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The Final Hunt #0
The First Hunt
7 hours, 10 minutes
What's more terrifying than a serial killer? Living under the same roof as one.
Seattle, 1984—while the city is gripped by the terror of the Green River Killer, young John is grappling with a horror that's far more personal. As adolescence falls upon John, so does the stark reality of his father's secret nocturnal life. The line between hunter and hunted begins to blur, and John's inner conflict intensifies.
Threads of trust unravel, alliances form in unlikely places, and the chilling realization dawns that sometimes the most perilous beast lurks uncomfortably close to home.
The First Hunt lures you into the chilling inner workings of a killer's mind—right before it snaps the trap shut, leaving you breathless, desperate to uncover the fate of a boy who must hunt or be hunted. How will John face his primal initiation when the blood he fears may run through his own veins?
What's more terrifying than a serial killer? Living under the same roof as one.
Seattle, 1984—while the city is gripped by the terror of the Green River Killer, young John is grappling with a horror that's far more personal. As adolescence falls upon John, so does the stark reality of his father's secret nocturnal life. The line between hunter and hunted begins to blur, and John's inner conflict intensifies.
Threads of trust unravel, alliances form in unlikely places, and the chilling realization dawns that sometimes the most perilous beast lurks uncomfortably close to home.
The First Hunt lures you into the chilling inner workings of a killer's mind—right before it snaps the trap shut, leaving you breathless, desperate to uncover the fate of a boy who must hunt or be hunted. How will John face his primal initiation when the blood he fears may run through his own veins?
Audiobook
First published June 17, 2025
256 people are currently reading
6598 people want to read
About the author
Audrey J. Cole
23 books1,277 followersAudrey J. Cole is a USA TODAY bestselling thriller author. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. Before writing full time, she worked as a neonatal intensive care nurse for eleven years. She’s also a pilot's daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
July 6, 2025
A villain’s origin story that had me checking the locks on my windows and doors, The First Hunt was everything I could want in a psychological thriller. A prequel to the other two novels in the Final Hunt series, it was just as packed with nostalgia as it was brimming over with dread and foreboding. You see, this evil coming-of-age tale brought me right back to the 80s and 90s. At the same time, though, I came face-to-face with a killer, whose very existence chilled me to the bone. With a great character arc, I shifted from feeling for a poor little boy to wanting to hide in the shadows from a cunning mastermind as he stepped out into the world.
As for the storyline, it was the definition of perfectly plotted. Told primarily via dual POVs, it was both fast-paced and propulsive, including two action-packed crescendos and a twist you couldn’t possibly see coming. The best piece of all, though? No matter how you read this unputdownable three-book series, you’ll come out with a win. Start with the prequel, or save it for last. Either way you approach it, you’ll fly through the pages just wanting to know what is coming around the next blind, deftly penned turn. After all, while you might have an inkling about what’s coming next, the fully fleshed out main characters will still keep you guessing for sure.
All said and done, I’m not surprised in the least that Ms. Cole’s newest thriller was yet another home run. Featuring a reporter-turned-true-crime-writer facing off against a killer, this game of cat-and-mouse ended with quite the shocking bang. In fact, the last few chapters of this novel made me want to reread the whole series all over again. All I know is that you should clear your schedule of any chores or appointments. After all, I read the whole thing from beginning to end in one very short binge. Thanks to multiple plot lines that come together with utter precision, there wasn’t a moment of downtime as I raced through this binge-worthy read. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When echoes of her sister's murder reignite the darkest of hunts, no one in Seattle is safe.
Seattle, 1985—Crime reporter Holly Sparks is driven to obsession by her sister's unsolved murder—a crime she's convinced was the work of the infamous Green River Killer. But her investigation takes a terrifying turn when she uncovers a chilling truth: There might be two killers stalking the city, and one wears a badge. Five years later, her bestselling true crime novel can’t erase the pain of her sister’s unsolved case. But when Holly's violent ex-fiancé is let out of prison on parole, and murders mirroring the Green River Killer begin again, Holly fears the unthinkable: Is her ex-fiancé behind her sister's death and a string of others? As the line blurs between hunter and hunted, she faces a deadly choice—uncover the truth or become the next victim. Only the hunt will tell.
Thank you to Audrey J. Cole for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 17, 2025
Content warning: domestic violence, stalking, hit-and-run, violence, murder
As for the storyline, it was the definition of perfectly plotted. Told primarily via dual POVs, it was both fast-paced and propulsive, including two action-packed crescendos and a twist you couldn’t possibly see coming. The best piece of all, though? No matter how you read this unputdownable three-book series, you’ll come out with a win. Start with the prequel, or save it for last. Either way you approach it, you’ll fly through the pages just wanting to know what is coming around the next blind, deftly penned turn. After all, while you might have an inkling about what’s coming next, the fully fleshed out main characters will still keep you guessing for sure.
All said and done, I’m not surprised in the least that Ms. Cole’s newest thriller was yet another home run. Featuring a reporter-turned-true-crime-writer facing off against a killer, this game of cat-and-mouse ended with quite the shocking bang. In fact, the last few chapters of this novel made me want to reread the whole series all over again. All I know is that you should clear your schedule of any chores or appointments. After all, I read the whole thing from beginning to end in one very short binge. Thanks to multiple plot lines that come together with utter precision, there wasn’t a moment of downtime as I raced through this binge-worthy read. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When echoes of her sister's murder reignite the darkest of hunts, no one in Seattle is safe.
Seattle, 1985—Crime reporter Holly Sparks is driven to obsession by her sister's unsolved murder—a crime she's convinced was the work of the infamous Green River Killer. But her investigation takes a terrifying turn when she uncovers a chilling truth: There might be two killers stalking the city, and one wears a badge. Five years later, her bestselling true crime novel can’t erase the pain of her sister’s unsolved case. But when Holly's violent ex-fiancé is let out of prison on parole, and murders mirroring the Green River Killer begin again, Holly fears the unthinkable: Is her ex-fiancé behind her sister's death and a string of others? As the line blurs between hunter and hunted, she faces a deadly choice—uncover the truth or become the next victim. Only the hunt will tell.
Thank you to Audrey J. Cole for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 17, 2025
Content warning: domestic violence, stalking, hit-and-run, violence, murder
August 30, 2025
4.25⭐
Genre ~ crime thriller
Series ~ The Final Hunt
Others in the series ~ The Final Hunt, The Last Hunt
Setting ~ Seattle
Publication date ~ June 17, 2025
Publisher ~ Spotify
Est Page Count ~ 284 (p+ 47 chapters + 3 e's)
Audio length ~ 7 hours 10 minutes
Narrator ~ Pete Cross, Adelaide Fernport
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ 1980's-1990's, serial killer, domestic violence
Holly is a crime reporter who thinks the Green River Killer is responsible for her sister's death, and she's adamant to prove it. She has also just put her fiancé, Jared, behind bars for trying to kill her. As the years go by she becomes a best selling true crime author and is still looking for answers about Meg. She's obsessed, and it might just put her in danger herself.
We meet John when he's just a child and witnesses something horrific his father has done. Thus sets forth his background story and why he does what he does.
I quite enjoy books written with timelines way back in the 1900's. The nostalgia is fun, especially with talk of land lines and party lines (remember those? my grandma had one).
Overall, super fast paced and engaging. Having already read the other books in the series I loved the look back of where it all began.
Series notes:
A prequel that came out after The Final Hunt & The Last Hunt. I think it's fine to read this one after those two.
Narration notes:
No complaints. They both did fine.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Genre ~ crime thriller
Series ~ The Final Hunt
Others in the series ~ The Final Hunt, The Last Hunt
Setting ~ Seattle
Publication date ~ June 17, 2025
Publisher ~ Spotify
Est Page Count ~ 284 (p+ 47 chapters + 3 e's)
Audio length ~ 7 hours 10 minutes
Narrator ~ Pete Cross, Adelaide Fernport
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ 1980's-1990's, serial killer, domestic violence
Holly is a crime reporter who thinks the Green River Killer is responsible for her sister's death, and she's adamant to prove it. She has also just put her fiancé, Jared, behind bars for trying to kill her. As the years go by she becomes a best selling true crime author and is still looking for answers about Meg. She's obsessed, and it might just put her in danger herself.
We meet John when he's just a child and witnesses something horrific his father has done. Thus sets forth his background story and why he does what he does.
I quite enjoy books written with timelines way back in the 1900's. The nostalgia is fun, especially with talk of land lines and party lines (remember those? my grandma had one).
Overall, super fast paced and engaging. Having already read the other books in the series I loved the look back of where it all began.
Series notes:
A prequel that came out after The Final Hunt & The Last Hunt. I think it's fine to read this one after those two.
Narration notes:
No complaints. They both did fine.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
July 3, 2025
This book made my jaw drop, which felt so good because that hasn't happened in a while. Really good build up and in my opinion one of the best twists. 4.5⭐
September 7, 2025
The story opens in Seattle in 1985 with crime reporter Holly Sparks looking into her sister's unsolved murder, a crime she's convinced was the work of the infamous Green River Killer. But her investigation takes a terrifying turn when she uncovers a chilling truth: There might be two monsters stalking the city. Holly eventually becomes a best-selling true crime author but she's still invested in finding her sister's killer.
This is a prequel to the Final Hunt series by Audrey J. Cole and, I'll be honest, it took me a while to figure out the connection to the other two books but eventually it dawned on me that this is the back story of John, the serial killer that Cameron from the other two books was married to. In my opinion, it's not necessary to read the first two books prior to this one but, also in my opinion, they're both better than this one. The prequel could be read either first or last. There's a lot of overexplaining in this book and repetition of things we know. For instance Holly said to herself that Clint wasn't interested in her quite a few times and every time something happened her mind immediately went to Jared, her abusive ex-fiancee. I guess those instances are meant to be red herrings but it really annoyed me. The author did the same thing in the second book. Really, I did like the book and it was a fairly quick read, it just isn't a favourite. My rating is in the minority so check out some of the 4 and 5-star reviews.
My thanks to BooksGoSocial, via Netgalley, for providing this digital review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Published June 17, 2025
This is a prequel to the Final Hunt series by Audrey J. Cole and, I'll be honest, it took me a while to figure out the connection to the other two books but eventually it dawned on me that this is the back story of John, the serial killer that Cameron from the other two books was married to. In my opinion, it's not necessary to read the first two books prior to this one but, also in my opinion, they're both better than this one. The prequel could be read either first or last. There's a lot of overexplaining in this book and repetition of things we know. For instance Holly said to herself that Clint wasn't interested in her quite a few times and every time something happened her mind immediately went to Jared, her abusive ex-fiancee. I guess those instances are meant to be red herrings but it really annoyed me. The author did the same thing in the second book. Really, I did like the book and it was a fairly quick read, it just isn't a favourite. My rating is in the minority so check out some of the 4 and 5-star reviews.
My thanks to BooksGoSocial, via Netgalley, for providing this digital review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Published June 17, 2025
April 8, 2025
I was so excited for this one, because I loved the other 2 in this series, but this one fell short of my expectations. Good, but not great. This is John’s origin story and it also has true crime aspects as it includes a real life serial killer.
If think what was really missing from this story is his wife. She was the one I loved in this series. I would have rather read her origin story. I think the little surprise at the ending was the best part for sure. If the author decides to write another, I hope we get more of Cameron.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
If think what was really missing from this story is his wife. She was the one I loved in this series. I would have rather read her origin story. I think the little surprise at the ending was the best part for sure. If the author decides to write another, I hope we get more of Cameron.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2025
the setup…
It’s 1984 Seattle and the city is rocked by what appears to be a serial killer called the Green River Killer because of where the bodies are found. Holly Sparks is a journalist with a personal interest in these cases. Her sister Meg was murdered and suspicions are that she was one of his victims. But she’s got a different theory, one that suggests there are two killers and the one is leveraging the other with notoriety. Then there’s ten-year old John who witnessed his father murder a sex worker. He’s fearful of what he’s become an accomplice to but also terrified his father might get caught and John will end up in the foster care system. Both Holly and John face almost certain danger.
the heart of the story…
Holly is also engaged to a hot head homicide detective that she should have dumped long ago. It’s hers and John’s points of view, transitioning back and forth, keeping my stomach in knots waiting for their paths to intersect. The pace was swift and my nerves never got a break. I’ve not read the series so my starting point is here with a clean slate about things.
the narration…
Adelaide Fernport is new to me and she was quite convincing as Holly. She made me want to yell at her! It’s also my first time with Pete Cross and he managed expertly as a ten-year old through fifteen. He never gave anything away and I bought into his John. Great performances by both.
the bottom line…
Now I want to drop everything and dive into the next two books, especially after the epilogues. This was stunning, twisty and high octane nerve wracking. I finished this in a day and that’s all I’m gonna say. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Spotify and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
It’s 1984 Seattle and the city is rocked by what appears to be a serial killer called the Green River Killer because of where the bodies are found. Holly Sparks is a journalist with a personal interest in these cases. Her sister Meg was murdered and suspicions are that she was one of his victims. But she’s got a different theory, one that suggests there are two killers and the one is leveraging the other with notoriety. Then there’s ten-year old John who witnessed his father murder a sex worker. He’s fearful of what he’s become an accomplice to but also terrified his father might get caught and John will end up in the foster care system. Both Holly and John face almost certain danger.
the heart of the story…
Holly is also engaged to a hot head homicide detective that she should have dumped long ago. It’s hers and John’s points of view, transitioning back and forth, keeping my stomach in knots waiting for their paths to intersect. The pace was swift and my nerves never got a break. I’ve not read the series so my starting point is here with a clean slate about things.
the narration…
Adelaide Fernport is new to me and she was quite convincing as Holly. She made me want to yell at her! It’s also my first time with Pete Cross and he managed expertly as a ten-year old through fifteen. He never gave anything away and I bought into his John. Great performances by both.
the bottom line…
Now I want to drop everything and dive into the next two books, especially after the epilogues. This was stunning, twisty and high octane nerve wracking. I finished this in a day and that’s all I’m gonna say. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Spotify and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
July 22, 2025
What I love about #bookstagram is finding new to me authors that end up being my favorites!! 🫶 I read my first @audreyjcole book in 2023 and seriously… she is a MUST read!!! Her latest The First Hunt is absolutely PHENOMENAL!!! 🤯
Pub date is tomorrow!!! 6/17!! 🥳🥳🥳
Thank you @audreyjcole for my gifted copy.🥰
Listen to this…
If you ever wondered how a serial killer was raised.. and what may have attributed to their pure evil 😈… this will give you all the answers you are looking for.. and more. 😳
This is a prequel to The Final Hunt Series- which btw both books were hands down five stars ⭐️ for me .. as was this one!!
1984… a serial killer is on the loose.. and he has been spotted picking up a victim.. in his car 🚙… with his son in the back… WHATTT?! Right?!😳 I can’t make this stuff up!! But wait.. it gets… even creepier.
This ENDING!! 😳😳🤯🤯 OMGGG!! I loved how @audreyjcole tied this in with the series and it was absolutely brilliant!! It answered so many questions that I didn’t even realize I had!! 😳
This book made my heart pound out of my chest. The ending literally gave me chills!! 😳While you can certainly read this as a stand-alone…I definitely recommend reading the other books because..trust me… your mind will be blown!! 🤯
Pub date is tomorrow!!! 6/17!! 🥳🥳🥳
Thank you @audreyjcole for my gifted copy.🥰
Listen to this…
If you ever wondered how a serial killer was raised.. and what may have attributed to their pure evil 😈… this will give you all the answers you are looking for.. and more. 😳
This is a prequel to The Final Hunt Series- which btw both books were hands down five stars ⭐️ for me .. as was this one!!
1984… a serial killer is on the loose.. and he has been spotted picking up a victim.. in his car 🚙… with his son in the back… WHATTT?! Right?!😳 I can’t make this stuff up!! But wait.. it gets… even creepier.
This ENDING!! 😳😳🤯🤯 OMGGG!! I loved how @audreyjcole tied this in with the series and it was absolutely brilliant!! It answered so many questions that I didn’t even realize I had!! 😳
This book made my heart pound out of my chest. The ending literally gave me chills!! 😳While you can certainly read this as a stand-alone…I definitely recommend reading the other books because..trust me… your mind will be blown!! 🤯
May 31, 2025
What's more terrifying than a serial killer? Living under the same roof as one.
Can you imagine the emotional and psychological turmoil of this harrowing experience?
Audrey J. Cole gives readers a unique window into the mind of a serial killer and what living in the shadow of his terror meant for his son. Readers will see what led The Green River Killer to his victims, how he came to be, if he got caught and how his son grappled with what he knew and what he felt compelled to share.
Do you love playing detective? Like true crime? Live for an adrenaline rush?
Cole writes compelling fiction. If you haven’t experienced the heart-pounding series yet, check out the three books that chronicle the hunt.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Can you imagine the emotional and psychological turmoil of this harrowing experience?
Audrey J. Cole gives readers a unique window into the mind of a serial killer and what living in the shadow of his terror meant for his son. Readers will see what led The Green River Killer to his victims, how he came to be, if he got caught and how his son grappled with what he knew and what he felt compelled to share.
Do you love playing detective? Like true crime? Live for an adrenaline rush?
Cole writes compelling fiction. If you haven’t experienced the heart-pounding series yet, check out the three books that chronicle the hunt.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 15, 2025
A crime reporter (Holly) investigating the murder of her sister in 1985 amidst the backdrop of the Green River Killer (GRK)?! SAY. LESS! As if that wasn't captivating enough, five years later, more killings happen that are attributed to GRK but Holly has other suspects too, including her violent ex. Then there's ten year-old John who just witnessed his father do something horrifying and confusing. What will his father do next?
Audrey J. Cole has deftly crafted a mesmerizing and twisted tale! Short punchy chapters that alternated between Holly and John's POV held me rapt. Both of them are on a path of discovery and I couldn't help but wonder if their paths would cross, and if so, what would be the outcome?? With a pace that increased incrementally to a fevered pitch along with tension and foreboding, be prepared to have difficulty putting this down!
I loved every moment of this dark origin story for a character in 'The Final Hunt' series. Despite knowing the outcome, or maybe BECAUSE of it, I grew antsier and antsier the closer to the ending I got! Playing out the way I suspected, it gave me chills and immediately made me want to read 'The Final Hunt' all over again! The best part is you can read this as a standalone, in chronological order, or in order of publication like I did. No matter HOW you decide to read it, you're definitely going to WANT the other two books in the series!
THE FIRST HUNT crackles with intensity and is steeped in 80s and 90s nostalgia with characters who jump off the page. If you like dark, atmospheric crime fiction that will keep you guessing, don't miss this one! (Or the rest of the series!)
____
Thank you Audrey J. Cole for my free copy. All opinions are my own.
Audrey J. Cole has deftly crafted a mesmerizing and twisted tale! Short punchy chapters that alternated between Holly and John's POV held me rapt. Both of them are on a path of discovery and I couldn't help but wonder if their paths would cross, and if so, what would be the outcome?? With a pace that increased incrementally to a fevered pitch along with tension and foreboding, be prepared to have difficulty putting this down!
I loved every moment of this dark origin story for a character in 'The Final Hunt' series. Despite knowing the outcome, or maybe BECAUSE of it, I grew antsier and antsier the closer to the ending I got! Playing out the way I suspected, it gave me chills and immediately made me want to read 'The Final Hunt' all over again! The best part is you can read this as a standalone, in chronological order, or in order of publication like I did. No matter HOW you decide to read it, you're definitely going to WANT the other two books in the series!
THE FIRST HUNT crackles with intensity and is steeped in 80s and 90s nostalgia with characters who jump off the page. If you like dark, atmospheric crime fiction that will keep you guessing, don't miss this one! (Or the rest of the series!)
____
Thank you Audrey J. Cole for my free copy. All opinions are my own.
June 17, 2025
The First Hunt 4⭐️
Love Audrey Cole’s writing! But, not going to lie, the series titles confuse me. (Final Hunt, Last Hunt, First Hunt). I always forget the order. Before I requested this one I had to make sure it wasn’t one of the previous ones I already read 😆
A wonderful prequel to the series. I read the other 2 books last year. Finishing this book made me want to re-read the rest of the series as it seamlessly transitions into the next/first book. I highly recommend picking up all 3 books and reading them one after another, starting with this one when it comes out June 17th.
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Jun 17 2025
Love Audrey Cole’s writing! But, not going to lie, the series titles confuse me. (Final Hunt, Last Hunt, First Hunt). I always forget the order. Before I requested this one I had to make sure it wasn’t one of the previous ones I already read 😆
A wonderful prequel to the series. I read the other 2 books last year. Finishing this book made me want to re-read the rest of the series as it seamlessly transitions into the next/first book. I highly recommend picking up all 3 books and reading them one after another, starting with this one when it comes out June 17th.
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Jun 17 2025
June 17, 2025
Happy publication day 🎉🥳🎧
3.5🌟
I normally kick myself when I realise I’ve requested part of a series that I haven’t read from yet, fortunately for me this title is actually a prequel to the rest, I’m keen to read more.
I really enjoyed The First Hunt, I’m not sure how to describe the story without spoiling, I have a good idea where the series goes after this, but just incase I’ll try to stick to the synopsis, Holly is a true crime author, inspired by her fixation on solving her sisters murder, Holly is convinced that there is more than one serial killer out there, and she fears she’s been in a relationship with one of them, all of the way through the story Holly sits far closer to the truth than even she realises.
There is loads of nostalgia in the pages, set in the mid 1990’s and flashing back to 1985 I usually love little snippets of the times, but it often felt like the author was trying a bit too hard to remind us when the story was set. I’m a bit uneasy with the book being based on an actual case, but appreciated the authors note at the end acknowledging the victims, that being said I guess that’s my own issue, and technically it makes sense given the content. I’m keen to read the others in the series to see where we go and who with…..
I really enjoyed the narration on this title.
Huge thanks to Spotify Audiobooks via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
3.5🌟
I normally kick myself when I realise I’ve requested part of a series that I haven’t read from yet, fortunately for me this title is actually a prequel to the rest, I’m keen to read more.
I really enjoyed The First Hunt, I’m not sure how to describe the story without spoiling, I have a good idea where the series goes after this, but just incase I’ll try to stick to the synopsis, Holly is a true crime author, inspired by her fixation on solving her sisters murder, Holly is convinced that there is more than one serial killer out there, and she fears she’s been in a relationship with one of them, all of the way through the story Holly sits far closer to the truth than even she realises.
There is loads of nostalgia in the pages, set in the mid 1990’s and flashing back to 1985 I usually love little snippets of the times, but it often felt like the author was trying a bit too hard to remind us when the story was set. I’m a bit uneasy with the book being based on an actual case, but appreciated the authors note at the end acknowledging the victims, that being said I guess that’s my own issue, and technically it makes sense given the content. I’m keen to read the others in the series to see where we go and who with…..
I really enjoyed the narration on this title.
Huge thanks to Spotify Audiobooks via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
July 17, 2025
As noted above, this is part of a series, but completely stands on its own. Holly works as a crime reporter, and she knows the Green River Killer killed her sister. She just needs to prove it, which eventually becomes her obsession.
John is a child witness to a crime, and his backstory is shared. It takes some time for his story to merge with Holly’s, and it’s worth the wait.
Overall, The First Hunt is fast-paced and hard to put down, just like I like my thrillers. Now I’m definitely going to read the other two books in this series because I want more. Also, I recently read and reviewed Audrey Cole’s Missing in Flight and highly recommend that one as well.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
John is a child witness to a crime, and his backstory is shared. It takes some time for his story to merge with Holly’s, and it’s worth the wait.
Overall, The First Hunt is fast-paced and hard to put down, just like I like my thrillers. Now I’m definitely going to read the other two books in this series because I want more. Also, I recently read and reviewed Audrey Cole’s Missing in Flight and highly recommend that one as well.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
April 8, 2025
I’ve read all of this author’s books. She always has interesting plots. While this book is the third in a series, it is a prologue to the other books in the series. It’s a good mystery that show how the Final Hunt is started. I enjoyed it! It has some really shocking twists, one of which I wish had not happened. But, oh well, I also enjoyed the true revenues to what was happening in the ‘80s. Just mentioning the movie Ghost almost had me in tears. I cried and cried over that movie!
July 24, 2025
Talk about twists and suspense! I love dual POV books, and this is one that changes your view of the characters the further you read. This was a solid mystery book that I couldn’t put down!
Currently reading
April 7, 2025The First Hunt is coming June 17! Pre-order now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D79Q829N
May 25, 2025
THE FIRST HUNT is the prequel to THE FINAL HUNT. This is an engrossing story about the Green River Killer. It was fast paced and will have you quickly flipping through the pages. I really liked the character of Holly, she worked so hard and for so many years to find out what happened to her missing sister. This story kept me on the edge of my seat. I finished this book in one day. That’s how good it was! I highly recommend this series if you enjoy a lot of suspense.
Many thanks to Audrey J. Cole for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account
(@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
Many thanks to Audrey J. Cole for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account
(@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
June 25, 2025
This book was so well done. I couldn’t put it down and how it all played out totally knocked my socks off.
I loved the use of multiple narrators and multiple timelines. It kept it twisty and kept me guessing. Holly was a great protagonist and her backstory with the abusive cop fiancé and her murdered sister added so much to the overall depth of the story. Her tenacity was well written and I liked how Cole helped the reader work through Holly’s theories with her. So often in novels these major leaps happen that lose the reader but I didn’t feel that with The First Hunt.
The Green River Killer was another great storyline potentially tying everything together. John’s story was complex and it was powerful learning about his father’s sadistic habits alongside him.
Parts of the story were slightly predictable just with the basic knowledge that this is a prequel, but ultimately, there is a major part of the conclusion that totally surprised me.
I listened to this novel on audio and absolutely loved it. Holly and John were played by different narrators which I always prefer and they both did a good job. It added an element of theater without being overly done.
I haven’t read any of the other novels in this series (yet), but I totally want to now! Thank you to TLC Book Tours for including me in this great tour!
I loved the use of multiple narrators and multiple timelines. It kept it twisty and kept me guessing. Holly was a great protagonist and her backstory with the abusive cop fiancé and her murdered sister added so much to the overall depth of the story. Her tenacity was well written and I liked how Cole helped the reader work through Holly’s theories with her. So often in novels these major leaps happen that lose the reader but I didn’t feel that with The First Hunt.
The Green River Killer was another great storyline potentially tying everything together. John’s story was complex and it was powerful learning about his father’s sadistic habits alongside him.
Parts of the story were slightly predictable just with the basic knowledge that this is a prequel, but ultimately, there is a major part of the conclusion that totally surprised me.
I listened to this novel on audio and absolutely loved it. Holly and John were played by different narrators which I always prefer and they both did a good job. It added an element of theater without being overly done.
I haven’t read any of the other novels in this series (yet), but I totally want to now! Thank you to TLC Book Tours for including me in this great tour!
July 12, 2025
A Chilling, Unputdownable Thriller That Will Haunt You Long After the Final Page
The First Hunt by Audrey J. Cole is an absolute knockout. From the very first chapter, I was hooked—and I didn’t come up for air until the final, heart-pounding conclusion. Cole masterfully blends real-life true crime inspiration with a fictional narrative so compelling, it feels disturbingly real.
Set against the gritty backdrop of 1985 Seattle, this story follows Holly Sparks, a fiercely driven crime reporter still haunted by her sister’s unsolved murder. What starts as a pursuit for justice quickly morphs into something darker and far more personal. The tension never lets up as Holly peels back the layers of a terrifying truth: there may be not one, but two predators preying on the city—and one could be hiding behind a badge.
The plot twists are razor-sharp, the atmosphere is thick with suspense, and Holly is a protagonist you’ll root for with every breath. Audrey J. Cole delivers an intricately woven mystery full of paranoia, heartbreak, and grit. Whether you're a longtime fan of Cole’s work or a first-time reader, this standalone novel is a must-read.
If you love psychological thrillers with true crime undertones and characters that burn into your memory, The First Hunt belongs at the very top of your TBR. Chilling, emotional, and absolutely unforgettable.
The First Hunt by Audrey J. Cole is an absolute knockout. From the very first chapter, I was hooked—and I didn’t come up for air until the final, heart-pounding conclusion. Cole masterfully blends real-life true crime inspiration with a fictional narrative so compelling, it feels disturbingly real.
Set against the gritty backdrop of 1985 Seattle, this story follows Holly Sparks, a fiercely driven crime reporter still haunted by her sister’s unsolved murder. What starts as a pursuit for justice quickly morphs into something darker and far more personal. The tension never lets up as Holly peels back the layers of a terrifying truth: there may be not one, but two predators preying on the city—and one could be hiding behind a badge.
The plot twists are razor-sharp, the atmosphere is thick with suspense, and Holly is a protagonist you’ll root for with every breath. Audrey J. Cole delivers an intricately woven mystery full of paranoia, heartbreak, and grit. Whether you're a longtime fan of Cole’s work or a first-time reader, this standalone novel is a must-read.
If you love psychological thrillers with true crime undertones and characters that burn into your memory, The First Hunt belongs at the very top of your TBR. Chilling, emotional, and absolutely unforgettable.
June 17, 2025
The First Hunt was a gripping, dark, and fast-paced prequel in The Final Hunt series. Audrey Cole masterfully blended a true-crime atmosphere and psychological horror. I loved learning of the origin of the killer and reuniting with Holly, the haunted heroine from The First Hunt and Cameron from The Final Hunt.
The story began in 1985 Seattle, with crime reporter Holly Sparks who was haunted by her sister’s unsolved murder and was believed to be one of the Green River Killer’s victims.
The alternating narrative between Holly’s POV and 10-year-old John, who was traumatized after witnessing his father murder a sex worker, built tension as their paths move toward one another and how they collided. I was consumed by Holly’s investigation—how she had to question everything—including her own relationships, and John’s horrific upbringing.
Of all the characters, Holly was my favorite. She was a strong female protagonist driven by grief and determination, and therefore made her a relatable character. John, much the opposite of Holly, learned to internalize violence as normalized and justified and had shown signs of sociopathy at an early age. As he grew older he was emotionally cold and detached from guilt. Collectively he was a complex character. Similar to John, Jared, Holly’s ex fiancé, was also a disturbed and extremely flawed character. At the beginning of the story, Jared presented as a calm and trustworthy man. However, as the story progressed, Jared exhibited narcissistic and psychopathic traits. Despite his revolting personality, I liked how he served as a catalyst to Holly. His betrayal not only devastated Holly but also transformed her therefore bringing the underlying message to the surface-that predators can wear ordinary faces, and that sometimes, the real hunt is personal.
Much like the authentic characters, the storytelling was believable with unexpected chills that made this hard to put down. Cole’s storytelling is a standout due to a blend of fast paced suspense, deep personal stakes, and her clinical background.
In all, The First Hunt was equally as compelling as the other books of The Hunt series. The dueling perspectives, the quick pacing and gritty tension made this a gripping read. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading them in order of their publication dates so you can experience Cole’s intended reveal timing and added depth without spoilers. (Audio)
*For those that haven’t read Audrey Cole’s The Hunt series, here are the books in order of publication:
1. The Final Hunt (2023)
2. The Last Hunt (2024)
3. The First Hunt (2025, prequel)
Lastly, I have listened to all of the audio version of The Hunt books and each and every narrator has been fantastic! Highly recommend audio!!
The story began in 1985 Seattle, with crime reporter Holly Sparks who was haunted by her sister’s unsolved murder and was believed to be one of the Green River Killer’s victims.
The alternating narrative between Holly’s POV and 10-year-old John, who was traumatized after witnessing his father murder a sex worker, built tension as their paths move toward one another and how they collided. I was consumed by Holly’s investigation—how she had to question everything—including her own relationships, and John’s horrific upbringing.
Of all the characters, Holly was my favorite. She was a strong female protagonist driven by grief and determination, and therefore made her a relatable character. John, much the opposite of Holly, learned to internalize violence as normalized and justified and had shown signs of sociopathy at an early age. As he grew older he was emotionally cold and detached from guilt. Collectively he was a complex character. Similar to John, Jared, Holly’s ex fiancé, was also a disturbed and extremely flawed character. At the beginning of the story, Jared presented as a calm and trustworthy man. However, as the story progressed, Jared exhibited narcissistic and psychopathic traits. Despite his revolting personality, I liked how he served as a catalyst to Holly. His betrayal not only devastated Holly but also transformed her therefore bringing the underlying message to the surface-that predators can wear ordinary faces, and that sometimes, the real hunt is personal.
Much like the authentic characters, the storytelling was believable with unexpected chills that made this hard to put down. Cole’s storytelling is a standout due to a blend of fast paced suspense, deep personal stakes, and her clinical background.
In all, The First Hunt was equally as compelling as the other books of The Hunt series. The dueling perspectives, the quick pacing and gritty tension made this a gripping read. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading them in order of their publication dates so you can experience Cole’s intended reveal timing and added depth without spoilers. (Audio)
*For those that haven’t read Audrey Cole’s The Hunt series, here are the books in order of publication:
1. The Final Hunt (2023)
2. The Last Hunt (2024)
3. The First Hunt (2025, prequel)
Lastly, I have listened to all of the audio version of The Hunt books and each and every narrator has been fantastic! Highly recommend audio!!
April 15, 2025
Advanced copy provided by Net Galley.
The First Hunt is a chilling and atmospheric prequel that expertly sets the stage for a dark, addictive serial killer series. As a long-time true crime fan, I was immediately pulled into the twisted narrative—and I didn’t want to look away.
The story centers on Holly, a true crime writer with a haunted past and a violet cop fiancee. When bodies begin to surface, all signs point to him as the possible killer. But nothing in this book is as it seems.
What unfolds is a disturbing and fascinating look at the making of a serial killer—or in this case, two. The reveal of a father-and-son killing duo is as horrifying as it is compelling. The psychological dynamic between them is one of the most gripping parts of the novel. You’re not just watching a crime unfold—you’re watching a legacy of violence take root.
Knowing the son becomes the killer in The Final Hunt (which I absolutely loved) made this origin story all the more impactful. There are moments in The First Hunt that hit differently once you realize where he ends up. It adds a chilling sense of inevitability to the whole thing.
My only critique is that some timeline shifts were a bit jarring at first, but once the story found its rhythm, I was hooked. The pacing is tight, the tension palpable, and the psychological undercurrents run deep. Also, I wish we would have dove into Tanner more, but maybe that’s part ties in to the one I haven’t read yet!
Highly recommend reading The Final Hunt first before diving into this. You'll appreciate the darkness and connecting the dots even more.
The First Hunt is a chilling and atmospheric prequel that expertly sets the stage for a dark, addictive serial killer series. As a long-time true crime fan, I was immediately pulled into the twisted narrative—and I didn’t want to look away.
The story centers on Holly, a true crime writer with a haunted past and a violet cop fiancee. When bodies begin to surface, all signs point to him as the possible killer. But nothing in this book is as it seems.
What unfolds is a disturbing and fascinating look at the making of a serial killer—or in this case, two. The reveal of a father-and-son killing duo is as horrifying as it is compelling. The psychological dynamic between them is one of the most gripping parts of the novel. You’re not just watching a crime unfold—you’re watching a legacy of violence take root.
Knowing the son becomes the killer in The Final Hunt (which I absolutely loved) made this origin story all the more impactful. There are moments in The First Hunt that hit differently once you realize where he ends up. It adds a chilling sense of inevitability to the whole thing.
My only critique is that some timeline shifts were a bit jarring at first, but once the story found its rhythm, I was hooked. The pacing is tight, the tension palpable, and the psychological undercurrents run deep. Also, I wish we would have dove into Tanner more, but maybe that’s part ties in to the one I haven’t read yet!
Highly recommend reading The Final Hunt first before diving into this. You'll appreciate the darkness and connecting the dots even more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2025
Every time I pick up a Cole novel-I know I will be unable to move until it is over. The First Hunt is no exception. This is a prequel to The Final Hunt, however it can be read as a standalone. The novel takes place in 1984 and loosely follows the Green River Killer crimes.
This one is SUPER twisty. It totally caught me by surprise, and I did not get the twist until I read it (bonus points). I love when I thriller uses multiple POVs and with this one we get two. I loved that we get John’s origin story and I also enjoyed the true crime elements. This was suspenseful and entertaining like always. Thank you @audreyjcole for my copy!
This one is SUPER twisty. It totally caught me by surprise, and I did not get the twist until I read it (bonus points). I love when I thriller uses multiple POVs and with this one we get two. I loved that we get John’s origin story and I also enjoyed the true crime elements. This was suspenseful and entertaining like always. Thank you @audreyjcole for my copy!
July 7, 2025
The First Hunt by Audrey J. Cole is a prequel in The Final Hunt series. The book is based on the Green River serial killer that terrorized Seattle in the early 1980's. This book is so unsettling that you'll be checking your surroundings when outside and checking the locks on your windows and doors when you're inside! Yes, I am serious. John is a teenaged boy who has to keep his father's secret or he could lose him. John's mother died by suicide the officials said, so it's just John and his Dad. John knows that his father kills women and saw him do it once. It makes John nervous because if his father gets caught, he has no one.
You will hunt for the serial killer with the police and with crime reporter, Holly Sparks. Holly is invested more than most because she lost her sister, Meg, at the hands of the Green River killer. The police aren't sure that Meg was one of the Green River killer's victims though. Holly has kept a wall of articles and facts about her sister's case. She follows each new victim in the press and tries to find a link between the cases. Holly is determined to help the police find the killer. Holly is also a famous author of crime books and is working on her next one. When Holly's fiance' shows signs of a bad temper and violence she begins to think he may be a suspect. Jared is a police officer who has been working the case. Could he be the killer? He gets angry when Holly brings up her theories on the case. Why?
The First Hunt is a fantastic thriller that you won't be able to put down. Only start this book if you've got a good block of time to devote to it. The First Hunt is fast-paced and has several twists you won't see coming. I loved this book and rate it 5 stars with my highest recommendation. The First Hunt is out now and should be devoured asap! Audrey J Cole has another huge hit on her hands and I can't wait for her next book! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Rainier Publishing for an advanced copy of The First Hunt in exchange for a fair review. #TheFirstHunt
You will hunt for the serial killer with the police and with crime reporter, Holly Sparks. Holly is invested more than most because she lost her sister, Meg, at the hands of the Green River killer. The police aren't sure that Meg was one of the Green River killer's victims though. Holly has kept a wall of articles and facts about her sister's case. She follows each new victim in the press and tries to find a link between the cases. Holly is determined to help the police find the killer. Holly is also a famous author of crime books and is working on her next one. When Holly's fiance' shows signs of a bad temper and violence she begins to think he may be a suspect. Jared is a police officer who has been working the case. Could he be the killer? He gets angry when Holly brings up her theories on the case. Why?
The First Hunt is a fantastic thriller that you won't be able to put down. Only start this book if you've got a good block of time to devote to it. The First Hunt is fast-paced and has several twists you won't see coming. I loved this book and rate it 5 stars with my highest recommendation. The First Hunt is out now and should be devoured asap! Audrey J Cole has another huge hit on her hands and I can't wait for her next book! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Rainier Publishing for an advanced copy of The First Hunt in exchange for a fair review. #TheFirstHunt
July 11, 2025
2.5⭐️
Interesting premise but once I got into it it reads as if the author is trying very hard to rank number one for the keyword “Green River Killer” 😂😂 It might be the marketer in me but the over-repetition was just clumsy and off-beat.
I listened to this so it maybe would have been a different experience reading the physical book but the narration took away from the story. They could have done with at least one different voice actor to switch things up and remove the need for the silly voices. (The “scream” when her ex-fiancé grabbed her leg made me physically cringe)
Quite a lot of cliches peppered in and honestly it does seem as if someone fed a lot of CSI/ Criminal Minds scrips into an AI model. You’re not getting anything awful but also not anything original.
When I read books that will have or are marketed to have ‘big twists’ I tend not to try and guess them as that’s not how the author intended, and also I am not that clever to guess it every time. With some books it is just so plain as day what the I guessed the outcome about 60% of the way in. It was a bit obvious and I think the over explaining style of writing took away from any twist
Interesting premise but once I got into it it reads as if the author is trying very hard to rank number one for the keyword “Green River Killer” 😂😂 It might be the marketer in me but the over-repetition was just clumsy and off-beat.
I listened to this so it maybe would have been a different experience reading the physical book but the narration took away from the story. They could have done with at least one different voice actor to switch things up and remove the need for the silly voices. (The “scream” when her ex-fiancé grabbed her leg made me physically cringe)
Quite a lot of cliches peppered in and honestly it does seem as if someone fed a lot of CSI/ Criminal Minds scrips into an AI model. You’re not getting anything awful but also not anything original.
When I read books that will have or are marketed to have ‘big twists’ I tend not to try and guess them as that’s not how the author intended, and also I am not that clever to guess it every time. With some books it is just so plain as day what the I guessed the outcome about 60% of the way in. It was a bit obvious and I think the over explaining style of writing took away from any twist
May 30, 2025
#ad much love for my advance copy @audreyjcole 😘 #partner
& @tlcbooktours @netgalley @spotify #partner for the ALC
GUYSSSSSS!!! AHHHHHHHH!!! Seriously, the best book I’ve ever read by this author! And I loveeeeee her books!
Roses are red, Violets are blue…
The First Hunt by Audrey J Cole will hook you from the start and not let go until the very last page. This is a fast-paced thriller/mystery that I absolutely couldn’t put down. Expertly written and totally gripping, it’s an easy five-star read.
Holly’s sister Meg was brutally murdered, and now Holly’s on a mission to catch her killer - she just needs to find him/her first. Her boyfriend Jared, who is a cop, is on the Green River Serial Killer task force, and Holly thinks the GRK killed her sister, but of course, he’s not taking Holly’s opinions or thoughts seriously. Typical man.
And then there’s John, a little boy who watched his own dad kill a woman named Sally - someone they had just picked up off the side of the road. With his mom gone, it’s just John and his dad now… but John’s terrified he’s about to lose the only parent he has left. It’s only a matter of time before he’s caught.
Meanwhile, bodies are turning up all over Seattle - mostly sex workers who were strangled. There’s only one thing that’s certain - a killer is on the loose, and no woman is safe.
Memorable:
1980’s setting: means of communication, movies, music, etc
The Golden Girls
1990’s happenings
The water 😱
Oof. Honestly, I think this might just be the most comprehensive and expertly-layered story Audrey J. Cole has written so far. And I LOVEEE her books!
Couldn’t recommend this book more. I listened to the audiobook while following along and loved the dual narration. It’s the kind of audio you can actually follow - the narrators bring the story to life without it just sounding like noise. You can follow the story.
THAT ENDING! PHENOMENAL!! ALL THE STARS!
#audreyjcole #TLCbooktours #spotify
& @tlcbooktours @netgalley @spotify #partner for the ALC
GUYSSSSSS!!! AHHHHHHHH!!! Seriously, the best book I’ve ever read by this author! And I loveeeeee her books!
Roses are red, Violets are blue…
The First Hunt by Audrey J Cole will hook you from the start and not let go until the very last page. This is a fast-paced thriller/mystery that I absolutely couldn’t put down. Expertly written and totally gripping, it’s an easy five-star read.
Holly’s sister Meg was brutally murdered, and now Holly’s on a mission to catch her killer - she just needs to find him/her first. Her boyfriend Jared, who is a cop, is on the Green River Serial Killer task force, and Holly thinks the GRK killed her sister, but of course, he’s not taking Holly’s opinions or thoughts seriously. Typical man.
And then there’s John, a little boy who watched his own dad kill a woman named Sally - someone they had just picked up off the side of the road. With his mom gone, it’s just John and his dad now… but John’s terrified he’s about to lose the only parent he has left. It’s only a matter of time before he’s caught.
Meanwhile, bodies are turning up all over Seattle - mostly sex workers who were strangled. There’s only one thing that’s certain - a killer is on the loose, and no woman is safe.
Memorable:
1980’s setting: means of communication, movies, music, etc
The Golden Girls
1990’s happenings
The water 😱
Oof. Honestly, I think this might just be the most comprehensive and expertly-layered story Audrey J. Cole has written so far. And I LOVEEE her books!
Couldn’t recommend this book more. I listened to the audiobook while following along and loved the dual narration. It’s the kind of audio you can actually follow - the narrators bring the story to life without it just sounding like noise. You can follow the story.
THAT ENDING! PHENOMENAL!! ALL THE STARS!
#audreyjcole #TLCbooktours #spotify
April 14, 2025
The First Hunt
By: Audrey J. Cole
Pub date: June 17. 2025
Publisher: Rainier Publishing
I really love this series by Cole. Another fast paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller about a serial killer. The other two in the series are The Final Hunt and The Last Hunt. They can be read as stand-alone, but they are both must reads as well.
🌲
Imagine finding out your father is a serial killer and you aspire to be just like him! John knows things about his dad and his father starts to share some of his secrets.
🌲
The other part of the story finds an author looking for the killer of her sister. As the years go by, she finds herself way to close to at least one serial killer! Could one of them committed the heinous crime?
🌲
This book has you looking over your shoulder and making you more aware of your surroundings even AT HOME!!!
🌲
Thank you Rainer Publishing for this e-ARC. I have already pre-ordered this book to add to my others by this author.
By: Audrey J. Cole
Pub date: June 17. 2025
Publisher: Rainier Publishing
I really love this series by Cole. Another fast paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller about a serial killer. The other two in the series are The Final Hunt and The Last Hunt. They can be read as stand-alone, but they are both must reads as well.
🌲
Imagine finding out your father is a serial killer and you aspire to be just like him! John knows things about his dad and his father starts to share some of his secrets.
🌲
The other part of the story finds an author looking for the killer of her sister. As the years go by, she finds herself way to close to at least one serial killer! Could one of them committed the heinous crime?
🌲
This book has you looking over your shoulder and making you more aware of your surroundings even AT HOME!!!
🌲
Thank you Rainer Publishing for this e-ARC. I have already pre-ordered this book to add to my others by this author.
June 8, 2025
I listened to this on NetGalley and I’m SO excited I got approved for the audiobook! The narrator absolutely nailed it—every emotion, every twist—I was hooked from start to finish. I couldn’t stop listening. Now I have to read the rest of the series ASAP. This one pulled me in and didn’t let go!
June 15, 2025
Thank you to @TLCBookTours and @spotifyaudio for the #ALC and for having me on this tour! I am a HUGE fan of @audreyjcole and of this series, and The First Hunt did not disappoint! This is John’s origin story, a prequel to The Final Hunt, and hoo boy, it is a doozy. It was just as intense as the other two books, and Cole did a fantastic job at seamlessly blending his beginnings with the start of book one. The audio was perfection, and I have really enjoyed listening to these books. You don’t have to have read them in order to enjoy this one as it reads as a standalone just fine. However, the other two books are excellent, so I recommend you do so for the full picture.
April 3, 2025
The First Hunt is the third book in The Final Hunt Series. After verifying that I had not missed this book after reading the first two, I settled in to read this thriller.
The book starts off with a man who brings his young son, John along for the ride, leaves him in the car after picking up a woman. They walk into the forest, and it is not long before John hears the woman screaming and sees his father chasing her. John later sees on the news that the woman was found murdered. He fears for his father about being caught and going to jail.
Holly is a writer of thrillers. But she is also the sister to a murder victim and has spent most of her time trying to find the killer. She compares ever murder similar to her sisters to find a pattern since it is clear the police have no idea as to the identity.
But when her fiancé Jared a police officer, hits her, she begins to fear for her life. After pressing charges, he is convicted and sent to prison only to be released several years later. Holly believes that he will come after her again. But will a kind neighbor be all he appears to be or is it true that Jared is after Holly again. She will have to investigate without the help of the police to find out the truth.
Audrey J Cole never disappoints. She knows how to turn up the heat in each thriller she writes. This one was a wonderful addition to the series. It starts off slowly and before you know it you are hooked. I highly recommend this book.
The book starts off with a man who brings his young son, John along for the ride, leaves him in the car after picking up a woman. They walk into the forest, and it is not long before John hears the woman screaming and sees his father chasing her. John later sees on the news that the woman was found murdered. He fears for his father about being caught and going to jail.
Holly is a writer of thrillers. But she is also the sister to a murder victim and has spent most of her time trying to find the killer. She compares ever murder similar to her sisters to find a pattern since it is clear the police have no idea as to the identity.
But when her fiancé Jared a police officer, hits her, she begins to fear for her life. After pressing charges, he is convicted and sent to prison only to be released several years later. Holly believes that he will come after her again. But will a kind neighbor be all he appears to be or is it true that Jared is after Holly again. She will have to investigate without the help of the police to find out the truth.
Audrey J Cole never disappoints. She knows how to turn up the heat in each thriller she writes. This one was a wonderful addition to the series. It starts off slowly and before you know it you are hooked. I highly recommend this book.
May 24, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Spotify Audio for the advanced audiobook.
After journalist turned true crime author Holly Sparks is forced into hiding, when the ex-fiance who tried to kill her is released from prison, she finds herself trying to finish her latest true crime book while in constant worry that her ex will find her and finish the job. And she's always looking to solve the murder of her sister from a decade earlier. Luckily, she has a new (and very attractive) neighbor named Clint living next door and, along with his son, they're keeping an eye on her. But, as Holly's investigation into her sister's cold case warms up she finds that her ex might not be the only person she's in danger from.
This book gave me such heart palpitations. The beginning feels like lots of other mystery/thrillers, in terms of the set up and main female character who's plucky and persistent. By the middle of the book the twists kept me hooked in until the end, which was totally unexpected (at least for me) and as the prequel to THE FINAL HUNT series, made me interested in checking out the rest of Cole's books. This was a one sitting read.
The First Hunt is out June 17, 2025.
After journalist turned true crime author Holly Sparks is forced into hiding, when the ex-fiance who tried to kill her is released from prison, she finds herself trying to finish her latest true crime book while in constant worry that her ex will find her and finish the job. And she's always looking to solve the murder of her sister from a decade earlier. Luckily, she has a new (and very attractive) neighbor named Clint living next door and, along with his son, they're keeping an eye on her. But, as Holly's investigation into her sister's cold case warms up she finds that her ex might not be the only person she's in danger from.
This book gave me such heart palpitations. The beginning feels like lots of other mystery/thrillers, in terms of the set up and main female character who's plucky and persistent. By the middle of the book the twists kept me hooked in until the end, which was totally unexpected (at least for me) and as the prequel to THE FINAL HUNT series, made me interested in checking out the rest of Cole's books. This was a one sitting read.
The First Hunt is out June 17, 2025.
May 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of The First Hunt by Audrey J. Cole. This chilling thriller serves as a prequel to The Final Hunt, offering readers an insight into one of the main character’s backstory. However, it can be read as a standalone novel.
Set in the 1980s, The First Hunt transports readers to a time when people felt safe walking alone, even after dark. Serial killers were haunting the west coast but most people didn’t have a clue about it. Cole skillfully creates a story around the Green River Killer and the possibility of how likely it could give a copycat motive to commit similar crimes. We follow along with the main character Holly’s journey as she works to uncover whether or not these murders are connected in addition to solving the murder other own sister.
Many of the murders she researched went unsolved or were assumed to be the responsibility of the well known Green River Killer already at large. But what if it was actually someone else?
The First Hunt is a gripping, fast-paced read that blends true crime and history into a page turning thriller. You will definitely want to read the next book in the series!
Set in the 1980s, The First Hunt transports readers to a time when people felt safe walking alone, even after dark. Serial killers were haunting the west coast but most people didn’t have a clue about it. Cole skillfully creates a story around the Green River Killer and the possibility of how likely it could give a copycat motive to commit similar crimes. We follow along with the main character Holly’s journey as she works to uncover whether or not these murders are connected in addition to solving the murder other own sister.
Many of the murders she researched went unsolved or were assumed to be the responsibility of the well known Green River Killer already at large. But what if it was actually someone else?
The First Hunt is a gripping, fast-paced read that blends true crime and history into a page turning thriller. You will definitely want to read the next book in the series!
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