The Hunted: A Thriller

by: Wayne Barcomb

Published by: Thomas Dunne Books

Reviewed by C. L. Rossman

Paul Gale beat his wife to death in front of their little girl, Tooki, and threatened to kill her too if she told anyone what he’d done. But after he reported the “accident,” a kind policeman questioned the little girl and she told him the truth. Afterward, she lives in fear of her father’s vengeance.

Now, 18 years later, Paul Gale gets out of prison and starts searching for his daughter, to make amends–or to kill her. His emotions are divided at this point. Next we meet a flurry of new characters: Homicide Detective Frank Russo, who is investigating a recent series of murders; a woman named Lucky, who apparently picks up lustful men and then kills them; a number of prostitutes and several of the male victims; Russo’s ex-wife Carla, who he seems to run into at the worst times; and his new love interest, Denise.

I had some trouble keeping track of all the new characters introduced within short order, but I have to say that the book had a genuinely surprise ending, in which Russo unmasks the serial killer–since the author keeps tossing names of characters in the air and never really letting you know their backgrounds.

Wayne Barcomb has written two other novels, Blood Tide and Undercurrent, which critics praised. This one keeps charging along, supported by good clear writing. The murderous father’s mixture of feelings toward his daughter is an excellent appraisal, which any psychiatrist would love. There is also one “timeline” point, however, at which I feel he did not give his murderer enough time to get from scene to another.

Armchair Interviews: Barcomb is a writer to watch.

Author’s Web site: http://www.WayneBarcomb.com