The Hunt Club

Wyatt Hunt #1

by John Lescroart

When the rules of the hunt don’t apply . . .

A federal judge is murdered, found shot to death in his home—together with the body of his mistress. The crime grips San Francisco. To homicide inspector Devin Juhle, it looks at first like a simple case of a wife’s jealousy and rage. But Juhle’s investigation reveals that the judge had powerful enemies . . . some of whom may have been willing to kill to prevent him from meddling in their affairs.

Meanwhile, private investigator Wyatt Hunt, Juhle’s best friend, finds himself smitten with the beautiful and enigmatic Andrea Parisi. A lawyer who recently has become a celebrity as a commentator on Trial TV, Andrea has star power in spades, and seems bound for a national anchor job in New York City. Until Juhle discovers that Andrea, too, had a connection to the judge, along with a client that had everything to gain from the judge’s death.

And then she suddenly disappears. . . .

Andrea becomes Juhle’s prime suspect. Wyatt Hunt thinks she may be a kidnap victim, or worse . . . another murder victim. And far more than that, she’s someone with whom he believes he may have a future.

As the search for Andrea intensifies, Hunt gathers a loose band of friends and associates willing to bend and even break the rules, leading to a chilling confrontation from which none of them might escape.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Suspense, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

516 pages, Paperback

First published January 20, 2006

About the author

John Lescroart (born January 14, 1948) is an American author best known for two series of legal and crime thriller novels featuring the characters Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitsky.

Lescroart was born in Houston, Texas, and graduated from Junípero Serra High School, San Mateo, California (Class of 1966). He then went on to earn a B.A. in English with Honors at UC Berkeley in 1970. In addition to his novels, Lescroart has written several screenplays.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in 2018 I had this interesting reading experience with this book. It went something like this…

So I am reading this book, and I am thinking, ‘this is good. Really good. But, it sounds familiar.’ Did I see a movie with a similar plot OR is this a recirculated storyline I have experienced with loving too many mysteries? NO. It’s WORSE! I have read it before. Why did it take me about 100 pages to come to my senses?!

It offers former Child Welfare Services agent-turned-private investigator Wyatt Hunt and homicide detective Devin Juhle as our main protagonists on a case.

The story begins when George Palmer, a United States federal judge is shot to death along with his mistress, a waitress he met. Then a television personality and lawyer, Andrea Parisi disappears without a trace. Hunt suspects the two cases might be related.

Overall the novel is a flawed but solid mystery. If you haven’t read it...I recommend it!

[Johnny · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a reader hooked on the Dismas Hardy series of mystery novels by John Lescroart, I was initially disappointed to realize I had picked up the first Wyatt Hunt novel. As I began to assimilate the character background of the new protagonist, I was glad that I had picked up this novel. I realize that Lescroart’s efforts with this cast of characters since The Hunt Club hasn’t met with critical acclaim, but I enjoyed this one and believe I will read further into the series.

I like The Hunt Club for four reasons: 1) I resonate with the compassion quotient reflected in his social work experience and fanatic diligence in pursuing a resolution to each case; 2) I enjoyed being outside the courtroom, jurisdictional battles inherent in the Hardy series (although I savor those battles when I’m reading in that series) in order to have a different perspective; 3) it seemed refreshing to assemble a new ensemble of characters around the same kind of suspenseful, tight writing to which I’ve become accustomed when reading Lescroart; and 4) it isn’t often that I am completely taken off-guard by the perpetrator behind the main mystery and I love it when the author can make me feel foolish without sacrificing adequate foreshadowing.

The mystery in The Hunt Club starts with a double murder (including that of a federal judge) and escalates into a missing person/probably murder case on top of the marquee murder. Hunt has to determine whether the missing person is missing because of a connection to the marquee murder or whether something else is involved. As Lescroart artfully weaves investigations between Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitzky in his iconic series, this novel knits together the private investigation of Hunt and the official investigation of his officer friend, Devin Juhle (a high school teammate). I particularly enjoyed the way both investigators (using different and sometimes, complementary approaches) constructed theories about the case and, in most cases, doggedly destroyed their own cases through rigorous investigation. Idealistically, this is what would happen, but it reads like fiction to this reviewer when the headlines in my local paper talk about forced confessions that are disproved after years in prison by new DNA evidence. Maybe I like reading Lescroart because he writes of justice as it ought to be.

Even when the investigators were following up on what I considered the best lead in the novel and there were hints that I should be watching out for the eventual villain, I acted like the half-clad ingénue in a cheap horror film when the entire audience is shouting for her not to open that door. I blundered right into the author’s trap and deserved to be blind-sided by the ultimate revelation.
Ah yes, the joys of a mystery reader who is partially correct—just enough to be “dead right” if one were really in the investigator’s shoes. I love it when that happens and Lescroart managed to get me. However, it may be that he got me because my mind is slipping. This is the second time this month, via different authors, that a mystery has fooled me. Still, it won’t dampen my enthusiasm for Lescroart’s work. His mysteries rarely hit me as profound, but they invariably satisfy.

[J.S. Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has so many characters that I was often confused about who was who. The mystery itself was intriguing, however.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soooo very close to being 4-star worthy... yet, a few too many unrealistic statements and situations changed my "I'm enthralled" opinion to "seriously, you've got to be kidding!" Intriguing first half, then most semblances of reality left the building. Don't mind a tad of creative leeway, but too much is .... too much. After such a solid, believable beginning, the storyline disappointedly crumbled ~ so don't pee on my leg and tell me its raining!

Rather enjoyed about 75% of the plot; Lescroart is certainly one of the better-quality authors of murder and mayhem fictions. Yes, I will keep reading his novels...because I'm a Thriller/chiller addict, and although he sometimes frustrates me, he's still head-and-shoulders above so many others of this genre.

[LJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE HUNT CLUB (Private Investigator-San Francisco-Cont) – G
Lescroart, John – Standalone
Dutton, 2006- Hardcover
***Wyatt Hunt began his career with Child Protective Services but has moved on to private investigation. A federal judge and a young woman have been murdered at the judge’s home. A beautiful journalist, Andrea Parisi, in whom Wyatt is interested, has disappeared. Who is the dead woman, what is the motive and where is Andrea. Wyatt and members of his team, The Hunt Club, are determined to find out, sometimes to the consternation of Wyatt’s friend, homicide inspector Devin Juhle.
*** This book started out really well for me but then kind of fell apart. There were too many characters and too many similar names, and other than Wyatt, I didn’t feel I’d gotten to know any of them well. I like good twists in a plot, but the route the story finally took didn’t convince me. It wasn’t that the motive was completely implausible, but the person behind the motive seemed implausible. Some authors set books in the Bay Area and make the unique micro-climates a almost another character. Lescroart didn’t give me a strong sense of place. In fact, I had to remind myself the story is set where I live. It’s a good airplane book, but didn’t make me a huge fan of the author.

[Lynn Pribus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introducing Wyatt Hunt, a new character, but with many recurring characters from Glitsky and Hardy novels. Typical complex plot and entertaining with its mention of many streets in SF that I'm familiar with -- lived near Sacramento for more than 25 years and often visited.

Book also spends time in the Napa Valley including a visit to Meadowood, a resort we overnighted at once, mentioning their gorgeous croquet court with tiny well-behaved grass. (One is requested to wear white when playing.)

The Hunt Club is the name of Wyatt's detective agency. I'm in the midst of reading/rereading a bunch of his books because a bunch showed up in the gym's book swap basket. Trying to read chronologically, but they don't always show up that way. Just reading a book introducing a character who was murdered in a later book I just read. Gotta pay attention!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Social worker turned PI. JL needs to bone up on current practices and do a new story. Cut out some blather. Rewrite it and the ratings will soar!

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this tough going, decent start but plot was very limited and a little boring / too long winded. This was not one of Mr Lescroarts better efforts..

[Freda Witt · Rating 4 out of 5]

like his style of writing. Funny, and serious when he needs to be. Will finish the series.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.25 stars.

"'You try to keep a little faith in the human race, you know? But it tends to let you down'" (105).
"...and the small talk in the clearing had gotten smaller and smaller until finally it had disappeared altogether" (360).

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hunt Club by John Lescroart (pronounced less-kwah)
Wyatt Hunt Series Book #1
4.5★'s

From The Book:
At first, "The Hunt Club" had a membership of one: private investigator Wyatt Hunt. Since then, others have joined with a common interest in obtaining justice. One member, inspector Devin Juhle, has just caught a major case: the shooting of a sixty-three-year old federal judge and his twenty something mistress...

While Juhle works, Hunt plays, hooking up with TV star and legal analyst Andrea Parisi. But before Hunt knows it, Juhle's case will be of great interest to the members of The Hunt Club. Especially to Hunt himself-as Andrea's card is found in the wallet of one of the victims.

My Thoughts:
I was surprised that this was actually considered a part of an individual series since all the characters including Wyatt Hunt has been incorporated into the Dasmas Hardy series. It was fun to learn about private investigator Wyatt Hunt's early days before joining the Hardy law firm as Dasmas Hardy's investigator.

The case that he and his partner were investigating involved so many possible suspects. In addition to the death of the federal judge and his young mistress it seems that the disappearance of a popular TV personality and lawyer who is an acquaintance and hopeful new girlfriend of Wyatt's...is also very closely tied to the shooting. As a result of the numerous suspects and the fact that the hunt for the missing woman went into so much detail and took so much of the story line...you almost forgot what started the entire case off to begin with. The reader is presented with good solid material for speculation but no real evidence to help you select a killer and believe me when I say you will never in a million years guess the killer and how this saga turns out. Good job keeping us guessing Mr. Lescroart.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably my rating should fall between 3 and 4 stars. I did enjoy this book and plan to read more by this author. The plot was interesting and the resolution was satisfying. There was very little objectionable about it. Though I did wince a bit in Mr. Lescroart's depiction of Mr. Juhle's Mormon partner. But there are jerks in every religion or political group.

My problem with the book was with the main character of Wyatt Hunt. I really liked Mr. Lescroart's depiction of his days with CPS. I thought that was very well done and, from some of the sad cases that have come to light in the past in our state (Washington), probably pretty realistic. But the rapid transition to private detective with a really amazing warehouse living space complete with basketball court was almost dizzying. Granted the years at the chapter headings showed that it wasn't instantaneous, but it didn't seem quite real. Also there didn't seem to be enough background for his infatuation with Ms. Parisi.

[Cheryl Gardner · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first 1/4 of the book was engaging. As it went on it became disjointed. Too many stories and characters. The author flips back and forth between the characters first and last names which became confusing. I did finish the book as I wanted to know the ending but all I did was skim through it.

[Terri Floccare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Wyatt Hunt and the group he's gathered and calls The Hunt Club. They are clever and dedicated, and from a variety of law and order related professions. Wyatt Hunt is the heart of this group and I thought the book was at it's best when Wyatt was front and center.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing I am sure of after reading this book is that I want Hunt for a friend. He just doesn't give up. Sometimes to the point of being annoying but he gets results. I liked it enough to put the next one in the series on my list to see if it will be a new author for me to invest in.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though I love the Lescroart Dismas Hardy series, this focus on some of the supporting characters from that series seemed a bit off. There were: too many characters floating in and out, and the writing was not up to the usual level.

[SoulSurvivor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read ; starting a second novel .

[Sarah Ehinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this introduction to wyatt and the rest off the hunt club. solid initial outing

[Bryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the concept weaving in characters from the sidecharscters of Hardy series. The team persay storyline I enjoyed as well. I expect many more books for the Wyatt Hunt series.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this main character & his relationships.

[Larry Azuse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complicated

Good story good writing. Gets a little disorganized at the end but overall holds together and holds up. Would recommend for mystery lovers.

[Benny Popek]

Not his best book.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely not a Dismas Hardy or Abe Glitsky book, although they are referenced.
Instead this is really a book about Wyatt Hunt, who is a Private Investigator just establishing his own business. And his relationship with a detective, Devin Juhle.
The Story......
A federal judge is murdered, found shot to death in his home—together with the body of his (alleged) mistress. The crime grips San Francisco. To homicide inspector Devin Juhle, it looks at first like a simple case of a wife’s jealousy and rage. But Juhle’s investigation reveals that the judge had powerful enemies . . . some of whom may have been willing to kill to prevent him from meddling in their affairs. A powerful prison guard union? A powerful and well known family in the area?
Meanwhile, private investigator Wyatt Hunt, Juhle’s best friend, finds himself smitten with the beautiful and enigmatic Andrea Parisi. A lawyer who recently has become a celebrity as a commentator on Trial TV, Andrea has star power in spades, and seems bound for a national anchor job in New York City. Until Juhle discovers that Andrea, too, had a connection to the judge, along with a client that had everything to gain from the judge’s death.
And then she suddenly disappears. . . .
Andrea becomes Juhle’s prime suspect, because of her previous relationship with the judge.
Wyatt Hunt thinks she may be a kidnap victim, or worse . . . another murder victim. And far more than that, she’s someone with whom he believes he may have a future.
As the search for Andrea intensifies, Hunt gathers a loose band of friends and associates willing to bend and even break the rules, leading to a chilling confrontation from which none of them might escape.
Wraps up rather suddenly and not entirely in a believable, plausible way. But a good story with some twists. Things are never as they seem!

[wally · Rating 4 out of 5]

finished 25th of september 2020 good read four stars really liked it kindle owned. didn't quite get shiu's motive or motives whatever but i'll take it, money i guess. and this is a variation on the theme, above or below the law, frontier type, variation of that. must be a trend, either me or society or something. could make a list and it would be long...lee child comes to mind, reacher...c.j. box, the game warden's friend nate...lescroart with some of his stories...and didn't john d macdonald have that one story...from the 60s no less...but just the one i barely remember, didn't travis bury a body? have to go back to that one some time have time. and too, lescroart's stories, if there's any truth to it, but maybe san francisco has some sort of...they call em rent-a-cops, recognized, allowed. no votes involved. reminds me of the time, walking down market, big crowd, cop, at least a uniform...heh! outside a theatre...maybe that guy was one of them...though not in this story. ignore the man peeking behind the curtain.

[MARTIN MCVEIGH · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing I always like about John Lescroart's novels -- they're set in and around San Francisco, and he takes time to fit landmarks, famous and not, into the settings. I live in the Bay Area and think there can be a Lescroart tour with a guide familiar with the novels. As far as this first Wyatt Hunt tale goes, it wasn't a page-turner like I expected from the critiques in the front say. But as a detective novel, it satisfies. The team chased down the wrong persons again and again -- which, as a reader, you expect since there's still hundreds of pages left -- and the key breakthroughs happened, and finally you're at the last fifth of the book and it seems to be falling in place but locking it down remains a challenge. There's a clever plot to expose the guilty party, and a surprise at climactic peak. At that point it was a page-turner, and so I'd say it's worth reading. I also want to live in a remodeled warehouse at an affordable rent like Mr. Hunt does. Oh! Wait a minute, this is fiction!

[AnonymousReaderPerson · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first gripe with this novel is that you're introduced to too many characters, too fast. When I first met the players in the titular club, I felt like I needed a key to remember who was who when their dialogue came up.

Second, the writing is quite simply sub-par. Just no sauce to it at all. You can get away with that if the story is good enough.

Third, speaking of that story...As whodunit plots go, it's really blah. Sort of like the writing.

I tend to reserve one-star ratings for those truly awful stories that leave you infuriated, laughing, or generally pessimistic about the merits of home sapiens. I can't brand this story with any such markings. It just needs a lot of salt and pepper to make its way down.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read - as John Lescroart's books are. I love his down to earth characters and having lived in the Bay Area for 7 years 39 years ago, I love the locale's :) I do find it too drawn out, especially at the end and have to fast forward to see what's to be. I will say - I put notes to myself in the book guessing who done it (I read only Kindle books nowadays) and I was never right! This is a great writer who can do this to me, as usually I am right on with guessing. I miss the original guys tho, but it takes time to get used new characters and they really do not disappoint - they are great too! I never did guess who dunit - until the very end! Great Book!

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been anxious to read a book by this author since hearing him speak at a scholarship fundraiser at his former high school. (He and Bob Dugoni, both authors and alums spoke.)
I was not disappointed and would give this book 3-4 stars. I read the kindle version.
The author is from the San Francisco Peninsula and the story took place in SF and surroundings. It was great to read a book where the locations were accurate and travel times between cities were realistic!
Smart crime story, not predictable. Several good characters. Although it is Book 1, the reader isn't left hanging. If you don't go right back to the series, it should be fine because this particular crime wrapped up neatly.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

this dragged on forever.
I usually like these type or procedural mysteries but I couldn't wait for this to be over.
the original concept was pretty typical but the main character is obsessed with an onair lawyer and when he finally gets lucky and then she promptly disappears he cant believe that she did it on purpose or even worse commit suicide because he must be worth living for. over arching themes have to do with obsession: Carol's obsession with keeping her (grand)son safe, Hunts obsession with Andrea, Juhle's obsession with proving that he's a good cop after shooting earlier in the year that killed his partner, but none really pull the reader in IMO;

[Jessica Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first John Lescrart book and I absolutely loved it. My only reason for not giving it a 5 star rating is because it was a little long due to the unnecessary over descriptive details. As for the content and plot it was very attention grabbing and well written. The build up was well worth it to get to the last 150 pages where things really started to play out. The clues began to make sense and key players in the crimes began to be identified. With some twists and turns along the way, the author truly captivates your attention. One final big twist at the end really wrapped up the story nicely. Though the book didn't end the way I'd hoped, it was a solid ending that made a lot of sense.