What do you think?
Rate this book
Colter Shaw #4
Hunting Time
The New York Times bestselling master of suspense is back with a riveting thriller, as reward seeker Colter Shaw plunges into the woods and races the clock in a case where nothing is quite what it seems.
THERE ARE TWO FUNDAMENTAL RULES OF SURVIVAL.
#1: NEVER BE WITHOUT A MEANS OF ESCAPE.
Allison Parker is on the run with her teenage daughter, Hannah, and Colter Shaw has been hired by her eccentric boss, entrepreneur Marty Harmon, to find and protect her. Though he's an expert at tracking missing persons--even those who don't wish to be found--Shaw has met his match in Allison, who brings all her skills as a brilliant engineer designing revolutionary technology to the game of evading detection.
#2: NEVER BE WITHOUT ACCESS TO A WEAPON.
The reason for Allison's panicked flight is soon apparent. She's being stalked by her ex-husband, Jon Merritt. Newly released from prison and fueled by blinding rage, Jon is a man whose former profession as a police detective makes him uniquely suited for the hunt. And he's not alone. Two hitmen are also hot on her heels--an eerie pair of thugs who take delight not only in murder but in the sport of devising clever ways to make bodies disappear forever. Even if Shaw manages to catch up with Allison and her daughter, his troubles will just be beginning.
SHAW IS ABOUT TO DISCOVER RULE #3:
NEVER BELIEVE ANYTHING.
As Shaw ventures further into the wilderness, the truth becomes as hard to decipher as the forest's unmarked trails...and peril awaits at every turn.
THERE ARE TWO FUNDAMENTAL RULES OF SURVIVAL.
#1: NEVER BE WITHOUT A MEANS OF ESCAPE.
Allison Parker is on the run with her teenage daughter, Hannah, and Colter Shaw has been hired by her eccentric boss, entrepreneur Marty Harmon, to find and protect her. Though he's an expert at tracking missing persons--even those who don't wish to be found--Shaw has met his match in Allison, who brings all her skills as a brilliant engineer designing revolutionary technology to the game of evading detection.
#2: NEVER BE WITHOUT ACCESS TO A WEAPON.
The reason for Allison's panicked flight is soon apparent. She's being stalked by her ex-husband, Jon Merritt. Newly released from prison and fueled by blinding rage, Jon is a man whose former profession as a police detective makes him uniquely suited for the hunt. And he's not alone. Two hitmen are also hot on her heels--an eerie pair of thugs who take delight not only in murder but in the sport of devising clever ways to make bodies disappear forever. Even if Shaw manages to catch up with Allison and her daughter, his troubles will just be beginning.
SHAW IS ABOUT TO DISCOVER RULE #3:
NEVER BELIEVE ANYTHING.
As Shaw ventures further into the wilderness, the truth becomes as hard to decipher as the forest's unmarked trails...and peril awaits at every turn.
419 pages, Hardcover
First published November 22, 2022
1456 people are currently reading
3508 people want to read
About the author
Jeffery Deaver
501 books11.5k followers#1 international bestselling author of over thirty novels and three collections of short stories. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He's received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 639 reviews
October 23, 2022
This is a tense and exciting addition to Jeffery Deaver's crime thriller series featuring the reward hunter, Colt Shaw, raised by his late survivalist professor father, Ashton, with his family, mother, Mary Dove, sister Dorian and brother Russell. He travels the country in his Winnebago home, with his unique specialist skills and approach, which includes assigning probabilities to any possibilities which serves him well. Here, he finds himself in the midwest at a once prosperous industrial town, Ferrington, with its toxic river, hired by Marty Harmon, CEO of Welbourne and Sons to retrieve stolen valuable miniature portable nuclear technology. When the irreplaceable senior nuclear engineer, 42 year Allison Parker, goes on the run from her abusive husband, a decorated former FPD detective, Jon Merritt, released early from prison after being convicted of assault and battery with a deadly weapon, Harmon asks Shaw to find and protect her.
Shaw works with the company's Chief of Security, Sonja Nilsson, a woman with her own secrets. He has difficulties in getting the overburdened police, wanting to protect one of their own, into taking the threat that Merritt poses seriously. This might be understandable as Merritt is described as a charming homicidal sociopath, who will not be stopped until he has killed Allison and his 16 year old daughter, Hannah. Merritt has a history of rages, and has drink and opoid addictions. Shaw races against time to locate Allison and Hannah, with matters exacerbated when it emerges that there are 2 ruthless and menacing hitmen hunting for them too. This is a story where Shaw's survivalist skills learnt from his father are key as he tries to ensure that Allison and Hannah stay alive in the wilderness they find themselves trapped in.
Deaver is an expert when it comes to building nail biting tension and suspense in his fast paced action thrillers, and this is no exception. As might be expected from him, there is plenty of misdirection and twists and turns, and a wide and disparate set of characters, ranging from the truly villainous to the wonderful and good. A highlight for me was to see the close relationship between Shaw and Hannah develop, with Hannah committed and serious about learning as much as she can about survivalism from him. I think fans of Deaver, and of this series in particular, will enjoy this terrific addition, it is a fun, entertaining, and a gripping thriller that I recommend to those who love the crime and mystery genre. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Shaw works with the company's Chief of Security, Sonja Nilsson, a woman with her own secrets. He has difficulties in getting the overburdened police, wanting to protect one of their own, into taking the threat that Merritt poses seriously. This might be understandable as Merritt is described as a charming homicidal sociopath, who will not be stopped until he has killed Allison and his 16 year old daughter, Hannah. Merritt has a history of rages, and has drink and opoid addictions. Shaw races against time to locate Allison and Hannah, with matters exacerbated when it emerges that there are 2 ruthless and menacing hitmen hunting for them too. This is a story where Shaw's survivalist skills learnt from his father are key as he tries to ensure that Allison and Hannah stay alive in the wilderness they find themselves trapped in.
Deaver is an expert when it comes to building nail biting tension and suspense in his fast paced action thrillers, and this is no exception. As might be expected from him, there is plenty of misdirection and twists and turns, and a wide and disparate set of characters, ranging from the truly villainous to the wonderful and good. A highlight for me was to see the close relationship between Shaw and Hannah develop, with Hannah committed and serious about learning as much as she can about survivalism from him. I think fans of Deaver, and of this series in particular, will enjoy this terrific addition, it is a fun, entertaining, and a gripping thriller that I recommend to those who love the crime and mystery genre. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
June 21, 2024
Hunting Time
by Jeffery Deaver brings plenty of suspense and action to the fourth book in the Colter Shaw crime thriller series. Allison Parker is on the run with her teenage daughter, Hannah. Shaw has been hired by Allison’s boss, Marty Harmon, to find and protect her. Allison is being pursued by her ex-husband, Jon Merritt, who recently was released from prison. However, he’s not the only one pursuing Allison and Hannah. There are also two thugs who are hitmen and experienced at making bodies disappear forever on her trail. Colter’s efforts are helped by Sonja Nilsson, Harmon’s head of security. The setting starts in the fictional town of Ferrington, somewhere in the Midwest south of Chicago.
Shaw found the law profession stimulating, but a poor fit for his restlessness. Instead, he now runs a rewards business, where he usually only accepts payment if he delivers what is requested such as finding a missing person. However, he does occasionally take a for-hire job. Allison is self-reliant, tough, blunt, perceptive, and smart. Allison is a brilliant engineer, creative, systematic, efficient, and goal-oriented. Hannah came across as a typical teenager, somewhat moody and argumentative, but lacked adequate communication from Allison to fully understand the dire situation they were in.
The plot has plenty of twists and turns, but is unbelievable at times. However, they kept my interest despite Shaw making some mistakes that I would not have expected him to make. Although the book never specifies which state the story is set in, the novel has great world-building, whether it is the old industrial town of Ferrington or the lake and woods countryside north of it. The tension, stakes, and action build up to an exciting ending that is over-the-top and a shock, but somewhat satisfying. His ability to combine strong characters and complex plots with excellent pacing kept me fully engaged. Themes include domestic violence, family, work family, water pollution, lack of funding for police, corruption, murder, friendship, attempted murder, a possible romance, and much more. This novel also does a nice job of setting up the next book in the series.
Overall, this was well-written, captivating, engaging, and thought-provoking. I enjoyed unraveling the mysteries. I was hooked immediately in the first chapter and the pages kept turning. I recommend this book to those that enjoy crime thrillers. This is the fourth book I’ve read by this author, but the first in this series. I’m looking forward to reading the next one as well as the previous books in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was November 22, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------
My 4.3 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Shaw found the law profession stimulating, but a poor fit for his restlessness. Instead, he now runs a rewards business, where he usually only accepts payment if he delivers what is requested such as finding a missing person. However, he does occasionally take a for-hire job. Allison is self-reliant, tough, blunt, perceptive, and smart. Allison is a brilliant engineer, creative, systematic, efficient, and goal-oriented. Hannah came across as a typical teenager, somewhat moody and argumentative, but lacked adequate communication from Allison to fully understand the dire situation they were in.
The plot has plenty of twists and turns, but is unbelievable at times. However, they kept my interest despite Shaw making some mistakes that I would not have expected him to make. Although the book never specifies which state the story is set in, the novel has great world-building, whether it is the old industrial town of Ferrington or the lake and woods countryside north of it. The tension, stakes, and action build up to an exciting ending that is over-the-top and a shock, but somewhat satisfying. His ability to combine strong characters and complex plots with excellent pacing kept me fully engaged. Themes include domestic violence, family, work family, water pollution, lack of funding for police, corruption, murder, friendship, attempted murder, a possible romance, and much more. This novel also does a nice job of setting up the next book in the series.
Overall, this was well-written, captivating, engaging, and thought-provoking. I enjoyed unraveling the mysteries. I was hooked immediately in the first chapter and the pages kept turning. I recommend this book to those that enjoy crime thrillers. This is the fourth book I’ve read by this author, but the first in this series. I’m looking forward to reading the next one as well as the previous books in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was November 22, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------
My 4.3 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
December 28, 2022
Colter Shaw has an unusual source of income: he works for rewards, which means that he’s often combing the country searching for missing people. He’ll travel wherever in America this takes him, using a motor home with a motorcycle attached to the back of it. He’s a resourceful chap too, the son of a survivalist who taught him a multitude of skills. Yes, Colter knows an awful lot of things that come in very handy in his line of work. But in this, his fourth adventure, he takes on a slightly different task, he’s hired to prevent the theft of a revolutionary piece of equipment, a component of a small, transportable nuclear reactor – a devise that could potentially resolve many of Africa’s chronic energy needs.
But Colter’s focus is re-set when the company’s chief designer, Allison Parker, subsequently goes missing - on the run from her violent husband who has just been released from jail and is threatening to kill her. The company is based in a Midwest Rust Belt town that’s seen better days. The river running through the town is badly polluted and frankly this place seems like just the sort of dump anyone would run away from! But her knowledge and skills are considered irreplaceable and the owner of the company is therefore willing to spend whatever it takes to find her and keep her safe. So, as her husband and a couple of trigger happy thugs go on the chase Colter is searching too, desperately hoping that he’ll get to her first. But hang on a minute… this is a Jeffery Deaver novel, so everything won’t be quite as you expect it to be.
It’s an enjoyable romp which does throw in the expected quota of surprises. Though to be honest we’ve been here so often with Deaver that these elements no longer really surprise, it’s more a case of waiting to see which elements of the story are, in fact, an elaborate conjuring trick. I enjoyed it and Colter and co were good company for the few days it took me to work through it, but it wasn’t a book I was desperate to return to whenever I’d temporarily set it aside. It’s a three star offering for me.
My thanks to HarperCollins UK for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
But Colter’s focus is re-set when the company’s chief designer, Allison Parker, subsequently goes missing - on the run from her violent husband who has just been released from jail and is threatening to kill her. The company is based in a Midwest Rust Belt town that’s seen better days. The river running through the town is badly polluted and frankly this place seems like just the sort of dump anyone would run away from! But her knowledge and skills are considered irreplaceable and the owner of the company is therefore willing to spend whatever it takes to find her and keep her safe. So, as her husband and a couple of trigger happy thugs go on the chase Colter is searching too, desperately hoping that he’ll get to her first. But hang on a minute… this is a Jeffery Deaver novel, so everything won’t be quite as you expect it to be.
It’s an enjoyable romp which does throw in the expected quota of surprises. Though to be honest we’ve been here so often with Deaver that these elements no longer really surprise, it’s more a case of waiting to see which elements of the story are, in fact, an elaborate conjuring trick. I enjoyed it and Colter and co were good company for the few days it took me to work through it, but it wasn’t a book I was desperate to return to whenever I’d temporarily set it aside. It’s a three star offering for me.
My thanks to HarperCollins UK for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2023
The fourth novel in this excellent series finds Colter Shaw in the Rust-Belt midwestern town of Ferrington on the toxically polluted Kenoah river. He has been hired by local businessman Marty Harmon to discover which of his employees is attempting to sell the trade secrets of his latest technology, know as the “Pocket Sun” to a foreign competitor.
No sooner has Shaw sorted that problem out, Harmon asks him to locate another employee who has gone missing. Allison Parker and her daughter Hannah are on the run following the release from prison of her violent husband Jon Merritt, who has vowed to kill them both. Allison is a brilliant engineer who uses all her skills to evade detection. But can Shaw find her before Merritt or the two thugs he’s hired?
It’s when the milieu moves from the urban to the wilderness that Shaw’s survival skills, learnt from his father Ashton, come to the fore. Plus, of course, no Deaver novel would be complete without its totally out of the blue plot twist, and the one delivered about three quarters the way through this novel is one of the best. It totally blows all one’s earlier preconceptions out of the water.
As always with Jeffery Deaver, the plotting is intricate yet still easy to follow and he always seems to create a cast of unforgettable characters.
No sooner has Shaw sorted that problem out, Harmon asks him to locate another employee who has gone missing. Allison Parker and her daughter Hannah are on the run following the release from prison of her violent husband Jon Merritt, who has vowed to kill them both. Allison is a brilliant engineer who uses all her skills to evade detection. But can Shaw find her before Merritt or the two thugs he’s hired?
It’s when the milieu moves from the urban to the wilderness that Shaw’s survival skills, learnt from his father Ashton, come to the fore. Plus, of course, no Deaver novel would be complete without its totally out of the blue plot twist, and the one delivered about three quarters the way through this novel is one of the best. It totally blows all one’s earlier preconceptions out of the water.
As always with Jeffery Deaver, the plotting is intricate yet still easy to follow and he always seems to create a cast of unforgettable characters.
February 22, 2023
Jeffery Dever, the master of misdirection, is at it again with Hunting Time, the 4th book in the fabulous Colter Shaw series. Shaw grew up a survivalist and he uses those skills, along with others he picked up in various services, as a reward seeker, which means he chases down missing people, aiding the police and in return he is paid a reward.
This time out, he’s not exactly working for a reward, but he’s certainly using the skills he has, and running the percentages, to track people down.
In this case he is hired by Harmon Energy Products to pick up the trail of one of their employees, Allison Parker and her daughter Hannah. They’ve fled their home after ex-husband Jon Merritt was released early from prison. He was jailed for spousal abuse and it was reported by fellow prisoners he was bent on revenge for having him locked up.
Shaw embarks on a race to find Parker and her daughter before Merritt manages to track them down. Also in the picture is a pair of hired assassins who have also been put on the trail as another avenue to finding and killing mother and daughter.
This is effectively a chase thriller, but it sort of becomes a question of who is chasing whom and what is the real reason behind the chase. Bear in mind that Allison Parker is an engineer who is responsible for some pretty spectacular new technology. It’s the type of technology that is worth stealing and, potentially, the type of technology that’s worth killing for. Layers upon layers.
Now, if you have ever read a Jeffery Deaver thriller before, be they the Lincoln Rhyme series, the earlier Colter Shaw books or any of the stand alone novels, you will be aware that you should not, must not take anything you’re told at face value. There are numerous displays of misdirection, partial truths, twists, turns, blind alleys, facades and cliffhangers dotted throughout the story. This is what keeps me coming back for more and, once again, he has managed to have me completely flummoxed when there were less than 100 pages to go.
I found this to be a particularly strong book, not only for the clever plotting and breakneck speed in which it unfolded but also because of the complex emotional interactions that took place throughout. We go through a thorough examination of extreme human emotions, particularly through the experiences of the 16-year-old Hannah who is traumatised by the prospect of her father hunting her and her mother down with murderous intent. Deaver handles the more poignant emotional moments with a careful combination of brutality and sympathy.
The beauty of Hunting Time, as with the earlier books in the Colter Shaw series, is the unexpected twists that are thrown at you in rapid succession. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on the direction you’re headed, Deaver manages to throw in another unexpected wrinkle to prove that he’s got it over you once again.
A fast-moving thriller featuring a fascinating protagonist with an interesting background and a realistic outlook on life. It makes for an all-consuming read that ensures the pages fly by and leaves you wanting more.
This time out, he’s not exactly working for a reward, but he’s certainly using the skills he has, and running the percentages, to track people down.
In this case he is hired by Harmon Energy Products to pick up the trail of one of their employees, Allison Parker and her daughter Hannah. They’ve fled their home after ex-husband Jon Merritt was released early from prison. He was jailed for spousal abuse and it was reported by fellow prisoners he was bent on revenge for having him locked up.
Shaw embarks on a race to find Parker and her daughter before Merritt manages to track them down. Also in the picture is a pair of hired assassins who have also been put on the trail as another avenue to finding and killing mother and daughter.
This is effectively a chase thriller, but it sort of becomes a question of who is chasing whom and what is the real reason behind the chase. Bear in mind that Allison Parker is an engineer who is responsible for some pretty spectacular new technology. It’s the type of technology that is worth stealing and, potentially, the type of technology that’s worth killing for. Layers upon layers.
Now, if you have ever read a Jeffery Deaver thriller before, be they the Lincoln Rhyme series, the earlier Colter Shaw books or any of the stand alone novels, you will be aware that you should not, must not take anything you’re told at face value. There are numerous displays of misdirection, partial truths, twists, turns, blind alleys, facades and cliffhangers dotted throughout the story. This is what keeps me coming back for more and, once again, he has managed to have me completely flummoxed when there were less than 100 pages to go.
I found this to be a particularly strong book, not only for the clever plotting and breakneck speed in which it unfolded but also because of the complex emotional interactions that took place throughout. We go through a thorough examination of extreme human emotions, particularly through the experiences of the 16-year-old Hannah who is traumatised by the prospect of her father hunting her and her mother down with murderous intent. Deaver handles the more poignant emotional moments with a careful combination of brutality and sympathy.
The beauty of Hunting Time, as with the earlier books in the Colter Shaw series, is the unexpected twists that are thrown at you in rapid succession. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on the direction you’re headed, Deaver manages to throw in another unexpected wrinkle to prove that he’s got it over you once again.
A fast-moving thriller featuring a fascinating protagonist with an interesting background and a realistic outlook on life. It makes for an all-consuming read that ensures the pages fly by and leaves you wanting more.
October 25, 2022
Well, I absolutely adore the Colter Shaw series and this new one is no exception.
While some folks do find it too techy, I loved that about it. It got my mind moving! In addition, it’s simply a fast paced and entertaining read.
Colter is fabulous as always – I still love his job – and Deaver brings us a new round of characters, some extremely dangerous!
Loved this and looking forward to the next book!
• ARC via Publisher
While some folks do find it too techy, I loved that about it. It got my mind moving! In addition, it’s simply a fast paced and entertaining read.
Colter is fabulous as always – I still love his job – and Deaver brings us a new round of characters, some extremely dangerous!
Loved this and looking forward to the next book!
• ARC via Publisher
June 19, 2023
This story was just okay for me. 5 of 10 stars
October 8, 2022
The star of this novel is once again Colter Shaw. Here in the longer format, Deaver’s protagonist is allowed to grow and evolve before our eyes in what is the fourth outing of this unique character.
Some have reviewed it and thought it was too technical, as if the science could mask and bog down the action and thrilling adventure. Not a bit of it; engineering is the peg that holds up the story only in so much as it underpins the thinking of Alison Parker’s approach to every aspect of life.
She is the chief designer and developer of a new miniature reactor that offers hope for fuel economy into the future.
Colter Shaw is hired by her boss to initially prevent her proto-type being stolen by a competitor and later to protect her when her violent husband is prematurely released from prison. Jon Merritt was serving a sentence for violence against Parker who testified against him and now fears he will be seeking to silence her for good in a fit of rage based on his alcohol fuelled anger.
This is a wonderfully clever novel based around the survivalist skills of Colter Shaw. Shaw tries to find Parker, who has gone on the run with her daughter, before Merritt can exact his revenge.
Shaw goes from Hunter to the Hunted in a life and death struggle to stay hidden and ultimately alive as others are engaged and used to support the exCop.
A story of great depth. Human interactions and motivations are examined and stripped back. Money seemingly can buy anything and life is cheap. Nothing can stand in the way of the focus to find and eliminate Parker and daughter in what the Police may end badly in a murder-suicide.
A free-style mosaic of a thriller which masks any clear idea in the reader’s mind, preventing the clarity of thought of where the plot is really going. Misdirection and fresh insights interwoven into the basic premise reveal new truths and clear perceptions of the characters and their motives. As the picture clears and comes into focus it is not always the image and preconceived ideas we once anticipated.
Slight of hand and allowing us to assume where the story is going, means the author always stays one step ahead of his readers. The question, ratcheted up through increasing tension - can Shaw preserve life and outthink an enemy who outgun and outnumber him.
Can be read as a standalone but for those who have followed Colter Shaw’s story overtime a book full of delights. Packed with the usual drama and action pieces. But also revealing and insightful, illuminating this reward seeking action hero who is resourceful and has his Father’s teaching and upbringing modelling his own life and motivation.,
In a story where money corrupts, the author has Shaw working for reward but operating for greater values, which makes fora tense but “ feel good “ thriller.
Some have reviewed it and thought it was too technical, as if the science could mask and bog down the action and thrilling adventure. Not a bit of it; engineering is the peg that holds up the story only in so much as it underpins the thinking of Alison Parker’s approach to every aspect of life.
She is the chief designer and developer of a new miniature reactor that offers hope for fuel economy into the future.
Colter Shaw is hired by her boss to initially prevent her proto-type being stolen by a competitor and later to protect her when her violent husband is prematurely released from prison. Jon Merritt was serving a sentence for violence against Parker who testified against him and now fears he will be seeking to silence her for good in a fit of rage based on his alcohol fuelled anger.
This is a wonderfully clever novel based around the survivalist skills of Colter Shaw. Shaw tries to find Parker, who has gone on the run with her daughter, before Merritt can exact his revenge.
Shaw goes from Hunter to the Hunted in a life and death struggle to stay hidden and ultimately alive as others are engaged and used to support the exCop.
A story of great depth. Human interactions and motivations are examined and stripped back. Money seemingly can buy anything and life is cheap. Nothing can stand in the way of the focus to find and eliminate Parker and daughter in what the Police may end badly in a murder-suicide.
A free-style mosaic of a thriller which masks any clear idea in the reader’s mind, preventing the clarity of thought of where the plot is really going. Misdirection and fresh insights interwoven into the basic premise reveal new truths and clear perceptions of the characters and their motives. As the picture clears and comes into focus it is not always the image and preconceived ideas we once anticipated.
Slight of hand and allowing us to assume where the story is going, means the author always stays one step ahead of his readers. The question, ratcheted up through increasing tension - can Shaw preserve life and outthink an enemy who outgun and outnumber him.
Can be read as a standalone but for those who have followed Colter Shaw’s story overtime a book full of delights. Packed with the usual drama and action pieces. But also revealing and insightful, illuminating this reward seeking action hero who is resourceful and has his Father’s teaching and upbringing modelling his own life and motivation.,
In a story where money corrupts, the author has Shaw working for reward but operating for greater values, which makes fora tense but “ feel good “ thriller.
December 9, 2022
Every once in a while you just gotta hold out for a hero - and self-described reward-seeker Colter Shaw certainly qualifies in my book. He's ruggedly good-looking, self-assured (in part by way of childhood training by his super-intelligent survivalist father, Ashton) but with a hint of vulnerability - just a hint - that adds to his appeal. This is the fourth book in the series, and I'm still wishing we could meet in person, if only for a steak, scotch on the rocks and some interesting conversation - after all, I'm old enough to be his grandmother (sigh).
Here, his considerable problem-solving skills are requested by the head honcho of a nuclear energy company in the Midwest that makes some kind of portable device that could be dangerous in the wrong hands - which it appears to be the case. Meantime, former cop Jon Merritt, who's been serving jail time for beating his now ex-wife Allison almost senseless has been sprung much earlier than expected - and apparently, he's on a mission to track her and their teenage daughter Hannah down and probably kill either or both. As fate (and the seeds of a good story) would have it, Allison is a nuclear engineer who works for said nuclear energy company - or did till she and Hannah took off for parts unknown in an attempt to stay safe. Needless to say, Colter ends up trying to protect them from harm. But first, of course, he has to find them, while hoping her ex-husband and a couple of professional hit men don't get there first. Who emerges triumphant in that race you'll have to find out by reading it for yourself, and plan on a twist or two in the process. All told, another good entry in this engaging series.
Here, his considerable problem-solving skills are requested by the head honcho of a nuclear energy company in the Midwest that makes some kind of portable device that could be dangerous in the wrong hands - which it appears to be the case. Meantime, former cop Jon Merritt, who's been serving jail time for beating his now ex-wife Allison almost senseless has been sprung much earlier than expected - and apparently, he's on a mission to track her and their teenage daughter Hannah down and probably kill either or both. As fate (and the seeds of a good story) would have it, Allison is a nuclear engineer who works for said nuclear energy company - or did till she and Hannah took off for parts unknown in an attempt to stay safe. Needless to say, Colter ends up trying to protect them from harm. But first, of course, he has to find them, while hoping her ex-husband and a couple of professional hit men don't get there first. Who emerges triumphant in that race you'll have to find out by reading it for yourself, and plan on a twist or two in the process. All told, another good entry in this engaging series.
January 9, 2023
Fifty-fifty on this one.
The fourth instalment in the series seemed so long and unnecessarily’MaGyver’ish’. Shaw is back with his percentages and indomitable solve-all attitude. The difference I found with this part of the series was the multiple POVs and overly complex start to the book.
I did think that Book Three was the conclusion of the series and things were tied up nicely at the conclusion - so maybe that is my issue now.
The fourth instalment in the series seemed so long and unnecessarily’MaGyver’ish’. Shaw is back with his percentages and indomitable solve-all attitude. The difference I found with this part of the series was the multiple POVs and overly complex start to the book.
I did think that Book Three was the conclusion of the series and things were tied up nicely at the conclusion - so maybe that is my issue now.
April 19, 2023
Colter Shaw is the son of a survivalist, and uses the skills he was taught in childhood as a bounty hunter, tracking missing people for rewards. In this case he is tracking a scientist who has gone on the run with her young daughter, fleeing from her violent ex-husband who has just been released from prison. But of course there’s more to it than that, as Colter realises when he discovers a couple of hit-men are on the trail too…
This started out as a trilogy with an underlying story arc that was resolved in book 3. I’m glad he’s brought Colter back for a fourth outing, and without the background story this one stands alone, and is even more fast-paced since it has only one storyline to contend with. An excellent thriller.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, HarperCollins via NetGalley.
This started out as a trilogy with an underlying story arc that was resolved in book 3. I’m glad he’s brought Colter back for a fourth outing, and without the background story this one stands alone, and is even more fast-paced since it has only one storyline to contend with. An excellent thriller.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, HarperCollins via NetGalley.
May 20, 2024
Tracker Time
Review of the Penguin Audio audiobook (November 22, 2022) narrated by Kaleo Griffith and released simultaneously with the G.P. Putnam's Sons hardcover.
I had never even heard of, let alone read, any of the Colter Shaw books before the TV premiere of Tracker late in the 2023/24 television season. When I saw book #4 Hunting Time available in a 2-for-1 sale on Audible recently I decided to give it a try.
Actor Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw in a promotional poster for the CBS television series. Image sourced from IMDb.
Having seen the TV series first, the differences are immediately apparent. The Colter Shaw in the novels has no apparent team of handlers or tech assistants in the background but operates alone. He travels the country in a motor home with a motorcycle for his flexible movement. In the TV show he is driving a GMC truck which pulls an Airstream trailer. The backstory is the same though, he was brought up in a survivalist family from where he learned all his tracking and survival skills. He travels the country taking on finding missing persons (sometimes items) for reward money.
I did not warm to the character or the plot in this novel immediately. The 'hunt and evade' aspects were weak compared to the sub-genre intricacies of a master such as Thomas Perry (author of the Jane Whitefield and the Butcher's Boy novels). The number of characters and subplots were too much at times, involving industrial espionage, the Ruzzians, a paroled father seeking revenge, contract killers, a backwoods meth-lab family, a mother and daughter on the run (the daughter being a whiny brat) etc. etc. I was getting a bit tired of it, but then...
The final 1/3rd or so of the book became interesting. The whiny teenage brat bonds with Colter Shaw over his backwoods survival skills, which allows for flashbacks to Shaw's own upbringing when first learning them from his father. Then the family on the run plot also has a very clever twist which causes you to reassess everything that you had read up until that point. So well done on that writing by Jeffery Deaver. The book had been heading to a 2 or 3 rating before then, but I'm happy to call it a 4 now in retrospect.
The narration in all voices by Kaleo Griffith in the audiobook edition was excellent.
Trivia and Link
Watch the extended trailer for the Colter Shaw Tracker TV series on YouTube here. The series has been renewed for a Season 2 after the shortened 13-episode Season 1. It is actually filmed in British Columbia, Canada although it is an American TV series on the CBS network.
Review of the Penguin Audio audiobook (November 22, 2022) narrated by Kaleo Griffith and released simultaneously with the G.P. Putnam's Sons hardcover.
I had never even heard of, let alone read, any of the Colter Shaw books before the TV premiere of Tracker late in the 2023/24 television season. When I saw book #4 Hunting Time available in a 2-for-1 sale on Audible recently I decided to give it a try.
Actor Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw in a promotional poster for the CBS television series. Image sourced from IMDb.
Having seen the TV series first, the differences are immediately apparent. The Colter Shaw in the novels has no apparent team of handlers or tech assistants in the background but operates alone. He travels the country in a motor home with a motorcycle for his flexible movement. In the TV show he is driving a GMC truck which pulls an Airstream trailer. The backstory is the same though, he was brought up in a survivalist family from where he learned all his tracking and survival skills. He travels the country taking on finding missing persons (sometimes items) for reward money.
I did not warm to the character or the plot in this novel immediately. The 'hunt and evade' aspects were weak compared to the sub-genre intricacies of a master such as Thomas Perry (author of the Jane Whitefield and the Butcher's Boy novels). The number of characters and subplots were too much at times, involving industrial espionage, the Ruzzians, a paroled father seeking revenge, contract killers, a backwoods meth-lab family, a mother and daughter on the run (the daughter being a whiny brat) etc. etc. I was getting a bit tired of it, but then...
The final 1/3rd or so of the book became interesting. The whiny teenage brat bonds with Colter Shaw over his backwoods survival skills, which allows for flashbacks to Shaw's own upbringing when first learning them from his father. Then the family on the run plot also has a very clever twist which causes you to reassess everything that you had read up until that point. So well done on that writing by Jeffery Deaver. The book had been heading to a 2 or 3 rating before then, but I'm happy to call it a 4 now in retrospect.
The narration in all voices by Kaleo Griffith in the audiobook edition was excellent.
Trivia and Link
Watch the extended trailer for the Colter Shaw Tracker TV series on YouTube here. The series has been renewed for a Season 2 after the shortened 13-episode Season 1. It is actually filmed in British Columbia, Canada although it is an American TV series on the CBS network.
November 9, 2022
Awesome.
I was very excited to get an advance reader's copy of this book and, as usual, Jeffery Deaver did not disappoint! Hunting Time is being released on November 22--preorder it now.
The main character, and a fabulous reoccurring one, Colter Shaw is the product of a survivalist family and an expert tracker who makes a living as a “reward seeker.” In essence, he travels the country to help police solve crimes and to locate missing people. In this instance, in addition to finding a mother and daughter, he is tasked with keeping them safe from a highly skilled and emotionally charged ex-husband who was just released from prison and along with hired killers is actively stalking them.
This is a high-stakes, life-and-death chess match between multiple individuals, each with the skills and abilities to outwit the others. And, in quintessential Deaver style, full of twists and turns. I also enjoyed the ending, which is the place where many otherwise good books lose me.
Highly recommended--get it, read it. You will thank me.
I was very excited to get an advance reader's copy of this book and, as usual, Jeffery Deaver did not disappoint! Hunting Time is being released on November 22--preorder it now.
The main character, and a fabulous reoccurring one, Colter Shaw is the product of a survivalist family and an expert tracker who makes a living as a “reward seeker.” In essence, he travels the country to help police solve crimes and to locate missing people. In this instance, in addition to finding a mother and daughter, he is tasked with keeping them safe from a highly skilled and emotionally charged ex-husband who was just released from prison and along with hired killers is actively stalking them.
This is a high-stakes, life-and-death chess match between multiple individuals, each with the skills and abilities to outwit the others. And, in quintessential Deaver style, full of twists and turns. I also enjoyed the ending, which is the place where many otherwise good books lose me.
Highly recommended--get it, read it. You will thank me.
October 12, 2023
Jeffery Deaver! It is such a pleasure to read his works! Character development is always a highlight with fully fleshed out, multidimensional characters. The character driven plots are always intense and multi- layered that are intriguing and complex. The pacing is perfect with rising tension and suspense! The storylines are plausible and offer surprising and interesting twists. In Hunting Time, we are introduced to Colter Shaw, a dynamic character who is endearing. I was thoroughly engaged with his character. I didn’t realize this was a series, and Hunting Time is the 4th book in the series! It is a testament of a great author that this could be a stand alone and the reader doesn’t feel lost by not knowing the backstory. It is also a testament that the reader would want to learn the backstory; I intend to go back to the beginning of this series! I am looking forward to future Colton Shaw episodes!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unsolicited review.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unsolicited review.
November 30, 2022
Fourth in series is action packed and full of clever twists and turns.
Colter Shaw, the son of survivalists, works as a reward seeker and goes where the money leads. This time, he’s hired to find Allison Parker, a brilliant nuclear engineer, and her daughter, Hannah. They are on the run from her abusive ex-husband, John Merritt, who’s just been released early from prison. Shaw runs into a situation almost immediately — it seems that there are two hitman who are also tracking Allison.
This was well written and kept me entertained. I like the main character, Colter Shaw, who is enigmatic and competent while also often proving to be the romantic interest of at least one woman or two. The details about Colter’s childhood training up in the mountain wilderness with his family are also interesting and educational. I like the series and definitely will continue.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ebook ARC to read, review, and recommend.
Colter Shaw, the son of survivalists, works as a reward seeker and goes where the money leads. This time, he’s hired to find Allison Parker, a brilliant nuclear engineer, and her daughter, Hannah. They are on the run from her abusive ex-husband, John Merritt, who’s just been released early from prison. Shaw runs into a situation almost immediately — it seems that there are two hitman who are also tracking Allison.
This was well written and kept me entertained. I like the main character, Colter Shaw, who is enigmatic and competent while also often proving to be the romantic interest of at least one woman or two. The details about Colter’s childhood training up in the mountain wilderness with his family are also interesting and educational. I like the series and definitely will continue.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ebook ARC to read, review, and recommend.
November 13, 2022
Hunting Time is the fourth book in the bestselling Colter Shaw series by Jeffery Deaver. I am a huge JD fan and have loved all of his series. This one is no exception and is full of his usual twists, tuns and shocking moments that we have come to love. While the last book felt like it rounded out the backstory of Colter and his family, this one instead focused on Shaw solving a case. This time a woman on the run from her newly released from prison ex-husband. I loved how JD tied everything together, just when you think you know what’s going on, another twist and another angle. This was a fast-paced thrill ride of a story. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next for Colter Shaw. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an arc of this book.
October 30, 2022
Wow... just, wow! Usually, I can deduce what is going on in thrillers/mysteries. This one, I had no idea and the surprise was great!
I have read the previous Colter Shaw books and enjoyed them. The premise of the stories and Colter's "rules" add levels to the story. This one will definitely keep you guessing and lead you to a satisfying ending.
Thank you, NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC.
I have read the previous Colter Shaw books and enjoyed them. The premise of the stories and Colter's "rules" add levels to the story. This one will definitely keep you guessing and lead you to a satisfying ending.
Thank you, NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC.
January 24, 2025
★★★★★
I've tried a few of Jeffery Deaver's other books and they have been hit or miss for me, but with this series about Colter Shaw, it's most definitely a hit. Colter Shaw is a "rewardist" or someone that collects rewards offered by individuals, corporations or law enforcement when they are trying to find someone or something lost.
In this fourth book in the series, Colter is tasked with trying to find a nuclear engineer and her daughter who are on the run from an ex-husband who has just been released from prison. As is typical with this series, the author reveals the details slowly through the use of present and past timelines. Nothing is what it seems in this one as Colter matches wits with a corporate spy, assassins and mob bosses.
If you like thrillers with lots of detail and some really great twists, you might want to give this series a try.
I've tried a few of Jeffery Deaver's other books and they have been hit or miss for me, but with this series about Colter Shaw, it's most definitely a hit. Colter Shaw is a "rewardist" or someone that collects rewards offered by individuals, corporations or law enforcement when they are trying to find someone or something lost.
In this fourth book in the series, Colter is tasked with trying to find a nuclear engineer and her daughter who are on the run from an ex-husband who has just been released from prison. As is typical with this series, the author reveals the details slowly through the use of present and past timelines. Nothing is what it seems in this one as Colter matches wits with a corporate spy, assassins and mob bosses.
If you like thrillers with lots of detail and some really great twists, you might want to give this series a try.
September 20, 2022
I haven't' read a Jeffrey Deaver novel in quiet some time, not exactly sure why because I love his books. So I was extremely excited to read this. The beginning started out slow for me and I was questioning my book choice. Eventually the story picked up and I ended up really enjoying it. There were so many twists and turns. The ending was definitely unexpected. I was shocked, in a good way. There was so much that I believe to be true and I was completely in the dark on what was really happening. This was the first Colter Shaw book that I read and didn't realize it was a series. If I'm ever in trouble and need someone to protect me, I want Colter Shaw on my side. He knows how to do everything and is extremely cool under pressure. The two hitmen were scary. Did he really believe it as a rash from an allergic reaction? I knew it had to be something else. Ferrington sounded like a terrible place to live, between the crime and toxic river. Hannah was the typical teenager. Moody and constantly argumentative with her mom. Allison should have let her daughter know how serious everything was, then maybe Hannah would have listened to her and stayed off the phone.
Definitely recommend the book. It was a great mystery/thriller that kept me guessing until the end. Loved the characters, story and writing style. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Definitely recommend the book. It was a great mystery/thriller that kept me guessing until the end. Loved the characters, story and writing style. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 27, 2022
I was given the opportunity to read Hunting Time by Net Galley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
I have been reading thrillers for over 20 years, and I'm not often surprised. However, the twist this story threw was very unexpected. and made this book impossible for me to put down for the last 1/4 of the book until I had read every last page.
The story begins with a hired operative who thwarts the theft of a nuclear device and is subsequently pulled into the drama of an engineer and her daughter being threatened by a prisoner who has recently been released. Colton Shaw starts looking for Allison Parker and her daughter Hannah, untangling the reasons for the chase and who is behind it.
The writing is good - obviously - Jeffery Deaver is a talented author, but the fact that he continues to deliver new books with new stories that aren't predictable...even for a reader who has hundreds of books behind her...is fun!
I have been reading thrillers for over 20 years, and I'm not often surprised. However, the twist this story threw was very unexpected. and made this book impossible for me to put down for the last 1/4 of the book until I had read every last page.
The story begins with a hired operative who thwarts the theft of a nuclear device and is subsequently pulled into the drama of an engineer and her daughter being threatened by a prisoner who has recently been released. Colton Shaw starts looking for Allison Parker and her daughter Hannah, untangling the reasons for the chase and who is behind it.
The writing is good - obviously - Jeffery Deaver is a talented author, but the fact that he continues to deliver new books with new stories that aren't predictable...even for a reader who has hundreds of books behind her...is fun!
November 18, 2022
What a perfectly titled book - Hunting Time- as in chasing time, eking out time, maximising time, but also time to hunt - Perfect!
This is a twisty Colter Shaw thriller that has Colter trying to locate and protect a threatened mother and her daughter amid a huge radiation leak in a local water supply.. With a cast of great, well developed characters from the truculent teen to thesociopathic vilains and a father set on revenge, , Hunting Time is fast paced and kept me on my toes throuout.
What I most like about Deaver's Colter Shaw boks are e the parts when he puts his 'survivalist' skills to the test - I love learning these little tips (just in case, you know?)
Deaver is the master of twistiness and in Hunting Time he delivers well timed, unexpected twists and I was on tenterhooks from start to finish.
Although part of a series Hunting Time can easily be read as a standalone, but I defy you not to want to go back and start the series from scratch.
Loved it!
This is a twisty Colter Shaw thriller that has Colter trying to locate and protect a threatened mother and her daughter amid a huge radiation leak in a local water supply.. With a cast of great, well developed characters from the truculent teen to thesociopathic vilains and a father set on revenge, , Hunting Time is fast paced and kept me on my toes throuout.
What I most like about Deaver's Colter Shaw boks are e the parts when he puts his 'survivalist' skills to the test - I love learning these little tips (just in case, you know?)
Deaver is the master of twistiness and in Hunting Time he delivers well timed, unexpected twists and I was on tenterhooks from start to finish.
Although part of a series Hunting Time can easily be read as a standalone, but I defy you not to want to go back and start the series from scratch.
Loved it!
July 1, 2022
3 stars
I felt this book was tech heavy…probably great for engineers and tech people. Much of the jargon was over my head. It felt like such a stereotypical “dad” book…something I’d recommend or gift to an older male figure. I enjoyed the Jon/Allison story but didn’t feel invested in Colter’s. I felt like I crawled through this book. The pro was the big twist - totally got me and I didn’t see it coming!! But I just don’t think this book was for me.
Thanks NetGalley for the early read!
I felt this book was tech heavy…probably great for engineers and tech people. Much of the jargon was over my head. It felt like such a stereotypical “dad” book…something I’d recommend or gift to an older male figure. I enjoyed the Jon/Allison story but didn’t feel invested in Colter’s. I felt like I crawled through this book. The pro was the big twist - totally got me and I didn’t see it coming!! But I just don’t think this book was for me.
Thanks NetGalley for the early read!
October 5, 2022
The book was ok for me. The beginning was a little hard to engage with me, the reason for this is that the main characters were not introduced in the beginning chapters of the book. I thought the the book was a little winded for me. The dad stalking his family I found very interesting. It pulled at my curiosity of why did he call someone after he spotted his family with a gun. Creepy. The book is ok.
December 25, 2022
Colter Shaw is hired to recover an item of scientific importance; however, that leads to seeking a missing woman and her daughter - back to his “reward” work. The strong characters drive this enthralling story, along with a review of many of Shaw’s survivalist academic father’s “laws”. Twists and turns keep everything fresh for over 400 pages to the stunning denouement. A strong series entry. Jeffrey Deaver is a gem of a thriller author.
May 22, 2022
Sadly I didn’t like this novel. Its characters and plot were too disjointed and unlike the author’s voice to me. The first I haven’t enjoyed if his
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this atc
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this atc
September 5, 2025
This was a very good read from this series which I’m enjoying and really recommend I really like the fast paced storyline and the twist that it had this is just my opinion but Im preferring this series to Lincoln Rhyme series
May 21, 2022
In Jeffrey Deaver's Hunting Time (GP Putnam's Sons), Book 4 in the Colter Shaw Novel series (and separate from Deaver's Lincoln Rhymes series), former cop and alleged wife beater Jon Merritt is released from prison as a model prisoner. He is reformed and now sets his sights on revenge against the wife who caused him to be incarcerated. Allison is a brilliant engineer, loving mother, but her child, Hannah, may be too sympathetic to her dad and the dad's former police colleagues were never convinced he was guilty. Colter is hired by the wife's boss to protect her until the father reveals himself as a danger to his wife and can be thrown back into prison. Why is her boss to one interested in her safety? Allison is the brains behind his new product.
As always, Deaver writes compelling descriptions and has a storytellers knack for revealing details. Hunting Time can be read as a stand alone, but I’m glad I read at least one of the prequels first (see my review of The Final Twist) Why? Consider this: On Page One, Colter Shaw is already in a situation ordinary detectives might not survive, but because I knew Colter Shaw, his spot on instincts, his MacGyver-esque survival skills, the brilliance and speed of his brain--I knew I was in for a fun scene.
Two characteristics make this book stand out from other thrillers. One: The author includes rules taught to Cole by his dad on how to survive:
"Never let surprise dull your awareness"
"Never banter"
"Never extend a handgun out in front of you when entering a blind doorway"
"Never engage unless you have to"
"Never let discomfort trick you into taking a risk"
Two. Colter makes decisions based on probabilities--
"Only when he assessed minimal threat--less than ten percent--did he turn fully to the man"
Couple these with Deaver's clever mind for dropping breadcrumbs and then connecting seemingly disparate clues, I never wanted to put this book down. Having said that, there were two problems not serious enough to rate a star deduction. One, there was lots of backstory, probably how Deaver chose to build drama. Two, there was not enough of Colter Shaw and his amazing survival skills in the early parts.
Overall, an excellent series for Deaver fans, survivalists, and those who love surprises in their thrillers.
As always, Deaver writes compelling descriptions and has a storytellers knack for revealing details. Hunting Time can be read as a stand alone, but I’m glad I read at least one of the prequels first (see my review of The Final Twist) Why? Consider this: On Page One, Colter Shaw is already in a situation ordinary detectives might not survive, but because I knew Colter Shaw, his spot on instincts, his MacGyver-esque survival skills, the brilliance and speed of his brain--I knew I was in for a fun scene.
Two characteristics make this book stand out from other thrillers. One: The author includes rules taught to Cole by his dad on how to survive:
"Never let surprise dull your awareness"
"Never banter"
"Never extend a handgun out in front of you when entering a blind doorway"
"Never engage unless you have to"
"Never let discomfort trick you into taking a risk"
Two. Colter makes decisions based on probabilities--
"Only when he assessed minimal threat--less than ten percent--did he turn fully to the man"
Couple these with Deaver's clever mind for dropping breadcrumbs and then connecting seemingly disparate clues, I never wanted to put this book down. Having said that, there were two problems not serious enough to rate a star deduction. One, there was lots of backstory, probably how Deaver chose to build drama. Two, there was not enough of Colter Shaw and his amazing survival skills in the early parts.
Overall, an excellent series for Deaver fans, survivalists, and those who love surprises in their thrillers.
May 25, 2022
Multi-talented and award winning author, Jeffery Deaver may be the best thriller author in modern times, and his character, Colter Shaw, survivalist and reward seeker, is back in a fast-moving and exciting novel, Hunting Time , the fourth in the series. Colter is hired to search for Allison Parker, a brilliant engineer whose ex-husband has been released early from prison, and who is determined to kill her because she previously pressed charges against him and sent him to prison for a brutal assault on her. Jon Merritt was a police officer, so the police are on his side, which causes undue pressure and makes it difficult to find her as she tries to protect their daughter and stay safe by fleeing.
Deaver’s storytelling abilities are borderline genius, and readers will be hooked almost immediately in Hunting Time. And while readers are fairly sure that their hero (Colter Shaw in this case) will come out okay in the end, it won’t be without unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers on the edges of their seats. This novel is well-written and easy-to-follow. The characters are well-developed and believable.
Hunting Time is clearly the best Colter Shaw novel yet, and is highly recommended to thriller aficionados who want good writing, constant building suspense, and spine-chilling story-line with a unanticipated dénouement. Deaver is a master and if it were possible, this novel deserves more than 5 stars.
Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.
Deaver’s storytelling abilities are borderline genius, and readers will be hooked almost immediately in Hunting Time. And while readers are fairly sure that their hero (Colter Shaw in this case) will come out okay in the end, it won’t be without unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers on the edges of their seats. This novel is well-written and easy-to-follow. The characters are well-developed and believable.
Hunting Time is clearly the best Colter Shaw novel yet, and is highly recommended to thriller aficionados who want good writing, constant building suspense, and spine-chilling story-line with a unanticipated dénouement. Deaver is a master and if it were possible, this novel deserves more than 5 stars.
Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.
January 30, 2024
I’ve read several Jeffrey Deaver books, but this is first Colter Shaw book for me. Colter is a ‘reward man’: he travels to where he sees there is a reward for a fugitive or suspect, rewards posted by understaffed police departments. He’s technically not a PI, but he does the work of a PI. He’s very intelligent and can quickly figure out clues to a case. I thought it humorous and interesting that he lives in his Winnebago.
In this book he is hired by Marty Harmon to find his missing engineer and her daughter, Allison and Hannah. They went on the run when Allison found out that her husband was released from prison, and she knows he wants to kill her.
The book was very fast paced, and what a kicker of a twist is thrown in to surprise us, one and all.
Fabulous ending to this very interesting story.
In this book he is hired by Marty Harmon to find his missing engineer and her daughter, Allison and Hannah. They went on the run when Allison found out that her husband was released from prison, and she knows he wants to kill her.
The book was very fast paced, and what a kicker of a twist is thrown in to surprise us, one and all.
Fabulous ending to this very interesting story.
February 17, 2025
This is the first book that I’ve read by Jeffery Deaver. I didn’t make the connection to a TV series called Tracker, until I started to read it. There is plenty of action, tense moments and a few ironic twists…exactly what I enjoy reading in a novel! I’ve become a fan of the Colter Shaw character in the book, as well as on the show, and I’ll be reading more novels from that series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 639 reviews