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Roofdier
De wildernis kent geen helden, alleen overlevenden. Het adembenemende, niet te missen thrillerdebuut van deze zomer.
Twee zussen komen samen in de Zuid-Afrikaanse wildernis om het familiegeheim voor eens en altijd te begraven tussen de wilde dieren. Maar in de schaduwen wacht er een nog veel gevaarlijker roofdier…
Wanneer hun moeder, een befaamde ranger, komt te overlijden, keren Danielle en haar vervreemde zus Grace terug naar hun ouderlijk huis, diep gelegen in een Zuid-Afrikaans wildreservaat. Terwijl Grace, hun moeders lieveling, zich vastklampt aan nostalgie, is Danielle de enige die weet heeft van hun moeders laatste wens: ze moet de familiekluis vinden en alles vernietigen – ongeacht wat erin ligt opgeslagen.
Om de pijn te verzachten, nodigt elke zus twee vrienden uit voor een tweedaagse tocht door de wildernis. Wat begint als een safari, verandert al snel in een nachtmerrie wanneer een van hen de eerste ochtend in het park wordt vermoord. In de chaos en paniek die daarop volgt, crasht hun auto en stranden de overgebleven vijf op de savanne.
Met slinkende voorraden, geen bereik en slechts één geweer, moet Danielle hen te voet leiden over kilometers meedogenloze savanne. Terwijl de groep zich een weg baant door een gebied waar elk geluid de dood kan betekenen, komt de waarheid aan het licht: het gevaar komt niet alleen van buiten – iemand saboteert hun ontsnapping.
Twee zussen komen samen in de Zuid-Afrikaanse wildernis om het familiegeheim voor eens en altijd te begraven tussen de wilde dieren. Maar in de schaduwen wacht er een nog veel gevaarlijker roofdier…
Wanneer hun moeder, een befaamde ranger, komt te overlijden, keren Danielle en haar vervreemde zus Grace terug naar hun ouderlijk huis, diep gelegen in een Zuid-Afrikaans wildreservaat. Terwijl Grace, hun moeders lieveling, zich vastklampt aan nostalgie, is Danielle de enige die weet heeft van hun moeders laatste wens: ze moet de familiekluis vinden en alles vernietigen – ongeacht wat erin ligt opgeslagen.
Om de pijn te verzachten, nodigt elke zus twee vrienden uit voor een tweedaagse tocht door de wildernis. Wat begint als een safari, verandert al snel in een nachtmerrie wanneer een van hen de eerste ochtend in het park wordt vermoord. In de chaos en paniek die daarop volgt, crasht hun auto en stranden de overgebleven vijf op de savanne.
Met slinkende voorraden, geen bereik en slechts één geweer, moet Danielle hen te voet leiden over kilometers meedogenloze savanne. Terwijl de groep zich een weg baant door een gebied waar elk geluid de dood kan betekenen, komt de waarheid aan het licht: het gevaar komt niet alleen van buiten – iemand saboteert hun ontsnapping.
368 pages, Paperback
Published July 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Hold on just a sec while I catch my breath! A wild ride of complicated relationships, action-packed scenes, and thought-provoking topics, The Night Hunter had me on tenterhooks from beginning to end of this page-turning read. You see, thanks to Moss’s personal experience in the African bush, she created a setting that wasn’t just immersive—it had that character-like feel that you rarely find, especially in a debut. Immersive, claustrophobic, and also downright menacing, it—and the danger it represented—felt oh so very real. At the same time, the story was like a love letter to nature. Bolstered by themes such as conservation, guilt, legacy, and family, as much as this fast-paced game of cat-and-mouse spiked my adrenaline, it also left me thinking long after I flipped the last page. After all, just as much as the electrically charged plot felt deliciously unhinged at times, it also touched on some real world problems that gave this book depth.
So what else did I love about this atmospheric read? Well, in addition to being a fresh take on a survival thriller thanks to the vivid setting, ultra-high stakes, and mounting sense of dread coming from all sides, the fact that it was a locked-room mystery set in the middle of African wilds definitely set it apart. Packed to the brim with nonstop suspense, escalating tension, and razor-sharp life-or-death battles, I flew through this book in no time at all as I raced to find out what was going on. Yup. This was another one-sitting read. Thanks to a strained dynamic between the two sisters, secrets bubbling up between the others, and a lack of help for miles, the plot set me up perfectly to suspect everyone in turn, giving it a very Lucy Foley-meets-Sarah Pearse feel. So if you love edge-of-your-seat tension or gripping adventures, grab this one now. I’ll just be waiting over here impatiently for whatever Moss comes up with next. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Read if you love:
- Books set in the African bush
- Survival thrillers
- Complicated relationships
- Family drama
- Cat-and-mouse games
- Dark secrets
- Evocative descriptions
- A cinematic feel
- Immersive storytelling
- Sharp writing
- A sense of claustrophobia
- Nonstop suspense
- Small casts of characters
- High stakes
- An atmospheric setting
- Red herrings
- Locked-room mysteries
SYNOPSIS:
When their conservationist mother passes, Danielle and her estranged sister Grace must return to their isolated family house nestled within a wild-game reserve. While Grace, their mother’s favorite, clings to nostalgia, only Danielle carries the knowledge of her final request: “Find the storehouse…Burn everything inside.”
To ease the pain of their homecoming—and the tension between them—each sister invites two friends on the two-day journey into the bush. What starts as a safari adventure, turns into a nightmare when one of them is murdered the first morning at the campsite. In the chaos that follows, they crash their vehicle, stranding them, with no way to call for help.
Now, with dwindling supplies and only one rifle, Danielle must lead them on foot across miles of merciless savannah. They have days of walking ahead…if they survive that long. As the group navigates land where every rustle could mean death, a truth emerges: someone is sabotaging their escape.
Thank you Natalie Moss, Berkley Publishing, and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. So opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 28, 2026
Content warning: animal cruelty/death (off page poaching and nature being nature), car accident, murder/death, gun and knife violence, violence, death of a parent, medical content, mention of: drug use, addiction
So what else did I love about this atmospheric read? Well, in addition to being a fresh take on a survival thriller thanks to the vivid setting, ultra-high stakes, and mounting sense of dread coming from all sides, the fact that it was a locked-room mystery set in the middle of African wilds definitely set it apart. Packed to the brim with nonstop suspense, escalating tension, and razor-sharp life-or-death battles, I flew through this book in no time at all as I raced to find out what was going on. Yup. This was another one-sitting read. Thanks to a strained dynamic between the two sisters, secrets bubbling up between the others, and a lack of help for miles, the plot set me up perfectly to suspect everyone in turn, giving it a very Lucy Foley-meets-Sarah Pearse feel. So if you love edge-of-your-seat tension or gripping adventures, grab this one now. I’ll just be waiting over here impatiently for whatever Moss comes up with next. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Read if you love:
- Books set in the African bush
- Survival thrillers
- Complicated relationships
- Family drama
- Cat-and-mouse games
- Dark secrets
- Evocative descriptions
- A cinematic feel
- Immersive storytelling
- Sharp writing
- A sense of claustrophobia
- Nonstop suspense
- Small casts of characters
- High stakes
- An atmospheric setting
- Red herrings
- Locked-room mysteries
SYNOPSIS:
When their conservationist mother passes, Danielle and her estranged sister Grace must return to their isolated family house nestled within a wild-game reserve. While Grace, their mother’s favorite, clings to nostalgia, only Danielle carries the knowledge of her final request: “Find the storehouse…Burn everything inside.”
To ease the pain of their homecoming—and the tension between them—each sister invites two friends on the two-day journey into the bush. What starts as a safari adventure, turns into a nightmare when one of them is murdered the first morning at the campsite. In the chaos that follows, they crash their vehicle, stranding them, with no way to call for help.
Now, with dwindling supplies and only one rifle, Danielle must lead them on foot across miles of merciless savannah. They have days of walking ahead…if they survive that long. As the group navigates land where every rustle could mean death, a truth emerges: someone is sabotaging their escape.
Thank you Natalie Moss, Berkley Publishing, and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. So opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 28, 2026
Content warning: animal cruelty/death (off page poaching and nature being nature), car accident, murder/death, gun and knife violence, violence, death of a parent, medical content, mention of: drug use, addiction
Read
July 11, 20264 stars Thank you to BookBrowse and Berkley for the ARC and NetGalley for the download in return for an unbiased opinion. Book publishes July 28, 2026
Wow! Great job for a debut author. This book grabbed me right from the start. Very few fiction books are written about game preserves. That subject is usually reserved for nonfiction. But Moss took it on and did a great job of story telling.
Sisters headed back to the house they grew up in - that sits in the middle of a wild game preserve. After their mothers death there are things to clear up. However each sister has her own idea of how that will happen. And that is to say nothing of the multiple deaths that occur along the way.
Great character development, good plot, a page turner. I will watch for Natalie Moss's name to come up again.
Wow! Great job for a debut author. This book grabbed me right from the start. Very few fiction books are written about game preserves. That subject is usually reserved for nonfiction. But Moss took it on and did a great job of story telling.
Sisters headed back to the house they grew up in - that sits in the middle of a wild game preserve. After their mothers death there are things to clear up. However each sister has her own idea of how that will happen. And that is to say nothing of the multiple deaths that occur along the way.
Great character development, good plot, a page turner. I will watch for Natalie Moss's name to come up again.
September 18, 2026
The Night Hunter by Natalie Moss was such an atmospheric, suspenseful read, and I absolutely loved this one—especially the first half.
The story follows two sisters whose trip into the African safari takes a terrifying turn when they realize they aren't simply dealing with the dangers of the wilderness. Someone is hunting them, and suddenly the vast, isolated landscape becomes a deadly game of survival. With nowhere to easily escape and a killer closing in, the sisters have to figure out who they can trust before they become the next victims.
The first half of this book had me on the edge of my seat. The safari setting was incredibly atmospheric, and I loved the premise of being out in the wilderness knowing that you're being hunted. Moss did a great job creating that feeling of isolation and danger, and I could practically feel the tension building with every page. As the story developed, I wasn't exactly sure who the killer was, but I had a pretty good idea—and for once, I was actually right!
Unfortunately, the characters kept this from being a five-star read for me. The two sisters became somewhat irritating with their constant hysterics, and I didn't always find their reactions particularly credible considering they had grown up in the area. Danielle, in particular, had me questioning her decision-making skills more than once. Somehow, she ended up surviving despite seeming like the least competent character of the bunch.
And there was one scene that absolutely drove me crazy. The killer was literally on their heels and about to catch up with them, yet the two sisters decided that was the perfect time to stop and argue about their childhood and their differences. 🤦♂️ Of course, they kept arguing, and sure enough, the killer caught up with them. I was practically yelling at the book: NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO WORK THROUGH YOUR CHILDHOOD TRAUMA! RUN!
Despite those frustrations, I still had a great time with this one. It's a solid thriller with a fantastic setting, plenty of tension, and one of the more atmospheric premises I've read in quite some time. The characters may have occasionally tested my patience, but the suspense and setting kept me invested until the end.
This is a worthwhile read for anyone who enjoys survival thrillers, isolated settings, and being hunted by a killer! This one read similar to The Safari by Jaclyn Goldis, which is also another atmospheric thriller I highly recommend!
The story follows two sisters whose trip into the African safari takes a terrifying turn when they realize they aren't simply dealing with the dangers of the wilderness. Someone is hunting them, and suddenly the vast, isolated landscape becomes a deadly game of survival. With nowhere to easily escape and a killer closing in, the sisters have to figure out who they can trust before they become the next victims.
The first half of this book had me on the edge of my seat. The safari setting was incredibly atmospheric, and I loved the premise of being out in the wilderness knowing that you're being hunted. Moss did a great job creating that feeling of isolation and danger, and I could practically feel the tension building with every page. As the story developed, I wasn't exactly sure who the killer was, but I had a pretty good idea—and for once, I was actually right!
Unfortunately, the characters kept this from being a five-star read for me. The two sisters became somewhat irritating with their constant hysterics, and I didn't always find their reactions particularly credible considering they had grown up in the area. Danielle, in particular, had me questioning her decision-making skills more than once. Somehow, she ended up surviving despite seeming like the least competent character of the bunch.
And there was one scene that absolutely drove me crazy. The killer was literally on their heels and about to catch up with them, yet the two sisters decided that was the perfect time to stop and argue about their childhood and their differences. 🤦♂️ Of course, they kept arguing, and sure enough, the killer caught up with them. I was practically yelling at the book: NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO WORK THROUGH YOUR CHILDHOOD TRAUMA! RUN!
Despite those frustrations, I still had a great time with this one. It's a solid thriller with a fantastic setting, plenty of tension, and one of the more atmospheric premises I've read in quite some time. The characters may have occasionally tested my patience, but the suspense and setting kept me invested until the end.
This is a worthwhile read for anyone who enjoys survival thrillers, isolated settings, and being hunted by a killer! This one read similar to The Safari by Jaclyn Goldis, which is also another atmospheric thriller I highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Night Hunter by Natalie Moss is survival suspense at its most feral—claustrophobic, nerve-shredding, and relentlessly immersive. Moss drops the reader straight into the South African bush and never lets up, using the landscape as both setting and weapon. Sisters Danielle and Grace, still fractured by old trauma, return to their mother Elizabeth’s conservation reserve expecting closure and instead find themselves pulled into a nightmare where grief, secrets, and violence collide. Alongside Elliot, Naomi, and local guide Jacques, they’re forced to navigate not only an unforgiving wilderness but the far more dangerous predators hiding within it. The writing is sharp and cinematic, packed with sensory detail—you can feel the press of the forest, hear every snapped twig, sense the constant watchfulness just beyond the tree line. Moss excels at tension, letting dread seep in slowly before tightening the screws, and the themes of conservation, legacy, and human greed deepen the stakes without slowing the pace. While a few character choices felt more plot-driven than emotionally grounded for me, the overall experience is gripping, atmospheric, and compulsively readable. This is the kind of thriller that makes your pulse spike and your surroundings fade away—wild, brutal, and impossible to ignore.
Thank you to Natalie Moss, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the eARC
Thank you to Natalie Moss, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the eARC
August 22, 2026
4 stars. Ya’ll.. what a debut.. atmospheric, tense + full of family secrets, this survival thriller had me wondering which was more dangerous—the predators roaming the savannah or the people trapped together. 😳🐾 Definitely excited to see what Natalie Moss writes next! 📖🎧 Pub. 7/28/26
February 15, 2026
I found the book to be a pretty good thriller, though I somehow initially (very mistakenly) thought this would be a family drama - it was not!!! There were definitely parts where I could not put the book down because I wanted to see if my theories were correct - some were and some were not (haha). As a result, I read the book very quickly and felt it was a solid read overall. I enjoyed the setting: an animal reserve/protection zone - that was unique in my reading history. The plot was also pretty good, though the ending was far too bow-tied for my liking - everything just wrapped up so nicely and after the rest of the plot, it felt more forced or fake than usual. The twists and turns did keep me guessing and it sure ratcheted up the suspense factor! The characters, though, were rather flat and overall I found them all to be pretty intolerable. In summing up this feedback, I’d recommend this book; I did enjoy it and think others works enjoy it, as well.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
June 18, 2026
Thank you to @netgalley and @berkleypub for giving me access to this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts! 💚 But oh WOW, I literally just finished this about a minute ago and had to start writing my review immediately because have such strong feelings about this one. I seriously considered DNFing it at 90%, and then again at 94%…that’s how annoyed I was. 😑 If you’re one of those people who don’t like negative reviews, just look away now! Lol
This was actually one of my most anticipated reads this year — when I first read the synopsis, I thought it would be great. I loved the sound of the African setting, and it seemed like a great backdrop for a thriller. But the characters and the storyline left a LOT to be desired. Our FMC, Danielle, is the cause of literally everything bad that happens in this book (seriously, who grabs at a steering wheel when someone else is driving?? Especially in the middle of nowhere in Africa??) She makes stupid decision after stupid decision, and then doesn’t have the balls to admit when she’s done something wrong. Her distrust of EVERYONE in the story was incredibly off-putting….she seems to distrust one character for no reason at all, other than the fact that he seems to have a crush on her sister? Speaking of which, she treats her sister like a child throughout the book, which is ironic because her sister is far more capable than she is! Arghhhh I hated Danielle so much. 😆
And then something happened at about 90% that made me firmly settle on 1⭐️ for this book….obviously I don’t want to give spoilers, but I actually went “Are you serious?” when I got to this part. 🤬 Then at 94%, Danielle YET AGAIN does something completely INEXPLICABLE which again made me want to DNF because I was so angry! And I sort of wish I had, because the ending was kind of….confusing?
Okay yes, I’ve complained enough….seriously though, I think there are a lot of people that would actually enjoy this book, so don’t necessarily go by my review if you like the synopsis! It was just one of those rare books that had me rage-reading. 😆
This was actually one of my most anticipated reads this year — when I first read the synopsis, I thought it would be great. I loved the sound of the African setting, and it seemed like a great backdrop for a thriller. But the characters and the storyline left a LOT to be desired. Our FMC, Danielle, is the cause of literally everything bad that happens in this book (seriously, who grabs at a steering wheel when someone else is driving?? Especially in the middle of nowhere in Africa??) She makes stupid decision after stupid decision, and then doesn’t have the balls to admit when she’s done something wrong. Her distrust of EVERYONE in the story was incredibly off-putting….she seems to distrust one character for no reason at all, other than the fact that he seems to have a crush on her sister? Speaking of which, she treats her sister like a child throughout the book, which is ironic because her sister is far more capable than she is! Arghhhh I hated Danielle so much. 😆
And then something happened at about 90% that made me firmly settle on 1⭐️ for this book….obviously I don’t want to give spoilers, but I actually went “Are you serious?” when I got to this part. 🤬 Then at 94%, Danielle YET AGAIN does something completely INEXPLICABLE which again made me want to DNF because I was so angry! And I sort of wish I had, because the ending was kind of….confusing?
Okay yes, I’ve complained enough….seriously though, I think there are a lot of people that would actually enjoy this book, so don’t necessarily go by my review if you like the synopsis! It was just one of those rare books that had me rage-reading. 😆
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
*Received ARC from publisher*
2.5 stars (rounded up for interesting plot)
........MAJOR SPOILER.......
I don't normally go on rants about the author's choice to kill off characters but...
Elliot dies?! Are you kidding me?! I'm so pissed. This was not a short book, and I spent a lot of time in the head of someone I'd really rather not, only for the one truly innocent person in all this to die?! I might as well just watch the news; I could feel this let down but much faster. I'd really rather the MC died, along with all her complaining and martyrdom. I haven't been this pissed at a book in a long time. Though, I don't normally read straight thrillers, so maybe stringing the reader along and harpooning their heart at the end is just par for the course.
Also, I'm so sick of first person and being subjected to strings and strings of annoying thoughts. This book would have been so much better (and shorter) without having to read everything going through MC's mind.
I don't know if authors still make changes after ARCs go out, but if they do, I'm 100% team Save Elliot. The reader deserves as much.
Oh also, you can't say it's "only a flesh wound" without calling to mind Monty Python and immediately ruining the seriousness of the moment.
2.5 stars (rounded up for interesting plot)
........MAJOR SPOILER.......
I don't normally go on rants about the author's choice to kill off characters but...
Elliot dies?! Are you kidding me?! I'm so pissed. This was not a short book, and I spent a lot of time in the head of someone I'd really rather not, only for the one truly innocent person in all this to die?! I might as well just watch the news; I could feel this let down but much faster. I'd really rather the MC died, along with all her complaining and martyrdom. I haven't been this pissed at a book in a long time. Though, I don't normally read straight thrillers, so maybe stringing the reader along and harpooning their heart at the end is just par for the course.
Also, I'm so sick of first person and being subjected to strings and strings of annoying thoughts. This book would have been so much better (and shorter) without having to read everything going through MC's mind.
I don't know if authors still make changes after ARCs go out, but if they do, I'm 100% team Save Elliot. The reader deserves as much.
Oh also, you can't say it's "only a flesh wound" without calling to mind Monty Python and immediately ruining the seriousness of the moment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Natalie Moss composed an original mystery in The Night Hunter, punctuating relatively short chapters with surprises throughout the fast-paced narrative. Readers who limit their literary ambitions to those elements should be very satisfied, but anyone looking for more will be disappointed. Wildlife conservation content in the story is contrived and superficial. The focus is on the equally contrived emotions of the characters involved, who are difficult to empathize with beyond their desire to survive. A complete lack of authentic detail in backcountry camping scenes makes the whole thing feel like an AI interpretation of a safari. Even though much of the plot occurs in the African wilderness, the environment and its natural inhabitants play almost no role in the story's final outcome (especially when the hidden truth of the first scene is revealed). For a visceral safari thriller experience, try Michaelbrent Collings' Predators.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC.
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July 18, 2026A chilling tale of survival in the South African bush. A touching sister story. A suspenseful closed circle mystery. A young woman trying to fulfill her mother's last wish, left in a mysterious note.
This debut novel is tense and filled with larger than life details about South African wildlife. Danielle, a London lawyer, heads to South Africa after the death of her mother. She, along with her boyfriend and best friend, team up with her sister, her sister's friend and a guide to head to her mother's isolated homestead. But an accident leaves them stranded and, as they attempt to reach the home by foot, they begin to die one by one.
Perfect for fans of Taylor Adams, this tense thriller is a thrilling survival story as well as a story of family reconciliation. Just a warning that the body count (animal and human) is high!
Thanks to Berkley for providing an advance copy for review!
This debut novel is tense and filled with larger than life details about South African wildlife. Danielle, a London lawyer, heads to South Africa after the death of her mother. She, along with her boyfriend and best friend, team up with her sister, her sister's friend and a guide to head to her mother's isolated homestead. But an accident leaves them stranded and, as they attempt to reach the home by foot, they begin to die one by one.
Perfect for fans of Taylor Adams, this tense thriller is a thrilling survival story as well as a story of family reconciliation. Just a warning that the body count (animal and human) is high!
Thanks to Berkley for providing an advance copy for review!
February 11, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such an immersive, atmospheric survival thriller and I was locked in for most of it.
Two estranged sisters reunite in the South African bush after their conservationist mother dies, and what starts as a tense, emotional homecoming turns into a literal nightmare when someone in their group is murdered and they end up stranded in the wild. The setting alone? Incredible. You can feel the heat, the isolation, the constant danger. I genuinely felt like I learned a lot about wildlife and conservation, which made everything feel even more real.
The first half had amazing pacing. It was tense, gripping, and I flew through it. Natalie Moss is such a strong writer when it comes to evoking emotion — the sister dynamic, the resentment, the grief, all of it felt layered and believable.
The second half slowed down a bit for me, pacing-wise. But there was one major twist/event that I absolutely did NOT see coming. It was crazy… but in a way that felt realistic. And I personally love that. Even though this is fiction, I appreciate when big moments feel grounded and plausible instead of over-the-top for shock value.
Overall, this is a beautifully written, emotionally charged survival thriller with a vivid setting and one seriously unexpected turn. Definitely recommend if you love wilderness settings and messy family dynamics mixed with danger.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such an immersive, atmospheric survival thriller and I was locked in for most of it.
Two estranged sisters reunite in the South African bush after their conservationist mother dies, and what starts as a tense, emotional homecoming turns into a literal nightmare when someone in their group is murdered and they end up stranded in the wild. The setting alone? Incredible. You can feel the heat, the isolation, the constant danger. I genuinely felt like I learned a lot about wildlife and conservation, which made everything feel even more real.
The first half had amazing pacing. It was tense, gripping, and I flew through it. Natalie Moss is such a strong writer when it comes to evoking emotion — the sister dynamic, the resentment, the grief, all of it felt layered and believable.
The second half slowed down a bit for me, pacing-wise. But there was one major twist/event that I absolutely did NOT see coming. It was crazy… but in a way that felt realistic. And I personally love that. Even though this is fiction, I appreciate when big moments feel grounded and plausible instead of over-the-top for shock value.
Overall, this is a beautifully written, emotionally charged survival thriller with a vivid setting and one seriously unexpected turn. Definitely recommend if you love wilderness settings and messy family dynamics mixed with danger.
August 11, 2026
Great setting and it was well written bc these are the most annoying people ever. Not just unlikable (which I don't have a problem with), but people who I would not want to spend any time with, let alone on a safari and then trekking towards safety. It's too bad, bc the plot and locale were so good. But I was waiting for the people to be eaten by lions or cheetahs or hyenas.
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August 13, 2026DNF at 30%. This was a story I thought I was going to enjoy. Characters trying to survive on a South African safari sounded just like my thing, but instead I found myself a little bored. I wasn’t immediately drawn into the story and I never really felt a connection to the characters. Anytime I put the book down, I never found myself yearning to pick it back up, so unfortunately I had to give up on this one.
August 11, 2026
I loved this horror/suspense story
July 1, 2026
This book was just okay for me. It had tension and mystery. I mean a group of people are trying to survive while mean peeps and wild animals are trying to kill them so it should have been exciting. There was action and drama and a dead mother with a secret, but I didn’t care about any of the characters. I didn’t care if they lived or died. I didn’t feel the feels. Boo!
October 26, 2026
It’s been eight months since their mother died - poison from a scorpion bite was the cause of death. Now Danielle and Grace, estranged sisters, are heading to their family home which is located within a private wild-game reserve.
Danielle got one final note from her mother: find the shed and burn everything in it and don’t tell a soul about it. Oh, say less!
I loved the setting of this one. The safari vibes just worked so well. The isolation, the relentless heat, the wildlife, and the constant threat that at any moment danger could be lurking just beyond sight. Moss uses the wilderness not just as a setting here but also as a mechanism for the suspense, creating a survival story where every decision could make the difference between living and dying. The stakes couldn’t be higher, the cost could be everything. And I loved every second of it.
What begins as a safari adventure quickly turns into a nightmare when someone in their group is killed. But the real adventure begins when an accident leaves them stranded, with limited supplies and no communication, with miles of dangerous terrain between them and safety. Survival mode activated!
And someone seems determined to make sure they never get out. Because they’re being hunted.
The story switches between the present and the past during Danielle and Grace’s childhood. I especially enjoyed the chapters set in the past as they gave us some great insight into what shaped Danielle and Grace into the people they are today. These chapters are few and far between, though, so the story never felt bogged down by constantly jumping back in time. Which I enjoyed.
I also enjoyed the examination of wildlife conservation, poaching, and the ethical complexities surrounding our relationship with the natural world. But there’s also a psychological element throughout the story, because Danielle and Grace’s relationship is complicated - to say the least. Childhood trauma, guilt, resentment, and the consequences of their mother’s parenting are all focal points here. I especially enjoyed how the story explores the way two children can grow up in the same household yet carry completely different versions of their childhood into adulthood. It’s the most fascinating thing in the world to me.
If a compelling psychological suspense, family secrets, murder mystery, and wilderness survival is what you’re looking for - here’s your next read! An author I’ll be sure to read more of.
Sometimes the most dangerous predators aren’t the ones with claws and teeth, but are ones who look like us, shake our hands, and pretend to be our friends. Sometimes, it’s other people.
Danielle got one final note from her mother: find the shed and burn everything in it and don’t tell a soul about it. Oh, say less!
I loved the setting of this one. The safari vibes just worked so well. The isolation, the relentless heat, the wildlife, and the constant threat that at any moment danger could be lurking just beyond sight. Moss uses the wilderness not just as a setting here but also as a mechanism for the suspense, creating a survival story where every decision could make the difference between living and dying. The stakes couldn’t be higher, the cost could be everything. And I loved every second of it.
What begins as a safari adventure quickly turns into a nightmare when someone in their group is killed. But the real adventure begins when an accident leaves them stranded, with limited supplies and no communication, with miles of dangerous terrain between them and safety. Survival mode activated!
And someone seems determined to make sure they never get out. Because they’re being hunted.
The story switches between the present and the past during Danielle and Grace’s childhood. I especially enjoyed the chapters set in the past as they gave us some great insight into what shaped Danielle and Grace into the people they are today. These chapters are few and far between, though, so the story never felt bogged down by constantly jumping back in time. Which I enjoyed.
I also enjoyed the examination of wildlife conservation, poaching, and the ethical complexities surrounding our relationship with the natural world. But there’s also a psychological element throughout the story, because Danielle and Grace’s relationship is complicated - to say the least. Childhood trauma, guilt, resentment, and the consequences of their mother’s parenting are all focal points here. I especially enjoyed how the story explores the way two children can grow up in the same household yet carry completely different versions of their childhood into adulthood. It’s the most fascinating thing in the world to me.
If a compelling psychological suspense, family secrets, murder mystery, and wilderness survival is what you’re looking for - here’s your next read! An author I’ll be sure to read more of.
Sometimes the most dangerous predators aren’t the ones with claws and teeth, but are ones who look like us, shake our hands, and pretend to be our friends. Sometimes, it’s other people.
July 28, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own.
📖 Book Review 📖 Darwin helped us understand so much about how the world works and it’s all about perspective. Whether you prefer to think of it in more scientific terms like natural selection or you just want to hum along to the tune of Disney’s “The Circle of Life”, the same rules apply whether it’s with the animals in the savannah or matters of a grieving family.
There is so much intrigue in the wild animals and rugged landscape of the African safari and The Night Hunter captures that magic right away, creating a suspenseful thriller to match the beautiful scenery. And when a murder occurs on the first night of a five-day safari intended to be a step in the healing process for two sisters left behind after their mother’s death, it’s clear that there’s more to fear than just The Big Five animals.
The Night Hunter is richly atmospheric and rife with the complex layers of human emotions. It’s emotional evocative balanced with so many twists and turns. And even though Natalie Moss’ writing was so stunning and so poignant that I genuinely felt uncomfortable at times, I still have an African safari on my bucket list after this book!
📖 Book Review 📖 Darwin helped us understand so much about how the world works and it’s all about perspective. Whether you prefer to think of it in more scientific terms like natural selection or you just want to hum along to the tune of Disney’s “The Circle of Life”, the same rules apply whether it’s with the animals in the savannah or matters of a grieving family.
There is so much intrigue in the wild animals and rugged landscape of the African safari and The Night Hunter captures that magic right away, creating a suspenseful thriller to match the beautiful scenery. And when a murder occurs on the first night of a five-day safari intended to be a step in the healing process for two sisters left behind after their mother’s death, it’s clear that there’s more to fear than just The Big Five animals.
The Night Hunter is richly atmospheric and rife with the complex layers of human emotions. It’s emotional evocative balanced with so many twists and turns. And even though Natalie Moss’ writing was so stunning and so poignant that I genuinely felt uncomfortable at times, I still have an African safari on my bucket list after this book!
July 21, 2026
Okay WOW this was very unexpected. The setting helped increase the anxiety the entire time, which I loved. The storyline and how all the characters connected was phenomenal. The twist was unexpected!
There were a lot of sad moments, but it was great to help increase the emotional depth of the storyline.
Really really great debut!
There were a lot of sad moments, but it was great to help increase the emotional depth of the storyline.
Really really great debut!
August 10, 2026
4.5 stars!
If you're a fan of destination thrillers set against the backdrop of the wild African bush, this book is a must-read! Despite the blistering heat, this gripping story sent chills down my spine.
The narrative follows two estranged sisters, Danielle and Grace, brought together by their mother's dying wish for them to safeguard a family secret and then destroy it. As they embark on a thrilling safari with friends, we hope to see them find their way back to each other. Danielle, the older sister, harbors dark secrets related to Grace’s injury, while Grace is enamored with the safari life and cherished their mother dearly. Their stark differences create tension in the camp, leaving readers on edge, eager to discover what will happen next. When their hired guide mysteriously vanishes, the stakes escalate: if it’s not a wild animal on the prowl, a killer is lurking among them!
This book delivers a heart-pounding, action-packed experience, and the author vividly captures the environment, showcasing a clear understanding of the African safari landscape and survival skills. If I’m not mistaken, this is the author's debut, and she did an outstanding job! I found myself unable to put it down. What struck me the most was how the author made me feel like I was right there with the characters, carefully watching my step to survive another chapter. I truly enjoyed the writing and the overall setting; the twists were so unexpected, and the ending left me speechless! The author conveyed emotions without telling me directly, using vivid and believable descriptions.
If you enjoy survival thrillers filled with action, intriguing facts about the South African bush, and surprising twists that keep you guessing, this book is perfect for you. It’s an ideal read for the end of summer, as you’ll find yourself longing for a cool drink by the conclusion since it leaves you parched! Themes of family legacy, high stakes, land ownership, the black market, and the sisters’ return home are explored in depth. I never anticipated spending several days reflecting on the book’s brilliance. It’s definitely a story for a wide audience as it presents a multilayered mystery with touching moments. I loved the insights into animals and nature, which could prove helpful if you ever find yourself in a survival situation. Bravo!
Thank you, Berkley Publishing and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you're a fan of destination thrillers set against the backdrop of the wild African bush, this book is a must-read! Despite the blistering heat, this gripping story sent chills down my spine.
The narrative follows two estranged sisters, Danielle and Grace, brought together by their mother's dying wish for them to safeguard a family secret and then destroy it. As they embark on a thrilling safari with friends, we hope to see them find their way back to each other. Danielle, the older sister, harbors dark secrets related to Grace’s injury, while Grace is enamored with the safari life and cherished their mother dearly. Their stark differences create tension in the camp, leaving readers on edge, eager to discover what will happen next. When their hired guide mysteriously vanishes, the stakes escalate: if it’s not a wild animal on the prowl, a killer is lurking among them!
This book delivers a heart-pounding, action-packed experience, and the author vividly captures the environment, showcasing a clear understanding of the African safari landscape and survival skills. If I’m not mistaken, this is the author's debut, and she did an outstanding job! I found myself unable to put it down. What struck me the most was how the author made me feel like I was right there with the characters, carefully watching my step to survive another chapter. I truly enjoyed the writing and the overall setting; the twists were so unexpected, and the ending left me speechless! The author conveyed emotions without telling me directly, using vivid and believable descriptions.
If you enjoy survival thrillers filled with action, intriguing facts about the South African bush, and surprising twists that keep you guessing, this book is perfect for you. It’s an ideal read for the end of summer, as you’ll find yourself longing for a cool drink by the conclusion since it leaves you parched! Themes of family legacy, high stakes, land ownership, the black market, and the sisters’ return home are explored in depth. I never anticipated spending several days reflecting on the book’s brilliance. It’s definitely a story for a wide audience as it presents a multilayered mystery with touching moments. I loved the insights into animals and nature, which could prove helpful if you ever find yourself in a survival situation. Bravo!
Thank you, Berkley Publishing and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 16, 2026
Aww, beans, this one let me down a bit.
I don't usually pick up a ton of thrillers or mysteries, but the added family drama and unique setting sounded like fun, so I put this audiobook on hold at the library. It took me a little while to get into it and I never found the characters super engaging, but once the survival element was introduced, I figured that would up the energy a little bit.
Unfortunately, this just never really clicked for me. I had my suspicions about two characters and they were sorta right, but it wasn't even that satisfying because the eventual reveal made me roll my eyes more than anything else. It felt unearned (and a little... unfair?) and at some point the villainy just starts to feel a little cartoonish. The main character never learns anything and is still hiding things and trying to protect her sister in the end, the only character I liked wasn't treated well by the narrative, and multiple losses that should have been devastating to other characters felt really glossed over and weightless.
The most compelling character was the mother and she died before the book even started, so her ghost had to carry the whole book by herself and it just wasn't enough for me. Maybe if this book wasn't in first person we could have had a little more distance and the relief of multiple POVs or a more distant, more omniscient narrator? That might have made some room for more emotional complexity and better dispersal of clues.
This is a debut and the idea was good, even if I found the execution unsatisfying. I wouldn't be opposed to trying this author again if the synopsis caught my eye, but this one didn't do it for me.
I don't usually pick up a ton of thrillers or mysteries, but the added family drama and unique setting sounded like fun, so I put this audiobook on hold at the library. It took me a little while to get into it and I never found the characters super engaging, but once the survival element was introduced, I figured that would up the energy a little bit.
Unfortunately, this just never really clicked for me. I had my suspicions about two characters and they were sorta right, but it wasn't even that satisfying because the eventual reveal made me roll my eyes more than anything else. It felt unearned (and a little... unfair?) and at some point the villainy just starts to feel a little cartoonish. The main character never learns anything and is still hiding things and trying to protect her sister in the end, the only character I liked wasn't treated well by the narrative, and multiple losses that should have been devastating to other characters felt really glossed over and weightless.
The most compelling character was the mother and she died before the book even started, so her ghost had to carry the whole book by herself and it just wasn't enough for me. Maybe if this book wasn't in first person we could have had a little more distance and the relief of multiple POVs or a more distant, more omniscient narrator? That might have made some room for more emotional complexity and better dispersal of clues.
This is a debut and the idea was good, even if I found the execution unsatisfying. I wouldn't be opposed to trying this author again if the synopsis caught my eye, but this one didn't do it for me.
July 27, 2026
BLURB:
Danielle reunites with estranged sister Grace after their mother’s death, but a cryptic final message leads them into South Africa’s remote wilderness, turning their journey into a fight for survival.
REVIEW:
I love reading debut novels & this one is really good! It’s an intense survival thriller with a closed-circle mystery & lots of family secrets. It follows estranged sisters Danielle & Grace forced together after their mother’s death to deal with their childhood home. I loved the South African bush setting—even though there’s a killer, the wildlife is just as threatening. I was terrified reading about all threats they faced. I also loved that the book included a map of the Game Reserve where everything unfolds—I pictured everything & felt immersed!
The novel opens with a dramatic prologue detailing a traumatic event from Danielle & Grace’s childhood, setting up how the sisters became estranged. From there, it’s told in Danielle’s 1st-person POV, & I was invested in her efforts to honour her mother’s cryptic dying wish, but she’s complex!
In South Africa, the sisters ease tensions by bringing companions & there’s an immediate sense something bad’s going to happen—& I felt almost everyone was unlikeable & suspicious. After one of them is murdered, the pacing becomes relentless, with red herrings & twists that kept me guessing!
I loved how the threats came from different directions—dangerous terrain, wildlife, & more. A few supporting characters could’ve been more developed to make a few plot points more believable, but the unraveling of the family secrets and reveals is well done.
By the end, Danielle & Grace are forced to confront their trauma & secrets are exposed. I was on edge during the final scenes with unexpected twists & surprised/entertained by how the survivors acted. If you love action-packed, unguessable, relentless survival thrillers with family secrets, grab this one ASAP. I’ll be eager to see what Natalie writes next!
Danielle reunites with estranged sister Grace after their mother’s death, but a cryptic final message leads them into South Africa’s remote wilderness, turning their journey into a fight for survival.
REVIEW:
I love reading debut novels & this one is really good! It’s an intense survival thriller with a closed-circle mystery & lots of family secrets. It follows estranged sisters Danielle & Grace forced together after their mother’s death to deal with their childhood home. I loved the South African bush setting—even though there’s a killer, the wildlife is just as threatening. I was terrified reading about all threats they faced. I also loved that the book included a map of the Game Reserve where everything unfolds—I pictured everything & felt immersed!
The novel opens with a dramatic prologue detailing a traumatic event from Danielle & Grace’s childhood, setting up how the sisters became estranged. From there, it’s told in Danielle’s 1st-person POV, & I was invested in her efforts to honour her mother’s cryptic dying wish, but she’s complex!
In South Africa, the sisters ease tensions by bringing companions & there’s an immediate sense something bad’s going to happen—& I felt almost everyone was unlikeable & suspicious. After one of them is murdered, the pacing becomes relentless, with red herrings & twists that kept me guessing!
I loved how the threats came from different directions—dangerous terrain, wildlife, & more. A few supporting characters could’ve been more developed to make a few plot points more believable, but the unraveling of the family secrets and reveals is well done.
By the end, Danielle & Grace are forced to confront their trauma & secrets are exposed. I was on edge during the final scenes with unexpected twists & surprised/entertained by how the survivors acted. If you love action-packed, unguessable, relentless survival thrillers with family secrets, grab this one ASAP. I’ll be eager to see what Natalie writes next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This debut novel begins on a strong note, sweeping the reader off to the wilds of South Africa, where the humans are much more dangerous than any type of wildlife this small safari might encounter. Filled with secrets, family drama, romance issues, greed and violence Natalie Moss has everything it takes to be a top-notch thriller. However, while Moss’s writing is excellent there are a few things that kept the novel from being great. First only one character is someone, I was rooting for and it was not the main character. All the characters were self absorbed and it was really hard to care what happened to them. Some of the action, at least for me, was confusing. I will say some things that I got hung up on, were explained at the end, but it kept me from enjoying the book as I kept saying, that doesn’t even make sense! I also found the ‘secrets’ confusing. Quite a bit happens in the last few chapters and at times it was difficult to figure it all out. I also wasn’t happy with how it ended for some of the characters and the reaction of the survivors at the end. Finally, I have no idea where the title The Night Hunter comes from, as it has nothing to do with this book. All and all the writing clearly shows Moss can write and her use of the wilderness of South Africa made this book unique and interesting. I would absolutely try her next book. Many thanks to Bookbrowse.com, Netgalley.com, and Berkley Press for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 22, 2026
Action and adventure keeps the suspenseful thriller hopping as sisters, Danielle and Grace agree to a much needed holiday, several months after their mother’s untimely passing.
Set in the lush yet dangerous land of an African bush reserve, founded by their mother, the sisters invite friends along to hopefully ease the thick tension between themselves and to share in the beautiful landscape of their youth.
Anything but quaint and quiet-the group run into disagreements between friends, a shady tour guide, trail mishaps, a murder most grisly and now on the run from an unknown killer and the backdrop of dangerous wildlife.
A Great first story that creates intrigue and mystery, forgiveness of past mistakes, and hopefully making it out, even as a smaller group. Described scenery is both lush and exotic, yet equally fearful.
Thanks to Berkley for this arc, what a blast!
Set in the lush yet dangerous land of an African bush reserve, founded by their mother, the sisters invite friends along to hopefully ease the thick tension between themselves and to share in the beautiful landscape of their youth.
Anything but quaint and quiet-the group run into disagreements between friends, a shady tour guide, trail mishaps, a murder most grisly and now on the run from an unknown killer and the backdrop of dangerous wildlife.
A Great first story that creates intrigue and mystery, forgiveness of past mistakes, and hopefully making it out, even as a smaller group. Described scenery is both lush and exotic, yet equally fearful.
Thanks to Berkley for this arc, what a blast!
July 31, 2026
The Night Hunter by Natalie Moss is a gripping survival suspense that takes readers deep into the African wilderness, where dangerous animals lurk around every corner. There’s a mission to accomplish, a killer on the loose, secrets waiting to be uncovered, and a race against time. As if that weren’t enough, someone is determined to sabotage their efforts. The thriller aspect of this novel had me sitting on the edge of my seat!
One of my favourite parts of this book was the incredible setting. Natalie Moss grew up spending time in the African wilderness with her family and even worked at a conservation centre. Her knowledge and love of the African wild truly shone through on every page. The vivid descriptions made me feel completely immersed.
Thank you to Penguin Random House and Berkley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favourite parts of this book was the incredible setting. Natalie Moss grew up spending time in the African wilderness with her family and even worked at a conservation centre. Her knowledge and love of the African wild truly shone through on every page. The vivid descriptions made me feel completely immersed.
Thank you to Penguin Random House and Berkley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2026
3 stars. This didn’t work well for me. I found the main character annoying and constantly making terrible decisions and the flashbacks added nothing to the plot. We are constantly told the girls had a complicated relationship with their mother but there are only brief glimpses where we see this and so I felt no emotional connection to any of them. I also found the ending to be barely satisfactory after everything they go through and this just wasn’t worth the read
August 18, 2026
DNF at 73%. If you can’t tolerate violence toward animals, you might want to skip this one.
I didn’t care enough about the characters to endure the very graphic harm to animals. 👎🏼 nope
I didn’t care enough about the characters to endure the very graphic harm to animals. 👎🏼 nope
August 31, 2026
I really enjoyed this tittle. It is the debut novel for this author, and I hope there is many more to come.
October 2, 2026
Caught by the cover! Intrigued by the park/reserve in Africa. Characters a bit weak, but good enough for this adventure amidst animals and bad actors.
August 3, 2026
I enjoyed this one; it kept me mostly entertained. There were a few moments when I got a bit bored, but overall, it was an interesting story.
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