A serial kidnapper is playing a game of life and death with FBI Special Agent Lucas Jordan, and for 18 months, the kidnapper has been winning, killing his victims after the ransom is paid, after terrorizing them. Psyhic Jordan has a paranormal block that allows him to reach the kidnapped victims too late by feeling their fear. His ex-lover, seer Samantha Burke, is telling fortunes in a travelling circus until they are reunited in Golden, where the kidnapper has staged his battle of wits. The kidnapper makes it personal, by attacking the local sheriff's force, and Samantha has to push Lucas to his absolute limits to stop the madman. ( )

Fast paced, interesting, fun to read. ( )

This is an exciting crime thriller with detectives that have psychic abilities. The plot had some unexpected twists and left the killer's identity hidden until near the end of the book. The methods of killing are particularly gruesome and frightening, including a timed guillotine, drowning in a tank that fills slowly and being buried alive. ( )

Hunting Fear
4 Stars

SCU member, Lucas Jordan, possesses the unique ability to sense a victim’s terror and uses it to find those who are missing. However, Lucas’s skill is put to the test when a seemingly routine case of kidnapping for ransom turns into something far more dangerous and personal.

Series Note: This is the first book in Hooper’s Fear trilogy but the seventh book in the Bishop Special Crimes Unit series. While this is the first time Lucas and his love interest, Samantha, are introduced, there are minor references to characters from previous installments.

As with the earlier books in Hooper’s SCU series, the twists and turns of the narrative and the diabolical nature of the crimes lead to a fast paced and engrossing read. The romance, however, takes a back seat to the action.

Most of the characters are fleshed out well, and it is easy to empathize and sympathize with their predicaments. Nevertheless, the hero is not as well-developed and the lack of characterization impacts the reader’s ability to follow the clues to the culprit’s identity. Likewise, Lucas's relationship with Samantha lacks foundation and background, so their conflict comes across as superficial and tiresome.

Consequently, readers expecting romance with their tension and suspense will be disappointed as this book, and the series as a whole, are firmly in the genre of paranormal mystery rather than romantic suspense. However, those interested in a solid thriller with excellent secondary characters and some gritty murders should pick it up. ( )

Suspense, suspense, suspense only exceeded by mystery,and tied up by the paranormal. Luke Jordan is the FBI/SCI agent in charge of finding and stopping a serial kidnapper.
The many twists and turns kept the pages turning until the end. Characters that are so different yet so real. Can't wait for the next in the series. ( )