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House of the Hunted
Mark Mills, bestselling author of Amagansett, The Savage Garden, and The Information Officer, is renowned for blending riveting history, rich atmosphere, and thrilling suspense. Now, in House of the Hunted, Mills deftly unfolds a story of betrayal, love, and the inescapable pull of the past as an ex-spy finds himself drawn back into his treacherous former life.
Côte d’Azur, France, 1935: As Europe moves inexorably toward war, Tom Nash feels pleasantly removed, pursuing a quiet writing career on an idyllic stretch of the French Riveria. A former intelligence operative for the British government, Tom now finds refuge among the lively seaside community of expats and artists, hoping to put the worst deeds from his job—and memories of the woman he once loved—far behind him. But Tom’s peaceful existence is shattered when an unknown hit man tries to kill him in his sleep. Tom is sure that somebody knows his secrets, and that this attempt on his life won’t be the last.
Relying on his instincts for self-preservation, Tom suspects everyone of double-dealing, even people he considers his friends: the Russian art dealers from Paris, the exiled German dissidents, even his former boss and closest confidant. And as he plunges further into his haunted past, Tom feels himself turning into the person he used to be—a dangerous man, capable of anything.
Combining vividly drawn characters and gripping acts of espionage, House of the Hunted is a superbly crafted novel by an exceptional and versatile storyteller.
From the Hardcover edition.
Côte d’Azur, France, 1935: As Europe moves inexorably toward war, Tom Nash feels pleasantly removed, pursuing a quiet writing career on an idyllic stretch of the French Riveria. A former intelligence operative for the British government, Tom now finds refuge among the lively seaside community of expats and artists, hoping to put the worst deeds from his job—and memories of the woman he once loved—far behind him. But Tom’s peaceful existence is shattered when an unknown hit man tries to kill him in his sleep. Tom is sure that somebody knows his secrets, and that this attempt on his life won’t be the last.
Relying on his instincts for self-preservation, Tom suspects everyone of double-dealing, even people he considers his friends: the Russian art dealers from Paris, the exiled German dissidents, even his former boss and closest confidant. And as he plunges further into his haunted past, Tom feels himself turning into the person he used to be—a dangerous man, capable of anything.
Combining vividly drawn characters and gripping acts of espionage, House of the Hunted is a superbly crafted novel by an exceptional and versatile storyteller.
From the Hardcover edition.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
45 people are currently reading
932 people want to read
About the author
Mark Mills
13 books154 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Mark Mills is a British writer of screenplays and novels. His first screenplay was BAFTA-nominated short film One Night Stand starring Jemma Redgrave and James Purefoy in 1993; this won Mills a 'Best Screenplay' award at the Angers European First Film Festival in 1995.
Mills's first novel was Amagansett, later reissued under the title The Whaleboat House published in 2004; this won him the 'Best Crime Novel by a Debut Author' at the Crime Writers' Association Award. His second novel, The Savage Garden, was published in 2006. His third novel, The Information Officer, was published in April, 2009.
Mark Mills is a British writer of screenplays and novels. His first screenplay was BAFTA-nominated short film One Night Stand starring Jemma Redgrave and James Purefoy in 1993; this won Mills a 'Best Screenplay' award at the Angers European First Film Festival in 1995.
Mills's first novel was Amagansett, later reissued under the title The Whaleboat House published in 2004; this won him the 'Best Crime Novel by a Debut Author' at the Crime Writers' Association Award. His second novel, The Savage Garden, was published in 2006. His third novel, The Information Officer, was published in April, 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
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May 7, 2023Not giving a rating DNF. I have read a lot of good books lately, really good books, but have already read some that I just could not finish. This was one of them. I have had this book for a long time and kept putting it off, finally decided to try it and it was just too much, too many details, too much going on and on with the same thing. Sorry to the author, I tried.
January 4, 2015
Some reviewers apparently found this 'masterly' and I wish I could agree, but this is drivel. Previous Mills' novels have been well plotted (especially 'The Savage Garden') and engaging, but this is packed with completely unnecessary back story and lots of exposition. The characterisation is primarily weak and boasts mainly stereotypes. Protagonist Tom Nash (former spy, Oxford educated, blond, handsome, rich travel writer) wakes up one night to find a would-be assassin in his bedroom. Cue a revival of all those spy tricks he learnt in post-revolutionary Russia and the assailant is quickly dispatched to the bottom of the ocean. Nash quickly realises that none of his circle (apart from beautiful Oxford-educated, super-skinny and beloved god-daughter, Lucy) can be trusted.
The 'twist' is evident from the first five pages and not exactly a surprise when it occurs. It seems that Mills can't decide whether this is a country house murder (complete with Christiesque tennis playing, yachting types) or a spy novel and this confusion really affects the pace of the narrative, as does his determination to explain so much to the reader. A non-linear narrative, such as that employed by Patrick Gale can be more than engaging, but here it is handled with far less precision and becomes simply confusing. I wanted to enjoy this but sadly, I found it a huge disappointment and doubt if I'll tackle any more of Mills' works.
The 'twist' is evident from the first five pages and not exactly a surprise when it occurs. It seems that Mills can't decide whether this is a country house murder (complete with Christiesque tennis playing, yachting types) or a spy novel and this confusion really affects the pace of the narrative, as does his determination to explain so much to the reader. A non-linear narrative, such as that employed by Patrick Gale can be more than engaging, but here it is handled with far less precision and becomes simply confusing. I wanted to enjoy this but sadly, I found it a huge disappointment and doubt if I'll tackle any more of Mills' works.
December 9, 2013
Won through a Goodreads Giveaway
House of the Hunted is the first novel I've read by Mark Mills. While sleeping one night Tom's past comes back to haunt him with a vengence. He's tried to put to rest the man he used to be and the constant memories of his one love. The man who's paid to kill him is proof that he can no longer hide as he's sure there will be more looking for him. What he's most concerned with is who in his circle has sold him out.
House of the Hunted takes place in the south of France during 1935, 16 years later from when we initially meet Tom who was a spy at the time. Traipsing from one party to another it seems, Tom is no longer a cold-blooded killer but sure knowes when to call on those skills when necessary.
What I liked most about Mark Mills writing is how descriptive it is. Most thrillers are really shy on details. I felt that I lived Le Rayol with Tom and his friends. It almost felt like these people partied a little too much but when in France...
There is an underlying romance that gives readers a whole nother layer to Tom's character. He's an emotionally damaged man after word that his first love Irina has been executed. Her ghost lingers in a haunting way that it allows readers to feel sorry for Tom. It is this attention to character development that makes Mills a master of his craft. It is why literary snobs that still love suspense flock to titles such as this. I'm no literary snob, but I do have gripes.
Although I appreciate detail and character development as much as the next person, I couldn't help but feel like there was not enough of the espionage, or thriller feel. The moments of action were brief and over in a blink. I know this is not supposed to be some David Morrell novel where Tom's automatically turned into Rambo but I did expect a lot more of this person the book sleeve suggests Tom once was.
I'm certain that because House of the Hunted is geared towards a more literary audience it's trying to make a point. What I found to be a recurring theme was that we never quite know the people we surround ourselves with or even love. I very much so enjoyed reading House of the Hunted and look forward to reading others I may have missed by this author.
House of the Hunted is the first novel I've read by Mark Mills. While sleeping one night Tom's past comes back to haunt him with a vengence. He's tried to put to rest the man he used to be and the constant memories of his one love. The man who's paid to kill him is proof that he can no longer hide as he's sure there will be more looking for him. What he's most concerned with is who in his circle has sold him out.
House of the Hunted takes place in the south of France during 1935, 16 years later from when we initially meet Tom who was a spy at the time. Traipsing from one party to another it seems, Tom is no longer a cold-blooded killer but sure knowes when to call on those skills when necessary.
What I liked most about Mark Mills writing is how descriptive it is. Most thrillers are really shy on details. I felt that I lived Le Rayol with Tom and his friends. It almost felt like these people partied a little too much but when in France...
There is an underlying romance that gives readers a whole nother layer to Tom's character. He's an emotionally damaged man after word that his first love Irina has been executed. Her ghost lingers in a haunting way that it allows readers to feel sorry for Tom. It is this attention to character development that makes Mills a master of his craft. It is why literary snobs that still love suspense flock to titles such as this. I'm no literary snob, but I do have gripes.
Although I appreciate detail and character development as much as the next person, I couldn't help but feel like there was not enough of the espionage, or thriller feel. The moments of action were brief and over in a blink. I know this is not supposed to be some David Morrell novel where Tom's automatically turned into Rambo but I did expect a lot more of this person the book sleeve suggests Tom once was.
I'm certain that because House of the Hunted is geared towards a more literary audience it's trying to make a point. What I found to be a recurring theme was that we never quite know the people we surround ourselves with or even love. I very much so enjoyed reading House of the Hunted and look forward to reading others I may have missed by this author.
November 5, 2011
“House of the Hanged” is a book I’ve been anticipating for a while now, and it didn’t disappointment me.
With the exception of a small chapter or two at the beginning of the book, the story takes place in the French Riviera during a summer in 1935. Tom Nash, a former member of the British Secret Intelligence Service, finds that his past has caught up with him and he’s faced with multiple dilemmas, such as which one of his close friends wants to see him dead.
I really enjoyed this book and like the way Mark Mills writes…seamlessly and almost effortlessly. The plot moves along very quickly so it’s one of those books that is hard to put down. The dialogue between the characters is often witty and quick, and there are a few twists and turns that you get a hint are coming but aren’t laid out for you so they are that obvious. I’m looking forward to the next book Mark Mills hopefully is already writing.
With the exception of a small chapter or two at the beginning of the book, the story takes place in the French Riviera during a summer in 1935. Tom Nash, a former member of the British Secret Intelligence Service, finds that his past has caught up with him and he’s faced with multiple dilemmas, such as which one of his close friends wants to see him dead.
I really enjoyed this book and like the way Mark Mills writes…seamlessly and almost effortlessly. The plot moves along very quickly so it’s one of those books that is hard to put down. The dialogue between the characters is often witty and quick, and there are a few twists and turns that you get a hint are coming but aren’t laid out for you so they are that obvious. I’m looking forward to the next book Mark Mills hopefully is already writing.
August 29, 2019
It is 1935 on the Cote d'Azur in France. There are intimations that war is approaching, even in the community of wealthy ex-pats, artists and writers. When he is not writing, Tom Nash, former British intelligence officer enjoys the round of lunches, dinners and swimming. Then, one night, he is subjected to attempted murder in his sleep, Nash believes that his past career has been discovered. Who, among all his friends and neighbors could be behind the attack? There follows a cat-and-mouse game, interspersed with visits to gorgeous nearby centers of hedonism, a veritable travelogue of an idyllic stretch of the French Riviera. He suspects Russian-born art dealers from Paris. He suspects two self-declared German dissidents. Tom suspects everyone, his senses and radar are on high alert, as he attempts to solve the murderous mystery at the heart of this atmospheric, riveting and thrilling book.
December 30, 2020
I have read a few of Mark Mill's books and enjoyed them all. Every story is different and the setting also very different.
This is set in the south of France and coincidently where I was staying as an au pair when I was sixteen so it was a nice step back into memory lane as they explored the area around Cavaliere and La Lavendou.
It was a good story with lots of twists and turns and some interesting characters.
At times it was very tense and kept the reader guessing as to what was going to happen. There was one big surprise for both the reader and the characters but I won't spoil it!!
This is set in the south of France and coincidently where I was staying as an au pair when I was sixteen so it was a nice step back into memory lane as they explored the area around Cavaliere and La Lavendou.
It was a good story with lots of twists and turns and some interesting characters.
At times it was very tense and kept the reader guessing as to what was going to happen. There was one big surprise for both the reader and the characters but I won't spoil it!!
April 8, 2012
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for and honest review.
The house of the Hunted tells the story of Tom Nash, who is trying to figure out why someone tried to have him killed by a professional assassin. His past comes back as he tries to build a ‘normal’ life in the hectic days just before World War 2 in southern France.
Nash, a former spy in revolutionary Russia, has managed to ‘retire’ from the spy business and is living like a well-funded playboy, enjoying dinner parties and the occasional company of his colorful neighbors.
Mills’s descriptions are vivid and clear enough to transport the reader to the locales and settings in the story. The characters are interesting, even though Mills never lets the reader completely inside their lives and heads.
I won’t give away the ending, but I have to say I was somewhat disappointed in how things wrapped up. The point is supposed to be the ‘bad guy trying to move on and have a normal life’ tale, but Nash always seems so decent that even the few flashbacks and backstory don’t make him feel ruthless, making his struggle to civilize himself ring somewhat hollow. It is still an entertaining story, but lacks the full punch that the author probably intended.
The house of the Hunted tells the story of Tom Nash, who is trying to figure out why someone tried to have him killed by a professional assassin. His past comes back as he tries to build a ‘normal’ life in the hectic days just before World War 2 in southern France.
Nash, a former spy in revolutionary Russia, has managed to ‘retire’ from the spy business and is living like a well-funded playboy, enjoying dinner parties and the occasional company of his colorful neighbors.
Mills’s descriptions are vivid and clear enough to transport the reader to the locales and settings in the story. The characters are interesting, even though Mills never lets the reader completely inside their lives and heads.
I won’t give away the ending, but I have to say I was somewhat disappointed in how things wrapped up. The point is supposed to be the ‘bad guy trying to move on and have a normal life’ tale, but Nash always seems so decent that even the few flashbacks and backstory don’t make him feel ruthless, making his struggle to civilize himself ring somewhat hollow. It is still an entertaining story, but lacks the full punch that the author probably intended.
March 15, 2021
A disappointing historical suspense novel. The story concerns a retired British spy living the life of a wealthy man in the south of France in 1935, with a circle of rich friends. Someone tries to kill him and he’s drawn back into his former life. Unfortunately too much attention is given to descriptions of the ways these people amuse themselves on the Riviera, and not enough to the actual story. A few of the secondary characters are somewhat interesting, but not the main ones. I repeatedly found myself wishing the plot would start up again, but in the end it failed to satisfy as well. There are a few decent action scenes. I finished the book but I wasn’t happy with it. This was my first Mark Mills book and probably my last.
May 19, 2012
A well written spy thriller with lots of interesting themes throughout. It reminded me of a Le Carre novel. Recommended. I'm going to see about reading his other novels.
September 3, 2015
4.5 Estrelas.
Um livro bom...MUITO bom!!!!!!
Opinião completa no blogue:
http://flamesmr.blogspot.pt/2015/09/l...
Um livro bom...MUITO bom!!!!!!
Opinião completa no blogue:
http://flamesmr.blogspot.pt/2015/09/l...
February 7, 2025
France in 1935. Tom Nash has rebuilt his life after a turbulent career within the Secret Intelligence Service. Now living at Le Rayol, a haven for artists, expatriates and refugees, he lives the life of a travel writer far removed from the world of espionage and the man he used to be. But the past is less willing to leave him behind. When a midnight intruder tries to kill him, he knows it is just a matter of time before another assassination attempt is made.
The golden sands of the French Riviera are the regular haunt of Foreign Office Official, Leonard, Venetia and their daughter (Tom's God-daughter) Lucy. They, together with a cluster of friends are gathered for their annual holiday. Their sun-kissed days together are numbered however, as a threat lurks within their midst. Tom begins to realise that one of them has betrayed him, but who, and why?
The author succeeds in recreating the glamour of a bygone era, he had created some memorable characters, not least of which is Lucy, a girl straddling that awkward age between adolescence and womanhood. A good deal of the novel follows Lucy as she navigates her course and tries to come to terms with her feelings for Tom. He has been present throughout much of her life and she sees him as both a father-figure and a role model. Gradually, she comes to desire something more from this relationship and this sits slightly uneasily with me, given the role he has fulfilled in her life.
The threat of international politics looms constantly in the background as the nations slide inexorably towards war. Motivations and loyalties are questioned. A favourable aspect of this novel is the way in which the action moves quite rapidly, and is not slowed down by the frequent flashbacks and inclusion of backstory, which in turn help to answer questions such as: where did Tom get the money from to buy his villa; how did he meet the irrepressible Barney; what happened to Lucy's father. Tom meanwhile has put aside the man he used to be. After five years out of the game, his reactions are initially not as sharp as they formerly were - when Commissaire Roche comes to question him in relation to the Italian's disappearance, he mistakenly leaves subtle signs which showed that he had something to hide or something to fear. His skills and instincts are still there and, as the novel progresses, he gradually returns to his former self: an agent of the S.I.S.
I greatly enjoyed this book, but was disappointed by the ending. Maybe the author's intention was for the reader, like his protagonist, to feel the sting of betrayal. It is like the golden image of the past is tainted by the truth of what was really going on. The novel comes to something of an abrupt end, with loose ends hastily tied together or chopped off entirely. It is as if the author was in a hurry to get the thing finished and delivered to the publishers so he could get on with the next project. Another chapter would have been nice to round everything off. The novel ends with a distinct element of unfinished business. General Zakharov is still out there and intent of hunting him. Not if Tom finds him first, as he darkly promises. There is the lingering question of Irina's ultimate fate and the whereabouts of their son, Alexei. The novel ends. I am left wondering, OK, what next...?
The golden sands of the French Riviera are the regular haunt of Foreign Office Official, Leonard, Venetia and their daughter (Tom's God-daughter) Lucy. They, together with a cluster of friends are gathered for their annual holiday. Their sun-kissed days together are numbered however, as a threat lurks within their midst. Tom begins to realise that one of them has betrayed him, but who, and why?
The author succeeds in recreating the glamour of a bygone era, he had created some memorable characters, not least of which is Lucy, a girl straddling that awkward age between adolescence and womanhood. A good deal of the novel follows Lucy as she navigates her course and tries to come to terms with her feelings for Tom. He has been present throughout much of her life and she sees him as both a father-figure and a role model. Gradually, she comes to desire something more from this relationship and this sits slightly uneasily with me, given the role he has fulfilled in her life.
The threat of international politics looms constantly in the background as the nations slide inexorably towards war. Motivations and loyalties are questioned. A favourable aspect of this novel is the way in which the action moves quite rapidly, and is not slowed down by the frequent flashbacks and inclusion of backstory, which in turn help to answer questions such as: where did Tom get the money from to buy his villa; how did he meet the irrepressible Barney; what happened to Lucy's father. Tom meanwhile has put aside the man he used to be. After five years out of the game, his reactions are initially not as sharp as they formerly were - when Commissaire Roche comes to question him in relation to the Italian's disappearance, he mistakenly leaves subtle signs which showed that he had something to hide or something to fear. His skills and instincts are still there and, as the novel progresses, he gradually returns to his former self: an agent of the S.I.S.
I greatly enjoyed this book, but was disappointed by the ending. Maybe the author's intention was for the reader, like his protagonist, to feel the sting of betrayal. It is like the golden image of the past is tainted by the truth of what was really going on. The novel comes to something of an abrupt end, with loose ends hastily tied together or chopped off entirely. It is as if the author was in a hurry to get the thing finished and delivered to the publishers so he could get on with the next project. Another chapter would have been nice to round everything off. The novel ends with a distinct element of unfinished business. General Zakharov is still out there and intent of hunting him. Not if Tom finds him first, as he darkly promises. There is the lingering question of Irina's ultimate fate and the whereabouts of their son, Alexei. The novel ends. I am left wondering, OK, what next...?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2019
A story set just after the First World War and then sixteen years later just before the beginning of the second. It is about a ‘retired’ spy who is in his late 30s and how he deals with assassins trying to murder him for activities that occurred in 1919. At the same time there are various 'love' interests for the protagonist and a relationship with his goddaughter that may develop that way. The action for most of the book happens in the South of France whilst he is hosting lavish luncheons, laborious dinners, bathing parties and scavenger hunts for an extended group of ‘friends’. But who are his enemies and is someone close to him a betrayer? It should have been gripping but unfortunately, for me, the writing was ‘disjointed’ and the characters not engaging enough. It was just about interesting enough to finish but then the ending was odd and very unsatisfying.
December 15, 2019
This is another solid effort by Mills. It's an understated thriller filled with expats and set mostly on the Mediterranean coast of France in the days leading up to WWII. It's a nearly seamless 50/50 blend of character study and plot, which is about 20% more character study than I usually like. But it works well here, even though I have to admit that this is NOT a book for those who want a car chase or guns-blazing shootout on every other page.
Mills and his prose may not be in Alan Furst's league yet, but he's been impressing me enough with his recent works of historical fiction that I can see some definite potential there. He's that good, in my opinion.
Mills and his prose may not be in Alan Furst's league yet, but he's been impressing me enough with his recent works of historical fiction that I can see some definite potential there. He's that good, in my opinion.
October 4, 2018
I really enjoyed Mark Mills' book The Savage Garden. I think this book is almost as good, but not quite. It tells the story of a retired British spy who suddenly becomes a target for death. It is a mystery that Mr. Mills unravels by introducing us to several characters in the spy's life. I enjoyed the different love interests and his encounters with his closest comrades. However, the story fell short when providing detail on some of the other involved characters. The last chapter is very exciting and wraps up the story pretty well, but I wasn't entirely thrilled with the very end.
December 26, 2022
There were some similarities to "Ripley Underground" by Patricia Highsmith. The setting, the MC's name, the occupation of the MC and a few plot points. They were enough that it spurred me to find out if the author was influenced by the book. He doesn't mention the above book, but another one.
The story kept me engaged until the very end. I did not like some parts of the ending so the lower stars.
The story kept me engaged until the very end. I did not like some parts of the ending so the lower stars.
June 4, 2020
Tom has retired to his French villa to write novels. Sixteen years of being a secret agent for England has been enough and he finally feels he can relax. That is until someone tries to murder him in his sleep. He is thrown right back into the espionage business, not knowing who he could trust and if he will make it out alive.
November 17, 2023
I didn't really enjoy this book as I'm not keen on stories about spies.
I thought I would try it because it was by Mark Mills and I had read his 'Waiting for Doggo' book and really enjoyed it.
I have other books by this author on my bookshelves, so I'll move on to one of those.
Well written, just not my genre, hence the 2 star rating.
June 6, 2018
The book is set in the French Rivieria in 1935 at the home of a former British spy whose past comes back to haunt him. It was passable but I had to make myself finish the book. This was a reread, so I must have liked it more the first time I read it otherwise I would not have kept the book.
April 15, 2022
This book started off really well. Russian prisons, spies...then it devolved into a bunch of well-to-do Europeans and "How We Spent Our Summer Vacation." I could care less. I will read another book by this author though. I did like his writing style...
January 30, 2025
Great book! Really enjoyed the storyline and was a great travel book, I could pick it up and keep going where I left off
Felt like the story got a little too focused on details and world building, but overall enjoyable and wanted to have a sequel to follow the characters
Felt like the story got a little too focused on details and world building, but overall enjoyable and wanted to have a sequel to follow the characters
April 26, 2025
There are too many great books out there to waste time finishing this one. The narrative is all over the place like a mad woman drinking, there is little character development so I'll move on to something more engaging.
March 29, 2017
An excellent spy/thriller type read - fast pace and lots of twists and turns but not an incomprehensible plot!
May 31, 2017
Spy novels are not usually my thing, but this was excellent! Lots of twists and turns; I had no idea how it would end!
July 28, 2018
I love this author, but this was just not up to “Savage Garden” expectations. I will continue to read this author.
September 22, 2018
Excellent read. Great use of flashback. Strong imagery and character development. Romance AND intrigue...what's not to love.
September 1, 2020
Thought it was quite poor. Weak characters, plot, too much back story that seems to build almost to a disappointing crescendo. Shame as his three previous books were superb.
November 30, 2020
A crime novel with a difference. Well written and enjoyable.
November 26, 2021
Fell between two stools. Not substantial enough for a historical novel but too discursive for a whodunit.
May 10, 2022
Ok, easy, enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews