourse about our system of justice but celebrates a different kind of criminal behavior. I regret having bought the book and read this story.
November 22, 2017
Paranoid vigilante balderdash about the U.S. criminal justice system. The system has many problems, but the big issue with plea bargaining and all that is the opposite of what is depicted in the book. Totally innocent people are stuck behind bars because they can't afford bail, lawyers, etc. Public defenders are overworked and are not making a fortune. The jails are full of people convicted of minor non-violent offenses. Juveniles are often tried as adults, etc. The system is clearly not designed to keep people out of prison--we have more people incarcerated than any other country.
Since the author is explicitly stating on Goodreads that he wants this book to be more than entertainment and to be about justice issues, then he really should have been more accurate about the overall reality and not just depict the system as being run by jackasses spouting ridiculous straw-man arguments about how there's no such thing as bad people.
Since the author is explicitly stating on Goodreads that he wants this book to be more than entertainment and to be about justice issues, then he really should have been more accurate about the overall reality and not just depict the system as being run by jackasses spouting ridiculous straw-man arguments about how there's no such thing as bad people.
April 27, 2016
Hunter's new life started about two years ago, before that his complex and complicated history is unwound beautifully throughout this book. This was a very good crime thriller that had depth, a good story and an interesting, (non sappy or sexually over explicit), romance. I became attached to the characters and felt empathy, through mixed feelings for the main protagonist. When does a bad deed make for a good outcome in the balance of good and evil?
Conor Hall did a good job with quite a few different voices including the women. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series. If it's anything like this one I will be looking forward to more from Robert Bidinotto.
Conor Hall did a good job with quite a few different voices including the women. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series. If it's anything like this one I will be looking forward to more from Robert Bidinotto.
March 11, 2018
Investigative Reporter Dylan Hunter and Annie Woods are in love but have serious trust issues with each other. Annie holds back the fact that she's a senior CIA agent investigating the assassination of a Russian spy at a CIA safe house and that her father runs a foundation supporting criminal rehabilitation. Hunter's articles shine a flashlight on criminal recidivism and it's horrific impact on crime victims and their families. He also hides the fact that he's not who he says he is as Annie soon discovers after a series Hunter inspired vigilante attacks in the Washington suburbs of Virginia.
The plot threads eventually merge forming an enjoyably compelling thriller with a satisfactory end game but it takes awhile. My idea of good thrillers is they really need to move along smartly. I get it that Annie and Dylan are in love but it seemed Annie spent entirely too many pages thinking about the status of their relationship and whether to betray her father or her lover to Detective Cronin, Alexandria Va. PD. My first thought is the book might have been 100 pages too long because sometimes in crime fiction, less is more.
The plot threads eventually merge forming an enjoyably compelling thriller with a satisfactory end game but it takes awhile. My idea of good thrillers is they really need to move along smartly. I get it that Annie and Dylan are in love but it seemed Annie spent entirely too many pages thinking about the status of their relationship and whether to betray her father or her lover to Detective Cronin, Alexandria Va. PD. My first thought is the book might have been 100 pages too long because sometimes in crime fiction, less is more.
September 6, 2011
In Hunter, former Reader’s Digest staff writer Robert James Bidinotto makes the transition from non-fiction to fiction look seamless, delivering one of the best vigilante thrillers since Clancy's Without Remorse.
I’ll admit, I was slightly wary when I first picked up Hunter a few weeks ago. Forget the fact that this was a debut novel—I knew from Bidinotto’s former work that he had a message to deliver with Hunter: the US criminal “justice” system is broken.
Fine, but a thriller has to be more than just a message delivery system, and I was concerned that the story would trip over the message.
In the end, I needn’t have worried: Hunter delivers in a way few thrillers do. From the opening kill shot to the climactic showdown, Hunter strikes home with the power and pinpoint accuracy of a Barrett M99. Dylan Hunter is thoroughly authentic as the highly-trained operative who takes to the streets of urban Virginia and D.C. to deliver justice. And now the very government that gave him his training is hunting him.
The characters, from Dylan Hunter, to Annie Woods, the woman assigned to track down the shadowy assassin, and Ed Cronin, an Alexandria homicide investigator, are well-drawn and believable. And when it comes to delivering his message, Bidinotto lets his characters do that, in a way that is as organic and subtle as the rest of the novel.
In short, may I congratulate Mr. Bidinotto on a fantastic debut thriller. If you’re in the market for a quick-moving read—if you enjoy action, romance, and memorable characters, you could do little better than to pick up a copy of Hunter. A solid five stars.
I’ll admit, I was slightly wary when I first picked up Hunter a few weeks ago. Forget the fact that this was a debut novel—I knew from Bidinotto’s former work that he had a message to deliver with Hunter: the US criminal “justice” system is broken.
Fine, but a thriller has to be more than just a message delivery system, and I was concerned that the story would trip over the message.
In the end, I needn’t have worried: Hunter delivers in a way few thrillers do. From the opening kill shot to the climactic showdown, Hunter strikes home with the power and pinpoint accuracy of a Barrett M99. Dylan Hunter is thoroughly authentic as the highly-trained operative who takes to the streets of urban Virginia and D.C. to deliver justice. And now the very government that gave him his training is hunting him.
The characters, from Dylan Hunter, to Annie Woods, the woman assigned to track down the shadowy assassin, and Ed Cronin, an Alexandria homicide investigator, are well-drawn and believable. And when it comes to delivering his message, Bidinotto lets his characters do that, in a way that is as organic and subtle as the rest of the novel.
In short, may I congratulate Mr. Bidinotto on a fantastic debut thriller. If you’re in the market for a quick-moving read—if you enjoy action, romance, and memorable characters, you could do little better than to pick up a copy of Hunter. A solid five stars.
December 13, 2011
The plot moves at a superb and consistent pace. The storyline ignites with action and it is what makes a thriller enjoyable. As the next chapters slowly layer the plot strategically, it builds in intrigue and anticipation. Bidinotto has honed his craft as a crime writer, but clearly can incorporate everything that a good novel needs and what readers hunger for in a satisfying read. Hunter is categorized as a “thriller”, but undoubtedly has a suspense, romance, drama, spy thriller, and a police procedural feel to it.
There are many characters in the book and each has helped to add even more depth to the story. It ratchets up the suspense and propels the reader into caring about certain characters and even wishing the bad ones to get what they deserve. The ease of Bidinotto’s writing style makes it a delight to read – smooth descriptions and concise dialogue.
The only aspect that stopped me a couple of times to retrace my reading was that the chapters literally throw you into the next scene with little or no setup. It’s a personal preference to me, but it didn’t slow the pacing or enjoyment of the narrative in the least.
This book is ultimately an all around thriller with some rough language, violence and adult themes. Hunter is perfect for mystery, suspense, and thriller readers. I highly recommend this novel and hope there will be more books from this author.
There are many characters in the book and each has helped to add even more depth to the story. It ratchets up the suspense and propels the reader into caring about certain characters and even wishing the bad ones to get what they deserve. The ease of Bidinotto’s writing style makes it a delight to read – smooth descriptions and concise dialogue.
The only aspect that stopped me a couple of times to retrace my reading was that the chapters literally throw you into the next scene with little or no setup. It’s a personal preference to me, but it didn’t slow the pacing or enjoyment of the narrative in the least.
This book is ultimately an all around thriller with some rough language, violence and adult themes. Hunter is perfect for mystery, suspense, and thriller readers. I highly recommend this novel and hope there will be more books from this author.
December 19, 2011
I laid out the $4 for this book out of curiosity. I'd read an article about the author and book and said to myself, it's only four bucks.
Then it ruined my weekend. I popped it open on Friday night and was intrigued by the first line. After a chapter or two I was hooked. Saturday and Sunday I sneaked away from the family when I could to read it then finally finished it at 6:30am on Monday.
I don't read thrillers that often. So why this one?
It's well written. While not complicated there's a certain heightening of the language I'm still not sure I've put my finger on. There were also nice turns of phrases and an avoidance of the trite.
The action is non-stop but also not wasteful. If something is happening it's because it's pulling the story forward - driving it forward.
One reason I don't normally write thrillers is because they're just about action. There's rarely a point-of-view. This one has a very definite point of view that the author has given considerable thought to. You can tell it has become his passion.
There was a believability to the entire cast of characters. The villains weren't supervillains. The heroes were impervious to pain. There were no deus ex machinas. One believability trap I thought the author might fall into was completely avoided.
Finally, I felt that an honesty ran throughout the entire narrative. People acted like people do. Their reasons and rationales weren't hedged or compromised.
A fine piece of work.
Then it ruined my weekend. I popped it open on Friday night and was intrigued by the first line. After a chapter or two I was hooked. Saturday and Sunday I sneaked away from the family when I could to read it then finally finished it at 6:30am on Monday.
I don't read thrillers that often. So why this one?
It's well written. While not complicated there's a certain heightening of the language I'm still not sure I've put my finger on. There were also nice turns of phrases and an avoidance of the trite.
The action is non-stop but also not wasteful. If something is happening it's because it's pulling the story forward - driving it forward.
One reason I don't normally write thrillers is because they're just about action. There's rarely a point-of-view. This one has a very definite point of view that the author has given considerable thought to. You can tell it has become his passion.
There was a believability to the entire cast of characters. The villains weren't supervillains. The heroes were impervious to pain. There were no deus ex machinas. One believability trap I thought the author might fall into was completely avoided.
Finally, I felt that an honesty ran throughout the entire narrative. People acted like people do. Their reasons and rationales weren't hedged or compromised.
A fine piece of work.
September 4, 2016
I was introduced to Robert Bidinotto through another great thriller author, Stephen England. Robert and I had the opportunity to touch base by phone. Robert told me a little about his days as a journalist and how _Hunter_ came about. He also, very kindly, offered me advice and guidance for my writing career, which I greatly appreciated and heeded. By the end of the conversation, I felt I had made a friend. We exchanged novels, not to exchange reviews but just as an act of friendship. Another kind act by Robert.
I rarely review works by friends (Robert has no idea I have written this review). In fact, I rarely review novels I read, period (go ahead, search my name and you'll see). The only time I make exceptions is when a work really affects me, whether it - excites me, or makes me laugh, or makes me cry. In the case of _Hunter_, Bidinotto captured me from the start and lead me into an intricate world of suspense and mystery. Yet, it was his expertise in the area of the criminal justice system, his years of beat reporting around D.C., and his impeccable delivery that drew me all the way in.
This is one of the best crime thrillers written in years!
I rarely review works by friends (Robert has no idea I have written this review). In fact, I rarely review novels I read, period (go ahead, search my name and you'll see). The only time I make exceptions is when a work really affects me, whether it - excites me, or makes me laugh, or makes me cry. In the case of _Hunter_, Bidinotto captured me from the start and lead me into an intricate world of suspense and mystery. Yet, it was his expertise in the area of the criminal justice system, his years of beat reporting around D.C., and his impeccable delivery that drew me all the way in.
This is one of the best crime thrillers written in years!
July 10, 2011
Hunter, the first novel by Robert Bidinotto, is an exciting, action packed thriller. Think Batman meets Jason Bourne (sort of). The plot of the book centers around the actions of a vigilante who is avenging the victims of a porous legal system by taking out the brutal criminals who have thus far escaped justice. It also raises interesting philosophical questions about justice, the legal system, and punishment. Oh, and it's a love story, too. I'm looking forward to more Dylan Hunter novels.
January 24, 2012
This was a "strong" 3.5 star read. I loved the pacing in this book. I was able to put it down so it wasn't earth-shattering but it kept my interest and I definitely wanted to get back to it when time allowed. Bidinotto is very polished in his writing style and his story, especially the criminal justice aspects, were most interesting to learn about in the context of a fictional story. I loved Hunter, the man he was and what motivated him were spot-on for my taste. I loved the ending. Especially the climatic fight scene, well-done. Bidinotto knows that we're not all martial arts experts and he was absolutely brilliant at describing the fight scene in a way that painted it accurately for us novices while losing not one bit of the momentum. Superb!
What I liked: Hunter. He was just flat-out alpha male with a dash of sensitive. His idealism made him wonderful to read about and "watch." I loved how the vigilante justice was dispatched. Cleverly done and oh-so satisfying. The villains were awful and we wished for their demise as readers. I liked the third person narrative ( I usually do) as it offered a deeper understanding of what all the characters thought processes were.
What I didn't like as well: the mystery. Okay, maybe Bidinotto intended for us to know who the vigilante was from the inception of the work (like we were voyeurs while he executed his tasks), but it left me feeling like there was nothing to "find out" later. So, this is more intrigue than mystery. If he intended for it to be a mystery, it was entirely to obvious from the beginning. The vernaculars and tastes of Hunter. For a guy in his late 30s, he uses idioms/expressions that are completely too old for his age. Some references are those my folks used. He needed to use phrasing that was relevant to his generation. Also, Cole Porter? I had to do a wikipedia check on him! I felt Annie was weak as a woman and should have been more honest in her interaction with Hunter. However, that was the tension point of the novel... so, I let it go.
Those things aside, it is definitely worth reading if you like the following: intrigue, romance, strong male leads, government espionage, thriller undertones. Bidinotto has a solid series here if he chooses to expand on it. He has the writing chops to do so!
What I liked: Hunter. He was just flat-out alpha male with a dash of sensitive. His idealism made him wonderful to read about and "watch." I loved how the vigilante justice was dispatched. Cleverly done and oh-so satisfying. The villains were awful and we wished for their demise as readers. I liked the third person narrative ( I usually do) as it offered a deeper understanding of what all the characters thought processes were.
What I didn't like as well: the mystery. Okay, maybe Bidinotto intended for us to know who the vigilante was from the inception of the work (like we were voyeurs while he executed his tasks), but it left me feeling like there was nothing to "find out" later. So, this is more intrigue than mystery. If he intended for it to be a mystery, it was entirely to obvious from the beginning. The vernaculars and tastes of Hunter. For a guy in his late 30s, he uses idioms/expressions that are completely too old for his age. Some references are those my folks used. He needed to use phrasing that was relevant to his generation. Also, Cole Porter? I had to do a wikipedia check on him! I felt Annie was weak as a woman and should have been more honest in her interaction with Hunter. However, that was the tension point of the novel... so, I let it go.
Those things aside, it is definitely worth reading if you like the following: intrigue, romance, strong male leads, government espionage, thriller undertones. Bidinotto has a solid series here if he chooses to expand on it. He has the writing chops to do so!
July 17, 2019
12/14/12 - I was fortuitously fortunate to be able to attend one of Robert's self publishing workshops not too long ago. It was evident by his knowledge of the industry, his enthusiasm and passion, and his wit and intriguing presentation skills, that not only is he a professional in the craftsmanship and work ethic sense of his trade, but also he is an artist in the ability to paint pictures with words sense of his trade. If you are just beginning as a writer and intend to self publish, I highly recommend attending one of Robert's workshops if you have the chance, as it is geared specifically for the beginner.
As I prepare to read his thriller, I am impressed by the simple yet sharp and mysterious design of his book. Once again, his craftsmanship and sense of artistry stand out. I look forward to the thrilling HUNTER read I am about to embark upon; and I look forward to reporting back here with my review when I have completed the journey.
02/23/13 - I finished reading this book a couple of weeks ago and I've been grappling with whether I should post a website review or not. For now, I've decided not. I have the review written and I tried my best to put the book in the best light possible; however, right now I am too conflicted to post the review.
For now all I'll say is the book fell far short of my expectations, it is not a thriller but a romance, and most of all it is a format for Bidinotto to overwhelm us with his objectivist political views.
But I really respect Robert for all his good will and efforts to promote the independent author community and for the all success he has achieved in doing so. I wish him even more success in the future.
As I prepare to read his thriller, I am impressed by the simple yet sharp and mysterious design of his book. Once again, his craftsmanship and sense of artistry stand out. I look forward to the thrilling HUNTER read I am about to embark upon; and I look forward to reporting back here with my review when I have completed the journey.
02/23/13 - I finished reading this book a couple of weeks ago and I've been grappling with whether I should post a website review or not. For now, I've decided not. I have the review written and I tried my best to put the book in the best light possible; however, right now I am too conflicted to post the review.
For now all I'll say is the book fell far short of my expectations, it is not a thriller but a romance, and most of all it is a format for Bidinotto to overwhelm us with his objectivist political views.
But I really respect Robert for all his good will and efforts to promote the independent author community and for the all success he has achieved in doing so. I wish him even more success in the future.
August 5, 2014
I saw this book recommended on Amazon, read the intro and thought what the heck for this price I have nothing to lose. Boy am I glad I did. This book grabbed me by the ears and said "Hey get ready for a thrilling ride and oh bye the way don't plan on sleeping tonight cause your going to be busy" and I totally was.
The plot lines are strong enough to give you a hint of the road ahead but subtle enough that almost 3/4 through the book I was thinking "How in the world does that first incident fit in here? Did Robert Bidinotto forget about it?" Very nice job. I like to think that I can sniff out a plot and even though I suspected you had me second guessing myself. Loved the characters and can easily see all them having parts in future books well except the bad guys but then again I guess they won't be making any appearances :-).
If you love the spy, covert and characters that are ready able and in some instances thrilled to beat some A@# then click that BUY button.
If you like Lee Child, Brad Thor, W.E.B. Griffin then you have to like this. There aren't many authors who can spin a story that makes me finish the book in less than 2 days but these 3 can and do and now you can add Robert Bidinotto to the list! If the future books are as good then his name will be all over the place like the previous authors I mentioned. WHAT A Steal! at 3.99
Come and Get some!
The plot lines are strong enough to give you a hint of the road ahead but subtle enough that almost 3/4 through the book I was thinking "How in the world does that first incident fit in here? Did Robert Bidinotto forget about it?" Very nice job. I like to think that I can sniff out a plot and even though I suspected you had me second guessing myself. Loved the characters and can easily see all them having parts in future books well except the bad guys but then again I guess they won't be making any appearances :-).
If you love the spy, covert and characters that are ready able and in some instances thrilled to beat some A@# then click that BUY button.
If you like Lee Child, Brad Thor, W.E.B. Griffin then you have to like this. There aren't many authors who can spin a story that makes me finish the book in less than 2 days but these 3 can and do and now you can add Robert Bidinotto to the list! If the future books are as good then his name will be all over the place like the previous authors I mentioned. WHAT A Steal! at 3.99
Come and Get some!
September 12, 2014
This book is incredible. Honestly, it was a breath of fresh air for me. It's not your typical good guy vs. bad, but a novel with a plot so intriguing, 'villains' so real, a beautiful woman hell bent on a mission to find the man roaming the shadows killing people that have committed foul acts and sending a message to the dark side occupants. The protagonist is a man with skills, knowledge, motivation, and a mind set so far apart of your every day characters. He is on a mission to rid the world of the people who are putting people and countries in danger. While he embarks on his journey he falls in love with a smart, and unfairly gorgeous woman. Hunter has a battle that's waging in his mind more fierce than the one he finds himself in everyday. He internally debates the question of if he's doing the world good or if he himself is causing more hurt and pain. All the while he is juggling his vigilante life, the battle in his mind, and the love he thought was forever hidden from him once he meets this angel. It's a fantastic book and I recommend this book with 100% conviction anyone who starts it will not sleep until they finish it. Dylan Hunter is the man we have been waiting for our whole lives. Enjoy!
August 23, 2012
Hunter by Robert Bidinotto is the best book I've read this year! (And I probably read three dozen books every 12 months.) I hope to see much more of Dylan Hunter and Annie Woods in print. From the first sentence (what a spellbinder) to the last paragraph that left the promise of the next book in my mind, the author kept me entranced. Bidinotto's characterizations are all compelling, from the lovers themselves to the criminals, from the FBI and CIA operatives to Dylan's secretary. Hunter is fast paced, yet full of detail. Bidinotto has a knack for giving the reader what they need to know, want to know--minute detail when appropriate--yet never bogging down the storyline. With multiple deadlines in my personal and professional life looming, I still couldn't put Hunter down until my brain registered the last period
August 25, 2016
I loved the premise behind this audiobook. “A spy mystery...a crime thriller...a passionate romance.” I’ll be honest; the passionate romance was what grabbed me. I am finding myself enjoying romantic suspense more and more. Hunter did not disappoint me one bit. A vigilante taking out career criminals with the cops and the CIA on his tail; I was hooked from the start, also, I could listen to Conor Hall read the phone book. Sigh.
I loved this audiobook from start to finish and I have already grabbed book two Bad Deeds. I can’t wait to immerse myself once again into this world....Sara
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I loved this audiobook from start to finish and I have already grabbed book two Bad Deeds. I can’t wait to immerse myself once again into this world....Sara
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
September 18, 2019
Robert Bidinotto became a hero to me on Facebook: He showed himself to be graciously willing to help other writers, with knowledge of the process of both writing and publishing.
Besides, I had read his essays and was just in awe of his ability. And of his intellect.
So far, of his fiction, I have read only this first entry, though the others will follow as soon as possible.
Again, I am in awe.
Robert Bidinotto is absolutely a United States treasure.
No. No. A world treasure.
I hope millions of people read this excellent book.
Besides, I had read his essays and was just in awe of his ability. And of his intellect.
So far, of his fiction, I have read only this first entry, though the others will follow as soon as possible.
Again, I am in awe.
Robert Bidinotto is absolutely a United States treasure.
No. No. A world treasure.
I hope millions of people read this excellent book.
July 12, 2011
A well-written, fast-paced book that will leave you wanting more Dylan Hunter! Love the characters in this book and the twists and turns. Can't wait for the next Dylan Hunter adventure!
November 14, 2014
All that I hoped for!
This was a great read and will be looking for the sequel!! The material was well researched and the characters well developed.
This was a great read and will be looking for the sequel!! The material was well researched and the characters well developed.
March 7, 2022
Relegated to a quasi insult by Bugs Bunny calling Elmer Fudd a 'nimrod' somewhere in the neighborhood of the Golden age of television, only those who value scripture over cartoons (or are masters of the Google) may know the difference. Storied as the great-grandson of Noah, Nimrod gets two mentions in the book of Genesis [10:8-10:9], stating that "he was a mighty hunter before the Lord," and incidentally a Babylonian King. Describing himself as being forged in the cauldron of justice by such legendary entertainment as Clayton Moore in THE LONE RANGER and BATMAN comics, Robert Bidinotto turns the cold journalistic eye of HUNTER to the layered madhouse that is Washington D.C.
Sporting a lifelong affection for BATMAN comics, it's no surprise that HUNTER tackles the most insidious problem affecting America, 'a justice system favoring criminals', in the Washington D.C. area. It all starts with the impossible: a CIA & FBI joint operation that immediately turns into an ego turf war, and the prevailing force is an investigator for the CIA's Office of Security--Annie Woods, whose eyes change from greenish hazel to gray in a matter of days or chapters. Weaving the thread further, there's a lethal operative on the loose. Trained by the US Government to execute missions to protect America and her interests, and now, with nothing else to use these skills for, unleashes them on those who have escaped justice. He is using deception and treachery for the greater good. Completing the braid expertly, the story pivots to Dylan Lee Hunter, a freelancing investigative reporter, and, of course, the best that his editor has seen in a long while.
Transitioning from D.C. to Virginia, where apparently every other person is red-, or copper haired--either that or they're attracted to the maelstrom that is Dylan Lee Hunter like metal shavings to a magnet--HUNTER doubles down on its central theme with the mantra of NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER. Among the "issues" plaguing the criminal justice system are pampered inmates with too many fringe bennies, alternatives to incarceration programs, callous public officials, the bullying prisoner rights lobby, lenient judges, and gutless plea bargaining prosecutors whose plea bargaining is the triumph of expediency over justice. Wrapped up in a neat package of an alpha male (government sanctioned) assassin, HUNTER comes across as DEATH WISH meets THE STAR CHAMBER without the clarity and unity of purpose.
The D.C. swamp's teeming with vermin and criminals and someone's taking out the garbage. Namely, criminals that skate, their enablers, and the people responsible; the former get to meet their maker and the latter bear witness. The only thing left with the corpses are news articles from old papers detailing the criminals' deeds and victims. Annie Woods is still somewhere in the mix since she's supposed to hunt the mole, the assassin. Instead she falls in love and the hunt takes a back seat. The story also doesn't ride shotgun up to about page forty; the introduction of characters does. They are mostly surname plus last name, alliteration style, which is, in addition to not occurring too often in the same place IRL, highly distracting. Thence, everyone is mentioned by all their three given names; first, middle, last, making the proceedings almost sound like a news report about (psychopath) serial killers.
In HUNTER, Robert Bidinotto clearly establishes his knowledge of and years of experience reporting on the criminal justice system around the D.C. area, and does little to mask his deep grudge with it. This can work both as boon or bane, depending on which side of the spectrum the reader sits, as there is no margin for interpretation of the subject matter. If read carefully, HUNTER also elucidates on other interesting themes, namely whether or not one can ever really know someone and by extension, whether one can ever really trust someone. Trust that HUNTER is a serpentine journey through thrills, romance, vigilantism, spy craft, intrigue, and action. Believe that once you know HUNTER, you'll have a hard time escaping the gravity of his orbit.
December 3, 2017
The beginning of this book had me hooked. The writing was sharp, Annie Woods was a great character and I was excited to see how this thriller would unfold. Unfortunately, the book changed directions and I can’t say for the better.
The political slant was pretty obvious when one of the leads uttered “bleeding heart liberal”. I can get over that as long as the characters and story offer balancing points of view. The politics in the book did nothing but irritate me. I didn’t cry for the bad guys because they were awful human beings, but I certainly didn’t see Hunter as a hero.
The political slant was pretty obvious when one of the leads uttered “bleeding heart liberal”. I can get over that as long as the characters and story offer balancing points of view. The politics in the book did nothing but irritate me. I didn’t cry for the bad guys because they were awful human beings, but I certainly didn’t see Hunter as a hero.
June 9, 2016
Not bad, but consistently too preachy without enough insight or nuance.
I don't think the characters were good enough or the plot exciting enough for me to want to sit through the lecture on environmentalism that I suspect the second book embodies.
Though, when he kept his mouth shut on that, the main character was a pretty satisfying badass.
The narrative spends the entire time referring to everyone arrested as if they are definitely guilty and, since they are guilty, as monsters and animals (quote-endquote). And that's one of the things: in the book-world there are no wrongfully accused, no institutional inequities regarding race, no true rehabilitation, no victim-less misdemeanors. Defense attorneys, rehabilitative therapy, psychological studies, and plea bargains are always bad. The irrational, tone-deaf reasoning of any character who supported mercy, redemption, or desired a system that wasn't entirely punitive was...thoroughly comic. There are probably people that are that willfully blind, but I've never met any, which suggests the representation is hyperbolic.
Plus, the woman protagonist progressively lost her personality the longer she knew Hunter. My favorite part was definitely near the end when--even after making it clear from the outset that she fundamentally didn't agree with her father's (remember: incredibly exaggerated) beliefs--she listened raptly to Dylan make half-page speeches on it, apparently grateful for the pearls of his wisdom about her misguided father. Ultimately she says (paraphrased only slightly), "Oh, now that you've come along it's all so clear!" I mean... wow... really? Okay, good thing she met him or she'd never have really understood her own opinion.
And don't get me started on the line about how compassion and justice are incompatible. It's not only that I disagreed with it (there are points made by the illiberal characters that I do agree with). It's that book went into some serious shit in a really hyperbolic and hackneyed way. And then made the mistake of belaboring the point.
Just...too much.
I don't think the characters were good enough or the plot exciting enough for me to want to sit through the lecture on environmentalism that I suspect the second book embodies.
Though, when he kept his mouth shut on that, the main character was a pretty satisfying badass.
The narrative spends the entire time referring to everyone arrested as if they are definitely guilty and, since they are guilty, as monsters and animals (quote-endquote). And that's one of the things: in the book-world there are no wrongfully accused, no institutional inequities regarding race, no true rehabilitation, no victim-less misdemeanors. Defense attorneys, rehabilitative therapy, psychological studies, and plea bargains are always bad. The irrational, tone-deaf reasoning of any character who supported mercy, redemption, or desired a system that wasn't entirely punitive was...thoroughly comic. There are probably people that are that willfully blind, but I've never met any, which suggests the representation is hyperbolic.
Plus, the woman protagonist progressively lost her personality the longer she knew Hunter. My favorite part was definitely near the end when--even after making it clear from the outset that she fundamentally didn't agree with her father's (remember: incredibly exaggerated) beliefs--she listened raptly to Dylan make half-page speeches on it, apparently grateful for the pearls of his wisdom about her misguided father. Ultimately she says (paraphrased only slightly), "Oh, now that you've come along it's all so clear!" I mean... wow... really? Okay, good thing she met him or she'd never have really understood her own opinion.
And don't get me started on the line about how compassion and justice are incompatible. It's not only that I disagreed with it (there are points made by the illiberal characters that I do agree with). It's that book went into some serious shit in a really hyperbolic and hackneyed way. And then made the mistake of belaboring the point.
Just...too much.
July 12, 2011
Robert Bidinotto, a well-known and respected voice in the arena of crime and punishment in America, has taken his knowledge and research and entered the world of fiction. His debut novel, HUNTER: A Thriller, is an amazing excursion into the underbelly of what passes for criminal justice in today's society and easily lives up to its title. It is at the same time, exciting, disgusting, educational, an emotional roller coaster and just plain jaw-dropping.
Annie Woods is a special investigator with the CIA and she has just uncovered a traitor in their midst.
Dylan Hunter is a free-lance investigative reporter specializing in crimes and the injustices heaped on crime victims.
They each carry personal baggage from past events in their lives which makes them wary of people and their motives. Trust is a thorny issue for both. But when a brutal attack on unsuspecting victims randomly bring these loners together sparks fly, and they are soon inseparable.
They are both in the midst of other ongoing investigations that seem unconnected. As their relationship develops, an unusual series of murders occur, and shockingly to each, they suddenly begin to have doubts about each other. Are things as they seem?
And will they discover in time that an enemy, who is the manifestation of evil, has them both in his sights?
In a climax of the highest suspense and shock, Dylan and Annie must confront not only this supreme evil, but also their fears and doubts about each other.
And what they discover may not be what they expect.
Robert Bidinotto has woven many seemingly unrelated events into a fine tapestry of adventure, thrills and romance. In fact the love story element is in many ways the true heart of this novel. While it is obvious that Bidinotto's inspiration and message here is to showcase the lack of respect and justice given to most crime victims as his many years of investigation into the subject has revealed; it is also true this author has other areas of influence at work, such as a deep appreciation for the work of America's clandestine operatives and special operation military forces.
HUNTER: A Thriller is well worth the time spent reading it. It is an amazing first novel that is a true experience and not just a story. You will experience a range of emotions and perhaps best of all it is just plain entertaining.
Annie Woods is a special investigator with the CIA and she has just uncovered a traitor in their midst.
Dylan Hunter is a free-lance investigative reporter specializing in crimes and the injustices heaped on crime victims.
They each carry personal baggage from past events in their lives which makes them wary of people and their motives. Trust is a thorny issue for both. But when a brutal attack on unsuspecting victims randomly bring these loners together sparks fly, and they are soon inseparable.
They are both in the midst of other ongoing investigations that seem unconnected. As their relationship develops, an unusual series of murders occur, and shockingly to each, they suddenly begin to have doubts about each other. Are things as they seem?
And will they discover in time that an enemy, who is the manifestation of evil, has them both in his sights?
In a climax of the highest suspense and shock, Dylan and Annie must confront not only this supreme evil, but also their fears and doubts about each other.
And what they discover may not be what they expect.
Robert Bidinotto has woven many seemingly unrelated events into a fine tapestry of adventure, thrills and romance. In fact the love story element is in many ways the true heart of this novel. While it is obvious that Bidinotto's inspiration and message here is to showcase the lack of respect and justice given to most crime victims as his many years of investigation into the subject has revealed; it is also true this author has other areas of influence at work, such as a deep appreciation for the work of America's clandestine operatives and special operation military forces.
HUNTER: A Thriller is well worth the time spent reading it. It is an amazing first novel that is a true experience and not just a story. You will experience a range of emotions and perhaps best of all it is just plain entertaining.
April 4, 2015
I have considered myself very lucky in 2015. This will be the second book I've read this year that left me in utter silence, contemplating what I just read. The first was Marty Skovlund's Violence of Action, where the gripping tales of brotherhood, courage under fire, and humanity robbed me of my words.
The second is Hunter by Robert Bidinotto, an award-winning and highly sydnicated true crime author. This is his first foray into the realm of fiction, but I could not tell one bit as I read.
I won't spoil the plot for you, but I will run over some of the high and low points. I like to start out with the low points so that I can end on a high note.
The only real low point to Hunter is that at times, Bidinotto can come across as a bit heavy-handed in his criticism of the criminal justice system. That is not to say that his criticism is not without merit; rather that it veered into preachiness occasionally. This is understandable, given Bidinotto's background and his passion for the topic. This is also not how the entire book reads. The majority of the scenes read as point-counterpoint rather than a propaganda piece.
With other authors, I would dock the book a star. Why not here? First, as I said, it was not the tone of the whole book.
Secondly, I simply could not put the book down.
Hunter is one of the best books I have ever read in terms of sheer readability. Hunter is mysterious, brooding, intelligent, a dark cross between Mack Bolan and Michael Westen. Annie Woods, a CIA counter-intel agent who enters a relationship with Hunter, is not there for window dressing. She's got spunk, brains, and beauty, with a tender side to match Hunter's. The action scenes are mesmerizing exercises in tense action, doling out punishment in a way all can relate to when they see a scumbag walk on a technicality or serve less time than they deserve. The romance scenes paint enough of a picture to kickstart the imagination without entering erotica territory, the perfect combination. The main villain, Wulfe, immediately conjured images of Highlander's Kurgan: a menacing personification of evil.
With prose with the trajectory and impact of a Gold Saber hollowpoint and a theme that is sure to raise questions about the criminal justice system, Robert Bidinotto delivers in spades with Hunter, and has surely created a literary action hero that will become a household name.
The second is Hunter by Robert Bidinotto, an award-winning and highly sydnicated true crime author. This is his first foray into the realm of fiction, but I could not tell one bit as I read.
I won't spoil the plot for you, but I will run over some of the high and low points. I like to start out with the low points so that I can end on a high note.
The only real low point to Hunter is that at times, Bidinotto can come across as a bit heavy-handed in his criticism of the criminal justice system. That is not to say that his criticism is not without merit; rather that it veered into preachiness occasionally. This is understandable, given Bidinotto's background and his passion for the topic. This is also not how the entire book reads. The majority of the scenes read as point-counterpoint rather than a propaganda piece.
With other authors, I would dock the book a star. Why not here? First, as I said, it was not the tone of the whole book.
Secondly, I simply could not put the book down.
Hunter is one of the best books I have ever read in terms of sheer readability. Hunter is mysterious, brooding, intelligent, a dark cross between Mack Bolan and Michael Westen. Annie Woods, a CIA counter-intel agent who enters a relationship with Hunter, is not there for window dressing. She's got spunk, brains, and beauty, with a tender side to match Hunter's. The action scenes are mesmerizing exercises in tense action, doling out punishment in a way all can relate to when they see a scumbag walk on a technicality or serve less time than they deserve. The romance scenes paint enough of a picture to kickstart the imagination without entering erotica territory, the perfect combination. The main villain, Wulfe, immediately conjured images of Highlander's Kurgan: a menacing personification of evil.
With prose with the trajectory and impact of a Gold Saber hollowpoint and a theme that is sure to raise questions about the criminal justice system, Robert Bidinotto delivers in spades with Hunter, and has surely created a literary action hero that will become a household name.
September 3, 2013
I received this book for free by visiting Simon Jenner's (author of the Ethan Justice series) website and signing up for his e-newsletter. No strings attached, I just received the book and read it, that's all there was to it. On Jenners website (simonjenner.com)you can read an interview with the author, Robert Bidinotto, as well as an interview with the title character Dylan Hunter. Check it out.
I really enjoyed the book. The story line was easy to follow but still had me guessing as to what would happen next. I enjoyed reading up on Hunter's backstory and really, really enjoyed how it ended with all things working out the way they did. Not going into much detail about that, you will just have to read it to see. If you are a fan of vigilante justice you will really enjoy this book.
The idea behind this book is not new but the plain spoken truth contained in its pages is like a breath of fresh air. Bidinotto mixes a lot of painful and shameful facts into this work. We all know that criminals seem to be getting out of prison quicker than they should, Bidinotto will explain why. We also know that families of victims have a deep pain that is not being appreciated and respected as it should, Bidinotto will also discuss that. How many times have we thought that criminals may have it to easy in prison? Bidinotto will include a memo (the memo is real according to the afterward) that was placed on a prison wall that will have steam coming out of your ears.
This was a work of fiction with the right amount of non-fiction mingled in. I like to see the bad guy get what he deserves but this book goes farther than that. Not only does the bad guy reap what he sows but also the lenient judges and scummy lawyers get their just rewards as well. This looks to be a great series, one that you should put on your to-read list.
I really enjoyed the book. The story line was easy to follow but still had me guessing as to what would happen next. I enjoyed reading up on Hunter's backstory and really, really enjoyed how it ended with all things working out the way they did. Not going into much detail about that, you will just have to read it to see. If you are a fan of vigilante justice you will really enjoy this book.
The idea behind this book is not new but the plain spoken truth contained in its pages is like a breath of fresh air. Bidinotto mixes a lot of painful and shameful facts into this work. We all know that criminals seem to be getting out of prison quicker than they should, Bidinotto will explain why. We also know that families of victims have a deep pain that is not being appreciated and respected as it should, Bidinotto will also discuss that. How many times have we thought that criminals may have it to easy in prison? Bidinotto will include a memo (the memo is real according to the afterward) that was placed on a prison wall that will have steam coming out of your ears.
This was a work of fiction with the right amount of non-fiction mingled in. I like to see the bad guy get what he deserves but this book goes farther than that. Not only does the bad guy reap what he sows but also the lenient judges and scummy lawyers get their just rewards as well. This looks to be a great series, one that you should put on your to-read list.
March 19, 2012
Description:
After a string of brutal murders leaves local authorities clueless, CIA agent Annie Woods and investigative reporter Dylan Hunter find themselves working together to stop a killer. But as their "partnership" grows and the bodies start piling up, the pair begins to question each other's motives, as well as those of the people they work for. Is the killer closer than they think; and will Annie and Dylan be able to stop them before they strike again?
Review:
There better be more Dylan Hunter novels on the way, because I am hooked and ready for more! Hunter: A Thriller by Robert Bidinotto is an intense debut novel filled with pulse-pounding action, kick-a** characters, and a touch of romance. For anyone in the mood for a CIA versus vigilante thriller, Hunter is a sure bet. Bidinotto's technique is near flawless- the characters are well-developed and genuine, fitting seamlessly into the novel's tight-knit and suspense-filled plot. Dylan Hunter and Annie Woods jump off the page and lead readers on a chase of their own, catching them in a web of lies, deceit, injustice, betrayal, political corruption, intrigue, and the reality that "good" and "evil" aren't always as clear cut as "hero" versus "villain". I find Bidinotto's first novel to be on the same level as authors Tom Clancy, John Grisham, and James Patterson, three of my favorite heart-stopping, page-turning thrill writers. I will definitely be on the lookout for more Dylan Hunter novels in the near future! Highly recommended for adult readers of any genre!
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
After a string of brutal murders leaves local authorities clueless, CIA agent Annie Woods and investigative reporter Dylan Hunter find themselves working together to stop a killer. But as their "partnership" grows and the bodies start piling up, the pair begins to question each other's motives, as well as those of the people they work for. Is the killer closer than they think; and will Annie and Dylan be able to stop them before they strike again?
Review:
There better be more Dylan Hunter novels on the way, because I am hooked and ready for more! Hunter: A Thriller by Robert Bidinotto is an intense debut novel filled with pulse-pounding action, kick-a** characters, and a touch of romance. For anyone in the mood for a CIA versus vigilante thriller, Hunter is a sure bet. Bidinotto's technique is near flawless- the characters are well-developed and genuine, fitting seamlessly into the novel's tight-knit and suspense-filled plot. Dylan Hunter and Annie Woods jump off the page and lead readers on a chase of their own, catching them in a web of lies, deceit, injustice, betrayal, political corruption, intrigue, and the reality that "good" and "evil" aren't always as clear cut as "hero" versus "villain". I find Bidinotto's first novel to be on the same level as authors Tom Clancy, John Grisham, and James Patterson, three of my favorite heart-stopping, page-turning thrill writers. I will definitely be on the lookout for more Dylan Hunter novels in the near future! Highly recommended for adult readers of any genre!
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
December 12, 2012
This is the first novel by the author, Robert Bidinotto, but you could not tell that from reading it because it displays a confident narrative of a suspenseful revenge thriller in a style that is both beautiful and clear. Thus it belied the expectation of this reader who has read many first novels and does not expect such flawless performance. The hero of the novel is Dylan Hunter, a journalist extraordinaire whose adventures provide exciting thrills and demonstrate moral truths. One of my favorite novels is Alexander Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo. I would suggest that Hunter is a good candidate for a twenty-first century addition to the library shelf that contains classics of revenge and justice like Dumas' and others.
From the opening scenes with a CIA operation gone awry the action is fast paced, leavened by a romantic subplot with some dark secrets involving Dylan and a female CIA operative. Complicating the plot and making the thriller even more suspenseful is the search for an assassin by the female CIA agent. But there is more trouble brewing for both of them that leads directly to the climax and denouement. The characters are drawn clearly with the sure hand of an author who knows how to present the forces of good and evil in an accurate and sometimes horrifyingly believable manner. The effect is to continually raise the suspense and keep the reader guessing with deft twists of a seamless plot. This is the best thriller I have read. I would recommend it to anyone who admires a great plot, who responds to inspirational heroes, or who just wants a great read.
From the opening scenes with a CIA operation gone awry the action is fast paced, leavened by a romantic subplot with some dark secrets involving Dylan and a female CIA operative. Complicating the plot and making the thriller even more suspenseful is the search for an assassin by the female CIA agent. But there is more trouble brewing for both of them that leads directly to the climax and denouement. The characters are drawn clearly with the sure hand of an author who knows how to present the forces of good and evil in an accurate and sometimes horrifyingly believable manner. The effect is to continually raise the suspense and keep the reader guessing with deft twists of a seamless plot. This is the best thriller I have read. I would recommend it to anyone who admires a great plot, who responds to inspirational heroes, or who just wants a great read.
April 29, 2016
I REALLY liked this book. This is the first book in a series about a vigilante and victim's rights activist, Dylan Hunter. I cannot wait to start the next book. It has action, suspense, thrills, and even some romance. I listened to the audio book and I really enjoyed the narrator, Connor Hall. He gave such different voices to all the characters, and his female voices did not sound forced (which is something I really appreciate since many narrators doing opposite genders just don't sound right and can grate on the nerves). If I had to knock one thing on the narration, it is that the volume of the different voices was sometimes very different. I found that I would turn up the volume to hear a particular voice, then feel like I was hurting my hearing because the next character would speak particularly loudly. This may be a problem with my hearing, as I find it hard to hear really low voices sometimes, and not necessarily a problem that others would experience while listening. That being said, I really was blown away by the range of the narrator, and look forward to listening to more books narrated by him. If you like stories about vigilantes, check this one out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
February 9, 2012
4.5 stars. Highly recommend this romantic thriller about a CIA agent who falls in love with a mysterious man who turns out to be on the opposite side of the law. Or is he really on the right side of it after all?
Good twists and turns, tight--and sometimes almost poetic--writing, great action scenes, authentic details, and a frightening villain all add up to a terrific read.
I shaved off half a point because the characters occasionally get a little preachy about their beliefs, to the point where they're in danger of becoming just mouthpieces. When you read the author's note at the end, you'll see why--Bidinotto is passionate about his views, and with good reason. I also had to take a few stabs at this book to get into it; I set it down several times and read other books in-between, but I kept coming back to it because I was genuinely interested in the premise. It was just slow going for a while. Once the romance kicked in, the story took off for me.
I look forward to reading more books in this series!
Good twists and turns, tight--and sometimes almost poetic--writing, great action scenes, authentic details, and a frightening villain all add up to a terrific read.
I shaved off half a point because the characters occasionally get a little preachy about their beliefs, to the point where they're in danger of becoming just mouthpieces. When you read the author's note at the end, you'll see why--Bidinotto is passionate about his views, and with good reason. I also had to take a few stabs at this book to get into it; I set it down several times and read other books in-between, but I kept coming back to it because I was genuinely interested in the premise. It was just slow going for a while. Once the romance kicked in, the story took off for me.
I look forward to reading more books in this series!
October 23, 2013
I normally don't gravitate towards crime novels, (gravitate towards science fiction more often) but I did enjoy this one. I thought the overall theme about how real justice is sorely lacking because of a judicial system that enables criminal offenders more than serves the victims is sadly more accurate than mere fiction. The storyline and underlying philosophy ring even truer knowing that Bidinotto is in fact an investigative reporter with an emphasis on the furlough system and how it is abused. His point seems to be that the judicial system needs to foremost care for the protection and safety of the average citizen, and it too often fails it's primary task and purpose. I agree.
The love interest and scenes revolving around the relationship between Dylan Hunter and Annie Woods didn't ring quite true or authentic, but then it isn't a romance novel. That is perhaps my only criticism of this book, which is minor at best. Otherwise I'm still giving it a solid 4 stars and a thumbs up.
The love interest and scenes revolving around the relationship between Dylan Hunter and Annie Woods didn't ring quite true or authentic, but then it isn't a romance novel. That is perhaps my only criticism of this book, which is minor at best. Otherwise I'm still giving it a solid 4 stars and a thumbs up.
May 17, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! It is compelling from the very beginning and had me hooked while trying to figure things out. I received the Audible version of this book in exchange for an honest review and it was a pleasure to listen to this story.
The character development was excellent especially for Dylan Hunter and Annie Woods. The narrator, Conor Hall, was fabulous. He was the perfect choice for this book. The characters really came to life with the distinct voices that he gave each one. He even did the female voices very well and all conversation among various characters was smooth and seamless.
This book is an excellent combination of mystery, thriller, romance and crime. It was so interesting reading the background of author Robert Bidinotto. His expertise in crime and vigilante reporting shines through and that makes this story all the more plausible.
Now I can’t wait to read (listen to) the next Dylan Hunter book, Bad Deeds: A Dylan Hunter Thriller. And I am so happy to see that Conor Hall has narrated this one as well.
The character development was excellent especially for Dylan Hunter and Annie Woods. The narrator, Conor Hall, was fabulous. He was the perfect choice for this book. The characters really came to life with the distinct voices that he gave each one. He even did the female voices very well and all conversation among various characters was smooth and seamless.
This book is an excellent combination of mystery, thriller, romance and crime. It was so interesting reading the background of author Robert Bidinotto. His expertise in crime and vigilante reporting shines through and that makes this story all the more plausible.
Now I can’t wait to read (listen to) the next Dylan Hunter book, Bad Deeds: A Dylan Hunter Thriller. And I am so happy to see that Conor Hall has narrated this one as well.
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