Hunter's Moon

by Don Hoesel

After a long absence, novelist CJ Baxter returns to his hometown of Adelia in Upstate New York for his grandfather's funeral. Facing a messy divorce and doubting his talent as a writer, CJ is forced to confront secrets that have tormented him since childhood. To complicate matters, his brother Graham is running for a Senate seat, and the family is intent on keeping their most damaging secret in the family, for fear the truth, were it found out, would ruin Graham's chances at winning. But with CJ airing their dirty laundry in his books, the family is forced to deal with him. They decide on a familiar method for handling the problem: a hunting trip, and just the setting for an accident to happen. CJ must find a way to avoid being killed while exposing their toxic family secret, regardless of Graham's lofty ambitions. More important, CJ must come to terms with the newfound faith that compelled him to return to Adelia in the first place.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Suspense, Christian, Ebooks, Mystery, Family

384 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2010

About the author

Don Hoesel works in the Communications department for a Medicare carrier in Nashville, TN. He has a BA in Mass Communication from Taylor University and has published short fiction in Relief Journal. He lives in Spring Hill, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. He's published two novels: Elisha's Bones, released in March 2009, and Hunter's Moon, coming in February 2010.

Reviews

[Joanne Sher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was definitely engaged in the story, but I was under the impression this was supposed to be a suspense/thriller. It had moments that had me on the edge of my seat, but not as many as I would expect. I liked the characters, it just wasn't as gripping as I'd hoped.

[Gophergirl58 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow to start, for me, this novel grew upon me as I got into it. Because, when the book began, I wasn't sure where it was going. It became, to,the best of my ability to explain, a combination of a pilgrimage back to the main character's home, an explosive culmination of a long, festering wound, and a growth for CJ, the main character. I like Hoesel's books, and this was no different, with my trying to finish it to get to the culmination, the ending. There were a few situations that had me wondering what was going to happen, per se, so the book developed on a type of nondescript building climax.

While overall happy with this book, I have several questions or musings about the story.

1. Obviously the book's characters grew up in the Catholic faith, but it seemed to me that the author alleged that both CJ and his once-girlfriend became a Christian through a different church? If so, why didn't the author expound upon this more? Why were the author's touching on Christianity so veiled, such a minor part of the book if it had had an impact upon CJ?

2. The ending seemed rushed, with a lot unsaid. Did the author originally plan to write a sequel, or is it just that I wanted more answers or closure to the story?

I enjoy Don Hoesel's books, and frankly would read more and keep hoping he will publish more. And if he happens to read this review, I wouldn't mind explanations for the couple of questions I posed. 🙂

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a 3 star book, meaning it had the typical elements one would expect of a book - a decent enough plot, decent characters, a couple twists, and an enjoyable setting. And while it had the basic covered, there was nothing to set it apart. That's not to say it wasn't enjoyable, but it was a bit too basic.

[Paschalis]

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[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. Mostly family tensions, and an interesting batch of characters. Actual character growth, which is always good.

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was interesting enough to keep reading, but there were just too many unanswered questions, to many loose ends.

[Robyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book as a free Advance Reading Copy from the publisher. The description held promise: long-long son returns to the family homestead for his grandfather's funeral, forcing him to confront "secrets that have tormented him since childhood" plus newer family secrets as well. The publisher's marketing department labeled the book "riveting suspense." Works for me, I thought. Sadly, neither "riveting" or "suspense" accurately reflect the novel.

Given that this is an unedited manuscript copy, I'm willing to overlook some of the glaring errors that (hopefully) will be caught during further editing. (For example, the name of a character's wife is first Sheridan and then later Meredith.) No, rather I'll focus on the glaring plot errors that made this book lackluster.

First, it's simply not suspenseful. The author pays an enormous amount of attention to establishing the "local color," i.e. the atmosphere of the small town that this family presides over. All fine and dandy, but the author never uses the local color to propel the story forward into a plot. The family and their sordid history proof a bit more fertile ground, revealing a latent propensity for violence and hurt. Again, both fine and dandy, but the culmination of that history and violence does not do much for the story until the final pages of the book. There is no suspense because there is no mystery, drama or action until the last 30 pages.

Second, the character names are confusing. "Janet" and "Julie" are too similar, as are "Dennis" and "Daniel," "Graham" and "George, "Rick" and "Richard." It was simply too difficult to keep them straight. As someone who reads a lot of books and tends to read quickly, having character names that are dissimilar enough to avoid confusion during essential points in the story is very important.

Finally, here is my other big issue with the novel. Right in the middle, the main character starts talking about when he became a Christian and how is faith is being tested by returning to the family homestead. At this point, it was a bit like looking out my window and seeing a monkey in the oak tree. Yes, monkey's do exist, but seeing one in the oak tree outside my window is completely out of context and, thus, inane. The main character's Christianity was like the monkey. Not unheard of, but inane because it was out of context. That part of the character had not been developed at all throughout the first half of the book. So his sudden spiritual crisis is completely out of the blue, as is he recollection of becoming a Christian. Also, the character's religion has no bearing at all on the story. It doesn't impact his decisions at all! So what's the point of mentioning it?

This element of the novel was so glaringly out of context with the rest of the story that at first I thought the author was a born-again Christian who was making a personal statement via this character. An internet search, however, informed me that the publisher specializes in "Christian fiction." So my suspicion is that the author threw in the Christian part to appeal to this particular publisher. Goodness knows it wasn't to advance the plot!

Overall, this novel did not work for me at all. It had so much potential, yet failed in too many ways to be interesting.

[Amydeanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like thrillers a lot.. probably my favorite genre out of all of them.

BUT this one, didn't thrill me in the least. It seemed to have a bit of a slow start and the story kinda dragged at the beginning for me for the first several chapters... okay really slow... Not really bad, but I just didn't connect with the guy. I found myself skimming too many pages to see if any action was happening in it. A little break in here... a little this and that there.. but I didn't taste anything of substance... no inner battle that sucked me in... By the time I got to Chapter 16 (181 pages in) I was compelled to put it down.

Sorry.

It's not a terrible read but I must be missing something here cuz I sure don't see any action up to this point...other than a few "I"m gonna hit you" kinda moments that remind me of high school boys... but no actual... wow.. I can't believe that happened moments.. or even anything compelling me to keep reading.. . a few bits and pieces here, but this guy has no substance for me... nothing that makes me connect or like him. Perhaps I missed it in my skimming, but that didn't start until after chapter 8 and by than.. well... yeah.. sorry, I'd rather watch another episode of Dora the Explorer (yes, even after the 100th viewing)

On a side note, the other thing that bothered me about this book; I wouldn't classify it as Christian fiction. There are a few mentions of God, it's clean, but it has nothing particular that points me to Christianity or an insight into faith or anything of that sort. Clean reading yes. Would I call it Christian? No. Just because a book is clean, doesn't classify it as Christian. (and by clean I mean no swears in the print or extreme vulgarity.) Perhaps publishers need to start a new genre called "Clean" or "non-offensive reads". Just don't try and sell it to me as Christian because it has the word God in it a few times... that marketing strategy needs a bit of changing.

I admit I was looking on amazon and reading some reviews, trying to look for an inkling why this book was rated so high on there.... one review had said don't judge it about the first few chapters, but seriously if a book doesn't capture you in the first few chapters why would anyone keep reading? Doesn't compete with Ted Dekker, Brandt Dodson, or Noel Hynd.

Anyhow, muddled through to the end. Not a bad read, just not on my list of greats, nor under the classification of Christian :(


*review copy provided by BethanyHouse Publishers

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don Hoesel in his new book, "Hunter's Moon", published by Bethany House takes us in a different direction than he did in his first book but he still showcases his masterful ability to capture our attention and immerse us in his story.

The patriarch of the Baxter Clan, Sal Baxter, dies and the family is recalled for the wake and funeral and the phone call is made to C.J. to return home as a sign of respect. C. J. Baxter left Adelia, N.Y. after college 17 years before and vowed he would never return but because he loved his grandfather he makes the exception. C.J. is a well respected NY Times bestselling author and many feel that his novels, while fiction, are really autobiographical and that put a further estrangement between him and his already estranged family. And now, after 17 years, C.J. returns home.

While Mr. Hoesel's first book was an action thriller this second book is a psychological thriller. What is the difference? In both the hero is in danger but the danger begins like food in a pressure cooker slowly and then you just wait for the steam to be let off while the hero fights for his life. The first portion of this book builds the pressure as Mr. Hoesel explores all of his characters, how they interrelate with each other and the deadly secret that a handful are aware of that threatens the future of the family.

This is not a fun read as it is deeply psychological however it is a thriller and Mr. Hoesel does know how to deliver on a page turner.

If you missed the interview for "Elisha's Bones" and would like to listen to it please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.

To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Yiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Baxters are a family of power and tradition who settled in Adelia, NY. At present, the older brother, Graham, is running for the Senate, position for which he will fight - and make the family fight - at all costs, despite who gets in the way. CJ Baxter, the youngest brother, is a writer who left his hometown for college, never come back, and has used his books as a refuge from his past; the secret he's carried for years has crippled him to enjoy his present and has permeated in his writing, to the outmost displeasure of his relatives. He goes back to Adelia when his grandfather passes away; little did he know that his life would change drastically in about a month by going back. CJ was expected at the funeral, but to everyone's surprise, he stays in Adelia without an apparent purpose; however, CJ is fleeing a nasty divorce and his uncertainty of himself as a writer, making him unwilling to leave.

Facing truths and confronting himself, CJ learns that he has fed his anger and that he must decide to let it go. In the process, he finds out that his brother's campaign is tainted with personal interests and support from whom CJ least expects; if this information goes public, Graham will never make it to Senator and might face prision, along with the others involved. Before arriving to Adelia, CJ had been asked to write an article about his brother; with everything he's found out, his life is now imperiled.

The beginning of the book is a little slow. The author describes family members thoroughly; even the homestate, which I consider to be one of the main characters and loyal portrait of the Baxter character, gets a fine picture done throughout the pages. But this proves its importance as the plot develops. All those aspects help to shape the main characters, and make the ending more thrilling, as the reader has enough information now to venture a guess into CJ's fate, and is no longer able to put the book down!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for review, but this does not bias my opinion on the book nor the author.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

ou know a book is good when you read it in 2 days flat because you CANNOT put it down.

Hunter's Moon by Don Hoesel is a story about a man, CJ, who left home 17 years ago, and is just now coming back. From facing his ex-girlfriend, to confronting old tragedies kept secret, to working with an old friend, to dealing with an ugly divorce, CJ deals with a full plate, all while trying to improve his situation, not only spiritually, but emotionally as well. He has to face the reality he's been avoiding, and it's time to finally make things right. His family, however, disagrees, and will do just about anything to keep the truth hidden.

This book was a page turner...and very well written! There is a spiritual insight that is immersed very subtly, but effectively. It makes you think, provokes a wide variety of emotion, and is entertaining at the same time. Likeable characters, characters that I find myself able to relate to, are scattered throughout, and that only makes their stories more compelling.

This is a book that I'll readily give 5 stars to, and recommend. This is another book that is an enjoyable, entertaining, and still appropriate read!

*I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review. I was provided the book by Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Division, free of charge so that I could read and review. These are opinions are mine and mine only!

[Christy Trever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter's Moon by Don Hoesel is the powerful sophomore novel by the writer of Elisha's Bones. CJ Baxter, a famed novelist, is summoned home to Adelia, NY after being gone for over seventeen years by the death of his grandfather. The Baxters have long hoped to build a political dynasty like the Kennedy's and those hopes are finally coming to fruition with CJ's brother Graham. But not is all it appears between the brothers. One holds a secret about the other that has shaped the entire family's life and could destroy their future. CJ is a likable character, new in his Christianity, who just keeps seem to let his temper get the best of him; he's on the brink of divorce, facing charges for assaulting a critic, and running from a bench warrant for breaking into his house to steal back his dog. Hoesel carefully builds the drama slowly, ratcheting up the tension so carefully as to be almost imperceptible except for the building tightness in the reader's chest. The dialogue rings incredibly true. A character returning home to face a family crisis and drama is an often used device, but Hoesel avoids the cliches that come with it, making the story brilliantly fresh. The scene of teenaged Graham's threat toward ten-year-old CJ is haunting and CJ's gut-wrenching fear is palpable. This is a story that will stick with the reader long after the final page.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how many books I've reviewed from Bethany House. However, I am sure of this: Hunter's Moon is my favourite. It's my first by Don Hoesel, but am sure it won't be my last. I'm a sucker for suspense and humour and this book served up a generous helping of both.

It resonated with me on several fronts: family secrets and dysfunction; confronting childhood hurts; going "home" after living away so long. The similarities in my emotional journey were similar to CJ's, the story's protagonist. (I should note that there were no similarities in the physical, no one murdered anyone in my family of origin.)

CJ observes: "But who can factor the pull of a heritage on a man who had been absent from it for the better part of two decades . . .?" This is so so true. The pull of a heritage is stonger than I ever realized prior to going "home".

CJ has been away for 17 years and just returned to his native home. "What surprised CJ was that even after the passage of so many bitter years, he wouldn't have missed this for the world." I loved seeing CJ confront his own skeletons (some that still had meat on them). I loved watching him become more whole and free.

Everything I just said is a sub-plot in the book. It certainly isn't a self-help book. It's a great suspense drama.

Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

[Kelly Hager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis from back of book:

"Bestselling novelist CJ Baxter has made a career out of writing hard-hitting stories ripped from his own life. Still there's one story from his past he's never told. One secret that's remained buried for decades.

Now, seventeen years after swearing he'd never return, CJ is headed back to Adelia, NY. His life in Tennessee has fallen to pieces, his grandfather is dying, and CJ can no longer run from the past.

With Graham Baxter, CJ's brother, running for Senate, a black sheep digging up old family secrets is the last thing the family and campaign can afford. CJ soon discovers that blood may be thicker than water, but it's no match for power and money."

I have minor issues with the cover of the book, because it makes it seem like a thriller, and this really isn't. It's a novel about family and about integrity. Most of the book is literary fiction at its best (and while I say that term with a mighty eyeroll, it's true). The writing is crisp and evocative and the whole book is wonderfully paced and plotted.

(This is not to say that the last 50 pages or so aren't action-packed. They are--I think I read them in about 20 minutes and I was unable to read fast enough.)

CJ is a very likeable character; I hope there's a sequel. (Sam would especially like to hear more about CJ's dog, Thor.)

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

CJ Baxter returns to his hometown after a 17 year absence. Obviously his family relationships are strained, but after his grandfather's funeral he stays in town. CJ is forced to deal with his past and the main reasons that he stayed away for so long. Unfortunately, CJ's family does not want him looking into the past or the present situations that surround them. Through the book, CJ travels a journey of self discovery.
Hunter's Moon was a very masculine book. The main characters were men; there was hunting and fishing. I had some trouble engaging in the characters and the story; however the characters were three dimensional. The plot was interesting; the resolution and climax were page-turning. Although it was a slow start, I did stay up late to finish it. There were aspects of the story that I would have liked to see more developed and others I may have cut. The Christian worldview/ message could have been much stronger. Overall, this was a decent book, it just did not appeal to my personal interests. I do have Elisha's Bones, Hoesel's earlier work, on my TBR shelf, and I am still looking forward to reading it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book started slowly and progressed slowly for me until the last 30-40 pages and only then did it become a page turner. Hoesel's character descriptions made most of them likeable and believable. His descriptions of the small town rang true and I really got a feel for the area. The relationships between the characters were well fleshed out.

My quibble is with parts of the plot development. There are holes as far as I'm concerned. After witnessing his brother committing a heinous crime, CJ was so traumatized he couldn't wait to move away and then only returned because his grandfather had died. If this were such a huge event in his life, why was there not more written about the aftermath? I also would have liked to know where his mother stood in all this. We see where she is when CJ returns but there are a lot of gaps in the story that I would have liked filled in.

Would I still recommend the book? Yes, I would as I think Mr.Hoesel does have talent. He just needs to hone it a bit. All in all I did enjoy the book but it's a tad shy of being a great book.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book by an author that I have not read before. The character development in the book is really good. And the last sixty pages or so are very exciting. I would have really appreciated it if the excitement had been spread out a little further and that part of the storyline were expanded upon. I was not pleased by the end, a lot of the character development that was so strong in the beginning was dumped at the end.

All that aside Mr Hoesel tells a very interesting story, and I like the character development, but the fact that the story dropped like it did made me feel like the story was incomplete. I want to know what happened to the characters that I took the time to get to know. Will I read another book by Mr Hoesel? Yes, and will I recommend this book to others yes, as a matter of fact I will give it to my husband tonight. :)

[Chickadee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book of Don Hoesel’s that I’ve read and while I’m not personally a huge fan of the suspense genre, I think that those who enjoy suspense and crime stories will not be disappointed.

This story centers around CJ Baxter, a writer who is estranged from his wife, losing his marriage and facing a lawsuit. When CJ’s grandfather dies, he is summoned to New York for the funeral, after being away seventeen years. Things get complicated when CJ’s brother, Graham, who is running for Senate, has to deal with secrets that could sabotage his campaign. As the plot thickens and brother turns against brother – political power takes precedence over family ties.

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/10

This is a book by an author that I have not read before. The character development in the book is really good. The story ended with a good twist.

Don Hoesel tells a very interesting story, but the fact that the story dropped like it did made me feel like the story was incomplete. I want to know what happened to the characters that I took the time to get to know. Will I read another book by Mr Hoesel? Yes, and will I recommend this book to others yes.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific suspense novel. I loved the fact that the protagonist was an author. It added an enjoyable dimension to the story for me. For my full review, please check my blog at http://annshorey.blogspot.com .

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drama, suspense, love, forgiveness, dysfunctional family, hunting, and a good dog... What more could you ask for? I personally would have given it a higher rating if it hadn't been for the slow start. Once it had my attention, I couldn't sit the book down. A solid 3.5 stars for me.

[Akeating2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, I enjoyed it. Had quite a few twists and turns and keeps your interest.

[Gael · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5