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Hunting Rabbits
Chief of police, Charlie Gates, is haunted by his sister’s decades-old unsolved murder. A native son of the small city of Williamsburg, Virginia, Gates has spent his entire adult life in pursuit of justice for his only sibling. When fingerprint evidence from a recent robbery is linked to the cold case, Gates taps a seasoned homicide detective, Luis Millares, to assist with the investigation. Given the personal nature of the case, Millares knows failure is not an option.
When the investigation takes a surprise turn and a new string of murders erupts, Gates and Millares realize they’ve stumbled upon a conspiracy where nothing is as it seems. Taunted by their suspect, the law enforcement duo races to piece together the clues from a number of unlikely sources including an elderly mechanic, a computer science professor, a pot farmer, a yoga mom, and a high school delinquent. Peeling back the layers of the case, Gates and Millares inch closer to the truth . . . a truth that may cost them, and innocent others, their lives.
When the investigation takes a surprise turn and a new string of murders erupts, Gates and Millares realize they’ve stumbled upon a conspiracy where nothing is as it seems. Taunted by their suspect, the law enforcement duo races to piece together the clues from a number of unlikely sources including an elderly mechanic, a computer science professor, a pot farmer, a yoga mom, and a high school delinquent. Peeling back the layers of the case, Gates and Millares inch closer to the truth . . . a truth that may cost them, and innocent others, their lives.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
196 people are currently reading
2226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 15, 2026
Fantastic story and very engaging! My only complaint is the amount of spelling/grammatical errors.
August 4, 2022
Slick, sharp, and well-crafted. This tale of justice, treachery, secrets, and deceit is also a story of persistence and hope.
The phrase "perception is reality" ran through my mind as I enjoyed this thriller. For Chief of Police Charlie Gates and his lead detective Luis Millares, fighting this concept just became a full-time job. Nothing can be taken at face value in this fast-paced thriller laced with deception, chicanery, and a shell game on a grand scale.
Chief Gates has been on a personal mission since his sister's brutal murder decades ago. He may have finally gotten the break he's been waiting for to bust this case wide open. So, he puts his best detective, a 15-year veteran as a Miami homicide detective, on the case. As Gates puts it,
"My wife says Millares working for the Williamsburg PD is like having a Ferrari to drive to the grocery store."
Hard work, experience, and determination pay off as Detective Millares, "Quags" to nearly everyone who knows him, uncovers one lead after another. But each new lead seems to take him down another rabbit hole.
As intriguing and intense as this story is, it was the characters that moved the novel from good to great. Chief Gates is a haunted man, plagued by his inability to bring justice to the murder victims of the serial killer that took his sister's life. He's strong, fair, and good at his job. But he's not perfect- and he's keenly aware of that fact.
Detective Millares, Quags, is savvy and hardened. His perspective and experience are vastly different from those of the Chief. He's proudly Puerto Rican and portrays a strong sense of self-worth while maintaining delightfully self-deprecating humor. In fact, much of the dialogue snaps with a vibrant sense of humor from many of the characters.
As leads begin to unravel, it becomes evident that the truth is tied to at least one resident of Camp Peary. Colloquially known as The Farm, it is the training ground for CIA operatives. Spooks. They play by their own rules, even when it comes to cooperating with local law enforcement. All of this makes a tough case virtually impossible to solve.
I highly recommend this read for anyone who enjoys a good thriller/suspense novel, spy story, or police procedural with genuine characters and a whip-smart storyline. This author deserves his own following. I think they just haven't discovered him yet. Perhaps the highest praise I can offer, is that I am now a fan and have already sought out other books to enjoy by Mark Gilleo.
Reviewed for Reedsy Discovery. Full review at: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/hun...
The phrase "perception is reality" ran through my mind as I enjoyed this thriller. For Chief of Police Charlie Gates and his lead detective Luis Millares, fighting this concept just became a full-time job. Nothing can be taken at face value in this fast-paced thriller laced with deception, chicanery, and a shell game on a grand scale.
Chief Gates has been on a personal mission since his sister's brutal murder decades ago. He may have finally gotten the break he's been waiting for to bust this case wide open. So, he puts his best detective, a 15-year veteran as a Miami homicide detective, on the case. As Gates puts it,
"My wife says Millares working for the Williamsburg PD is like having a Ferrari to drive to the grocery store."
Hard work, experience, and determination pay off as Detective Millares, "Quags" to nearly everyone who knows him, uncovers one lead after another. But each new lead seems to take him down another rabbit hole.
As intriguing and intense as this story is, it was the characters that moved the novel from good to great. Chief Gates is a haunted man, plagued by his inability to bring justice to the murder victims of the serial killer that took his sister's life. He's strong, fair, and good at his job. But he's not perfect- and he's keenly aware of that fact.
Detective Millares, Quags, is savvy and hardened. His perspective and experience are vastly different from those of the Chief. He's proudly Puerto Rican and portrays a strong sense of self-worth while maintaining delightfully self-deprecating humor. In fact, much of the dialogue snaps with a vibrant sense of humor from many of the characters.
As leads begin to unravel, it becomes evident that the truth is tied to at least one resident of Camp Peary. Colloquially known as The Farm, it is the training ground for CIA operatives. Spooks. They play by their own rules, even when it comes to cooperating with local law enforcement. All of this makes a tough case virtually impossible to solve.
I highly recommend this read for anyone who enjoys a good thriller/suspense novel, spy story, or police procedural with genuine characters and a whip-smart storyline. This author deserves his own following. I think they just haven't discovered him yet. Perhaps the highest praise I can offer, is that I am now a fan and have already sought out other books to enjoy by Mark Gilleo.
Reviewed for Reedsy Discovery. Full review at: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/hun...
October 6, 2022
Engrossing and captivation read
This is the first novel of Mr. gilleo that I've read. It won't be the last. I rarely read police procedurals, but this one was exceptionally well written and thought out. The fact that the CIA was an integral part of the plot, made it all the more interesting. Mr Gilleo clearly has great knowledge of both police procedure and that of the CIA, making the details presented totally believable. My only, and very slight complaints, is that while some of the characters were exceptionally well drawn, the chief of police was always somewhat difficult for me to visualize, as I don't recall him being drawn very descriptively, in comparison to some of the other main characters. Again, a very minor glitch in the writing, in my opinion.
Overall though, an 'A' level novel, and I really look forward to reading more from this author.
This is the first novel of Mr. gilleo that I've read. It won't be the last. I rarely read police procedurals, but this one was exceptionally well written and thought out. The fact that the CIA was an integral part of the plot, made it all the more interesting. Mr Gilleo clearly has great knowledge of both police procedure and that of the CIA, making the details presented totally believable. My only, and very slight complaints, is that while some of the characters were exceptionally well drawn, the chief of police was always somewhat difficult for me to visualize, as I don't recall him being drawn very descriptively, in comparison to some of the other main characters. Again, a very minor glitch in the writing, in my opinion.
Overall though, an 'A' level novel, and I really look forward to reading more from this author.
February 27, 2026
Hunting Rabbits by Mark Gilleo is a fast-paced and engaging thriller that combines suspense, intricate plotting, and compelling character development. Gilleo demonstrates strong control over pacing, steadily building tension while allowing readers to invest in the personal stakes of his characters. The story’s momentum keeps readers on edge, delivering both action and psychological complexity in equal measure.
The novel’s strength lies in its character dynamics and moral tension. The protagonists navigate high-stakes situations with authenticity, while the antagonists’ unpredictability adds layers of uncertainty and suspense. Gilleo balances visceral thrills with thoughtful exploration of motivations, creating a story that resonates emotionally as well as intellectually.
Thematically, Hunting Rabbits explores survival, deception, and the consequences of human decision-making under pressure. Its immersive setting, layered plotting, and believable characters make it especially appealing to fans of contemporary thrillers that emphasize both action and psychological depth. Overall, Gilleo delivers a satisfying, tightly structured narrative that keeps readers engaged until the final page.
The novel’s strength lies in its character dynamics and moral tension. The protagonists navigate high-stakes situations with authenticity, while the antagonists’ unpredictability adds layers of uncertainty and suspense. Gilleo balances visceral thrills with thoughtful exploration of motivations, creating a story that resonates emotionally as well as intellectually.
Thematically, Hunting Rabbits explores survival, deception, and the consequences of human decision-making under pressure. Its immersive setting, layered plotting, and believable characters make it especially appealing to fans of contemporary thrillers that emphasize both action and psychological depth. Overall, Gilleo delivers a satisfying, tightly structured narrative that keeps readers engaged until the final page.
December 11, 2025
I truly enjoyed this book. It had a lot of twists and turns is the story and just when you though you had it all figured it out, you DIDN'T.
Also, I found the playful banter between the two main characters very fun and realistic. After spending 44 years in the construction trade, I thought to myself that the banter would have been completely normal on the job-site.
I felt that Mark Gilleo crafted a suspenseful, BELIEVABLE story!
My ONLY criticism was an inordinate number of typographical errors. I reported those that I noticed (and there were MANY), but I couldn't help but think that SOMEONE was paid to edit this otherwise great story. This, of course, does not, and SHOULD NOT reflect on the author, but on his editor.
Also, I found the playful banter between the two main characters very fun and realistic. After spending 44 years in the construction trade, I thought to myself that the banter would have been completely normal on the job-site.
I felt that Mark Gilleo crafted a suspenseful, BELIEVABLE story!
My ONLY criticism was an inordinate number of typographical errors. I reported those that I noticed (and there were MANY), but I couldn't help but think that SOMEONE was paid to edit this otherwise great story. This, of course, does not, and SHOULD NOT reflect on the author, but on his editor.
December 19, 2025
Well written thriller!
The author did a very good job weaving the characters into the story. Plenty of twists and turns, and the style of writing flowed very well.
Overall it was a story that was told with an easy to read, and captivating manner. At times it was hard to put down.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and story!
The author did a very good job weaving the characters into the story. Plenty of twists and turns, and the style of writing flowed very well.
Overall it was a story that was told with an easy to read, and captivating manner. At times it was hard to put down.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and story!
December 20, 2025
Awe..what a great hunt!
I do love to fish and this one was such a great read and even better hunting and fishing storyline. So fun and determined on both sides. Think FBI, CIA, CITY, STATE.
So much intriguing insight.
It's likely closer to the truth than anyone wants to think about. So, personally, I don't and go on to the next book.
I do love to fish and this one was such a great read and even better hunting and fishing storyline. So fun and determined on both sides. Think FBI, CIA, CITY, STATE.
So much intriguing insight.
It's likely closer to the truth than anyone wants to think about. So, personally, I don't and go on to the next book.
August 13, 2022
Impressive
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. Great flow, depth in characters and a story that made it difficult to put it down. Without knowing anything about the author, I will be reading his stories now with anticipation.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. Great flow, depth in characters and a story that made it difficult to put it down. Without knowing anything about the author, I will be reading his stories now with anticipation.
December 8, 2025
Hunting Rabbits is a story of Police Chief and his newly hired investigator looking into a 35 year old string of murders as some new evidence comes to light. They go after the case as they discover additional clues. The story is well told with several twists to the story.
December 12, 2025
excellent read. suspense throughout.
Gates and Quag make a great team. The government /CIA personnel were well inserted into the thrilling story. Lots of twists and turns. Hunting Rabbits is a defined term as you’ll see.
Gates and Quag make a great team. The government /CIA personnel were well inserted into the thrilling story. Lots of twists and turns. Hunting Rabbits is a defined term as you’ll see.
December 18, 2025
Hunting rabbits
Love love loved this. The humour was sprinkled in a tense and different story line. Hope there are similar stories I have to come across
Only niggle was some of the legal jargon went over my head possibly as story based on USA
Love love loved this. The humour was sprinkled in a tense and different story line. Hope there are similar stories I have to come across
Only niggle was some of the legal jargon went over my head possibly as story based on USA
December 21, 2025
A real puzzler
This story had an inordinate number of twists and turns in it. I imagine this is what it must be.like dealing with the CIA. I will definitely read more from this author.
This story had an inordinate number of twists and turns in it. I imagine this is what it must be.like dealing with the CIA. I will definitely read more from this author.
January 1, 2026
Great mystery, with very good realistic character and plot development. Subject matters is CIA clandestine operative training facility, The Farm, and local police trying to investigate a decade old serial killer. Author is an excellent writer, and keeps your attention.
January 19, 2026
Quite an interesting murder mystery that I enjoyed for the most part, but towards the end deteriorated into a lot of twists and unexplained red herrings. The ending was very abrupt with some still unexplained details.
January 25, 2026
Jigsaw
Finding the missing pieces is the easy part. This is one of those hard to put down murder mysteries. Try to connect the dots or find the missing jigsaw piece and you'll have to keep hunting.
Finding the missing pieces is the easy part. This is one of those hard to put down murder mysteries. Try to connect the dots or find the missing jigsaw piece and you'll have to keep hunting.
August 6, 2022
A winner
Mr Gilleo delivers a first rate novel. Intrigue around every corner, characters who title with secrets, deceit and occasional humor. A thoroughly delicious read.
Mr Gilleo delivers a first rate novel. Intrigue around every corner, characters who title with secrets, deceit and occasional humor. A thoroughly delicious read.
January 4, 2026
solid detective novel
January 5, 2026
Enjoyed this book. The chief of police’s sister was murdered a long time ago and developments reopen that case.
I enjoyed the storyline and the character development
I enjoyed the storyline and the character development
February 6, 2026
I thought that this was a very good read. Intrigue, conspiracy, and a police investigation of a cold case, made for a page turning entertaining read.
March 22, 2026
great book
Amazing read. The characters were believable and interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s worth the time. Easy to follow and informative
Amazing read. The characters were believable and interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s worth the time. Easy to follow and informative
Read
March 27, 2026I really enjoyed this book and the main characters were well written. It is a solid mystery that I was not able to figure out (that is rare) until the very end. Worth a read if you like mysteries.
March 2, 2026
This was the first book I’ve read by the author. Well written suspenseful police procedural/thriller with plenty of twists to keep everyone guessing. Unique situations and great ending. What more could you ask for?
April 22, 2023
An intriguing detective story with believable characters, excellent pacing and the expected surprise ending.
Recommended
Recommended
January 28, 2026
Honestly, I read many thrillers.
This one was well written. The humor throughout was an added pleasure.
This one was well written. The humor throughout was an added pleasure.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews