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What would you do if you discovered a dead body? Would you investigate? Try to solve the case before the police arrive?
Would you prattle on about theories regarding the murder, realizing you know almost too much about it? Would you put the handsome detective off balance so that he then accuses you of being the murderer? All before 9AM? No… surely no one would do that?

Clearly, you haven’t met Diana Hunter.

When embarking on an early morning run, Diana notices a man sitting on the ground reading a book. When she returns, she finds he hasn’t moved a muscle since she left her house. She checks him over and discovers that he is stone cold. Once the emergency services arrive, all equipped with a very good-looking, but pompous detective, Peter Hopkinson, she has to continually prove to the detective why she is not the killer while trying to solve the murder herself.

Will Diana find the murderer before the detective does, or will they both discover that something a lot more sinister is going on at Royal Bay Beach?

Interview with the Author of the Series
Q - So, what makes the Diana Hunter series special?

A - When I set out to write these books, I wanted to create something that mirrored exactly the kind of books I like to read. My top picks are always mystery novels, especially featuring female protagonists with attitude. Diana is badass and I can’t tell you how many readers tell me she reminds them of themselves. She makes you feel you can do anything!

The Diana Hunter books are a great mix of genres. There is nothing graphic or gratuitous in these books. Your Aunt Martha could definitely read them. But they are not “roses around the cottage door” –type mysteries. They are more hard-boiled with some romantic tension, suspense and thriller action to keep things interesting!

Overall, the Diana Hunter series is designed to keep you turning the pages - and I've made sure there's never a dull moment.

Q - In what order should I read the books?

A - The Diana Hunter mysteries can be read and enjoyed in any order, however, Hunted is a prequel to the other books in the series. Unlike the other books, it is not a complete mystery. It relates the events that create the backdrop to the series and fills in some of Diana’s personality and motivations. You don’t have to have read the prequel to make sense of the later books but it helps.

I’ve made sure not to include any spoilers for those who are new to the characters and any existing fans of Diana’s adventures will still find plenty of fresh action and mystery as well as perhaps a few answers. All in all, there is something for everyone. The events in this prequel take place a few years before Snatched, the first book in the Diana Hunter series of mysteries.

If you do want to read them in order, I'd suggest the following sequence:

- Hunted (prequel)
- Snatched
- Stolen
- Chopped

Q - So, why should readers give these books a try?

A - Because the Diana Hunter series is a fast, fun, thrill-ride that takes no prisoners! Our heroine is kicks butt but has a soft center. We want her to win out even when she’s making poor decisions and alienating those who can, and want, to help her. I think most women will see a little, or a lot, of themselves in Diana Hunter.

Ultimately, readers who enjoy lightning-fast pacing with a plot that twists and turns all the way to the end will get a kick out of this series.

162 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2016

382 people are currently reading
563 people want to read

About the author

Alison Golden

103 books332 followers
Alison Golden is the USA Today bestselling author of the Inspector David Graham mysteries, a traditional British detective series, and two cozy mystery series featuring main characters Reverend Annabelle Dixon and Roxy Reinhardt. As A. J. Golden, she writes the Diana Hunter thriller series.

Alison was raised in Bedfordshire, England. Her aim is to write stories that are designed to entertain, amuse, and calm. Her approach is to combine creative ideas with excellent writing and edit, edit, edit. Alison’s mission is simple: To write excellent books that have readers clamoring for more.

Alison is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and twin sons. She splits her time between London and San Francisco.

To receive three free books, updates about new releases, exclusive promotions, and other insider information, sign up at: http://www.alisongolden.com.

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5 stars
264 (36%)
4 stars
230 (32%)
3 stars
149 (20%)
2 stars
52 (7%)
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19 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,206 reviews176 followers
February 8, 2016
I really enjoyed getting to see Diana Hunter in action. She is so intelligent and sees things so clearly. I liked how she and Detective Peter Hotkinson verbally sparred. It was entertaining. The crime was interesting and the methods that the police force used to figure it out was brilliant.

I am looking forward to reading more about Peter and Diana. They have a great chemistry and he does have that sexy stubble.

Alison Golden brings the characters to life and you can feel the frustration that Peter has when he keeps catching Diana where she is not supposed to be. Diana's not oblivious to his charms either and finds herself making it look worse for herself due to that attraction. A fun, exciting mystery.
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,305 reviews163 followers
August 29, 2018
The covers of the Diana Hunter Mystery series, blew me away and I knew I had to read Snatched by Alison Golden. This mystery novella was a quick and easy read.

Diana was a reporter and is now the editor for a crime magazine. It makes sense that she would know a lot about investigating and she gets the opportunity when a murder takes place right outside her balcony window.

She’s a bit snippy and snarky with the hunky Detective. And…we do have a friendly little critter, Max, who takes a liking to the Detective, so that’s a very good sign. Me thinks there may be some romance in the air.

The mystery is on the gruesome side and it does give me food for thought. Diana may present herself as a suspect by her actions, so that does keep the detective close…and closer. The writing caught my attention early. Even though the story is short, there is plenty of detail and action, whether danger or romance, to keep my interest throughout.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Snatched by Alison Golden

See more at fundinmental
Profile Image for Namrata Ganti.
516 reviews50 followers
March 24, 2017
This story is fast-paced and a very quick read filled with interesting characters. The plot is convincing, starting with the main protagonist Diana, setting out for her morning run. On the way, she notices a person sitting under a tree near her building who has been sitting in the same position since she started her run. It is said that curiosity killed the cat, and though this is not literally the case, Diana finds herself in the position of explaining herself to the lead detective on the case. Add in the fact that he is not at all what she pictured detectives to be like and her wild imagination and we have an interesting chemistry between the two.

The author doesn't dwell much into the background of the characters, only briefly providing information to fill in plot holes, making it a little difficult to understand them. Also, the whole story seems to happen very smoothly with no roadblock or any disturbances. This is not very realistic, but will still hold the readers attention. However, this doesn't take away much and still ensures that the story is worth the read. The events unfold very quickly and Diana's sharp mind prove to be an asset. It is nice to read about a female protagonist who is strong willed and extremely witty, piecing together facts to help solve the mystery.

Grab a copy of this short suspense filled mystery that most mystery lovers will enjoy!
Profile Image for Christy.
658 reviews8 followers
February 20, 2016
Greetings friends & fellow bookworms. I finished this book sometime yesterday. It is a mystery of sorts & a very interesting, quick read.

Lead female character Diane Hunter goes for a morning jog on the beach as she often does. There is a man sitting under a tree reading as she exits the building; she thinks it's odd that someone would be up that early on the beach, but completes her run anyway. Upon completion, she realizes this man has not moved in the slightest. Concerned he may need help, she approaches him, but on closer inspection, she discovers the man is dead... murdered. A body dump. Ms Hunter immediately contacts police. Detective Hot-kinson has she refers to him appears on the scene. He is curious as to why she is so knowledgeable & observant; she is annoyed that be questions her as if she is a suspect.

As the investigation continues, Ms Hunter cannot stay away from the crime scene. She thinks investigators & SCI's may have missed something... Well, they did, but the more she explores, the more suspicious it makes her look.

I truly enjoyed this book. it was mysterious & keep my mind swirling. I relate well to Ms Hunter, because I too would be inquisitive & want to help with the investigation, especially if it is so close to home as it was for her.
Profile Image for Cheryl .
2,404 reviews80 followers
February 14, 2017
This is the second novella in the Diana Hunter Mysteries series and is a significant improvement on the prequel.
The editing is tight, the plot engaging and timely, and the character of Diana developed markedly. She is more mature in both age and personality but still has that flighty temper and brazen sarcasm. We are also introduced to a new character, Detective Peter Hopkinson, who looks to be a new love interest for Diana - that is, when he isn't accusing her of committing the crime!
The read was paced at an exciting level & before I knew it I had finished the book. Even though it is essentially a "cosy mystery" it has a far harder, gripping edge than the standard fare in the genre. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Clare O'Beara.
Author 25 books372 followers
July 30, 2017
A few items I didn't like about this crime story. I suggest establishing location. Early on we are told it's set in Royal Bay; sorry, but I don't know where that is, and it's quite a while before we find that it's in Vancouver. Oh, so it's Canada, not USA. Right.
You do not quip to a strange police officer investigating a murder that you have put cyanide in the coffee. No, you do not. Even if they are investigating a break in you do not. Would you say it to a bank manager inspecting your overdraft?
You do not snap at a police officer investigating a murder. This woman is not doing women or Canadians any favours.
Know it all detective? Isn't that a tautology? Would you rather your taxes paid for an ignorant detective?
Maybe the highly trained police missed a few clues in plain sight on a small piece of park grass with their fingertip search. Or not.
If someone has been following you and claims to be non-uniform police, you ask to see their ID. Why not?
If you know the person you are talking to is a crook, and they are threatening you in full public view of a coffee shop, you do not get in their car. Say again, you do not get in their car. Do not.

The author made this a free download. This is an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Amelia.
103 reviews6 followers
August 24, 2025
3.5 quick mystery (160 pages); I liked the main character and will be continuing the series while I have a kindle unlimited subscription
Profile Image for Nancy Silk.
Author 5 books82 followers
January 29, 2018
"Detective vs. Woman In Crime Solving"

Early one morning, Diana Hunter is doing her job through the park when she notices a man still sitting on the ground. Was he sleeping? She approaches the man and discovers he is cold-stone dead. When the medics and police arrive, she's confronted with very handsome Detective Peter Hopkinson. He looks pompous and she doesn't provide answers simply ... she knows all about crimes, lab tests, etc. as she is the publisher for a news and crime magazine. The two of them get feisty as they are both going to attempt to solve the crime without the help from each other. This story grabs your interest from the very beginning. There is some romantic tension, but the crime solving leads. I loved it.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,872 reviews71 followers
February 19, 2018
Snatched - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Ex-reporter Diana Hunter is out for a jog, when she's unexpectedly involved in a bizarre murder case, literally on her own Vancouver doorstep.
After reporting the gruesome find and resenting the way she's sidelined by Detective Pete Hopkins who takes the lead on the investigation
Diana soon ends up in deadly peril from an unscrupulous gang who have a very unusual product for sale to the highest bidder.

Can Officer 'Hotkins' rescue Diana before she too dies in a horrible way? How will he solve the clues that have previously eluded him?
What is the gang's stock in trade - and can they be stopped before they kill again?

Alison Golden's unputdownable (free) book, [#2 in the Jill Hunter Series], is a slick, quick thrill of a read you won't forget in a hurry!
I can highly recommend feisty Diana Hunter to fans of impetuous impulses leading to many mysteries being swiftly sorted out, clues chased up and the badass beauty getting the guy in the end - more please!
Profile Image for Linda.
781 reviews15 followers
May 4, 2017
While jogging, Diana Hunter notices a man leaning up against a tree. But since he has been in the same position for an extended period of time without seeming to move, she walks over to check and finds him dead. This brings her into contact with the investigating detective, Peter Hopkinson, but can she keep her nose out of his investigation or will she put herself in danger. The relationship between these two was fun to watch as they argue and agree on everything. I adored her pet dog, Max. My one complaint is after having read "Hunted," I was looking for closure on her parent's murder or where she went after the end of that story, but nothing was even mentioned in this book. Indeed, the time before this murder was never discussed. I hope more is revealed in future stories.
674 reviews15 followers
January 6, 2024
After returning from her daily morning run, Diana Hunter notices that the man sitting under a tree and reading a book has not moved since she saw him earlier. Checking on him, Diana discovers that he is dead and calls the police. The detective that shows up to question her is Det. Peter Hopkinson and his attitude implies that he suspects her of being involved. Her curiosity aroused, Diana can't help but try to get to the bottom of the mystery and find the killer. She learns that the victim was Leonardo Perez and the killer had stolen his liver and kidneys.

After a couple of visits from Detective Hopkinson, Diana notices a woman sitting on a bench reading a magazine. Diana became suspicious when the woman had spent over an hour reading the magazine.

Who killed Leonardo Perez? Why did they steal body parts? Who is the woman reading the magazine? Is she watching Diana? If so, why? Can Diana and Det. Hopkinson unravel the clues and solve the mystery?

Alison Golden has a great start to this series. Diana Hunter is a strong and determined woman. This can sometimes get her into difficult situations. Her challenges offer plenty of twists, turns, and questions to keep the reader engaged throughout.
Profile Image for Jean .
666 reviews21 followers
June 14, 2020
I like the Diana Hunter character a lot; she is fun to read about- smart and sassy. I knew I enjoy Alison Golden’s cozy mysteries. However, I am a little confused by this book. If it is supposed to be a thriller or a crime investigation, it falls short for me. It seems like a cozy on steroids. It is far better than most cozies. It is lacking as crime fiction. If serious crime fiction is the intent, the crime and the solution, in my mind, should be more complex and the book should be longer.

Since I am unsure about what genre this is I don’t think I can give it five stars. I would, if I knew it was a cozy. Similarly, I would give it three stars if it is supposed to be a serious crime book. Since I did enjoy it - whatever it is - four stars doesn’t feel too bad.

I recommend it for cozy readers.
351 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2017
Snatched by Alison Golden is an enthralling mystery easily read in one session. Ms. Golden sticks closely to the mystery in telling this story. There is not a lot of character development, probably due to the brevity of the tale, yet she does manage to convey enough to make a person want to continue the series. For some insight into Diana's character read the prequel 'Hunted'.

I look forward to reading more Diana Hunter mysteries and perhaps coming to better know the characters.

I believe I was given a copy of this book by Ms. Golden but also purchased it in order to more easily read it on my various kindles. My opinion was in no way influenced by the gift.
15 reviews
April 9, 2020
Disappointment turned into anticipation.


My first impression was "What is she doing as a magazine editor...she was signing up for the CSS." She was studying medicine, biotechnology, forensics, et al...not publishing, communication, reporting!? How could a mind like hers be satisfied with editing or journalism? Also, she was headed to Europe to protect her friend, but her she is back "home" again in BC. Well, the story is well done and interesting but leaves a lot unexplained. I'm looking for a "catch up" story to explain how she got to where she is in this story.
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews58 followers
March 25, 2017
Some Kindle Unlimited, some freebies some freebies for signing up, With the Diana Hunter ones too short and no resolution at ends, Reverend Annabelle major plausibility issues etc, Inspector Graham is not the usual British mystery of at least some clues here and there and his attitude is rather unlikeable overall.

Diana Hunter Mystery - Hunted 1 - Snatched 2 - Stolen 3
Reverend Annabelle Dixon Cozy Mystery - Death at the Café 1 - Murder at the Mansion 2 - Body in the Woods 3 - Grave in the Garage 4
Inspector David Graham Cozy Mystery The Case of the Screaming Beauty1 - The Case of the Hidden Flame 2 - The Case of the Fallen Hero 3 - The Case of the Broken Doll 4
Profile Image for Will Decker.
Author 23 books17 followers
May 13, 2018
I kinda liked it, but wasn't enthralled with it. The plot moves along at a brisk pace and the characters are okay, but I couldn't relate to them on a personal level. The MC is supposed to be some super sleuth, I think, but she comes off a tad ditsy. And the detective that is always running back to his precinct like he's never sure what to do next without asking someone, including a civilian? That's a stretch from reality.
Profile Image for Celest.
716 reviews9 followers
August 31, 2018
This one involved a murder and a kidnapping

It seems like Diana can always find a dead body and then feels compelled to investigate. This time she gets into a very dangerous situation. The books in this series are fast paced, intriguing and hard to put down. I don't mind them being a little shorter than most of the books that I read so I can finish it and get some sleep. I'll be on to the next one tomorrow. Can't wait, since I've already read a sneak preview of it.
Profile Image for Lisa Denn.
510 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2017
Snatched delivers the same quality of writing and characters author Alison Golden brings to each of her books. Can be read on its own or as part of the Diana Hunter Mysteries series. If you choose to read the entire series my suggestion would be to first read the series prequel Hunted and continue in chronological order.
667 reviews7 followers
October 10, 2017
Short but sweet!

Another good story by Alison Golden. Faced with an unexpected body in the park, Diana can't leave the case alone. Meeting a detective who thinks she did the deed, creates a real need to find out who really did it. Great twists and turns. Enjoy this read and try a few of her other story lines.
Profile Image for Bette.
785 reviews
November 11, 2017
I liked that the characters, they are different from other cozies, Diana is a magazine editor with just a little extra “something”, she just knows too much about the crime scene and forensics, and her mouth overflows with her opinions, which drives the detective “hottie” nuts. He runs a background check on her but hits a security clearance that won’t give him info.
Profile Image for Evan Bond.
Author 13 books39 followers
January 15, 2018
Diana Hunter is a sassy woman with a mouth that gets her in trouble. Some things she says or how she reacts to certain situations can be considered flaws in her character and get her into more trouble than she should be in but that's what makes Ms. Hunter likable. We all either know someone like her or we are her. It was a fun story that was difficult to put down and quick to read.
958 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2018
Diana notices a man reading a book not unusual except that it’s 7AM. She goes over to hem, he doesn’t respond to her questions and she finds he is dead. She is questioned by the Det. Peter Hopkinson who is assigned to case. He feels she knows more than she’s telling and may be involved not knowing her background. Diana just can’t let the case go and gets into more trouble.
Profile Image for France Nadeau.
Author 7 books
November 5, 2018
I opened this book a few days after finishing Hunted. After my initial surprise over Diana's line of work, I was taken by the story. Bringing the detective into it lightened the mood of what could have been more gruesome. Well done. I'm looking forward to the next adventure and I'm hoping that a certain character from the prequel will be back.
Profile Image for Darby langford.
36 reviews
Want to read
November 16, 2017
Snatched by Alison Golden.

Very well written with lots of mystery, intrigue and suspense. Could hardly put it down. Good story line. Can't wait to read the next book with Diana Hunter.
141 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2017
The protagonist is supposed to be a genius - the dialogue is not that of a genius. It's of course not a realistic story, but it's a fun read when you don't try to connect the dots or relate personality traits to the characters.
Profile Image for Suzan.
1,648 reviews17 followers
December 25, 2017
Wow this is a quick read. I really liked this story. The only thing I have a complaint about is it didn't seem like the same character. I kept thinking that they had introduced a totally new story and characters. All that said I did enjoy the story and will read book 3
791 reviews
January 29, 2018
This is the story of Diana hunter a magazine editor/genius who finds a dead body across from her apartment. She insert yourself into the investigation to try to find out what happened to the body. Rated G
Profile Image for Georgiann Hennelly.
1,960 reviews26 followers
May 26, 2018
Diana Hunter an ex Reporter is out for a jog. She see's a man leaning against a tree. Since he has been there for some time she checks and finds him dead. The lead Det thinks she committed the crime. Plenty of twists and turns in this story.
1,303 reviews10 followers
June 28, 2018
This is book #2 about Diana hunter

In this book she meets Peter, a detective.

I thought I would have learned what happened to Diana's parents, but
perhaps that will be in the next book "Stolen".

The mystery continues.
46 reviews
January 6, 2019
Snatched

I am once again blown away! I cannot tell you how much I love Diana Hunter. As usual I was on the edge of my seat, flipping pages quickly! I am ordering the rest of this series. I can’t stop reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews

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