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Hunted
She only went off the trail for a moment...
Twenty-two-year-old Eileen goes missing while hiking in the remote Ashlough Forest. Five days later, her camera is discovered washed downriver, containing bizarre photos taken after her disappearance.
Chris wants to believe Eileen is still alive. When the police search is abandoned, he and four of his friends create their own search party to scour the mountain range. As they stray further from the hiking trails and the unsettling discoveries mount, they begin to believe they're not alone in the forest... and that Eileen's disappearance wasn't an accident.
But by that point, it's too late to escape.
Also By Darcy Coates:
The Haunting of Ashburn House
The Haunting of Blackwood House
Craven Manor
The House Next Door
Voices in the Snow
Twenty-two-year-old Eileen goes missing while hiking in the remote Ashlough Forest. Five days later, her camera is discovered washed downriver, containing bizarre photos taken after her disappearance.
Chris wants to believe Eileen is still alive. When the police search is abandoned, he and four of his friends create their own search party to scour the mountain range. As they stray further from the hiking trails and the unsettling discoveries mount, they begin to believe they're not alone in the forest... and that Eileen's disappearance wasn't an accident.
But by that point, it's too late to escape.
Also By Darcy Coates:
The Haunting of Ashburn House
The Haunting of Blackwood House
Craven Manor
The House Next Door
Voices in the Snow
408 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2018
3716 people are currently reading
48205 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Coates
69 books14.1k followersDarcy Coates is the USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen horror and suspense novels.
She lives in the Central Coast of Australia with her family, cat, and a collection of chickens. Her home is surrounded by rolling wilderness on all sides, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
You can hear about her next book by joining her newsletter: www.darcycoates.com/updates
She lives in the Central Coast of Australia with her family, cat, and a collection of chickens. Her home is surrounded by rolling wilderness on all sides, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
You can hear about her next book by joining her newsletter: www.darcycoates.com/updates
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,502 reviews
December 22, 2018
This was a pretty cool crime thriller. Darcy typically writes horror (haunted houses, etc.), so expect some supernatural undertones to be thrown in. I won’t spoil it by saying how those turned out, but the story basically has a girl, Eileen, go missing in a dense forest region of Australia. As her brother and his friends go off in search of her, a police officer discovers a peculiar pattern of missing people in the same area where Eileen’s camera was found. It’s a fun read, and has a surprise twist you won’t see coming.
December 19, 2018
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This kept me so amped up that I need to calm down first.
Edit: okay, here we go !
This was different than all of the other works from this author that I have read. Usually there is a haunting involved. Sometimes with a real haunting and sometimes a completely different explanation. Her ghost stories are among my favorite such types.
This was a different such horror story in which Coates uses her talent to spread out into other horror zones.
Tension built for me throughout the entire story. I kept shaking my head and would occasionally go, “No.” “Oh, no.”
I could foresee potential disasters that could happen and wanted to tell them they were crazy ! Sometimes I worried for nothing and sometimes my fears were directly realized through the characters.
You get to see several points of view and one of them is a lead investigating officer named Carla Delago . I kept wanting to smack her and prod her into action. I did not like her at first.
Maybe mild spoilers ahead*****
You also see individuals in a group of friends as they desperately look for Eileen in Ashlough Forest below Cobb Mountain. Eileen went on a day hike there and never returned. Carla is supposed to be running the investigation. When Eileen’s brother and his and Eileen’s friends are not satisfied with the inaction of the police, they decide to look for Eileen themselves.
The group of friends are somewhat like a little Scooby gang and I got attached to them. I felt very sorry for the outside character, Todd. It makes me wonder what the author was saying about him and people like him. I couldn’t figure out if he was creepy or just really observant.
I came to a certain part in the book to where I had to just keep going, because I had my shoulders up to my ears and was just ready to see this story through. It really resonated with me. It was like watching a horror movie.
I liked the turns and twists. I ended up liking Carla.
The end seemed appropriate. But then, it depends on what your sense of logic is, and how well you think the system works for us all.
There are a few little spelling errors or phrasing hang ups, but barely; and it didn’t detract from the story for me.
I can’t wait for the next one !
Recommended.
This kept me so amped up that I need to calm down first.
Edit: okay, here we go !
This was different than all of the other works from this author that I have read. Usually there is a haunting involved. Sometimes with a real haunting and sometimes a completely different explanation. Her ghost stories are among my favorite such types.
This was a different such horror story in which Coates uses her talent to spread out into other horror zones.
Tension built for me throughout the entire story. I kept shaking my head and would occasionally go, “No.” “Oh, no.”
I could foresee potential disasters that could happen and wanted to tell them they were crazy ! Sometimes I worried for nothing and sometimes my fears were directly realized through the characters.
You get to see several points of view and one of them is a lead investigating officer named Carla Delago . I kept wanting to smack her and prod her into action. I did not like her at first.
Maybe mild spoilers ahead*****
You also see individuals in a group of friends as they desperately look for Eileen in Ashlough Forest below Cobb Mountain. Eileen went on a day hike there and never returned. Carla is supposed to be running the investigation. When Eileen’s brother and his and Eileen’s friends are not satisfied with the inaction of the police, they decide to look for Eileen themselves.
The group of friends are somewhat like a little Scooby gang and I got attached to them. I felt very sorry for the outside character, Todd. It makes me wonder what the author was saying about him and people like him. I couldn’t figure out if he was creepy or just really observant.
I came to a certain part in the book to where I had to just keep going, because I had my shoulders up to my ears and was just ready to see this story through. It really resonated with me. It was like watching a horror movie.
I liked the turns and twists. I ended up liking Carla.
The end seemed appropriate. But then, it depends on what your sense of logic is, and how well you think the system works for us all.
There are a few little spelling errors or phrasing hang ups, but barely; and it didn’t detract from the story for me.
I can’t wait for the next one !
Recommended.
June 23, 2020
It was immense. Seven feet at least. Clumped fur hung from broad shoulders to graze the ground. Luminous eyes glittered out from a twisted, shadowed, inhuman face. A long, clawlike appendage extended from its arm and shone in the torchlight. The creature reached out and scraped the claws against the tree’s trunk.
Soooo, things aren’t always what they seem peeps.
I was sure this would be a 3 star book even though I do love Darcy Coates. BUT I fell in love with the gang of friends that went out to the forest to look for their friend that went missing. And to be honest, the end with cop Carla was awesome. The final end was sad but that’s how it goes...
I read this for my Horror Group Challenge!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
BLOG: https://melissa413readsalot.blogspot....
on-pause
May 25, 2024 Welp, here we go again. I woke up this morning, got my coffee, sat down at my work desk annnnddd I have no idea what I'm in the mood to read.
I have a ton of books I'm supposed to get to right now but I'm not really feeling them. I'm really craving a thriller - so I've ended up here. Let's see how this one goes! 🤞
I have a ton of books I'm supposed to get to right now but I'm not really feeling them. I'm really craving a thriller - so I've ended up here. Let's see how this one goes! 🤞
September 11, 2018
2.5 stars.
HUNTED, by Darcy Coates, starts out as the story of a missing hiker, Eileen Hershberger, and her friends' frantic search for the truth. Part thriller, part police-procedural, this story focuses mainly on the isolation and sense of confusion that accompanies being lost in a large expanse of forest, with no end in sight.
I guess I'm in the minority for this one, but I just never felt a "connection" to any of the many main characters. Their dialog, relations to each other, and how easily they were able to carry out their own plans really felt "forced" to me. When I can't believe in a character, I have a difficult time in believing any of the events they're involved in.
". . . Sometimes you have to accept that, every now and then, things happen for no reason."
Overall, the novel did have some good moments, and a few comments that made me think "outside the box", but I feel that the suspense and pacing would have been improved by shortening the length of the book by at least 200 pages. With stronger characters, and less repetitious scenes, this book could have had a stronger, more favorable, impact on me.
HUNTED, by Darcy Coates, starts out as the story of a missing hiker, Eileen Hershberger, and her friends' frantic search for the truth. Part thriller, part police-procedural, this story focuses mainly on the isolation and sense of confusion that accompanies being lost in a large expanse of forest, with no end in sight.
I guess I'm in the minority for this one, but I just never felt a "connection" to any of the many main characters. Their dialog, relations to each other, and how easily they were able to carry out their own plans really felt "forced" to me. When I can't believe in a character, I have a difficult time in believing any of the events they're involved in.
". . . Sometimes you have to accept that, every now and then, things happen for no reason."
Overall, the novel did have some good moments, and a few comments that made me think "outside the box", but I feel that the suspense and pacing would have been improved by shortening the length of the book by at least 200 pages. With stronger characters, and less repetitious scenes, this book could have had a stronger, more favorable, impact on me.
January 2, 2019
Solid 4.5 stars. I recently read several books by this author but I have to say that this was the best one thus far. Hunted is a dark book-a mystery thriller that will appeal to a wide audience.
Eileen goes missing while hiking solo in the large and desolate Ashlough Forest. Her brother and friends don’t think it was an accident-Eileen’s camera was found and they are convinced that the pictures show someone (or something) was hunting her. After losing faith in the local police, they head to Ashlough Forest to find Eileen themselves.
An enjoyable read-definitely not for the squeamish. Highly recommend to fans of horror, thrillers and mysteries.
Eileen goes missing while hiking solo in the large and desolate Ashlough Forest. Her brother and friends don’t think it was an accident-Eileen’s camera was found and they are convinced that the pictures show someone (or something) was hunting her. After losing faith in the local police, they head to Ashlough Forest to find Eileen themselves.
An enjoyable read-definitely not for the squeamish. Highly recommend to fans of horror, thrillers and mysteries.
October 23, 2018
5 stars, easily. This is the best book you'll read this Halloween season.
Y'all I think I've been missing out on a really good author! I read Darcy Coates' short story Sub Basement a few years ago, (back when I still lived in my house with the creepiest basement on earth). And it was good! And now that I've read this bomb ass novel, all I want to do is read more!
There's definitely more Darcy Coates horror in my future. If anyone has one in particular they'd love to recommend, hit me up!
So. Hunted.
If that doesn't get you amped up, I don't know how to help you.
She would be trapped in the darkness, surrounded by spiky branches and sharp rocks she couldn’t see… and alone with it.
Eileen Hershberger has her whole life ahead of her. Just 22 years old, vivacious and adventurous, she has great friends and a loving family. What better way to end her fantastic holiday than a hike alone through the woods?
The problem is, she isn't alone.
"It’s worse than searching for a needle in a haystack. It’s like looking for a fish in the ocean, when the fish might have already been eaten. It sounds barbaric, but the reality is that most people who are lost in forests are never recovered."
If you didn't already know this about me, I am a total junkie for survival horror. Lost in the woods, battling undead hoards, fighting the elements; I love all of it. And this is fantastic survival horror.
Eileen's disappearance kicks off the plot, but the other characters are who really shine. Her brother Chris, her friends Flint, Hailey, and Anna, detective Carla Delago. And I guess I have to count Todd, the fucking creep.
I could LITERALLY spend the rest of this review talking about how horrible he is. I won't, but I will list a few reasons why I would thoroughly enjoy hitting him in the face with a brick.
He is just the worst. Todd is exactly the kind of guy who comments creepy 'compliments' on your Facebook photos, messages you about what a nice smart guy he is, tells you you are 'not like other girls', then calls you a whore when you don't instantly jump on his dick. You must not appreciate intelligence and class. Whore.
Like seriously, he prints off Eileen's Facebook photos, is 'too intelligent' to talk current events with others, thinks he's the nature survival expert despite all evidence to the contrary, and expects Eileen to conform to his perfect ideal without seeing her as a person. He basically feels entitled to her.
Just...witness this bullshit.
Once he found her and carried her back to town, they would be able to talk about the experience. It would be a chance for them to bond, finally, and perhaps grow closer than friends. After all, he’d walked into a living nightmare to save her. She would be grateful. Maybe even enamoured.
When I find Eileen, she had better be grateful for everything I’ve gone through.
I really liked how the characters were people. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd pick Hailey. As the book goes on, she just gets better and better. She goes from the back of the pack, the girlfriend, the clever girl who hides it. By the end of the book, she gets to show off her creativeness, resourcefulness, and powerful refusal to die.
He’d thought he was alone in the forest. He’d thought Hailey would die quietly in the woods. That had been a mistake.
I should at least mention her brother Chris, his determination and what many would call denial. Also steadfast Flint and thorough, compassionate Anna.
But I really want to talk about Detective Delago.
Chris ground his teeth. “She didn’t care about Eileen.”
“It’s not that. She cares. She just… has no hope.”
The stress of work and a personal tragedy have all been too much. Her marriage is failed, her work is mediocre these days, and it's hard for her not to be cynical. She's snappish, quick to draw conclusions, and hasn't been giving her work or her life 100%. At first Eileen's case is just like so many others. The woods consume so many things. It's inevitable that some who go in don't come out.
But how many tourists have to go missing before it's a pattern? And what are those strange pictures on Eileen's camera? Can actually caring about this case and her life make any difference at all?
I'll tell you what does make a difference; this book. It's both excellent survival horror and a well constructed story of hope and fear. It's a very welcome addition to my favorite genre.
Y'all I think I've been missing out on a really good author! I read Darcy Coates' short story Sub Basement a few years ago, (back when I still lived in my house with the creepiest basement on earth). And it was good! And now that I've read this bomb ass novel, all I want to do is read more!
There's definitely more Darcy Coates horror in my future. If anyone has one in particular they'd love to recommend, hit me up!
So. Hunted.
Her disappearance wasn't an accident.
Her rescue will be a mistake.
If that doesn't get you amped up, I don't know how to help you.
She would be trapped in the darkness, surrounded by spiky branches and sharp rocks she couldn’t see… and alone with it.
Eileen Hershberger has her whole life ahead of her. Just 22 years old, vivacious and adventurous, she has great friends and a loving family. What better way to end her fantastic holiday than a hike alone through the woods?
The problem is, she isn't alone.
"It’s worse than searching for a needle in a haystack. It’s like looking for a fish in the ocean, when the fish might have already been eaten. It sounds barbaric, but the reality is that most people who are lost in forests are never recovered."
If you didn't already know this about me, I am a total junkie for survival horror. Lost in the woods, battling undead hoards, fighting the elements; I love all of it. And this is fantastic survival horror.
Eileen's disappearance kicks off the plot, but the other characters are who really shine. Her brother Chris, her friends Flint, Hailey, and Anna, detective Carla Delago. And I guess I have to count Todd, the fucking creep.
I could LITERALLY spend the rest of this review talking about how horrible he is. I won't, but I will list a few reasons why I would thoroughly enjoy hitting him in the face with a brick.
He is just the worst. Todd is exactly the kind of guy who comments creepy 'compliments' on your Facebook photos, messages you about what a nice smart guy he is, tells you you are 'not like other girls', then calls you a whore when you don't instantly jump on his dick. You must not appreciate intelligence and class. Whore.
Like seriously, he prints off Eileen's Facebook photos, is 'too intelligent' to talk current events with others, thinks he's the nature survival expert despite all evidence to the contrary, and expects Eileen to conform to his perfect ideal without seeing her as a person. He basically feels entitled to her.
Just...witness this bullshit.
Once he found her and carried her back to town, they would be able to talk about the experience. It would be a chance for them to bond, finally, and perhaps grow closer than friends. After all, he’d walked into a living nightmare to save her. She would be grateful. Maybe even enamoured.
When I find Eileen, she had better be grateful for everything I’ve gone through.
I really liked how the characters were people. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd pick Hailey. As the book goes on, she just gets better and better. She goes from the back of the pack, the girlfriend, the clever girl who hides it. By the end of the book, she gets to show off her creativeness, resourcefulness, and powerful refusal to die.
He’d thought he was alone in the forest. He’d thought Hailey would die quietly in the woods. That had been a mistake.
I should at least mention her brother Chris, his determination and what many would call denial. Also steadfast Flint and thorough, compassionate Anna.
But I really want to talk about Detective Delago.
Chris ground his teeth. “She didn’t care about Eileen.”
“It’s not that. She cares. She just… has no hope.”
The stress of work and a personal tragedy have all been too much. Her marriage is failed, her work is mediocre these days, and it's hard for her not to be cynical. She's snappish, quick to draw conclusions, and hasn't been giving her work or her life 100%. At first Eileen's case is just like so many others. The woods consume so many things. It's inevitable that some who go in don't come out.
But how many tourists have to go missing before it's a pattern? And what are those strange pictures on Eileen's camera? Can actually caring about this case and her life make any difference at all?
I'll tell you what does make a difference; this book. It's both excellent survival horror and a well constructed story of hope and fear. It's a very welcome addition to my favorite genre.
April 25, 2020
HUNTED by Darcy Coates is the first book that I have read by this author. To me, it is a mixture of action adventure, search and rescue, police procedural and horror. Eileen goes missing while hiking in Ashlough Forest. A Few days later, his camera is discovered containing some weird photos. When the police seemingly abandon the search, her brother Chris and some friends decide to do their own search and rescue. But things don’t go smoothly and there are several odd and unnerving discoveries. Is there someone or something in the forest with them?
It actually took me a while to get into this book, but it improved as I read more of it. The first part of it felt disjointed, but that improved significantly. There are several changes in points of view and chapters tended to end in tense situations. The characters did not have as much depth as I would have liked, but you could definitely root for Chris and his friends and hope that they find Eileen. Their motivations were believable and the secondary characters enhanced the story rather than overwhelming the story. The plot was suspenseful, gripping, ominous and impactful.
Overall, I am glad that I read this book. It is certainly memorable, and that, along with the surprising twist near the end, pushed my rating up to 4 stars. I recommend this to those that enjoy thrillers with something extra and are willing to get past the initial part of the book.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Darcy Coates for a complimentary ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
It actually took me a while to get into this book, but it improved as I read more of it. The first part of it felt disjointed, but that improved significantly. There are several changes in points of view and chapters tended to end in tense situations. The characters did not have as much depth as I would have liked, but you could definitely root for Chris and his friends and hope that they find Eileen. Their motivations were believable and the secondary characters enhanced the story rather than overwhelming the story. The plot was suspenseful, gripping, ominous and impactful.
Overall, I am glad that I read this book. It is certainly memorable, and that, along with the surprising twist near the end, pushed my rating up to 4 stars. I recommend this to those that enjoy thrillers with something extra and are willing to get past the initial part of the book.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Darcy Coates for a complimentary ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
September 9, 2018
What a deeply silly book. Characters who act in unbelievable ways, implausible situations, a killer that doesn't make sense. Oy vey.
Hard to say which character bugged me the most. Todd, who I thought at first was mentally disabled, but, no, was just a real weirdo, I guess. Also, incredibly stupid. Or maybe it was "Switchblade" Anna. I call her "Switchblade" because she's the kind of character who always knows whatever the author needs a character to know. Let's just say Anna knows a LOT about a lot of things. All of which help move the plot along.
Then there is Carla, the police officer who is completely shut down emotionally, so much so that she's barely spoken to her coworkers for a year or two because of a personal tragedy.
I felt zero investment in these characters and didn't buy the plot, so much so that at the 50% mark I skipped ahead to the last 15% just to see the expected redonkulous revelation of the killer which was, well, redonkulous.
Hard to say which character bugged me the most. Todd, who I thought at first was mentally disabled, but, no, was just a real weirdo, I guess. Also, incredibly stupid. Or maybe it was "Switchblade" Anna. I call her "Switchblade" because she's the kind of character who always knows whatever the author needs a character to know. Let's just say Anna knows a LOT about a lot of things. All of which help move the plot along.
Then there is Carla, the police officer who is completely shut down emotionally, so much so that she's barely spoken to her coworkers for a year or two because of a personal tragedy.
I felt zero investment in these characters and didn't buy the plot, so much so that at the 50% mark I skipped ahead to the last 15% just to see the expected redonkulous revelation of the killer which was, well, redonkulous.
April 12, 2020
This was an ARC review - re-release date is 5 May 2020
I could not get into this book at all. The plot was all over the place and I felt like I was reading a story about Bigfoot/Friday the 13th/serial killer all rolled into one. It didn’t hold my attention at all, I didn’t find it suspenseful or thrilling and the one character I did actually like ended up being killed off. I like a lot of this author’s work but she really missed the boat on this one.
I could not get into this book at all. The plot was all over the place and I felt like I was reading a story about Bigfoot/Friday the 13th/serial killer all rolled into one. It didn’t hold my attention at all, I didn’t find it suspenseful or thrilling and the one character I did actually like ended up being killed off. I like a lot of this author’s work but she really missed the boat on this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2020
Have you ever started a book and almost immediately found yourself hating everything about it?
I had never experienced that before, until I picked up this book.
To begin with, the characters are awful. Right away I just hated everyone and was so confused why the author wrote them this way.
There's Todd, who was ripped straight out of the incel handbook. He's creepy, rude, misogynistic, and flat out stalking another character, yet it's just shrugged off by everyone. I physically cringed every single time the book would switch to his perspective. I kept reading and holding out hope that the author had some reasoning for including him among the main cast of characters, why else would you include such a detestable character? Would he become an antagonist? Would he realize the error of his ways? Surely there has to be a reason for this? Well, no, not at all. Even after finishing the book I still have no idea what Todd was there for.
Then there's Anna, the brains. Anna exists help guide her friends along while somehow possessing all the knowledge of the universe. She doesn't appear to have any kind of a background in wilderness survival or even camping, yet she somehow is an expert at it. She is a psychology major and somehow already possess the ability to correctly psychoanalyze everyone she comes into contact with. She's basically the kind of person who takes a Psych 101 class and thinks they know everything there is to know about the human psyche, which would be less annoying if she was called out for it but instead she's always right and is basically painted as being this omnipotent being.
The rest of the characters aren't quite as terrible as these two, but are still extremely unlikable.
Chris is the leader of the group as it is his missing sister who the discount Scooby gang is searching for. He's selfish and extremely rude to his friends.
Flint is the dumb jock with a heart of gold.
And Hailey is the hot dumb blonde girl who is secretly a genius....supposedly. She still has to be told the most basic things by our all-knowing God Anna so I guess she's just really good at keeping up her "bimbo" act.
The plot is just incredibly dumb and I was able to correctly guess the stupid "twist" at the end of the book simply because it made absolutely no sense otherwise. Obvious spoiler here-
I really don't know why I even bothered finishing this book as I was tempted to DNF it just after the characters were introduced. I really just had hope that it would redeem itself in some way, but it just got worse and worse.
I had never experienced that before, until I picked up this book.
To begin with, the characters are awful. Right away I just hated everyone and was so confused why the author wrote them this way.
There's Todd, who was ripped straight out of the incel handbook. He's creepy, rude, misogynistic, and flat out stalking another character, yet it's just shrugged off by everyone. I physically cringed every single time the book would switch to his perspective. I kept reading and holding out hope that the author had some reasoning for including him among the main cast of characters, why else would you include such a detestable character? Would he become an antagonist? Would he realize the error of his ways? Surely there has to be a reason for this? Well, no, not at all. Even after finishing the book I still have no idea what Todd was there for.
Then there's Anna, the brains. Anna exists help guide her friends along while somehow possessing all the knowledge of the universe. She doesn't appear to have any kind of a background in wilderness survival or even camping, yet she somehow is an expert at it. She is a psychology major and somehow already possess the ability to correctly psychoanalyze everyone she comes into contact with. She's basically the kind of person who takes a Psych 101 class and thinks they know everything there is to know about the human psyche, which would be less annoying if she was called out for it but instead she's always right and is basically painted as being this omnipotent being.
The rest of the characters aren't quite as terrible as these two, but are still extremely unlikable.
Chris is the leader of the group as it is his missing sister who the discount Scooby gang is searching for. He's selfish and extremely rude to his friends.
Flint is the dumb jock with a heart of gold.
And Hailey is the hot dumb blonde girl who is secretly a genius....supposedly. She still has to be told the most basic things by our all-knowing God Anna so I guess she's just really good at keeping up her "bimbo" act.
The plot is just incredibly dumb and I was able to correctly guess the stupid "twist" at the end of the book simply because it made absolutely no sense otherwise. Obvious spoiler here-
I really don't know why I even bothered finishing this book as I was tempted to DNF it just after the characters were introduced. I really just had hope that it would redeem itself in some way, but it just got worse and worse.
February 22, 2025
So please keep in mind that this is coming from someone who doesn't read a heap of thrillers (I read this one mostly as a palette cleanser cause I'm feeling a bit aimless in my reading atm) but this was actually kind of really good?
The premise of the story is fairly simple, Eileen decides to go hiking on her own in a remote forest and goes missing and the only trace of her that is found is her camera with pictures of some mysterious creature on it. Due to the negligence of the local police, her brother, Chris and their friends decide to mount their own recovery mission and try to find her but shit goes south almost immediately.
It took me a little while to warm up to this story if I'm being honest, primarily cause I hated EVERYONE and mostly was just rooting for whatever was killing people to fucking finish them off. I switched to an audiobook dual read at about 30% though and that made getting immersed in the reading experience significantly easier.
And while I don't want to give away anything I was satisfied with the ending and the book on the whole ended up being much higher tension and more gory than I expected.
This was my first Darcy Coates book and I thought it would be a safe place to start because she's written a huge number of mysteries and thrillers (so I'm theory should know her shit) and I am pleased to say that the writing craft on this was totally solid.
My last and final brain worm I couldn't escape though, was for all the hiking gear and preparation Chris and his friends had done, NOT A SINGLE PERSON HAD A FLARE OR GPS DEVICE OR EPIRB?? The book would have been like 50 pages if they had bought one with the rest of their shit 🤣🤣🤣
The premise of the story is fairly simple, Eileen decides to go hiking on her own in a remote forest and goes missing and the only trace of her that is found is her camera with pictures of some mysterious creature on it. Due to the negligence of the local police, her brother, Chris and their friends decide to mount their own recovery mission and try to find her but shit goes south almost immediately.
It took me a little while to warm up to this story if I'm being honest, primarily cause I hated EVERYONE and mostly was just rooting for whatever was killing people to fucking finish them off. I switched to an audiobook dual read at about 30% though and that made getting immersed in the reading experience significantly easier.
And while I don't want to give away anything I was satisfied with the ending and the book on the whole ended up being much higher tension and more gory than I expected.
This was my first Darcy Coates book and I thought it would be a safe place to start because she's written a huge number of mysteries and thrillers (so I'm theory should know her shit) and I am pleased to say that the writing craft on this was totally solid.
My last and final brain worm I couldn't escape though, was for all the hiking gear and preparation Chris and his friends had done, NOT A SINGLE PERSON HAD A FLARE OR GPS DEVICE OR EPIRB?? The book would have been like 50 pages if they had bought one with the rest of their shit 🤣🤣🤣
March 19, 2019
How to review this one? On the one hand, it kept me engaged until the end, and the end surprised me, so there's that. On the other hand, there were a lot of thin places in the plot and the characterization--a LOT. Every chapter switches to a different POV out of 3 or 4 characters, and each chapter ends with a cliffhanger, so it keeps you reading.
I never really connected to any of the characters. I saw a couple of reviews that compare Chris and his group to the kids from Scooby Doo, and I would say that is pretty accurate. There's Chris, who is the Alan of the group--the alpha male leader. However, his girlfriend Anna is actually Velma, the walking encyclopedia of knowledge. Hailey is Daphne, the pretty girl who is actually smart but doesn't show it so much, and Flint is the Shaggy--the not-so-bright one who always seems to create problems. They plunge into this immense forest and manage to find clues to the missing girl's journey where the teams of searchers didn't.
Anyway, I was disappointed in the ending.
So, a decent read, but NOT a monster story (unfortunately).
I never really connected to any of the characters. I saw a couple of reviews that compare Chris and his group to the kids from Scooby Doo, and I would say that is pretty accurate. There's Chris, who is the Alan of the group--the alpha male leader. However, his girlfriend Anna is actually Velma, the walking encyclopedia of knowledge. Hailey is Daphne, the pretty girl who is actually smart but doesn't show it so much, and Flint is the Shaggy--the not-so-bright one who always seems to create problems. They plunge into this immense forest and manage to find clues to the missing girl's journey where the teams of searchers didn't.
Anyway, I was disappointed in the ending.
So, a decent read, but NOT a monster story (unfortunately).
February 12, 2020
first off I have never read anything by this author before, I will definitely be checking out their other stuff as I really enjoyed this one a lot.
So this one really was a journey of a read spiralling after 22-year-old Eileen goes missing while alone on a hike in Ashlough Forest.
Its told from multiple POV and the closest genre-wise to describe this would be a part horror/Thriller, part police procedural, part mystery it's a bit of a genre-mish-mash.
what I do know is this kept me turning the pages long into the night and I was on a one-way mission to discover just who or what was occurring deep in Ashlough Forest.
This started out slow-building momentum along the way culminating in a brilliant end-game.
I kind of guessed things but it was right near the end and was pure blind guesswork on my part rather than any deep intuitions.
This was all sorts of heart racing and creepy and was a great read that I am happy to recommend.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
March 9, 2021
Hunted is my third Darcy Coates book, and it's so far my favorite.
After Chris' sister goes missing on a hike in the forest he leads a group of friends on a rescue mission. It doesn't take long before he finds himself falling prey to the same mysterious predator.
I think the environment in this story really spoke to me. I love hiking in the forest and understand all too well how easy it is to get lost in unknown surroundings.
Hunted keeps the reader poised in a constant state of tension. The group is methodically stalked and herded into deadly territory. As night falls, they don't know what's pursuing them, how to find their friend, or how to get out of the forest alive.
With likable characters, tons of suspense, and a fast-paced storyline, this is a fun read I'd recommend for everyone.
After Chris' sister goes missing on a hike in the forest he leads a group of friends on a rescue mission. It doesn't take long before he finds himself falling prey to the same mysterious predator.
I think the environment in this story really spoke to me. I love hiking in the forest and understand all too well how easy it is to get lost in unknown surroundings.
Hunted keeps the reader poised in a constant state of tension. The group is methodically stalked and herded into deadly territory. As night falls, they don't know what's pursuing them, how to find their friend, or how to get out of the forest alive.
With likable characters, tons of suspense, and a fast-paced storyline, this is a fun read I'd recommend for everyone.
April 12, 2020
I could not get into this book at all. The plot was all over the place and I felt like I was reading a story about Bigfoot/Friday the 13th/serial killer all rolled into one. It didn’t hold my attention at all, I didn’t find it suspenseful or thrilling and the one character I did actually like ended up being killed off. I like a lot of this author’s work but she really missed the boat on this one.
September 14, 2025
Everyone in this book sucked, but that didn’t stop me from devouring it! I listened to the audiobook in one sitting
April 7, 2023
3.5 Stars
This was an engaging piece of survival horror, which happens to be one of my favourite subgenres. This one was not particularly unique but it was a fun read. I would recommend this as a starting place for people wanting to try Darcy Coates' books but don't love haunted house stories.
This was an engaging piece of survival horror, which happens to be one of my favourite subgenres. This one was not particularly unique but it was a fun read. I would recommend this as a starting place for people wanting to try Darcy Coates' books but don't love haunted house stories.
June 23, 2024
One of my top favorite thrillers now! It was so scary I had to open up the blinds in my house just so I could listen without feeling 'closed in'. 💀 I thought I knew what would happen but I was wrong! Would recommend 10000%!!
January 3, 2024
Hunted is easily one of the best horror novels I’ve read in years! Highly recommended for those that enjoy survival horror and thrillers – this one truly delivers!
When Eileen goes missing without a trace while hiking in Ashlough Forest, her friends and family expect the worst. The search has just been called off by police and local authorities when her camera is discovered downriver, containing bizarre photos taken around the time she disappeared. Her brother, Chris, refuses to believe she’s dead, and has taken it upon himself, along with three loyal friends, to go search for her and bring her home, at all costs. What they experience over the next few days as they themselves get lost deep in the dark woods is truly the stuff of nightmares.
I didn’t know what exactly to expect when I started this novel, but let’s just say it delivered on every hopeful expectation I had, and even then some! This was a horror/thriller that was so vivid and atmospheric, I literally had chills while reading it at times! Even though it was a longer read, at 450 pages, it felt much shorter, as the pacing was relentless, and I devoured this novel in 3 sittings (a great achievement for me!). The characters were fantastically fleshed-out and increasingly believable as the story progressed, and the twists just kept coming, up until the very last page. One aspect of one of the final twists just HAD to be based off an actual true-crime case from several years ago, up in Alaska, but I will leave it at that. This aspect really added that much more of a creep factor, and it absolutely sealed the deal on my 5 Star Rating!
With Hunted, I think most readers will walk away with the understanding that humans are often the scariest, most dangerous creatures out there, I know I did! Darcy Coates is very quickly becoming my favorite author in this genre, and this book is deserving of all the praise it’s received!
When Eileen goes missing without a trace while hiking in Ashlough Forest, her friends and family expect the worst. The search has just been called off by police and local authorities when her camera is discovered downriver, containing bizarre photos taken around the time she disappeared. Her brother, Chris, refuses to believe she’s dead, and has taken it upon himself, along with three loyal friends, to go search for her and bring her home, at all costs. What they experience over the next few days as they themselves get lost deep in the dark woods is truly the stuff of nightmares.
I didn’t know what exactly to expect when I started this novel, but let’s just say it delivered on every hopeful expectation I had, and even then some! This was a horror/thriller that was so vivid and atmospheric, I literally had chills while reading it at times! Even though it was a longer read, at 450 pages, it felt much shorter, as the pacing was relentless, and I devoured this novel in 3 sittings (a great achievement for me!). The characters were fantastically fleshed-out and increasingly believable as the story progressed, and the twists just kept coming, up until the very last page. One aspect of one of the final twists just HAD to be based off an actual true-crime case from several years ago, up in Alaska, but I will leave it at that. This aspect really added that much more of a creep factor, and it absolutely sealed the deal on my 5 Star Rating!
With Hunted, I think most readers will walk away with the understanding that humans are often the scariest, most dangerous creatures out there, I know I did! Darcy Coates is very quickly becoming my favorite author in this genre, and this book is deserving of all the praise it’s received!
March 2, 2020
↠2- or a 1.5+
DNF@ 35%
It’s a real disappointment when, after reading an interesting synopsis and an intriguing opening chapter, you meet the characters that will do the searching. This book delivers in the disappointment and horrible characters department. I got to 35%, and only because I was listening to it while working and was semi-interested what will happen, but early from the start it was clear this was going to be a DNF.
I can’t judge the writing because I was listening to the audiobook however, I can judge the characters and how unbelievable they and their actions were. The only normal character was Eileen, and that’s because she only appeared in the first chapter.
Todd. The moment his chapter stated it was clear he was a creep that was obsessed with Eileen. It would be an understatement to say I despised Todd and his arrogant behavior. You read how to survive in the wild and now you’ll find Eileen with ease, and she’ll be so grateful for it that she’ll fall in love with you. It’s a gigantic forest you freaking moron. And for someone who knows how to survive in the wilderness, he makes stupid decisions, like who goes into a river and doesn’t take his shoes off but thinks that folding up your pants is a better option.
Carla, the worst detective in the world. When she gets the missing person report what does she do? Oh, she just lets Carla’s Law to do its thing. You ask what Carla’s Law is? Well, it’s Carla doing absolutely nothing and letting things fix themselves. Wtf, what kind of a detective does that, and with a missing person’s case. And after only one or two days she’s telling the parents that there’s no hope to finding their kid, she’s basically saying she’s dead and now waits for the river to spit out her bones, what the fuck?
Chris and his gang. J effing Christ. Did they do anything that made sense? First, after a day they all gave up hope that Eileen is alive and they are already grieving. Second, when they decide to go to that city/village or whatever it is where Eileen went missing, some of them are all “yay road trip” what?
I don’t remember every stupid thing that happened and made me go wtf, but there were a lot of those moments.
DNF@ 35%
It’s a real disappointment when, after reading an interesting synopsis and an intriguing opening chapter, you meet the characters that will do the searching. This book delivers in the disappointment and horrible characters department. I got to 35%, and only because I was listening to it while working and was semi-interested what will happen, but early from the start it was clear this was going to be a DNF.
I can’t judge the writing because I was listening to the audiobook however, I can judge the characters and how unbelievable they and their actions were. The only normal character was Eileen, and that’s because she only appeared in the first chapter.
Todd. The moment his chapter stated it was clear he was a creep that was obsessed with Eileen. It would be an understatement to say I despised Todd and his arrogant behavior. You read how to survive in the wild and now you’ll find Eileen with ease, and she’ll be so grateful for it that she’ll fall in love with you. It’s a gigantic forest you freaking moron. And for someone who knows how to survive in the wilderness, he makes stupid decisions, like who goes into a river and doesn’t take his shoes off but thinks that folding up your pants is a better option.
Carla, the worst detective in the world. When she gets the missing person report what does she do? Oh, she just lets Carla’s Law to do its thing. You ask what Carla’s Law is? Well, it’s Carla doing absolutely nothing and letting things fix themselves. Wtf, what kind of a detective does that, and with a missing person’s case. And after only one or two days she’s telling the parents that there’s no hope to finding their kid, she’s basically saying she’s dead and now waits for the river to spit out her bones, what the fuck?
Chris and his gang. J effing Christ. Did they do anything that made sense? First, after a day they all gave up hope that Eileen is alive and they are already grieving. Second, when they decide to go to that city/village or whatever it is where Eileen went missing, some of them are all “yay road trip” what?
I don’t remember every stupid thing that happened and made me go wtf, but there were a lot of those moments.
September 29, 2023
I've been wanting to read this book from Darcy Coates since I discovered how much I love her writing. And believe me when I tell you, HUNTED will not disappoint. I loved it! But then again, I have yet to read one of her books that I don't love! Her writing is brilliant in a way hard to describe if you’ve never read one of her novels. The words jump off of the page with such imagery and emotion, it's impossible not to become completely enthralled and invested.
As with Darcy Coates's other books, the characters are developed so well in HUNTED. Fierce friendships take center stage in this story as our protagonists risk everything to save someone they love. Chris, Anna, Hailey, and Flint set out on what many would call a suicide mission to find and bring home friend and sister, Eileen, who has gone missing in a forest haunted by an evil no one could have prepared for. The term loyalty takes on a whole new meaning as you read what these friends are willing to do for one another. And tenacious, heroic police officer Carla will stop at nothing to find that evil and stop it, once and for all.
Reading this book, as with others from Darcy Coates, is like watching a movie in your head — she does that like no other. And HUNTED was so intense, so edge of your seat fantastic, I couldn't put it down. Horrifying moments filled the pages, truly creating the things of nightmares. Now I'm off to discover my next fabulous read from Darcy Coates!
As with Darcy Coates's other books, the characters are developed so well in HUNTED. Fierce friendships take center stage in this story as our protagonists risk everything to save someone they love. Chris, Anna, Hailey, and Flint set out on what many would call a suicide mission to find and bring home friend and sister, Eileen, who has gone missing in a forest haunted by an evil no one could have prepared for. The term loyalty takes on a whole new meaning as you read what these friends are willing to do for one another. And tenacious, heroic police officer Carla will stop at nothing to find that evil and stop it, once and for all.
Reading this book, as with others from Darcy Coates, is like watching a movie in your head — she does that like no other. And HUNTED was so intense, so edge of your seat fantastic, I couldn't put it down. Horrifying moments filled the pages, truly creating the things of nightmares. Now I'm off to discover my next fabulous read from Darcy Coates!
September 9, 2018
10* Favorite...
Don't start this book unless you have time to read it all at once because you won't be able to put it down. It was absolutely fantastic! Coates decision to write a lengthier story outside of her norm was well-played. I hope she continues to branch out. I'd also love to see her bring back Carla Delgado policing the same city & State Park or even another city/park somewhere else.
Don't start this book unless you have time to read it all at once because you won't be able to put it down. It was absolutely fantastic! Coates decision to write a lengthier story outside of her norm was well-played. I hope she continues to branch out. I'd also love to see her bring back Carla Delgado policing the same city & State Park or even another city/park somewhere else.
December 21, 2020
3,5 stars. Yet again a "Nice while it lasted, but turns out to be meh when you sit and think about it for a bit" reading experience. Been having a lot of those lately.
Some major suspension of disbelief is needed here, particularly in the finale. Just a little bit farfetched.
Other than that, this is a nice survival/ psychological horror. I'm usually the first person to screech when a book baits you , but this time, I think the "reveal" was pretty obvious from the beginning. I was disappointed but not that surprised.
Even knowing the twist, the horror was effective. I think there's something very primal in survival horror; there's not only a creature/ ghost/ killer actively out to get you, but also nature itself, you being unfamiliar with the terrain, unprepared, maybe even arrogant ("Of course nothing's gonna happen to ME" There are SO MANY things that are gonna happen to you) Basically, anything can kill you and you can't stop looking over your shoulder for threats.... and then you fall into a ravine because you weren't looking in front of you.
Also, special mention goes to the She knows it's the best thing to do and she does it, and I respected that A LOT.
Some major suspension of disbelief is needed here, particularly in the finale. Just a little bit farfetched.
Other than that, this is a nice survival/ psychological horror. I'm usually the first person to screech when a book baits you , but this time, I think the "reveal" was pretty obvious from the beginning. I was disappointed but not that surprised.
Even knowing the twist, the horror was effective. I think there's something very primal in survival horror; there's not only a creature/ ghost/ killer actively out to get you, but also nature itself, you being unfamiliar with the terrain, unprepared, maybe even arrogant ("Of course nothing's gonna happen to ME" There are SO MANY things that are gonna happen to you) Basically, anything can kill you and you can't stop looking over your shoulder for threats.... and then you fall into a ravine because you weren't looking in front of you.
Also, special mention goes to the She knows it's the best thing to do and she does it, and I respected that A LOT.
January 24, 2023
If you're looking for a scary read, this is your sign! Pick up this book! 😳😳😳
March 3, 2025
Darcy has a knack for plunging you straight into the action, and you can't help but dive right in. Her fast-paced novels are incredibly captivating, keeping me on the edge of my seat from the very first page.
The alternating perspectives of the characters added so much depth to the narrative. Each time I finished a chapter, I was eager to see what would unfold next. The twist at the end was the perfect finishing touch to an expertly crafted story.
Without a doubt, she stands out as one of the finest horror writers of our generation, and I’m definitely planning to collect all her works. I can already hear my wallet groaning!
The alternating perspectives of the characters added so much depth to the narrative. Each time I finished a chapter, I was eager to see what would unfold next. The twist at the end was the perfect finishing touch to an expertly crafted story.
Without a doubt, she stands out as one of the finest horror writers of our generation, and I’m definitely planning to collect all her works. I can already hear my wallet groaning!
November 12, 2023
DNF at 24%. This is pure crap, storyline, dialogue and characters. Especially the characters. Honestly I should have stopped right at the start when Todd, that little creep, was introduced into the story. I listened to the audio version and I felt myself more and more annoying so no I'm not finishing this book.
January 3, 2025
My least favourite Darcy Coates so far but by no means was it a bad book but it just didn't hit the spot like the others did for me. It did hold my interest really well and the plot in general was good. However, the fact that there were police and a ongoing investigation in this one bored me, I would have preferred this book to be focused on the woods only with maybe a mountain rescue team and nothing else.
What started out to be a thriller turned into a horror and then slowly descended back into a thriller again with a pretty meh reveal. I might have preferred this too have a supernatural element. The body horror was expertly done thought and much appreciated. Darcy added a few extra characters to this book who weren't needed who ended up being totally forgotten about.
The conclusion was a little rough and it would have been nice to have a prologue of each character to wrap it up better. Overall a decent book, with element I just personally don't enjoy, this hasn't put me off Darcy Cotes but I think I would stick to her more horror leading books in the future.
What started out to be a thriller turned into a horror and then slowly descended back into a thriller again with a pretty meh reveal. I might have preferred this too have a supernatural element. The body horror was expertly done thought and much appreciated. Darcy added a few extra characters to this book who weren't needed who ended up being totally forgotten about.
The conclusion was a little rough and it would have been nice to have a prologue of each character to wrap it up better. Overall a decent book, with element I just personally don't enjoy, this hasn't put me off Darcy Cotes but I think I would stick to her more horror leading books in the future.
October 3, 2021
This was very different from the haunted house stories I usually get from Darcy Coates and I loved it! The multiple perspectives made the story compelling. I felt anxious in not knowing exactly what it was I needed to fear and the Ashlough Forest itself proved to be the most terrifying. (Also I'm officially never going hiking in the woods)!
October 6, 2018
Very entertaining- couldn’t put it down.
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