Twelve years ago, Miranda Moore survived the horrific attack of a serial killer. After two years of putting her life back to some semblance of normal with the help and support of FBI agent Quincy Peterson, she joined Quantico with the intention of becoming a field agent. On the eve of graduation, her dreams are shattered when it's recommended she stay another year and is not allowed to graduate. Hurt and bitter at Quinn's betrayal, she returns to Montana to lead a search-and-rescue squad.

When yet another victim of The Butcher turns up, Sheriff Nick Thomas requests FBI help with the investigation. Quinn heads the investigation, and Miranda finds herself reluctantly working with the man she hasn't seen in years, the man she once loved.

Clues to the identity of the killer are few as Nick, Quinn and Miranda slowly begin piecing together the final moments of the latest victim. Quinn agonizes as their investigation forces Miranda to relive her own attack again, and he marvels at the strength and determination of the woman he still loves. Miranda tries to keep Quinn at an emotional distance, focusing all of her time and energy on the search for the killer. When another university student disappears, a race against time begins.

Allison Brennan has a winner in THE HUNT, her follow- up to THE PREY (January 2006). This stark thriller terrifies as it allows the reader inside the mind of a madman. Miranda displays vulnerability in her strength that's touching, and Quinn is her perfect foil. I felt the characters' sense of urgency as the victims disappeared and enjoyed the many twists and turns of the plot. This book will have readers eagerly anticipating Brennan's next book, THE KILL, coming in March.

Book Summary

Touched by a killer, she feels the fire of revenge.

Twelve years ago, Miranda Moore miraculously survived the torture of a serial killer who was never caught. Since then, Miranda, a former FBI trainee and now a member of a local search-and-rescue squad, has witnessed with horror the recovery of the mutilated bodies of seven young women, all victims of her tormentor, known as The Butcher. When another beautiful Montana college student goes missing, the Feds get involved, and an agent, a man Miranda once trusted with her heart, arrives to take over the investigation–forcing her toward a painful choice.

Now, while Miranda battles her demons, while friends, lovers, and traitors are caught up in a frantic race against time, a killer hides in plain sight–waiting to finish the one hunt he has left undone.

After the hunt, go in for the kill.