When echoes of her sister's unsolved murder reignite the darkest of hunts, no one in Seattle is safe.
Seattle, 1985-Crime reporter Holly Sparks is driven to obsession by her sister's unsolved murder-a crime she's convinced was the work of the infamous Green River Killer. But her investigation takes a terrifying turn when she uncovers a chilling truth: There might be two killers stalking the city, and one wears a badge.
Five years later, her bestselling true crime novel can't erase the pain of her sister's unsolved case. But when Holly's violent ex-fiancé is let out of prison on parole, and murders mirroring the Green River Killer begin again, Holly fears the unthinkable: Is her ex-fiancé behind her sister's death and a string of others? As the line blurs between hunter and hunted, she faces a deadly choice-uncover the truth or become the next victim.
Only the hunt will tell.
A chilling prequel to The Final Hunt, The First Hunt lures you into a story of justice and survival, where monsters hide in plain sight.
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Extremely excited to see this on kindle. I had this release on my calendar since the beginning of may and I flew through the pages. Honestly this takes spot number 2 of my top 5 books this year! Definitely reccomendkng and an ending I did not see coming!
Could not put this down. It pulls you in from the very first chapter. I'm not really one for this genre BUT this exceeded my expectations by far! It felt like reading a 1950's Detective Noire Movie save for it took place in 1980's. It is VERY well written, and an adrenaline rush. I felt like I myself was a detective on the side lines piecing things together. It's fast paced and keeps your interest and the twists!!! More twists than a twizzler in a good way!
... Read moreOkay, so you're looking for an explanation of 'The First Hunt' by Audrey J. Cole? Let me tell you, this book isn't just another thriller; it's an immersive experience that pulls you right into the dark underbelly of 1980s Seattle. What really struck me, and what makes this book so compelling, is how it masterfully weaves a fictional narrative around the chilling reality of the Green River Killer – a detail also highlighted on the book's cover, mentioning 'Gary Ridgway & Another Serial Unaliver.' As someone who appreciates historical true crime elements in fiction, this aspect alone was enough to hook me.
The protagonist, Holly Sparks, is a crime journalist driven by a deeply personal tragedy: her sister's unsolved murder. This isn't just a job for her; it's an obsession, making her a truly relatable and tenacious character. The story has this incredible 'Detective Noire' vibe, transporting you back to a grittier era where shadows hide more than just secrets. You can almost feel the damp Seattle air and the tension building with every page. It’s like stepping into a classic crime film, but with a modern, psychological edge.
What truly elevates 'The First Hunt' is its intricate plot. Audrey J. Cole doesn't just present one killer; she introduces the terrifying possibility of *two*, one even wearing a badge. And then, five years later, when Holly's violent ex-fiancé is paroled, and murders mirroring the Green River Killer start again, the lines between past and present, hunter and hunted, completely blur. This is where the 'Serial Unaliver & His Kid' angle hinted at on the cover comes into play, adding another layer of complexity and dread to an already intense narrative.
For those who, like me, might not always gravitate towards this genre, I can't stress enough how well-written and fast-paced this book is. The twists aren't just there for shock value; they feel earned and genuinely propel the story forward, keeping you guessing until the very last page. It’s an adrenaline rush that makes you feel like you're right there with Holly, piecing together clues. If you're looking for a prequel that sets a high bar for its series, or simply a standalone thriller that will keep you up all night, 'The First Hunt' is an absolute must-read. It genuinely exceeded my expectations and left me eagerly anticipating 'The Final Hunt'.