When a copycat killer lurks in the city, meticulously copying her father’s MO, a small part of Anna Koray hopes that her father is back. The Hunter’s Daughter by Nicola Solvinic will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, hoping Anna is just what she seems and isn’t trying to continue her father’s legacy.
It all starts with Anna killing a man on the line of duty that brings back memories from her past. Do you really think you can trust her when there are gaps in her memory that she can’t make sense of? This unreliable narrator adds a psychological twist to the story, building up the pace of the story and travelling back and forth between the past and the present through her recollections.
The book has a pinch of Slavic mythology sprinkled across making it an eerie atmospheric read. It blends seamlessly with the plot and adds as an icing on the cake. There are also references to the question of whether a serial killer born or made, talking about the genetics and the environmental facts involved and what these murders tell about the killer. The ethical questioning of memory erasing is also brought up in the story, making it an intriguing and thought-provoking read. The Hunter’s Daughter is an interesting read that blends police procedurals, copycat killers and supernatural elements that is executed so well, I knew I wasn’t going to stop until I had finished this book!
The author crafted a multifaceted and compelling portrait of the protagonist, Anna. As the narrative delved into the trauma that shaped her, the reader gained a deeper understanding of the complex woman she had become – from her troubled childhood as the daughter of a serial killer, to her resilient rise to the rank of detective lieutenant. The vivid recollections of Anna’s past, as her memories resurfaced, offered poignant glimpses into the formative experiences that had molded her character. Overall, the richly drawn depiction of Anna’s journey was a thoughtful and engaging exploration of how one overcomes immense adversity.
The pacing of the book was just right with short chapters and the protagonist’s spiralling thoughts, the race against time to catch the killer before he gets to his next victim, will have you pulling into the heart of action. By the time I got to the climax, I was questioning everything I believed to be true and that plot twist — I did not see that coming! I had to step back and let that sink in. Phew. That was one hell of a read. The narrative is so tight that it will leave you breathless by the end.
As a writer, I always look for insights from a well written book to help me with my own projects. And The Hunter’s Daughter by Nicola Solvinic is definitely on the list of books that is aiding me to hone my craft and be a better writer.
If you are someone who enjoys thrillers that are beyond locked-room whodunnits, then The Hunter’s Daughter has to be on your reading list!