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Edinburgh Crime Mysteries #3
Hunter's Force
Hunter by name – Hunter by nature.
Can DI Hunter Wilson keep Edinburgh safe when he is the hunted?
Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson is woken in the early hours of the morning by a call from his son. Cameron’s flatmate was murdered. Why would anybody want to kill a young woman recently arrived in the city?
Hunter must call in the new Major Incident Team (MIT) to lead the investigation due to the reorganisation of police services. Hunter's ability to be involved, however, is put in severe doubt when someone from his past decides to take revenge on him. He goes missing, and his team have no idea where to look for him. Who would want to stop Hunter in his tracks?
Meanwhile, Hunter's team must work closely with the MIT, with or without him, to solve the murder in this taut crime thriller.
Can DI Hunter Wilson keep Edinburgh safe when he is the hunted?
Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson is woken in the early hours of the morning by a call from his son. Cameron’s flatmate was murdered. Why would anybody want to kill a young woman recently arrived in the city?
Hunter must call in the new Major Incident Team (MIT) to lead the investigation due to the reorganisation of police services. Hunter's ability to be involved, however, is put in severe doubt when someone from his past decides to take revenge on him. He goes missing, and his team have no idea where to look for him. Who would want to stop Hunter in his tracks?
Meanwhile, Hunter's team must work closely with the MIT, with or without him, to solve the murder in this taut crime thriller.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2019
85 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Val Penny
20 books110 followersVal Penny is an American author living in SW Scotland. She has two adult daughters of whom she is justly proud and lives with her husband and two cats.
She has a Llb from Edinburgh University and her MSc from Napier University. She has had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer.
However she has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballerina or owning a candy store. Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories and novels. Her crime novels,The DI Hunter Wilson and Jane Renwick Thrillers are published by SpellBound Books.
She has a Llb from Edinburgh University and her MSc from Napier University. She has had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer.
However she has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballerina or owning a candy store. Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories and novels. Her crime novels,The DI Hunter Wilson and Jane Renwick Thrillers are published by SpellBound Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 3, 2019
A compulsive read. DI Hunter Wilson and a cast of characters that will already be familiar to fans of the series - plus some fascinating new ones - appear in this complex, gritty and engrossing tale. The author deals with the shocking issue of human trafficking, yet weaves magnificent warmth and humour into her tale. I can't wait for the next one
November 1, 2019
I absolutely love to discover new authors and Val Penny is a new author for me- well sort of. I say sort of because I have heard of Val Penny and I have all three of her books but I haven't read one before.....until now that is. When I was invited to take part in the blog your for 'Hunter's Force', I accepted the invite thinking that it would be the ideal opportunity to acquaint myself with her work. Now I have read, 'Hunter's Force' I am actually cross at myself for leaving it this long to read one of her books. I absolutely and totally loved reading 'Hunter's Force' but more about that in a bit.
What can I say about Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson? He is a police officer of many years experience. He has a sort of complicated personal life. His son has recently left rehab and the son is currently working as a driver for a shady sort of character. His boss has also allowed him to live in a flat that he owns. Hunter's son returns from a night out and discovers a body of a girl who had been staying there. When Hunter gets the call to reporting the discovery, he clicks into professional mode but at the same time he can't help but be a concerned parent. Hunter sounds likes the kind of person I would like to work for. He is firm but fair, he takes his equal share of the workload and he leads a small team who all seem pretty loyal to him as he is to them. When he is assigned a case, you can rest assured that he will fully investigate the matter until he has apprehended the villain and when he has investigate every single piece of evidence.
Oh my word, I was simply blown away by how good 'Hunter's Force' was. As soon as I started to read, I just knew that I wouldn't be able to put this book down even if I had wanted to. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I didn't want to miss a single second of the story. I had taken to the different characters so well and I was so intrigued by the case that I just couldn't stop reading. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the case concluded steadily grew and grew. I reached the end of the book far quicker than I had intended, which I was disappointed about. I was enjoying the storylines, the characters and the author's writing style so much that I just wish the book had lasted far longer than it did. I soon cheered up when I realised that I had the first two books in the series to read.
'Hunter's Force' is brilliantly written. As I indicated before had I known how great a writer Val Penny was, I would have read her books far sooner than now. She certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into the story from the start. Once she had my attention, she reeled me in as it were. Val writes so realistically and uses such vivid descriptions that I felt as though I was part of the story myself and an extra member of Hunter's team.
Reading 'Hunter's Force' felt like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. There were certain descriptions of the injuries and the criminal acts that made me wince and feel rather sore.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed 'Hunter's Force' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I can't wait to read what Val Penny comes up with next. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait, but whilst I wait I will definitely be reading the first two books in the series. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
What can I say about Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson? He is a police officer of many years experience. He has a sort of complicated personal life. His son has recently left rehab and the son is currently working as a driver for a shady sort of character. His boss has also allowed him to live in a flat that he owns. Hunter's son returns from a night out and discovers a body of a girl who had been staying there. When Hunter gets the call to reporting the discovery, he clicks into professional mode but at the same time he can't help but be a concerned parent. Hunter sounds likes the kind of person I would like to work for. He is firm but fair, he takes his equal share of the workload and he leads a small team who all seem pretty loyal to him as he is to them. When he is assigned a case, you can rest assured that he will fully investigate the matter until he has apprehended the villain and when he has investigate every single piece of evidence.
Oh my word, I was simply blown away by how good 'Hunter's Force' was. As soon as I started to read, I just knew that I wouldn't be able to put this book down even if I had wanted to. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I didn't want to miss a single second of the story. I had taken to the different characters so well and I was so intrigued by the case that I just couldn't stop reading. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the case concluded steadily grew and grew. I reached the end of the book far quicker than I had intended, which I was disappointed about. I was enjoying the storylines, the characters and the author's writing style so much that I just wish the book had lasted far longer than it did. I soon cheered up when I realised that I had the first two books in the series to read.
'Hunter's Force' is brilliantly written. As I indicated before had I known how great a writer Val Penny was, I would have read her books far sooner than now. She certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into the story from the start. Once she had my attention, she reeled me in as it were. Val writes so realistically and uses such vivid descriptions that I felt as though I was part of the story myself and an extra member of Hunter's team.
Reading 'Hunter's Force' felt like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. There were certain descriptions of the injuries and the criminal acts that made me wince and feel rather sore.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed 'Hunter's Force' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I can't wait to read what Val Penny comes up with next. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait, but whilst I wait I will definitely be reading the first two books in the series. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
November 7, 2019
I love standalone novels, but there is something about series that just makes me so happy for some reason, maybe it's because of the possibility of more books to read in that world or about that characters. And in the case of this series, The Edinburgh Crime Mysteries, I love that it's a series because of the next book I know I will get a chance to read, because of a lot of other aspects that I will talk next.
So, as you can probably guess, this isn't the first book I'm reading of this author and the series, I have read the previous books and I was so excited about this novel because I wanted to see what was DI Hunter Wilson up to and what kind of situation would he be put through.
I won't talk abut my thoughts on Hunter because I have read the other novels and with each one there are changes. Time goes on and of course that if real people change when they have to deal with certain problems, why wouldn't a character in a book. Val Penny really put the reality in her storytelling and gives us an amazing group of characters (good and bad guys), not just the ones that were already part of the series, as well as the new one that have grace us with their presence.
The mystery, the excitement and the descriptions... Everything just makes each scene and each moment of uncovering the truth so much fun and real. I'm always surprised with the plot, it's thrilling and intriguing to me and I love to try and figure out things. And there is revenge and... crimes, murder... things happen.
Like the previous books, it was a really interesting story, original and complex. The author is able to transport us to this dark world that reminds me of a TV series I once watched and can't remember the name; what I do remember is the fact that it captivated me and it had this same dark aura of mystery around it. Honestly, I loved that and that's one of the reasons I also love this book, because I could visualize what was happening and see the surroundings of this novel in my mind, as if watching TV or recalling some memory. That is one of Val Penny's power in her writing style.
I really have to stay away from giving out information, but I loved it and I really recommend the series, not just this one, because although you would understand the novel by it's one, I truly believe that by reading the books in order you would understand even more Hunter and his actions, as well as the entire world system and police force.
If crime and mystery novels are your thing, then you really have to give this series a chance.I highly recommend it and if you do read the series, I hope you have as much fun as I have had so far. And I cannot wait to reread it in a couple of month or maybe years, because I'm sure I will find some connections that I have missed.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Val Penny for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
So, as you can probably guess, this isn't the first book I'm reading of this author and the series, I have read the previous books and I was so excited about this novel because I wanted to see what was DI Hunter Wilson up to and what kind of situation would he be put through.
I won't talk abut my thoughts on Hunter because I have read the other novels and with each one there are changes. Time goes on and of course that if real people change when they have to deal with certain problems, why wouldn't a character in a book. Val Penny really put the reality in her storytelling and gives us an amazing group of characters (good and bad guys), not just the ones that were already part of the series, as well as the new one that have grace us with their presence.
The mystery, the excitement and the descriptions... Everything just makes each scene and each moment of uncovering the truth so much fun and real. I'm always surprised with the plot, it's thrilling and intriguing to me and I love to try and figure out things. And there is revenge and... crimes, murder... things happen.
Like the previous books, it was a really interesting story, original and complex. The author is able to transport us to this dark world that reminds me of a TV series I once watched and can't remember the name; what I do remember is the fact that it captivated me and it had this same dark aura of mystery around it. Honestly, I loved that and that's one of the reasons I also love this book, because I could visualize what was happening and see the surroundings of this novel in my mind, as if watching TV or recalling some memory. That is one of Val Penny's power in her writing style.
I really have to stay away from giving out information, but I loved it and I really recommend the series, not just this one, because although you would understand the novel by it's one, I truly believe that by reading the books in order you would understand even more Hunter and his actions, as well as the entire world system and police force.
If crime and mystery novels are your thing, then you really have to give this series a chance.I highly recommend it and if you do read the series, I hope you have as much fun as I have had so far. And I cannot wait to reread it in a couple of month or maybe years, because I'm sure I will find some connections that I have missed.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Val Penny for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
February 17, 2023
The story begins where Hunter’s son Cameron has palled up in a nightclub with Ian Thompson’s nephew (and Frankie’s brother) Harry and his friend Gavin, soldiers who have just returned from Afghanistan. They have picked up two Ukrainian women who are touting for business for a massage parlour. Cameron himself has a flat over a bookies, courtesy of his new employer “Lucky” Lord Lachlan Buchanan whom he met in rehab. When the five arrive at the flat, they discover the woman who had been moved into the flat dead from a head injury, her face beaten and fingertips cut off. Cameron calls his dad who arrives with girlfriend pathologist Dr. Meera Sharma in tow and DC Tim Myerscough isn’t far behind. They soon discover Lucky knew nothing about the woman, also Ukrainian, called Xristina. Based at Fettes Station in Edinburgh, DI Hunter Wilson and his team of DS Colin Reid and DCs Winston Zewedu (Bear), Mel Grant, Tim Myerscough, Rachael Anderson and Nadia Chan know they will need help from the newly formed MIT and are delighted to welcome back DS Jane Renwick as their contact. Before long connections are made to the girl’s father and his brother, Oleksander and Sergei Ponomarenko, Ukrainian gangsters who have done a deal with Arjun Mansoor to launder money from their people trafficking racket through two betting shops behind the back of the new owner Ian Thompson who has just been released from prison. Ian will be furious when he finds out. Once again everyone’s lives are intertwined, especially when Gillian, Tim’s girlfriend, recognises Xristina as one of her students at the university and has to tell her angry father than his girl is dead. A man has been following Hunter and when he is knocked out and kidnapped, he realises just who Big Brian Squires is now working for. With everyone once again set on a collision course and a case of mistaken identity, the very dangerous Oleksander is out to revenge his daughter’s death, so it’s vital Hunter and his team find the killer first.
One of the things I love about this series is the ongoing storylines and the return of many of the characters in each new book. For that reason I would urge readers to read them in order to get as much as possible out of them. The plot is clever and complex with absolutely loads happening right from the start, as all the different characters appear with their own stories to tell which get neatly woven together as the story unfolds. DCI Mackay is a good solid leader and Hunter and his detectives are all great characters who really work well as a team as well as being close and loyal friends. Thoroughly enjoyable and I am looking forward to meeting everyone again in book 4. 5*
One of the things I love about this series is the ongoing storylines and the return of many of the characters in each new book. For that reason I would urge readers to read them in order to get as much as possible out of them. The plot is clever and complex with absolutely loads happening right from the start, as all the different characters appear with their own stories to tell which get neatly woven together as the story unfolds. DCI Mackay is a good solid leader and Hunter and his detectives are all great characters who really work well as a team as well as being close and loyal friends. Thoroughly enjoyable and I am looking forward to meeting everyone again in book 4. 5*
February 19, 2023
‘Hunter’s Force’ is the third book in this series but can be read as a standalone, however, I would recommend reading the first two to gain a bit of insight to the recurring characters. But this can definitely be enjoyed if this is your first time reading this series. It delves into the murky world of the human trafficking of sex workers to Edinburgh and how crime is interrelated and codependent on each other. This was a tautly plotted novel and one that I thoroughly enjoyed!
When a young woman is found mutilated in a flat in Edinburgh, DI Hunter Wilson is woken up in the middle of the night. The problem - it's his son’s flat the poor woman was found in. Hunter and the team dive into the investigation but when Hunter goes missing his team have no idea where to look for him! Will he return safely and has this to do with the woman that was found?
I do love a series when the bad guys follow through the books! We get to see how Frankie and Jamie are getting on in their lives as well as those in the police team. I love those two and both of them have grown massively since the first book! Tim, I felt was regressing a little bit as he comes across as very posh and dare I say it a bit stuck up. My crush on him is lessened but my love for Hunter has increased massively! Swings and roundabouts hey! But what hasn't changed is how much I love this series, Val Penny is now one of my go-to authors as I am always left wanting more. I want to know how Hunter gets on with his darts, whether Tim settles down and that Frankie and Jamie are happy! They have started to feel like friends and when that happens you know you have found a gem of a series.
Roll on book four!
When a young woman is found mutilated in a flat in Edinburgh, DI Hunter Wilson is woken up in the middle of the night. The problem - it's his son’s flat the poor woman was found in. Hunter and the team dive into the investigation but when Hunter goes missing his team have no idea where to look for him! Will he return safely and has this to do with the woman that was found?
I do love a series when the bad guys follow through the books! We get to see how Frankie and Jamie are getting on in their lives as well as those in the police team. I love those two and both of them have grown massively since the first book! Tim, I felt was regressing a little bit as he comes across as very posh and dare I say it a bit stuck up. My crush on him is lessened but my love for Hunter has increased massively! Swings and roundabouts hey! But what hasn't changed is how much I love this series, Val Penny is now one of my go-to authors as I am always left wanting more. I want to know how Hunter gets on with his darts, whether Tim settles down and that Frankie and Jamie are happy! They have started to feel like friends and when that happens you know you have found a gem of a series.
Roll on book four!
November 5, 2019
The third book in 'The Edinburgh Crime Mysteries' delves into the horrific world of human trafficking and reveals a dark side to Edinburgh. Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson is drawn into this noir world, through a personal connection, which demands he investigate the case even though it falls under the auspices of the Murder Investigation Team.
I haven't read the first two books in this series, and this one reads well as a standalone. The crime stories are complete and there is sufficient backstory on the recurrent characters to let a new reader understand their flaws and motivations and how they work as a team. However, the quality of the writing style and the authenticity of the characters demands I add the earlier books to my festive holiday reading list, it's that good.
The crimes are well described and don't make pleasant reading, but there is no gratuitous description and the darkness is counterbalanced with lighter moments, between the investigators, which increases the believability of the plot.
For readers who enjoy hard-boiled crime fiction and mystery, this is an addictive read, which draws you into the Edinburgh setting and the world of crime and detection.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
I haven't read the first two books in this series, and this one reads well as a standalone. The crime stories are complete and there is sufficient backstory on the recurrent characters to let a new reader understand their flaws and motivations and how they work as a team. However, the quality of the writing style and the authenticity of the characters demands I add the earlier books to my festive holiday reading list, it's that good.
The crimes are well described and don't make pleasant reading, but there is no gratuitous description and the darkness is counterbalanced with lighter moments, between the investigators, which increases the believability of the plot.
For readers who enjoy hard-boiled crime fiction and mystery, this is an addictive read, which draws you into the Edinburgh setting and the world of crime and detection.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
April 24, 2019
A young woman is found horrifically mutilated in a young man’s flat. The young man in question is Cameron and his father just happens to be in the police. He says a large man brought the woman there a few weeks ago and gave him money to feed her on the orders of Cameron’s boss who owns the flat. On questioning the owner knows nothing about the woman. Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson wants to head this up himself rather than call in MIT. A man is released from prison and being collected by his son announces that not only has he bought two very profitable betting shops whilst inside but that they are moving into a 12 bedroomed home. Someone however wants Hunter out of the picture and when things get rather rough he decides things have to change. This is a series of crimes and suspects cleverly intermingled. I liked Hunter- a force to be reckoned with and a personable one. This is number three in the series and not having read the others this does stand happily alone. Set in Edinburgh, there are wonderful descriptions of the city. A very interesting enjoyable read.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
February 20, 2023
A series which I have read quite a few books from amd not necessarily in order either. Hunter's Force is the third book on the DI Hunter Williams series. I always look forward to Val Penny's books.
Set in Edinburgh, this gritty crime thriller brings everything to make it such a pleasurable read. Hunter's Force begins with an event Hunter wishes was a nightmare and just snowballs from there!
Val Penny has again successfully written a story that had me right on the edge of my seat. The tension and suspense were there throughout, making this a book I couldn't tear myself away from.
The fact that the author shows the bad, dark side of Edinburgh, as well as the light,beautiful side, makes this a believable and immersive read. In fact, I find this every time I pick up a book she has written.
The way the plot unfolded with the twists and with an ending I wasn't expecting makes this a book I would recommend to anyone who reads crime or detective thrillers. Another excellent instalment in the DI Hunter series!
Thanks to ZooLoo's Book Tours and Val Penny for the copy of the book to bring my honest unbiased review.
Set in Edinburgh, this gritty crime thriller brings everything to make it such a pleasurable read. Hunter's Force begins with an event Hunter wishes was a nightmare and just snowballs from there!
Val Penny has again successfully written a story that had me right on the edge of my seat. The tension and suspense were there throughout, making this a book I couldn't tear myself away from.
The fact that the author shows the bad, dark side of Edinburgh, as well as the light,beautiful side, makes this a believable and immersive read. In fact, I find this every time I pick up a book she has written.
The way the plot unfolded with the twists and with an ending I wasn't expecting makes this a book I would recommend to anyone who reads crime or detective thrillers. Another excellent instalment in the DI Hunter series!
Thanks to ZooLoo's Book Tours and Val Penny for the copy of the book to bring my honest unbiased review.
November 4, 2019
Another excellent addition to this well-plotted crime series set in Scotland's capital city!
When Hunter Wilson's son, Cameron, returns home with friends from a night clubbing and finds his flatmate murdered, his first call is to his dad, the detective inspector. With the investigation in full swing Hunter goes missing - most unlike him and ringing alarm bells with those who know him. Now the team have two things to focus on . . .
A wonderful third tale in this very readable series from Val Penny. Beautifully structured, and with plenty going on, this is a book which kept my attention all the way through. There is plenty happening to keep the brain busy whilst the eyes devour the pages and I couldn't wait to find out what happened - not only to the deceased but also to Hunter - and why. A gripping novel from first to last and a fabulous third novel in his highly acclaimed series. Very much recommended to all lovers of a darn good crime thriller and it earns every one of it's five glowing stars. Looking forward to the next one already!
When Hunter Wilson's son, Cameron, returns home with friends from a night clubbing and finds his flatmate murdered, his first call is to his dad, the detective inspector. With the investigation in full swing Hunter goes missing - most unlike him and ringing alarm bells with those who know him. Now the team have two things to focus on . . .
A wonderful third tale in this very readable series from Val Penny. Beautifully structured, and with plenty going on, this is a book which kept my attention all the way through. There is plenty happening to keep the brain busy whilst the eyes devour the pages and I couldn't wait to find out what happened - not only to the deceased but also to Hunter - and why. A gripping novel from first to last and a fabulous third novel in his highly acclaimed series. Very much recommended to all lovers of a darn good crime thriller and it earns every one of it's five glowing stars. Looking forward to the next one already!
January 2, 2020
Who loves Val Penny? This book reviewer does! I’ve been so excited to read Hunter’s Force because I absolutely loved Hunter’s Chase and Hunter’s Revenge! Val Penny’s series keeps getting better with every book.
DI Hunter Wilson is back.I love his ever growing character development. The intermingling of personal relationships with the case make him an even more compelling character. I love the cohesiveness of the team he leads and I love how in tune he is as a Detective.
Per usual, this case is complex and twisty. I loved every minute of it. It’s the kind of book you want to keep reading. It’s realistic, entertaining and there’s bits of humor sprinkled in to break up some of the seriousness, which I always enjoy.
If you’re looking for a good crime novel, look no further. This series is fantastic and with each book, it gets stronger. Highly recommended.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
DI Hunter Wilson is back.I love his ever growing character development. The intermingling of personal relationships with the case make him an even more compelling character. I love the cohesiveness of the team he leads and I love how in tune he is as a Detective.
Per usual, this case is complex and twisty. I loved every minute of it. It’s the kind of book you want to keep reading. It’s realistic, entertaining and there’s bits of humor sprinkled in to break up some of the seriousness, which I always enjoy.
If you’re looking for a good crime novel, look no further. This series is fantastic and with each book, it gets stronger. Highly recommended.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
February 28, 2023
Getting better and better with each book.
Another wonderfully written crime thriller that just keeps on getting better with each book in this Edinburgh Crime Mysteries series. Hunter and his band of officers get the job done, solving the murder of a young lass, who unfortunately is the daughter of a Ukrainian crime boss.
Each of the police characters have become well known to all the readers of this series, seeing them grow into their jobs and roles. That’s what makes this series so clever, together with the twists and turns. You never see the ending until the author wants you too.
Fast paced and extremely clever writing helps unravel this mystery and bring it to a succinct ending. The side characters and their entries into the story are there for a special purpose, to bring everyday events and add just that necessary hint of realism to a great read.
Five amazing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for this third book in a series that needs to made into a mini-series.
Another wonderfully written crime thriller that just keeps on getting better with each book in this Edinburgh Crime Mysteries series. Hunter and his band of officers get the job done, solving the murder of a young lass, who unfortunately is the daughter of a Ukrainian crime boss.
Each of the police characters have become well known to all the readers of this series, seeing them grow into their jobs and roles. That’s what makes this series so clever, together with the twists and turns. You never see the ending until the author wants you too.
Fast paced and extremely clever writing helps unravel this mystery and bring it to a succinct ending. The side characters and their entries into the story are there for a special purpose, to bring everyday events and add just that necessary hint of realism to a great read.
Five amazing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for this third book in a series that needs to made into a mini-series.
February 13, 2023
The team is back! DI Hunter Wilson is at the helm and still in a relationship with pathologist Meera. Tim ‘young Myerscough’ is dating Gillian, a linguist at the university, who has a green flash in her hair. Bear and Mel are still together, while Jane has relocated to MIT, but is still with Rachael.
Ian Thompson is out of ‘the big house’ (prison to you and me) on parole, but Tim’s dad, the former Chief Constable Sir Peter Myerscough is still in residence. As is Arjun Mansoor, yet another villain from book one. Jamie Thompson is still around being an idiot, as is his cousin Frankie. Keep up! I’m trying really hard to.
In the meantime Hunter’s son Cameron has a nice flat, which comes with his job as driver to wealthy ‘Lucky’ Buchanon. So far so good. Until Cameron is out one night and returns to his flat with some mates to find a dead girl, his flatmate, her face smashed in and her fingertips removed.
And so it begins. Who is she? Who killed her and why? And what is the connection to the university where Gillian works, a dodgy massage parlour and two new betting shops?
Everything appears to be connected in this story. Hunter is being hunted. Someone from his past is out to exact revenge with the help of a hired muscle man, who is connected to both the victim and Thompson. And there is also a link to Eastern European prostitutes.
It’s all very complicated and fast-paced – it’s a real page-turner. So glad there is plenty more to come.
Many thanks to @zooloo2008 for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
Ian Thompson is out of ‘the big house’ (prison to you and me) on parole, but Tim’s dad, the former Chief Constable Sir Peter Myerscough is still in residence. As is Arjun Mansoor, yet another villain from book one. Jamie Thompson is still around being an idiot, as is his cousin Frankie. Keep up! I’m trying really hard to.
In the meantime Hunter’s son Cameron has a nice flat, which comes with his job as driver to wealthy ‘Lucky’ Buchanon. So far so good. Until Cameron is out one night and returns to his flat with some mates to find a dead girl, his flatmate, her face smashed in and her fingertips removed.
And so it begins. Who is she? Who killed her and why? And what is the connection to the university where Gillian works, a dodgy massage parlour and two new betting shops?
Everything appears to be connected in this story. Hunter is being hunted. Someone from his past is out to exact revenge with the help of a hired muscle man, who is connected to both the victim and Thompson. And there is also a link to Eastern European prostitutes.
It’s all very complicated and fast-paced – it’s a real page-turner. So glad there is plenty more to come.
Many thanks to @zooloo2008 for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
February 16, 2023
Just when you thought a series couldn’t get any better, along comes the third in a series to prove you wrong.
Opening with the shocking murder of a woman in the flat Hunter’s son Cameron lives in, this book grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go until the last page. With not many clues and an array of possible suspects, Hunter, Myerscough and the rest of the team have their work cut out to find the killer. Characters from the previous two books are also feature a lot, and I have to admit I do have a soft spot for Frankie and Jamie. There’s also some great humour regarding a holiday which proved to be a bit of light relief to counteract some of the very dark storyline and there’s the touch of a blossoming romance.
I loved this latest book in the DI Hunter Wilson series, and for me it will definitely up there in my top ten reads of 2023.
Opening with the shocking murder of a woman in the flat Hunter’s son Cameron lives in, this book grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go until the last page. With not many clues and an array of possible suspects, Hunter, Myerscough and the rest of the team have their work cut out to find the killer. Characters from the previous two books are also feature a lot, and I have to admit I do have a soft spot for Frankie and Jamie. There’s also some great humour regarding a holiday which proved to be a bit of light relief to counteract some of the very dark storyline and there’s the touch of a blossoming romance.
I loved this latest book in the DI Hunter Wilson series, and for me it will definitely up there in my top ten reads of 2023.
December 27, 2020
A well-paced crime novel, pulling together an interesting and diverse set of characters. The opening murder scene sets the story up extremely well and the ensuing multithreaded narratives snake their way through the story pulling us along with them. Murder and revenge and shady business dealings are mixed together to create this tale of criminality yet touches of humour sprinkle the narrative to give flashes of light in the dark story scape. I haven’t read the earlier books in the series but that didn’t matter. The story stands up well on its own. However, I will back track and read the others before I take on the next one in the series. This is a well told and rich story - excellent work Val Penny.
January 7, 2023
The third in the series of Val Penny's Edinburgh Noir series really lives up to its genre. Opening with a brutal murder in the home of DI Hunter Wilson's son, the story rapidly spirals to cover human trafficking, money laundering and more. But at the same time, Hunter has his own issues to deal with as someone from his past re-appears, bent on revenge. The development of the characters continues well; not only Hunter and his own team but also with local criminal Ian Thompson and his family, especially teenager Frankie and his young twins. A gripping story with an unexpected ending. I look forward to more in the series.
January 21, 2023
This is the third book in the Edinburgh Crime Mysteries but is complete in itself. When a body is discovered, it becomes personal for DI Hunter Wilson. Who was the murderer and what could possibly be the motive? Val Penny keeps up the suspense throughout and draws all the threads neatly to a close in the surprise ending. There is an amusing light interlude with three young men in Ibiza, when things do not go to plan.
Characters are well rounded and believable, and there is a good use of colloquial dialogue. There are some beautiful and detailed descriptions of Edinburgh, which like any city has its sleazy side.
A thrilling book, which is difficult to put down.
Characters are well rounded and believable, and there is a good use of colloquial dialogue. There are some beautiful and detailed descriptions of Edinburgh, which like any city has its sleazy side.
A thrilling book, which is difficult to put down.
February 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this read in what is book 3 of a series and I would highly recommend reading all of them. This is not an easy or cosy read by any stretch of the imagination it is a brutal and dark read that looks at sex workers being trafficked to Edinburgh, and, I couldn't put it down.
The storyline is utterly compelling and is full of plot tension so taut you feel like you are balanced on a knife edge. The writing is engaging and full of unpredictability and the characters are well developed and continue to grow from previous books.
I can't wait for more from this series or to reas more by this author in general
The storyline is utterly compelling and is full of plot tension so taut you feel like you are balanced on a knife edge. The writing is engaging and full of unpredictability and the characters are well developed and continue to grow from previous books.
I can't wait for more from this series or to reas more by this author in general
November 17, 2019
I was really looking forward to reading this book after reading the previous installment in the series.
This book sees the vicious murder of the flatmate of Hunter’s son, Cameron. Hunter wants to investigate the case, but his son is the prime suspect. Although he doesn’t know anything about the woman. As the case unfolds it exposes the dark side of the city.
Apart from the case Hunter as he own problems to deal with as someone wants him out of the way. Has someone from the past come back to exact revenge? Who will rescue Hunter?
A great read.
This book sees the vicious murder of the flatmate of Hunter’s son, Cameron. Hunter wants to investigate the case, but his son is the prime suspect. Although he doesn’t know anything about the woman. As the case unfolds it exposes the dark side of the city.
Apart from the case Hunter as he own problems to deal with as someone wants him out of the way. Has someone from the past come back to exact revenge? Who will rescue Hunter?
A great read.
February 9, 2021
ENGROSSING PERPLEXING MYSTERY!
HUNTER'S FORCE, The gripping third book in the Edinburgh Crime Mysteries Series immediately becomes immersed in a monstrous, frightening discovery, touching someone close to the team. Navigating to the solution of this horrendous, baffling mystery is like a dire, hair-raising race on a track resembling a web of back streets interspersed with entanglements, complications, heart-stopping incidents and dead ends culminating in a blindsiding finish!
DON'T MISS HUNTER'S FORCE!
HUNTER'S FORCE, The gripping third book in the Edinburgh Crime Mysteries Series immediately becomes immersed in a monstrous, frightening discovery, touching someone close to the team. Navigating to the solution of this horrendous, baffling mystery is like a dire, hair-raising race on a track resembling a web of back streets interspersed with entanglements, complications, heart-stopping incidents and dead ends culminating in a blindsiding finish!
DON'T MISS HUNTER'S FORCE!
January 29, 2022
Not quite as good as the first two!
And the ending left a lot to be desired! DI Hunters storyline was just a jumble. It made no sense in the over all plot line! Nor did 3 men going on a trip! It was an ok book, kept my interest enough! But much of it felt unfinished and disjointed. Like the book was thrown together in a hurry. if the first two books hadn't been so good, I would have stopped reading it all together. Not that it was so terrible I wouldn't keep reading the series, I have read many series where a book or two just doesn't match up with the rest! Off to number 4
And the ending left a lot to be desired! DI Hunters storyline was just a jumble. It made no sense in the over all plot line! Nor did 3 men going on a trip! It was an ok book, kept my interest enough! But much of it felt unfinished and disjointed. Like the book was thrown together in a hurry. if the first two books hadn't been so good, I would have stopped reading it all together. Not that it was so terrible I wouldn't keep reading the series, I have read many series where a book or two just doesn't match up with the rest! Off to number 4
January 29, 2023
Solving murders is his job, but this time DI Hunter Wilson has to deal with a brutal case close to home. The badly mutilated victim is his son’s flat mate …
Val Penny excels at tense thrillers exposing Edinburgh’s underbelly as much as its beauty. Her characters are just as well-drawn, making her books hard to put down and harder to forget. Hunter’s Force is no exception.
Val Penny excels at tense thrillers exposing Edinburgh’s underbelly as much as its beauty. Her characters are just as well-drawn, making her books hard to put down and harder to forget. Hunter’s Force is no exception.
December 20, 2020
I enjoyed this book with its mystery that ran throughout the novel, vivid descriptions of Edinburgh and interesting characters. I noticed some unnecessary repetition and the dialogue didn't always seem true to life.
August 23, 2021
A great crime read with plenty of twists and turns set in Edinburgh. This is the first one I've read in this series and will certainly read more. If you like a bit of levity in the narrative, the character of Jamie provides plenty.
February 18, 2023
Hunter's Force by Val Penny.
DI Hunter Wilson Series: Book 3.
Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson is woken in the early hours of the morning by a call from his son. Cameron’s flatmate has been murdered.
Really good read. I do like Hunter. 5*.
DI Hunter Wilson Series: Book 3.
Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson is woken in the early hours of the morning by a call from his son. Cameron’s flatmate has been murdered.
Really good read. I do like Hunter. 5*.
August 31, 2025
More drama in this series set around DI Hunter and his team in Edinburgh.
I like how there is so many of the same characters in each of these books so you can see whats happening in their lives throughout the series.
I like how there is so many of the same characters in each of these books so you can see whats happening in their lives throughout the series.
Read
January 13, 2020Once again an excellent read. Very exciting
November 1, 2020
Love the characters in this series and the storylines
December 13, 2020
Set in Edinburgh a police whodunit involving Ukrainian people traffickers.
December 18, 2020
Great read
Hunter’s Force has the Ukrainian mob, human trafficking, murder, prison time and even some silliness in it.
Perfect for a cold winter read.
Hunter’s Force has the Ukrainian mob, human trafficking, murder, prison time and even some silliness in it.
Perfect for a cold winter read.
June 14, 2020
It was an engaging read. While it didn't capture me like the second book in the series, I still enjoyed it. It was nice to see the "extras" from the first two books or at least a reference to them. They could almost have a series of their own where the police force is a background/secondary character.
I'm looking forward to reading book 4.
I'm looking forward to reading book 4.
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