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Spider Hunting

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It’s never what it seems.

A murder of a high-profile law partner on a Manhattan street should have made the front page of the news. And yet it didn’t. Drew Bradley’s murder was treated as just another senseless crime and relegated to page four of the evening edition. But what if the press had been privy to the fact that the murder was actually an assassination?

As the partners at Lannister and Stewart scramble to fill the vacuum left by Drew Bradley’s sudden death, Asia Blythe, a rising star in the firm is offered his coveted position. But this golden opportunity that brings with it power, prestige, and unlimited financial rewards demands adherence to a code. A code of allegiance to the firm with no exceptions. Catapulted into the world of genetically modified designer babies and state-sponsored espionage, is Asia prepared to deal with the intrigues of a world that will threaten her life and shatter her illusions?

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2020

10 people are currently reading
22 people want to read

About the author

K.J. McGillick

18 books171 followers
Kathleen McGillick, an attorney for three decades, channels her passion for mystery and suspense into crafting gripping novels. A devoted fan of the genre since her childhood days of consuming Nancy Drew tales, she seamlessly intertwines her extensive legal and medical knowledge to create intricate plotlines. Her deep appreciation for art history infuses her stories with an added layer of intrigue, making her narratives uniquely captivating.

From a young age, Kathleen aspired to be an English literature teacher. While life led her down a different trajectory, her enduring love for literature remained. Today, she revisits that early passion, not through teaching, but by weaving enthralling tales for readers to lose themselves in.

In every book she writes, Kathleen masterfully blends her professional insights and her fervor for art and history, offering readers a thrilling literary escape. Her journey is a testament to the idea that sometimes, life brings us back to our first loves in the most unexpected ways.

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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for K.J. McGillick.
Author 18 books171 followers
September 2, 2020
How much will an attorney put herself on the line to shield a guilty client? This is a story that asks one to reach within him or her self and as the hard questions that revolve around the gray moral areas in life. Want versus need and where is the bright line of ethical decisions.
554 reviews672 followers
December 20, 2020
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly I didn't check the summary fully before requesting it. My mistake, I know.

But the first half of the summary sounded so good - a dead guy, people chasing each other, law politics - the works really.

But then genetic babies...and whatnot - mm, I really wasn't sold on the idea.

Regardless I pushed on in the novel - but I just couldn't get into it no matter how much I tried.

Sigh. Oh well. Next time I suppose.

Although the writing was okay, the mystery too, the characters yeah decent, but the plot..not really.

Eh. Everyone loses once in a while.

Until the next read,

-TMR
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,884 reviews136 followers
November 5, 2020
What a brilliant suspense filled page turner this proved to be! Asia Blythe is a lawyer working in the Lannister and Stewart practice. She's hoping to go for partnership in three or so years time but the murder of one of the partners means she's having to cover some of his cases and is offered a partnership buy-in much sooner than she'd planned. The case she's covering, however, is fraught with unexplained discrepancies and, as his secretary was sacked within hours of his death, there's no one in the know she can get the answers from. As she starts looking into the case, she uncovers more and more facts that unsettle her. With Sam, an investigator and her secret partner, the two set out to discover just what is involved. This is a fast paced, thrilling read involving murder, mystery, designer babies, espionage, treason and life threatening danger, a story guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat unable to put this fascinating story down until you've finished it!

This author is becoming one of my favourite go to writers of intriguing suspense reads and if you've not read anything by her, I really recommend you give her a try! Her characters are brought to life, believable and well developed, the main characters' dilemmas, emotional turmoil and lives brilliantly portrayed and the story is riveting, keeping me engrossed to the very end. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for my copy of this book which I voluntarily read and have honestly reviewed.
Profile Image for ReadandRated.
662 reviews29 followers
October 31, 2020
3.5 Stars from me

I loved the setting for Spider Hunting, it follows young lawyer Asia Blythe who unknowingly gets dragged into some questionable cases.

At first it seems as though not everything is entirely squeakyclean and above board but before too long it becomes clear to Asia that she is up to her neck in seriously dangerous business.

At the same time, she is offered the chance of becoming an equity partner in the law firm - this is a once in a lifetime opportunity but at what cost?

Her partner Sam is a bit of an unsung hero in this book for me, he's definitely a guy you'd want in your corner!

This book offers a fascination glimpse into the glamorous and dangerous world of the high stakes law firms. Lots of drama and moments of definite peril made it hard to put down.
Profile Image for Felicia.
Author 5 books104 followers
October 8, 2020
Book 2 of the A Conspiracy of Betrayal series introduces another savvy young attorney whose life is upended simply for doing her job.

When Drew Bradley, a partner in the law firm she works for, is murdered on a New York street, senior associate, Asia Blythe, is assigned some of his high-profile cases, but given few details and little access to case files. She’s also offered her dream, the opportunity to buy-in as a partner, but as she delves deeper into Drew’s cases, Asia is torn between accepting the offer and completing the mysterious cases that hint at illegal activities and international crime.

Assisted by the firm’s private investigator—and love interest—Sam Flynn, Asia seeks only to protect the firm… and her career. But when Sam reaches out to a friend for help with the international aspects of the case, we meet global security expert, Jaxon Brandt, again from book 1. He gets involved because the shadowy Grigory Petrov is one of Asia’s new clients.

Asia doesn’t see a way out of the dangerous web they have pulled her into, but when an attempt is made on her life, she’s shaken but determined to see the case through no matter where it leads.

Good writing, an intricate plot, and strong characters made this a one-sitting read. Asia is tenacious and confident, and she and Sam have good chemistry, but my special nod goes to Sylvia, Asia’s administrative assistant, who comes off as a gossip but in fact, finds out the info she needs to watch Asia’s back.

With cases involving cryptocurrency, biological weapons, and DNA manipulation, Spider Hunting is a fast-paced, smart, legal thriller. Reading book one first isn’t necessary to enjoy book two, but I recommend it to understand the full global reach of the bad actors involved.

Enjoy!
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,571 reviews19 followers
November 3, 2020
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Asia is a lawyer who is driven to work hard toward her goal of becoming a partner. She is beyond excited when she’s given the opportunity to apply to become an equity partner. What’s disappointing is that as soon as she’s given this opportunity, everything seems to fall apart.

It took me a little bit to get into Spider Hunting even though it starts with the murder of Asia’s boss, Drew. When Asia starts working on Drew’s files, there’s a lot of confusing information that was difficult to muddle through. But when meets she meets Drew’s clients, things start to take off. By the time I was halfway through, it was difficult to put down.

I like Asia. She’s strong and knows what she wants. Even when she isn’t sure what she wants to do, she figures it out and makes the moral decision. Her boyfriend, Sam, is my favorite character. He’s supportive and caring and his love for Asia is obvious. They make a good couple.

I definitely recommend Spider Hunting if you like a murder mystery with a little bit of everything.
Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
4,895 reviews120 followers
November 7, 2020
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I loved this story - it was a very well written legal thriller and it had me hooked.  I have read quite a few books by this author now and I knew when I saw that this book was going on a blog tour I wanted to take part - and I have to say that the book was brilliant!

This is probably my favourite book by this author to date - loved the plot, and the pace was perfect - the characters were well developed, genuine and believable and I thought that Asia was great - she was a really strong lead and her support from Sam really made the book for me.

The supporting cast were also great and I loved the mystery and intrigue that came up as the plot and story progressed.  The plot was one that could well happen too and it kept me on my toes - the setting was great too and I loved the author was able to bring the city to life.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, very easy to read and had me completely engrossed, lovely flow and an additive storyline - very highly recommended!!
Profile Image for Cathy Brockman.
Author 5 books95 followers
October 4, 2020
Spider Hunting is actually book two in the A Conspiracy of Betrayal series though it stands alone just fine. Book one is Spider Games if you'd like to read them in order. Both books are different characters though Jax from book one makes an appearance. The crimes in both books are related but there is plenty of good information from the first book so you know the connection without the story.
Asia has worked hard for a partnership in the prestigious law firm she works for when one of the partners is murdered. When she is offered that dream partnership things don't add up and the secret cases she is given fro that partner drag her deep in a conspiracy. Her boyfriend and investigator from the law firm work together to try to solve all the mysteries cropping up from the deaths and the cases.
This story is nailbiting good! I loved both Asia and Sam and there were twists after twists. I have to admit I couldn't put this crime thriller down once I started!
There is a very soft romance between Sam and Asia but no sex. The story is a Crime thriller through and through!
I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
October 9, 2020
I will NEVER EVER get enough of K.J. McGillick's books, because she's straight up brilliant.  Spider Hunting doesn't have much in the romance department, but I seriously didn't care because the thrilling mystery had me all kinds of obsessed with who dun it.  Asia is a hard working attorney at a very prestigious law firm, and when one of the other lawyers/partners is murdered, she's offered a promotion to replace him.  It doesn't take her & her boyfriend long before they start investigating things since nothing is as it seems, so the twists are coming in hot, while I'm on the edge of my seat, with pulse pounding & heart racing as my favorite f-bombs are dropping all over the place.  Spider Hunting is one of those stories that makes everything else take a backseat (even bathroom breaks) until every last page is devoured, and it's definitely my jam.  So, hit those one click buttons for a wild ride, as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!  
Profile Image for Elizabeth Gray.
89 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2020
While Spider Hunting is the second book in the A Conspiracy of Betrayal series, the books are set up so that they work really well on their own, only peripherally crossing in circumstance and characters. In this book, we're introduced to Asia Blythe, a young ambitious lawyer whose natural predilection for weighing the morals and ethics of her cases has been an assent so far in her career. When her direct supervisor is murdered, Asia is in the running for a partnership in the law firm and given her predecessor's cases.

However, the more Asia looks into the details of these cases, the more she finds herself struggling with ethical quandaries. Why does a client need three different bank accounts to transfer funds from the sale of a piece of art for a medical procedure? Why did Drew, her predecessor have a power of attorney set up for one of those accounts? She's dedicated years of her life and career to Lannister and Stewart; but when her objections to working to defend a client accused of murdering his wife, one that had threatened and assaulted her are brushed aside in favor of the money the client can bring to the firm, she can't help but see the rot at the heart of the company. When she realizes that people around Drew keep having lethal accidents, Asia has to draw her line somewhere, before she's next.

The author does an amazing job guiding readers through an intricate maze of legal matters, translating complex ideas and legal terms into those a layman can easily understand. While the plot at times seems to look like an overlapping set of Venn diagrams, through Asia's eyes each step builds upon the next. With her ever helpful secretary Sylvia and her freelance investigator boyfriend Sam, Asia's bound to find her way through! Full of dizzying twists and frightening danger, this story keeps you hoping that the next page will bring you closer to some sort of answer
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,629 reviews36 followers
September 23, 2020
Although there is a previous book in this series I haven´t read it and it does not interfere with the understanding of the story. It´s a very good story with a plot full of twists and turns that keep on growing and bringing new information and it does keep you hooked. The author´s writing flows easily and it´s a pleasure to read. There´s a lot of deceit, lies, betrayals and an unexpected ending.
Easy to read and excellent entertainment!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
16.7k reviews155 followers
October 7, 2020
A murder has occurred but it is just put down to.a.senseless killing but it is so far away from the truth. The law firm it happened at has a pact and if they go up the ladder they have to obey it. Who wanted them dead? Will they ever been found? Who is behind it all? See who is when you reach the end of the story

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
September 25, 2020
SPIDER HUNTING is the second book in A Conspiracy of Betrayal series and is an intriguing thriller.

This book kept my attention from start to finish with murder, betrayal, espionage, suspense, twists and turns, and a surprise ending. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,327 reviews146 followers
October 6, 2020
This is a new to me author and one I'd be interested in reading more from in the future.
Unfortunately I got a bit lost/overwhelmed with this book with all the legal jargon. For awhile there it was so overloaded that the thriller aspect got lost for a bit with me.
I'm glad I stuck with it though as it picked up in the last part, although by that stage I was so throughly confused, all I could do was enjoy the chase.
For those who enjoy legalities, this one is definitely for you.
Profile Image for L.S..
769 reviews30 followers
November 5, 2020
Another 5 star smasher from K J McGillick. Legal thrillers are right up there on my preferred list of books to read, and KJ McGillick is one of my go-to authors in this genre. She consistently delivers, and this is no exception with an original and intricate plot, and strong, believable characters coupled with an ethical dilemma. LOVED IT!

Asia is a hard working attorney at a very prestigious law firm, and certainly not expecting to be offered a partner position, so when one of the other partners is murdered in a public street, she’s stunned but delighted to be offered an equity partnership to replace him. Equity here is a key issue, meaning the promotion comes with a hefty buy-in and she has to work out how and if she can afford this opportunity financially.

This actually turns out to be beneficial and gives her some breathing space. As she waits to hear if her loan application will be accepted, she learns that not everything is above board. Does she really want to get into debt when there is some seriously dodgy shenanigans going on?

Asia is also keeping her relationship with Sam a secret from her employees which also proves to be a godsend as they are both assigned to a case where Sam is able to steer her away from danger and keep her up to speed with the real issues at the law firm which go way beyond a partner being killed in the street.

I loved catching up with characters from the first book in the series; it was good to see them brought to life again.

Spider Hunting had me gripped with high stakes at every twist and turn. If ever a book were to be described as unputdownable, then this would get my vote. I can’t recommend this author’s books highly enough; every one is a dramatic thrill ride with a strong moral backbone.
3,408 reviews19 followers
September 29, 2020
This is the first book I have read by K.J. McGillick and I'm glad I decided to read this novel. The book is an exciting and intense read with edge of your seat suspense and unexpected plot twists. The characters were complex and well developed. I highly recommend this enjoyable and excellent book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.8k reviews125 followers
September 27, 2020
I've read several books written by K.J. McGillick; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pj Ausdenmore.
929 reviews31 followers
November 6, 2020
I've always enjoyed legal thrillers and this one is a doozy. If you like tightly-woven suspense thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat and flipping pages as fast as you can to find out what's going to happen around the next corner, then Spider Hunting is a story you'll want to read too. I read the entire book in one afternoon without taking a break and wow, what a ride.

The characters, both good and evil, are vividly portrayed and shaded with just enough gray that, at several points throughout the story, it was hard to determine into which camp some of them fell. And the twists! Just when I thought Asia (and I) had things figured out, something else would happen or new facts would come to light and off we'd go in an entirely new direction. And let me just say, some of those directions were realistically chilling in their complex and devious believability in today's world.

This is not a romance but there is a romantic thread with Asia and Sam and I am here for it. I loved these two together; their mutual respect, affection, openness with and support of one another convinced me they would make it for the long haul. I loved how they worked together, complemented one another, and how protective Sam was without minimizing Asia's strength. They were such a great team. In fact, they were so enjoyable that if McGillick ever decided to write another thriller with them as lead characters, I'd be more than okay with that.

Spider Hunting is the second book in McGillick's A Conspiracy of Betrayal series. There are some crossover characters but I didn't feel I was missing anything in this book by not having read the first one, Spider Games. However, the first thing I did upon finishing Spider Hunting was to download Spider Games. I can't wait to dive in!
26 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2025
I have read both Spider Games and Spider Hunting and I have found them as good as each other as the characters overlap. I was just as riveted in Spider Hunting as I was in the first book. It is well written and made me spend many nights reading well past my bedtime, but it was worth it :).

Profile Image for Tiziana Langone.
862 reviews10 followers
December 21, 2020
How far are you ready to go to become a partner?
 
Asia Blythe is rising in the law firm of Lannister and Stewart. Her absolute dream is to become a partner. But not if the cost is the life of another partner.
Yet she finds herself proposed the position when Drew Bradley suddenly dies. Problem is that Drew didn’t died of a natural cause, but was murdered.
After her initial joy of being able to become partner, Asia quickly discovers that being a partner doesn’t only bring power, prestige and financial reward. But there is a code she must live buy, a code of allegiance without exceptions.
The more Asia discovers about the firm and the way the partners work, the more reluctant she is to become partner.
But not only her partnership is at risk, it’s also her own life. Luckily for her, she can always count on the help from Sam, who is not only a freelance colleague, but also her boyfriend. 
Will the truth come out? and at what consequences?
 
Each time I read a story from this author, I get the chills. I truly hope that the author has a very big imagination, because thinking that there are people like that in real life, is just terrifying.

Asia is a woman who knows what she wants in her career, but that doesn’t make her ruthless. She has a good sense of right and wrong. She does not act on impulse and makes decisions she afterwards will regret.
But she has a good gut feeling and trusts also her instincts.
When she is taking over Drew’s clients, she has a feeling many things are off. And instead of just going with the flow, she wants to figure out what is going on.
And the truth is much darker than she thought.
 
I have to admit, the whole world of bitcoins, modifying DNA and espionage is not something of my knowledge, I just know some tiny bits of what is possible and what not. But putting my ignorance on the side, I was again fully submerged in this thriller.
It was also nice to see the characters of the previous part again. But no worries for those who haven’t read it, this book is perfectly readable as a standalone.
 
This story is a perfect example of what a thriller should be. I had no clue where the story was going, what our main characters had to endure and what lengths the bad characters would go.
A real page-turner with intelligent people who are determined to find the truth, many conspiracies but also some lighter moments that allow you to catch your breath!
1,455 reviews29 followers
December 30, 2025
SPIDER GAMES, #1 - Okay, I was drifting a bit with the repetition, but then, the story changed gears and a lot of damaging cans opened at a rapid fire pace. Good characters, especially the core cast, intriguing story lines, and no silly mind games, just survival and good investigations. Source: My Kindle library. 5*

SPIDER HUNTING, #2 - Interesting story lines and good characters including the cast from Spider Games, the good and the bad, made for an intriguing but sometimes slow read. Source: Booksprout. 4*

A STRANGER’S REVENGE, #3 - Interesting. Intriguing. Immersing. Good characters, good story lines, good pace, and good twists. It's easy to figure out who the killer is but how to catch him isn't easy. Source: Booksprout. 5*

THE LAST LIE SHE TOLD - My first read by this author, and I enjoyed it. The good characters, the interesting story lines, and the steady pace made for one sitting read. Source: My Kindle library and Booksprout. 4*
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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