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Drug Gang #1
Drug Gang: The Hunt
60 HOURS TO SURVIVE…
How far would you go to stay alive?
Belfast. 1999.
One mistake.
One witness.
Sixty hours to find him.
John Kennedy is not yet feared.
Not yet hardened.
But everything is about to change.
A routine drug deal exposes a hidden network where paramilitaries and a Dublin cartel operate in quiet collusion—power shared, territory controlled, violence kept in check.
When Derek Dillon becomes a compromised witness, the network moves to silence him.
And Belfast fractures.
Nightclubs become battlegrounds.
Crews flood the streets.
No one is safe.
John is pulled into a world where survival depends on silence…
and silence is worth killing for.
Every move has consequences.
Every mistake draws blood.
And survival is never guaranteed.
Drug Gang: The Hunt is a raw, relentless thriller — the explosive origin of the Drug Gang world and the first part of a complete 60-hour manhunt.
BOOK ONE IN THE DRUG GANG SERIES (CHRONOLOGICAL START)
The entry point for new readers. The beginning of everything.
THIS IS WHERE IT ALL BEGINS.
How far would you go to stay alive?
Belfast. 1999.
One mistake.
One witness.
Sixty hours to find him.
John Kennedy is not yet feared.
Not yet hardened.
But everything is about to change.
A routine drug deal exposes a hidden network where paramilitaries and a Dublin cartel operate in quiet collusion—power shared, territory controlled, violence kept in check.
When Derek Dillon becomes a compromised witness, the network moves to silence him.
And Belfast fractures.
Nightclubs become battlegrounds.
Crews flood the streets.
No one is safe.
John is pulled into a world where survival depends on silence…
and silence is worth killing for.
Every move has consequences.
Every mistake draws blood.
And survival is never guaranteed.
Drug Gang: The Hunt is a raw, relentless thriller — the explosive origin of the Drug Gang world and the first part of a complete 60-hour manhunt.
BOOK ONE IN THE DRUG GANG SERIES (CHRONOLOGICAL START)
The entry point for new readers. The beginning of everything.
THIS IS WHERE IT ALL BEGINS.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2026
About the author
Neil Walker
5 books223 followersNeil Walker is the bestselling author of the Drug Gang series, fast-paced crime thrillers set in the criminal underworlds of Belfast, Manchester, and beyond.
His books have sold tens of thousands of copies worldwide. The series has been a consistent Amazon chart performer, with the debut reaching #1 and later titles also reaching the Amazon top three. Every title has continued to chart long after release, attracting a loyal and steadily growing readership.
Walker's work has attracted film and television interest, resulting in a shopping agreement with Hollywood producer John Hilary Shepherd (1917, Hacksaw Ridge).
He writes hard-edged, character-driven crime fiction rooted in organised crime, loyalty, and survival—stories where every decision has consequences.
He lives in Belfast.
Follow Neil on social media.
His books have sold tens of thousands of copies worldwide. The series has been a consistent Amazon chart performer, with the debut reaching #1 and later titles also reaching the Amazon top three. Every title has continued to chart long after release, attracting a loyal and steadily growing readership.
Walker's work has attracted film and television interest, resulting in a shopping agreement with Hollywood producer John Hilary Shepherd (1917, Hacksaw Ridge).
He writes hard-edged, character-driven crime fiction rooted in organised crime, loyalty, and survival—stories where every decision has consequences.
He lives in Belfast.
Follow Neil on social media.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 26, 2026
Enjoyed in this fast paced thriller. 5 stars for action and adrenaline, brutal clashes between gangs and police actions in protecting the important witness.
This series is recommmened to readers of fast action thrillers.
This series is recommmened to readers of fast action thrillers.
October 22, 2026
I picked up Drug Gang: The Hunt expecting a decent Belfast crime story and ended up reading the second half in one sitting, because I could not leave it alone! It's class!
The setup is brilliant , now I dont want to give muc away but a witness in the biggest trial the city has ever seen climbs out of police protection, and instead of running for the ferry he decides he wants one last weekend of clubbing! Paramilitaries on both sides, a Dublin cartel and half the RUC are all hunting him, and he spends the night on a dance floor. It sounds ridiculous, but Neil Walker makes it work, and the 60-hour countdown keeps the pressure on from the first chapter to the last.
The clubbing scenes were a real highlight for me. The queues, the rituals, the music, and the odd mix of joy and menace all felt properly lived-in. There’s a night at Glow that goes sideways in a way I did not see coming, and a standoff outside a club (masquerading as a pizzeria) that had me gripped. I’d also say the mix of tones works. Some scenes are properly brutal, and then Gibbons and Freeman are sitting in a car with doughnuts and coffee being hilarious about Freeman’s marriage. I laughed out loud more than once! which is not something I expect from a book with this much violence in it.
What stayed with me most was the friendship at the centre of it. Derek is chaotic and exhausting and completely impossible, and you still understand exactly why his mates would walk through fire for him. Their loyalty is what made me care whether he got out alive.
Neil Walker also captures Belfast in 1999 really well (with Christmas lights strung up over scars that haven’t healed and everyone still a bit unsure whether the peace will hold)
It ends on a cliffhanger, and I went straight on to the sequel (which I just finished!).
Highly recommended if you like fast, gritty crime fiction with a sense of humour!
The setup is brilliant , now I dont want to give muc away but a witness in the biggest trial the city has ever seen climbs out of police protection, and instead of running for the ferry he decides he wants one last weekend of clubbing! Paramilitaries on both sides, a Dublin cartel and half the RUC are all hunting him, and he spends the night on a dance floor. It sounds ridiculous, but Neil Walker makes it work, and the 60-hour countdown keeps the pressure on from the first chapter to the last.
The clubbing scenes were a real highlight for me. The queues, the rituals, the music, and the odd mix of joy and menace all felt properly lived-in. There’s a night at Glow that goes sideways in a way I did not see coming, and a standoff outside a club (masquerading as a pizzeria) that had me gripped. I’d also say the mix of tones works. Some scenes are properly brutal, and then Gibbons and Freeman are sitting in a car with doughnuts and coffee being hilarious about Freeman’s marriage. I laughed out loud more than once! which is not something I expect from a book with this much violence in it.
What stayed with me most was the friendship at the centre of it. Derek is chaotic and exhausting and completely impossible, and you still understand exactly why his mates would walk through fire for him. Their loyalty is what made me care whether he got out alive.
Neil Walker also captures Belfast in 1999 really well (with Christmas lights strung up over scars that haven’t healed and everyone still a bit unsure whether the peace will hold)
It ends on a cliffhanger, and I went straight on to the sequel (which I just finished!).
Highly recommended if you like fast, gritty crime fiction with a sense of humour!
October 16, 2026
Having thoroughly enjoyed Neil Walker's previous three Drugs Gang books, I was genuinely excited to dive into this latest instalment, and I'm delighted to say it did not disappoint. In fact, it's an absolute cracker of a read.
From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. Walker's vivid and descriptive writing style places you right alongside the characters, making you feel as though you're experiencing every moment with them. The soundtrack references throughout the story add another layer of authenticity, instantly transporting readers back to the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of Belfast's club scene. For anyone familiar with that era, the nostalgia is palpable.
The story pulls you in immediately, drawing you into the lives of the characters and the complex dynamics of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. Walker does an excellent job of exploring just how far people will go for those they care about, and sometimes how quickly those loyalties can be tested.
The pacing is relentless, with tension building steadily throughout. In fact, I found myself racing through the pages just to discover what happened next, only to go back and reread sections so I could fully appreciate the detail and craftsmanship of the storytelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book and am already eager to see how the story develops in the next instalment. Let's just say I'll never look at a Vicks Nasal Inhaler in quite the same way again!
If you're a fan of fast-paced, gritty, edge-of-your-seat crime fiction with memorable characters and superb storytelling, then this is a book you absolutely should read. You won't be disappointed.
From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. Walker's vivid and descriptive writing style places you right alongside the characters, making you feel as though you're experiencing every moment with them. The soundtrack references throughout the story add another layer of authenticity, instantly transporting readers back to the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of Belfast's club scene. For anyone familiar with that era, the nostalgia is palpable.
The story pulls you in immediately, drawing you into the lives of the characters and the complex dynamics of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. Walker does an excellent job of exploring just how far people will go for those they care about, and sometimes how quickly those loyalties can be tested.
The pacing is relentless, with tension building steadily throughout. In fact, I found myself racing through the pages just to discover what happened next, only to go back and reread sections so I could fully appreciate the detail and craftsmanship of the storytelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book and am already eager to see how the story develops in the next instalment. Let's just say I'll never look at a Vicks Nasal Inhaler in quite the same way again!
If you're a fan of fast-paced, gritty, edge-of-your-seat crime fiction with memorable characters and superb storytelling, then this is a book you absolutely should read. You won't be disappointed.
October 14, 2026
The Hunt paints a rich, vivid picture of a fast-paced, charged night in Belfast, filled with complex characters, each pursuing their own agenda. From the opening chapter, the story drew me in and held my attention as the tension steadily mounted, maintaining a brisk yet easy-to-follow pace throughout.
Belfast’s party scene is vividly portrayed with a splattering of very colourful characters, and a fantastic musical “soundtrack” woven throughout. The descriptive writing brings both the characters and venues powerfully to life so much so that you could nearly place yourself in any scene. As loyalties are tested and boundaries are pushed, the group’s friendship becomes an emotional anchor, enduring every challenge and leaving a poignant reminder that true friendship and acceptance should never be taken for granted. Meanwhile, the figures closing in on the protagonist reveal a darker side of human nature, each prepared to cross unsettling lines to get what they want.
Set during the early days of NI’s peace process, when relations remained strained, the novel offers an intriguing perspective by treating this historical backdrop as a subtle undercurrent rather than the central focus.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this duo, even when its more intense moments had me on edge! I cannot wait to discover what happens next and how the story concludes. Pick it up—you will not regret it!
Belfast’s party scene is vividly portrayed with a splattering of very colourful characters, and a fantastic musical “soundtrack” woven throughout. The descriptive writing brings both the characters and venues powerfully to life so much so that you could nearly place yourself in any scene. As loyalties are tested and boundaries are pushed, the group’s friendship becomes an emotional anchor, enduring every challenge and leaving a poignant reminder that true friendship and acceptance should never be taken for granted. Meanwhile, the figures closing in on the protagonist reveal a darker side of human nature, each prepared to cross unsettling lines to get what they want.
Set during the early days of NI’s peace process, when relations remained strained, the novel offers an intriguing perspective by treating this historical backdrop as a subtle undercurrent rather than the central focus.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this duo, even when its more intense moments had me on edge! I cannot wait to discover what happens next and how the story concludes. Pick it up—you will not regret it!
October 15, 2026
I very much enjoyed this book! Every chapter is more engaging than the last, with vivid, creative descriptions of places, characters and situations that really bring the story to life.
For example:
“The flat around him was narrow, claustrophobic to most, perfect to him. Long, odd-shaped rooms, a bed shoved into an alcove at the far end, windows staring out at nothing but a brick wall.”
“The stairwell smelled of damp plaster and old smoke.”
“Damp coats. Stale breath. Wide windows stretched across the far wall, but December darkness pressed back against the glass, turning the room into a bright white box under the humming strip lights.”
These descriptions really paint a picture and made it incredibly easy for me to visualise the locations and atmosphere. The setting is also perfect for the story. Set in the late 1990s, the references to music from the period add a great sense of nostalgia to certain scenes. It feels like the author has drawn on the music of the time in a very personal way, giving the story an added layer of authenticity.
The characters, dialogue and villains are all well written, and the story kept me engaged throughout. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime fiction, particularly readers looking for a gripping, atmospheric story with memorable characters and plenty of tension.
For example:
“The flat around him was narrow, claustrophobic to most, perfect to him. Long, odd-shaped rooms, a bed shoved into an alcove at the far end, windows staring out at nothing but a brick wall.”
“The stairwell smelled of damp plaster and old smoke.”
“Damp coats. Stale breath. Wide windows stretched across the far wall, but December darkness pressed back against the glass, turning the room into a bright white box under the humming strip lights.”
These descriptions really paint a picture and made it incredibly easy for me to visualise the locations and atmosphere. The setting is also perfect for the story. Set in the late 1990s, the references to music from the period add a great sense of nostalgia to certain scenes. It feels like the author has drawn on the music of the time in a very personal way, giving the story an added layer of authenticity.
The characters, dialogue and villains are all well written, and the story kept me engaged throughout. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime fiction, particularly readers looking for a gripping, atmospheric story with memorable characters and plenty of tension.
October 15, 2026
"The four of them were fully immersed in the tribal communion of the floor, every glance, every step, every movement part of a shared choreography orchestrated by bass and strobe"
Pulpy, edge of your seat, fast paced drugged up fun. Whats not to love! The clubbing sequences have the romantic notions of your favourite youth culture monologues, sharpened with a knowing that the walls are closing in on the resourceful protagonists.
* Potential spoilers below *
Derek's general sense of abandon is present from his introduction, and this in many ways actually helps the viability of the character. Someone reckless enough to hide in plain sight amidst a nationwide manhunt has to come across a certain way, and Neil managed to achieve this with Derek's lust for life. Whatever happens happens and all that matters is the night.
The Hunt displays a further maturity from Neil's older work with its multiple plot points, exploration of power dynamics in the workplace and unwritten societal roles and I look forward to reading the next mythologising of our always undeniable city.
Also, hope to see more of Roguey. His parts got a chesty laugh out of me. Maybe a Roguey spin off is in order!
Pulpy, edge of your seat, fast paced drugged up fun. Whats not to love! The clubbing sequences have the romantic notions of your favourite youth culture monologues, sharpened with a knowing that the walls are closing in on the resourceful protagonists.
* Potential spoilers below *
Derek's general sense of abandon is present from his introduction, and this in many ways actually helps the viability of the character. Someone reckless enough to hide in plain sight amidst a nationwide manhunt has to come across a certain way, and Neil managed to achieve this with Derek's lust for life. Whatever happens happens and all that matters is the night.
The Hunt displays a further maturity from Neil's older work with its multiple plot points, exploration of power dynamics in the workplace and unwritten societal roles and I look forward to reading the next mythologising of our always undeniable city.
Also, hope to see more of Roguey. His parts got a chesty laugh out of me. Maybe a Roguey spin off is in order!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2026
What a rush!
Within a few pages, Neil Walker’s descriptive storytelling has you totally hooked and dragged into to the deep dark underworld that was once the Belfast club scene; you can’t help reading it with a ‘90s dance soundtrack playing in your head. He writes about Belfast in a way that only a local boy can, evoking memories of a time and places, long since bulldozed into the history books. It’s a stark reminder that despite Northern Ireland politics, the country was full of 24 hour party people, living for the weekend, and how that life can descend into total chaos and carnage without warning.
The Hunt is a true crime thriller, and I was genuinely left breathless at the end of it. Make sure you set a bit of reading time aside because you very quickly get to a tipping point in the book where you just can’t put it down until it’s done! Roll on the next instalment.
Within a few pages, Neil Walker’s descriptive storytelling has you totally hooked and dragged into to the deep dark underworld that was once the Belfast club scene; you can’t help reading it with a ‘90s dance soundtrack playing in your head. He writes about Belfast in a way that only a local boy can, evoking memories of a time and places, long since bulldozed into the history books. It’s a stark reminder that despite Northern Ireland politics, the country was full of 24 hour party people, living for the weekend, and how that life can descend into total chaos and carnage without warning.
The Hunt is a true crime thriller, and I was genuinely left breathless at the end of it. Make sure you set a bit of reading time aside because you very quickly get to a tipping point in the book where you just can’t put it down until it’s done! Roll on the next instalment.
October 15, 2026
I couldn’t wait to read this latest book by Neil Walker as I was huge fan of The Drug Gang trilogy, and it didn’t disappoint. I was hooked from the very first chapter. It was also great to have an introduction to the younger John Kennedy (the main character in the Drug Gang books).
The author is so descriptive in his writing that you find yourself getting pulled into the story and becoming really invested in the characters. I honestly couldn’t put it down. The music references throughout the story really invoke the Belfast Club scene at that time and add a nostalgic feel to the book.
I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of gritty, fast paced crime novels and I truly can’t wait for the next instalment of this story to see how it all plays out.
The author is so descriptive in his writing that you find yourself getting pulled into the story and becoming really invested in the characters. I honestly couldn’t put it down. The music references throughout the story really invoke the Belfast Club scene at that time and add a nostalgic feel to the book.
I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of gritty, fast paced crime novels and I truly can’t wait for the next instalment of this story to see how it all plays out.
October 26, 2026
As an elderly reader I’ve been through many music genres including rock ‘n’ roll, ska, reggae, punk and techno and enjoyed them all so can relate to the Drug Gang series, indeed I think the author may have experienced exactly what he writes about sometimes. He certainly takes us through a roller coast ride from book 1 to this latest in the series. Normally a reader of crime/detective books this made a pleasant change for me so congratulations to the author. Anyone who has happened to come across this book and reading this review I would suggest buying and reading the first book in the series.
October 29, 2026
Wow what a 60 hours!!!!from chapter 1 of book 1 I was well and truly hooked. Belfast being my native city I felt I knew some of the characters and the places!!!
Congratulations to the author on a gripping masterpiece that has left me wondering what to do with myself now that I’ve finished reading these books-couldn’t wait to see what the next chapters held- but find myself still thinking about the characters and plots!!!A sign of a great read for me!!!
I have no doubt there will be more and I personally can’t wait for the next adventures!!!!!
Congratulations to the author on a gripping masterpiece that has left me wondering what to do with myself now that I’ve finished reading these books-couldn’t wait to see what the next chapters held- but find myself still thinking about the characters and plots!!!A sign of a great read for me!!!
I have no doubt there will be more and I personally can’t wait for the next adventures!!!!!
October 21, 2026
A well written story that captures the underworld 0f 90s Belfast brilliantly. The characters and the atmosphere comes alive in Neil Walker's writing.
he characters are rich and colourful, the language and attitudes are very authentic. Through the dialogue and some of the pop culture of the time, Walker has captured the way Belfast was and his love of hard hitting dramas shows in this story.
Highly recommended
he characters are rich and colourful, the language and attitudes are very authentic. Through the dialogue and some of the pop culture of the time, Walker has captured the way Belfast was and his love of hard hitting dramas shows in this story.
Highly recommended
October 15, 2026
This book is an absolutely jaw-dropping, gripping read! I genuinely didn’t want to put the books down. Every turn of the page was nail-biting, keeping me hooked from start to finish. A powerful, intense and captivating read that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout - everything you need in a crime book. Highly recommended and can’t wait to the next book to be released!
October 22, 2026
I throughly enjoyed this book. You will not regret picking it up and you'll not be able to sit it down! Neil's descriptive writing will have you hooked instantly. This book is a must read for anyone intrested in gritty fast paced crime novels.
Can't wait to read the next book in the duo and see what happens next!
Can't wait to read the next book in the duo and see what happens next!
October 26, 2026
Fast-paced, gritty and full of surprises. The Belfast setting is fantastic and the tension never lets up. It’s a time machine back to December 1999. Living in Belfast back then, it paints a vivid and emotive picture which takes me right back and stirs up fond memories of many crazy nights out. Bring on Drug Gang: Deadline… can't wait to find out where this goes next and how it will all end!
October 15, 2026
First time reading a book from the drug gang series and it is excellent. Great mix of edge of your seat tension and suspense mixed with a great sense of humour. The chapters fly by and the mix of perspectives from the party goers, police and gangs keeps things interesting throughout.
October 22, 2026
Great authenticity and grittiness as well as a gripping story, strong character development, and atmospheric scene setting descriptions.
I am excited to see what the future holds as the author continues to develop both his style and the characters depicted in the books.
I am excited to see what the future holds as the author continues to develop both his style and the characters depicted in the books.
September 30, 2026
I was so excited when I found out Neil Walker had new Drug Gang books coming out. I’ve read the previous books in the series and absolutely loved them, so I knew I had to get stuck into The Hunt. It’s also a bonus that Neil is from my hometown of Belfast, so there’s always something extra exciting about reading an author from home.
What I love about the Drug Gang books is how easily they suck you into their world. You don’t just feel like you’re reading a story, you actually feel like you’re there in the middle of it all. You can feel the tension and anxiety building and I found myself really getting caught up in what was happening.
It’s also such an easy book to read, which I really enjoy. You can just pick it up and get completely lost in it. For me, that’s one of the best things about reading — being able to escape for a while and get a glimpse into a world of crime, drugs and everything that comes with it, without obviously being anywhere near that world in real life!
I really liked the ending too. It left things feeling a little unfinished, but in a good way. I actually like endings that leave you wanting more rather than wrapping everything up perfectly, and this one definitely did that.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Hunt and it definitely lived up to what I’ve come to expect from Neil’s books. Now I’m left wanting to know what happens next, so I’ll definitely be picking up Drug Gang: Deadline.
If you enjoy crime books that pull you into the story and keep you wanting to know what happens next, I’d definitely recommend giving this series a go.
What I love about the Drug Gang books is how easily they suck you into their world. You don’t just feel like you’re reading a story, you actually feel like you’re there in the middle of it all. You can feel the tension and anxiety building and I found myself really getting caught up in what was happening.
It’s also such an easy book to read, which I really enjoy. You can just pick it up and get completely lost in it. For me, that’s one of the best things about reading — being able to escape for a while and get a glimpse into a world of crime, drugs and everything that comes with it, without obviously being anywhere near that world in real life!
I really liked the ending too. It left things feeling a little unfinished, but in a good way. I actually like endings that leave you wanting more rather than wrapping everything up perfectly, and this one definitely did that.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Hunt and it definitely lived up to what I’ve come to expect from Neil’s books. Now I’m left wanting to know what happens next, so I’ll definitely be picking up Drug Gang: Deadline.
If you enjoy crime books that pull you into the story and keep you wanting to know what happens next, I’d definitely recommend giving this series a go.
October 20, 2026
Newcomer to the series and found this very easy to pick up, even easier to keep reading! Recommend to crime lovers and anyone who wants to support local writing talent.
October 21, 2026
The paramilitary criminal element was good but for me the dance/ drug culture stuff was dull. I guess the author has experience or an interest in this as he seemed knowledgeable.
October 22, 2026
Like watching a brilliant crime thriller unfold on screen! Fast, furious and full of unforgettable characters. I could easily see this being made into a TV series!
Neil is an incredible author 👏
Neil is an incredible author 👏
October 15, 2026
I felt like I was watching Netflix while reading this..and that's a compliment. It's usually tense, sometimes funny, and full of quirky post-Good Friday Agreement Norn Iron characters. And a lot of the action takes place in clubs and at parties, which kept sending me to Spotify everytime another 'tune' was mentioned. A bit like a rave-y Blue Lights.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews