The Devil's Anvil

Joe Hunter #10

by Matt Hilton

Accepting the task of protecting Billie Womack is a no-brainer for ex-counterterrorist soldier Joe Hunter, but it comes with its own set of complications.

Billie's husband, Richard, stole thirty million dollars from some violent people. He apparently died in a car crash with Billie's daughter, Nicola, during a desperate attempt to elude his pursuers. But his enemies don't believe him dead. They think he escaped the plunge into the icy river that killed Nicola and has now decided to come back for the money. If he's alive, they believe he'll contact Billie.

It doesn't take long for the bad guys to arrive at her remote farmhouse. Soon she and Joe are fugitives. Dead or alive, Richard's fate means nothing to Hunter, but he promises to do everything in his power to protect the grieving mother. Even if it means taking a bullet for her, it's a price he'll pay.

It's a pledge he will come to regret, as he learns that killers are forged on the Devil's anvil.

Genres: Thriller, Crime

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2015

About the author

Matt Hilton worked for twenty-two years in private security and the police force in Cumbria. He is a 4th Dan blackbelt and coach in Ju-Jitsu. He lives in Cumbria with his wife and son.

Matt is the author of the best-selling Joe Hunter thriller series, as well as standalone horror thrillers and short stories that have appeared in a number of collections and anthologies. Matt's first novel - Dead Men's Dust - was a Sunday Times best-seller and was shortlisted for the ITW New Novel Award 2009.

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't think this was as good as some of the other Joe Hunter books. Hunter seems to be in the protection business now and has been asked to guard Billie Womack. Her husband, Richard, is supposed to have died along with their daughter, Nicola, when the car they were travelling in plunged into an icy river. Although Nicola's battered body was recovered, Richard's body was never found so there are those who think he may still be alive. Given that he made off with $30 million there are those who would love to catch up with him and get their money back. They seem to think he may contact Billie or has already done so.

Billie and Hunter are soon on the run and in desperate straits as some very heavy hitters are constantly on their tail. How can this be? Poor Joe, battered and shot up he finally realises that some people he should have been able to trust are only interested in being led to the money. A nice twist at the end saves the book somewhat. I'm wondering if it isn't about time that Hunter retired but, having said that, I'll probably read the next book.

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil's Anvil by Matt Hilton is another great thriller about Joe Hunter. This time he is trying to protect a woman threatened by people from her past trying to find her dead husband and the money he took. Did he really die and does she know anything? Well read the book and be surprised like I was. This is one of the beetter ones in the series and now I only have a couple more to read to be updated on Joe and his activities.

[Pamela Small · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5. Ok read. Not as compelling as the other ones in this series. Hunter’s poor decisions didn’t ring true. He’s too smart and savvy to to succumb to such stupidity. Hunter always does diligence via Harvey. Not so in this story which, therefore impacted its credibility/authenticity. Disappointed.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read from the pen of Matt Hilton. This story concentrates more on how Joe becomes involved in a case handed to him by a crooked man who he had come into contact with on a previous case.It all seems simple enough until Joe delves behind the scenes of the scenario to find layers of deception at almost every level. Rink is not too heavily involved but when he is he definitely makes his presence felt. And hopefully the pair will keep in touch with the two insurance investigators they befriended

[Michele Tournay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt Hilton never fails to deliver.

[stan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have just finished The Devils Anvil quite Not up to the usual standard
The last few pages left me puzzled??
But that's Me!!
but find out for your self.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Joe Hunter series keeps getting better and better! The Devil’s Anvil is my favourite book featuring Mr. Hunter, I love the direction that this series has taken. To begin with, the books were fairly black and white, with Joe taking down a supreme evil (usually a really messed up serial killer), but the books have become more grey, with the baddies not quite so cut and dry, and packed with more suspense and action.

That’s not to say that the bad guy in this book didn’t chill my blood, because they certainly did. I’ll try not to give anything away, but my favourite killer of any Joe Hunter book so far features in this book. Also, the involvement of the ATF was a bit different and I liked the way that Hilton handled that influence.

Books like The Devil’s Anvil are exactly what I need when I’m tackling heavy textbooks for school – I usually read them in a day or two, they are full of excitement, they immerse me fully in another world, and aren’t tough going (just full of tough guys). I reserve the Tolstoy’s and Dickens to my uni holidays, and indulge in good thrillers during semester.

Rink is exceptional in the sidekick stakes, I just love the guy- frankly I would read a book that consisted of only Rink and Joe’s banter, it doesn’t seem contrived and reminds me of conversations I have with my friends – insulting on the surface, but underneath there is a sense of loyalty. I would have liked more Rink time in The Devil’s Anvil, but I’m sure I say that after each Joe Hunter book.

I’ve now got the long wait for next year’s installment, which certainly won’t come soon enough! (I’ll secretly be wishing that it’s set in England, Rink in England… be still my racing heart!)

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent