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Addison Hunter #1

Hunter By Name

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This edition is rewritten and revised, republished April 2022.

Would you trust a sociopath to capture a killer?

Addison Hunter's uncle is dead, and her job is on the line after she fails to bring in the worst serial killer she's every encountered. Shunted from the FBI with ninety days to prove her physical fitness, Addy heads home to Solitude, Texas, to recuperate and bury the only person who really understood her. Her uncle fought tooth and nail to keep his niece out of the system and train her to fit in.

But did he choose the wrong subject or the wrong type of training?

Sheriff Silas Robert can feel an ill wind creeping in and he's powerless to stop it. Having Addy back in town brings with it more issues than he can deal with.

The townsfolk don't trust her because they don't understand her. But Silas knows there's nobody better to get to the bottom of the killings that've recently rocked the surrounding counties.

Is the best person to catch a cold-blooded killer someone who thinks the same way?

283 pages, ebook

Published April 14, 2022

362 people are currently reading
423 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Swann

5 books21 followers

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5 stars
443 (53%)
4 stars
255 (30%)
3 stars
99 (11%)
2 stars
24 (2%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Helen.
2,908 reviews67 followers
April 16, 2022
I am a big fan of this authors stories and they are romance novels but Ann B Harrison has branched out into the suspense thriller genre and has nailed it with her first book in the Addison Hunter series. A compelling and edge of your seat story, I could barely put this one down, a must read, come along and meet Addy and the people of Solitude for a hair raising journey.

Addy grew up in the small Texas town of Solitude a loner and not understood by anyone other than her beloved uncle who did everything he could to keep her out of the system that took another uncle, Addy helps her uncle in his private investigator business and had a knack for uncovering the truth, this led her to become an FBI agent and a good one at that. Addy is back in town to bury her beloved uncle and she also has ninety days to prove to the FBI that she is physically fit to resume duties, coming home is not easy for a few reasons.

Silas Robert is the sheriff and a friend of Addy’s one of the only ones she had going through school, but there is trouble in the town when a body is discovered it is a terrible murder and he calls on Addy to help him solve the crime who could be better to help than Addy for a few reasons, but this leads to more bodies and soon they are looking for a serial killer and there are a few suspects in town.

Addy is different in some ways but capable and determined and most of the people in town do not trust her but the way she is helps her to do her job really well, there are threats coming from a few people known and unknown but Addy never gives up and Silas is a huge support to her, their friendship grows as they work together, I loved Addy, yes she has problems with emotion but she is honest and strong and I am really looking forward to more books in this series.

This was a brilliant story, truly unputdownable, it is compelling, gripping and awesome, if you love a story that will have you thinking till the end, then this is the one to pick up, I do highly recommend this one, it is one not to be missed.

My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review
Profile Image for Will Decker.
Author 23 books17 followers
February 26, 2023
While I really enjoyed the story, I had a hard time with the main character. The reader is constantly being reminded of her diagnosis as a 'sociopath' and how all the town is aware of it and what a tough childhood she's had because of it. My personal belief is that she really shows more 'psychopathic' tendencies than 'sociopathic', both of which are very common in society. She clearly has an analytical mind which in and of itself sets her apart from most people. She also has an inflated ego of her abilities in taking care of herself. As a reader, they appeared quite inept. But still a good story, hence the 4 stars. I would read more in this series.
Profile Image for Leanne Hardy.
403 reviews
April 16, 2023
It sounded like it had promise but the story is rather limited, the characters very lacking, the dialogue kept repeating far too much/often. It didn't give you any real insight into Addy which was the attraction to the book (for me). The books nowhere and starts similar to the start so the ending is pretty much left open. I won't be reading more in the series nothing to make me want to come back and try more. :(
Profile Image for MonsRuiz.
128 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2023
What a great thriller. Enjoying this storyline that keeps me guessing at every corner. Bring on the 2nd book.
696 reviews3 followers
April 21, 2023
I don't like to have to read the next book in a series to find out what happened. I feel like I'm being made to do something. That is a sure way to get me to do the opposite. I'd like to have a conclusion, but will not continue with the series. For that reason, I'll rate this 2.5 and not 3.
Profile Image for Martin.
320 reviews18 followers
April 25, 2023
2.5 rounded up because of its fast pace and easy-to-read writing style. This book looked intriguing to me (and this isn't a spoiler since it's right on the book cover) "Would you trust a sociopath to catch a killer?" Kind of piques your interest, doesn't it? Except for the fact that our heroine, Addison, doesn't really exhibit sociopathic tendencies, at least as I understand them. Yes, she's a bit anti-social, but she is sensitive to others, didn't appear to be overly opinionated, seemed to express guilt/regret, and wasn't outwardly manipulative. So I guess I never bought into the beginning premise. That being said, I like stories, even if they are the first in a series, to be self contained. This one didn't tie up most of the loose ends of multiple storylines, and I'm not even sure if the main plot was solved correctly. I have the next book in the series courtesy of Amazon First Reads, but not sure I want to be tricked again. Finally, there are two fairly minor issues that irritated me slightly. Why would you name two characters "Tony". An author can choose any name in the world to avoid confusion A.J. Swann decided to name two of them the same. I got over it but it caused a bit of confusion. As did spelling our heroine's name differently. Full name is Addison and 95% of the time she's called Addy. Except for twice where she is called "Addi". I was left to wonder if this was intentional, that on page 27 she appears as Addi and maybe that's her as a different personality, part of the sociopath plot line? But no, I think it was just a typo which appeared twice. I liked the heroine (although for an FBI agent forgetting one's gun when going out to investigate solo in the mid of night is hard to swallow, that's almost a bodily appendage to law enforcement.) The sheriff, Silas, was a good character as well. Does anyone know a real person named Silas? I only meet them in literature. The evil doers are a bit stereotyped. But still it moves quickly, just don't expect complete closure at the end of this first outing featuring Addison Hunter.
Profile Image for Tracy.
141 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2023
Time to meet Addison (Addy) Hunter. I appreciate the difficulty authors have when they are starting a book that they hope will become a series. You've got to introduce and make characters come to life so that readers will want to keep coming back for more. No one knows everything upon first acquaintance so it's understandable when writers spend a lot of time making sure that you understand who their characters are.

Addison Hunter is an FBI agent and a sociopath. She's analytical, intense, and by her own admission doesn't feel emotion. Her uncle, Tony was her last remaining family and had been the driving force behind helping Addy be 'normal'. He's the reason she became a PI at 18 and then a successful FBI agent who tracked serial killers.

Now Tony's death has brought Addy back to Solitude Texas, the hometown where she never fit in and where she never wanted to stay. At first Addy is only planning to stay in Solitude just long enough to settle her uncle's estate and get back in shape from her last encounter with a killer, but the discovery of a young woman's body throws these plans into turmoil. Sheriff Silas Robert, a childhood friend who wants to be more than a friend, needs Addy's PI and FBI experience to find the why and who behind the victim's murder. Unfortunately for them, the murder isn't the only one and not even the only crime.

Hunter by Name is an enjoyable introduction to the life and world of Addison Hunter. While readers are frequently reminded that Addy is a sociopath, an FBI agent, and incapable of feelings, the nuances of the character are actually more interesting than the repetition of these characteristics would have you believe. Hopefully Addison Hunter #2 will find Addy less of a cookie-cutter cliche of quirky FBI stock characters and more of a robust, relatable, and compelling character. I'm willing to take the chance and read book #2.

Profile Image for Elmer Foster.
715 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2024
Pedestrian, to be blunt. Nothing original, nothing intrinsically captivating, just a location and name change from other works, repackaged under a pseudonym. Kept thinking to myself that I was re-reading A Perfect Evil by Alex Kava but wasn't.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, ya right. Plagiarism is a crime. But I digress.

It's hard to know where to start with this one. I thought I was on the verge of kicking off a new, smart female-centric series that I could get my teeth into. What I ended up with was a sub-par, not very thrilling thriller with a ridiculous proportion of grandiose criminal goings-on for such a small po-dunk town. Even the prologue of deadly attack upon our heroine was contrived at best.

Every character in this book is a stolen trope: from Addy (a Clarice Starling, millennial wannabe) to Silas - the small town high school jock turned sheriff, the cub news reporter Lewis, being everywhere with just the one note badgering (at Silas' expense), to Silas' father, the defense lawyer extraordinaire yet with questionable tactics and intent, to the misguided and bumbling police force, not to mention the police secretary, Cookie, withholding evidence until the story required it?!? Don't get me started on the Mayor, Ugh.

The trojan horse, of sorts, to bring Addison back to Solitude, her dear relative/private investigator dies of a heart attack (surprise, it wasn't... neither a heart attack nor a surprise) with unsolved cases and critical information uncovering the near wholesale corruption of the town... which was highly incredulous. The story piles on the bodies, throws in the pornography, hints at decades old ongoings, and yet, doesn't resolve the plot, intentionally, forcing the reader to read the next installment.

Ha, jokes on you, "Hunter" Series, you didn't build any credibility nor intrigue prompting such fanaticism. Ergo, no further attention from me.

Not a recommend from me.
Thanks for reading
Profile Image for Ann.
1,117 reviews19 followers
March 9, 2023
Addy a FBI went back to the town her Uncle lived in . When he passed away he left her his home and his investagtion business. Silas her close friend from long ago was now the sheriff in town. Abby was on sick leave from another state where she was injured on the job. So helped some with Silas cases.Women were murdered and seemed to have the same type of wounds and other things. She helped focus on that. Addy had alot of knowledge that the sheriff officers didnt. Even tho some people didnt like her, she helped them out alot while her leg healed, A local man showed alot of interest in buying Abby's Uncles files and home. Why, she thought that to be strange. Turns out to many things going on all of a sudden. Whose behind it all and the big question is why. A big shock to this small town.
10 reviews
April 11, 2023
An enjoyable read similar to the feel of Heather Graham FBI novels

I very much enjoyed this book and have alreadydy purchased the following books. It reminded me of Heather Graham's FbI series without the supernatural element although it felt like it was lurking around hidden. The mental difference the female FBI agent dealt with since childhood made for a different outlook on what her own life experiences were like for someone like her. She reminded me somewhat of the actress played in the BONES TV series only Addison in this novel was more extreme than Temperance Brewster. THE VIOLENCE was described as victims were found but it wasn't graphically followed as the perpetrator committed the crime on the victim which is more than I care to read. I never like cliff hangers but you do know more is to come.
1,952 reviews9 followers
April 13, 2023
The ghost will get his day

Addison is back home now that her Uncle Tony has died. She is on leave from the FBI as she was seriously injured. And she finds herself at a crossroads and she keeps on pushing herself to get better. Silas the sheriff and a longtime friend has asked for help in the murder of a young girl. Addison knows that they are looking for a serial killer but will they be able to find them? The town is full of crooked men that will do anything to keep their secrets safe. But is one of them the killer?
A good read. Loved Addison as she is a good person that is different to most but that makes her so good at her job. It must have been hard for her growing up. I am waiting to see what happens with her & Silas.
Silas is a good honest man that only wants to keep his town safe and he happy that Addison wants to stay.
Profile Image for Sandra.
3,352 reviews12 followers
January 14, 2024
I have no training or expert knowledge of sociopathy but from what I have read (mostly in fiction it's true so it is likely an inaccurate idea anyway) Addison didn't really hit the mark for what I imagine a sociopath to be. But ultimately that doesn't really matter because I enjoyed her character with all its quirks very much. I also like the potential for a relationship with Silas.

AS for the plot, there were a lot of random threads and loose ends all jumbled together which I understand will continue through the series but don't make for the best reading experience. I think there was enough going on with the bodies/serial killer plot that the other points were not needed. The revelation at the end was enough of a lead in to the next book, which could then open the door for a plot involving Silas' father and the Mayor and Hannah.
Profile Image for Sandi Ramirez.
1,864 reviews17 followers
April 16, 2022
This is the first book of its kind written by this author. I can tell you it is so worth grabbing and reading it. Mystery and in and it is perfect that this book has been released this book during autism awareness. See you agree that one of the main characters is on the spectrum.

Abby is an FBI agent who has come home for a visit and to recover from being injured in the field. She runs into her old classmate Silas Robert who is now the town sheriff. Silas was one of the only so-called friends Abby had back in the day. So when she comes to town bodies start dropping. But she isn't the cause. She and Silas set off to find out what and why this is happening to their little town.
This book is one of those mystery's you start reading and can not stop. OH so Good!
2 reviews
July 2, 2023
loved it

Loved this so much I read it in a day.
Love a flawed character, Addison is great, loved the inner demons of both main characters. Storyline kept me hooked. Had an inkling of the killer and had it confirmed at the end. Now I’m hooked. Hoping I can get next in series very soon.
Im definitely going to be reading more of A.J Swann. In fact in looking them up as soon as I post this. A rabbit hole I’m gonna enjoy going down. I may be gone some time……
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,000 reviews19 followers
July 8, 2023
Terrific start to a series.

Love the characters, especially Addison and Cookie. Lots to look forward to in the next book. Love that the author has taken on a protagonist with a scociopathic condition. It makes her so much more interesting than the usual characters and you have written her so well that we see how she thinks and how her condition has effected her confidence. She has accomplished so much and still struggles with being different in her words. Great book!!!
Profile Image for Hannah May.
815 reviews18 followers
October 5, 2023
This book had me hooked! Having Addy as an FBI agent was amazing and her not having the same emotions and thought process as everyone made it much more interesting and definitely from other thrillers I have read. I need to know what is going to happen next because this definitely didn’t end the way I was expecting it to end. I love how Silas still cares for Addy, and treats her the same as others even though he knows she doesn’t react the same way as others. He made her feel like she fitted in
37 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2023
When you know you know

Somehow I felt the person who let her survive in the beginning would come back to haunt wherever she went, Some killers just love games. But is she a Sociopath or a highly functioning autistic.
I know I would have to read all the books To find out who all is in the old boys club And who is the mastermind I feel like it's the doctor who likes pushing her buttons What we will see but we will see.
102 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2023
A pretty good story, but …..

I enjoyed this story of an FBI agent returning to her small rural hometown and assisting with a search for a serial killer. However, the editing wasn’t good and I found myself having to reread paragraphs too often. More disappointing was the fact that this was not a standalone book and leaves the reader hanging.
4 reviews
May 11, 2023
Psychopath as crime fighter, interesting.

As a father of two autistic children, I felt I have one of the closest understanding of Addy’s dx. 5 years working in psych likely helped too. Has enough interest to keep you involved, hope the next novels build on that and proceed further. Buy this book, and if you got it free as I did, buy the next book.
44 reviews
May 17, 2023
Again?

Another story that didn’t go far enough to answer the questions brought up in the beginning. Although it doesn’t say, I’m guessing this is the first book in a series. I try to avoid these stories as I prefer closure. On the positive side, it’s a quick and enjoyable read, believable characters, and a good story line.
107 reviews
May 20, 2023
Fitting in is highly overrated

Being different automatically causes attention not necessarily for good. Coming to terms with your own uniqueness as a Hometown girl turned FBI agent turned back into hometown girl. Serial killer in a small town with misleading evidence, pieces of the puzzle coming together or NOT???
Profile Image for Ronda.
1,702 reviews47 followers
September 22, 2023
Compelling mystery with some interesting small-town dynamics and lots of potential for more character development. I don't really know what constitutes sociopathic behavior, so I had a bit of a tough time separating it from what sounded like autism spectrum behaviors. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
18 reviews
May 22, 2024
On the edge of my seat the whole time!

I was 75% of the way through the book and thought we'd never get any type of closure. When I tell you it all came down to the last bit and had me balling my fists in anticipation.. phew! I cannot wait to finish this series and find out how the rest of the storyline plays out.
416 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2024
Its all about feelings

Back and forth between each character's past and present made it a little hard to keep track of the plot line. Could not get into the main character's portrayed mental deficiency and it importance to anything. Author tried to use it as the glue to hold everything together. I did not see it helpful.
Profile Image for Cindy Pearson.
927 reviews
August 10, 2022
WOW!!! This is the first book I have read of A.J.’s and it was a fantastic read. A.J. had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I was enthralled from the very first page until I read the end. Very well written. I will definitely be reading more from this new to me author.
1,146 reviews7 followers
February 28, 2023
Disappointing

An FBI agent on leave assists the local sheriff, a hometown friend, with the victims of a serial killer. The hometown is rife with corruption and unpleasant people. As they bumble avout they resolve some issues though it does not really feel like it. Disapoointing.
Profile Image for Suzanne .
74 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2023
Great read!!

I love detective stories, and this ( new to me ) author did not disappoint.
Twists and turns, leads turning corners and a thread of a romance to boot. Really looking forward to more from this series.
3 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2023
Spell binding

I had trouble putting this book down. Many twists and unexpected moments. Was a little disappointed at the ending as I like things all wrapped up but this needs to have a follow up.


576 reviews6 followers
July 21, 2023
Exciting!

Addy struggled because she was different, like her uncle who was confined in a mental institution all his life. Her strengths helped her to become a very good FBI agent.
I found this story to be absorbing and facinating.
Profile Image for Charlie.
1,368 reviews
April 30, 2024
A maybe

Good story. Poorly written, badly edited. So much so that I really had trouble finishing it. Timeliness not tracking, unnecessary verbatim repetitions, characters randomly acting out of character. Much to !ugh distraction for me to continue this series.
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