Roofdier

by Natalie Moss, Frouke van Es (Translator), Janine van der Kooij (Translator)

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.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Africa, South Africa, Adult

368 pages, Paperback

Published July 28, 2026

Reviews

[♥ Sandi ❣]

4 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.

[Brea · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Katie | katieturnsthepage · Rating 1 out of 5]

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. 😆

[Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday)]

A 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!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

*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.

[Ty]

DNF 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.

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this horror/suspense story

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[callistoscalling · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Tyler Hancsak · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[McKenna (mckennalovescontent) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5???

[Louis (audiobookfanatic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Helen Beesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sam Wescott · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Alexis Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

the night hunter by natalie moss 🐾 in a remote corner of the south african bush, two sisters reunite to bury a family secret once and for all, but when they’re stranded among the wild animals, they find a predator far more dangerous waiting for them in the shadows…

it’s the circle of life 🧡 a treacherous terrain of family duty and loyalty as two sisters confront what they’ve spent years trying to forget. phew!! there aren't a flock of fiction books that take place at game reserves so whenever I catch wind of one, I *must* pick it up!

shockingly, the night hunter is a debut novel! the research was strong and the plot was fueled by mischievous animals! from headstrong rhinos and baboons to elephants and prickly scorpions, one should never get too comfortable in the african bush 👀

when I first cracked open this thriller, I put on an instrumental lion king ambience video on my tv & fully immersed myself… might I say, one of my better ideas ☀️ 4.25 stars!

[Karen Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Robin | BookAdoration Marchadour · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ranjini Shankar · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Denis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this tittle. It is the debut novel for this author, and I hope there is many more to come.

[Makalyn Cowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Amy]

3.5

[Karen Casale · Rating 2 out of 5]

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!

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Natalie Moss, and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

New to Natalie Moss’s work, I selected this ARC as an introduction to her writing. The premise immediately caught my attention: a remote South African setting, family secrets, a murder, and a desperate fight for survival on the open savannah. On paper, it had all the ingredients of a gripping thriller. Unfortunately, the execution never lived up to the promise.

Following their mother’s death, sisters Danielle and Grace travel to an isolated family property in rural South Africa. While Grace seeks closure and reconciliation with the past, Danielle carries a final request from their mother—to destroy everything and burn the place to the ground. Accompanied by friends, they embark on a safari adventure that quickly turns deadly when a murder occurs at their camp. Soon after, a car crash leaves them stranded without communication, forcing Danielle to venture out alone in search of help. As suspicion and paranoia grow, she begins to wonder whether someone is deliberately hunting her.

Moss succeeds in creating a vivid sense of place. The South African wilderness is atmospheric and often feels like the novel’s strongest character. There are moments when the isolation and vulnerability of the setting hint at the tense survival thriller this story could have been. However, those moments were not enough to sustain my interest.

The biggest issue was a lack of connection. Despite the danger surrounding them, I never became invested in the characters or their fates. Danielle, Grace, and the supporting cast felt underdeveloped, making it difficult to care about their struggles or the revelations that followed. Without that emotional anchor, much of the suspense fell flat.

Likewise, the pacing often worked against the story. The chapters move quickly, but rather than building momentum, they left me feeling detached. Key developments arrived without the emotional weight needed to make them impactful, and the tension Moss seemed to be aiming for rarely materialized. I kept waiting for the narrative to find its footing and pull me into the mystery, but that moment never came.

What makes the disappointment greater is that the foundation is genuinely strong. The premise is intriguing, the setting is unique, and there are flashes of real potential throughout the novel. Yet for me, the characters, suspense, and emotional engagement never came together in a satisfying way.

There will undoubtedly be readers who connect with this story more than I did, particularly those who enjoy survival thrillers set in harsh and unforgiving landscapes. Sadly, despite my enthusiasm going in, this was a novel that never delivered on its considerable promise.

Kudos, Madam Moss, for an excellent premise and an evocative setting, even if the story itself ultimately failed to capture me.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the Berkely Publishing group and Netgalley for this outstanding eARC.

I was surprised this was Natalie Moss's debut novel, as it read like it was written by a seasoned professional.

The Night Hunter - in this novel Natalie Moss doesn’t write a mere thriller; she constructs a pressure cooker and slowly turns up the heat until the reader is as breathless as the protagonists. In The Night Hunter, Moss delivers a chilling, atmospheric masterclass in suspense and rich environment.

This story follows Danielle, her sister Grace and their small group of friends as they return to their childhood home and navigate a world few of us will ever be lucky enough to experience.

Natalie Moss brings this rarified world into crystal sharp vision for her readers.

Having been raised in the African outback, the two sisters revisit their newly deceased mother's home as they decide what to do with her house and her sanctuary. However, there there is something—or someone—out in the dense timber, and it isn't just watching; it’s harvesting.
​
​Moss uses the environment as a secondary antagonist in The Night Hunter. . The "Great Green Wall" of the forest feels claustrophobic despite its vastness. You can almost smell the damp earth and feel the cold mist on your skin.
​
While "survival horror" is a well-worn path, Moss avoids the predictable. Danielle, Grace and their friends aren't helpless victims, they are knowledgeable trackers and conservationists who are scrap-metal tough, making choices that feel grounded in raw human instinct, in a world of animals who merely want to be allowed to thrive peacefully. The threat to the endangered wild animals from poachers and other villains mirrors the threat to the young women's very existence.

The narrative structure is lean, it crackles with tension, mystery, suspicion, betrayal and intrigue. . There is very little "fat" in this story; every crack of a twig and every silent shadow serves to tighten the metaphorical noose around the reader’s neck.

​The brilliance of The Night Hunter lies in its restraint. Moss understands that what we don't see is often more terrifying than what we do. The antagonist is handled with a ghostly touch, appearing more as a force of nature than a mere villain, which makes the eventual confrontation feel visceral and earned.

​"A haunting exploration of the thin line between the hunter and the hunted, Moss proves that the most dangerous predators aren't always the ones with claws.

​If you are a fan of psychological tension paired with survivalist grit—think The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon meets Silence of the Lambs—this is an essential addition to your shelf.

Also highly recommended for those who are curious about the amazing animals that most of us will never get to experience unless we visit the amazing South African bush; this story is reflective, suspenseful and educational.

A resounding 5 stars from this grateful reader, this author is definitely one to watch and follow.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A debut novel I’ve been eagerly anticipating this year just came out: The Night Hunter by Natalie Moss. Two sisters, Danielle and Grace, grew up partially on a reserve in South Africa, but the family has become divided over the years. When their mother dies, Danielle and Grace meet up on the reserve, ready to see the family house left to them. It’s a party of six, including the guide, two friends, and Danielle’s boyfriend. But what starts as a simple safari trek through the South African bush quickly turns into a fight for their lives. Danger lurks around every corner, and a murderer is on the reserve, hunting them down.

What I Liked:
- Safari dream turned murderous nightmare. Ever since I saw The Lion King as a kid, I’ve wanted to go on a safari in Africa. Reading a book like The Night Hunter starts off as that escapist dream, but it takes some severe turns along the way. First someone kills the guide, and no, it wasn’t the leopard that was found munching on his body. Then the car crashes and they’re stranded in the bush, at risk of dehydration and exhaustion if they can’t find safety fast enough. And on top of everything, there might be poachers after them too? All in all, this is one of those vacations where everything goes seriously wrong.
- Wild animals. In addition to the dangers of murderers and the unrelenting sun, the group also has another major threat to watch out for: all the wild animals. I love how this book offers such a rich array of African animals, from elephants and rhinos to baboons and hyenas. There are leopards, buffalo, and a wide variety of birds. We get a feel for the diverse plant life, too. It’s an immersive read that feels like a love letter to the wildlife we should aim to protect.
- Complicated family. Danielle and Grace grew up in an unconventional way, largely owing to their mother and her life’s work of protecting South Africa’s animals. But her devotion to her foundation may have left wedges in the family, and Danielle, for one, hasn’t recovered. She and Grace aren’t as close as they could be; Danielle also keeps her boyfriend, Elliot, at arm’s length. The family issues only grow more tangled as the book progresses, making for quite the web by the end.

What Didn’t Work For Me:
- Fate of one character. It’s a spoiler, so that’s all I’ll say.

Final Thoughts
The Night Hunter is a propulsive survival thriller that will have your heart racing even as you marvel at South Africa’s wildlife. It kept me at the edge of my seat, and it kept me guessing, until the shocking reveals at the end. This was an exciting debut, and I look forward to more from Natalie Moss.

Special thanks to the publicists at Penguin Random House, Berkley, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!

* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *