Marked for Death

Joe Hunter #12

by Matt Hilton

Joe Hunter has been Marked for Death in his most explosive outing to date

It should be a routine job. Joe Hunter and his associates are hired to provide security for an elite event in Miami. Wear a tux, stay professional, job done.

But things go wrong.

Hunter is drawn into what appears to be a domestic altercation. When he crosses the mysterious Mikhail however, he soon finds something altogether more sinister…

Before long this chance encounter has serious repercussions for Hunter and his friends. Good people are being killed. On the run, in the line of fire, the clock is ticking.

From the bars of Miami beach to car chases and superyacht grenade battles, bestseller Matt Hilton dials up the intensity in this rip-roaring, set-piece filled thriller perfect for fans of Lee Child, David Baldacci and Stephen Leather.

Genres: Thriller

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2017

About the author

Matt Hilton worked for twenty-two years in private security and the police force in Cumbria. He is a 4th Dan blackbelt and coach in Ju-Jitsu. He lives in Cumbria with his wife and son.

Matt is the author of the best-selling Joe Hunter thriller series, as well as standalone horror thrillers and short stories that have appeared in a number of collections and anthologies. Matt's first novel - Dead Men's Dust - was a Sunday Times best-seller and was shortlisted for the ITW New Novel Award 2009.

Reviews

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful, gripping, and exceptionally fast-paced!

This is an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride that immerses you in the dark, gritty underworld of gun smuggling and sex trafficking and reminds us that evil often exists closer than you think.

The writing is well done and well paced. The characters are tenacious, tough, smart, dangerous and protective. And the plot is a riveting tale of murder, revenge, corruption, power, hatred, manipulation, abuse, survival and terror.

Overall, I have to say that Hilton has written another winner with this latest outing in the Joe Hunter series. It's exciting, highly entertaining and bursting with so much tension, action and adventure that it's impossible not to be completely captivated and enthralled from start to finish. 

Thank you to Matt Hilton and Canelo for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG....right now that I am actually remembering to breath and my pounding heart beat has returned to its normal rate,I now feel calm enough to write my review of this fast paced,action packed,gripping thriller.

It should have been a routine job.Joe Hunter and his associates are hired to provide security for an elite event in Miami.Wear a tux,stay professional,don't get into any trouble,job done.

But trouble seems to follow Joe Hunter around like a very faithful dog or a very bad smell.

Hunter is drawn into what appears to be a domestic altercation.After he crosses the mysterious Mikhail however Hunter soon finds that this chance encounter will have serious repercussions for him and his friends.Soon good people are being killed,and Joe finds himself on the run,in the line of fire and rapidly running out of time.

This heart pounding,action thriller is narrated by Joe Hunter and a number of other characters including Joe's friend Rink.Joe's chapters are voiced in the first person pov while the other chapters are voiced in the third.It's a fast paced,roller coaster ride that rockets along at a rapid pace and is packed full of gun battles,has car and boat chases,evil,twisted villains,likeable heroes,there's even a feisty,gutsy female thrown into the mix.

Although I haven't read any of the other books in this series that didn't spoil my enjoyment of this book,it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone.I would love to watch a film adaptation of this book or a tv series based on Joe Hunters adventures.I really really enjoyed this gripping thriller.luckily for me I have eleven more Joe Hunter books to catch up on.

Many thanks to Canelo for granting my wish to read and review this book in exchange for a honest review

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked for Death by Matt Hilton is another great Joe Hunter story. It was supposed to be a simple boring gig, wear a tuxedo and look tough guarding a party in Miami. Yeah right. The party is over and Hunter is only going to the bathroom and then we are off... As usual we get it all, action, thrills, suspense and humor. Now I only have one more book in this series left and will read it shortly, you hear that Matt? Will there be more Hunter books or will I be forced to read some of your other stuff?

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. i read this book in one afternoon... it is a quick and fast paced read. not really tje sort of book i normally read but an enjoyable read

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed Matt Hilton’s Joe Hunter series for a long time, from before I started blogging. Marked for Death is the 12th instalment in this long running series and each book that is released, I worry that Hilton will lose the magic that I find so enthralling. It only took me ten minutes of Marked for Death to know it is a firm five star read, and maybe even a contender for my favourite books of all-time list.

Hunter’s impulsiveness is one of the things that I really enjoy about this series. So many other protagonists are portrayed as deep thinkers who analyse everything that is happening, whereas Hunter reacts in the moment and often doesn’t think through possible consequences. Sometimes he’s the last person in the team to work out what’s going on, and I love that. It’s a different character trait from the Spider Shepherd, Jack Reacher and Joe Pickett novels that I enjoy of the same genre.

So when Hunter’s impulsiveness leads him to step in to protect a glamorous party attendee from her abusive husband, he gets himself caught up in more than a toxic relationship. The plot of this novel travels at breakneck speed from one physical altercation to the next, with Hunter leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. Every Matt Hilton book I read reminds me that there is no one else who writes fight and battle scenes quite like this – they are full of detail and suspense, but do not drag on and on. When you are reading the final confrontation, it feels like you are there with them, in the thick of it.

I’ve talked a lot about Hunter, but I need to talk about his brothers in arms – especially Rink. The relationship between Rink and Joe is one of the best aspects of this series, and it is nicely included in this book. The banter between these two characters cracks me up but underneath it all you can see that they are family to one another. I love families of choice in fiction, especially when characters don’t have positive familial ties.

The character of Trey looks weak when compared to the established characters of Joe and Rink, but she’s still an interesting addition to the crew for the duration of this novel. Her backstory is heartbreaking, and you really do come around to her by the end of the novel. She’s a good catalyst character, much stronger than some of the others that are included in novels of the thriller genre.

One of the ways that Matt Hilton has kept the Joe Hunter books current is by setting novels in the here and now. Marked for Death takes place in Trump’s America and the plot is something that you could imagine happening. It’s jarring to have Trump’s name dropped – multiple times – in this novel. I won’t go into politics on this blog, but I saw it as a risky thing for Hilton to include in this novel, but he handles the political minefield well. He’s unlikely to anger anyone with the inclusion of President Trump, while not actually pushing his political agenda. I wonder how this book will read in the future, when Trump is no longer President. I suppose that will depend on how this period of history is recorded. This was my first novel that has referenced Trump, but I assume that a lot of the books published later this year will do so, and I will be keeping an eye on how authors use this period of history in fiction.

I would recommend this novel to any fans of action packed thrillers. It is my favourite new release of 2017 so far. Matt Hilton’s writing is accessible, his characters dynamic and his plots first rate. Although you can read Marked for Death independently from the rest of the Joe Hunter series, I really do recommend going back and starting from the first book in the series, Dead Men’s Dust.

Thanks to Canelo Press for the e-ARC of this book

[Pamela Small · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked For Death is an adrenaline-fueled rush! Heart-racing, none-stop action and suspense! Hold on for a wild ride! Mr. Hilton knows how to depict fight scenes like no other! Complete escapism, albeit with the need to suspend disbelief!
My thanks to Mr. Hilton, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[Leez]

This is a very enjoyable book, packed with action, very highly recommended 4 🌟 🌟 🌟🌟

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 12th Joe Hunter book, I have not read them all and do not feel you have to, to enjoy this one. Hunter is hired for security job at a posh hotel, after stepping in to stop a women from being beaten, he is drawn into a violent encounter with the abuser. Trey Shaw has been abused for years, her husband is also a criminal, plotting a major terrorist attack. Can Hunter help her escape and also stop her husband's plans. This is a good read, which moves at a nice pace and leads to a very bloody final confrontation. Will be looking for some of the pervious books.

[Vanessa Aizenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to be published for blog tour

[Áine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second Matt Hilton book having come a little late to a great party. I struggled to get into it at first but that quickly changed in the second half of the book. Yes it's all faintly ridiculous but great action packed escapism and I'd like to see Trey feature in future books. I still have a note to self to read the whole back catalogue.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woohoo! Nothing excites me more than a kickass action crime thriller set in the good ‘ol US of A! Marked for Death takes the reader to Miami, Florida where they are confronted with power & control, violence, revenge, exploitation, loyalty and the need for justice by righting some wrongs!


To say I was instantly hooked from the start would be an understatement! If I HAD bollocks (and I assure you, I don’t!) I would say that this book grabbed me by them and slung me into a hunted vs prey scenario that was relentless, riveting and totally enthralling! The story-line was intriguing and the plot was fast-paced to the point that I just did not want to put this book down!


Joe Hunter… 😍 Swoon 😍 is becoming a fast favourite for me in this genre of crime thrillers. He is a stand-up, ordinary guy who finds himself in extraordinary situations. Loyal, protective and not afraid to use his fists when necessary, Hunter is the type of guy you want on your side. His character is likeable, believable and just plain awesome!!! I have to say, I am totally #HookedOnHunter!


We are introduced to Trey (Tracey) Shaw early on in the book- a victim…or survivor…who is vulnerable but at times shows an extreme determination to escape her low life husband. Her backstory is well written and gripping. As a reader I was urging her to use the courage and strength it was clear she had. I really was drawn to this character and loved following her through out the story. Will it be a happy ending for Trey? You’ll have to read the book to find that out!


Another character I was pleased to come across again was Rink! Hunter’s best mate and “boss” of sorts. I love his passion and loyalty. The banter between Hunter and Rink is great! You really get a feel for the mutual respect and friendship this pair share. This extends to the crew assembled for the security job and you soon learn what lengths these friends will go to for each other. Bloody brilliant!


Now can we talk baddies?! Sean Cahill, Dan StJohn and Mikhail Viskhan – what a brilliant bunch of vile individuals – all for different reasons. One in particular was absolutely vile and I just wanted to see Hunter and Rink do some serious damage ….in fact, I was so drawn in, I wanted to inflict some damage myself!


OMFG what a book! The action scenes were so believable, I could picture them in my mind as they were happening. Would I recommend this book? You bet your sweet arse I would! If you like intense, action-packed, #JustOneMorePage type of reads, you won’t go wrong picking up a copy of Marked For Death now! Although this is part of a series, this is the second book in this series I have read easily as a stand-alone….I just might have bought a few others in the series though as I will need my #HunterFix before the next book is out!

[Gordon Mcghie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want an action movie in a book then Marked For Death should be on your “must read” list.

Matt Hilton has delivered a full adrenaline, breathlessly paced thriller which zip along and places returning hero Joe Hunter firmly in the thick of the action. He will face peril at every turn and it is all his own fault!

Hunter is helping an old friend and providing his services on a security detail at a luxury party. At the end of the evening he overhears one of the guests intimidating his date and, being the chivalrous type, Hunter steps in to ensure the woman is protected from any potential harm. Hunter is aware that confronting a guest will jeopardise future employment opportunities (both for himself and possibly for his friend’s business) however he steps into the fray and when the aggressor refuses to back down from Hunter’s challenge a short but very decisive scuffle breaks out.

Hunter leads the woman away from her date, intending to take her to safety, but it seems that the couple were more than casual acquaintances (as evidenced by a shiny ring). The woman (Trey Shaw) understands that Hunter has possibly saved her from an immediate beating but she makes it quite clear that Hunter has done more harm than good and that her partner will not accept Trey leaving. Nor will the humiliation of being bested by Hunter in a fight be tolerated.

From then on Hunter has to keep himself alive and Trey safe as an irate and slighted crime boss seeks vengeance. As the body count rises amongst the bad guys there is an increasing demand that Hunter is killed.

Action packed page turner is the best way to describe Marked For Death. Matt Hilton knows how to enthral his readers, the bad guys are just that and you want to see them fail. Hunter is a hero you can get behind – he could have turned a blind eye to someone else’s problems but he stood up to the bullies and you cannot help but will him to succeed.

Lots of fun – perfect holiday reading.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I really enjoyed this book and hovered initially between 4 and 5 stars, but when I found myself thinking more about the plot the following day I knew it had to be a 5 star read for me if I was still thinking about it in that much depth the next day!!

I loved the plot and it moved at an excellent pace for me, I was gripped and as soon as the plot picked up pace I didn't want to put it down. The characters were great and I thoroughly enjoyed it - 5 stars from me and very, very highly recommended!! 

[Martha Brindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt Hilton thrillers never disappoint me. I love the Joe Hunter series and this one is set in Miami. Hunter is drawn into what appears to be a domestic dispute but he soon discovers it is much more sinister. A rip roaring, fast paced and modern plot. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you for my copy Bloodhound Books.

[Dale Flower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reading the Hunter series, as there is always plenty of action. This one for me is probably the best out of the lot! I just hope there is more to come from Joe Hunter!

[Day Ravenstone · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought I would blast through this, but it took me five days to read it and the reason it only took five days was because I I read the second half in one go just to get it over with. This was the most boring thriller I’ve ever read. The way it went back over what had happened every time the perspective changed made it feel like the reader was assumed to have the memory of a goldfish. The whole book felt incredibly pedestrian. I’ve had this on my tbr for years and it was such a let down.

The bodyguard element was so brief that the blurb feels kind of misleading. Yes, it was significant to the plot, but it was still only a few chapters. Them running away from the event had more page time.

What was actually detailed and what the reader was told happened previously in the timeline of the book was quite chaotic. What scenes were written (or left in) could’ve been chosen better.

It felt like the editor had gone through and replaced all the adjectives with ones that out of context sound more intellectual. In context it made the book feel like it was trying to be smarter that it was - the big words making up for something - or that it’s trying to appeal to people who primarily read lit fic or classics. I doubt that they’d read a thriller just because of the word choices in the prose.

The Americanisms grated on me. If the main character is northern English he would not be saying “I could give a damn” in his own head when he’s trying to describe how he doesn’t care. “Could give a damn” was used a lot to describe a character not caring about something and it made it really hard to follow in some places. I know that’s how Americans say that phrase but it isn’t grammatically correct.

I’m not surprised I had issues with the actual composition of the book, because I pretty much always do with books from this publishing house.

There were also far more mentions of a certain far-right world leader in a not negative context than I was comfortable with.

[Paul Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent enough bathroom read. Joe Hunter is a former special forces guy who is now doing private security. A chance meeting with a woman in a loo and a configuration with her Russian gangster boyfriend leads Joe and his ex-services mates into a bloody conflict. Joe is a poor man's Reacher and the plot drags quite a bit, although the action sequences when they finally arrive are pretty decent. All in all a serviceable read, but not a series I will be returning to as there are far better options - even for a loo read.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW - A cracking page turner and despite ticking all the cliche boxes this does not disappoint. I read this in a day which should give you some indication of how it sucked me in, just in time for the next one to have come out!

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Another very good, fast paced, action all the way book in the Hunter series. Looking forward to the next one.

[Marisia Robus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great listen
First book by this author and it was good. The story was interesting, although a bit thin in places.
The narrator was not great

[Mandy J · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. Trying to be Jack Reacher but not quite doing it for me.

[Christopher Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun easy read. It was fast paced and well written. It was also not so silly as to not be believable.

I've not read any of the other Joe Hunter books, and this book is towards the end of the series, but even without having read the previous books.

I liked this book and I think I will probably read the rest of the series.