Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Brad Taylor https://bradtaylorbooks.com is the author of more than 25 novels. Hunter Killer was published in 2020 and is the 14th novel in his Pike Logan Thriller series. This was the 92nd book I completed in 2022.

I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of delivering a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence and mature language, I categorize this novel as R. The primary character is Pike Logan.

Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill are on the verge of embarking on a mission to South America when a car explosion kills the Taskforce’s Director. While the authorities rule that the explosion and resulting death was an accident, Logan feels sure that it was an assassination and that he was the intended target.

With the Director dead, the Taskforce is languishing without leadership. Logan fears that the Taskforce may finally be retired. As he begins to investigate, a Russian conspiracy begins to emerge. The Russians want to manipulate the upcoming election in Brazil. The Taskforce has been targeted because the Russians feared that they had been closing in.

After contact is lost with part of the Taskforce team already in Brazil, Pike and Cahill head south. In spite of the order to stand down, Pike and Cahill feel obligated to go to the aid of their brothers in arms.

I enjoyed the 9.5 hours I spent reading this 474-page thriller. I have had the opportunity to read and review four other books by Taylor. They have all been consistently enjoyable. The others are The Insider Threat, Ghosts of War, Ring of Fire, and End of Days. Taylor always seems able to bring the action alive on the pages of his novels. While reading the novels of a series in order is always best, these do well as stand-alone reads. I do like the cover art. I give this novel a rating of 5 out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

Great thriller that kept me turning the pages. Great story, great writing and characters. Really enjoyable and would read this author again.

Confused plot

Pike Logan leads the sharp end of Taskforce, a SAS type organised band of experts, the difference being that it’s American and operates outside the law. It is the fourteenth in the Taskforce series but can just about be read as a standalone.

Logan’s boss and friend is killed by a bomb meant for him, and this sets off a train of events that runs from South Carolina to Brazil. The Russians, who were the perpetrators, soon find out what kind of animal they have unleashed, and the hunt is on.

Unfortunately, very few authors can maintain consistent quality over a series of novels, and Brad Taylor is no exception. I was never really sure why the Russians were out to kill Logan in the first place. It seemed unnecessary, and rather than furthering their objectives, it drew attention to themselves and almost invited Taskforce to become involved in their overall plans.

The number of characters involved in the plot led to confusion, and the author’s insistence on very short chapters resulted in a feeling of 40+ very short, separate stories. There was no continuity and little introduction to some chapters, so it was extremely difficult to determine whether the subject of the chapter was Taskforce or the Russians. On several occasions, by the time I had worked it out, the chapter had finished. Another reviewer has commented that this is the first of Taylor’s novels to be released in the UK, explaining the truncated chapter format – written for the American market.

I am sure that this latest addition will be lauded and praised by those who have read the previous 13 books and are clearly aficionados. It in no way was engaging enough for me to consider starting at the beginning of the series.

mr zorg

Elite Reviewing group received a copy of the book to review.

So this is the 14th novel in this series with Pike Logan as the lead character. This is;however, the first first Pike Logan novel I have read, and I believe the first Brad Taylor novel I have read. This is an exciting spy novel if you can define it as such. Since Pike Logan isn’t necessarily a spy, I don’t know if it fully fits into that classification. This is a contemporary tale, with a group of Russian adversaries looking to knockoff a Brazilian presidential candidate because they of course have an agenda that will benefit mother Russia. Considering the times we are living in, this seems like something that was ripped right out of the headlines. Both fast paced and well written, the story was engaging. If there was any downside to this novel, it is that I didn’t read the first 13 books in the series. This one can stand alone, but since these characters have a long history, it would be nice to have that background. Review posted to Amazon, Litsy, LibraryThing, Facebook, and Goodreads.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. HUNTER KILLER has a lot of action, which readers have come to expect and enjoy. Action aside, there are problematic issues that preclude an enjoyable or even satisfying read.

First, there are many references to exploits found in prior books in this series... and they are referenced without explanation, Without knowledge of this background, the reader is left confusingly in the dark. While previous story arcs can be mentioned, it happens far too frequently here. This is not a stand alone novel.!

Another problem is choppy transitions. The reader is immersed in one story arc, without knowledge of the setting - no “ setting up” whatsoever. Then, is jerked to another story arc, in another country, with other characters... done without preamble. This lack of smooth transitioning is frustrating at best.

Thirdly, but perhaps of greatest significance, is the lack of character development. There is an attempt to delve into the characterization of Pike and Jennifer the two main protagonistS, but this reader feels they are still flat. Bemoaning the characters “falling into the abyss” Is WORN DOWN (and the reader worn out) by its excessIve overuse! Referencing ‘the abyss’ fails to illicit new depth for the characters, which no doubt was the intent. The author “tells” but does not “show” .

As I reflect why I keep trying books in this series, I think it is because I connected with Pike and Jennifer in the first few installments in this series. However, subsequent books have not been as satisfying nor is Pike the appealing character that I once thought. I need to stick with the “other Brad”.

Sometimes you need a little shoot him up action. Pike Logan and his crew are now the hunted. When one of his faithful friends but more like family is killed in his place, it becomes a family thing not a mission thing. Questions become why is he being targeted? What are the implications? His crew is a handful men and women that he has deep ties to and they have seen the dark side of Pike Logan. With this new unsanctioned mission, his better half Jennifer tries to keep the balance he needs not to go to the dark side. Does he kill to kill or is he is justified in his killing?

The mission is hazy but the threat is real. The hunt starts in home base and puts his team in Brazil. Is there research for this thriller? In fact, there is which makes it believable and a turning page grab. With political implications and the threat of Pike's family, there is a little bit of everything. Pike is one of those complex characters that unfold with each new assignment. He is black and white and his struggle is with the gray. I think that is what make him so compelling and enjoyable to read.

A special thank you to Aria Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

In Hunter Killer, Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill are preparing to join their team on a counter-terrorist mission in the lawlessregion where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet. A vicious explosion kills their friend Kirk Hale and Pike Logan and Taskforce are tasked with finding the group who killed their leader while trying to kill Pike. Pike cannot connect with his team in South America and he and Jennifer head to Brazil to find them. They run into a crew of Russian assassins, who appear to be involved in a scheme involving Brazilian politics and a battle for control of offshore oil fields.Pike enlists the help of his elite Israeli assassins. Pike will stop at nothing to protect his Taskforce family and find the men responsible for the death of his friend. I am a huge Pike Logan fan and this installment is another winner.

Hunter Killer is Brad Taylor’s fourteenth book in his Pike Logan series. Even though this is book fourteen in the series, Mr. Taylor made it easy to follow as a standalone.

Hunter Killer is another expertly written novel from this master of the action thriller. Taylor has once again done his research and deftly blends reality and fiction. The historical and technological details are expertly rendered. The scenery is exquisitely detailed and seamlessly blended into the riveting plot. Taylor takes the reader around every historic corner and to breath-taking summits. Pike Logan is as intriguing as ever and Jennifer and the rest of the team are the ultimate supporting cast. This is a thriller from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed this fourteenth edition of Pike Logan’s escapades. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all readers who enjoy intense action and an overall exciting thriller.

My thanks to Aria and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

If you are looking for subtle and sophisticated look away now. I half expected to the words Boom and Kapow to leap off the pages as “our” psychopathic wrecking crew took on “their” psychopathic” baddies. That said I enjoyed the book! The story lines linked throughout the relentless action set both in southern America and South America, whilst morality, loyalty and above all family/friendship were all severely tested as both sides sought to gain the upper hand in this black ops thriller relating to oil and attempted political manipulation.
Not an author I had previously followed but courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley the opportunity arose. My thanks to them. Pike Logan and Task Force may have just got a new fan.

My thoughts,about this brilliantly written, fast moving action thriller,was outstanding,story set in South America was fantastic.What I loved about the story was, what would you do, to protect,your team if they were in  great danger of a deadly attack,was just fantastic,the action and suspense that unfolds, at the end was a gripping nail biting ending. The characters were amazing, be it Pike Logan, who I loved the most, as he is a fearless character, who will stop at nothing to protect his team against the Russian Assassins, Jennifer Cahill, was also a outstanding character, which I thought was another hardhiting character.Author former Special Forces Officer, Brad Taylor,has written a powerful action thriller,that truly had me turning the pages,loved how Brad, manages to balance the characters and the storyline together is truly remarkable. Highly recommended. A well written, fast moving action thriller, that takes your breath away. I would like to say thank you to author Brad Taylor, bloggers Aries and netgalley for giving me a chance to read and review this outstanding action conspiracy thriller. 💥💥💥💥💥⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I love Brad Taylor's books because they seem realistic (in kind of a scary way)! This was no different. I couldn't put it down - it was such a page turner. I definitely recommend this one.

Excellently paced and action-packed from the very beginning, HUNTER KILLER by Brad Taylor is an adrenalin junkie's dream and is a sure-fire hit.

When someone close to Pike is killed, he will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth because he doesn't believe it was an accident, and he will take his revenge on anyone who would attack one of his family. With his team separated it isn't long before Pike realises that the situation is even more sinister than he feared and as the clock ticks down, he will do whatever it takes to find those he cares for and finish this, for good.

Danger, tension, plots, and lies are all just part of a normal day in HUNTER KILLER and the story fizzes with energy from the first sentence to the last. This is the fourteenth book in the Pike Logan series but can easily be read as a standalone if you would prefer. The characters are layered and intriguing, and there was never a dull moment in this story which is saying something.
The plot, the characters, the setting, and the atmosphere are all expertly written and HUNTER KILLER by Brad Taylor is an all-round riveting read. I look forward to reading more from Brad Taylor.

This story gets your attention from the first page. Focusing on contemporary issues, it's complex plot delivers an intense and often violent read. It's part of a long-running series but reads as a standalone. Although to appreciate the team dynamic and character development, it's advisable to read the books that come before, which I haven't yet.

The setting is vividly described and evokes all the reader's senses. The plot is fast-paced and keeps its momentum until the various sub-plots integrate into an impactful conclusion. The cast of characters is believable and the connection between the various team members, authentic and relatable.

Geopolitics, revenge and ruthless individuals define this story. Pike and his team are diverse and flawed, but their commitment to each other resonates.

I received a copy of this book from Aries Fiction - Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Boy, oh boy!! This is an amazing, gritty, fast paced, edge of your seat thriller right from page one, where it opens in dramatic fashion and doesn't ease up once, right to the last page. The story grasp your attention and the imagination from the start, it's a heart-stopping, exciting and riveting. Brad Taylor certainly knows how to fully engage a reader with his intense and engaging narrative and knowledgeable detail.
This is the first book by Brad Taylor I've read and it definitely will not be the last, I thoroughly enjoy his lightening speed and gripping story telling which had me hooked. Hunter Killer is apart of the Pike Logan series, and even though there are aspects that I am assuming are connected with other books from the series you can very easily read this as a stand-alone, I will now be hunting down the previous books in the series to see where it all started.
This is one of those books that you can't really say too much about, you can't do an in-depth review off as there is so much entwined with the main story unless, off course you don't mind giving away or reading a huge amount of spoilers - something which I resolutely refuse to do. The lead character; Pike is a compelling and very complex man, it's fascinating getting to know him, even though at times he did come across as though he was constantly living on the edge, his volatile emotions were constantly warring with his reasoning and he has an ever present anger bubbling beneath the surface which makes self-control difficult especially in times when he needs a level head. I loved getting to know his team and the others in the Taskforce, the relationship between the characters are just as the back blurb says, they are 'family' each one is developed marvellously you become invested in this team, but don't get too attached as with all thriller's not all will come through the other side.
There are quite a few sub-plots which run side by side with the main story, in some ca this may be seen as busy or trying put too much into one story, but I really liked how these smaller sub-plots work themselves seamlessly within the main plot and how they become resolved before the finale.
This is a hugely enjoyable, stirring and addictive read and this series is certainly one to follow, if you love your twisty, fast-paced thrillers then you are going to love this one, I can't wait to dive into more Pike Logan adventures!

Hunter Killer Brad Taylor is an excellent summer beach boik. THe plot moves quckly from one adventure to another. The main character Pike Logan. has a very interesting personality. He can be very viollent and has trouble controlling his anger and other strong emotions. He tries to do the right thing and usually does but his difficiulty with self control is a huge issue. I enjoyed the book but wonder if Pike needs more structure and self control

If you like thrillers, you're almost guaranteed to like a Brad Taylor novel. With high ratings from +1000 readers, this is a safe bet for a good read.

Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!

Another good Pike Logan adventure story. Fast moving, lots of action, bad guys get what they have coming to them while the good guy wins in the end.

A rollercoaster ride of an adventure book following Pike as he attempts to get the " baddies" who killed his friend and also want to kill him. There's quite a lot of violence but it is not gratuitous. Interesting fellow characters and you are rooting for the main "good" characters. Set in Charleston, USA and Brazil. The Brazil scenes describe parts of Brazil in such a way that I now want to visit Brazil. Oh and the Piranha boat, wow! Remind me to never get in a rubber dinghy in Piranha infested waters!

I've read all the Brad Taylor books with Pike Logan as the main character, and have love them all. This one is also a great read. Fast paced and hard to put down. I highly recommend this book.