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Hunting Helena
A top ten contender for the NL Public Libraries 2024 Local Must-Read Book of the Year!
Helena Douglas is a survivor.
For three months, two weeks, and five days, a madman held her captive, but she managed to escape. Barely alive and mentally exhausted, she found the strength to put one foot in front of the other until she was rescued. For the next days, months, and years, Helena fought to regain her life. But every day since her rescue, she has had to deal with one terrible, horrifying truth—her abductor has never been caught.
Helena is certain he is out there, waiting and watching for the perfect moment to pick up where he left off with her. Eight years later, a body has been found, and the DNA doesn’t lie. He is back, and now Helena, along with her confidant, Sergeant David Campbell from Major Crimes, will have the chance to stop him.
The evidence is leading Helena back to Deer Lake, the town where her life started to unravel and the place she vowed never to return. But after all these years, she is learning things weren’t exactly as they seemed back then. Sorting through the past and discovering new truths brings Helena to wonder if a childhood bargain she had made with God is the reason behind her misfortune.
The answer to that question means confronting her former best friend, a girl she hasn’t spoken to in nearly ten years. The stakes keep rising—Helena and David are running out of time, and someone else is watching their every move.
Helena Douglas is a survivor.
For three months, two weeks, and five days, a madman held her captive, but she managed to escape. Barely alive and mentally exhausted, she found the strength to put one foot in front of the other until she was rescued. For the next days, months, and years, Helena fought to regain her life. But every day since her rescue, she has had to deal with one terrible, horrifying truth—her abductor has never been caught.
Helena is certain he is out there, waiting and watching for the perfect moment to pick up where he left off with her. Eight years later, a body has been found, and the DNA doesn’t lie. He is back, and now Helena, along with her confidant, Sergeant David Campbell from Major Crimes, will have the chance to stop him.
The evidence is leading Helena back to Deer Lake, the town where her life started to unravel and the place she vowed never to return. But after all these years, she is learning things weren’t exactly as they seemed back then. Sorting through the past and discovering new truths brings Helena to wonder if a childhood bargain she had made with God is the reason behind her misfortune.
The answer to that question means confronting her former best friend, a girl she hasn’t spoken to in nearly ten years. The stakes keep rising—Helena and David are running out of time, and someone else is watching their every move.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2023
4 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Carter-Giles
3 books28 followersNatalie Carter-Giles is a thriller author from Newfoundland. Her debut, Hunting Helena was voted into the Top Ten most circulated local authors for 2023 throughout Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries. She is the warped mind behind the Sunny and Roscoe thriller series (Next To Die, Someone Else's Secret) set in St. John's, Newfoundland, and in various communities beyond the overpass. The next installment, The Girl In the Cellar, is slated for Spring 2026.
Born and raised on the beautiful island of Ramea, Natalie now resides in Deer Lake with her husband and furbaby, Bella.
When she isn't writing her own spell-binding thrillers, you'll often find her chasing villains between the pages of her favorite authors' books. Her free time is spent extracting poisons from her flower garden, wandering secluded trails in search of new places to bury a body or relaxing at her remote cabin in the wilderness - her favorite place to summon the words to fill the pages of her next thriller!
You can connect with Natalie on Facebook @Natalie Carter-Giles, Author or through Instagram @nataliecartergilesauthor She'd love to hear from you!
Born and raised on the beautiful island of Ramea, Natalie now resides in Deer Lake with her husband and furbaby, Bella.
When she isn't writing her own spell-binding thrillers, you'll often find her chasing villains between the pages of her favorite authors' books. Her free time is spent extracting poisons from her flower garden, wandering secluded trails in search of new places to bury a body or relaxing at her remote cabin in the wilderness - her favorite place to summon the words to fill the pages of her next thriller!
You can connect with Natalie on Facebook @Natalie Carter-Giles, Author or through Instagram @nataliecartergilesauthor She'd love to hear from you!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 10, 2023
All the “what ifs” really bring the story together & make you think of the alternate ways this could have gone “if” something else had to happen. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book.
I couldn’t put the book down, the way it jumps back & forth to the past & then present just really captivates you & keeps you reading.
The “monster” was not who I thought it would be as it seems it would be Allie but the twist of having a brother who was hidden & then learning just how crazy Sheila is, really makes the plot heighten & keeps you questioning on who the kidnapper really is. I never would have guessed until it was revealed!
LOVEEEE how David & Helena end up together, that truly makes my heart happy. Helena deserves this & although I wasn’t sure if it would happen, throughout the book I was hoping it would!
The last paragraph “it’s a great night for a campfire, and I have everything we need in this little box to start the fire” this was such a great way to end the book & left me so satisfied.
Overall 10/10 for every aspect of this book. So well written & definitely keeps the reader hooked!
I couldn’t put the book down, the way it jumps back & forth to the past & then present just really captivates you & keeps you reading.
The “monster” was not who I thought it would be as it seems it would be Allie but the twist of having a brother who was hidden & then learning just how crazy Sheila is, really makes the plot heighten & keeps you questioning on who the kidnapper really is. I never would have guessed until it was revealed!
LOVEEEE how David & Helena end up together, that truly makes my heart happy. Helena deserves this & although I wasn’t sure if it would happen, throughout the book I was hoping it would!
The last paragraph “it’s a great night for a campfire, and I have everything we need in this little box to start the fire” this was such a great way to end the book & left me so satisfied.
Overall 10/10 for every aspect of this book. So well written & definitely keeps the reader hooked!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2023
A debut novel for thriller writer Natalie Carter-Giles, “Hunting Helena” tells us the story of young Helena and a horrific kidnapping, her captivity, and the hell she must face at the hands of a sadistic and depraved perpetrator.
For over three months Helena is held captive in a dark, cold basement. She is subjected to what can only be described as torture. She is beaten, starved, and assaulted on a regular basis by her sick and twisted captor. She often thinks of giving up, of giving into the darkness around her but somehow, Helena manages to keep going. She finds the fortitude to plan and execute her escape. She is a survivor, but her attacker remains at large, and this is something she cannot forget.
This book is an emotional read at times. It is heartbreaking what Helena must go through and what she continues to face knowing that this madman is still out there, hurting other women. With Sergeant David Campbell from Major Crimes at her side, Helena must now confront her past in order to secure her future … and the future of her child.
Written with a concise and clear voice, Carter-Giles speaks of pain and triumph, terror and joy. A very entertaining book that was certainly a page-turner for me. I read it very quickly because I HAD to know how it was going to end. I look forward to reading other publications from this author.
For over three months Helena is held captive in a dark, cold basement. She is subjected to what can only be described as torture. She is beaten, starved, and assaulted on a regular basis by her sick and twisted captor. She often thinks of giving up, of giving into the darkness around her but somehow, Helena manages to keep going. She finds the fortitude to plan and execute her escape. She is a survivor, but her attacker remains at large, and this is something she cannot forget.
This book is an emotional read at times. It is heartbreaking what Helena must go through and what she continues to face knowing that this madman is still out there, hurting other women. With Sergeant David Campbell from Major Crimes at her side, Helena must now confront her past in order to secure her future … and the future of her child.
Written with a concise and clear voice, Carter-Giles speaks of pain and triumph, terror and joy. A very entertaining book that was certainly a page-turner for me. I read it very quickly because I HAD to know how it was going to end. I look forward to reading other publications from this author.
August 31, 2024
3.5. Fast paced, easily digestible thriller. This story takes place in beautiful NL. Having been to the towns mentioned, I could picture the imagery described. Helena is a strong, stubborn fmc who goes through unimaginable Hell. This was very tough to read at times, and at others, really tugs on your heartstrings. I was able to guess the “who” pretty early on, but I was still intrigued throughout. I would have loved to see Helena kill her captor in the end, or even Allie come to her rescue, as opposed to David coming to her rescue, but otherwise, it was a satisfying enough ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2023
Fun to read about Newfoundland without it being specifically *about* Newfoundland. This book is a thriller with a lot of interiority - an unusual but not unpleasant combination. I expect the next one will be even better!
September 23, 2024
Excellent read. Hard to put Down
June 28, 2023
Very good read. Hard to put down. Great job to Natalie.
February 4, 2024
This book pulls at so many emotions. It keeps you completely captivated in the story.
The fact that it goes back and forth between the past and current is perfect, it helps you piece everything together along the way.
The fact that it goes back and forth between the past and current is perfect, it helps you piece everything together along the way.
April 19, 2023
A powerful debut for author Natalie Carter-Giles! Hunting Helena is a heart-wrenching thriller you won’t be able to put down. What if…? In each chapter, the author explores how a sequence of events could have been altered if different decisions had been made. Life can change in a split second. For Helena, one tragedy follows another and she questions how things could have gone differently, if only…
But left without a family or friends, Helena becomes the victim of a sadist and is kidnapped and tortured for more than three months by someone unknown to her. Barely escaping with her life, Helena vows to track down the monster who destroyed her life and was never found. Eight years later, she may finally have the chance to get her revenge.
Spanning multiple timelines, the suspense is heightened as chapters alternate between the present and past, chronicling the events that led to Helena’s imprisonment and the aftermath. Full of atmosphere, the setting evokes a sense of solitude that parallels the main character’s emotions. From the lighthouse at the foggy lake to the cornfield in the middle of nowhere, the reader follows Helena as runs from her life and her torment.
This realistic, fast-paced story of a woman’s experience with evil will keep you on your toes as the tables are turned and the hunter becomes the hunted.
But left without a family or friends, Helena becomes the victim of a sadist and is kidnapped and tortured for more than three months by someone unknown to her. Barely escaping with her life, Helena vows to track down the monster who destroyed her life and was never found. Eight years later, she may finally have the chance to get her revenge.
Spanning multiple timelines, the suspense is heightened as chapters alternate between the present and past, chronicling the events that led to Helena’s imprisonment and the aftermath. Full of atmosphere, the setting evokes a sense of solitude that parallels the main character’s emotions. From the lighthouse at the foggy lake to the cornfield in the middle of nowhere, the reader follows Helena as runs from her life and her torment.
This realistic, fast-paced story of a woman’s experience with evil will keep you on your toes as the tables are turned and the hunter becomes the hunted.
January 18, 2024
Eight years ago, college student Helena was abducted and held captive by a monster who abused her physically, sexually, and psychologically. Miraculously she escapes after three months and begins a long recovery process, but the discovery of another victim's body sends her and RCMP Officer David back to Deer Lake in search of justice.
Nope, not for me.
Though the story unfolds through excerpts of Helena's early life (coping with the death of her father and supporting her grieving mother), the abduction, and the present, the graphic descriptions of torture, abuse, and tragedy make for a very uncomfortable read.
Significant clues about the abductor are revealed mid-story so there are limited surprises and the story plods along.
Helena's risky actions in the final chapters place her in unnecessary danger and disregard her 'partnership' with the RCMP investigator.
A hard pass on this torture thriller.
Nope, not for me.
Though the story unfolds through excerpts of Helena's early life (coping with the death of her father and supporting her grieving mother), the abduction, and the present, the graphic descriptions of torture, abuse, and tragedy make for a very uncomfortable read.
Significant clues about the abductor are revealed mid-story so there are limited surprises and the story plods along.
Helena's risky actions in the final chapters place her in unnecessary danger and disregard her 'partnership' with the RCMP investigator.
A hard pass on this torture thriller.
May 19, 2024
This book is about a young woman named Helena who was abducted and tortured in many ways. She was eventual able to escape from the monster but the man was never found. That is until 8 years later when Helena and David the original detective on her case go digging for answers. There were many layers to this story and kept me one rated throughout. I was able to predict the outcome as the book went on but it was we written and I enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend it.
December 3, 2025
I loved reading this thriller from a Newfoundland author! Helena's story is not one for the faint of heart. I loved the way each chapter is told from a different point in time, slowly building the whole narrative and never giving away too much at once! For me, I found it to be difficult reading the scenes with SA. I don't usually read anything with SA in it, but I wanted to give the book a chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2024
I initially purchased this book because it was my friend's sister who wrote it and I'm so glad I did. It was a great story that had me intrigued till the end. Congratulations on your first book Natalie, I cannot wait to read your next book.
September 16, 2024
I didn’t love the writing style of this book, and I *thought* I guessed what happened half way through but I was only kind of right. It was a good twist and I enjoyed it enough to finish reading it! I didn’t like how there was so many questions at the end of every chapter.
March 13, 2025
This was one of my favorites and I couldn't put it down. I normally read romance, so this was new for me, but OMG I loved it. I love it when you start reading and can't put it down and want to keep reading and this book did that for me.
Absolutely recommend reading this book.
Absolutely recommend reading this book.
July 12, 2025
Kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. A page turner for sure, barely able to put it down. Didn't want to eat for sleep for the two days I inhaled this book. A must for any thriller Mystery lover!!!
January 11, 2025
Debut NL author did not disappoint
Love mystery thriller books. Just when that famous quote made me think I had it figured out... bam...plot twist!
Love mystery thriller books. Just when that famous quote made me think I had it figured out... bam...plot twist!
February 17, 2025
Loved every minute!
August 26, 2025
Not great , the author continues to repeat themselves , and the book itself literally fell apart as I was reading it . Chunks of pages fell out as I was reading it.
July 8, 2023
Great first novel! The story is captivating and raw. It draws you in with the first paragraph. From that moment it is impossible to put down. Can’t wait to read the next one!!
December 7, 2024
Writing this book was an exercise in perseverance, in trusting my instincts, and in learning to believe in myself...a true labor of love. As an avid reader of thrillers, I sincerely hope that I have written one that has you, the reader, turning pages way past bedtime. I believe Hunting Helena is a worthy 5 star story and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it! There is always room for improvement, however, and as a writer who hopes to bring you more exciting thriller books, I'd love to see your thoughts! Happy reading!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews