Huntress Moon by Alexandra Sokoloff
Genre; Crime thriller
A Thriller Award nominee for Best eBook Original Novel… Book 1 in award-winning author Alexandra Sokoloff’s riveting new Huntress FBI series about a driven FBI agent on the hunt for that most rare of all killers: a female serial.
FBI Special Agent Matthew Roarke is closing in on a bust of a major criminal organization in San Francisco when he witnesses an undercover member of his team killed right in front of him on a busy street, an accident Roarke can’t believe is coincidental. His suspicions put him on the trail of a mysterious young woman who appears to have been present at each scene of a years-long string of “accidents” and murders, and who may well be that most rare of killers: a female serial.
Roarke’s hunt for her takes him across three states…while in a small coastal town, a young father and his five-year old son, both wounded from a recent divorce, encounter a lost and compelling young woman on the beach and strike up an unlikely friendship without realizing how deadly she may be.
As Roarke uncovers the shocking truth of her background, he realizes she is on a mission of her own, and must race to capture her before more blood is shed.
My Thoughts:
I know Alexandra, having met her at Harrogate crime writing festival and I’ve also heard lots of great things about this book and lots of great things about her writing background, so I naturally had to read this. (She didn’t ask. It was a book I was drawn to after reading some great reviews.) So, take what you want to from my thoughts of it.
Huntress Moon starts with a bang. You are immediately drawn into the action as an undercover agent is killed, but not before you have a feel for the protagonist FBI Special Agent Matthew Roarke. This shows how Sokoloff has a good balance of character and action/plot.
The novel flips between the point of view of the killer and the point of view of Roarke, giving you great perspective on both, because the killer isn’t just treated as a cold-blooded killer – though there are scenes that may turn your stomach just a little – she is treated as a whole person and as a whole person, she is multi-faceted, not just one-dimensional which can so easily happen to bad guys in novels. The kinder scenes you see her in are done with such a light touch they are wonderful to read. And I love Roarke. He’s driven but because he has a background in the BAU he tries to understand the killer he’s chasing and this makes it more interesting a read from his perspective as well. So all in all, it really is a well drawn and well-rounded novel as far as the characters go. I adored how it was done.
The tension of the novel is wound up to just the right level as you are always wondering if this is the point at which the two main characters will meet and what will that go down like. It’s a wonderful game of cat and mouse as the novel creeps to its conclusion and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
I loved this novel and will definitely be reading the next in the series from Alexandra Sokoloff.
MarinaSofia says
I’ve been planning to get started on this series for ages now – glad to hear you think it’s worth it!
Rebecca Bradley says
I do Marina. It’s really well written and thought out. And I enjoyed following the protagonist on his journey.
Jane Risdon says
I have not heard of her before, Rebecca, and will now look for her as soon as my TBR pile depletes a little more. Thanks so much.
Rebecca Bradley says
Ah-ha! That dreaded TBR. You’ll be a while then 😉
Jane Risdon says
Yup, I may be some time. Just leaving the tent now…lol
crimeworm says
Like Marina, this series has caught my eye (probably all the great reviews) then I met her at Bloody Scotland, so I really should get it – and she’s lovely!
Rebecca Bradley says
It helps when you’ve met the author, doesn’t it? 🙂 You should read it. It’s great reading. You’d enjoy it.
CPhilippou123 says
I really enjoyed all three (currently) in the series. The pace doesn’t let off
Rebecca Bradley says
Brilliant. I can’t wait to read the rest then!
Margot Kinberg says
Very glad you enjoyed this, Rebecca. I always respect an author who can draw the reader in from the very first.
Rebecca Bradley says
Alex draws you in with both character and action. It’s a great book Margot. I’m looking forward to the next one.
Jacqui Murray says
I’ve been considering reading this series for a long time. Your review makes me really want to.
Rebecca Bradley says
It is a series worth starting. I was prompted after reading a review online and I’m glad I did!
readingwritingandriesling says
I am so glad you enjoyed this Rebecca ( did I influence your decision to read?) The scenes with the father and son are just so beautifully done…and then there is the tension and… the rest…a wonderful read.
And isn’t Alex lovely?
Rebecca Bradley says
Yes, yes you did influence me to read this Carol! And they say blogging doesn’t influence book sales or hype. Rubbish! I often buy books based on reviews I’ve read online. Thank you for recommending this. I did really enjoy it and in looking forward to reading more. And yes, Alex is lovely 🙂
readingwritingandriesling says
Excellent – I was talking to a publisher the other day and he too said – reading and reviewing does make a difference – he says these days newly published writers dont have much time to prove themselves – if the book doesnt do well they wouldn’t be invited back and so social media – blogging about books can really make a difference to whether that book gets read.
Crystal Collier says
Super awesome! I love it when a book grabs you and keeps you entrenched until the very end.
Rebecca Bradley says
It really did and I’m looking forward to the next one by Alexandra.