Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Release Date: April 25, 2017
Source: Review copy from the publisher
Rating: ★★★★

What is the difference between justice and revenge?

In this buzzworthy new thriller by New York Times best-selling author Lisa Unger, two wronged women on very different paths find themselves in the same dark place…

Claudia Bishop’s perfect life fell apart when the aftermath of a brutal assault left her with a crumbling marriage, a newborn daughter, and a constant sense of anxiety about the world around her. Now, looking for a fresh start with a home restoration project and growing blog, Claudia takes on a crumbling old house – one that, unbeknownst to her, has an ugly history and may hide long-buried secrets.

For Zoey Drake the defining moment of her childhood was the horrific home invasion murder of her parents. Years later she has embraced the rage that fuels her. Training in the martial arts has made her strong and ready to face the demons from the past – and within.

Strangers to each other, and walking very different paths in the wake of trauma, these two women are on a collision course – because Zoey’s past nightmare and Claudia’s dreams for her future take place in the very same house. As Zoey seeks justice and Claudia seeks peace, both will confront the monsters at the door that are the most frightening of all.

“While seeking revenge, dig two graves – one for yourself.” This chilling quote (originally from Douglas Horton) plays heavily in Lisa Unger’s latest book THE RED HUNTER. The paths of two women – strangers – whose lives were altered by brutal attacks eventually collide in this suspenseful, atmospheric thriller. The puzzling question is how will their troubled stories intersect?

I enjoyed this book quite a bit, even though the tension put knots in my stomach! That’s a good thing, right?!?  Zoey, Claudia, and daughter Raven, are complex and flawed characters who easily pulled me into their stories. There are many layers to their haunting mystery, and hold on for a nail-biting ending. This is a stand alone novel, not part of The Hollows series, so no prior backstory knowledge needed.

Audiobook • 11 hrs, 5 mins • Julia Whelan, Narrator

I listened to the audio version which was narrated by Julia Whelan. Great performance! She did well with both the female and male characters, and her performance added to the suspense. One thing to watch out (or listen out) for are the time jumps in the story. A couple of times I was a bit confused as to what was going on, then realized that it was a flashback. Not a big deal as the story progressed and I got more familiar with the characters.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.