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The Red Hunter
What is the difference between justice and revenge? In this “heart-stopping thriller” (Publishers Weekly) with “plenty of action” (Kirkus Reviews) by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger, two wronged women on very different paths find themselves in the same dark place…
Claudia Bishop’s perfect life fell apart when the aftermath of a brutal assault left her with a crumbling marriage, a newborn daughter, and a constant sense of anxiety about the world around her. Now, looking for a fresh start with a home restoration project and growing blog, Claudia takes on a crumbling old house—one that unbeknownst to her has an ugly history and may hide long buried secrets.
For Zoey Drake the defining moment of her childhood was the horrific home invasion murder of her parents. Years later, she has embraced the rage that fuels her. Training in the martial arts has made her strong and ready to face the demons from the past—and within.
Strangers to each other, and walking very different paths in the wake of trauma, these two women are on a collision course—because Zoey’s past nightmare and Claudia’s dreams for her future take place in the very same house. As Zoey seeks justice, and Claudia seeks peace, both will confront the monsters at the door that are the most frightening of all.
“The Red Hunter succeeds as a suspense novel on every level. It has a meticulously-woven plot, multi-layered characters, and the irony most desired by storytellers: Where the reader can’t wait to see how it ends, but then is remorseful when it does.” —Sandra Brown, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Claudia Bishop’s perfect life fell apart when the aftermath of a brutal assault left her with a crumbling marriage, a newborn daughter, and a constant sense of anxiety about the world around her. Now, looking for a fresh start with a home restoration project and growing blog, Claudia takes on a crumbling old house—one that unbeknownst to her has an ugly history and may hide long buried secrets.
For Zoey Drake the defining moment of her childhood was the horrific home invasion murder of her parents. Years later, she has embraced the rage that fuels her. Training in the martial arts has made her strong and ready to face the demons from the past—and within.
Strangers to each other, and walking very different paths in the wake of trauma, these two women are on a collision course—because Zoey’s past nightmare and Claudia’s dreams for her future take place in the very same house. As Zoey seeks justice, and Claudia seeks peace, both will confront the monsters at the door that are the most frightening of all.
“The Red Hunter succeeds as a suspense novel on every level. It has a meticulously-woven plot, multi-layered characters, and the irony most desired by storytellers: Where the reader can’t wait to see how it ends, but then is remorseful when it does.” —Sandra Brown, #1 New York Times bestselling author
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First published April 1, 2006
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About the author
Lisa Unger
51 books10.8k followersLisa Unger is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of twenty-three novels, including her upcoming release SERVED HIM RIGHT (March, 2026). With books published in thirty-three languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is regarded as a master of suspense.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 988 reviews
April 19, 2017
This is a read that I wanted to devour in one sitting, but I decided to savor instead. That decision may have been partially influenced by the fact that my parents flew in for their first visit to our new place and I had to soak up every second before they left again. Whatever the reason, I’m glad I didn’t just blow through The Red Hunter; while it had all the right elements of a time stealer, there are so many fine details I would have missed if I hadn’t taken my time getting to the end. If you’re like me, then Lisa Unger is an all time favorite writer and her books are always at the top of your TBR list. My absolute favorites are the ones featured in The Hollows, because you get to delve deeper with re-occuring characters, but I’m a fan of everything the woman has written. She’s a one-click author for many readers, myself included, and after finishing her latest work I can assure you that won’t be changing anytime soon.
“When you seek revenge, dig two graves. One of them for yourself.”
I’ll admit, I was partially worried going into this one; it’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a stand alone of Unger’s and I really love my Hollow peeps. I’m attached to that crew and heavily invested in their well being; what if I don’t have enough space in my heart to accept new characters to love and cherish? I need not have feared; I won’t doubt The Unger again. She’s a pro and she carried out this novel with her signature flare that no other writer seems to hold a candle in comparison to. The complex plot, the quirky characters that appear to have breath and come alive off the page, the pacing that starts with a steady beat and grows into a full-fledged crescendo, it was all there folks. There’s something so special when you find an author who can write an intriguing, suspenseful mystery without sacrificing some quality in their characterization.
The Red Hunter was a nice sub-genre mash-up; while it had small elements of a mysterious whodunnit, that wasn’t the main focus of the plot. Do not misunderstand what I’m saying; there are plenty of twists and turns to make this a thrilling read, but the main attraction is the weaving together of, not only multiple points of view, but multiple timelines as well. There is something so appealing about a layered plot with seemingly unrelated tales that end up tangled together so tightly that I wonder how I missed it in the first place. There are pieces you’ll spot right away and others you won’t; what’s wonderful about this book is how none of that matters. It’s such a delicious character study which delves into some deep issues* that at times you almost forget you’re reading “just another thriller”.
Even though it’s still early 2017, I’m considering this as one of my favorite books for the year end wrap up on the blog. I was completely lost in the story, the writing was excellent, and finally a RED COVER! I seem to not receive many covers that are red so this is exciting stuff here. If you are the type of suspense lover who only has time to read a few books per year, make this one of them. Lisa Unger has always lived up to the hype and you won’t find a more consistent and experienced author in the industry. If you enjoy a book that gives you a variety of slow and steady suspense mixed with action packed, thrilling scenes, add The Red Hunter to your TBR list; this may be your first read by The Unger but it certainly won’t be your last.
* There is a rape scene included early on and it is discussed throughout the narrative. While the scene itself is brief, it is graphic, and may not be suitable for readers struggling with these specific triggers. The discussions throughout the book following the scene are not graphic and pertain to the victim’s feelings.
**Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing my early copy; it was a pleasure to provide my honest thoughts here on the blog.
“When you seek revenge, dig two graves. One of them for yourself.”
I’ll admit, I was partially worried going into this one; it’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a stand alone of Unger’s and I really love my Hollow peeps. I’m attached to that crew and heavily invested in their well being; what if I don’t have enough space in my heart to accept new characters to love and cherish? I need not have feared; I won’t doubt The Unger again. She’s a pro and she carried out this novel with her signature flare that no other writer seems to hold a candle in comparison to. The complex plot, the quirky characters that appear to have breath and come alive off the page, the pacing that starts with a steady beat and grows into a full-fledged crescendo, it was all there folks. There’s something so special when you find an author who can write an intriguing, suspenseful mystery without sacrificing some quality in their characterization.
The Red Hunter was a nice sub-genre mash-up; while it had small elements of a mysterious whodunnit, that wasn’t the main focus of the plot. Do not misunderstand what I’m saying; there are plenty of twists and turns to make this a thrilling read, but the main attraction is the weaving together of, not only multiple points of view, but multiple timelines as well. There is something so appealing about a layered plot with seemingly unrelated tales that end up tangled together so tightly that I wonder how I missed it in the first place. There are pieces you’ll spot right away and others you won’t; what’s wonderful about this book is how none of that matters. It’s such a delicious character study which delves into some deep issues* that at times you almost forget you’re reading “just another thriller”.
Even though it’s still early 2017, I’m considering this as one of my favorite books for the year end wrap up on the blog. I was completely lost in the story, the writing was excellent, and finally a RED COVER! I seem to not receive many covers that are red so this is exciting stuff here. If you are the type of suspense lover who only has time to read a few books per year, make this one of them. Lisa Unger has always lived up to the hype and you won’t find a more consistent and experienced author in the industry. If you enjoy a book that gives you a variety of slow and steady suspense mixed with action packed, thrilling scenes, add The Red Hunter to your TBR list; this may be your first read by The Unger but it certainly won’t be your last.
* There is a rape scene included early on and it is discussed throughout the narrative. While the scene itself is brief, it is graphic, and may not be suitable for readers struggling with these specific triggers. The discussions throughout the book following the scene are not graphic and pertain to the victim’s feelings.
**Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing my early copy; it was a pleasure to provide my honest thoughts here on the blog.
December 2, 2024
I absolutely fell in love with that eye-catching book cover and title of this book and because of that I couldn’t wait to read this one. This was my very first introduction to a LISA UNGER novel.
"What is the difference between justice and revenge?" - Lisa Unger
THE RED HUNTER by LISA UNGER is an action-packed, steady-paced, tense, and suspenseful Psychological Thriller with a few twists and turns to keep you reading and guessing right to the very end. Although, this book was a little predictable and I had a good idea of how it was all going to playout there were still some surprising aspects to this story that did keep me intrigued right to the very end.
What made this such an intriguing read for me was the layered plot-line and the strong characters as sometimes it just doesn’t matter if I know whodunit (there was one surprise for me though) as I was so wrapped up in the characters lives and the issues that were going on within this story.
LISA UNGER delivers a vivid and easy read here with several enjoyable writing styles which is told in multiple points of view and timelines bringing together two separate stories that come together in the end. I did find it a little confusing at the start but once I figured out how the story was being delivered I found it easy to follow along with the storyline and all the characters involved.
Trigger Alert: There is a rape scene early on in the novel and is discussed throughout.
To sum it all up it was an entertaining, enjoyable, suspenseful, steady-paced, quick and easy read with a satisfying ending. Would recommend!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lisa Unger, and Touchstone for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
"What is the difference between justice and revenge?" - Lisa Unger
THE RED HUNTER by LISA UNGER is an action-packed, steady-paced, tense, and suspenseful Psychological Thriller with a few twists and turns to keep you reading and guessing right to the very end. Although, this book was a little predictable and I had a good idea of how it was all going to playout there were still some surprising aspects to this story that did keep me intrigued right to the very end.
What made this such an intriguing read for me was the layered plot-line and the strong characters as sometimes it just doesn’t matter if I know whodunit (there was one surprise for me though) as I was so wrapped up in the characters lives and the issues that were going on within this story.
LISA UNGER delivers a vivid and easy read here with several enjoyable writing styles which is told in multiple points of view and timelines bringing together two separate stories that come together in the end. I did find it a little confusing at the start but once I figured out how the story was being delivered I found it easy to follow along with the storyline and all the characters involved.
Trigger Alert: There is a rape scene early on in the novel and is discussed throughout.
To sum it all up it was an entertaining, enjoyable, suspenseful, steady-paced, quick and easy read with a satisfying ending. Would recommend!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lisa Unger, and Touchstone for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
June 14, 2017
*This is an audio version review*
4.5 Summer Thrillride Stars for "The Red Hunter" by Lisa Unger! I enjoyed every minute of it. This novel will grab you, toss your insides around and never let go!
Unger successfully weaves two characters stricken by tragedy with two different stories connected by one house! Zoey Drake's parents were killed 10 years ago. She turns her sadness and rage into martial arts and becomes a vigalante. Claudia Bishop was raped 15 years ago and becomes pregnant with her daughter, Raven. The same day she was raped she had been intimate with her husband. She never finds out who the father is and her marriage is never the same. She gets divorced, starts a blog, and moves out of New York City and into the house that was her father's. This same house is the one that Zoey lived in. The one Zoey's parents were killed in. That is where the connection begins and the story takes off.
I listened to the audio version. The narration is done by Julia Whelan. She's a phenomenal narrator. If you like audiobooks this is a hot one!!! The Audio gets the 5 Stars!
So why didn't I give the book the full 5 Stars? I thought about it, but because I figured out parts of the ending I deducted half a Star. Don't let that deduction deter you from this well written, character driven book. It was terrific!
Highly recommended for thriller/mystery lovers!
4.5 Summer Thrillride Stars for "The Red Hunter" by Lisa Unger! I enjoyed every minute of it. This novel will grab you, toss your insides around and never let go!
Unger successfully weaves two characters stricken by tragedy with two different stories connected by one house! Zoey Drake's parents were killed 10 years ago. She turns her sadness and rage into martial arts and becomes a vigalante. Claudia Bishop was raped 15 years ago and becomes pregnant with her daughter, Raven. The same day she was raped she had been intimate with her husband. She never finds out who the father is and her marriage is never the same. She gets divorced, starts a blog, and moves out of New York City and into the house that was her father's. This same house is the one that Zoey lived in. The one Zoey's parents were killed in. That is where the connection begins and the story takes off.
I listened to the audio version. The narration is done by Julia Whelan. She's a phenomenal narrator. If you like audiobooks this is a hot one!!! The Audio gets the 5 Stars!
So why didn't I give the book the full 5 Stars? I thought about it, but because I figured out parts of the ending I deducted half a Star. Don't let that deduction deter you from this well written, character driven book. It was terrific!
Highly recommended for thriller/mystery lovers!
April 22, 2017
4.5 Stars.
When someone destroys your life in the blink of an eye and takes away your own humanity, what avenue do you take? Do you make a choice to try and heal and move on, or do you channel all of your energy in the other direction and seek retribution? This is not an easy question to answer. And this is the crux of Lisa Unger's new Psychological Thriller and phenomenal standalone, The Red Hunter.
The main characters lives in this novel were completely destroyed by separate events. And both Claudia Bishop and Zoey Drake, choose differently.
Claudia tries to heal and move on. For the sake of her daughter, Raven. She writes a blog about her life, her pain and her triumphs. And she tries to build a life for herself and for Raven in the country; working to rebuild the house her father left for her.
Zoey on the other hand becomes strong. She trains her mind and her body. And she watches and she listens. For strong is what happens when you run out of weak. And once she is ready? She seeks revenge for what has happened to her.
Neither women know each other. Yet their lives are on a collision course. And both women and their families are in danger. For as we all know, the past doesn't like to stay in the past.
In The Red Hunter, Lisa Unger makes you question your choices and your options. When everything is either taken from you and/or when someone wrongs you, how should you cope? Is Revenge the best medicine? Is healing possible? After experiencing trauma, can you ever truly let others in?
The Red Hunter by Lisa Unger is in fact her best standalone since Black Out (which I have read though my GR list doesn't reflect it (I have in fact read all of her books - I guess I should fix that!)). My interest was peaked from the first page. The story line was crazy suspenseful and wild. I was consumed by Zoey's story, her need for justice and retribution. I felt like I could see into her mind. And I loved every minute of it. Further, I truly enjoyed Claudia's relationship with her daughter Raven and their struggles. About halfway through I had an idea as to where the storyline was going (hence the reason for the 4.5 v. 5 star rating) yet that didn't detract from my enjoyment of it.
This is a Psychological Thriller that is a must read and I am extremely lucky to have received a copy of it. If you love a good thriller that will knock your socks off, read it.
This is Lisa Unger at her best and I thank NetGalley, Touchstone and Lisa Unger for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 4.22.17.
**Will be Published on Amazon on 4.25.17.
When someone destroys your life in the blink of an eye and takes away your own humanity, what avenue do you take? Do you make a choice to try and heal and move on, or do you channel all of your energy in the other direction and seek retribution? This is not an easy question to answer. And this is the crux of Lisa Unger's new Psychological Thriller and phenomenal standalone, The Red Hunter.
The main characters lives in this novel were completely destroyed by separate events. And both Claudia Bishop and Zoey Drake, choose differently.
Claudia tries to heal and move on. For the sake of her daughter, Raven. She writes a blog about her life, her pain and her triumphs. And she tries to build a life for herself and for Raven in the country; working to rebuild the house her father left for her.
Zoey on the other hand becomes strong. She trains her mind and her body. And she watches and she listens. For strong is what happens when you run out of weak. And once she is ready? She seeks revenge for what has happened to her.
Neither women know each other. Yet their lives are on a collision course. And both women and their families are in danger. For as we all know, the past doesn't like to stay in the past.
In The Red Hunter, Lisa Unger makes you question your choices and your options. When everything is either taken from you and/or when someone wrongs you, how should you cope? Is Revenge the best medicine? Is healing possible? After experiencing trauma, can you ever truly let others in?
The Red Hunter by Lisa Unger is in fact her best standalone since Black Out (which I have read though my GR list doesn't reflect it (I have in fact read all of her books - I guess I should fix that!)). My interest was peaked from the first page. The story line was crazy suspenseful and wild. I was consumed by Zoey's story, her need for justice and retribution. I felt like I could see into her mind. And I loved every minute of it. Further, I truly enjoyed Claudia's relationship with her daughter Raven and their struggles. About halfway through I had an idea as to where the storyline was going (hence the reason for the 4.5 v. 5 star rating) yet that didn't detract from my enjoyment of it.
This is a Psychological Thriller that is a must read and I am extremely lucky to have received a copy of it. If you love a good thriller that will knock your socks off, read it.
This is Lisa Unger at her best and I thank NetGalley, Touchstone and Lisa Unger for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 4.22.17.
**Will be Published on Amazon on 4.25.17.
April 20, 2017
The Red Hunter = Rage
Two lives touched by evil, in different but equally shocking ways. Both destiny bound to a ramshackle house. A house where one victim is tied to its horrors from the past, the other about to experience mayhem in real-time.
Zoey's life was jolted as a young teenager. Greed and desperation left a black hole in her heart and a single, laser-focused goal in life...revenge. At the other end of the spectrum, Claudia, a young wife with the world seemingly at her fingertips. Until her world totally collapses after a break-in leaves her devastated, forced to make the toughest of choices.
The Red Hunter = Revenge
The book cover and title are eye-popping. Worked for me! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. The storyline itself, while tension-filled from start to end, felt like so many other thrillers I’ve read in the past. Not terribly original and fairly predictable. Pretty much had it figured out. But don't get me wrong. I certainly enjoyed the journey. An easy and quick read with dynamic, strong characters. I’m always intrigued when two seemingly separate stories weave their way together.
The Red Hunter = Redemption
Highly recommend to all Lisa Unger fans! She stays true to her style.
Thank you to NetGalley, Touchstone and Lisa Unger for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Two lives touched by evil, in different but equally shocking ways. Both destiny bound to a ramshackle house. A house where one victim is tied to its horrors from the past, the other about to experience mayhem in real-time.
Zoey's life was jolted as a young teenager. Greed and desperation left a black hole in her heart and a single, laser-focused goal in life...revenge. At the other end of the spectrum, Claudia, a young wife with the world seemingly at her fingertips. Until her world totally collapses after a break-in leaves her devastated, forced to make the toughest of choices.
The Red Hunter = Revenge
The book cover and title are eye-popping. Worked for me! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. The storyline itself, while tension-filled from start to end, felt like so many other thrillers I’ve read in the past. Not terribly original and fairly predictable. Pretty much had it figured out. But don't get me wrong. I certainly enjoyed the journey. An easy and quick read with dynamic, strong characters. I’m always intrigued when two seemingly separate stories weave their way together.
The Red Hunter = Redemption
Highly recommend to all Lisa Unger fans! She stays true to her style.
Thank you to NetGalley, Touchstone and Lisa Unger for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2017
Claudia Bishop is on a mission. Her father died and left her the old farmhouse he purchased as an investment property. The house has been vacant for ten years. The prior tenants abandoned the dwelling leaving all of their furniture and possessions. Claudia decides to move in and is determined to find balance in her life by creating a home restoration project. She will document all home improvements and occasional blunders on her new blog. The project is therapeutic in nature as well. Claudia was brutally assaulted years ago. Daughter Raven was born nine months later. Is Raven a child of rape or the daughter of Claudia and husband Ayers? Claudia's marriage crumbles. She is unable to find peace. The farmhouse seems like the perfect solution.
Rewind ten years. This same farmhouse was the scene of a horrendous home invasion. Police Officer Chad Drake and wife Heather were brutally murdered. Zoey Drake, ten years old, was tortured, shot and left for dead. Chad Drake was $90,000 in debt. A well orchestrated theft of cash belonging to drug dealer Whitey Malone would solve all financial woes. The home invasion and murders occur because Chad cannot or will not tell the thugs where the million dollars from the heist is hidden in the house. Zoey, upon recovering from her wounds, goes to live with her Uncle Paul. She feels hollow and empty but consumed with rage. Zoey feels pain, anger, fear and sadness.
The farmhouse is a house of trauma. Claudia and Raven are unaware of its history. How could a rambling old farmhouse become a harrowing dwelling for not one, but two families?
"The Red Hunter" by Lisa Unger is a haunting, suspenseful tome with many twists and turns. The characters refer to their lives as "before" and "after" the devastating brutal attacks and try to make sense of their "new normal" lives. A well crafted read.
Thank you Touchstone Publishers and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "The Red Hunter".
Rewind ten years. This same farmhouse was the scene of a horrendous home invasion. Police Officer Chad Drake and wife Heather were brutally murdered. Zoey Drake, ten years old, was tortured, shot and left for dead. Chad Drake was $90,000 in debt. A well orchestrated theft of cash belonging to drug dealer Whitey Malone would solve all financial woes. The home invasion and murders occur because Chad cannot or will not tell the thugs where the million dollars from the heist is hidden in the house. Zoey, upon recovering from her wounds, goes to live with her Uncle Paul. She feels hollow and empty but consumed with rage. Zoey feels pain, anger, fear and sadness.
The farmhouse is a house of trauma. Claudia and Raven are unaware of its history. How could a rambling old farmhouse become a harrowing dwelling for not one, but two families?
"The Red Hunter" by Lisa Unger is a haunting, suspenseful tome with many twists and turns. The characters refer to their lives as "before" and "after" the devastating brutal attacks and try to make sense of their "new normal" lives. A well crafted read.
Thank you Touchstone Publishers and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "The Red Hunter".
June 9, 2017
I am on a roll! Another review done. Two more to go!
5 thrilling stars!
Red Hunter was just the right action-packed, heart-stopping, fast-paced read I needed right now. I like to read thrillers in between the sad and unsettling books that leave me drained emotionally. I was definitely in need of an enjoyable entertaining and easy thriller. Even though the crimes in this story are serious ones Lisa Unger does a good job keeping it light and comfortable as she explores justice over revenge, self-empowerment, self-determination, self-identity and what hold or makes a family.
We follow the lives of two very different women, who have endured trauma and find their different paths lead them to a house that holds a secret. Claudia who seeks peace for her and her daughter, the house holds her future and Zoey who seeks justice and craves answers and revenge, the house holds the nightmare from the past. I really like how the two women were very different and found them to be a good contrast to the story. I could really see how different they handled their trauma.
I found the ending very satisfying and it had we asking myself "What is the difference between justice and revenge?" I highly recommend for thriller lovers who like to think about the moral side of things.
All of Norma’s and my reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
5 thrilling stars!
Red Hunter was just the right action-packed, heart-stopping, fast-paced read I needed right now. I like to read thrillers in between the sad and unsettling books that leave me drained emotionally. I was definitely in need of an enjoyable entertaining and easy thriller. Even though the crimes in this story are serious ones Lisa Unger does a good job keeping it light and comfortable as she explores justice over revenge, self-empowerment, self-determination, self-identity and what hold or makes a family.
We follow the lives of two very different women, who have endured trauma and find their different paths lead them to a house that holds a secret. Claudia who seeks peace for her and her daughter, the house holds her future and Zoey who seeks justice and craves answers and revenge, the house holds the nightmare from the past. I really like how the two women were very different and found them to be a good contrast to the story. I could really see how different they handled their trauma.
I found the ending very satisfying and it had we asking myself "What is the difference between justice and revenge?" I highly recommend for thriller lovers who like to think about the moral side of things.
All of Norma’s and my reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
June 30, 2017
I. Could. Not. Put. This. Book. Down!!! I loved it. It hooked me in from the first few sentences. I couldn't wait to get to the ending to find out "who done it". Lol.
"Why do you think where you came from has anything to do with where you belong?"
"Why do you think where you came from has anything to do with where you belong?"
July 22, 2017
This is a new author to me and I really did enjoy this. I found this to be a compelling and wonderfully crafted story with realistic flawed characters, although not everyone is quite who they seem. There are secrets, intrigue, betrayals and truths to face. I loved the book, and the way the story unfolded. The author creates a chilling atmosphere. It was so suspenseful that I couldn't stop reading it. Unfortunately I read it late at night and got out of bed to double check my doors to make sure they were locked!
Claudia was raped after being married for a short time. She had a child Raven not really knowing whose child she is. Then you have Chad and Heather who were murdered ten years ago and their daughter Zoey survived the attack though that was not intended to happen. It all began with Chad being a police officer as well as his stepbrother Paul and it was believed that Chad may have stolen a million dollars from some drug people. Zoey has been raised by Paul and his friends Boz and Mike. Mike taught Zoey Martial Arts.
Claudia and Zoey are strangers to each other, and walking very different paths in the wake of trauma, these two women are on a collision course—because Zoey’s past nightmares and Claudia’s dreams for her future take place in the very same house. As Zoey seeks justice, and Claudia seeks peace, both will confront the monsters at the door that are the most frightening of all.
This book is full of cruelty, mistrust, hatred and forgiveness, there is love. I loved this intertwining story.
It was very gripping and powerful with twists and turns.
Although I had a little trouble keeping the multiple point of view characters straight at first, the novel soon blended their stories and turned into a page turner of the finest kind. It had me hooked and guessing until the very end!
I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
I highly recommend this book to those that love a good thriller.
Claudia was raped after being married for a short time. She had a child Raven not really knowing whose child she is. Then you have Chad and Heather who were murdered ten years ago and their daughter Zoey survived the attack though that was not intended to happen. It all began with Chad being a police officer as well as his stepbrother Paul and it was believed that Chad may have stolen a million dollars from some drug people. Zoey has been raised by Paul and his friends Boz and Mike. Mike taught Zoey Martial Arts.
Claudia and Zoey are strangers to each other, and walking very different paths in the wake of trauma, these two women are on a collision course—because Zoey’s past nightmares and Claudia’s dreams for her future take place in the very same house. As Zoey seeks justice, and Claudia seeks peace, both will confront the monsters at the door that are the most frightening of all.
This book is full of cruelty, mistrust, hatred and forgiveness, there is love. I loved this intertwining story.
It was very gripping and powerful with twists and turns.
Although I had a little trouble keeping the multiple point of view characters straight at first, the novel soon blended their stories and turned into a page turner of the finest kind. It had me hooked and guessing until the very end!
I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
I highly recommend this book to those that love a good thriller.
April 10, 2017
Book is out in stores 25/04/17
What is the difference between justice and revenge? Justice is a concept, one agreed upon by a civilized society. Revenge is wild and raw, it's a balancing of the scales of the universe.
Checking all windows and doors and under the bed. Why oh why do I read these types of books at night? Especially when I live in the middle of the woods!
"The Red Hunter" centers around one farmhouse and two women, Claudia and Zoey, both recovering from traumas of the past and things are about to get a whole lot worse. I won't say much more about the plot because this is one heck of a good story and the less you know the more you will enjoy it.
What I will say is that Lisa Unger writes really great characters that I couldn't help but get hooked into their story. Whether it was Claudia and her teenage daughter, Raven or Zoey and her guardian, Paul, I really enjoyed their relationships and dialogue.
Thanks to NetGalley for an uncorrected digital galley in exchange for an honest review.
What is the difference between justice and revenge? Justice is a concept, one agreed upon by a civilized society. Revenge is wild and raw, it's a balancing of the scales of the universe.
Checking all windows and doors and under the bed. Why oh why do I read these types of books at night? Especially when I live in the middle of the woods!
"The Red Hunter" centers around one farmhouse and two women, Claudia and Zoey, both recovering from traumas of the past and things are about to get a whole lot worse. I won't say much more about the plot because this is one heck of a good story and the less you know the more you will enjoy it.
What I will say is that Lisa Unger writes really great characters that I couldn't help but get hooked into their story. Whether it was Claudia and her teenage daughter, Raven or Zoey and her guardian, Paul, I really enjoyed their relationships and dialogue.
Thanks to NetGalley for an uncorrected digital galley in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2023
The Red Hunter by Lisa Unger is a 2017 Touchstone publication.
A horrific home invasion, and a certain unresolved element of the crime, still haunts one survivor, who is now bent on seeing justice done- or maybe it’s just good old-fashioned revenge?
Meanwhile, a new family moves into the long empty house- a single mother, with a teenage daughter, who are also recovering from and dealing with the aftereffects of violence. The new owners are unaware of the property’s criminal past- but will find out soon enough...
This book has reached my ‘five-year’ rule date, (a bit overdue, really), which I established a little while back to help me tame my TBR list. Naturally, I am not going to remove a Lisa Unger novel off the pile without reading it. So, here we are…
It is always nice to have a good crime fiction novel stashed back, though, and because Lisa Unger is a favored author, I do have a tendency to stockpile her books so I’ll always have one on hand while I wait for her next release- though now I have a stack of them I need to read.
Back in 2017, I might have held this book to a higher standard because I’d have been comparing it to the quality of other thrillers released during that time- but with the current crop of mystery/thrillers remaining tepid and ‘meh’- this one really stood out by comparison.
I was totally absorbed in the drama, and the various moral conundrums, while the atmosphere was thick with foreboding. The story is gritty at times, and evoked some deep emotions- the characters are well-drawn and the revelations were not just stunning twists, but were gut-punching, too.
Overall, this is very solid, engrossing effort by Unger. Now I need to get started on her other back-listed titles languishing on my Kindle…
4 + stars
*Content warning-Trigger alert- graphic descriptions of sexual assault and other acts of violence.
A horrific home invasion, and a certain unresolved element of the crime, still haunts one survivor, who is now bent on seeing justice done- or maybe it’s just good old-fashioned revenge?
Meanwhile, a new family moves into the long empty house- a single mother, with a teenage daughter, who are also recovering from and dealing with the aftereffects of violence. The new owners are unaware of the property’s criminal past- but will find out soon enough...
This book has reached my ‘five-year’ rule date, (a bit overdue, really), which I established a little while back to help me tame my TBR list. Naturally, I am not going to remove a Lisa Unger novel off the pile without reading it. So, here we are…
It is always nice to have a good crime fiction novel stashed back, though, and because Lisa Unger is a favored author, I do have a tendency to stockpile her books so I’ll always have one on hand while I wait for her next release- though now I have a stack of them I need to read.
Back in 2017, I might have held this book to a higher standard because I’d have been comparing it to the quality of other thrillers released during that time- but with the current crop of mystery/thrillers remaining tepid and ‘meh’- this one really stood out by comparison.
I was totally absorbed in the drama, and the various moral conundrums, while the atmosphere was thick with foreboding. The story is gritty at times, and evoked some deep emotions- the characters are well-drawn and the revelations were not just stunning twists, but were gut-punching, too.
Overall, this is very solid, engrossing effort by Unger. Now I need to get started on her other back-listed titles languishing on my Kindle…
4 + stars
*Content warning-Trigger alert- graphic descriptions of sexual assault and other acts of violence.
April 16, 2017
Another very good novel by the consistently good Lisa Unger.
This thriller features two wronged women whose compelling stories are told.
Claudia Bishop’s perfect life fell apart when the aftermath of a brutal assault left her with a crumbling marriage, a newborn daughter, and a constant sense of anxiety about the world around her. Now, looking for a fresh start with a home restoration project and growing blog, Claudia takes on a crumbling old house that may hide buried secrets.
The other women Zoey Drake had a defining moment in her childhood when her parents were murdered when their home was invaded. Years later, she has embraced the rage that fuels her. Training in the martial arts has made her strong and ready to face the demons from the past—and within.
These two women are strangers walking different paths in the wake of trauma. But these two women are on a collision course, because Zoey’s past nightmare and Claudia’s dreams for her future take place in the very same house. As Zoey seeks justice, and Claudia seeks peace, both will confront the monsters at the door that are the most frightening of all.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Touchstone for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This thriller features two wronged women whose compelling stories are told.
Claudia Bishop’s perfect life fell apart when the aftermath of a brutal assault left her with a crumbling marriage, a newborn daughter, and a constant sense of anxiety about the world around her. Now, looking for a fresh start with a home restoration project and growing blog, Claudia takes on a crumbling old house that may hide buried secrets.
The other women Zoey Drake had a defining moment in her childhood when her parents were murdered when their home was invaded. Years later, she has embraced the rage that fuels her. Training in the martial arts has made her strong and ready to face the demons from the past—and within.
These two women are strangers walking different paths in the wake of trauma. But these two women are on a collision course, because Zoey’s past nightmare and Claudia’s dreams for her future take place in the very same house. As Zoey seeks justice, and Claudia seeks peace, both will confront the monsters at the door that are the most frightening of all.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Touchstone for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2017
Zoey Drake was a young teenager when her parents were brutally murdered in front of her, while she was tortured and left for dead. Over the years, the rage continued to fuel her; her anger at what had happened that night never left her, even after counsellors worked their hardest with her. Her dad’s stepbrother, Paul had been a lifeline, caring for her and keeping her life as stable as possible.
Claudia Bishop returned home one night after dinner out with her husband – he didn’t come upstairs straight away; Claudia was attacked, assaulted and raped in the bedroom of their home by a person waiting for her. Nine months later, Raven was born – but was she Ayers’ daughter; or the rapist’s? Claudia’s marriage gradually fell apart until eventually she and sixteen year old Raven moved to an old farmhouse which had been left to her by her father. Her plan was to renovate the rundown old house and blog about it as she went. But Raven wasn’t happy changing schools; leaving her friends…
As the two women, who didn’t know each other, headed on an intersecting path – the home Claudia had moved into was the home of Zoey’s childhood and where she had lost her parents – Claudia’s dreams of peace and Zoey’s dreams of revenge were set to collide. What would happen to both these damaged women; women who through no fault of their own had had their lives changed at the hands of evil?
The Red Hunter is another breathtaking psychological thriller by Lisa Unger which kept me on the edge of my seat! Twists and turns; people who were monsters; evil in many forms – all made for an incredible ride that kept me enthralled until the very last page! But there was hope too; hope for a future that relegated the past where it belonged. The Red Hunter is one I have no hesitation in recommending highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.
Claudia Bishop returned home one night after dinner out with her husband – he didn’t come upstairs straight away; Claudia was attacked, assaulted and raped in the bedroom of their home by a person waiting for her. Nine months later, Raven was born – but was she Ayers’ daughter; or the rapist’s? Claudia’s marriage gradually fell apart until eventually she and sixteen year old Raven moved to an old farmhouse which had been left to her by her father. Her plan was to renovate the rundown old house and blog about it as she went. But Raven wasn’t happy changing schools; leaving her friends…
As the two women, who didn’t know each other, headed on an intersecting path – the home Claudia had moved into was the home of Zoey’s childhood and where she had lost her parents – Claudia’s dreams of peace and Zoey’s dreams of revenge were set to collide. What would happen to both these damaged women; women who through no fault of their own had had their lives changed at the hands of evil?
The Red Hunter is another breathtaking psychological thriller by Lisa Unger which kept me on the edge of my seat! Twists and turns; people who were monsters; evil in many forms – all made for an incredible ride that kept me enthralled until the very last page! But there was hope too; hope for a future that relegated the past where it belonged. The Red Hunter is one I have no hesitation in recommending highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.
June 29, 2017
I really enjoyed the intensity of this book. Two women, strangers, are trying to come to grips with traumatic events in their lives, and taking very different paths to the same destination. They have different types of trauma that occurred at different times in their lives and they deal with things in completely different ways. Zoey was strong with almost a split personality, but I can't agree with all her actions. Claudia seemed, to me anyway, to waffle and question herself, but she always tried to do what she thought was right. The supporting characters were fully drawn.
Twists and turns abound, in the past and in the present, and the story is tightly woven. I will say I had to pause here and there to reconcile and consider what I'd read, which mostly led to further questions in my mind. I love when that happens.
One small nit to pick. There were some typographical errors, such as transposed words, missing words, and doubled words. Most of these occurred in the latter part of the book. Irritating, yes, but not too distracting.
Twists and turns abound, in the past and in the present, and the story is tightly woven. I will say I had to pause here and there to reconcile and consider what I'd read, which mostly led to further questions in my mind. I love when that happens.
One small nit to pick. There were some typographical errors, such as transposed words, missing words, and doubled words. Most of these occurred in the latter part of the book. Irritating, yes, but not too distracting.
July 21, 2017
4 Solid Stars
"We never outrun our sins, his dad warned him. Someday they come back on you, one way or another."
Ten years ago, a cop and his wife and daughter lived in a rental house (a farmhouse). One night, four guys attacked them. They believed there was one million dollars in the house or the cop knows about it, that where it is. But the cop insisted there isn’t any money and he doesn’t know anything about it or its whereabouts. So they killed the cop and his wife, tortured his daughter and left her bleeding to die.
Now after ten years, the history has been repeating itself! So was there really any money? And if there was then where is it? Who is to blame? If the cop was innocent why did thieves insist on he knew about it and if he is guilty why didn’t he save his family?
"When you plan revenge, you should dig two graves-one of them for yourself."
Alright, I was really struggling at the first 30%. Actually it took me hours to finish that 30% but then in a flash, it got much better and really caught my attention and I couldn’t stop reading and put it down! It started surprising me and continued doing that!
I liked the characters except for Claudia! I liked her too but something bothered me: The story was well-paced. It is told in multiple POV, both in 1st and 3rd person, alternating between past and present. It’s a stand-alone novel. I really liked and enjoyed it, hope you enjoy it as well!
"We never outrun our sins, his dad warned him. Someday they come back on you, one way or another."
Ten years ago, a cop and his wife and daughter lived in a rental house (a farmhouse). One night, four guys attacked them. They believed there was one million dollars in the house or the cop knows about it, that where it is. But the cop insisted there isn’t any money and he doesn’t know anything about it or its whereabouts. So they killed the cop and his wife, tortured his daughter and left her bleeding to die.
Now after ten years, the history has been repeating itself! So was there really any money? And if there was then where is it? Who is to blame? If the cop was innocent why did thieves insist on he knew about it and if he is guilty why didn’t he save his family?
"When you plan revenge, you should dig two graves-one of them for yourself."
Alright, I was really struggling at the first 30%. Actually it took me hours to finish that 30% but then in a flash, it got much better and really caught my attention and I couldn’t stop reading and put it down! It started surprising me and continued doing that!
I liked the characters except for Claudia! I liked her too but something bothered me: The story was well-paced. It is told in multiple POV, both in 1st and 3rd person, alternating between past and present. It’s a stand-alone novel. I really liked and enjoyed it, hope you enjoy it as well!
December 1, 2019
Two strong women who both survived traumatic events are unknowingly linked together through one old farmhouse and the past is about to come back and threaten them once again.
Claudia Bishop was violently raped nine months before the birth of her daughter Raven. Not knowing if the rapist or her husband was baby's father they decided not to find out, but nevertheless the trauma of the assault affected their relationship and they eventually divorced. Looking for a fresh start Claudia and Raven have moved into an isolated farmhouse, inherited from Claudia's father that she plans to restore, blogging about it as she does.
As a teenager, Zoey Drake witnessed the murder of her parents and was herself tortured and left for dead. Her father's stepbrother Paul took her in and put her through school and college and sent her to learn kung fu so she could defend herself. Now she is strong and agile and not scared of taking on thugs in the street. What she really wants is revenge for her parents deaths and she has a plan of how she's going to get that.
This was a suspenseful psychological thriller full of complex, damaged characters. There are multiple points of view and it was a little hard initially to keep track of who they all were but it comes together well and makes for a dramatic finish. Even though there is a fairly clear idea of where the plot must be heading, it is skillfully written with some unexpected revelations.
Claudia Bishop was violently raped nine months before the birth of her daughter Raven. Not knowing if the rapist or her husband was baby's father they decided not to find out, but nevertheless the trauma of the assault affected their relationship and they eventually divorced. Looking for a fresh start Claudia and Raven have moved into an isolated farmhouse, inherited from Claudia's father that she plans to restore, blogging about it as she does.
As a teenager, Zoey Drake witnessed the murder of her parents and was herself tortured and left for dead. Her father's stepbrother Paul took her in and put her through school and college and sent her to learn kung fu so she could defend herself. Now she is strong and agile and not scared of taking on thugs in the street. What she really wants is revenge for her parents deaths and she has a plan of how she's going to get that.
This was a suspenseful psychological thriller full of complex, damaged characters. There are multiple points of view and it was a little hard initially to keep track of who they all were but it comes together well and makes for a dramatic finish. Even though there is a fairly clear idea of where the plot must be heading, it is skillfully written with some unexpected revelations.
March 19, 2017
A house is the common denominator between two very different women. Claudia Bishop was sexually assaulted. Her life fell apart. Her husband left. She and her daughter search for a new start and find it renovating an old home. She blogs and takes pictures but the house has a traumatic history.
Zoey Drake used to live in that house. Her parents were murdered during a home invasion. She was tortured and left for dead. The killers were never caught. Zoey is filled with rage and even training in martial arts doesn't make her let go of the past.
These two women are on a collision course. They are each searching for peace in their own way. What will happen when they meet?
I have read several of Lisa Unger's books. Each one seems to be better than the last ... and she did not disappoint. This is a very well written story with solid characters. There are surprises and twists along the way. The author leads the reader in one direction and then another. The ending was explosive. It's riveting and powerful and guaranteed to keep you engrossed from the very first to the very last.
Many thanks to the author / Touchstone / Netgalley for the uncorrected proof of THE RED HUNTER. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Zoey Drake used to live in that house. Her parents were murdered during a home invasion. She was tortured and left for dead. The killers were never caught. Zoey is filled with rage and even training in martial arts doesn't make her let go of the past.
These two women are on a collision course. They are each searching for peace in their own way. What will happen when they meet?
I have read several of Lisa Unger's books. Each one seems to be better than the last ... and she did not disappoint. This is a very well written story with solid characters. There are surprises and twists along the way. The author leads the reader in one direction and then another. The ending was explosive. It's riveting and powerful and guaranteed to keep you engrossed from the very first to the very last.
Many thanks to the author / Touchstone / Netgalley for the uncorrected proof of THE RED HUNTER. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 27, 2017
Zoey was tortured and left for dead as her family is murdered in their home by men looking for a million dollars.
Years later Claudia inherited the same farm house and is rebuilding her life with her daughter while they rebuild the house.
These two story lines intersect with brilliant results. The story unfolds like an onion, grabs you by the throat and won't let go until the final satisfying page. The definition of a thriller.
My first Lisa Unger book but it definitely will not be my last!
Years later Claudia inherited the same farm house and is rebuilding her life with her daughter while they rebuild the house.
These two story lines intersect with brilliant results. The story unfolds like an onion, grabs you by the throat and won't let go until the final satisfying page. The definition of a thriller.
My first Lisa Unger book but it definitely will not be my last!
June 23, 2017
“While seeking revenge, dig two graves – one for yourself.” This chilling quote (originally from Douglas Horton) plays heavily in Lisa Unger’s latest book THE RED HUNTER. The paths of two women – strangers – whose lives were altered by brutal attacks eventually collide in this suspenseful, atmospheric thriller. The puzzling question is how will their troubled stories intersect?
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, even though the tension put knots in my stomach! That’s a good thing, right?!? Zoey, Claudia, and daughter Raven, are complex and flawed characters who easily pulled me into their stories. There are many layers to their haunting mystery, and hold on for a nail-biting ending. This is a stand alone novel, not part of The Hollows series, so no prior backstory knowledge needed.
Audiobook • 11 hrs, 5 mins • Julia Whelan, Narrator
I listened to the audio version which was narrated by Julia Whelan. Great performance! She did well with both the female and male characters, and her performance added to the suspense. One thing to watch out (or listen out) for are the time jumps in the story. A couple of times I was a bit confused as to what was going on, then realized that it was a flashback. Not a big deal as the story progressed and I got more familiar with the characters.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, even though the tension put knots in my stomach! That’s a good thing, right?!? Zoey, Claudia, and daughter Raven, are complex and flawed characters who easily pulled me into their stories. There are many layers to their haunting mystery, and hold on for a nail-biting ending. This is a stand alone novel, not part of The Hollows series, so no prior backstory knowledge needed.
Audiobook • 11 hrs, 5 mins • Julia Whelan, Narrator
I listened to the audio version which was narrated by Julia Whelan. Great performance! She did well with both the female and male characters, and her performance added to the suspense. One thing to watch out (or listen out) for are the time jumps in the story. A couple of times I was a bit confused as to what was going on, then realized that it was a flashback. Not a big deal as the story progressed and I got more familiar with the characters.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2022
"When you seek revenge, dig two graves. One for yourself.”
Lisa Unger never disappoints! The Red Hunter is another twisting, thrilling triumph! It tells the compelling story of two very different women coming to terms with their traumatic pasts.
Zoey Drake’s parents were viciously murdered when she was just a teenager. Fueled by her need for justice, she trains as a martial artist and becomes the “hunter” intent on avenging their deaths.
Claudia Bishop is a single mother who was brutally raped. Is her daughter the product of that attack that ultimately destroyed her marriage? Claudia and her now teenage daughter, in the pursuit of a new start, move into an old farmhouse with the intent of remodeling it and blogging about her progress.
This farmhouse turns out to be the home where Zoey was raised and her parents were murdered.
As Zoey and Claudia’s lives collide and intertwine…settle in, because you won’t be able to put the book down!
The Red Hunter is suspenseful, fast-paced and full of plot twists. I cared about and rooted for these strong women who had hard lessons to learn about revenge and forgiveness. It is everything a psychological thriller should be. Five stars!
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November 29, 2017
This book had just the perfect amount of psychology that I like in my psychological thrillers...Every single character in this book, was in need of some serious therapy!
What is the difference between justice and revenge? This really for me was the key question behind a lot of this book, especially when it came to Zoe and her uncle Paul.... I just don't think you can judge people for their actions, when you have not gone through the things that they have.... but some of the characters in this book had some questionable actions....
Claudia was probably the most relatable character for me, and I could really understand the motivations behind almost everything she did... so of course I think she was the most sane of them all.....
I love how this story was told... three stories appearing disconnected, that you just knew weren't, trying to figure out how they all were interconnected was part of the fun for me.... and once that was all figured out, this book was just impossible to put down... I just needed to know what was going to happen next; and I have to say all in all this ended (maybe a little too neatly) but how I would want it to....
What is the difference between justice and revenge? This really for me was the key question behind a lot of this book, especially when it came to Zoe and her uncle Paul.... I just don't think you can judge people for their actions, when you have not gone through the things that they have.... but some of the characters in this book had some questionable actions....
Claudia was probably the most relatable character for me, and I could really understand the motivations behind almost everything she did... so of course I think she was the most sane of them all.....
I love how this story was told... three stories appearing disconnected, that you just knew weren't, trying to figure out how they all were interconnected was part of the fun for me.... and once that was all figured out, this book was just impossible to put down... I just needed to know what was going to happen next; and I have to say all in all this ended (maybe a little too neatly) but how I would want it to....
October 7, 2017
3.5
One house, one nightmare, and one dream. Two women, two horrific violent events, and two themes of revenge / justice.
Meet Claudia, a women who inherits a run down house from her father. She wants to renovate it and start a "new" life free of her past insecurities and regrets. This could become her dream house and help her find peace after her brutal attack years ago.
Meet Zoey, a women who is also fighting to overcome past events that left her scarred and vulnerable. She grew up in the same house Claudia has inherited.
Claudia and Zoey eventually are tied to this house by their past.
It took me around the first 100 pages to get "into" the story. It all came together brilliantly and although was slightly a predictable ending....was still an amazing, thrilling ride!
One house, one nightmare, and one dream. Two women, two horrific violent events, and two themes of revenge / justice.
Meet Claudia, a women who inherits a run down house from her father. She wants to renovate it and start a "new" life free of her past insecurities and regrets. This could become her dream house and help her find peace after her brutal attack years ago.
Meet Zoey, a women who is also fighting to overcome past events that left her scarred and vulnerable. She grew up in the same house Claudia has inherited.
Claudia and Zoey eventually are tied to this house by their past.
It took me around the first 100 pages to get "into" the story. It all came together brilliantly and although was slightly a predictable ending....was still an amazing, thrilling ride!
September 19, 2017
I absolutely loved everything about The Red Hunter by Lisa Unger it was fast paced thrilling & there were enough red herrings to sink a ship I also liked how Miss Unger Entwined two different stories that lead back to the house that Claudia Bishop was living in it worked a treat & I think this is her best novel yet.
I will give just a summation of this wonderful Psychological thriller I loved Claudia's character she was raped 15 years ago by a man who was pure evil, out of that came her daughter Raven who was troubled getting in trouble at school so they move into a house that has had its secrets which Claudia dismisses its rundown & she hires Josh Beckham a handyman who is looking after his mother.
but WHAT SECRET IS JOSH HIDING!!
Zoey Drakes life is just as horrific she is trying to get over the death of her parents & is seeing a psychologist as she was attacked as well, she also learned martial arts she is living with her uncle Paul & will stop at nothing to see her parents killer caught she wants revenge.
As the story progresses we see each story interwoven into the other it makes it a fabulous read I felt for Claudia & Zoe as well as Raven strong dynamic, although haunted by their past , if you haven't read Lisa Unger yet then do so you won't be disappointed.
I also loved Rhett Beckham Josh's brother he was really well written just pure evil.
I will give just a summation of this wonderful Psychological thriller I loved Claudia's character she was raped 15 years ago by a man who was pure evil, out of that came her daughter Raven who was troubled getting in trouble at school so they move into a house that has had its secrets which Claudia dismisses its rundown & she hires Josh Beckham a handyman who is looking after his mother.
but WHAT SECRET IS JOSH HIDING!!
Zoey Drakes life is just as horrific she is trying to get over the death of her parents & is seeing a psychologist as she was attacked as well, she also learned martial arts she is living with her uncle Paul & will stop at nothing to see her parents killer caught she wants revenge.
As the story progresses we see each story interwoven into the other it makes it a fabulous read I felt for Claudia & Zoe as well as Raven strong dynamic, although haunted by their past , if you haven't read Lisa Unger yet then do so you won't be disappointed.
I also loved Rhett Beckham Josh's brother he was really well written just pure evil.
April 26, 2017
Take your time with this one. It's not a speed read. It's one to really immerse yourself in and enjoy. You get to know and love the characters through glimpses of their past and their present. More than a mystery or thriller, this is a book about strong women: warriors. They're fighters. They are very different and they fight in different ways for different things, but their traumatic past and determination to make their future their own unites them.
Claudia has undertaken a new project: renovating a giant old house. She's also writing a blog about it, and with blogging, remodelling, and caring for her teenage daughter... she has her hands full. Daughter Raven is having some trouble adjusting to her new school. Beautiful in the kind of way that can make some other women viciously jealous, she's not fitting in. The blog is not Claudia's first. She also documented her recovery process after she was brutally raped years ago. That was the night Raven was conceived. Because she was with her husband earlier that terrible night, they're unsure who Raven's biological father is. Her real father is without a doubt Ayers, Claudia's ex husband who lives in the city and is everything a father should be to Raven. They've always been honest with their daughter, and now that Raven is getting older she wants to know for sure exactly where she comes from.
Zoey lives in the city, miles away. She's trained in martial arts, closed off, and a bit of a vigilante. She spends most of her time devoted to teaching young women to defend themselves, turning "kittens into dragons". She, of all people, would know the importance of the training. She was the survivor of a home invasion where her mother and father were killed and she was tortured. The men who broke into her house that night were after something they didn't get... and it might still be hidden.
The house where Zoey experienced the worst night of her life and the house Claudia is lovingly trying to transform is one and the same. And neither woman's troubles are over. Characters from the past are reappearing, and they're after something they would kill for.
Lots of characters to keep track of here, I had to look back a few times but it was so worth it. This is a great book, gripping and absorbing.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Touchstone, thank you! My opinion is honest and unbiased.
Claudia has undertaken a new project: renovating a giant old house. She's also writing a blog about it, and with blogging, remodelling, and caring for her teenage daughter... she has her hands full. Daughter Raven is having some trouble adjusting to her new school. Beautiful in the kind of way that can make some other women viciously jealous, she's not fitting in. The blog is not Claudia's first. She also documented her recovery process after she was brutally raped years ago. That was the night Raven was conceived. Because she was with her husband earlier that terrible night, they're unsure who Raven's biological father is. Her real father is without a doubt Ayers, Claudia's ex husband who lives in the city and is everything a father should be to Raven. They've always been honest with their daughter, and now that Raven is getting older she wants to know for sure exactly where she comes from.
Zoey lives in the city, miles away. She's trained in martial arts, closed off, and a bit of a vigilante. She spends most of her time devoted to teaching young women to defend themselves, turning "kittens into dragons". She, of all people, would know the importance of the training. She was the survivor of a home invasion where her mother and father were killed and she was tortured. The men who broke into her house that night were after something they didn't get... and it might still be hidden.
The house where Zoey experienced the worst night of her life and the house Claudia is lovingly trying to transform is one and the same. And neither woman's troubles are over. Characters from the past are reappearing, and they're after something they would kill for.
Lots of characters to keep track of here, I had to look back a few times but it was so worth it. This is a great book, gripping and absorbing.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Touchstone, thank you! My opinion is honest and unbiased.
January 19, 2018
What a page turner! Really enjoyed.
November 29, 2017
Coming upon the end of the year, I’m trying to finish up a few of the reading challenges I’ve been working on the past few months. One of those challenges is the A to Z Author Challenge whereby we read a book by an author whose name starts with each letter of the alphabet. One of the remaining letters I had left for this challenge was the letter “U” – since the book I was originally going to read for this letter was not available at my library and I didn’t want to waste any more time trying to hunt for another book that would fit, I decided to browse through the library’s catalog of “U” authors and just pick one that was available and that I would be interested in reading. During my search, I came across a few books by Lisa Unger, an author I actually wasn’t familiar with, but since there weren’t that many choices in the first place, I decided to go with her latest work The Red Hunter (after researching it first on Goodreads of course, lol). Not having much expectation going into it (since it was somewhat of a random pick after all), I was pleasantly surprised that the book ended up being an excellent read, a page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed and found difficult to put down! From the explosive first scene, of a murder that takes place in cold blood, then a shocking rape scene in the next chapter, Unger wastes no time establishing the trigger points right off the bat that will end up driving the rest of the story. We are introduced to the two main characters, Zoey Drake and Claudia Bishop – two women, completely unrelated, yet both suffer horrific assaults, unspeakable crimes that destroy their lives physically, emotionally, mentally. Both women, strangers who endured very different traumas, go down different paths, choosing to handle the rage within them in different ways. As both work up the courage to face the demons of their pasts, their paths end up colliding in ways entirely unexpected.
Technically, I would rate this book somewhere between 4 and 4.5 stars (closer to 4.5). As a psychological thriller / suspense novel, this one was absolutely top notch! There was the intense, well-crafted plot that had a perfect amount of twists and turns scattered in all the right places throughout the book, which is of course what we should expect from a good thriller, but what made this one stand out was the characters. It’s not often that we come across a thriller where pretty much all of the characters are well-developed, each one realistically drawn as flawed human beings who make as many bad decisions as they do good ones, ordinary folks who encounter the same day-to-day pressures the rest of us do. I loved how the author explored the issue of moral ambiguity through her characters, especially when it came down to the question of justice versus revenge, but there was so much more as well – many sensitive and thought-provoking issues, explored on a deeper level, yet at no point did I feel that this bogged down the plot. The two main characters especially were meticulously drawn – believable characters whom I was able to connect with and relate to, feel for them with the traumas they suffered, yet also feel frustrated and annoyed when they made bad decisions or acted in ways that they knew would not turn out well. I felt I was on the journey with both these women and appreciated seeing their growth throughout the time I got to spend with them.
This was an absolutely enjoyable read, a thrill-ride from beginning to end! No doubt that Lisa Unger is a great storyteller and while I did figure out some of where the story was going about two-thirds of the way through the book, that did not detract from my experience much at all. One of the things I appreciated most about this book was the way it made me ponder and ask myself tough questions that I may not have considered previously. A book that makes me think and wonder is a good book in my world but to also have it be suspenseful and well-written with an intricately woven plot and well-developed characters, that’s icing on the cake to me! This is the first book I’ve read by Lisa Unger but rest assured it definitely won’t be the last!
Technically, I would rate this book somewhere between 4 and 4.5 stars (closer to 4.5). As a psychological thriller / suspense novel, this one was absolutely top notch! There was the intense, well-crafted plot that had a perfect amount of twists and turns scattered in all the right places throughout the book, which is of course what we should expect from a good thriller, but what made this one stand out was the characters. It’s not often that we come across a thriller where pretty much all of the characters are well-developed, each one realistically drawn as flawed human beings who make as many bad decisions as they do good ones, ordinary folks who encounter the same day-to-day pressures the rest of us do. I loved how the author explored the issue of moral ambiguity through her characters, especially when it came down to the question of justice versus revenge, but there was so much more as well – many sensitive and thought-provoking issues, explored on a deeper level, yet at no point did I feel that this bogged down the plot. The two main characters especially were meticulously drawn – believable characters whom I was able to connect with and relate to, feel for them with the traumas they suffered, yet also feel frustrated and annoyed when they made bad decisions or acted in ways that they knew would not turn out well. I felt I was on the journey with both these women and appreciated seeing their growth throughout the time I got to spend with them.
This was an absolutely enjoyable read, a thrill-ride from beginning to end! No doubt that Lisa Unger is a great storyteller and while I did figure out some of where the story was going about two-thirds of the way through the book, that did not detract from my experience much at all. One of the things I appreciated most about this book was the way it made me ponder and ask myself tough questions that I may not have considered previously. A book that makes me think and wonder is a good book in my world but to also have it be suspenseful and well-written with an intricately woven plot and well-developed characters, that’s icing on the cake to me! This is the first book I’ve read by Lisa Unger but rest assured it definitely won’t be the last!
June 18, 2017
How have I never read a Lisa Unger book until now?!?! This was one of those titles I've seen floating around on GR, never really paying attention, then deciding to finally check out to see what all the noise was about. I AM SO GLAD I DID. From the first to last page I was hooked. I could have easily read this in just a couple sittings, but chose to savor & absorb Unger's fantastic prose, which at times felt like agony because I was dying to see what would happen next. And can we take a moment to appreciate that beautiful cover?
Immediately trying to figure out where I should go next from here so if any Unger fans would like to give recs, I'd really appreciate it!
THE RED HUNTER involves two women whose past eventually overlaps their present. We have Claudia, a single mother who was raped in a home invasion, leaving her with a daughter, Raven. Claudia decides to move out of the city to the countryside that she inherited from her father, where the next house isn't for a mile. Claudia has a blog where she discusses what it's like to be a parent as well as a rape survivor- not to mention Raven is asking some hard questions about discovering her true biological father. While this is happening, Claudia decides that she definitely needs to renovate the house. Josh, the handyman, shows up at her doorstep & although a little poke is playing at her doubt, Claudia shoos it away & lets him inside. After all, how much harm could he be?
Zoey, the sole survivor of her parent's brutal murder, has been kicking ass & taking names for the last several years. Becoming a student in tae kwan do & committing herself to the art of self-defense, you'd be accurate in saying Zoey is one angry soul. And why shouldn't she be? After a decade, there still isn't any justice for her parents. Zoey eventually comes to the conclusion that she must be the judge/jury in this case, she must seek revenge. She must get the justice they deserve. In Zoey's case, this conversation between her & her teacher pretty much sums it up:
"Revenge seeks chaos," he said. "Justice seeks balance. That's the difference."
"That seems pretty vague to me," I said. "Open to interpretation."
"Okay, how about this: when you plan revenge, you should dig two graves--one of them for yourself."
I decided not to mention that that's been the plan all along.
Both Claudia's & Zoey's lives intersect when things come to a head- actions have consequences, energies get awakened & things have a way of coming back to us in the end. THE RED HUNTER brings up some painful & raw topics-- being the daughter of a rape survivor, the corruption of control money holds over you, how far you're willing to go to extract "justice", how much anger fuels you- for a little while at least, until it poisons you, etc. So much substance here for a mere 356 pages! Frankly, there's a bunch of novels out there that have sexual assault/abuse survivors as the MCs, but I've never seen character growth done quite so tactfully as Unger has here. Not a single character in here is flat & there is no fluff hidden in between the pages. Perhaps this is what Unger is known for, but for someone just coming into the game, it was utterly refreshing.
THE RED HUNTER is filled with twists & turns (perhaps not all that unpredictable, but with multilayered characters it's a worthwhile ride), intense questions that will resonate with you long after, as well as a few moments filled with just plain fun. I honestly didn't expect to love this as much as I did & am purchasing a copy for my own library. (Which I know isn't really a big deal, but for someone who has been forced to downsize their bookshelf by 90% so they mostly get ebooks/library copies, it's a significant deal to me.) I cannot recommend this enough. If there's one thriller you're looking for in 2017, make it this one.
Is this who you want to be?
Yes, it is, I answer to the voice in my head. It is precisely who I want to be.
Immediately trying to figure out where I should go next from here so if any Unger fans would like to give recs, I'd really appreciate it!
THE RED HUNTER involves two women whose past eventually overlaps their present. We have Claudia, a single mother who was raped in a home invasion, leaving her with a daughter, Raven. Claudia decides to move out of the city to the countryside that she inherited from her father, where the next house isn't for a mile. Claudia has a blog where she discusses what it's like to be a parent as well as a rape survivor- not to mention Raven is asking some hard questions about discovering her true biological father. While this is happening, Claudia decides that she definitely needs to renovate the house. Josh, the handyman, shows up at her doorstep & although a little poke is playing at her doubt, Claudia shoos it away & lets him inside. After all, how much harm could he be?
Zoey, the sole survivor of her parent's brutal murder, has been kicking ass & taking names for the last several years. Becoming a student in tae kwan do & committing herself to the art of self-defense, you'd be accurate in saying Zoey is one angry soul. And why shouldn't she be? After a decade, there still isn't any justice for her parents. Zoey eventually comes to the conclusion that she must be the judge/jury in this case, she must seek revenge. She must get the justice they deserve. In Zoey's case, this conversation between her & her teacher pretty much sums it up:
"Revenge seeks chaos," he said. "Justice seeks balance. That's the difference."
"That seems pretty vague to me," I said. "Open to interpretation."
"Okay, how about this: when you plan revenge, you should dig two graves--one of them for yourself."
I decided not to mention that that's been the plan all along.
Both Claudia's & Zoey's lives intersect when things come to a head- actions have consequences, energies get awakened & things have a way of coming back to us in the end. THE RED HUNTER brings up some painful & raw topics-- being the daughter of a rape survivor, the corruption of control money holds over you, how far you're willing to go to extract "justice", how much anger fuels you- for a little while at least, until it poisons you, etc. So much substance here for a mere 356 pages! Frankly, there's a bunch of novels out there that have sexual assault/abuse survivors as the MCs, but I've never seen character growth done quite so tactfully as Unger has here. Not a single character in here is flat & there is no fluff hidden in between the pages. Perhaps this is what Unger is known for, but for someone just coming into the game, it was utterly refreshing.
THE RED HUNTER is filled with twists & turns (perhaps not all that unpredictable, but with multilayered characters it's a worthwhile ride), intense questions that will resonate with you long after, as well as a few moments filled with just plain fun. I honestly didn't expect to love this as much as I did & am purchasing a copy for my own library. (Which I know isn't really a big deal, but for someone who has been forced to downsize their bookshelf by 90% so they mostly get ebooks/library copies, it's a significant deal to me.) I cannot recommend this enough. If there's one thriller you're looking for in 2017, make it this one.
Is this who you want to be?
Yes, it is, I answer to the voice in my head. It is precisely who I want to be.
April 1, 2017
"Some relationships are like pythons: they wrap around you, slowly squeezing until you can't breathe."
Is there a difference between justice and revenge? That is the main question of this book.
Claudia Bishop is brutally attacked and raped upon coming home after a night out with her husband. Her once, extremely happy marriage begins to crumble and she learns that she is pregnant. Is the baby her husband's or the rapist's? She deals with her increasing anxiety with writing a blog about life after rape. Soon her marriage ends and she eventually moves to the country in order to restore an old home and blog about it. The home has it's secrets as horrible things have happened there unbeknownst to Claudia.
Zoey Drake survived a brutal home invasion that left her Father and Mother dead. The masked men who attacked her family were looking for something they felt her father had hidden in the home. They never found what they were looking for the night they terrorized and murdered her family. After the attack, Zoey was raised by her uncle and dove into learning self defense in order to feel strong and help her cope with the trauma of her past.
Although they have never met, both women have things in common: both survived brutal attacks and both have struggled to move on with their lives. Plus, Claudia is restoring the home where Zoey's family was attacked and her parents were murdered. Thus begins their collision course. A Collision course of justice, revenge, murder, greed, deceit, truth, love, and family.
I really enjoyed how Unger wove both women's stories. Usually when two story-lines are being told, I tend to really enjoy one more than the other. I can't say this was the case with this book. Both women had very compelling stories and sadness in their lives. Both story-lines were intriguing and I was invested in both. As I read I kept waiting to see how their stories would come together and they did so beautifully. What also worked for me was how certain "truths" came to light. The reader is privy to who some of the bad guys are - but not all. There is a question as to who else was involved and why. I enjoyed that through the telling of both women's stories, we also got a glimpse into Zoey's Father, Mother and Uncle Paul's life. We were slowly shown all the dots and slowly I was able to connect them.
This book flowed nicely for me. The pacing was perfect. It never felt drawn out nor did it feel rushed. I was absorbed the entire time. The characters were likable - except of course the one's we were never meant to like. I enjoyed this book. It was a fast highly enjoyable read. I highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Is there a difference between justice and revenge? That is the main question of this book.
Claudia Bishop is brutally attacked and raped upon coming home after a night out with her husband. Her once, extremely happy marriage begins to crumble and she learns that she is pregnant. Is the baby her husband's or the rapist's? She deals with her increasing anxiety with writing a blog about life after rape. Soon her marriage ends and she eventually moves to the country in order to restore an old home and blog about it. The home has it's secrets as horrible things have happened there unbeknownst to Claudia.
Zoey Drake survived a brutal home invasion that left her Father and Mother dead. The masked men who attacked her family were looking for something they felt her father had hidden in the home. They never found what they were looking for the night they terrorized and murdered her family. After the attack, Zoey was raised by her uncle and dove into learning self defense in order to feel strong and help her cope with the trauma of her past.
Although they have never met, both women have things in common: both survived brutal attacks and both have struggled to move on with their lives. Plus, Claudia is restoring the home where Zoey's family was attacked and her parents were murdered. Thus begins their collision course. A Collision course of justice, revenge, murder, greed, deceit, truth, love, and family.
I really enjoyed how Unger wove both women's stories. Usually when two story-lines are being told, I tend to really enjoy one more than the other. I can't say this was the case with this book. Both women had very compelling stories and sadness in their lives. Both story-lines were intriguing and I was invested in both. As I read I kept waiting to see how their stories would come together and they did so beautifully. What also worked for me was how certain "truths" came to light. The reader is privy to who some of the bad guys are - but not all. There is a question as to who else was involved and why. I enjoyed that through the telling of both women's stories, we also got a glimpse into Zoey's Father, Mother and Uncle Paul's life. We were slowly shown all the dots and slowly I was able to connect them.
This book flowed nicely for me. The pacing was perfect. It never felt drawn out nor did it feel rushed. I was absorbed the entire time. The characters were likable - except of course the one's we were never meant to like. I enjoyed this book. It was a fast highly enjoyable read. I highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
November 27, 2022
Audio - 5 +++ Stars
Story - 5 Stars
Story - 5 Stars
January 20, 2018
EXCERPT: Claudia stood beside Raven's locker while the girl stuffed her belongings - i-pad, binder, dirty gym clothes - into her knapsack. Claudia had hated school - the ugly lights, the cafeteria smells, the gym class, the pathetic social hierarchy where looks and athleticism trumped brains and character (not that that ever changed). The scent of the hallway - what was that smell? - brought it back vividly.
'It's not my fault,' said Raven, slamming shut the locker door.
'It never is, is it?' said Claudia.
That glare, those dark eyes in that ivory skin. That full, pink mouth and those ridiculously long eyelashes. Raven's beauty was shocking, frightening in its intensity, in her utter obliviousness to it. 'We need to get a burka on that kid,' Martha had joked. 'A body like that? On a fifteen year old? It should be illegal.'
Luckily, Raven's gorgeousness was tempered by the boyish way she carried herself. She loped. If Claudia didn't insist on showers and hair brushing, the girl would look most of the time like she had been dragged through a bush. And still, the way they stared. Men, boys, the same stunned goofy expression, eyes wide, the same wolfish expression on faces young and old. Raven didn't even see. Claudia took to taking pepper spray in her bag. 'She's a baby', Claudia had to keep herself from screaming. 'Don't you look at her like that!'
THE BLURB: What is the difference between justice and revenge?
Claudia Bishop's perfect life fell apart when the aftermath of a brutal assault left her with a crumbling marriage, a newborn daughter, and a constant sense of anxiety about the world around her. Now, looking for a fresh start with a home restoration project and growing blog, Claudia takes on a crumbling old house--one that unbeknownst to her has an ugly history and may hide long buried secrets.
For Zoey Drake the defining moment of her childhood was the horrific murder of her parents. Years later, she has embraced the rage that fuels her. Training in the martial arts has made her strong and ready to face the demons from the past--and within.
Strangers to each other, and walking very different paths in the wake of trauma, these two women are on a collision course--because Zoey's past nightmare and Claudia's dreams for her future take place in the same house. As Zoey seeks justice, and Claudia seeks peace, both will confront the terrifying monsters at the door.
MY THOUGHTS: I am a sucker for stories about old houses, and for old houses themselves. Throw in a bit of menace, and I am one happy puppy. Lisa Unger didn't disappoint. The plot is intricately woven, her characters beautifully drawn and all too human, characters that come alive for the reader, characters we can relate to.
The Red Hunter is written from multiple points of view, and over different time lines. Sound confusing? Don't worry, in this case it isn't. Unger's writing flows seamlessly and the suspense she creates will have you turning the pages well into the night. I would never have guessed the ending!
I listened to the audiobook of The Red Hunter by Lisa Unger, narrated by Julia Whelan and published by Simon and Schuster. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'It's not my fault,' said Raven, slamming shut the locker door.
'It never is, is it?' said Claudia.
That glare, those dark eyes in that ivory skin. That full, pink mouth and those ridiculously long eyelashes. Raven's beauty was shocking, frightening in its intensity, in her utter obliviousness to it. 'We need to get a burka on that kid,' Martha had joked. 'A body like that? On a fifteen year old? It should be illegal.'
Luckily, Raven's gorgeousness was tempered by the boyish way she carried herself. She loped. If Claudia didn't insist on showers and hair brushing, the girl would look most of the time like she had been dragged through a bush. And still, the way they stared. Men, boys, the same stunned goofy expression, eyes wide, the same wolfish expression on faces young and old. Raven didn't even see. Claudia took to taking pepper spray in her bag. 'She's a baby', Claudia had to keep herself from screaming. 'Don't you look at her like that!'
THE BLURB: What is the difference between justice and revenge?
Claudia Bishop's perfect life fell apart when the aftermath of a brutal assault left her with a crumbling marriage, a newborn daughter, and a constant sense of anxiety about the world around her. Now, looking for a fresh start with a home restoration project and growing blog, Claudia takes on a crumbling old house--one that unbeknownst to her has an ugly history and may hide long buried secrets.
For Zoey Drake the defining moment of her childhood was the horrific murder of her parents. Years later, she has embraced the rage that fuels her. Training in the martial arts has made her strong and ready to face the demons from the past--and within.
Strangers to each other, and walking very different paths in the wake of trauma, these two women are on a collision course--because Zoey's past nightmare and Claudia's dreams for her future take place in the same house. As Zoey seeks justice, and Claudia seeks peace, both will confront the terrifying monsters at the door.
MY THOUGHTS: I am a sucker for stories about old houses, and for old houses themselves. Throw in a bit of menace, and I am one happy puppy. Lisa Unger didn't disappoint. The plot is intricately woven, her characters beautifully drawn and all too human, characters that come alive for the reader, characters we can relate to.
The Red Hunter is written from multiple points of view, and over different time lines. Sound confusing? Don't worry, in this case it isn't. Unger's writing flows seamlessly and the suspense she creates will have you turning the pages well into the night. I would never have guessed the ending!
I listened to the audiobook of The Red Hunter by Lisa Unger, narrated by Julia Whelan and published by Simon and Schuster. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
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