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Ellie Reckless #3
Hunt the Prey
"I hate him... he destroyed my life... but now I have to keep him alive?"
Meet disgraced ex-DI Ellie Reckless, a self-proclaimed 'cop for criminals', and the person the underworld calls when they can't call the police.
For months now, she's built up a series of favours, all so she can set them off like dominos - proving that Nicky Simpson, YouTube sensation and wannabe gangster, was the man who destroyed her life - and killed the man she loved. And in return, Nicky has watched her carefully, waiting to see whether she's too much of a threat to keep alive.
But when Nicky's life is threatened, he's forced to turn to Ellie and her team for help; his cost? A favour, freely given, in turn for Ellie and Tinker Jones becoming his personal bodyguards, while the others in her group hunt the threat down - and remove it.
Now in close contact with the man she hates more than anything in the world, Ellie's caught in a dilemma - if she fails, all her troubles go away, but she'll never prove her innocence. But if she succeeds, the one favour he has to give her as payment could provide her with every answer she needs to end her nightmare.
But what happens when the unthinkable happens - and she starts to doubt that Nicky Simpson is the man she's been hunting all this time?
Meet disgraced ex-DI Ellie Reckless, a self-proclaimed 'cop for criminals', and the person the underworld calls when they can't call the police.
For months now, she's built up a series of favours, all so she can set them off like dominos - proving that Nicky Simpson, YouTube sensation and wannabe gangster, was the man who destroyed her life - and killed the man she loved. And in return, Nicky has watched her carefully, waiting to see whether she's too much of a threat to keep alive.
But when Nicky's life is threatened, he's forced to turn to Ellie and her team for help; his cost? A favour, freely given, in turn for Ellie and Tinker Jones becoming his personal bodyguards, while the others in her group hunt the threat down - and remove it.
Now in close contact with the man she hates more than anything in the world, Ellie's caught in a dilemma - if she fails, all her troubles go away, but she'll never prove her innocence. But if she succeeds, the one favour he has to give her as payment could provide her with every answer she needs to end her nightmare.
But what happens when the unthinkable happens - and she starts to doubt that Nicky Simpson is the man she's been hunting all this time?
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2023
356 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Jack Gatland
78 books245 followersJack Gatland is the pen name of #1 New York Times Bestselling Writer Tony Lee, who has been writing in all medias for over thirty years including comics, graphic novels, middle grade books, audio drama, TV and film for DC, Marvel, BBC, ITV, Random House, Penguin USA, Hachette and a ton of other publishers and broadcasters on licenses such as Doctor Who, Spider Man, X-Men, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Doctors, Wallace and Gromit and Shrek. As Tony, he’s toured the country talking to reluctant readers with his ‘Change The Channel’ school tours.
He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.
As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.
The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.
In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.
He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.
He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.
As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.
The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.
In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.
He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 14, 2024
Just got into these books and I’m really enjoying the series the team are quite believable and the stories well told
June 15, 2023
Hunt the Prey by Jack Gatland is book 3 in the Ellie Reckless series. Ellie, known as the Cop for Criminals, would never have thought that she would be trying to keep Nicky Simpson alive and safe. She believed he was responsible for the death of her lover and had been trying to prove it. But when Nicky found out someone wanted him dead, he thought there’s only one person who can help – Ellie Reckless. The assignment and all its complexities leads her and the crew on a merry dance. DC Joanne Davey, on leave from DI Declan Walsh’s unit, assists the team with forensics. The story takes you on a thrilling ride, and Ellie gets closer to the truth. A great read.
April 11, 2025
My new love
I’ve written many reviews and always freely admit my thoughts and feelings about the characters. Some enter into one of my favourite series and I’m not sure whether I like or dislike. Ellie is one of those very types. I’m looking forward to reading the next Reckless novel.
I’ve written many reviews and always freely admit my thoughts and feelings about the characters. Some enter into one of my favourite series and I’m not sure whether I like or dislike. Ellie is one of those very types. I’m looking forward to reading the next Reckless novel.
June 28, 2025
When life gives you lemons, protect them. This is what Ellie and the gang have to do when the hated Nicky Simpson shows up after his office and gym are bombed. How can they do this when they’ve spent most of their time trying to prove he killed her lover. But a deal is a deal…and she will get a favor. Another exciting and fascinating book.
June 28, 2023
Confusing
Too many new characters, using unremarkable surnames, it becomes disjointed. Unlike Jack Gatland’s previous books, this is not the best. I have read all his Declan and Reckless books.
Too many new characters, using unremarkable surnames, it becomes disjointed. Unlike Jack Gatland’s previous books, this is not the best. I have read all his Declan and Reckless books.
August 8, 2023
Plot and Character Twists - Enjoyable!
I've really enjoyed this series, an off shoot of the Declan Walsh and the Last Chance Saloon saga. Just a great blend of the 'new mystery/situation' along with the sometimes convoluted thread running through the books. I look forward to #4.
I've really enjoyed this series, an off shoot of the Declan Walsh and the Last Chance Saloon saga. Just a great blend of the 'new mystery/situation' along with the sometimes convoluted thread running through the books. I look forward to #4.
September 15, 2023
Way good
As others have said and I agree, the plot is layered and characters as 3 dimensional as ever. How does Mr Garland come up with so many ideas and string them together so nicely? I admire him and love reading his work.
As others have said and I agree, the plot is layered and characters as 3 dimensional as ever. How does Mr Garland come up with so many ideas and string them together so nicely? I admire him and love reading his work.
November 2, 2023
improves with every book
I wasn’t sure about this series at first, but it has really grown on me with this book with lots of twists & turns I have come to expect from Jack Gatland. I am looking forward to reading the continuing saga!
I wasn’t sure about this series at first, but it has really grown on me with this book with lots of twists & turns I have come to expect from Jack Gatland. I am looking forward to reading the continuing saga!
July 28, 2025
Absolutely Awesome!
One of his best books, though they are all great! I really enjoy the characters, and the dog.great thought and imagination goes into his writing and I really find the books entertaining.
One of his best books, though they are all great! I really enjoy the characters, and the dog.great thought and imagination goes into his writing and I really find the books entertaining.
July 3, 2023
Reckless never fails to amaze
A great ending to a new beginning. Lets keep the momentum going. 🤔 Cheers to Jack Gatland for bringing us Ellie and the gang.
A great ending to a new beginning. Lets keep the momentum going. 🤔 Cheers to Jack Gatland for bringing us Ellie and the gang.
July 3, 2023
Ellie Reckless
The twists and turns of this crime thriller kept me up late not wanting to put the book down. The ending put it all together and I loved it.
The twists and turns of this crime thriller kept me up late not wanting to put the book down. The ending put it all together and I loved it.
Want to read
July 3, 2023Has this book been released, I am not seeing any link on Amazon.
August 20, 2023
Fast paced and Reckless
A good story and the end of a long journey. Ellie gets her ambition and settles several favours. What happens next?
A good story and the end of a long journey. Ellie gets her ambition and settles several favours. What happens next?
October 16, 2023
Avery good read.
June 18, 2024
4.5 stars of I love Ellie Reckless!
August 1, 2024
Crazy but good
I would definitely not want to on the wrong aide of Ellie Reckless if she was a real person. Fun read!
I would definitely not want to on the wrong aide of Ellie Reckless if she was a real person. Fun read!
September 11, 2025
Fun and fast-paced. Once I started, I couldn’t stop until the end. Happy Ellie finally has the truth.
January 20, 2026
Great book
I enjoyed the way the plot developed. There were a few surprises on the way. I've already ordered the next Ellie Reckless novel.
I enjoyed the way the plot developed. There were a few surprises on the way. I've already ordered the next Ellie Reckless novel.
February 16, 2026
Interesting
Glad the old issues were resolved so they won't drag down future stories. Good read, if extremely Noe on to the next one.
Glad the old issues were resolved so they won't drag down future stories. Good read, if extremely Noe on to the next one.
March 18, 2026
I love the characters in the Ellie Reckless series and Book 3 so far has been the best yet! Look forward to reading the rest of the series!
August 6, 2024
The Ellie Reckless series is a fun ride. There are some holes, but they haven't really bothered me because the characters and the overarching plot line always works with the finished cases.
I was right about someone I suspected, and was glad to see the current plot and the overarching plot see some conclusion. Joanne Davies joins the crew and her presence adds further connection to the Declan Walsh, Last Chance Saloon series.
I was right about someone I suspected, and was glad to see the current plot and the overarching plot see some conclusion. Joanne Davies joins the crew and her presence adds further connection to the Declan Walsh, Last Chance Saloon series.
February 26, 2025
Who doesn't love a gang of misfits fighting crime? And this is a great example of this genre.
The stories are complex and Gatland does an excellent job of filling in necessary backstories without telling. Although there is a large cast of characters, they are all distinct.
This is great escapist literature and worth continuing the series.
The stories are complex and Gatland does an excellent job of filling in necessary backstories without telling. Although there is a large cast of characters, they are all distinct.
This is great escapist literature and worth continuing the series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews