I'm a little behind these days on posting... but I finished this one recently and let me tell you I was creeped right out... like the whole time... @roznay You have a way with words and I like it! I won't say anything else other than if this isn't on your TBR list, it should be!!!

Thank you @netgalley for a copy of this ARC

Last year I read Roz Nay’s 2020 release Hurry Home and completely adored it. I then went back to read her first novel, Our Little Secret and loved it even more, sealing Roz’s status as one of my favourite authors.

So understandably I was then very excited to read her latest offering, The Hunted, and as expected it definitely didn’t disappoint. Set in Africa, this thriller, both allowed me to “travel” again which I loved, and also made me very glad to be in the safe comfort of my own home and not a terrifying hostel. 🤣

Two couples meet while backpacking and become friends but we soon realise not everyone’s intentions are quite as innocent.

I love travel thrillers and feel that there is a huge gap in the market for them so I couldn’t be happier to see an author like Roz filling that gap.

This book was fast paced and atmospheric and had me instantly hooked, right from that super creepy Prologue! Definitely recommend!

Roz Nay completes the hat trick. Three books, all hits and this one might give Our Little Secret a run for its money with my favourite of hers. It's no secret I'm very picky with thrillers, but this one was such an original plot, I couldn't get enough. The Hunted had a bit of everything - travel, creepy characters, confusing characters, a twisty, unpredictable plot line and an ending to remember.

Leo - probably one of the best characters I've read in a thriller in a long time. I had no idea what I thought and felt about him throughout the entire book but it sure did work. I had absolutely no idea what the outcome of this book would be, even when I thought I'd figured it out, I really hadn't expected that ending.

Can we talk about that prologue? If that doesn't get you immediately interested, are you even a thriller lover?

Prepare yourself for this dark and creepy travel thriller set in Africa as you won't be able to put it down! The Hunted is about two couples, Stevie and Jacob and Tamsin and Leo, who meet while backpacking. Friendships form... then things start to go sideways....and the book really takes off from there.
The characters were well written and likable/unlikable in all the right ways, which kept me interested right until the end. As did the plot twists and creep factor!
If you're in the mood for a fast paced thriller that will give you travel envy and keep you engaged thr whole way through then you definitely need to add this one to your TBR.

Hey book lovers! I'm here with a book review for The Hunted by Roz Nay, who also wrote Our Little Secret and Hurry Home. I jumped at the chance to request an arc for The Hunted after giving Hurry Home four stars. This is being marketed as a mystery/thriller, however, I think it's a suspense story because the danger builds gradually and the reader knows information that the protagonist does not know.

About The Book 📚
Title: The Hunted

Author: Roz Nay

Publication Date: July 6, 2021

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Suggested Reader Age: 16+

Genre: Suspense

Rep: British/Nigerian

Triggers: animal cruelty, emotional abuse, child neglect, toxic relationship, alcohol, anxiety, graphic injuries, fat-shaming, car accident, death, loss of a loved one, trauma, violence, stalking.
My Review
› The first sentence of the prologue plunged me right into the suspense and left me wondering: what could have scared Jacob? Who is after Stevie?


"A hand over my mouth wakes me, the skin of it tinny with metal and salt."


› In the summer before eleventh grade Stevie was in a car accident with three other teenagers, one of them her best friend Cassia who was killed in the horrible wreck. Stevie said she chose to start dating Jacob because he was the only one who didn't question her about the accident.
› Eight years later, Stevie is running her grandmother's pub and Jacob is working as a commercial driver, but everything fell apart after her grandmother died six weeks ago without a will, so everything went to the state. Stevie lost the pub and the apartment above it that she was living in with Jacob. Jacob accepts a job in Africa working as a diver protecting the reef from dynamite fishing off the coast of Tanzania for three months. He convinces Stevie that the change of scenery would be good.
› They check in at a hostel in Nairobi, Kenya and Stevie has a terrifying experience in the shower. The reader meets Leo - who saw Stevie and immediately became obsessed with her. The story is told from Stevie and Leo's perspective with flashbacks to their past. Leo overhears their plans to take the train south to a beach resort on their way to Tanzania and convinces his girlfriend Tamsin that they should check out Diani Beach resort too. Stevie and Jacob meet Leo and Tamsin on the train, and when they run into each other at the resort Leo convinces Stevie and Jacob that it's a coincidence. Jacob falls for Leo's charisma, and they discover Leo and Tamsin have plans to volunteer at the same Ecodive company on Rafiki Island where Jacob will be working. On the island Stevie will learn a lot about her sexuality, Cassia's death, and her relationship with Jacob. The suspense builds as Stevie becomes aware of how much danger we know she's in.

› I use the CAWPILE method to rate books.
0-3 Really bad
4-6 Mediocre
7-9 Really good
10 Outstanding

› Characters: 5

› Atmosphere: 5

› Writing Style: 5

› Plot: 5

› Intrigue: 5

› Logic: 4
"We pay the driver whatever he asks for." This felt lazy. Couldn't the author, editor, or someone have looked up what the rate of pay would have been for a taxi ride? Here...let's see how long it takes me to figure it out.



https://www.taxi-calculator.com/taxi-fare-estimation
Hmmm...took me about 3 minutes. And look at that. A taxi ride from the Mombasa train station to Diani Beach would be about 90 minutes, not one hour like it says in the book. The cost would be about 6,320 KES, which is about $73 Canadian or $58 US. Including this small detail would have given the story a more authentic feeling. If you're writing a story set in Africa, make me FEEL like I'm in Africa!

Jacob is supposed to be this super nice guy who helped Stevie after the traumatic car accident that killed her best friend, yet he has unkind actions throughout the story. For example, they are out drinking at the beach resort, and when Stevie says she's tired and going to walk back to their hut Jacob lets her walk back alone. Rule #1, you don't let your partner or even a friend walk home alone in the dark, especially in a brand new place.
› Enjoyment: 4
I disliked the numerous incidences of fat shaming from more than one character.
"She kneels up on the mattress, her stomach a series of skin lines and no fat." - Leo
"He was fat, though, wasn't he? Like, actually obese." - Tamsin
"She can fit." Leo looks right at me. "She's perfect."
"Across the table, I could see Jacob taking in Tamsin's long, elegant arms; the tightness of her hips and belly..."
"One of them was huge, too, a bit of a fatty."
"Nattie wore lace-up, mannish shoes and sat with her legs straight out, comically thick at the ankles." - Stevie
Average 4.7
1.1-2.2 = ★
2.3-4.5 = ★★
4.6-6.9 = ★★★
7-8.9 = ★★★★
9-10 = ★★★★★

My Rating ★★★

› Final Thoughts
• I am disappointed in The Hunted. Looking beyond the fat-shaming and lack of editing, this is an okay read, with okay characters, an okay plot and a twist at the end.


Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.


*Quotes taken from an ARC copy and subject to change*

Roz Nay does it again, keeps me turning pages, questioning the truth, and looking over my shoulder. The Hunted is set in Africa, as Stevie and Jacob launch into a new life, working in an eco-based dive camp., taking the chance to leave behind the negatives of their lives in the States. What should be exciting and adventurous takes a frightening turn as Stevie starts to wonder if she is being stalked. Leo and Tasmin are fellow backpackers, and appear to have it all: money, charisma, and good looks. But what is the truth below the surface? What motivates them? And where is the limit?

A classic obsession story, set in the heat and beauty of Africa, makes for a great addition to your summer reading list. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for an advance reading copy, in exchange for an honest review.

Well if this wasn't the perfect summer thriller, I don't know what else you want! Roz is such a great story teller, with just the right amount of suspense and the perfect page turning pace! The Hunted follows a couple looking for a fresh start at an Eco-Tourist Dive Camp on Rafiki Island off the coast of Tanzania. When they meet another couple on the way there, who just so happens to be going to the same camp as volunteers, oddly convenient isn't it? The story is told from 2 points of view, Stevie who's looking for a fresh start after her grandmother passes away, and Leo the backpacker who has, shall we say, set his eyes on Stevie, and can't seem to look away! When things start to go sideways at the dive camp, I was frantically turning the pages to figure out what is going on! And as always, Roz did not disappoint!

Stevie and her boyfriend Jacob are backpacking through Africa heading to a small island off the coast of Tanzania following some upheavals in Stevie's life. They meet up with the charismatic Leo and his girlfriend Tamsin and decide to travel together to the dive camp where Jacob is to start a new job. Coincidentally (or not!) Leo and Tamsin have signed up as volunteers at the same camp.

The prologue was very eerie and there was a sense of foreboding from the beginning. The story is told in alternating chapters by Stevie and Leo and I was drawn into it totally. I found the description of the various locations to be very realistic and I could almost taste the dust and feel the heat in Africa. I'm embarrassed to admit that, in spite of my years of reading experience, I totally fell for all the red herrings and was merrily going down the wrong path almost to the end. Great twist or maybe it was just an omission of all the facts. Either way, Roz Nay got me! This is the second book by her that I've read and I'll definitely read anything else she writes. I debated whether to give this book 4 or 5 stars but realized I was letting myself be swayed by the not-so-favorable reviews and to me this was a 5-Star read!

Thank you to Netgalley and to Simon & Schuster Canada for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This book had me from the start. There were interesting characters as well as mystery and suspense. It takes place in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of strangers and you need to know who to trust. Thanks to Net Galley for getting a chance to read it early!

Two couples who meet backpacking through Africa, but what begins as friendship quickly turns to obsession, with deadly consequences.

I’ve never backpacked internationally jumping from hostel to hostel and now I know why! It’s scary! The book begins with a creepy tone and as it progress I was intrigued with the obsession. There were a few moments where the pace was slower but the story was mysterious and I needed to know how it ended.

With the premise of a friendship that quickly turns to obsession with deadly consequences, Roz Nay's latest work delivers on so many levels. The Hunted is slick and propulsive, a chilling page-turner that can easily be devoured in one sitting.

The vivid, yet surprisingly claustrophobic setting has the characters seeing some of the most remote beaches in Africa. Drawing on her own time spent there working at dive camps, Nay is an expert guide to her reader. Always impressive is how polished her writing is.

Perfectly paced, expertly plotted, The Hunted is gripping from the first page. Written from Stevie and Leo's perspective, this high-octane thriller is full of shocking twists. It kicks off with an absolutely explosive Prologue and builds to its stunning conclusion.

Nay expertly spins an insidious web that captures her reader in a tale of suspense, obsession, and deception. This escapist novel is as menacing as it is beautiful—a must-read this summer.

Roz Nay’s “The Hunted” is a twisty thriller about two couples who meet backpacking through Africa, but what begins as friendship quickly turns to obsession, with deadly consequences.

As a huge fan of Nay’s writing, I’ve been eagerly anticipating this release all year. Thankfully, “The Hunted” does not disappoint. It’s a cinematic and page-turning read that is perfect for devouring at the beach, cottage, or other summer escapes.

Be prepared to consume this one in a single sitting. It’s addictive, extremely well-paced and the dual narrative from opposing characters Leo & Stevie offer alternate perspectives to the plot. My one complaint is the way the ending unfolds - it comes across as a bit choppy and hurried. The issue for me isn’t the ending itself but more so that the novel leading up to it is so smooth and seamless it causes the reveal at the end to seem somewhat heavy handed.

Sincere thanks to the team at Simon & Schushter Canada and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book started off with action immediately. The opening chapter took place about the midway point of the book and then backtracked so the readers were caught up with the story.

It was a fast paced book and I was immediately hooked from the first page. I did find the characters to be a bit annoying, but the storyline was fairly solid. I thought I kind of guessed what the twist was going to be, but I was still surprised by how it turned out.

A good summer read. 3.5 stars.

This one came out on Tuesday and I highly suggest running out to buy it or at the very minimum adding it to your summer reading list. OR if you’re from Canada - thanks to @simon -you can win a copy in my stories - make sure to check it out!

My first (long overdue) Roz Nay book will most definitely not be my last. This book was such a unique thriller and I absolutely devoured it.

The premise was so original and the writing completely transports you into backpacking life as a traveller.

Atmospheric, chilling and surprising! I loved the dual POV - it worked so well and kept me guessing. While I had suspicions of how it would all unfold - I didn’t get it quite right and I LOVE that.

2.5/ 5 stars

The Hunted is a psychological thriller. It is my second book by this author.

This book is divided into 3 parts and takes place in Africa. The narrators are Stevie (24 - female, 1st person POV) and Leo (28, 1st person POV).

The book is about two couples who meet while backpacking. Stevie and her boyfriend Jacob have been having a difficult time. So they decide that he will take a job as a diver off the coast of Tanzania in Africa.

Leo and his girlfriend Tamsin are also backpacking around Africa. Leo was an interesting POV. He was creepy and a bit stalkerish. I love reading about stalkers.

I loved that Africa was the setting. Although I definitely wish that the country had been described more.

The book had a slow start. The really interesting things only happen towards the end. I saw that some of the book was going to take place on an island. So I was hopeful that the island part of the story would be riveting with chases and exciting stuff happening. But it actually took much longer than I expected for them to get to the island. And it was not as thrilling as I was hoping.

The last part of the book was definitely the strongest. There was a lot happening. And some of it was definitely unexpected. Overall, this book had a lot of potential. And I think that the premise was really good.

This book gave me the heebee geebees - IN A GOOD WAY! In the beginning, I was definitely creeped out and I couldn't make up my mind who was the real villain. Which made me question where Roz was going to take these characters and if I was right in who I decided the villain actually was. Part one was definitely the build-up, with part two being the wild roller coaster ride and part 3 brought closure to everything.

This story was slow to build up suspense but when it got going, it was explosive. I enjoyed the amazing descriptions of Africa and the beaches. I thought I knew where the story was going, but the ending surprised me. If you enjoy character driven stories The Hunted is the book for you. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

Oh Roz Nay, you had me hooked right from the first chapter! If you're a suspense reader, you're going to want to pickup Nay's just released novel, The Hunted!

Stevie and her boyfriend Jacob decide to leave their small town and go on an adventure. They're headed to a secluded island where they'll work at a dive camp. (#1Beware of secluded islands!) On their way to Rafiki, they stay at a hostel that's a bit iffy. (#2) Stevie feels like someone is watching her. But then they meet Leo and Tamsin, a pair of seasoned travelers that make them feel a bit more settled. And guess what! Yes, they're headed to Rafiki as well. (#3) Oh, the stage is set. (And there's one little detail in the opening chapters that I thought was perfect - take note of what book one of the other hostel guests is reading...)

We see the trip through Stevie's eyes and are privy to her worries, her doubts - and her fears. And who else has a point of view? Leo does. I'm not going to say more, but Leo's inner thoughts and dialogue are more than a little scary. The reader is aware of the overall picture - and the danger. I love that 'watching a scary movie with a pillow, ready to yell 'Don't go in the basement' feeling. And Nay has nailed it!

The tension builds with every chapter, ensuring a 'can't put it down read.' Which I didn't - it was done in a day. There's a nice twist as the end comes closer - I had my suspicions that this twist might transpire, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment at all. Perfect for back porch, beach chair reading!

Well I have officially been introduced to the thriller world of Roz Nay, through her most recent release “The Hunted.” Special thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the advance e-copy of this book.

Now this story is a twisty in your face summer read, that deals with two couples who meet backpacking through Africa. What begins as a potential friendship soons turns into obsession and some major consequences. Friendships and romances will be put to the test all throughout this entire story.

I just loved reading this. My book friends continually talked about Roz and her books, but I just hadn’t gotten into any of her books. But now that summer's here I dove in headfirst and I was not disappointed. This had all elements of a thriller that I liked. I loved the twists, the alternating points of view, the build up throughout the story and by drawing the reader in with a flashback to the climax of the story. All of these things worked so well to bring this thriller to life.

3.5 stars

I love it when a thriller starts off with an exciting scene. However, things start to kinda slow down as the story progresses. It didn’t bother me, but I did find some of the events that took place between characters a bit awkward, like they were almost forced and unrealistic.

I absolutely loved the setting and the twist at the end. I had my suspicions, but still wasn’t sure how things would play out.

This was my first read by Roz Nay and won’t be last.