Better than almost anyone writing today, Kelly J. Ford is able to spot the magic in the mundane and craft a compelling story around what others simply look right past. The Hunt is just the latest example of her ability to draw readers into the chaos and craziness of everyday life while exploring themes of shared trauma, family dynamics, and the societal constraints of small town America. Add a serial killer into the mix and you have yourself one hell of a book.
For the past 17 years, participants in the annual ‘Golden Egg Hunt’ in Presley, Arkansas were as likely to find a dead body as they were the prized egg. A serial killer has used the influx of visitors and the remoteness of search areas to hone their skills. While those benefiting from the tourist dollars and others obsessed with the idea of winning the spoils chalk all the deaths up to unfortunate accidents, Nell Holcomb knows better. Every day she is reminded of ‘The Hunter’s’ first victim when she looks into the face of the nephew she is raising and sees her brother staring back at her. The days leading up to Easter are not only a reminder of her brother’s death, but the role she played in it.
While there is a serial killer on the loose, you won’t see a high body count in this one. It is the search and subsequent fallout that drive this story. The interpersonal relationships are authentic and filled with high levels of drama and emotional angst. For me, I was as wrapped up in how the characters would react to the next devastating blow as I was who the killer might be. As a thriller junkie, the misdirection and increasing levels of danger kept me entertained.
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Purchase The Hunt
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Barrington Books
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