I'm reviewing Hunter's Chase...

 ...by fellow author Val Penny...

First published about five years ago, the current version has a new and darkly intriguing cover.  This is the first book in a set of gritty police procedurals.  There are currently six books in the Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson Crime Thriller series, which are all set in the city of Edinburgh.  So, if you haven't come across them yet, there are plenty of books to keep your reading needs satisfied.

Hunter's Chase begins with a theft that is interrupted by the home owner, who happens to be a Minister of State.  The thief takes flight, and the minister gives chase.  But the thief then trips over the partially buried body of a woman, and the whole story carries on from there - one twist leading to another very different turn before you've had time to think about it.

The story is told using multiple points of view.  And, yes, I know, that's something of a marmite thing - you either love it or you hate it.  I don't mind different points of view, both as a writer and a reader.  As a writer, it gives you the opportunity to get inside the head of more characters, which is always exciting.  As a reader, it enables you to have a much deeper understanding of the characters and how and why they react as they do.

There are numerous plotlines in this book and Val does an excellent job of weaving everything into a carefully interlinked whole with a satisfying ending.  The pace is fast, and the twists and turns will keep you turning the page.

I liked the way Val developed her characters, and I found the narrative voice flowed easily.  I thought there was a great sense of place, and, for me personally, it was good to feel that I was walking those streets along with DI Wilson and his team.  The story kept me interested right to the end, and I have no hesitation in recommending this series.  If you like your police dramas hard-hitting, then these are the books for you!

about the author...  It is with great delight that Val Penny has accepted a ten-book deal with Spellbound Books.

Val Penny has an Llb degree from the University of Edinburgh and her MSc from Napier University.  She has had many jobs, including hairdresser, waitress, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer but has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballerina or owning a candy store.

Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories, nonfiction, and novels.

Val is an American author living in SW Scotland.  She has two adult daughters, of whom she is justly proud and lives with her husband and their cat. 

You can get the Hunter's Chase, along with all of Val's other books, on Amazon

You can follow Val on her Website on Facebook  Twitter  Bookbub and on Goodreads