Did Lydia commit suicide, and leave her husband and daughter by choice – or is something more sinister afoot? Meet Lydia, John, and Diana Hunter. Lydia is a loving mother and wife, who wants nothing more than the best for her family. John is her husband. He is an over-protective homicide detective who loves his wife and teenage daughter with everything he has. Their daughter, Diana, is a genius, with an IQ level far higher than most. This is a family that adores one another. A family, however, that is torn apart by tragedy.
When Lydia is found dead at her workplace, John loses the love of his life. His heart breaks for himself and his little girl as Diana spirals out of control. The authorities rule the death a suicide, but when events don’t start to add up, the family that is left behind begins to suspect something isn’t right.
Interview with the Author of the Series Q - So, what makes the Diana Hunter series special?
A - When I set out to write these books, I wanted to create something that mirrored exactly the kind of books I like to read. My top picks are always mystery novels, especially featuring female protagonists with attitude. Diana is badass and I can’t tell you how many readers tell me she reminds them of themselves. She makes you feel you can do anything!
The Diana Hunter books are a great mix of genres. There is nothing graphic or gratuitous in these books. Your Aunt Martha could definitely read them. But they are not “roses around the cottage door” –type mysteries. They are more hard-boiled with some romantic tension, suspense and thriller action to keep things interesting!
Overall, the Diana Hunter series is designed to keep you turning the pages - and I've made sure there's never a dull moment.
Q - In what order should I read the books?
A - The Diana Hunter mysteries can be read and enjoyed in any order, however, Hunted is a prequel to the other books in the series. Unlike the other books, it is not a complete mystery. It relates the events that create the backdrop to the series and fills in some of Diana’s personality and motivations. You don’t have to have read the prequel to make sense of the later books but it helps.
I’ve made sure not to include any spoilers for those who are new to the characters and any existing fans of Diana’s adventures will still find plenty of fresh action and mystery as well as perhaps a few answers. All in all, there is something for everyone. The events in this prequel take place a few years before Snatched, the first book in the Diana Hunter series of mysteries.
If you do want to read them in order, I'd suggest the following
- Hunted (prequel) - Snatched - Stolen - Chopped
Q - So, why should readers give these books a try?
A - Because the Diana Hunter series is a fast, fun, thrill-ride that takes no prisoners! Our heroine is kicks butt but has a soft center. We want her to win out even when she’s making poor decisions and alienating those who can, and want, to help her. I think most women will see a little, or a lot, of themselves in Diana Hunter.
Ultimately, readers who enjoy lightning-fast pacing with a plot that twists and turns all the way to the end will get a kick out of this series.
Thanks for reading!
Diana Hunter Book
- Mystery Series - Crime Thrillers - Cozy Mysteries - Women Sleuths - Hard-Boiled Mysteries
Alison Golden is the USA Today bestselling author of the Inspector David Graham mysteries, a traditional British detective series, and two cozy mystery series featuring main characters Reverend Annabelle Dixon and Roxy Reinhardt. As A. J. Golden, she writes the Diana Hunter thriller series.
Alison was raised in Bedfordshire, England. Her aim is to write stories that are designed to entertain, amuse, and calm. Her approach is to combine creative ideas with excellent writing and edit, edit, edit. Alison’s mission is simple: To write excellent books that have readers clamoring for more.
Alison is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and twin sons. She splits her time between London and San Francisco.
To receive three free books, updates about new releases, exclusive promotions, and other insider information, sign up at: http://www.alisongolden.com.
This novella is a prequel to the Diana Hunter series and fills the reader in on the early life of Diana and what led her to make the decision to become an investigator. The story was enjoyable but felt disjointed in the flow of the plot. A part would be particularly gripping .... then there would be a big gap of time that slowed the pace down significantly. I have the next book in the Diana Hunter series to read & I'm hoping that one is better because I love Alison Golden's other series, she's one of my favourite new authors.
Alison Golden’s novella, Hunted, sets up some fascinating characters and a very haunting mystery. By the end I’m unsure if it’s the character or the mystery that will drive the rest of the series, but I’m certainly intrigued. Diana Hunter will certainly be a great protagonist—intelligent, driven, wounded, and fiercely determined. But will she learn what happened in the past, or will that just be the agony that drives her on?
For myself, I finished reading with lots of guesses about Diana Hunter’s past, and lots of ideas about her mystery, but no resolution. And maybe that’s good. If I read further, I might learn more. And if I don’t, I’ve exercised my brain while enjoying a cool, fast-moving story, with great characters, some wonderful scenes (especially where Dad decides he can trust his daughter’s friend), nice humor, and lots of pathos.
Sure, I would have liked more resolution—some mystery solved, even if not everything. But I’m guessing the series will lead to more resolution, and I recommend this to people who love series, great characters, dark mystery, action and adventure, especially if they don’t mind getting another book (or waiting for one) to learn more.
Disclosure: I was given a copy and I freely offer my honest review.
This is a mystery without a solution... A note to the author - that is extremely irritating and a major let down. Narration is good. I wish I had a bestie like Teddy, albiet, who was straight. I sure hope Ms Golden provides the solution further in the series.
“Hunted” tells the story of Lydia, a loving wife/mother; John, an overprotective father/homicide detective, and their brilliant square-peg-in-a-round-hole genius daughter, Diana. Lydia dies under suspicious circumstances that will test the family’s bonds and set Diana on a course that changes her life.
This is the prequel novella to the Diana Hunter mystery series, which the author describes as “hard-boiled with some romantic tension, suspense and thriller action to keep things interesting!” It’s an eight-chapter introduction to Diana, what haunts her, what drives her, motivates her. Normally, novellas irritate me, because I feel cheated, but I got caught up in this one from the get-go. I liked the relationships between Lydia, John, and Diana, and between Diana and Teddy, a gay kid who got tired of being bullied and morphed into Diana’s protector/BFF/chosen brother.
Watching John and Diana cope with the aftermath of Lydia’s death was compelling, and I quickly became attached to them. And everyone needs a best friend like Teddy, someone to haul them out of danger and give them a safe place to fall. The story ends on a cliffhanger, with Diana contacting the Canadian Security Investigative Service in hopes of getting a job, which she previously turned down. I don’t know whether that gets carried into the first full-length novel, but it’s an intriguing place for Diana to possibly land, given her brilliance.
I liked this enough that I purchased book 1 in the series so I can check out the next adventure.
A great opening to Diane Hunter and the series of books based on this intellectual detective. In the first chapter the author pulls you in and you love Diane’s family. In the second chapter you suffer tragedy and heartache. But it does not end there. As you read through the rest of the story you learn how resilient Diane can be and how she handles herself. I am certain that this series of mysteries will be worthy of a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow! ...wish this wasn't just a prequel .....because now I need to know what really happened to Diana's family and her father's police partner......Excellent story telling and great characters as well .Everyone should have a friend like Teddy !....I really need to read the rest of the series and you will too once you start it.Totally addictive👍👍
A very hard hitting background info piece that fills in what happened to lead to the death of both of Diana's parents, as well as her honorary Uncle Liam, her father's homicide detective partner and CO.
She also devastatingly separates herself from Teddy, her gay best friend, in a probably misguided attempt to keep him safe from whomever left her a note and photos , threatening to hunt down Teddy like the rest of her slain family.
Diane turning to the CSIS seemed like a logical use of resources left to her.
Confusing were the included excerpts from the next book in the series, wherein she describes herself as a Magazine Editor. Odd non sequitur.
She is an intriguing, strong female character with allegedly genius level intelligence.
Just not sure how this Di fits in with the rest of the series.
Staying tuned for book two, which I had downloaded before book 1 but not yet read.
All my reviews are voluntary. I own both advanced read and purchased copies of books in this series. I also own several Alison Golden cozy mysteries - a very different type of mystery fun, not like the complicated action packed storyline of the Diana Hunter mysteries, which seem to have a darker, more biting edge.
Both stories describe violence, but dwell more on the import and impact of events and people- not about the blood or gore that a murder might involve. More about what and who is left behind, and how the survivors deal with tragedy, what next and each other.
I just pulled up Snatched for the next Diana Hunter story. Hope you enjoy it too!
Lydia Hunter has committed suicide…at least that was the official determination.
Why would Lydia take her own life? She was Head Nurse at Mercy General Hospital in Vancouver and saw death on a daily basis. She had never exhibited any signs of depression. For this reason. her husband, John Hunter, a Homicide Detective with Vancouver PD questions the official finding.
Lydia’s daughter Diana is in the nearby University and is doing quite well. As an only child, she and her parents have always been close. When John notices a cryptic paragraph in his wife’s suicide note, he realizes that she was, in fact, murdered.
Will John be able to discover what really happened to his wife? Will Diana ever understand why her mother was taken from her? Where will Diana's future lead her?
This novella (prequel) evokes strong emotions, always an indication of a well written book.
The book contains no graphic sex, or violence, but has emotional situations that one can easily relate to.
I would recommend this book to anybody who has felt like an outsider at one time or another.
Diana Hunter's genesis as a CSIS agent in Vancouver, following the murder of her parents comes to pass, in this smart, well-paced novella from the pen of the talented author Alison Golden. Although termed a 'cozy mystery', Diana's burgeoning career follows the apparent suicide of her mother Lydia - which is greeted with disbelief by the whole family.
What shocking event takes place without the family's consent? Why does Diana now believe her Mom was murdered? Who is Teddy - and what does he worry is happening to his friend? Why does Teddy get a call from Diana and why does he have to go to her sorority dorm? What terrible event makes Diana agree to a career change? Who does she get a deadly warning from?
Ms Golden's intelligent plot and suspenseful scene-building and character development will keep the eager fan of murder-mysteries with a feisty female protagonist turning pages and waiting impatiently for further offerings in the Diana Hunter series...it's a winner!
The prequel for Alison Golden's Diana Hunter Mysteries is without a doubt the best prequel I have ever read!
In Hunted the reader is given an opportunity to learn about the life and notable events that Golden has chosen to serve as the bits of clay that when molded into a single fictional form become Diana Hunter. Sounds a bit cheesy, I know, but honestly its the best description I can come up with!
Even before moving forward in the series the reader understands how the protaganist's past struggles have impacted her life. We know what makes her tick, so to speak. Character development typically evolves slowly across two or more books but Golden has brilliantly used the prequel to bring her heroine to life.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Lydia Hunter (wife/mother, head nurse), & Detective John Hunter (49, husband/father, Vancouver PD homicide) were sad to see their daughter Diana Hunter (genius, biotech, CS) leaving/going off to college. Fast forward. Detective Liam Gregson (Vancouver PD homicide partner/BMF) had some horrible news for Detective Hunter. Lydia had committed suicide. Teddy Van Alst (gay, Diana’s BMF, CS) drove Diana (medical) back to her home town. Detective Nico Stavros had been assigned to the Hunter case. A note from her had been left. UBC’s Botanical Garden & Centre for Plant Research. What were Stewart Duvall (Canadian Security Intelligence Service CSIS), & Kieran Black (25+, Canadian Security Intelligence Service CSIS) taking to Diana about?
What news did Superintendent Steven Michaels (Vancouver PD) have for Diana?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Mesa Verde Publishing; Bookfunnel; Author; PDF book Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
This is an extremely interesting short novella. Lydia is a loving and caring mother. She’s a devoted wife to husband John. She is a nurse at the local hospital. Their daughter, Diana, is a genius and doesn’t fit in that well. However she loves her mother and father dearly. Diana is about to leave home for college. She has been gone for a while when her father shows up at her dorm unexpectedly. He is a detective with the local PD. He has come to tell Diana that her mother has been found in a room for the staff to rest during shifts. Lydia has been found with a needle in her arm. She’s pronounced dead by suicide at the scene. Neither John nor Diana can believe this to be true. Can they prove that it wasn’t suicide or not?
Hunted is an intriguing prequel to the Diana Hunter series and left me anxious to read the rest of the series. Diana is a genius with a close knit family and friends until one day her mother turns up dead. It is labeled a suicide but her father, a cop, cannot accept that and so the mystery begins. While this is not a complete mystery as it is not solved it does do a great job of setting up how and why Diana truly becomes a hunter. The back stories and flips between how Diana and her father handle their lives was great as it gave the reader an insight into each character and even more insight into the victim, Lydia. I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review of the book.
When Diana Hunter learns that her mother committed suicide, she started to implode and not care about anything. When she learns it was actually murder, she helps to set about finding who killed her and made it look like a suicide. When her father and his partner are also killed checking out a clue they had found. Diana separates herself from her one true friend, and sets out to find her parents killers on her own.
This is the prequel book to the Diana Hunter series. Alison writes with a style and finesse that keeps you glued to the story, even when you should already be in bed because of work.
This is a prequel to the Diana Hunter series. There are three books that have been released previously. I have not read any of the books. This book tells the story of how Diana Hunter lost both her parents and became a crack crime fighter. She is a genius and uses her brain and observation skills to "see" what other people don't. She doesn't trust the local police department so when an agency offers her a job helping others at the end of this book she accepts. No graphic sex or abnormal violence, these books can be enjoyed by all. Fans of this series will be excited to have all this back information. New readers will have lots in insight to the book Snatched.
Diana Hunter is living the good life: she has a high intellect, advancing her education ahead of her contemporaries; her parents are loving, caring, and happy; her father is a policeman and her mother is a nurse.. In Hunted her life changes. The police find her mother dead ruled a suicide. This does not seem likely to her father, but he cannot conduct an investigation due to the ruling. Diana forces her way into her father's efforts to find the real cause of her mother's death. The story moves along nicely but ends abruptly after introducing the characters and setting up the follow-on series.
This is a really good layout for the stories to follow. It gives you an idea of where Diana is coming from and what has happened in her life & to the people she loved. Diana is going off to school at the age of 16. Three years later Lydia her mother is found dead, she committed suicide. John learns Lydia has been cremated in error and no one can answer why. A few months later John realizes Lydia didn’t commit suicide and he and Liam start to investigate. Diana is going off the deep end over her mother’s death until her dad tells her what he suspects and she and Teddy get involved. Teddy finds a lead John & Liam go to investigate she’s notified they are both dead.
This prequel is quite a good background story on Diana Hunter. Though I do not quite agree with her way of coping with her grief (by self~destruction) after knowing about her mother's apparent suicide because such a view maybe due to differences in culture and race. We in the East or Orient are more fatalistic when it comes to Death. I am guessing that those who are trying to recruit Diana in their organization are the ones killing~off her loved ones to cut~off any emotional bonds and whatever other connections she may still have with other people (and places, if any). Given her genius and what she may yet be capable of, they want Complete control of her and her abilities.
This storyline gripped me from the first. The 'suicide' of Lydia brought up several emotions I thought resolved. I think because of the personal connection I got more invoved with the characters than normal. The book needs fleshing out, too many deadends and unasked questions. I have read several of Ms Golden's books so am surprised this wasn't better, more detailed as far as plot. However, this is a prequel so maybe that's the format for these types of stories. It does make me want to find out what happens to Diana. As one review stated, the purpose of this book was to sell the next. In that case it worked.
Lydia Hunter is Diana's Mother John her Dad is a Homicide Detective he is very over protective. So when Lydia suddenly is found dead at her work place , Diana and John lose he the love of his life and Diana her Mother. The Police rule it a suicide but events don't add up. John and Diana suspect something isn't right.John uncovers a lot of shady doing's regarding Lydia's death and with the help of his partner he goes on a mission to find out what really happened. Lot's of twists to this story . A very suspenseful read.
I read a lot of cozy mysteries and usually stay away from thriller type books, because I like to sleep at night. Yes, I'm a scaredy cat. But now that I've read Hunted, I am hooked. I have the entire series so far, thanks to the author, Alison Golden. There is so much intrigue, with twists that I didn't see coming and maybe one that I did. Now I need to read the next book to see where it takes Diana Hunter, yes there seems to be a cliffhanger. Great, quick, addictive read.
Alison Golden, I hate you right now. I was reading "Hunted" and turned the page, and it was finished. I was on the edge of my seat and then poof done. This was the best cliffhanger ever. Now I'm going to have to get the next book. To see what happens. You did an awesome job of getting the reader (me) really wrapped up in the story. I haven't read a cliffhanger like that ever, I don't think. You did a fabulous job and would recommend this to everyone. But, i will leave the cliffhanger out. Then that way I won't be the only one frustrated. 🫠🫠. Great job. Cheers Lynn🇨🇦
The level of detail and background information in this book is the best thing of it. You really get a chance to see all sides of the characters. An outstanding mystery series opener and "prequel" a must read for any mystery lover. I enjoyed it completely Diana. Teddy are great together. And Diana's sleuthing ability is beyond any other. Get it today it will amaze you and make you ask the question who and why did all.
Some Kindle Unlimited, some freebies some freebies for signing up, With the Diana Hunter ones too short and no resolution at ends, Reverend Annabelle major plausibility issues etc, Inspector Graham is not the usual British mystery of at least some clues here and there and his attitude is rather unlikeable overall.
Diana Hunter Mystery - Hunted 1 - Snatched 2 - Stolen 3 Reverend Annabelle Dixon Cozy Mystery - Death at the Café 1 - Murder at the Mansion 2 - Body in the Woods 3 - Grave in the Garage 4 Inspector David Graham Cozy Mystery The Case of the Screaming Beauty1 - The Case of the Hidden Flame 2 - The Case of the Fallen Hero 3 - The Case of the Broken Doll 4
What happened to Diana Hunter's parents? Who is responsible for their untimely death? I can't wait to read the next segment in this mysterious tale. If Hunted is any indication, I won't be disappointed. I think this well written start of the Diana Hunter mystery is a great way to spend a rainy day. I am ready to delve into the case and explore any and all clues our heroine finds.
Diane going to live on campus, and only sixteen. She was a genius, logical and highly motivated. Then suicide or murder of her mother, and she spiraled downward. A friend Teddy helps but not enough, and a mishap happens. The husband is haunted by a line in the suicide note , and knows it was murder. This is a prequel to the series, and those can be read in any order. Good series, as all of her series are.
Hunted is the beginning of the Diana Hunter Mysteries. I am definitely reading more. Alison Golden warns the reader that there won't be a satisfying conclusion to this first book. Hence I am not unhappy about how this book ended. I am intrigued. If we never get a solution, I may change my mind; time will tell. Right now, I am entertained by the puzzles.
Diana Hunter is a super genius. In this prequel to the remainder of the series you will get to know the genuine characters the author has created. With a genius teenager as the main character, you will be shocked by what takes place in this time of her life.
You won’t want to put it down! I’ve stayed up to the wee hours to finish the book in one session. I look forward to reading the remainder of the series.
This is a great mystery! It was full of suspense, with characters that are easy to like. Both the main character and her charming parents. It's the first of Diana Hunter's Hunted series that I've read, but now I want to read all of them. If you're looking for a great mystery to read- check this one out.
I am glad I was told this novella is really a setup for this series. I found the story very interesting and I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other. I can't wait to read more in this series. But if I had thought this was a stand alone story I would have been very disappointed. I was gifted this book with the promise I would leave an honest review.