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★★★★★ “Start reading Chopped only when you can devote time to read it thru. This is a can’t put it down book.” A grisly corpse. An enemy from the past. Has Diana Hunter finally met her match? Diana Hunter’s keen analytical mind made her the most skilled operative in the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. But the young agent’s brilliant reputation attracted a deadly enemy. Ten years ago, Diana was captured by the elusive assassin known only as ‘Surgeon.’ She barely survived the ordeal. Now, years later, the amateur sleuth is still haunted by the shadowy psychopathic genius. Two days before the anniversary of her kidnapping, a dead body turns up in the streets of Vancouver. Diana knows it can’t be coincidence. Surgeon has claimed another victim and left her a ghastly calling card. Desperate to bring the psychopath to justice, Diana dangles herself as bait for this ruthless, arrogant killer. She thinks she can read his every move. But what happens if her plan goes horribly wrong? Chopped is an electrifying game of cat and mouse, played against an opponent whose obsessive mind always seems to be one step ahead. Can Diana and her handsome partner, Detective Peter Hopkinson, outwit this brilliant killer? Or will Surgeon make the final move in their deadly little game? Chopped is the third in this thrilling series featuring a feisty, fearless, female protagonist who is sometimes her own worst enemy. No bad language, graphic sex or violence, just plenty of excitement and suspense. "Peter and Diana have a great chemistry." Praise for the Diana Hunter
"Diana Hunter stories combine detective and spy stories in a delightful way."
"On the edge of my seat..."
"Page turner" Books in the Diana Hunter
Hunted (Prequel)
Snatched
Stolen
Chopped
Exposed Buy Chopped and watch Diana Hunter match wits with her deadliest enemy!

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First published April 23, 2017

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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
268 (53%)
4 stars
153 (30%)
3 stars
62 (12%)
2 stars
14 (2%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,206 reviews176 followers
April 24, 2017
Chopped was the fourth book of the series and once again we are able to see Diana Hunter as the gifted crime fighter that she is as well as the wounded woman that fears the lives of her friends and family. This book tells enough backstory that you feel comfortable reading as a standalone.

The backstory is dusted through the book and not spilled on page two making it more enjoyable. I enjoy Diana. Her brain is so impressive yet she is very human. What can I say about Peter? I can honestly say to Diana, he is one of the best guys. Take a chance on him!!

This is a series I can get behind and suggest to readers that like a little not umph to their story. Books like chopped are why Alison Golden is such a favorite of mine.
308 reviews13 followers
April 24, 2017
I love Diana Hunter! She is intelligent, strong and brave. Her deadly captor, Surgeon, is back and Diana is determined to end her personal nightmare. But will she be alive to see another day? The characters in this series are detailed and just awesome! There are some you love to love, and one you love to hate! Get ready for a thrill ride in this wonderfully written mystery. I highly recommend this series and this author to all.
Profile Image for Joanie Hinton.
732 reviews27 followers
April 24, 2017
I was not disappointed....this is the first of this series I have read and am going to start reading the rest asap
I really liked the story and the way the story flowed (and love Max) hope I get the previous books read before the next one comes out!!
Profile Image for Mcf1nder_sk.
600 reviews26 followers
August 8, 2018
This is another crime thriller I recently received. I'm not a big fan of discovering my current read is the fourth in a series, but the story itself was well-crafted, the characters, albeit stereotypical, were realistically drawn, and the action was nicely paced. Golden's ability to create an intriguing storyline that does not leave first-time readers dumbfounded makes me interested in continuing the series, this time from the beginning.
1,383 reviews20 followers
April 26, 2017
Amazing! This series continues to be one of the most original mysteries I have read. Diana's intelligence and strength make her one of my favourite heros. I love following the clues right to the very end. All the characters are well rounded and each book shows their growth and leads us through the development of their relationships. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Tom Walsh.
11 reviews
October 2, 2018
The story starts with a headless corpse. Diana is called and recognizes the MO of an old nemesis, Surgeon. She and her partner, Peter, need all their talents when going after him. Definitely a difficult job to put this book down even to eat dinner. And wait until you meet Max.
(Previous Review)-- .5 out of 5 stars Good Police Procedural by a P.I.
By TomW on May 8, 2017
Format: Kindle
I received an eARC of "Chopped" with a request that I submit an honest review.
This is Book 4 in the Diana Hunter series but the first one I have read. I was very pleasantly surprised with Diana.and I look forward to reading additional books including the first three.
Diana is rudely awakened in the early morning by her phone ringing. It was her partner, Peter, and she was instantly awake dueto the fact that he only called at that hour if there was a big problem. Together the head to a murder scene and discover a headless corpse whose finger prints had been destroyed by acid. She sensed that it was the work of an old nemesis called by the name of "Surgeon"
You will have to read this to see what else develops but if you are like me, you will be turning pages rapidly to find out what happens. The action flows nicely and, all in all, I rated this 5 STARS.
610 reviews6 followers
August 22, 2021
I loved this book! Diana Hunter is amazing. Every chapter reveals another surprise about her, whether it's her capabilities, her training, her background, her instincts, her fears, her courage, her hopes and desires or her initiative, everything about her is amazing. She is a take-charge, no-nonsense leader, whether or not she is in a position of leadership. People respect her and follow her in spite of their own preferences. Sometimes this gets her into trouble, but she has her partner, Peter Hopkinson, who says he will always have her back...and he does!

The story centers around the search for a hired assassin who is called the Surgeon. You can imagine how he got that nickname. Diana has history with him and leads the team trying everything imaginable to find him, because nobody knows what his real name is or what he looks like. The story keeps evolving as more and more individuals and agencies are brought in on the search, all of them Canadian, as the story is set in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Of course Diana is involved in the eventual apprehension, but things do not go smoothly, and the reader is left wondering about the final outcome right up to the end.
674 reviews15 followers
January 15, 2024
Diana Hunter is awakened around 4 AM by a phone call from Detective Peter Hopkinson. A corpse has been found, but it is not just a common murder. The corpse's head has been removed and the fingerprints erased. This reminds Diana of a case she worked on when she was with CSIS where she was kidnapped by an assassin known as The Surgeon. The Surgeon has an international reputation, but nobody knows his real name or what he looks like. Ten years after their initial encounter, it seems that The Surgeon is back in Vancouver and once again, has his eyes on Diana. In an effort to put an end to his killing spree, Diana devises a plan to stop him, with herself as bait. Peter is hesitant, but finally agrees with Diana's plan.

How does Diana plan to lure The Surgeon out of hiding? Will her plan succeed or will The Surgeon evade capture again? Will Diana finally be able to put the demons to rest?

Alison Golden has created a great thriller in this Diana Hunter story! With a multitude of twists, turns, and distractions, the story is sure to keep the reader's interest clear to the end. The short chapters are an extra bonus to make for easier reading.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,881 reviews71 followers
March 3, 2018
Chopped - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Diana Hunter is a feisty female and woman of many parts. On the surface she's a crime magazine editor and occasional Vancouver PD crime consultant, but then again she's ex-FBI - still taking occasional jobs with ex-partner Kieran, who often seems to be at loggerheads with her current VPD associate [and on-again-off-again beau], Peter Hopkinson. Both remain blissfully ignorant that she's also member of Task Force Indigo, a deep-cover CIA Task Force that even her boss Donaldson, doesn't know about.

Who is the Surgeon and how does he come back into Diana's life?
Why has Lucenzo Garibaldi been murdered and how did he know the Surgeon?
How is the Surgeon captured and by whom? When does he escape? What happens next?
What mission does this lead to for Diana and Task Force Indigo - and where will it lead?

Mistress of Espionage Thrillers Alison Golden has a sure-fire winner of a book in a series that just keeps getting better and better...more please!
2,130 reviews46 followers
May 8, 2017
Diana Hunter works with Peter at the Vancouver Police Department. She's an intelligent heroine who uses her skills to track down criminals. Early in her career, she was kidnapped by brutal hit man called the Surgeon. He may have let her go but he never forgot her. Now he's back and he wants to finish what he started years ago. Who will win this deadly game? This story kept me on the edge of my seat. I liked Diana. She's so mentally strong and fearless. What a powerful woman. When she's partnered with Peter, I was intrigued by their close relationship which was both intense and caring. I'm enjoying the Diana Hunter mysteries. This series combines both non-stop action with unexpected twists. The characters are larger than life and the story is realistic in today's world. I am looking forward to Diana's next case.
Profile Image for Mea .
54 reviews
August 26, 2018
I received this book free for a review. For Diana’s story, we readers finally get some some answers to some loose end in this book. We find out some things that were only hinted at in earlier books. I like the continuing story of Diana and her partner Peter, along with her surprising pet Max. This book had a section that I felt was rather “trope-y” though. Not quite Deus ex Machina but a close cousin. It felt as though the authors were trying to slip something over on the readers to make the plot flow. However, it is a quick and enjoyable read (except for the section I mentioned) and the editing is good. Give this book a go, and try out the other Diana Hunter books as well – they are worth the read.
Profile Image for Joy.
603 reviews33 followers
February 2, 2018
Alison Golden has become one of my favorite authors. Her books are really great - well-written and fun. I think in every review of her books I compare her to Agatha Christie, but she really is quite good! The Diana Hunter series is still low on language, sex, & violence, like most cozy mysteries, but that are also full of suspense & high octane thrills (& a bit of will-they-won't-they comedic banter thrown in for good measure).
This time, Diana and Peter must track down the assassin of an assassin targeting a political candidate. It leads them to a notorious man from Diana's past, named Surgeon (& not in a good way). Will Diana become his next victim? Find out in Chopped!
Profile Image for Marsha.
1,060 reviews4 followers
September 15, 2018
Very good and absorbing book; the characters kept attempting to draw the reader in. There were aspects of the overall characters thank continued to be spelled out during the course of the book.
The end was a little disappointing, not because the situations were not handled properly but because what turned out to be an introduction for the next situation in the series was NOT a continuation of this particular story :-(. Now I need to decide whether or not to get the next book… I believe that a book should stand on its own! Oh well, this was still an excellent introduction to the characters and their lives in the agencies.
7,766 reviews50 followers
March 4, 2019
Diane is like a kid in a candy store when she gets a call a body has been found. Detective Peter comes with coffee, being she is not a morning person. He is more than a friend, and the only friend she has. With the secret about her parents if she told he too may leave.
Question is why would a politician hire a hit man to take out a hit man that has a target on him. They know he is the middle of and lying
Diane has a plan to draw Surgeon out, she wants the charade to end and have her life back. Good plot of how Diane and Peter worked the case
The series was good and definitely worth reading.
Profile Image for Linda.
782 reviews15 followers
May 17, 2017
This is the 4th book in the Diane Hunter series and it continues to build a relationship between Diane and her partner, Peter. Investigating a dead body, Diane discovers that it appears to be the work of serial killer, Surgeon...a killer she had personal experience with two years earlier. As she and Peter try to track down this killer, will she be so lucky to survive the encounter again? This story reveals a little more about both hers and Peter's backgrounds, and brings them even closer together. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
561 reviews4 followers
May 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this book!
Drama, suspense, and a little dog haha.. There are a few twists and turns in the story that were so unexpected.
Diana is a kick butt kind of character, but with a girly side as well.
I'm wondering about whether a love interest with Peter will take off in future books (fingers crossed).
I think Chopped is my favourite book in this series, but have no doubt the next book will be my next favourite.

I received an arc of this book, and liked it so much I had to leave a review.
840 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2018
What a quick read. Things keep happening. All of a sudden Vancouver has become a place of spooks and different initialed police forces. Alison Golden has many protagonists and this one Diane Hunter is a special person who puts her life on the line to catch a sociopath. It all a little too close at the end. Is it really true that Canadian spys have tooth screwed in that can trigger a beam to let people know where you are. All a bit James Bondish as her partner points out...James Bond is fiction! Looking forward to more Alison Golden.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,117 reviews
May 4, 2017
Surprising Small Packages

I love reading excellent and well written mysteries. Diana and with Peter's help with rid Diana of a problem from her past. You are learning more about Diana's past after she left the university. There is something g developing between Peter and her. She has lots of help from others but the big surprise is Max. Love the dog! Enjoy the book and I loved the ending!
Profile Image for Celest.
716 reviews9 followers
September 19, 2018
Either this is the worst one or the best one

I'm hooked on this series, so I'll just have to suck it up and be brave to finish it. Like I've said before this is more like a Thriller than a Cozy Mystery, so I find it a little unnerving and exciting at the same time. Can't wait to get to the next book in this series. I have it on PDF from the author so I'll be reading this one on my computer. Don't hesitate to enjoy this series.
Profile Image for Loretta.
386 reviews
November 2, 2018
Diana Hunt and her dog Max live in Vancouver, Canada. She is with the VPD and partners with Peter Hopkinson. They are called to a crime scene where Diana says it was the work of Surgeon a killer who has put her in danger before.. She wants to have him come after her again so Diana and Peter plan a scheme to let him capture her. Later unexpected things happen to keep you guessing. Another great book!
Profile Image for Julia Walker.
662 reviews18 followers
July 29, 2019
Diana and her partner Peter have worked together less than a year but due to the strength of their partnership, they work like a fine-tuned instrument. The Surgeon is back and the only way to catch him is to use Diana as bait. The tension moves the reader forward with each twist and turn as Diana and Peter work together in this fast-paced novel. A terrific beach, poolside, vacation read you won’t be able to put down!
910 reviews5 followers
April 5, 2020
Diana and the assassin

He's played mind games with her for years, after fixating on her during her time with CSIS. He even sends flowers on the anniversary of their first meeting. It may sound romantic in a weird way, but it's just terrifying. Diana takes it in stride, refusing to let him knock her off balance. Now he's back in Vancouver and one killing may not be enough. Excellent read!
4,417 reviews43 followers
May 25, 2017
Chopped by Alison Golden

It is a good thing that Max and Peter are so well trained, even if Max does try to blackmail her and Peter may be in danger because he is Diana’s only friend. I have enjoyed watching Diana as she had evolved – even though I am waiting to learn more about her parents! This is the 4th book in this series and I do recommend it.
103 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2017
I missed Diana Hunter Mystery Book 3 and thought that I would not be able to understand what was happening in Book 4 "Chopped," but I was pleasantly surprised. Diana is a very likable character that you want to succeed. This book captured my attention and did not let it go. This is another winner for Alison Golden. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Darby langford.
36 reviews
February 11, 2018
Chopped, a Diana Hunter mystery.

This is one of the most intriguing books I've read in a long time. Very hard to put down. It kept me interested and on the edge of my seat from page one to the very end. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense, murder, mystery and etc.
Profile Image for Georgiann Hennelly.
1,960 reviews26 followers
May 7, 2018
The fourth book in a series. Diana Hunter is once again searching for a serial killer known as the Surgeon. Early on in her career she was kidnapped by him. He let her go but he never forgot her. Now he is back and wants to finish what he started with her years ago! Will she survive? This latest encounter with him? Or will the Surgeon finally be caught?
958 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2018
Peter calls its 4AM and they have a case, they have been working together for 7 months now. A serial killer, hit man is dead and it is determined that the Surgeon killed him, a hit on a hit man. The Surgeon has sent Diana flowers every year on the anniversary that he captured her then let her go. He’s back and Diana is determined to capture him this time, lrt the games begin.
922 reviews11 followers
August 13, 2018
Creative, Suspenseful, Exciting and Very Entertainig

Alison Golden is a master crafts person at beginning on a exciting note and not letting up to the end! Readers will love her good characters and totally detest the bad guys. Lots of surprises but no down spots. Well worth reading.
Profile Image for judy koepsell.
126 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2017
Pure Enjoyment

Best entertainment in awhile, this author's books never fail to involve feelings and imagination. Cannot recommend it more highly. Surely the next one will be even better.
96 reviews
May 18, 2017
Good suspense story

I highly recommend reading this book filled with well-developed characters, interesting plot twists, and plenty of suspense. There is some mild violence, but no sex.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews

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