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The Hunted
Ophelia Harris, a former CIA analyst who went to work for a private intelligence and security firm working in Afghanistan, has been trying hard to stay under the radar.
What seems like a lifetime ago and a world away, she disappeared from the sandbox after a raid on an insurgent money laundering operation went terribly wrong. Every operator on the team was killed save one.
Ophelia escaped. And she got away with two suitcases filled with cash.
Gerhard Mueller runs Grendel Security Group and is Ophelia’s former employer. He knows a traitor set up the ambush that killed his team and he believes he knows who that traitor is.
He wants Harris found – and he wants her dead.
Austin Medford, a former Army Ranger, is sipping a beer at an airport lounge when he runs into a woman he believes he’s seen before during his deployment overseas. A woman running from trouble.
Soon Harris and Medford find themselves being brutally hunted by forces known and unknown trying to take them off the board.
The rules of the game are simple – run, fight, or die.
What seems like a lifetime ago and a world away, she disappeared from the sandbox after a raid on an insurgent money laundering operation went terribly wrong. Every operator on the team was killed save one.
Ophelia escaped. And she got away with two suitcases filled with cash.
Gerhard Mueller runs Grendel Security Group and is Ophelia’s former employer. He knows a traitor set up the ambush that killed his team and he believes he knows who that traitor is.
He wants Harris found – and he wants her dead.
Austin Medford, a former Army Ranger, is sipping a beer at an airport lounge when he runs into a woman he believes he’s seen before during his deployment overseas. A woman running from trouble.
Soon Harris and Medford find themselves being brutally hunted by forces known and unknown trying to take them off the board.
The rules of the game are simple – run, fight, or die.
- GenresMystery
204 pages, ebook
Published January 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 31, 2026
The Hunted by Steven Max Russo was more of a rollercoaster ride than the thriller I recently read about a group of friends stuck on a rollercoaster. It was full of all the bim, bam, booms a thriller reader might hope to find.
Ophelia Harris, a former intelligence analyst for first the CIA and later a private security firm, was involved in an operation that went wrong in Afghanistan during the war. She managed to escape with two suitcases full of cash. Now, years later, Gerhard Mueller, the man in charge of the private security firm she once worked for, is convinced a traitor set up the ambush that doomed the mission. He's certain it was Ophelia, and he wants her dead. Meanwhile, Austin Medford, a former soldier who was also in Afghanistan when it all happened, has just returned from a work trip and is having a drink in an airport lounge when he spots Ophelia. Convinced he knows her from somewhere, he soon finds himself running for his life alongside her.
I found the character depth to be about what I'd expect for this genre, with the exception of Gerhard. There was a factor that added an extra layer of depth to him, something that clouded his otherwise exceptional judgment. I really enjoyed that aspect of his character. Gerhard, Ophelia, Austin, and a few others serve as the third-person POV narrators, with the perspective shifts becoming more frequent as the story progresses. This might be confusing for some readers, although I didn't have any trouble following it.
The story was engaging and a great length for an action-packed thriller with themes of trust and betrayal, survival, justice versus vengeance, and secrets and corruption. Russo's writing is lean and cinematic. His clear, accessible prose is direct, suspense-driven, and immersive, making every scene easy to visualize.
The Hunted really surprised me. It hooked me early on, and there was definitely some past-my-bedtime reading. Russo's writing falls somewhere between Brad Taylor's and Jack Carr's. It's perfect for readers who enjoy military and espionage thrillers, tactical action, cat-and-mouse suspense, and fast-paced stories with capable protagonists.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓🤓— fast-paced and suspenseful
Let's Discuss:
If someone betrayed you, would you want justice or revenge?
I read a digital copy made available by Steven Max Russo, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
📚 More book reviews and bookish content:
Ophelia Harris, a former intelligence analyst for first the CIA and later a private security firm, was involved in an operation that went wrong in Afghanistan during the war. She managed to escape with two suitcases full of cash. Now, years later, Gerhard Mueller, the man in charge of the private security firm she once worked for, is convinced a traitor set up the ambush that doomed the mission. He's certain it was Ophelia, and he wants her dead. Meanwhile, Austin Medford, a former soldier who was also in Afghanistan when it all happened, has just returned from a work trip and is having a drink in an airport lounge when he spots Ophelia. Convinced he knows her from somewhere, he soon finds himself running for his life alongside her.
I found the character depth to be about what I'd expect for this genre, with the exception of Gerhard. There was a factor that added an extra layer of depth to him, something that clouded his otherwise exceptional judgment. I really enjoyed that aspect of his character. Gerhard, Ophelia, Austin, and a few others serve as the third-person POV narrators, with the perspective shifts becoming more frequent as the story progresses. This might be confusing for some readers, although I didn't have any trouble following it.
The story was engaging and a great length for an action-packed thriller with themes of trust and betrayal, survival, justice versus vengeance, and secrets and corruption. Russo's writing is lean and cinematic. His clear, accessible prose is direct, suspense-driven, and immersive, making every scene easy to visualize.
The Hunted really surprised me. It hooked me early on, and there was definitely some past-my-bedtime reading. Russo's writing falls somewhere between Brad Taylor's and Jack Carr's. It's perfect for readers who enjoy military and espionage thrillers, tactical action, cat-and-mouse suspense, and fast-paced stories with capable protagonists.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓🤓— fast-paced and suspenseful
Let's Discuss:
If someone betrayed you, would you want justice or revenge?
I read a digital copy made available by Steven Max Russo, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
📚 More book reviews and bookish content:
January 3, 2026
If you're looking for a kick-ass heroine and intense action, then Russo's latest thriller is your best best! Ophelia finds herself on the wrong end of the agency she used to work for and is running for her life. This quietly intense cat and mouse game will have you on the edge of your seat as you keep checking behind you to make sure no one is getting the drop on you. Russo writes with an efficiency of words that manages to ratchet up the thrills and the danger. A great read!
January 24, 2026
Mr. Russo has created a story full of twists and turns and unexpected revelations that will keep the reader glued to their Kindle (or other reading device) until the story is ended. I found myself very irritated if I had to put the book down for more than a moment or two. I wanted to get back to find out what disaster was about to land in Austin and Ophelia's laps next. I found myself totally invested in the story and how it was going to play out. The ending was a bit of a surprise, as I didn't see that coming, which is always a bonus, in my opinion. I highly recommend this book for action and adventure fans and conspiracy theorists of all types. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
March 11, 2026
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader. If you like this post, you might like others on that site. Consider checking it out!
---
WHAT'S THE HUNTED ABOUT?
Gerhard Mueller is the head of GSG, a private security/military contractor firm, staffed by plenty of former US Intelligence Agents and military. One of those former CIA analysts is Ophelia Harris--after some time working for the USA and then GSG in Afghanistan, she's on the run.
She'd say it was because she was set up by GSG. Mueller says it's because she betrayed GSG, leaving colleagues dead and millions of dollars missing.
This results in Ophelia running for her life from the company.
A chance encounter with someone she had a fleeting encounter with in Afghanistan (and that's being generous) results in someone else getting sucked into this mess, Austin's fate tied to hers.
With GSG getting closer, Ophelia realizes that the cat and mouse game only ends with the mouse dead, or it convincing the cat to stop. She and her new ally decide to do the latter.
WHY DID I PICK THIS UP? WHY DID I KEEP READING?
I picked this up because Steven Max Russo emailed me and said (essentially), “I have a new book, are you interested?” I replied that the “new book” was really all I needed. Over the 4(??) previous books, I know that’s all he needs to say.
Why did I keep going? Because once you start this train moving—you can’t stop. Not that you’ll want to, you just won’t be able to. It’s just about holding on until the train reaches the end of the line.
WHAT DOES THIS BOOK TELL US ABOUT HUMANITY?
The thing that struck home most for me from this novel was trust. Both how much we want to trust others, and how hard it can be when that trust is broken. Granted, you may not send multiple killers after someone if they break your trust—but the impulse will resonate with you.
Other than Austin, each of the major players in this book have had their trust broken. And the reactions to this tell you a lot about each person. Some react with a degree of rage, some withdraw, some are cold and unforgiving, and others…well, that would be telling you too much.
On the other hand, we also see a great willingness to trust others. Austin has zero reason to trust Ophelia—and realizes it, but quickly joins their fates together. Ophelia is on the run because the last people she trusted proved (in her eyes, anyway) to be untrustworthy, yet she (with misgivings) gives the same trust to Austin. The people at GSG have implicit trust in those they work with—or have worked with—in an industry where betrayal seems to be more common than the color green in a rainforest.
And whether you’re in their extreme sort of circumstances or not, that kind of trust is necessary, right? Otherwise, nothing can work. Nothing moves forward. We end up isolated and trying to do everything by ourselves, and that’s just not feasible in the long-run (barely feasible in the short run). Every reader knows this, these characters know it—and show it.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE HUNTED?
There was one misstep that our security consultant and brilliant analyst made (and couldn’t figure out), that I saw just thanks to watching TV procedurals. That bugged me a lot. But as soon as I set that aside, the momentum of the story kept me going.
And that’s the core of this book’s success—momentum, pacing, and adrenaline. There’s a couple of moments of action at the beginning, then we get a little bit of a lull so we can get the board set up. Then Russo makes the first move, and the game is practically non-stop from there. Russo will let you catch your breath—but you need to do that quickly, he doesn’t give you a lot of time.
Russo doesn’t give anyone the same kind of Thriller twice. Which is a good thing (as much as I’d like things like his previous ones—primarily Thieves and The Debt Collector). The Hunted is about determination, speed, craftiness, and ammunition. A lot of ammunition gets spent—and characters die unexpectedly. Vengeance gets wrought. I can’t/won’t say if justice prevails—but you can know going in that some scales are balanced.
If you’re looking for a solid Thriller novel—you can find one here (or with anything Steven Max Russo’s name is on, but you might as well start here).
---
WHAT'S THE HUNTED ABOUT?
Gerhard Mueller is the head of GSG, a private security/military contractor firm, staffed by plenty of former US Intelligence Agents and military. One of those former CIA analysts is Ophelia Harris--after some time working for the USA and then GSG in Afghanistan, she's on the run.
She'd say it was because she was set up by GSG. Mueller says it's because she betrayed GSG, leaving colleagues dead and millions of dollars missing.
This results in Ophelia running for her life from the company.
A chance encounter with someone she had a fleeting encounter with in Afghanistan (and that's being generous) results in someone else getting sucked into this mess, Austin's fate tied to hers.
With GSG getting closer, Ophelia realizes that the cat and mouse game only ends with the mouse dead, or it convincing the cat to stop. She and her new ally decide to do the latter.
WHY DID I PICK THIS UP? WHY DID I KEEP READING?
I picked this up because Steven Max Russo emailed me and said (essentially), “I have a new book, are you interested?” I replied that the “new book” was really all I needed. Over the 4(??) previous books, I know that’s all he needs to say.
Why did I keep going? Because once you start this train moving—you can’t stop. Not that you’ll want to, you just won’t be able to. It’s just about holding on until the train reaches the end of the line.
WHAT DOES THIS BOOK TELL US ABOUT HUMANITY?
The thing that struck home most for me from this novel was trust. Both how much we want to trust others, and how hard it can be when that trust is broken. Granted, you may not send multiple killers after someone if they break your trust—but the impulse will resonate with you.
Other than Austin, each of the major players in this book have had their trust broken. And the reactions to this tell you a lot about each person. Some react with a degree of rage, some withdraw, some are cold and unforgiving, and others…well, that would be telling you too much.
On the other hand, we also see a great willingness to trust others. Austin has zero reason to trust Ophelia—and realizes it, but quickly joins their fates together. Ophelia is on the run because the last people she trusted proved (in her eyes, anyway) to be untrustworthy, yet she (with misgivings) gives the same trust to Austin. The people at GSG have implicit trust in those they work with—or have worked with—in an industry where betrayal seems to be more common than the color green in a rainforest.
And whether you’re in their extreme sort of circumstances or not, that kind of trust is necessary, right? Otherwise, nothing can work. Nothing moves forward. We end up isolated and trying to do everything by ourselves, and that’s just not feasible in the long-run (barely feasible in the short run). Every reader knows this, these characters know it—and show it.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE HUNTED?
There was one misstep that our security consultant and brilliant analyst made (and couldn’t figure out), that I saw just thanks to watching TV procedurals. That bugged me a lot. But as soon as I set that aside, the momentum of the story kept me going.
And that’s the core of this book’s success—momentum, pacing, and adrenaline. There’s a couple of moments of action at the beginning, then we get a little bit of a lull so we can get the board set up. Then Russo makes the first move, and the game is practically non-stop from there. Russo will let you catch your breath—but you need to do that quickly, he doesn’t give you a lot of time.
Russo doesn’t give anyone the same kind of Thriller twice. Which is a good thing (as much as I’d like things like his previous ones—primarily Thieves and The Debt Collector). The Hunted is about determination, speed, craftiness, and ammunition. A lot of ammunition gets spent—and characters die unexpectedly. Vengeance gets wrought. I can’t/won’t say if justice prevails—but you can know going in that some scales are balanced.
If you’re looking for a solid Thriller novel—you can find one here (or with anything Steven Max Russo’s name is on, but you might as well start here).
January 7, 2026
Solid Thriller Uses Guns Both Effectively And Not So Effectively. Seriously, this is one book that uses one particular gun *phenomenally* - one of the best uses I've ever seen of this particular gun, easily. But revealing that particular gun gets into spoiler territory.
Most of the rest of this tale is a really solid cat and mouse type thriller where danger lurks nearly behind every word and the action is of a sufficiently frenetic pace that fans of masters of balls to the wall action like Matthew Reilly and Jeremy Robinson will likely enjoy quite well. From the prologue through the epilogue, danger and intrigue is always *right there*, and we get several very satisfying action sequences and payoffs throughout. For the pure adrenaline action book this is, it really is quite a fun one.
But then we get to the issues where guns *aren't* used as effectively, and to be fair this is a touch of nitpicking where those "less familiar" with guns than I am likely wouldn't notice anything wrong at all... but readers anywhere near the level of proficiency with guns that these characters are supposed to have - all private military contractors of some form, many of them former special forces - are known to howl quite loudly about when they see these exact errors. Yes, I'm talking about Spec Ops/ PMC type characters referring to "magazines" as "clips". Every. Damn. Time. Once, hey, maybe Russo mistyped and simply missed it in editing. Every time? Seems Russo, who clearly thought out and perhaps even researched *so much else* from a tactical and even practical perspective about so very many of the action sequences here - up to and including specifying several different types of guns in several different situations and using them quite effectively and realistically... *kept referring to magazines as clips*. GAH! So yes, this was bad enough from these specific types of characters that I ultimately felt I didn't have a choice but to deduct a star for this reason. I always seek to be both as objective as possible and 100% honest in my reviews, and this was absolutely something that stuck out to me every time it happened. And yes, *for me*, it took me out of the scene every time. As noted earlier, for someone less familiar with guns - say non-American audiences, or maybe readers in the Northeast or Left Coast - some of the areas in even the US with the tightest gun regulations and thus far less general public familiarity with guns - hey, this particular thing may not be an issue for those readers. But for anyone even moderately familiar with a gun, yes, this will absolutely be an issue.
Another gun related issue - that only happened a couple of times, to be clear - is suppressors. Yes, Russo used the correct term here, which was great. But he also described them as taking the sound of a gunshot from an M40 sniper rifle down to "a bit louder than a pellet gun". No. Just no. The *best* suppressors currently on the market in 2026 reduce a shot by *maybe* 40 decibels - and I'm being generous there. They take it from standing beside the action end of a jet engine to standing beside the speakers at a Metallica concert. At best. Which, to be fair, *is* QUITE "a bit louder than a pellet gun". The way I typically describe it is that it takes the shot from being heard from 5 miles away (ish) to one mile away (ish), particularly in the relatively open fields of that particular scene. Yet again though, familiarity with guns. If you only know guns from entertainment and not from some form of actually having fired them, Hollywood in particular is *horrendous* about the suppressor issue specifically... but you wouldn't know any better as you read this book. But those with more familiarity and experience with guns... again, this is a significant issue for at least those readers.
But again, overall - outside of the "magazine" vs "clip" issue and the suppressor issue - this really was a very solidly written, very fun action thriller with balls to the wall action sequences and fairly realistic tactics based on the settings as described - up to and including a few critical mistakes made by both heroes and villains. Truly a fun read that a lot of guys in particular are going to love.
Very much recommended.
Most of the rest of this tale is a really solid cat and mouse type thriller where danger lurks nearly behind every word and the action is of a sufficiently frenetic pace that fans of masters of balls to the wall action like Matthew Reilly and Jeremy Robinson will likely enjoy quite well. From the prologue through the epilogue, danger and intrigue is always *right there*, and we get several very satisfying action sequences and payoffs throughout. For the pure adrenaline action book this is, it really is quite a fun one.
But then we get to the issues where guns *aren't* used as effectively, and to be fair this is a touch of nitpicking where those "less familiar" with guns than I am likely wouldn't notice anything wrong at all... but readers anywhere near the level of proficiency with guns that these characters are supposed to have - all private military contractors of some form, many of them former special forces - are known to howl quite loudly about when they see these exact errors. Yes, I'm talking about Spec Ops/ PMC type characters referring to "magazines" as "clips". Every. Damn. Time. Once, hey, maybe Russo mistyped and simply missed it in editing. Every time? Seems Russo, who clearly thought out and perhaps even researched *so much else* from a tactical and even practical perspective about so very many of the action sequences here - up to and including specifying several different types of guns in several different situations and using them quite effectively and realistically... *kept referring to magazines as clips*. GAH! So yes, this was bad enough from these specific types of characters that I ultimately felt I didn't have a choice but to deduct a star for this reason. I always seek to be both as objective as possible and 100% honest in my reviews, and this was absolutely something that stuck out to me every time it happened. And yes, *for me*, it took me out of the scene every time. As noted earlier, for someone less familiar with guns - say non-American audiences, or maybe readers in the Northeast or Left Coast - some of the areas in even the US with the tightest gun regulations and thus far less general public familiarity with guns - hey, this particular thing may not be an issue for those readers. But for anyone even moderately familiar with a gun, yes, this will absolutely be an issue.
Another gun related issue - that only happened a couple of times, to be clear - is suppressors. Yes, Russo used the correct term here, which was great. But he also described them as taking the sound of a gunshot from an M40 sniper rifle down to "a bit louder than a pellet gun". No. Just no. The *best* suppressors currently on the market in 2026 reduce a shot by *maybe* 40 decibels - and I'm being generous there. They take it from standing beside the action end of a jet engine to standing beside the speakers at a Metallica concert. At best. Which, to be fair, *is* QUITE "a bit louder than a pellet gun". The way I typically describe it is that it takes the shot from being heard from 5 miles away (ish) to one mile away (ish), particularly in the relatively open fields of that particular scene. Yet again though, familiarity with guns. If you only know guns from entertainment and not from some form of actually having fired them, Hollywood in particular is *horrendous* about the suppressor issue specifically... but you wouldn't know any better as you read this book. But those with more familiarity and experience with guns... again, this is a significant issue for at least those readers.
But again, overall - outside of the "magazine" vs "clip" issue and the suppressor issue - this really was a very solidly written, very fun action thriller with balls to the wall action sequences and fairly realistic tactics based on the settings as described - up to and including a few critical mistakes made by both heroes and villains. Truly a fun read that a lot of guys in particular are going to love.
Very much recommended.
January 30, 2026
Outstanding Fugitive Crime Caper; A Lean, Fast-paced Suspense Thriller Impossible to Put Down
This is the third Steven Max Russo crime novel I have read and it is by far the best. And I mean, it is outstanding--one of the best I have ever read in this genre. The Hunted is an "on-the-run" suspense-thriller about a defense contractor and former CIA analyst named Ophelia Harris who has been a fugitive since taking part in a botched raid in Afghanistan in which she was the only survivor. As she had absconded with two suitcases full of drug money, her employer, GSG, a mercenary outfit specializing in intelligence collection and black operations, is convinced she betrayed her unit and determined to make her come to justice. It doesn't help that the GSG CEO, a German named Gerhard Mueller has a personal axe to grind with Harris over that botched raid. After escaping from two assassins at the New Jersey shore, Harris inadvertently crosses paths in an airport lounge with a former US Army Ranger sniper named Austin Medford. Medford instantly recognizes her from one of his Afghanistan deployments as a contract interrogator he'd provided security for during an op. Needless to say, he becomes entangled in her situation and the two must figure out a way to outsmart GSG's seemingly endless supply of former special operatives who are willing to kill the couple for cash.
Russo, a native of New Jersey, gets everything right in this, his fourth crime novel. As a Veteran who has written a bit about the Afghan War myself, I can tell you he gets the military stuff right. And he plays it smart, not overdoing the military parts but keeping things lean so Vet readers like me won't try to pick apart the military minutiae to complain about how "unreal" it all is. The only thing unreal about this novel is how good it is.
Some readers may find it easy to compare this novel's plot to similar types of stories by people like Thomas Perry and Alex Berenson. But there is no comparison. Russo writes leaner and more efficiently than either of those mega-selling authors. Russo doesn't waste the reader's time going down rabbit holes about side characters or piling on unnecessary descriptive prose or protagonist back-story. He is a true story teller and keeps to the plot-line. And he keeps the pace moving along nicely with well orchestrated cliffhangers at the end of each chapter. This book is hard to put down.
I am hoping these two interesting and engaging protagonists, Harris and Medford, will be returning for a sequel. I also liked the whole GSG concept... and the GSG Vice President, Sylvia, probably has a role in a sequel as well. In fact, while I like how the book ends, I would have liked to have learned a bit more about what, exactly was the motivation behind that betrayal back in Afghanistan. The bad guy gets his desserts but the conspiracy behind it all is left unsolved. Maybe there will be a sequel after all! I hope so, because Russo has done such a great job already with all of this novel's dramatic, world-building elements.
I just downloaded Russo's previous novel, The Debt Collector, to my Kindle And I cannot wait to read it!
The Hunted is highly, highly recommended.
This is the third Steven Max Russo crime novel I have read and it is by far the best. And I mean, it is outstanding--one of the best I have ever read in this genre. The Hunted is an "on-the-run" suspense-thriller about a defense contractor and former CIA analyst named Ophelia Harris who has been a fugitive since taking part in a botched raid in Afghanistan in which she was the only survivor. As she had absconded with two suitcases full of drug money, her employer, GSG, a mercenary outfit specializing in intelligence collection and black operations, is convinced she betrayed her unit and determined to make her come to justice. It doesn't help that the GSG CEO, a German named Gerhard Mueller has a personal axe to grind with Harris over that botched raid. After escaping from two assassins at the New Jersey shore, Harris inadvertently crosses paths in an airport lounge with a former US Army Ranger sniper named Austin Medford. Medford instantly recognizes her from one of his Afghanistan deployments as a contract interrogator he'd provided security for during an op. Needless to say, he becomes entangled in her situation and the two must figure out a way to outsmart GSG's seemingly endless supply of former special operatives who are willing to kill the couple for cash.
Russo, a native of New Jersey, gets everything right in this, his fourth crime novel. As a Veteran who has written a bit about the Afghan War myself, I can tell you he gets the military stuff right. And he plays it smart, not overdoing the military parts but keeping things lean so Vet readers like me won't try to pick apart the military minutiae to complain about how "unreal" it all is. The only thing unreal about this novel is how good it is.
Some readers may find it easy to compare this novel's plot to similar types of stories by people like Thomas Perry and Alex Berenson. But there is no comparison. Russo writes leaner and more efficiently than either of those mega-selling authors. Russo doesn't waste the reader's time going down rabbit holes about side characters or piling on unnecessary descriptive prose or protagonist back-story. He is a true story teller and keeps to the plot-line. And he keeps the pace moving along nicely with well orchestrated cliffhangers at the end of each chapter. This book is hard to put down.
I am hoping these two interesting and engaging protagonists, Harris and Medford, will be returning for a sequel. I also liked the whole GSG concept... and the GSG Vice President, Sylvia, probably has a role in a sequel as well. In fact, while I like how the book ends, I would have liked to have learned a bit more about what, exactly was the motivation behind that betrayal back in Afghanistan. The bad guy gets his desserts but the conspiracy behind it all is left unsolved. Maybe there will be a sequel after all! I hope so, because Russo has done such a great job already with all of this novel's dramatic, world-building elements.
I just downloaded Russo's previous novel, The Debt Collector, to my Kindle And I cannot wait to read it!
The Hunted is highly, highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Victory Editing and Netgalley for this eARC.
Steven Max Russo’s The Hunted opens with a strong hook: Ophelia Harris, a former CIA analyst who once worked for a private intelligence firm in Afghanistan, is now living under the radar in a small New Jersey beach town, armed, wary, and eight months into running for her life. It’s a promising setup—lean, atmospheric, and ripe for a tense cat‑and‑mouse thriller.
But while the novel delivers bursts of sharp, neo‑noir energy, it doesn’t always sustain the momentum its premise promises.
What Works
- A compelling protagonist. Ophelia is the novel’s greatest asset. Russo writes her with a mix of competence and paranoia that feels earned. Her background in intelligence gives the story authenticity, and her constant vigilance creates a steady hum of tension.
- Strong sense of place. The fog‑shrouded seaside town of Manasquan, NJ, is vividly rendered. Russo uses the damp, gray atmosphere to mirror Ophelia’s isolation and the threat closing in around her.
- Tight, noir‑inflected prose. The book’s tone leans into neo‑noir—bleak weather, moral ambiguity, and a protagonist who knows danger is inevitable. When Russo leans into this style, the story feels sharp and cinematic.
Where It Falters
- A narrow emotional range. While Ophelia is intriguing, the novel doesn’t always explore her interior life deeply enough to elevate the stakes. We understand she’s hunted, but the emotional cost of that life is sketched rather than fully developed.
- Uneven pacing. The opening chapters are atmospheric and tense, but the middle section occasionally drifts. Scenes that should escalate the danger sometimes feel repetitive, diluting the urgency of Ophelia’s situation.
- Supporting characters lack dimension. The antagonists and side characters serve their narrative functions but rarely surprise. In a story built on paranoia and shifting loyalties, more complexity would have amplified the suspense.
The Hunted is a moody, compact thriller with a strong lead and a vividly bleak setting. Russo’s noir instincts are sharp, and the premise has a real bite. But the novel doesn’t always push its characters or plot far enough to fully capitalize on its potential.
Readers who enjoy atmospheric, character‑driven suspense will find plenty to appreciate, but those looking for layered psychological tension or intricate plotting may feel the story stops short of greatness.
Steven Max Russo’s The Hunted opens with a strong hook: Ophelia Harris, a former CIA analyst who once worked for a private intelligence firm in Afghanistan, is now living under the radar in a small New Jersey beach town, armed, wary, and eight months into running for her life. It’s a promising setup—lean, atmospheric, and ripe for a tense cat‑and‑mouse thriller.
But while the novel delivers bursts of sharp, neo‑noir energy, it doesn’t always sustain the momentum its premise promises.
What Works
- A compelling protagonist. Ophelia is the novel’s greatest asset. Russo writes her with a mix of competence and paranoia that feels earned. Her background in intelligence gives the story authenticity, and her constant vigilance creates a steady hum of tension.
- Strong sense of place. The fog‑shrouded seaside town of Manasquan, NJ, is vividly rendered. Russo uses the damp, gray atmosphere to mirror Ophelia’s isolation and the threat closing in around her.
- Tight, noir‑inflected prose. The book’s tone leans into neo‑noir—bleak weather, moral ambiguity, and a protagonist who knows danger is inevitable. When Russo leans into this style, the story feels sharp and cinematic.
Where It Falters
- A narrow emotional range. While Ophelia is intriguing, the novel doesn’t always explore her interior life deeply enough to elevate the stakes. We understand she’s hunted, but the emotional cost of that life is sketched rather than fully developed.
- Uneven pacing. The opening chapters are atmospheric and tense, but the middle section occasionally drifts. Scenes that should escalate the danger sometimes feel repetitive, diluting the urgency of Ophelia’s situation.
- Supporting characters lack dimension. The antagonists and side characters serve their narrative functions but rarely surprise. In a story built on paranoia and shifting loyalties, more complexity would have amplified the suspense.
The Hunted is a moody, compact thriller with a strong lead and a vividly bleak setting. Russo’s noir instincts are sharp, and the premise has a real bite. But the novel doesn’t always push its characters or plot far enough to fully capitalize on its potential.
Readers who enjoy atmospheric, character‑driven suspense will find plenty to appreciate, but those looking for layered psychological tension or intricate plotting may feel the story stops short of greatness.
July 27, 2026
Still trying to catch my breath after this one......
And now I've got to try to catch up on all the other books I stopped reading (not to mention numerous household chores) that I put on hold once this book had me in its vise-like grip.
Yes, it's that kind of thriller you look for when you're in the mood for an adrenalin pumping, page-turning, up-all-night read. One that hits the ground running (and shooting) and never stops till there's countless rounds fired and a sizable body count.
It takes no time at all to get caught up in the ultra dangerous world of Ophelia Harris, a former CIA analyst and now a field operative for the Grendel Security Group......essentially a private company of mercenaries for hire, conducting clandestine black ops, 'this-never-happened' missions for whatever government agency pays them.
Ophelia's latest assignment for her boss Gerhard Mueller goes horribly wrong, with every Grendel operative dead except her.......and leaving her in possession of huge amounts of cash raised to fund insurgents in Middle East wars. Enraged and judging her a renegade traitor, Mueller sends out one hit team after another to terminate Ophelia when she returns to the U.S.........and there may be something else fueling his fury besides an operation gone south.
But Mueller clearly underestimates Ophelia's formidable skills and determination to survive. And he didn't count on on her running into former Army Ranger Austin Medford, who remembers seeing Ophelia in action during his Afghanistan deployment. Once he aids her during yet another hit team assault, Austin realizes he's now joined her in Mueller's crosshairs. The hunt for the both of them is on.......until the hunted decide to turn the tables
Virtually non-stop tension, suspense and explosive action follow, with Ophelia, Austin and their adversaries unleashing all manner of state-of-the-art weaponry upon each other. And through it all, Ophelia emerges an an all too human and vulnerable heroine, who does her best to avoid the carnage around her, even if her foes don't.
Armchair adventurers who haven't yet discovered this book should be putting it right to the very top of their 'must read' lists. And prepare to stop everything else you're doing once you've started it.
(You can find all my other reviews at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)
And now I've got to try to catch up on all the other books I stopped reading (not to mention numerous household chores) that I put on hold once this book had me in its vise-like grip.
Yes, it's that kind of thriller you look for when you're in the mood for an adrenalin pumping, page-turning, up-all-night read. One that hits the ground running (and shooting) and never stops till there's countless rounds fired and a sizable body count.
It takes no time at all to get caught up in the ultra dangerous world of Ophelia Harris, a former CIA analyst and now a field operative for the Grendel Security Group......essentially a private company of mercenaries for hire, conducting clandestine black ops, 'this-never-happened' missions for whatever government agency pays them.
Ophelia's latest assignment for her boss Gerhard Mueller goes horribly wrong, with every Grendel operative dead except her.......and leaving her in possession of huge amounts of cash raised to fund insurgents in Middle East wars. Enraged and judging her a renegade traitor, Mueller sends out one hit team after another to terminate Ophelia when she returns to the U.S.........and there may be something else fueling his fury besides an operation gone south.
But Mueller clearly underestimates Ophelia's formidable skills and determination to survive. And he didn't count on on her running into former Army Ranger Austin Medford, who remembers seeing Ophelia in action during his Afghanistan deployment. Once he aids her during yet another hit team assault, Austin realizes he's now joined her in Mueller's crosshairs. The hunt for the both of them is on.......until the hunted decide to turn the tables
Virtually non-stop tension, suspense and explosive action follow, with Ophelia, Austin and their adversaries unleashing all manner of state-of-the-art weaponry upon each other. And through it all, Ophelia emerges an an all too human and vulnerable heroine, who does her best to avoid the carnage around her, even if her foes don't.
Armchair adventurers who haven't yet discovered this book should be putting it right to the very top of their 'must read' lists. And prepare to stop everything else you're doing once you've started it.
(You can find all my other reviews at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)
June 12, 2026
Steven Max Ruso is an author whose work I only became familiar with about a year ago, but when I read about his work (including The Debt Collector and The Dead Don’t Sleep) I thought immediately that my husband would LOVE his work – but I have found over the years that maybe I am better off finding books for myself and letting my husband find his own! But then, I read this from Mr. Russo in an interview: “In most stories, particularly crime fiction and thrillers, there seem to be the “good” guys and the “bad” guys and each character can easily be classified into one of those two categories. But in my stories, the lines often blur.” And I thought “yes!”
In Russo’s latest book, The Hunted, there is a great story, plenty of action, and characters that demonstrate those blurred lines. My favorite character is a woman named Ophelia Harris, a woman who is a former CIA analyst who also worked for GSG, company that focuses on private security/military contracting. GSG is run by a rather creepy man named Gerhard Mueller (when I first read his name, I thought it was perfect for either a Nazi or a corrupt businessman, but in truth he is just scary in too many ways to count).
Mueller believes Ophelia was responsible for the deaths of multiple GSG colleagues and the theft of millions dollars when a raid on an insurgent money laundering operation in Afghanistan resulted in nearly everyone being killed. The operation went spectacularly wrong (quite a start to this twisted tale. IMO). Ophelia was there and survived, and as a result Mueller blames her for pretty much everything. Later, Ophelia runs into someone from that mess, a former Army Ranger, and then the chase begins as the two go on the run.
The novel is full of cat and mouse action, tons of danger, and TBH maybe too much violence for many of us. Throughout, I just kept thinking “my husband is going to love this!” and (spoiler alert) I was right! If you are or if you know someone who is a fan of what I call action thrillers, recommend this to them. Or, even better, buy it for them. They will definitely thank you!
My husband would give this 5 stars. I give it 4 only because we almost never agree on books. But both of us agree we will be looking for more stories by Russo.
In Russo’s latest book, The Hunted, there is a great story, plenty of action, and characters that demonstrate those blurred lines. My favorite character is a woman named Ophelia Harris, a woman who is a former CIA analyst who also worked for GSG, company that focuses on private security/military contracting. GSG is run by a rather creepy man named Gerhard Mueller (when I first read his name, I thought it was perfect for either a Nazi or a corrupt businessman, but in truth he is just scary in too many ways to count).
Mueller believes Ophelia was responsible for the deaths of multiple GSG colleagues and the theft of millions dollars when a raid on an insurgent money laundering operation in Afghanistan resulted in nearly everyone being killed. The operation went spectacularly wrong (quite a start to this twisted tale. IMO). Ophelia was there and survived, and as a result Mueller blames her for pretty much everything. Later, Ophelia runs into someone from that mess, a former Army Ranger, and then the chase begins as the two go on the run.
The novel is full of cat and mouse action, tons of danger, and TBH maybe too much violence for many of us. Throughout, I just kept thinking “my husband is going to love this!” and (spoiler alert) I was right! If you are or if you know someone who is a fan of what I call action thrillers, recommend this to them. Or, even better, buy it for them. They will definitely thank you!
My husband would give this 5 stars. I give it 4 only because we almost never agree on books. But both of us agree we will be looking for more stories by Russo.
April 12, 2026
Having previously enjoyed The Debt Collector, I was happy to read The Hunted when approached by the author.
Ophelia Harris is on the run, hunted by the agency she used to work for who now believe she betrayed them. She is not guilty of what she is accused of but without proof knows they will not listen. It is strange that a kill order has been issued, and no attempt made to get her side of the story.
Her enemies are closing in when she encounters Austin Medford while waiting at the airport. He remembers her from his deployment in Afghanistan. He was a sniper and saw her through the scope on his rifle, but she did not see him. He saves her from the team sent to kill her, and they team up as he is assumed to be working with her anyway.
What follows is a fast-paced game of cat and mouse. The agency operatives have vast resources at their disposal, and are only one step behind, until Ophelia and Austin turn the tables and go on the offensive. They set a trap and lie in wait.
Since she went on the run, Ophelia has trusted nobody, but she slowly comes to realise that she has no choice but to trust Austin. She is a strong female character, but without Austin and his weapons knowledge she would probably not have survived. I liked that the relationship between them never became romantic as is so often the case it has become a cliché.
The characters are well drawn and believable, the prose is spare with no unnecessary padding, and the action is relentless. I was gripped from the start and enjoyed the satisfying ending. I would be happy to read another book featuring Ophelia and Austin, and will definitely be on the lookout for other titles by this talented author.
Ophelia Harris is on the run, hunted by the agency she used to work for who now believe she betrayed them. She is not guilty of what she is accused of but without proof knows they will not listen. It is strange that a kill order has been issued, and no attempt made to get her side of the story.
Her enemies are closing in when she encounters Austin Medford while waiting at the airport. He remembers her from his deployment in Afghanistan. He was a sniper and saw her through the scope on his rifle, but she did not see him. He saves her from the team sent to kill her, and they team up as he is assumed to be working with her anyway.
What follows is a fast-paced game of cat and mouse. The agency operatives have vast resources at their disposal, and are only one step behind, until Ophelia and Austin turn the tables and go on the offensive. They set a trap and lie in wait.
Since she went on the run, Ophelia has trusted nobody, but she slowly comes to realise that she has no choice but to trust Austin. She is a strong female character, but without Austin and his weapons knowledge she would probably not have survived. I liked that the relationship between them never became romantic as is so often the case it has become a cliché.
The characters are well drawn and believable, the prose is spare with no unnecessary padding, and the action is relentless. I was gripped from the start and enjoyed the satisfying ending. I would be happy to read another book featuring Ophelia and Austin, and will definitely be on the lookout for other titles by this talented author.
February 9, 2026
Three words could encompass this review: Drop. The. Mic.
Wow- I loved this book.
When I got this advanced copy of “The Hunted,” I knew nothing about the book and had not even read a description. I had read a Steven Russo book prior to this and really enjoyed it. (The Debt Collector) I felt if this one was comparable, it would be a good read. The Hunted is BETTER than The Debt Collector in every measure. (AND, I really liked The Debt Collector)
Ophelia Harris is the main character and she is a great, strong, female, lead. Her power is revealed in the Prologue and continues through the entire story. Russo does not dump lots of unnecessary characters into this book and we get to know each character that is introduced. Ophelia is on the run and the mystery of her past is kept under wraps for the first third of the book.
There was not one slow chapter throughout this book. When Ophelia meets Austin, things really become turbo charged. Pacing is never an issue in The Hunted. This book keeps the reader guessing, while showing off the craftsmanship of Russo as a writer. Steven has woven together a taut, exciting, thriller.
Without exaggeration, this was one of the most enjoyable Advanced Reader Copy books that I have ever read. Thanks Steven Max Russo- this one is a winner.
I received an advanced review copy of “The Hunted” for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily!
Wow- I loved this book.
When I got this advanced copy of “The Hunted,” I knew nothing about the book and had not even read a description. I had read a Steven Russo book prior to this and really enjoyed it. (The Debt Collector) I felt if this one was comparable, it would be a good read. The Hunted is BETTER than The Debt Collector in every measure. (AND, I really liked The Debt Collector)
Ophelia Harris is the main character and she is a great, strong, female, lead. Her power is revealed in the Prologue and continues through the entire story. Russo does not dump lots of unnecessary characters into this book and we get to know each character that is introduced. Ophelia is on the run and the mystery of her past is kept under wraps for the first third of the book.
There was not one slow chapter throughout this book. When Ophelia meets Austin, things really become turbo charged. Pacing is never an issue in The Hunted. This book keeps the reader guessing, while showing off the craftsmanship of Russo as a writer. Steven has woven together a taut, exciting, thriller.
Without exaggeration, this was one of the most enjoyable Advanced Reader Copy books that I have ever read. Thanks Steven Max Russo- this one is a winner.
I received an advanced review copy of “The Hunted” for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily!
June 3, 2026
What stayed with me after reading The Hunted is how quickly it establishes a sense of danger, placing its characters in a situation where survival depends on knowing who to trust in a world built on deception.
Ophelia Harris is an especially compelling figure because her past never truly stays behind her. The failed operation in Afghanistan and the unanswered questions surrounding it create a constant sense of tension, making every step forward feel shadowed by old secrets.
What stands out is how the story appears to balance action with mystery. The pursuit itself is intense, but the deeper intrigue comes from uncovering who orchestrated the betrayal and why so many powerful people want the truth buried.
The partnership between Ophelia and Austin Medford adds another layer to the narrative. Both seem drawn into a conflict neither can easily escape, creating a dynamic where survival depends as much on trust as it does on skill.
Readers who usually gravitate toward espionage thrillers, military suspense, and fast-paced stories about conspiracies and betrayal will likely connect with this because it combines relentless action with a compelling mystery at its core.
What lingers is the idea that sometimes the most dangerous enemy is not the person chasing you, but the truth they are desperate to keep hidden.
Ophelia Harris is an especially compelling figure because her past never truly stays behind her. The failed operation in Afghanistan and the unanswered questions surrounding it create a constant sense of tension, making every step forward feel shadowed by old secrets.
What stands out is how the story appears to balance action with mystery. The pursuit itself is intense, but the deeper intrigue comes from uncovering who orchestrated the betrayal and why so many powerful people want the truth buried.
The partnership between Ophelia and Austin Medford adds another layer to the narrative. Both seem drawn into a conflict neither can easily escape, creating a dynamic where survival depends as much on trust as it does on skill.
Readers who usually gravitate toward espionage thrillers, military suspense, and fast-paced stories about conspiracies and betrayal will likely connect with this because it combines relentless action with a compelling mystery at its core.
What lingers is the idea that sometimes the most dangerous enemy is not the person chasing you, but the truth they are desperate to keep hidden.
February 19, 2026
I read and reviewed one of the author's earlier books, and he asked if I'd agree to review an ARC of The Hunted. In no way does this influence my rating/review.
From the onset, Seven Russo had me hooked. The two main characters first meet in Afghanistan when Ophelia Harris worked for a security firm and Austin, a sniper for the Army, and then meet again years later by chance at an airport. She is on the run, and people are trying to kill her. Austin witnesses the assault and comes to her rescue. What he doesn't realize at the time is that he just signed his own death warrant.
The story flows effortlessly, and like other reviewers, I agree that it is most difficult to put down. I am also amazed by the tools used during the chase. Surely, the author must have worked for a security firm himself to know so much. Much of it, I wouldn't have thought possible.
As a reader, I'm not sure that Ophalia would have survived on her own. Hooking up with Austin was the best move ever. He knew how to use the tools he had acquired while in the military and protected Ophilia. Now, it was a matter of trust. Who could help them? Whom can they trust? Will the hunt ever end?
Highly recommended!
From the onset, Seven Russo had me hooked. The two main characters first meet in Afghanistan when Ophelia Harris worked for a security firm and Austin, a sniper for the Army, and then meet again years later by chance at an airport. She is on the run, and people are trying to kill her. Austin witnesses the assault and comes to her rescue. What he doesn't realize at the time is that he just signed his own death warrant.
The story flows effortlessly, and like other reviewers, I agree that it is most difficult to put down. I am also amazed by the tools used during the chase. Surely, the author must have worked for a security firm himself to know so much. Much of it, I wouldn't have thought possible.
As a reader, I'm not sure that Ophalia would have survived on her own. Hooking up with Austin was the best move ever. He knew how to use the tools he had acquired while in the military and protected Ophilia. Now, it was a matter of trust. Who could help them? Whom can they trust? Will the hunt ever end?
Highly recommended!
April 7, 2026
What makes a book engaging for me is competence in the protagonist, and in The Hunted we have two excellent main characters who handle whatever situations they find themselves in with courage and intelligence. I hate books where the action turns on the hero making poor decisions. If I wanted a narrative like that, I would read the daily news.
Steven Russo is a master of pacing, he follows a storyline til you are on the edge of your seat, and then switches the action to a different character or perspective. The result is building suspense and total engagement with the story.
Russo does an excellent job providing motivation for all characters — both the heroes and their enemies. The characters are multifaceted, and the reader can follow the thinking of these men and women to the ultimate conclusions. It is especially interesting to see an event from the perspective of one character, followed in the next chapter by the viewpoint of another individual confronting the same situation.
I have read a number of political thrillers lately and The Hunted is by far the best at keeping me engaged and invested in the fate of the characters. All in all, a great read
Steven Russo is a master of pacing, he follows a storyline til you are on the edge of your seat, and then switches the action to a different character or perspective. The result is building suspense and total engagement with the story.
Russo does an excellent job providing motivation for all characters — both the heroes and their enemies. The characters are multifaceted, and the reader can follow the thinking of these men and women to the ultimate conclusions. It is especially interesting to see an event from the perspective of one character, followed in the next chapter by the viewpoint of another individual confronting the same situation.
I have read a number of political thrillers lately and The Hunted is by far the best at keeping me engaged and invested in the fate of the characters. All in all, a great read
January 3, 2026
Like Russo's previous works, which I have also reviewed, "The Hunted" is a sharp, fast-paced thriller that will keep the reader turning the pages. It follows Ophelia and Austin as they run from Ophelia's former colleagues, who are hunting her with intent to kill.
There's a mystery interwoven with the action, as we discover that Ophelia was an agent for a private intelligence company in Afghanistan, where she and Austin briefly crossed paths, and that she witnessed something she shouldn't have, and that multiple people within the company would like to silence her permanently for reasons of varying legitimacy. The story touches on sensitive topics relating to the US's various post-9/11 forever wars, but stays focused on keeping the reader guessing.
I recommend this book for fans of thrillers and high-action mysteries, especially with a political angle. It's crisp, clean, and moves briskly from the opening to the closing pages.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
There's a mystery interwoven with the action, as we discover that Ophelia was an agent for a private intelligence company in Afghanistan, where she and Austin briefly crossed paths, and that she witnessed something she shouldn't have, and that multiple people within the company would like to silence her permanently for reasons of varying legitimacy. The story touches on sensitive topics relating to the US's various post-9/11 forever wars, but stays focused on keeping the reader guessing.
I recommend this book for fans of thrillers and high-action mysteries, especially with a political angle. It's crisp, clean, and moves briskly from the opening to the closing pages.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
January 25, 2026
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
The job of a paid killer for the government has many drawbacks. One is that when you have completed your mission you are expendable.
Ophelia Harris worked in Afghanistan as an interrogator for the Central Intelligence Agency. Refuse to talk and you would take all of your secrets to the grave.
Once our involvement in country was completed there was a national vendetta against her but she was acting under his orders.
Having someone who can testify to the ruthlessness of these agencies is not in our government’s best interests. This story will educate the reader to the underside of government service.
Well-developed characters and well plotted that is rooted in suspense and builds into thriller. Eye-opening and hard to put down. Enjoy! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to the author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. Any opinion expressed here is my own.
The job of a paid killer for the government has many drawbacks. One is that when you have completed your mission you are expendable.
Ophelia Harris worked in Afghanistan as an interrogator for the Central Intelligence Agency. Refuse to talk and you would take all of your secrets to the grave.
Once our involvement in country was completed there was a national vendetta against her but she was acting under his orders.
Having someone who can testify to the ruthlessness of these agencies is not in our government’s best interests. This story will educate the reader to the underside of government service.
Well-developed characters and well plotted that is rooted in suspense and builds into thriller. Eye-opening and hard to put down. Enjoy! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to the author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. Any opinion expressed here is my own.
February 2, 2026
Okay, full disclosure: the chores did not get done this weekend—but I read a great book, so priorities were clearly in order. From the very first scene, The Hunted had me hooked. The pacing moves fast and never lets up, making this one of those “just one more chapter” reads… until sleep finally wins (barely).
Ophelia is a fantastic main character—the perfect blend of bad-ass and conscience, with abilities that feel impressive yet grounded in reality. Pairing her with Austin, who is refreshingly down-to-earth and quietly strategic, was a smart move. And can we take a moment to appreciate that their partnership works without forced sexual tension getting in the way? Thank you, author, for letting the story stay front and center.
Between the behind-the-scenes maneuvering, double-crosses, and secret plans, I spent a good chunk of this book trying to figure out who the real bad guy was—and that guessing game was half the fun. If you enjoy sharp characters, clever plotting, and a story that refuses to slow down, The Hunted is well worth your time.
Ophelia is a fantastic main character—the perfect blend of bad-ass and conscience, with abilities that feel impressive yet grounded in reality. Pairing her with Austin, who is refreshingly down-to-earth and quietly strategic, was a smart move. And can we take a moment to appreciate that their partnership works without forced sexual tension getting in the way? Thank you, author, for letting the story stay front and center.
Between the behind-the-scenes maneuvering, double-crosses, and secret plans, I spent a good chunk of this book trying to figure out who the real bad guy was—and that guessing game was half the fun. If you enjoy sharp characters, clever plotting, and a story that refuses to slow down, The Hunted is well worth your time.
Review of advance copy
The Hunted is a nail-biter from the first pages to the last. This twisty novel starts in the mountains of Afghanistan as a military operation is taking place. A female soldier interrogator is facing down two captives while a Lone Ranger looks on with his sniper rifle in his hand.
The consequences of this incident parallel two lives, a Military investigation, and the possibility of death to those involved.
Our lead protagonist is Ophelia and she is running hard to get herself out of harms way since that fateful time. Ophelia has walked away like a “ghost”. But it’s not that easy to disappear in a world of technology and money these days. But either way she’s on the run and there are those who want that run to stop permanently - at any cost!
That fateful day brings two lives together and may very well bring death and destruction to all involved.
Fast paced with plenty of action will keep the reader at the edge of your seat. Excellent novel. 5 stars!
The consequences of this incident parallel two lives, a Military investigation, and the possibility of death to those involved.
Our lead protagonist is Ophelia and she is running hard to get herself out of harms way since that fateful time. Ophelia has walked away like a “ghost”. But it’s not that easy to disappear in a world of technology and money these days. But either way she’s on the run and there are those who want that run to stop permanently - at any cost!
That fateful day brings two lives together and may very well bring death and destruction to all involved.
Fast paced with plenty of action will keep the reader at the edge of your seat. Excellent novel. 5 stars!
January 22, 2026
THE HUNTED - A well written story composed of intriguing story lines set at a good pace and with a variety of interesting characters. I like the writing style of the author. Source: BookSirens. 4*
I lucked out with three books from my Source: BookSirens for a new to me author. His stories are intense, major mental problems going on here, and interesting and intriguing. Hard to put down, these train wrecks kept me immersed in the pages until the last page of the last book.
Thieves - I could not stop reading this book. I like the ending but was sad that one character's mindset went the wrong direction in the end. After everything, I expected that person to rise above the expected norm. 5*
The Dead Don't Sleep - Definitely Good vs. Evil, revenge, plenty of twists, and I love the ending. You never know who has your back. 5*
The Debt Collector - I like several of the characters, the ending and the twist at the end. Bit of humor and entertaining. 5*
I lucked out with three books from my Source: BookSirens for a new to me author. His stories are intense, major mental problems going on here, and interesting and intriguing. Hard to put down, these train wrecks kept me immersed in the pages until the last page of the last book.
Thieves - I could not stop reading this book. I like the ending but was sad that one character's mindset went the wrong direction in the end. After everything, I expected that person to rise above the expected norm. 5*
The Dead Don't Sleep - Definitely Good vs. Evil, revenge, plenty of twists, and I love the ending. You never know who has your back. 5*
The Debt Collector - I like several of the characters, the ending and the twist at the end. Bit of humor and entertaining. 5*
April 3, 2026
“The Hunted” by Steven Max Russo is a good thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed. The story is about a former CIA analyst working for a government security contractor is on the run from her employer. The story begins with her interrogating several Afghans captured by an Army Ranger patrol in Afghanistan. She was the only surviving member of a raid conducted by the security contractor to capture an Afghan who was involved in heroin dealing and financing the Taliban with the profits. Based on information acquired during the raid she returned to the US covertly and hid from the contractor. The contractor is trying to locate her with the intent of eliminating here. In the process of avoiding one attempt on her life, she runs into one of the Rangers from the Afghan patrol. They are then fleeing the contractor’s attempt to capture them. The story reveals details of the events in Afghanistan and covers their attempts to avoid capture.
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the moment this adrenaline-fueled book takes off, there's not a moment to catch your breath! That's what I love about this author's books. First off, you never know what you're going to get, but you can rest assured it's going to be unique, action-packed and filled with a menagerie of characters that will do the most unexpected things. Secondly, you're not going to be able to stop as you go along on a thrill ride that will keep you turning pages long into the night.
What starts as a typical man, or in this case woman, on the run scenario quickly gets turned on its head as the hunted become the hunters. You won't know who to trust or who to turn to as there appears to be no way out of this dilemma, and as things close in, you'll be at the breaking point of tension and suspense, wondering if there is a light at the end of the tunnel or only a bullet.
This is so well-written and authentic that I'm actually questioning the author's bio, as the blurb about being in "advertising" surely must be a cover. This is so realistic that he had to have been with the Company himself. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it. If you love action thrillers, do yourself a favor and start reading this author today!
What starts as a typical man, or in this case woman, on the run scenario quickly gets turned on its head as the hunted become the hunters. You won't know who to trust or who to turn to as there appears to be no way out of this dilemma, and as things close in, you'll be at the breaking point of tension and suspense, wondering if there is a light at the end of the tunnel or only a bullet.
This is so well-written and authentic that I'm actually questioning the author's bio, as the blurb about being in "advertising" surely must be a cover. This is so realistic that he had to have been with the Company himself. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it. If you love action thrillers, do yourself a favor and start reading this author today!
January 26, 2026
This is a fast-paced thriller that had me hooked from the beginning to the end. It starts with both of the main characters having been in Afghanistan at the same time and seeing each other from a distance. Then a chance meeting at an airport lounge, leads to them meeting each other and Austin inadvertently becoming involved in helping Ophelia.
There were many points where I held my breathe as the action unfolded and wondered how these two were going to survive. In the end, it took all of their combined skills to come up with a plan and execute it. Throughout the narrative, we get the pieces of the backstory until it becomes clear why Ophelia had to go on the run and that there was a betrayer at the security company she had worked for. I liked how we got the separate viewpoints of the different characters as the story progressed.
There were many points where I held my breathe as the action unfolded and wondered how these two were going to survive. In the end, it took all of their combined skills to come up with a plan and execute it. Throughout the narrative, we get the pieces of the backstory until it becomes clear why Ophelia had to go on the run and that there was a betrayer at the security company she had worked for. I liked how we got the separate viewpoints of the different characters as the story progressed.
May 28, 2026
The Hunted by Steven Max Russo
Action abounds in Russo’s latest book. You can depend on Russo to give you plenty of action in his books, the kind of action that makes you hate putting down the book. The lives of an intelligence analyst and an Army Ranger, unbeknownst to them, are dramatically changed by shared experience in Afghanistan. A chance encounter subsequent to their return to the States launches a deadly chase.
Ophelia Harris is misidentified as a target due to a coincidental circumstance beyond her control. Austin Medford, a former Army Ranger, becomes enmeshed in her tumultuous world as a result of a camaraderie wave years before.
Russo sets a fast pace and then puts the pedal to the metal for this high-octane adventure.
I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
Action abounds in Russo’s latest book. You can depend on Russo to give you plenty of action in his books, the kind of action that makes you hate putting down the book. The lives of an intelligence analyst and an Army Ranger, unbeknownst to them, are dramatically changed by shared experience in Afghanistan. A chance encounter subsequent to their return to the States launches a deadly chase.
Ophelia Harris is misidentified as a target due to a coincidental circumstance beyond her control. Austin Medford, a former Army Ranger, becomes enmeshed in her tumultuous world as a result of a camaraderie wave years before.
Russo sets a fast pace and then puts the pedal to the metal for this high-octane adventure.
I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
January 3, 2026
Riveting thriller.
Ophelia and Austin are on the run from a private security black ops group that believes she sabotaged an Afghanistan op during the war days and stole money and weapons. Austin, a former Afghanistan military sniper, just happens along on the airport scene as she is being chased and fired upon after having been spotted trying to get away from a thwarted kill attack.
Taking off together, they go on the run from the security firm determined to find them and kill them, believing him to have been part of her team.
Great suspense and non stop action with characters that are well defined and interesting.
Terrific first thriller for 26.
Ophelia and Austin are on the run from a private security black ops group that believes she sabotaged an Afghanistan op during the war days and stole money and weapons. Austin, a former Afghanistan military sniper, just happens along on the airport scene as she is being chased and fired upon after having been spotted trying to get away from a thwarted kill attack.
Taking off together, they go on the run from the security firm determined to find them and kill them, believing him to have been part of her team.
Great suspense and non stop action with characters that are well defined and interesting.
Terrific first thriller for 26.
May 11, 2026
This is the definition of a gritty, high-octane thriller! I was hooked by page 10—the action starts immediately and sets a "kill or be killed" pace that never hits the brakes. Ophelia is a brilliant, CIA-trained lead, and it was so satisfying to watch her navigate a dangerous web of corporate greed and betrayal.
The story is incredibly fast-paced and full of "trust no one" energy that kept me binge-reading until the very last page. If you love high-stakes stories with a smart protagonist and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, you need to pick this up. One of my favorite five-star reads this year!
The story is incredibly fast-paced and full of "trust no one" energy that kept me binge-reading until the very last page. If you love high-stakes stories with a smart protagonist and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, you need to pick this up. One of my favorite five-star reads this year!
January 1, 2026
I'd rate it 4.5 if possible because there are more typos than I find acceptable. But this is a 5 star book. It has an interesting protagonist in analyst Ophelia Harris, and her alliance with sniper Austin Medford was interesting to follow.
Fast-paced and exciting, with a thrilling conclusion that kept me hooked. There are some twists and a resolution that I found wholly satisfying. There might be some pacing issues early in the book, but it soon moves at a very fast pace.
A real action-packed thriller.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fast-paced and exciting, with a thrilling conclusion that kept me hooked. There are some twists and a resolution that I found wholly satisfying. There might be some pacing issues early in the book, but it soon moves at a very fast pace.
A real action-packed thriller.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 17, 2026
Book book
I really enjoyed this plotline and story. It was only a little predictable, which it's very good. Overall, it was very well written. And did not go overly detailed into things that were not useful to the story. It was wonderful to see the weaponry described in enough detail to explain what was happening. But not overly described, or down to the exact make, model, and varient. While this is not typically the type of book I go after, I genuinely enjoyed this story from beginning to end.
I really enjoyed this plotline and story. It was only a little predictable, which it's very good. Overall, it was very well written. And did not go overly detailed into things that were not useful to the story. It was wonderful to see the weaponry described in enough detail to explain what was happening. But not overly described, or down to the exact make, model, and varient. While this is not typically the type of book I go after, I genuinely enjoyed this story from beginning to end.
January 9, 2026
I enjoyed The Debt Collector very much but this book by Steven totally blew that out of the water. It was so incredibly engaging. I was hooked right from the first few pages. If you are looking for a new thriller author Steven is a great choice. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.
April 1, 2026
I won this from LibraryThing's giveway. This was a great read and have already found other titles from this author I will be reading. The story was engaging and never a dull moment. Kept me on the edge of my seat and just when I thought I knew who the real baddy was......well, things do change. Excellent book. Highly recommend.
June 20, 2026
This is Avery good book!
I read many black ops books involving the CIA , Homeland Security, FBI,, and various mercenary companies as they are enjoyable to me. This book rates as an excellent example of what could happen if our government decided to go after someone such as Osama Bin Laden. Obviously this book is fiction but it is a very interesting read.
I read many black ops books involving the CIA , Homeland Security, FBI,, and various mercenary companies as they are enjoyable to me. This book rates as an excellent example of what could happen if our government decided to go after someone such as Osama Bin Laden. Obviously this book is fiction but it is a very interesting read.
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