Hunted
By Abir Mukherjee

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hunted is a story about a young girl who appears to have been radicalised by a terrorist group, and terrorist attacks have begun in America. This story follows the point of view of those who have been radicalised, the FBI agent who is trying to solve the case and locate them before the next attack and the father of the young girl.

This was a fast paced story with events unfolding in every chapter.

As the story progressed, I found it harder to put the book down. Just when you think you have the story figured out, there were twists and turns.

Confession time for me again. I've not ready and of the Wyndham and Banerjee series so this is my first full length novel by Abir Mukherjee. A introductions go, this is a pretty sweet one to be fair, combining action, tension and a whole heap of intrigue. I do love a good action thriller, as thriller's go, this was a cracker. In fact, aside from the obvious name changes, this is a book that could have been ripped from the headlines. I mean, a divisive American Presidential election in an already fractious nation, where neither candidate could be a described as the perfect, problem free choice ... Can't imagine where the author may have go this idea from ...

Hunted starts in very dramatic, and literally explosive, style. Introducing readers to Jack and yasmine, we really don't have much time to get to know them before the almost unthinkable happens. An explosion in a very busy shopping mall, a terrorist incident to which a previously unheard of group stakes their claim. But as is clear from those early pages, nothing is quite a simple as it first appears and it falls to the FBI, to investigate and get to the bottom now just what happened and who was behind the tragedy. This is where we meet one of our key protagonists, FBI Agent Shreya Mistry. She has a real instinct, a knack for getting to the truth, even if that is not always appreciated by her peers. It leads the team to a potential second suspect, and leads to Shreya being forced onto the outside of the investigation - a place she's determined not to stay.

I really liked Shreya. Sure - she's not really what you'd call a team player. She ignores direct instruction from her superiors and she makes many dubious and potentially life shortening decisions, but she's determined, feisty and, when it comes down to it, really does seem to have very good instincts for what is happening. What she lacks is respect, or an ability to get others to listen to her point of view. That reckless streak of hers makes it very easy to ignore her impulses and instincts. Good for readers, as it adds tension Less good for the people trying to stop any further atrocities.

I really liked how Abi Mukherjee has developed this story. Playing into the very blatant stereotypes that seem to frame popular thinking, and the growing hatred of immigrants, particularly those of Muslim communities, he has created a very plausible kind of threat but one that clearly is not as simple as the FBI would like to believe. Adding in the very divisive presidential campaign - art imitating life, perhaps - and there is a real sense o plausibility about what comes to pass. It also adds to the conflict that flows throughout the book, and left me never quite knowing who to trust or what the real motives might be for the destruction. I knew the who of the acts of terrorism - that is never hidden from readers, even if the investigating officers don't know - but the why is never quite clear, nor how it links to what is happening in the wider political context.

There is a secondary element to the book, one that runs alongside the investigation, almost mirroring it, but also adding to the tension and threat feeds the story. That is the story of Sajid, a father whose daughter has been accused of being in league with the terrorists. He is contacted by the mother of a former soldier, Carrie, who believes that her son may be with Sajid's daughter, and that both of their lives may be in danger. They go to extraordinary lengths to get to their children and although there ability to outfox the authorities does push the bounds of probability on occasion, I didn't really care as I was completely invested in their stories too. Sajid's is a particularly tragic tale, and I can understand his reluctance to give up on his daughter, as well as Carrie's determination to save her son. In fact there are a number of key characters in this book who, against all the odds and the evidence about their cupalility or guilt in what comes to pass, I can to find myself rooting for.

It's a book where the line between innocence and guilt is not easily drawn, and where the author has pulled a blinder in pulling the wool over my eyes, right up to the very end where the true intentions of the bad guys were revealed. Not what I was expecting at all. But with a great sense of pace, some real heart pounding moments of action, and a cast of characters who really got under my skin, I thoroughly enjoyed Hunted and hope it's not Mr. Mukherjee's only foray into the world of modern day thrillers. It ticked all my boxes and I'd love to read more. Tense, packed with intrigue and surprises to the final, unexpectedly emotional, page, it's definitely recommended.

The story begins with Yasmin who has doubts about the mission is about to carry out. She has a bomb but has been told that no-one is going to get hurt. Too late, she realises she has been lied to. Shreya is an FBI agent who is determined to dig deeper. Also involved are too other members of this terrorist group and their parents. It’s a thriller that I can imagine would make a good film because there is plenty of action and pace and characters you sympathise with (and those you don’t). I didn’t quite feel that the cause they were fighting for was portrayed strongly enough to feel people could justify these actions. 3.5 stars rounded down because I just didn’t really become emotionally involved, perhaps because I didn’t really like the FBI characters. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.

A fabulously written gripping story that was a pleasure to read. I would absolutely recommend this book, it was brilliant

Exciting thrilling fast-paced story, told from different points of view, to build up to the finale. I don’t like talking about the plotline and giving away spoilers, so won’t go into the story, other than to say it was diverse and incorporated many eye-openers for how different cultures are treated and racist assumptions made in various circumstances. I really enjoyed having an engaging thriller with a superb message, and will look for this author’s books again.

Have you ever come across a book that's so captivating that you feel like you're watching a movie while reading it? For me, this book was exactly that. I strongly believe that it would make a perfect film. The author did a fantastic job building the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Although some aspects of the narrative and structure seemed a bit slow and uneven, it didn't take away from the overall reading experience. I found myself drawn into the story and eager to learn more about the political and religious themes woven throughout the book. In my opinion, this breathtaking terrorist thriller is a must-read for anyone who enjoys this genre. Big shout out to nergalley, the publisher and the author for access to this ARC

Hunted is the first stand-alone by Abir Mukherjee and whilst it is a good book and an enjoyable read I felt that there was actually an excellent book in there which didn’t quite develop.

At times the story felt a bit jumpy, probably due to it being told by numerous points of view, and lost a bit of the tension accordingly.

Overall still a good read and recommended.

This was a gripping and intriguing read from start to finish. Not a book that I would usually read. Would recommend to others

This is an easy 5 stars.

It's well written. It's a thriller with politics. It's a gripper from the beginning to the end. It's an insight into relationships between people with different religions in the UK and in the USA. It's a contender for book of the year.

I thank the publisher and NetGalleyUK for an advance review copy of this book in return for a fair review.
I was sad to see the end of this author's series of Sam Wyndham books but delighted to find this new non-series book. I cannot help but think it was written with one eye on a film adaptation. If it gets picked up I hope that it gets a faithful treatment, preferably as a mini-series, because the plot complexity will be difficult to convey in a 2 hour film. I found it very hard to put dowm. It starts with a bang and continues though a series of twiists and turns to a good ending. In the present world climate it is frightenly relevant. Recommended

Wow. Hooked from the very beginning this book is certainly a page turner.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters more with chapters being told from the different characters.
The book kept the tension throughout and I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a tense read.

Hunted by Abir Mukherjee is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m looking forward to reading more from him.
In short, it begins with a bombing at an American mall killing 63 and injuring 114, it’s now a race to determine who is behind the terror attack and put a stop to further destruction.
It’s a great read, the story starts with a bang, the tension is immediate and relentless… a classic cat and mouse ride with twists and turns to satisfy thriller lovers. Each chapter follows one of the main characters and through this you get to know them and their back story whilst the hunt is in full throttle… so fast paced and packed with action, it’s a winner for me, although, I wish the ending wasn’t as abrupt!
Big thanks to Amir Mukherjee, Random House UK, Vintage and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.

Totally gripping, and a really authentic, different story to the thrillers I have read in the past. I loved the opening, it was so intriguing!

This is a book I kept putting off for a long time because I thought there was going to be a lot of politics involved. Although it contained some, it wasn’t overpowering

A bomb goes off in an LA shopping centre and FBI agent Shreya Mistry is called in to investigate when terrorists are suspected.

Greg and Aliyah are drawn into a cult to bring America down but soon realise they have been fed a pack of lies so they escape and go on the run. They are being hunted by the head of this dangerous unknown organisation, Miriam.

Greg’s mum, American Carrie, and Aliyah’s dad Sajid, who the police suspect to be a terrorist, find themselves unexpectedly teaming up, racing across America to save their children before any more terrorist attacks occur and the FBI catch up with them.

Shreya is on the hunt for all those involved in these catastrophic events, and when her daughter becomes entangled in it she knows it’s a race against time to save her.

This book took me on such a wild ride with twists and turns left right and centre. Everyone was being hunted by someone so it was a thrilling and captivating game of cat and mouse and I didn’t know what was going to happen. This book was like a ticking bomb that you knew was going to explode but just didn’t know when.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book which will be published on 9th May.

I enjoyed reading this book - very interesting. Thank you to the writer, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read it

With its fascinating storyline and genuine characters, this book immerses readers in an enthralling adventure. Covering a spectrum of emotions and encounters, it grips your attention throughout. The characters are authentic, making you cheer for them as they confront various obstacles. It's a compelling read that keeps you engaged till the final page.

One hell of a thought provoking, fast paced, nail biting and blooming hell of a ride book. All I can say is why hasn’t anyone read this book!

It’s not my usual kind but I implore you to pick it up, give it a whirl, stick with it and use your moral compass to guide you through this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the advanced copy for a review

*4.5 stars*

I’ll let the synopsis speak (mainly) for itself, but if you choose to read ‘Hunted’ you’d best buckle up and hold on tight because you’re in for a real roller coaster ride.

We have British father Sajid Khan flying to the States in search of his daughter Aliyah - last seen on cctv with a known suicide bomber, who’s suspected of being in the process of carrying out another attack. American mother Carrie, joins forces with Sajid in order to find her son Greg, thought to be fleeing from the FBI with Aliyah, however when further information is revealed, US Special Agent Shreya Mistry begins to think that there’s much more to this case than meets the eye.

Two very ordinary parents, thrown together in a race against time - they need to find their kids asap before another catastrophic event is repeated - one which will derail the US for some years to come. The clock is ticking!
‘Hunted’ is a particularly well written storyline revolving around the US elections, terrorism, political dissatisfaction, radicalisation, racism, and the power of love between a parent and their child. Fast paced with lots of twists and turns, ‘Hunted’ comes highly recommended!

Our hero in "Hunted" is Kamil. A former police officer in India now seeking a new life in England. He get's back into the police only to be side-lined whilst under investigation for breaching procedures. When the Imam from his local mosque goes missing Kamil finds himself approached by M15 and asked to assist on a major active terrorist enquiry. From this point life gets dangerous but Kamil, supported by two girlfriends, somehow survives and, along the way, proves he is no mean detective!
At times, this reader found keeping up with the twists and turns of the plot, no to mention the many characters, somewhat hard going but there is plenty to commend in the story.
Kamil is a character you can't help but empathise with, and I'm quite sure, he shall be involved in further investigations, yet to be written, by Abir Mukherjee.

I have never read anything by this author and I was intrigued when reading the synopsis of the book.
The book was brilliantly written taking the view of some of the characters throughout so that you could relate to them with ease.
The book was basically about terriosm and how people get drawn into participating in these acts. It was good to see from different view points there reasoning for joining these different factions.
There were lots of twists and turns in this book to keep you engaged in the book and the characters were credible.
I would definitely go back and read some of his previous books.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to reag this book