I have not read the first 2 books in this series but reading this book as a standalone was still fine. It's a mixture of illnesses, fiction and reality. It's a book that will keep you up at night. Possible trigger warning if you suffer from health anxiety.

So I struggled a bit with this book to start with, now I know that it is the second with the main character Casey, so that would have helped.

But once it got going it really got going - it was like an updated Robin Cook it was brilliant. but so scary as so real. The amount of research that had gone into this was amazing, so detailed. So relatable now to the current situation.

I am now going back to read the first Casey book.

I was given a free copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own.

This is the third in Holly Watt's Casey Benedict series and is another brilliant thriller and having read the others, am happy to say this series gets better and better!

Casey is an investigative journalist who, whilst temporarily working on the health desk, is sent to cover a routine story and meets a young Cystic Fibrosis sufferer. Casey learns about the threat posed by resistance to antibiotics and hears about a new potential wonder drug. Her investigation initially leads her to a drug company and a secretive individual. As she follows the trail, it leads her to various countries and to discover some questionable methods employed by major drug companies. Danger is ever present and comes increasing close…

This is a well plotted, tense and intriguing thriller, featuring complex and thought-provoking issues. There are enough twists and turns to keep you hooked and I raced through it. Highly recommended.

I would like to thank the publisher, Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The third Casey Benedict book but the first that I have read. starting from a seemingly dead end for an investigative journalist, being put onto health stories, Casey quickly uncovers stories about antibiotics and funding that need to see the light of day. its not an area I'd ever thought about before, but antibiotic resistance is such a huge issue for health, and the funding from private companies is worth querying. It might be a book to approach with a trigger warning, as so many people are suffering from health anxieties anyway, this wont be a book that they ought to read... its the sort of topic that will definitely keep you up at night

The Hunt and The Kill by Holly Watt is the third book in the Casey Benedict Investigations series. I haven't read any of Holly Watts work previously but found this a riveting crime thriller. I had no issues just dipping into the series at this point either, which is always a relief.
This book sees Casey, an acclaimed undercover journalist, being re-assigned to a London hospital to interview a woman with a life-limiting genetic condition. Casey goes although quite reluctantly but when the womans doctor informs Casey of the alarming rise in antibiotic resistant cases and tells her of a possible new ground breaking wonder drug. One that could save millions of lives but no-one is certain if this drug even exists or if it's just a rumour. As tragedy strikes Casey starts to think there is a cover up going on and makes ot her business to get to the bottom of it all, no matter how dangerous it becomes.
An absolutely enthralling thriller that sees Casey pursue doctors, government officials and researchers all over the globe. All the while discovering the terrible and dark truths of the major drug companies out there. The role of the drugs companies play in caring more about making money than actually helping to eradicate diseases from the world is highlighted along with the scary antibiotic resistant illnesses. It makes for a multi-layered and absorbing, tense read. The twists and turns certainly keep you hooked to the book along with the suspense which has you turning the pages like there is no tomorrow!
A story that brings the problems of today all wrapped up in such a readable way. I will certainly be going to check out the other books and wait for the next one too!
Thanks to Tracy Fenton, netgalley and Raven Books for the copy of the book.

Fiction and reality will mix in this suspenseful story; a read that will make you wonder the real power of viruses and the possible vaccines to survive.
To be a microbiologist was my dream when I was young; bacteria and viruses always interested me, so when I read the plot of this book it was impossible to not want to read it. Even if we are living in a pandemic right now (and try to be brave about the vaccines that we are using) this book shows you a fiction/non-fiction view of the power of the pharmaceuticals and their investigations.
This is a fast paced story, with a strong mind and a pursue for the truth no matter what. Casey Benedict, a journalist that will make you travel around the world for the search of the real truth.
I love stories that are fiction but make you wonder what part of them could be true, because it’s a reality that there’s a rise of antibiotic-resistant infections, and also true that pharmaceuticals are “playing” with all type of dangerous infections. So, if just this part is real, even if this is an action paced story around the world, what more could be real? What parts that the author created hit the jackpot without even knowing? Oh yes, in the pharmaceutical world I am totally in the conspiracy world, they want to make money at all costs, the secretive Elias Bailey will show us how dangerous drugs can be…
This is the third book of the series “Casey Benedict” but you can read it as standalone.
If you are looking for a non-stop action thriller to keep you awake all night, this is your book, I loved it!
Are you ready for “The Hunt and The Kill”?

I loved the first two books by Holly Watt, but this one is is absolutely her best yet. Clever and paced and impossible tout down. The action moves all over the world - Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Miami, South Africa - a most definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Hunt and The Kill is third novel by Holly Watt featuring Casey Benedict as a protagonist. I haven’t read the previous two books – The Lions and The Dead Line -, although I definitely plan to, but I had no problem reading the third book as a stand-alone. Casey Benedict is an incredible protagonist. Fierce, brilliant, determined, she is an investigative journalist for London newspaper The Post. She’s traveled around the world, going undercover and finding herself in dangerous situations to uncover the truth, but, in this third book, she’s been moved to cover the health section of the newspaper and she is not happy about it. Her new article is an interview with 19-year-old Fiona, a patient at Royal Brompton Hospital. Fiona has cystic fibrosis, but antibiotics are no longer working on her. Following Casey’s interview with her and with her doctor, she starts to investigate antibiotic resistance and a new drug that could save not only Fiona’s life, but millions of lives. However, soon the investigation turns very personal for Casey and, travelling from Miami to Mauritius, from Zimbabwe to Cape Town, she finds herself in danger.

I really enjoyed The Hunt and The Kill. The story is suspenseful, intense, and compelling. As the protagonist, the author is an investigative journalist and she gives the reader an insightful and detailed look into the works of a newsroom and investigative journalism as well informative and interesting understanding of antibiotic resistance. A gripping story from start to end, The Hunt and The Kill is novel not to miss!

‘Antibiotic resistance is the silent pandemic.’ Holly Watt’s powerful new thriller takes the reader on a spine-tingling journey into the secretive world of ‘big pharma’. Investigative journalist Casey tracks a mysterious billionaire across three continents in a bid to expose a suspected cover-up. Her quest leads her to stunning locations where she clashes with larger-than-life characters, some of whom try to kill her. My personal favourite is the chapter where Casey finds herself in close proximity to a lion on the loose, but everyone will find drama to suit their taste.

When undercover journalist Casey Benedict is asked to interview a young woman with a life-limiting genetic condition, the patient’s doctor alerts her to an alarming rise in antibiotic-resistant infections, tipping her off about a potential new wonder drug. If the rumours are true, this new antibiotic could save millions of lives, but no one seems to know whether the drug even exists.

The plot of The Hunt and the Kill is engaging on more than one level. The emotional focus of the book is Flora, a twenty year old cystic fibrosis sufferer with underlying health issues. Watt cleverly uses Flora’s engaging personality to show the massive influence of the pharmaceutical industry through the experiences of one vulnerable young woman. Personal tragedies suffered by Holly and a fellow whistle-blower are sensitively handled, while international calamities caused by the misuse of antibiotics are vividly brought to life. Watt, herself an acclaimed investigative journalist, describes the realities of an undercover investigation with humour and a command of intriguing detail. Casey and her colleague Miranda, who are both used to beginning the working day with the question ‘Who am I?’, remain convincingly in control of situations so threatening they would have most people running for the hills. Meanwhile, the behind-the-scenes machinations of colleagues in Casey’s London newspaper office, especially the two female interns, are as hilarious as they are effective.

I was given a copy of The Hunt and the Kill in return for an honest review, and I can honestly say I do not remember when I have enjoyed a thriller more. Watt’s revelations about the effects of drug dumping are eye-opening, and her contrasting descriptions of hospitals in the UK and the developing world will stay with me for a long time. Diligent research must have been carried out in preparation for writing this novel, but there is no sense of information overload. Skilful storytelling ensures that The Hunt and the Kill remains pacy and compelling throughout, while Casey’s courage, energy and determination drive the plot to a shocking but satisfying conclusion.

The third instalment in Holly Watt's Casey Benedict series this is another fabulous thriller - one that makes you hold your breath at times and also makes you think.

Casey is an investigative journalist who has been temporarily reassigned to the health desk whilst she recovers from the stress of a previous investigation But when she is sent to cover a routine story and meets a young Cystic Fibrosis sufferer, she learns about resistance to antibiotics and the threat that poses, as well as a new potential wonder drug. As she seeks to find out more she is led to Alsero, a drug company led by the reclusive Elias Bailey, as well as to a company in San Francisco, Pergamex, that had a drug under development but closed down very suddenly.

When people connected to Casey die in suspicious circumstances, Casey suspects the story goes much deeper - and she is determined to find out the truth, regardless of how much danger she and those around her are in. The trail takes her around the globe - to Mauritius, Miami, Zimbabwe and South Africa - as she uncovers some of the murky secrets of the major drug companies, in particular their method of generating tax breaks whilst dumping useless and dangerous drugs by offering to “help” in times of major disasters and generously providing them free of charge.

This is an engrossing thriller full of thought-provoking and real-world issues - at times quite complex given the subject matter, it nevertheless held me captivated. With well developed characters and evocative settings, it gallops along with plenty of twists and turns and I raced through it.

Loved Holly Watt's previous novels but found this one a little difficult to get into. Not for me but I'm sure many of her fans will love it.

The Hunt and the Kill by Holly Watt is the third book in the Casey Benedict series and I really enjoyed this book. Something as happened since I hast read her first book.......and so glad I requested to read it. This latest book did not disappoint! it's full of twists and turns and best of all full of action throughout! Especially with lots of interesting information of research in antibiotics, its production and its dangers....that is happening today.

Thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) and to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

My thanks to NetGalley, publisher Bloomsbury Publishing plc - Raven Books, and author Holly Watt, for the electronic review copy..

I do so enjoy this series. The action is full-on; the writing superbly illustrates a busy newspaper office where everyone is chasing stories ahead of their rivals, and where star of the show, Casey Benedict, an investigative reporter who, according to her bosses, needs respite from previous world-wide escapades is bored with having to be virtually desk-bound as health editor..

However, stemming from an interview with a young woman, Flora, who is virtually dying from cystic fibrosis, and cryptic comments from her doctor Noah Hart, she realises the importance of antibiotics - their scarcity and the ability of infections to become resistant to them. But there was one company, Pergamex, based in San Francisco, which appeared to have discovered a potential new one. However, that company suddenly closed down and the new antibiotic appeared lost. Fearing for Flora's life, Casey begins her investigation - against the wishes of her bosses and friend Miranda, tracking down the people who worked on it - with appalling consequences.

From the UK to Mauritius, to Zimbabwe and South Africa - Casey chases what she believes to be a cover-up for several "accidental" deaths connected to the elusive new antibiotic
What exactly is the "cover-up"? Can she get answers in time to save Flora?

This is a fast-paced read with great characters and locations. Really enjoyed it - although it does give one food for thought!

Fast paced thriller with the unlikely premise of antibiotic resistance that takes our heroine reporter all over the globe to bring down Big Pharma. I had no idea that they were drug dumping and getting tax breaks for it. Sometimes overwhelming in its pace and medical jargon, an enthralling ride nevertheless

I really enjoyed reading this book.

It was fascinating reading about antibiotic resistance, although trying to keep up with all the different antibiotics was a little confusing to begin with, but I got there in the end!

I liked Casey and Zac, although I can't decide if some of Casey's actions were her being brave or utterly foolish! There were definitely a few heart in mouth moments!

I thought it was well written and had a good pace to it.

Thank you to PH, NetGalley and Holly for the chance to read this book.

A great novel that really brings to life a true danger that not many people are aware of (or I wasn’t anyway). Fast paced and interesting throughout

The Hunt and the Kill is the third instalment in the Casey Benedict Investigations series and this time her case centres around a patient at a London hospital, a renowned specialist in antibiotic development, a British-based billionaire and a fight for survival - not just for one patient, but for the world... It begins with what promises to be a routine visit to a London hospital. Casey Benedict, acclaimed undercover journalist, has been reluctantly reassigned at her newspaper while she recovers from her last major investigation, a story that sent her into extremely dangerous territory. Asked to interview a young woman with a life-limiting genetic condition, the patient's doctor alerts Casey to the alarming rise in antibiotic-resistant infections, tipping her off about a potential new wonder drug. If the rumours are true, this new antibiotic could be transformative, saving millions of lives, but no one seems to know if the drug even exists.

When tragedy unexpectedly strikes, Casey begins to suspect a cover-up and is not prepared to let the story drop, no matter how much danger she - or those she loves most - are put in. A searing, page-turning, pulse-racing thriller that sees Casey pursue government officials, missing doctors and researchers across the world while uncovering dark and terrible truths about the behaviour of major drug companies. This is a riveting and engrossing thriller about the role of Big Pharma in often caring more about the money-making possibilities than helping or solving any medical needs and the huge and rather scary issue of antibiotic resistance. It's absorbing, hard-hitting and multi-layered with intelligence in abundance and packed with action, suspense, twists, turns and palpable tension. This is a rip-roaring thriller that addresses pertinent real-world problems in an engaging and compulsively readable fashion. I cannot wait for number four. Highly recommended.

Wowsers. Not sure what else I can say. This may be the first book I've read but it definitely won't be the last if this one is anything to go by. What a read. Started Friday evening and finished Saturday morning. Fast paced, high stakes, heart pumping, thought provoking and emotion inducing stuff. And that's just the first few chapters ... This was definitely the book I needed to capture my attention when all around me felt like chaos. And capture it did as I barely looked up from the page from the moment I started reading.

Now if you are of an anxious disposition and have been affected heavily by the past year and the whole wonder that has been covid, then you may wish to exercise caution. This is not a book about covid, although it is referenced, but there are a lot of parallels that can be drawn between recent history and the investigation that our protagonist Casey Benedict undertakes. This is a story of big Pharma, of increasingly obstinate so-called superbugs and, dare I say it, those dang mutations which seem to plague our lives with increasing regularity. So much of what I was reading resonated with me and the story itself was alarmingly plausible.

The tension throughout this book was palpable. There appears to be danger at every turn, a seemingly simple article on Cystic Fibrosis turning increasingly deadly, and not just because of the ever evolving issue of drug-resistant bacteria. The tension is almost constant, an undercurrent of unease flowing throughout the book, even in the quieter moments, and the author has done a great job of maintaining that sense of threat and amplifying it at key moments, really getting that edge-of-the-seat kind of vibe when it looks like Casey might be getting a little too comfortable. But it is not just the action and the tension which dominates the story. Right from the start Holly Watt toys with our emotions, some truly heartbreaking scenes being drip fed into the story, almost unexpected, but ones which not only spur Casey on, but also push her completely off balance. That blend between emotion and action is spot on, but also blended with a dark humour, fed in through scenes in the newsroom at times, preventing the story from ever becoming too bleak.

I really liked Casey as a character. It was clear that I caught up with her at a real crunch point in her life, but her tenacity and determination still shone through, along with her emotional side. It's clear, when on top form, she would be a formidable character, but this book really does test her in ways that anyone would struggle with. As for the team around her, I really did enjoy getting to know the newsroom team, a very diverse but credible bunch of characters. Given that Casey's investigation leads her well away from home, it is the supporting characters who also helped the story to gel for me. Whilst Zac may not initially have been the most helpful of characters, there was an eventual easy charm to him and a kind of chemistry between him and Casey that made the story flow perfectly.

If there was one real bonus for me, alongside the way in which the author draws attention to a increasingly real and worrying subject that will eventually affect us all, it is the way in which she manages to take readers to the locations contained within the story. From the newsroom, to the Devon Hills, to the savannahs of Zimbabwe, you get a real sense of place and it adds another layer of authenticity to the story itself. You could feel the tempo switching up, the rhythm of the story echoing where the action took place, as well as the stakes that Casey was facing.

Full of drama, and tension, this is a scarily believable, sometimes heart wrenching, but always action packed story that had me captivated from the start. The first two books are already downloaded on my audible list, ready to find out just what it is I've missed. Definitely recommended.

Another great novel from the excellent Holly Watt. This splendid series got off to a flying start with To The Lions, The Dead Line was equally fascinating, and The Hunt And The Kill is the best yet. This series is a breath of fresh air in this overcrowded genre as the principal character is not a cop but an investigative journalist, and Casey Benedict is mighty feisty! This novel has a very contemporary feel to it, based as it is in the world of Big Pharma and with various references to these Covid times. The story takes Casey into the depths of Africa and the plot grips from the start. A superb read.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Bloomsbury for allowing me to read #TheHuntAndTheKill.
A fast paced medical thriller that sees Investigative reporter Casey Benedict travel the globe looking for answers from the pharmaceutical companies about what is happening with antibiotics. Are there new ones, do they work and how long will it be before they no longer work on the ones they are supposed to cure.