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Abby Sinclair and Tess McCallum #1
The Shadow Hunter
THE CAT
Abby Sinclair is a hunter, as cunning and deadly as her prey. Working alone, she infiltrates the lives of stalkers ... discovers their darkest desires ... and brings them down before they explode ...
THE MOUSE
Raymond Hickle is close to the edge. The object of his twisted obsession is a beautiful television news anchor. He knows her every expression, her every move. And if he can't possess her, no one will ...
THE GAME
But now, Raymond has a new next-door neighbor. Her name is Abby, and she's moving in for the kill. Little does Abby know, danger lurks beneath every shadow ...
Abby Sinclair is a hunter, as cunning and deadly as her prey. Working alone, she infiltrates the lives of stalkers ... discovers their darkest desires ... and brings them down before they explode ...
THE MOUSE
Raymond Hickle is close to the edge. The object of his twisted obsession is a beautiful television news anchor. He knows her every expression, her every move. And if he can't possess her, no one will ...
THE GAME
But now, Raymond has a new next-door neighbor. Her name is Abby, and she's moving in for the kill. Little does Abby know, danger lurks beneath every shadow ...
421 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
250 people are currently reading
1037 people want to read
About the author
Michael Prescott
49 books167 followersA pseudonym used by Douglas Borton, aka Brian Harper.
Douglas Borton grew up in New Jersey and attended Wesleyan University, then moved to Los Angeles and pursued a career as a screenwriter. After working with several independent producers, he eventually switched to writing novels, a much less stressful occupation. He has published 25 thrillers, starting with horror novels in the 1980s and continuing with suspense and crime novels in the '90s and beyond. His latest book is Bad to the Bone (2015), a sequel to Blood in the Water (2014). After twenty years in traditional publishing, he went the indie route in 2011 and has become one of America's bestselling ebook writers.
Douglas Borton grew up in New Jersey and attended Wesleyan University, then moved to Los Angeles and pursued a career as a screenwriter. After working with several independent producers, he eventually switched to writing novels, a much less stressful occupation. He has published 25 thrillers, starting with horror novels in the 1980s and continuing with suspense and crime novels in the '90s and beyond. His latest book is Bad to the Bone (2015), a sequel to Blood in the Water (2014). After twenty years in traditional publishing, he went the indie route in 2011 and has become one of America's bestselling ebook writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
June 25, 2020
This was a book I judged by its cover and almost didn’t read, but I'm glad I did as it was really entertaining - it reminded me a bit of vintage Jackie Collins, but updated with less sex and better dialogue. Set in Hollywood, this is the story of a celebrity, her psychotic stalker, and the people trying to save her life.
Abby Sinclair works for an elite security company, and her job is very specific: she befriends alleged stalkers, gets to know them, and determines if they are a real threat to the client or just harmless and delusional. It seems dangerous, and based on the two cases discussed in this book, not very effective.
But the story moved along briskly with danger, deceit, and surprises galore; no graphic violence, and an exciting final act. I would definitely read other Abby Sinclair stories.
Abby Sinclair works for an elite security company, and her job is very specific: she befriends alleged stalkers, gets to know them, and determines if they are a real threat to the client or just harmless and delusional. It seems dangerous, and based on the two cases discussed in this book, not very effective.
But the story moved along briskly with danger, deceit, and surprises galore; no graphic violence, and an exciting final act. I would definitely read other Abby Sinclair stories.
February 7, 2017
I always love a badass heroine and this book did have that. It was also offered as a kindleunlimited which always makes me happy. The characters were solid. The suspense was well executed. I'll defiantely check out more of this wrtiers work.
May 21, 2014
Somewhat surprised at the harshness of some of the reviews I've seen. This is actually a very clever thriller which gets you to the edge of your seat early on and actually keeps you there throughout.
The excitement doesn't depend on twists but these are certainly furnished aplenty anyway and took me by surprise, maybe I'm not so jaded by this genre that I can see them coming!
Brilliant concept of stalking the stalker and Abby being female was perfect, particularly as her portrayal seemed atypical; I certainly felt she had depth, vulnerability and edginess that gave her persona credibility while still bringing compassion and absolute competence to her job.
A smart, psychological rollercoaster ride!
The excitement doesn't depend on twists but these are certainly furnished aplenty anyway and took me by surprise, maybe I'm not so jaded by this genre that I can see them coming!
Brilliant concept of stalking the stalker and Abby being female was perfect, particularly as her portrayal seemed atypical; I certainly felt she had depth, vulnerability and edginess that gave her persona credibility while still bringing compassion and absolute competence to her job.
A smart, psychological rollercoaster ride!
July 14, 2017
Excelente libro, de principio a fin entretenido, el autor escribe de una manera muy amena. Si existieran más estrellas se las daría. Lastima que solo este este en español.
April 24, 2023
"Todo el mundo se pasaba la vida persiguiendo lo que no tenía: fama o riqueza, juventud o amor, una victoria final o una venganza; corriendo a la caza de presas que deseaban ver convertidas en compendio de su existencia; buscando la plenitud."
March 6, 2013
THE SHADOW HUNTER is not the first Michael Prescott novel I’ve read. If it were, I would have stopped after a chapter or two.
It was painfully slow and not particularly interesting for the longest time. Two-thirds of the way in, something unexpected finally happened. A twist. It was torture waiting for it, but I knew it had to be there somewhere.
The ending was not particularly impressive and the bad guy’s motive wasn’t very believable, but the twist, along with a decent amount of suspense, was enough to add a star to my rating.
If you are a loyal Michael Prescott fan and you absolutely have to read each and every one of his books, then, okay, read this one. Otherwise, I’d suggest you give THE SHADOW HUNTER a miss.
I think Michael Prescott is a talented author and storyteller. I really loved NEXT VICTIM. All authors miss the mark once in a while. I just hope THE SHADOW HUNTER was one of those flukes.
I’m giving this book three stars and I’m being generous.
It was painfully slow and not particularly interesting for the longest time. Two-thirds of the way in, something unexpected finally happened. A twist. It was torture waiting for it, but I knew it had to be there somewhere.
The ending was not particularly impressive and the bad guy’s motive wasn’t very believable, but the twist, along with a decent amount of suspense, was enough to add a star to my rating.
If you are a loyal Michael Prescott fan and you absolutely have to read each and every one of his books, then, okay, read this one. Otherwise, I’d suggest you give THE SHADOW HUNTER a miss.
I think Michael Prescott is a talented author and storyteller. I really loved NEXT VICTIM. All authors miss the mark once in a while. I just hope THE SHADOW HUNTER was one of those flukes.
I’m giving this book three stars and I’m being generous.
August 13, 2014
Finishing this book left me with the deep sense of satisfaction that comes with knowing that I had fortitude enough to slog through to the end. The weak plot, rife with holes, is buoyed only by the gross incompetence of the characters. You half expect at least one of them to knock themselves out by stepping on a rake at some point.
A thorough disappointment.
A thorough disappointment.
September 7, 2014
This is not my usual genre, and maybe I liked it so much more than other reviewers because I don't have a lot of background in it, fewer ingrained tropes.
It was a fast read and a total page turner. I immediately went and got the next one from Kindle Unlimited.
It was a fast read and a total page turner. I immediately went and got the next one from Kindle Unlimited.
October 27, 2016
Competent thriller marred by an unbelievable motive for the crime in question.
July 5, 2020
Abby Sinclair deals in risk assessment—but it’s lives, not fortunes, that are at stake. The Los Angeles investigator goes undercover to figure out whether a client’s stalker is simply an overzealous fan or a dangerous psychopath. She’s learned the hard way that the difference isn’t always apparent until it’s too late. In Raymond Hickle’s case, however, Abby has no doubts.
The awkward loner’s fixation with gorgeous news anchor Kris Barwood has progressed from creepy to murderous. So Abby befriends Hickle, trying to gauge when and how he’ll strike. Yet her target is as wily as he is unhinged, and Abby has unwittingly made herself a madman’s latest obsession. With her reputation and life on the line, Abby races to save Kris before Hickle eliminates them both.
New York Times best-selling author Michael Prescott takes readers on an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride packed with ingenious twists and gut-churning suspense.
July 6, 2021
Was better than I expected it to be. Is listed as the first "Abby Sinclair-Tess McCullam" book in series. McCallum never shows up in this one- Take away some partial star rating for that. Story came out in 1999-00 and reads very dated as well. Overall I liked the Abby Sinclair character and the supporting cast was very interesting. I kinda guessed the conclusion early on. Book plods a bit slow through it's middle. I've now read all five books in this series from author Michael Prescott. I did enjoy the series as a whole. Check this one out. (Series as well.)
March 2, 2017
I just took back back a star because after reading over my notes and thinking about this review, I don't think it earned three stars.
The plot was overly contrived and the characters were divided between those who were incredibly shallowly drawn, and those who were drawn with some depth but ended up acting in ways that were inconsistent with their presumed principles. The plot was way too complicated, with the result that it became predictable. Sort of like trying to find your way out of a maze where the hedges are only up to your knees.
But technical issues are a big red flag for me, and I firmly believe that when an author wants to get into an area that he is not familiar with, he owes it to the reader to do the homework, and get an expert to review what he has written. The first unforgivable incident I recall was so clumsy that a) it was obviously an attempt at foreshadowing, and b) it put me on guard to watch for similar faults in the rest of book, interrupting the flow of reading every few pages.
I think I made more notes in this book than any book that I have ever finished reading, and as I look at them now I am amazed that I did finish the book. Here are two, and I'll resist the temptation to quote more.
1. Giacomo gave "...the location, date and time of the interview. Howard noticed he used military time-- oh-nine-hundred thirty-five hours." Ouch, that hurts my ears. Military time might be "oh-nine-hundred (hours)" or "oh-nine-thirty-five" but oh-nine-hundred thirty-five hours is not "military time." Or any other kind of time; it's what Prescott imagines military time would be.
2. When Abby finds the 1911 Colt in the dressing table in the bungalow, she notes that "It was in need of lubrication, and the extractor had lost some of its tension and should have been replaced." She could have observed the need for lubrication, but there is no practical way she could have observed that the extractor had lost some tension-- unless she tried to cycle it, in which case it would jam, which would kind of give away the significance. You just know that it is going to jam at some point in the future. Why else would Abby "observe" that, even if it were actually possible> to observe it? Well, guess what happens. And Prescott can't even get that right--the extractor pulls out an empty cartridge after it has been fired. You load a round into the chamber, fire it, and THEN the extractor could jam. But it would have fired once!
I'm not a firearms expert by any means but I am a veteran and we're talking about some very basic stuff here.
I don't mean to ruin this for anyone but if you are looking for the sophistication of Michael Connelly or John Sandford, you will be disappointed. It's not just military and firearms errors; I really think there's something here to irritate just about everybody. It seems the title "Editor" is used very loosely at Amazon, which is unfortunate because that's all this book really needed-- a competent, old-school editor.
The plot was overly contrived and the characters were divided between those who were incredibly shallowly drawn, and those who were drawn with some depth but ended up acting in ways that were inconsistent with their presumed principles. The plot was way too complicated, with the result that it became predictable. Sort of like trying to find your way out of a maze where the hedges are only up to your knees.
But technical issues are a big red flag for me, and I firmly believe that when an author wants to get into an area that he is not familiar with, he owes it to the reader to do the homework, and get an expert to review what he has written. The first unforgivable incident I recall was so clumsy that a) it was obviously an attempt at foreshadowing, and b) it put me on guard to watch for similar faults in the rest of book, interrupting the flow of reading every few pages.
I think I made more notes in this book than any book that I have ever finished reading, and as I look at them now I am amazed that I did finish the book. Here are two, and I'll resist the temptation to quote more.
1. Giacomo gave "...the location, date and time of the interview. Howard noticed he used military time-- oh-nine-hundred thirty-five hours." Ouch, that hurts my ears. Military time might be "oh-nine-hundred (hours)" or "oh-nine-thirty-five" but oh-nine-hundred thirty-five hours is not "military time." Or any other kind of time; it's what Prescott imagines military time would be.
2. When Abby finds the 1911 Colt in the dressing table in the bungalow, she notes that "It was in need of lubrication, and the extractor had lost some of its tension and should have been replaced." She could have observed the need for lubrication, but there is no practical way she could have observed that the extractor had lost some tension-- unless she tried to cycle it, in which case it would jam, which would kind of give away the significance. You just know that it is going to jam at some point in the future. Why else would Abby "observe" that, even if it were actually possible> to observe it? Well, guess what happens. And Prescott can't even get that right--the extractor pulls out an empty cartridge after it has been fired. You load a round into the chamber, fire it, and THEN the extractor could jam. But it would have fired once!
I'm not a firearms expert by any means but I am a veteran and we're talking about some very basic stuff here.
I don't mean to ruin this for anyone but if you are looking for the sophistication of Michael Connelly or John Sandford, you will be disappointed. It's not just military and firearms errors; I really think there's something here to irritate just about everybody. It seems the title "Editor" is used very loosely at Amazon, which is unfortunate because that's all this book really needed-- a competent, old-school editor.
July 11, 2017
I was really enjoying this book, just a straight up and down thriller about a celebrity stalker. Then around 3/4 of the way through the book, there is a twist. I literally didn't see coming. And then... well the story was still exciting and it had a good ending, but I am disappointed there was a twist... Did we really need it? I think I would have been happier with a straight forward book, no twist...
November 24, 2019
Just a Few Twists and Turns
Okay so there are many of them. Abby is a psychological profiler who works for a protection service. She places herself in the suspect's life to get inside their head. This time the suspect is a man obsessed with a local television news personality. The story just takes you along on a wild adventure. This book was enjoyable to read but does use the f-bomb occasionally and there are a few sex scenes for those who would want to know.
Okay so there are many of them. Abby is a psychological profiler who works for a protection service. She places herself in the suspect's life to get inside their head. This time the suspect is a man obsessed with a local television news personality. The story just takes you along on a wild adventure. This book was enjoyable to read but does use the f-bomb occasionally and there are a few sex scenes for those who would want to know.
December 21, 2021
I recently discovered Michael Prescott. I couldn't get past the 1st 50 pages of his first book, Comes the Dark, but I had this one, too, so I gave it a go. Much better. Abby Sinclair works for security companies and specializes in going under cover to catch stalkers. The plot has lots of satisfying twists and turns and only a few leaps of credibility. Prescott has a third book out and I'll likely give it a shot.
April 23, 2018
Unpredictable
Sometimes people are not who they seem to be. Kris is being stalked by Hinkle, so she hires Travis' firm for protection. Travis hires Abby to befriend Hinkle and report on his movements. Along the way, alliances are made that will surprise the reader. A good read, hard to put down, as Michael Prescott intends.
Sometimes people are not who they seem to be. Kris is being stalked by Hinkle, so she hires Travis' firm for protection. Travis hires Abby to befriend Hinkle and report on his movements. Along the way, alliances are made that will surprise the reader. A good read, hard to put down, as Michael Prescott intends.
May 6, 2019
Really good crime thriller
Good plot development with interesting characters and gradual increase in suspense leading to a fitting climax which kept me reading for longer than intended so as to finish. All of the ingredients for a very enjoyable read. Only a few somewhat cliched moments make short of 5 stars. But I will definitely be reading the next in the series!
Good plot development with interesting characters and gradual increase in suspense leading to a fitting climax which kept me reading for longer than intended so as to finish. All of the ingredients for a very enjoyable read. Only a few somewhat cliched moments make short of 5 stars. But I will definitely be reading the next in the series!
June 1, 2021
I’ve had this book on my kindle forever. I have the audiobook as well as just recently realized I had never read it. I don’t know why I waited so long. The story was well paced, the characters were pretty interesting and there was a nice little twist I didn’t see coming. Overall, a good read and I would check out more from this author.
June 19, 2017
Thrilling
Psychological thrills. Really enjoyed Abby's insight on life, didn't like her job much. Abby didn't seem all that efficient and than the next chapter comes. Not a girly book at all, like some are when a women is the main character.
Psychological thrills. Really enjoyed Abby's insight on life, didn't like her job much. Abby didn't seem all that efficient and than the next chapter comes. Not a girly book at all, like some are when a women is the main character.
October 8, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Well written, lots of twists and turns. The author does a good job of developing the characters. The Protagonist, Abby, is likable and interesting. I will be reading more from this author.
January 10, 2018
Una historia de suspenso, que tiene un revés al final
Maso menos, esperaba la utilización de más elementos de suspenso. Si bien tiene un revés al final toda la historia se siente muy trivial.
Maso menos, esperaba la utilización de más elementos de suspenso. Si bien tiene un revés al final toda la historia se siente muy trivial.
October 18, 2018
Si pudiera describir este libro en una palabra sería: ¡ameno! De esas lecturas sencillas, fluidas y agradables a las que uno gusta llegar después de un arduo día. Si te gustan las novelas policiacas, es buena opción.
March 28, 2021
Enjoyed this book.
I am looking forward to reading more of his books. I have been looking for a new author, I am very picky when it comes to the books I read. I would recommend this book, if you like mysteries.
I am looking forward to reading more of his books. I have been looking for a new author, I am very picky when it comes to the books I read. I would recommend this book, if you like mysteries.
August 31, 2022
Calling this an Abby and Tess series is odd, because Abby appears in the first book, Tess in the second, and they don’t really team up until the last three books in the series. This one was what my Mom would have called “a good gripper,” well-plotted and paced.
January 4, 2017
Very good book
This was a good story that kept you guessing. The characters were interesting and I can't wait for the next book.
This was a good story that kept you guessing. The characters were interesting and I can't wait for the next book.
August 22, 2017
A good read
A good fast read which was marred by a not so good motive of the antagonist. Overall an enjoyable weekend read.
A good fast read which was marred by a not so good motive of the antagonist. Overall an enjoyable weekend read.
January 6, 2018
Nice little thriller with a badass female protagonist. Quick easy read.
December 3, 2018
Surprise after surprise.
This has twists and turns you will find intriguing. Well written and Mr. Prescott does a great job describing the characters. I enjoyed reading this book.
This has twists and turns you will find intriguing. Well written and Mr. Prescott does a great job describing the characters. I enjoyed reading this book.
June 3, 2019
Malísima, ni la compren ni pierdan su tiempo leyendo este bodrio.
February 27, 2020
Love the Sinclair, McCallum series. Great characters, well written and plots that totally capture you!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews