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Craig Hunter Police Thriller #2
The Hunted
Continuing the new series from the bestselling author of the DI Fenchurch and the Detective Scott Cullen Scottish crime novels.
DC Craig Hunter of Police Scotland's Sexual Offences Unit. Ex-Army. Back doing the work that drives him, that makes a difference.
Private Sean Tulloch. Squaddie. Monster. He charms women. Moves in, dominates them, abuses them. Under investigation by the Sexual Offences Unit and the Royal Military Police, his partner Paisley Sanderson receives a threat. Soon she's in hospital and Tulloch is in the wind.
Now, Hunter and DS Chantal Jain must hunt Tulloch down before he can strike again. Where is he? How did he know they were investigating him? A simple trip to Portugal soon grows out of control. Will Hunter take down Tulloch before his already horrific crimes escalate? Are the Army Police really on their side? Is DI Bruce really hunting a missing child or do his intentions lie closer to Chantal? Can Hunter and Chantal overcome their very different but very similar demons? And, in Sean Tulloch, has Hunter finally met his match?
HUNTED is a fast-paced police procedural, full of action and suspense that will grip you until its breathless conclusion.
DC Craig Hunter of Police Scotland's Sexual Offences Unit. Ex-Army. Back doing the work that drives him, that makes a difference.
Private Sean Tulloch. Squaddie. Monster. He charms women. Moves in, dominates them, abuses them. Under investigation by the Sexual Offences Unit and the Royal Military Police, his partner Paisley Sanderson receives a threat. Soon she's in hospital and Tulloch is in the wind.
Now, Hunter and DS Chantal Jain must hunt Tulloch down before he can strike again. Where is he? How did he know they were investigating him? A simple trip to Portugal soon grows out of control. Will Hunter take down Tulloch before his already horrific crimes escalate? Are the Army Police really on their side? Is DI Bruce really hunting a missing child or do his intentions lie closer to Chantal? Can Hunter and Chantal overcome their very different but very similar demons? And, in Sean Tulloch, has Hunter finally met his match?
HUNTED is a fast-paced police procedural, full of action and suspense that will grip you until its breathless conclusion.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2017
274 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 26, 2017
Very disappointed in this book, as I have enjoyed all his other books. The second book featuring ex-Squaddie DC Craig Hunter in a case of multiple domestic abuse and rape, Hunter and his boss and lover, DS Chantal Jain fly out to Portugal, where the plot moves very slowly indeed, almost repetitive in places and displays them both as incompetent, unprofessional, naive and ineffective. The story retains the colloquial banter between colleagues that characterise his other Scottish based novels, but has no pace at all. I did not enjoy the device of putting Jain's and Hunter's thoughts in italics. However, I see that his third DI Fenchurch book is now available, and I will read that.
March 7, 2017
Sean Tulloch is a really bad guy. Tulloch is not only a serial rapist, but he enjoys assaulting his victims into the hospital. DC Craig Hunter and partner DS Chantal Jain are hot on the Tulloch trail. "Hunted", (Craig Hunter #2) from author Ed James is a fast paced thriller with plenty of suspense creating a page turning intense yarn. Paisley Sanderson, Tulloch's most recent victim is in the hospital and the team of Hunter and Jain need to get him off the street. Working for DI Sharon McNeill, Hunter and Jain must also conceal their romantic relationship. Although Craig and Chantal's personal lives are the talk of the squad room. Army Captain Brian Rollo-Smith arrives at the precinct headquarters looking for his private gone astray of the law, Sean Tulloch. Hunter wants no part of informing Rollo-Smith of current whereabouts of Tulloch. This is a criminal matter for the Police of Scotland and not the Army. Unfortunately For Hunter and Jain their suspect has fled the country to Portugal. DI McNeill is very hesitant about sending the pair to Portugal since their police powers would be nil. However Hunter talks McNeill into giving the partners a three day trip to Portugal to locate Tulloch and turn him over to local authorities for arrest. Hunter and Jain are told to cooperate with local police and do nothing more. However the pair touch down in Portugal and immediately begin a three day adventure chasing bad guys and give the local police a monster headache. A former partner of Hunter, Finlay Sinclair has retired to Portugal and keeps making a nuisance of himself butting into the Tulloch investigation. Inspector Joao Quaresma of Portugal has the task of working with Hunter and Jain. Needless to say he's disgusted with the pair pretty quickly. Quaresma is trying to push all his available resources into the "Harry Jack" missing person case from Scotland. Harry Jack is a kidnapped missing little boy who has captivated the public's eye for news. The Jack case is the hot story in all the newspapers in Scotland and Portugal. Sightings of Harry keep popping up. As Hunter and Jain rumble their way through Portugal and back to Scotland in pursuit of Tulloch they make enemies everywhere they seem to be. In a very quickly moving plot that touches on PTSD and child abuse as underlying parts to primary story of rape, domestic abuse, and kidnapping Hunter and Jain certainly have their hands full. Also making an appearance is Scott Cullen, author Ed James preeminent character in his own series. Hunter has an immense dislike for Cullen and is hard pressed having to pair up with him. With an explosive ending this high octane thriller was difficult to put down. At just over 420 pages I read this book in just three sittings. As with all of author Ed James thrillers the sometimes the oddball and amazing characters make the book. I thought this second Hunter book was better than the first of the series. All three of author Ed James primary series are outstanding reading. (Scott Cullen- Simon Fenchurch- Craig Hunter) "Hunted" is a do not miss read for sure. Five stars out of a possible five stars for author Ed James, "Hunted". Hopefully soon Mr. James will be bringing out a new Scott Cullen. I'll also be waiting for another Craig James vehicle. Do not miss!
June 22, 2023
What a piece of trash! I was travelling and read the first Craig Hunter book and then foolishly tried the second. Not sure if Ed James is trying out a comedic style but his protagonist is a clingy, self-centred idiot intent on ripping his pants, flailing around in excrement and garbage, finding only too tight
replacements to show off his bulging….thighs! The storyline in The Hunted is mostly set in Portugal and intent on showing how inept the local police are, how “squaddies” are drunks and rapists, and how perfect Hunter’s sarge Chantal is compared to all the hens having fun. Not sure about you but when I was working I abstained from alcohol. Not Hunter and Chantal. God help the Scottish Police Services if these two are representatives. Thankfully I read the book on Kindle Unlimited so was not ripped off with a purchase.
replacements to show off his bulging….thighs! The storyline in The Hunted is mostly set in Portugal and intent on showing how inept the local police are, how “squaddies” are drunks and rapists, and how perfect Hunter’s sarge Chantal is compared to all the hens having fun. Not sure about you but when I was working I abstained from alcohol. Not Hunter and Chantal. God help the Scottish Police Services if these two are representatives. Thankfully I read the book on Kindle Unlimited so was not ripped off with a purchase.
February 12, 2024
This was a tightly written and couldn't put it down - The way that Hunter and Chantal are written is great reading and well developed!
Why I rated this a 3 and not higher were that the things that they were doing when overseas jumped the shark for me and I could not rationalise their actions with someone who is supposedly on a mission and their decision making is questionable at best. I felt that this was like reading an episode of NCIS or Chicago PD where actions have minimal or no repercussions for the lead characters.
Overall I still enjoyed the book and will continue to read these as they are great page burners.
Why I rated this a 3 and not higher were that the things that they were doing when overseas jumped the shark for me and I could not rationalise their actions with someone who is supposedly on a mission and their decision making is questionable at best. I felt that this was like reading an episode of NCIS or Chicago PD where actions have minimal or no repercussions for the lead characters.
Overall I still enjoyed the book and will continue to read these as they are great page burners.
February 27, 2019
Disappointing. Story dragged in the middle with several pages spent on Chantal and Craig drinking in various bars, during which time the suspect is an elusive figure who can't be found.
We don't really get to know Hunter as a protagonist except for the fact that he has flashbacks triggered by the smell of bacon and that he's sensitive about the size of his d**k. The latter point being repeated so many times that I began to wonder if Ed James was going through a similar personal doubt at the time.
We don't really get to know Hunter as a protagonist except for the fact that he has flashbacks triggered by the smell of bacon and that he's sensitive about the size of his d**k. The latter point being repeated so many times that I began to wonder if Ed James was going through a similar personal doubt at the time.
October 30, 2017
I will be totally honest here, I am a huge fan of Ed James’s work, right the way across all of his characters. DC Hunter has a different background to the others & it really shows through in the writing. This was a very graphic storyline with a thoroughly evil perpetrator, you really found yourself rooting for Craig & Chantel, willing them past the numerous obstacles put in their paths. I eagerly look forward to the next in this series (or anything from the others).
Read
May 24, 2025ADC Craig Hunter and DS Chantal Jain are working together in the Sexual Offences unit while trying to keep their relationship a secret. Although their boss Sharon has worked it out.
They are investigating and trying to arrest a serving soldier, SeanTulloch, who has committed serious DV against many former partners and managed to attack the latest one, Paisley, who was co-operating with the police (despite police officers guarding her flat) before escaping to Portugal.
When the request to keep the plane at the airport in Scotland is bungled, Craig and Chantal are sent to Portugal to pick Tullock up from the airport. The Portuguese police don't arrest him and so Craig and Chantal spend a couple of days undercover at the place where Tulloch is staying with his army mates.
Both experience strong flashbacks related to their PTSD. The Portuguese police are obstructive rather than helpful and the pair are unable to stop Tulloch drugging and raping women. The army's MP are also involved and Craig's experience of them when he was a soldier makes him believe they are more interested in a cover up than a conviction.
Craig's old partner Finlay gets involved but that doesn't go well and despite their best efforts Tulloch gets on a plane to Newcastle and goes to finish off Paisley.
They are investigating and trying to arrest a serving soldier, SeanTulloch, who has committed serious DV against many former partners and managed to attack the latest one, Paisley, who was co-operating with the police (despite police officers guarding her flat) before escaping to Portugal.
When the request to keep the plane at the airport in Scotland is bungled, Craig and Chantal are sent to Portugal to pick Tullock up from the airport. The Portuguese police don't arrest him and so Craig and Chantal spend a couple of days undercover at the place where Tulloch is staying with his army mates.
Both experience strong flashbacks related to their PTSD. The Portuguese police are obstructive rather than helpful and the pair are unable to stop Tulloch drugging and raping women. The army's MP are also involved and Craig's experience of them when he was a soldier makes him believe they are more interested in a cover up than a conviction.
Craig's old partner Finlay gets involved but that doesn't go well and despite their best efforts Tulloch gets on a plane to Newcastle and goes to finish off Paisley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2020
I thought this was a good book. It has many of the same characters is the Scott Collen books. It is before Heroes and Villains and possibly before the previous book in that series. It is much more clearly written than Heroes and Villains. No explanation was given as how Craig Hunter became part of the sexual offenses unit. The murder in this book, as in the previous one in this series, was essentially incidental to the story. The middle of the book was the best part.
October 14, 2024
I’m afraid this was not one of James best books. It starts well with a serial abuser of women being hunted. However Hunter and partner Chantal head off (in a highly unlikely scenario given how junior they both are) to Portugal to try to capture the criminal who has evaded them. This is followed by Far too much repetitive drunken fighting from Hunter, with no planning or police protocol. There is tedious unnecessary description of Chantal and a hen party getting drunk, and Hunter hanging out with squaddies and getting in fights. Not surprising that they get on the wrong side of their Portugueses colleague, who has other fish to fry.
Coupled with the pair of them futilely protesting their innocence to everyone while carrying on an obvious affair, the whole thing is pretty much a disaster zone, both in terms of catching the evasive Sean and keeping the reader interested.
At the best Hunter was out of control in this book and should probably be sacked if this was IRL.
Sorry but too much telling, not enough showing and too much repetitive nonsense and police officers beating people up going on.
Coupled with the pair of them futilely protesting their innocence to everyone while carrying on an obvious affair, the whole thing is pretty much a disaster zone, both in terms of catching the evasive Sean and keeping the reader interested.
At the best Hunter was out of control in this book and should probably be sacked if this was IRL.
Sorry but too much telling, not enough showing and too much repetitive nonsense and police officers beating people up going on.
May 10, 2017
Excellent Title for this fast paced book!
I'm a big Ed James fan from his Cullen series - but the Craig Hunter books may become my favorites - though they could easily be called the Chantal Jain series also. Sensitive topics of abuse victims, PTSD, and the challenges of survivors are addressed with care and believability.
I'm a big Ed James fan from his Cullen series - but the Craig Hunter books may become my favorites - though they could easily be called the Chantal Jain series also. Sensitive topics of abuse victims, PTSD, and the challenges of survivors are addressed with care and believability.
January 22, 2019
Disapointed
I was very sad at the way both soldiers in general and The RMP in particular were portrayed. I would suggest that Mr James do a bit of research into The RMP in particular and find out exactly what is expected of them both at home and in conflict I speak as the mother and mother in law of RMP non coms who are serving their country
I was very sad at the way both soldiers in general and The RMP in particular were portrayed. I would suggest that Mr James do a bit of research into The RMP in particular and find out exactly what is expected of them both at home and in conflict I speak as the mother and mother in law of RMP non coms who are serving their country
December 11, 2019
What was that?
What genre is it?
Boy friend and girl friend set off for a few days in warmer climes. They discuss to an extent their relationship and return home more committed to each other. And a touching parallel that their cats have bonded while brought together in the care of a friend. So? A romance?
Well no. The trip abroad is meant to be a manhunt. Only every time they get close and very close he slips away. So a crime thriller?
Probably but why all the comic episodes that continue from book 1 about Hunter and trousers or Hunter getting covered in anything obnoxious?
Certainly not a comedy.
And female sergeant meets male constable is exactly his format for Scott Cullen books without all the flashbacks which now involve Chantal. And we still get Cullen at the end and Sharon in the background throughout. Even Fenchurch gets a mention only no name can be remembered.
A bit too laboured.
What genre is it?
Boy friend and girl friend set off for a few days in warmer climes. They discuss to an extent their relationship and return home more committed to each other. And a touching parallel that their cats have bonded while brought together in the care of a friend. So? A romance?
Well no. The trip abroad is meant to be a manhunt. Only every time they get close and very close he slips away. So a crime thriller?
Probably but why all the comic episodes that continue from book 1 about Hunter and trousers or Hunter getting covered in anything obnoxious?
Certainly not a comedy.
And female sergeant meets male constable is exactly his format for Scott Cullen books without all the flashbacks which now involve Chantal. And we still get Cullen at the end and Sharon in the background throughout. Even Fenchurch gets a mention only no name can be remembered.
A bit too laboured.
December 1, 2025
Bit of a rugby tale
It was an unbelievable story, not the sort of thing you'd get away with when I was doing National Service in the late 1940's. Surely things haven't changed that much. I know the pay is much better, but, surely the swaddies NOT SQUADDIES!! Never used in my days. Sounds like something from America!)
It was an unbelievable story, not the sort of thing you'd get away with when I was doing National Service in the late 1940's. Surely things haven't changed that much. I know the pay is much better, but, surely the swaddies NOT SQUADDIES!! Never used in my days. Sounds like something from America!)
June 8, 2017
A good read
Ed James doesn't disappoint with the Craig Hunter series. This book kept me wanting to read more. Craig Hunter character is developing into a risk taker. This book has plenty of plots that keeps u reading.
Ed James doesn't disappoint with the Craig Hunter series. This book kept me wanting to read more. Craig Hunter character is developing into a risk taker. This book has plenty of plots that keeps u reading.
August 11, 2017
Great storyline.
Would have given this book a higher score if there was one.
Constant page turner, D.C. Hunter is a strong but damaged character, who is believable and has found love with his boss. Complex situation which ensures you want them to win.
Would have given this book a higher score if there was one.
Constant page turner, D.C. Hunter is a strong but damaged character, who is believable and has found love with his boss. Complex situation which ensures you want them to win.
September 19, 2017
Not his best
I have gjven his other books 5*, however this one really dragged in the middle. Thought I wouldn't be able to finish the book, but I'm glad I did as it was back to normal high standard at the end.
I have gjven his other books 5*, however this one really dragged in the middle. Thought I wouldn't be able to finish the book, but I'm glad I did as it was back to normal high standard at the end.
January 29, 2020
Excellent follow up
A fast paced story that fluctuates between Scotland, Portugal and Newcastle. Craig and Chantal face the twin problems of their case and their personal relationship. A gritty story that keeps you turning the pages late into the night!
A fast paced story that fluctuates between Scotland, Portugal and Newcastle. Craig and Chantal face the twin problems of their case and their personal relationship. A gritty story that keeps you turning the pages late into the night!
November 19, 2024
the Hunted. Ed James
Thrills, suspense, intrigue, and pure brutality. Big guys, Army guys, trained thugs. Rape repeatedly, spiked drinks, bullish crap. While on holiday. Running from Police Scotland. Who gets these bar stewards.
Thrills, suspense, intrigue, and pure brutality. Big guys, Army guys, trained thugs. Rape repeatedly, spiked drinks, bullish crap. While on holiday. Running from Police Scotland. Who gets these bar stewards.
March 14, 2017
Another great book by Ed James
September 25, 2019
Another amazing novel! Each page is a head turner
April 13, 2020
Great read brutal and good in even doses .Brilliant story line looking forward to reading The Black Isle.
Read
May 25, 2020This is the first Ed James book I have not enjoyed. I thought it was dreadful. The whole story in Portugal just dragged. Felt most of this book was just padded out to make it a full book. Awful.
July 11, 2020
An interesting crime book with many damaged characters.
November 11, 2020
i just got fed up of all the paggering.
February 1, 2021
A good read
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. I especially enjoyed the parts when they recall the past. I am now looking forward to the the next in the series
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. I especially enjoyed the parts when they recall the past. I am now looking forward to the the next in the series
May 24, 2021
A 3.5 to 4 rating from me.
April 15, 2020
This was better than the first, still not to the standard I expect from Ed James. He is one of my favourite authors, still I am reading the 3rd in the series.
March 7, 2017
A good read
Maybe not for the faint hearted but definitely a good read with interesting characters and a strong plot. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Maybe not for the faint hearted but definitely a good read with interesting characters and a strong plot. Looking forward to the next in the series.
October 19, 2019
I have r'ead most of Ed James's work. All the Fenchurch and Scott Cullen stories and I enjoyed them all. So I was very pleased to learn of his latest writing, ,the Craig Hunter tales. Missing was a good start to hopefully an enjoyable series. Hunted ,however,for me was not a good read.
I felt the plot was thin, all the chasing about home and abroad after the suspect, Now you see him ,now you don't.
The scenes painted in Portugal were sleazy , and depressing. The Portuguese ,the Scottish police, British soldiers and tourists were shown in very bad light.
I did not like the crude sexual banter between Craig and Chantal. There was more balls and clocks in this book than a plumber might see in a year. As for shiite ,the story was full of it. That said it all.
I felt the plot was thin, all the chasing about home and abroad after the suspect, Now you see him ,now you don't.
The scenes painted in Portugal were sleazy , and depressing. The Portuguese ,the Scottish police, British soldiers and tourists were shown in very bad light.
I did not like the crude sexual banter between Craig and Chantal. There was more balls and clocks in this book than a plumber might see in a year. As for shiite ,the story was full of it. That said it all.
January 26, 2021
So good!!
Heavy subject, but dealt with very well..PTSD and Domestic Violence..Lots of action and some twists I didn't see coming. Looking forward to the next book.
Heavy subject, but dealt with very well..PTSD and Domestic Violence..Lots of action and some twists I didn't see coming. Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews