There have been many books involving serial killers as this seems to be a trend that has caught on with thriller authors. This book, as well, has a serial killer as its focus. However, there are a different type of investigators who strive to find this disturbed and wanton killer.

Agent Nadine Finch is a profiler who has had quite a past. She and her brother have a serial killer as their mother. In fact, most of Dr Finch's family, dating back generations, have had murder in their makeup. Certainly, Nadine has scars, internal ones, that she suffers from, wondering if those killer instincts of her family, were passed down to her? That worry consumes her and her relationships with others, especially the man she loves, Clint, a homicide detective. She has chosen this line of work she is entrenched in, because she feels a commitment to those who have been harmed by killers. She has vowed never to return to the place where her mother conducted her killings, the Ocala National Forest, and yet now, she finds herself there along with her team, investigating the heinous killing of Nikki Darnell. Nadine's team is also comprised of people who have had parents who were dangerous and in prison for their crimes. It's a most intriguing group of people and their work is certainly cut out for them as this killer is a predator who revels in the torture of his victims and then weakens them to hunt them down with a crossbow leaving each victim with an arrowhead embedded in them.

After much investigation, Nadine trips to the fact that this killer has targeted women who have been in contact with her and seems to be homing in on her as he draws closer and closer to her. As all serial killers seem to be, he is ruthless, intelligent, and is able to hide in plain sight. As he draws closer, the team is also in grave danger as his ultimate plan to capture Nadine takes a deadly grip on all those who are within her circle.

Certainly, this was one of those "unputdownable" stories that kept the action and suspense going from the very start to the close of the story. Nadine and the other characters were a fine study in the oftentimes guilt children carry because of the deeds of their parents and family. This was the second book in the series and although I have not read the first one, I do intend to, as Jenna Keman has created characters who have faced such adversity and still have courage and true grit in their makeup.

I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy a story that blends a perfect mixture of suspense, fright and edge of your seat awareness with characters that are well developed and have the determination to see that justice is served and evil is aborted.

Thank you to Jenna Keman, Bookuture, and NetGalley for a copy of this intriguing book due out on May 25, 2021.

When it appears that a new serial killer has begun capturing victims in the same hunting grounds as infamous FBI profiler Nadine Finch’s incarcerated mother, she immediately comes home to help with the investigation.

As women continue to vanish, Nadine must think like a predator in order to anticipate his next move.

As she uncovers more information and builds her profile, she develops a harrowing theory about her connection to the huntsman.

The suspense of Nadine’s investigation intertwined with graphic details from the huntman’s pov grips the reader from page to chilling page. A must read thriller!

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this Arc in exchange for an honest review.

TW: Graphic murder, sexual predation, serial murder

Amazing!! Absolutely an edge-of-your-seat book. Will Nadine Finch figure out who is leaving dead bodies in their wake to lure her to them? Follow her as she steps back into her own traumatic path and find this killer.

I loved this. I would recommend to friends and family.

Thanks so much to NetGalley & Bookouture for the eARC of The Hunted Girls by Jenna Kernan, this is set to be published May 25!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a great read! A few quick things right off the bat, I have not read the first book in this series! Though, I definitely plan to! Because of this, I feel like I have lost a lot of backstory with the main characters. I feel like there is a slow burning backstory, that I don’t want to miss, so I would advise reading the first book in this series before this one.

That being said, this was a very captivating & easy flowing book that I just couldn’t put down. Though I’m not typically an overly huge crime novel fan, I enjoyed the characters & the story. I’m very excited to see how this story progresses.

It was a bit more ‘gritty’ then I would normally read, but I use that term very lightly. I definitely recommend this book, though as I already said, I’d advise you read the first book before this one, to have more of a full picture. I can’t wait to read more about Det. Nadine Finch!

This was the first Jenna Kernan book I have read but it definitely won’t be the last! It was pacey, with a great plot offering lots of twists and turns and likeable characters.

I wish I had read the first book in the Nadine Finch series, not because this book wasn’t a great standalone plot (it was) but because I don’t feel I could go back and read it now. This book gives away enough spoilers for the first book that I probably wouldn’t enjoy it if I did read it.

I can see Nadine and Demko having many more adventures between them.

The Hunted Girls – Jenna Kernan

FBI Agent Dr. Nadine Finch has just completed some training at FBI Headquarters and is returning home to the Tampa, FL Field Office and a few days with her boyfriend, when she learns of a possible new serial killer operating nearby, using her mother’s old stomping grounds to seemingly hunt his victims, with two bodies having been found in the last several days. Despite her misgivings about ever returning to the Ocala woods, Nadine feels compelled to assist.

No stranger to serials – her mother and her uncle having been prolific killers – Nadine reluctantly agrees to assist the Ocala team as a consultant only, hoping to keep her name, and the inevitable dredging up of the past, out of the news. She also assembles her own team of investigators – her significant other, Detective Clint Demko, Dr. Juliette Hartfield, friend & medical examiner, and her administrative assistant, Tina Ruz.

As Nadine and her team familiarize themselves with the case and the victims, it becomes readily apparent that this killer likes to starve, maim, torment, and then free his captives, only to hunt them down with a crossbow, and to watch as they are predated by alligators. As more victims go missing, Nadine realizes to her horror that she has a connection, however small, to each of the victims – and that this killer knows who she is and will not stop until he gets what he wants – and he wants Nadine…

And yet another great series that I have stumbled onto thanks to Netgalley! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and these characters. Nadine’s character is refreshing as a female protagonist who struggles at times with her own identity, and is fearful that she carries the killer gene, and therefore the capacity to kill like other members of her family have done. She’s also searching for a father who presumably left the family after her birth, but whom she suspects may also have fallen victim to her mother. A suspenseful, ‘couldn’t put it down’ read, with some unanswered questions that have me anxiously awaiting the next of the series!

I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from #Netgalley & Bookouture in exchange for an objective review. Do you love to read?? Visit Netgalley.com and start reviewing books today!!

Having just completed her FBI training, Dr. Nadine Finch is looking forward to a romantic reunion with Det. Clint Demko. On the way home she gets a call that she is needed right away for a case in Ocala. She negotiates her terms to have her own team join her in Ocala. Clint, Juliette and Tina reunite to assist Nadine create a profile and locate a serial killer.

I was very happy to see the four friends which had bonded during the last book reunite. The character's personalities have been interwoven into the story making them more of a "family" and an important part of the story. These characters have each overcome their horrible upbringing turning it from adversity to strengths as they support each other. I look forward to the next book in the series.

I couldn't put this one down! I don't know where to begin with this thriller thrill ride. Twists and turns, surprises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Jenna Kerman knows how to keep readers engaged.

Book 2 in the Nadine Finch series did not disappoint. A solid addition to this series, I really enjoyed the story, the characters, etc. As with all series, I recommend reading this one after you've read book one.

Thank you #netgalley and #bookouture for the earc.

Thankyou to Netgalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found the story captivating instantly. Although I didn’t realize this book was the second in a series and not having read the first book, I actually didn’t pick up it was a sequel by the way it was written. This story unfolds rather quickly, making it hard to put down with all the events taking place.
Excellently written, and like I said before, very captivating. If you’re looking for a novel you won’t be able to set down this is your next read!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Hunted Girls, the second novel to feature FBI profiler Dr Nadine Finch.

Nadine has just returned home to Florida from her FBI training when she is asked to go to Ocala to consult on a potential serial killer case, two bodies have been found, each with an arrowhead embedded. It seems that they have been hunted and tortured before being killed.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Hunted Girls, which is a high octane read with plenty of twists and turns. I recognise some elements as coming from real life crimes and was interested in the way the author weaves them into her narrative. As a whole the novel is highly entertaining and kept me engrossed from start to finish, but, despite the incorporation of true crime elements, realism is not a thing, so I just went with the flow and questioned nothing.

The action is non stop, be it physical or simply developments in the case. There is always something going on to hold the reader’s attention or arouse the curiosity. What is not apparent is the killer’s identity or his motivation, although this latter is the first to be revealed as Nadine works the case and he gets his say about some of this in chapters from his point of view. It’s the usual psychopathic/narcissistic drivel, although, in this case, it adds a certain frisson to proceedings.

Dr Nadine Finch belongs to a family of killers, dating back generations and this colours her view of life, not allowing herself to get close to people and terrified that she has the killer gene. I can understand that, but it gets a bit grating in fiction when she never shuts up about it. The end of the novel hints at a new beginning for her, so hopefully that includes a new mindset.

The Hunted Girls is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

I jumped right in to Nadine Finch's story with this book(skipping book 1) and my only regret is that I didn't read Book 1 first!

I loved the fast-paced action in this novel, Nadine's spunky and intelligent character and of course, the knight in shining armor, Demko. I loved getting into a mystery book that didn't involve your cliche "wife kills husband" murder plots. The author also did an amazing job of intertwining nature and not missing some important geographical details that could have made/broke the book if they were inaccurate. I was able to pick up this book and read with ease without never reading the first one and not feeling like I missed anything of too much importance.

**Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

I did not want this book to end. The writing was fantastic, fast paced, and riveting. Although the villain was diabolically deviant, the story was so good. How did I not see the first book in this series, which I have since bought. Nadine’s team is comprised of members whose parents were murderers. A unique plot twist that I haven’t read before. Nadine’s mother is a serial killer. I go down rabbit holes with books like this and admittedly I am hooked. I have to gush over Clint Demko. I fell for him after the first sentence. I adore how he kisses Nadine’s hand, that just makes me swoon. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

✨BOOK REVIEW

Thank you so much to @netgalley , @bookouture and @Jenna_Kernan for the ARC of The Hunted Girls by Jenna Kernan.

This is book two in the Agent Nadine Finch series but can definitely be read as a stand alone; I hadn’t read the first in the series, The Serial Killer’s Daughter, and I still thoroughly enjoyed this read. I will say, after finishing this, I immediately ordered the first instalment in the series, so if this sounds like something you are interested in you might as well start at the beginning. It is obvious to me from this novel that Kernan is an experienced writer with well fleshed-out characters and intricately planned plots. If you are a fan of Karin Slaughter’s Grant County and Will Trent Series, this novel and series are right up your alley.

SYNOPSIS; Fresh out of the FBI training academy, Agent Nadine Finch is assigned her first case and immediately sent back to her serial killer mother’s old killing grounds where two women have been found left for dead in the swamp with distinctive arrows found in their spines. As Nadine works with her team to establish a profile, more women are discovered. Before she knows what is happening, the investigation is hitting far too close to home, even for someone who was raised by a murderer.

This novel was the definition of an expertly crafted work. I was impressed by Kernan’s ability to intricately unfurl the plot while simultaneously allowing us to get a better glimpse into the main characters personalities, past and motivations; not only was the primary story dark and twisted, but the secondary story lines were deep and developed, making me anxious to see what happens to Nadine, Clint, Tina and Juliette next.

Agent Nadine Finch has just completed her FBI training when she is called upon to join a team hunting a serial killer in Florida. The killer has set up in her mother’s (also a convicted serial killer) former hunting ground and is capturing, torturing and hunting women in an increasingly brutal manner. Nadine and her team race against the clock to identify the culprit and catch them before they can kill again…but does the killer have a hidden agenda when it comes to Nadine herself?

I must admit, I struggled with this book for a number of reasons – one of the main ones being that the writing felt a bit flat and lacking in emotion.

The majority of the male characters (Demko, Skogen, etc) were all quite controlling, telling Nadine and the other women what they could and couldn’t do in a bid to ‘protect them’. While Nadine was a bit weak – letting them boss her around and alternating between agonising over whether her family penchant for murder was genetic and umming and aahing about if she ought to marry Demko.

The criminal profiling was interesting but characters were often explaining police procedures to each other (for the readers benefit) when in reality they wouldn’t have needed to.

I also found the descriptions of the murders to be pretty graphic and there were also quite a few sex scenes which seemed gratuitous.

Not for me unfortunately, although it did pick up the pace toward the end!

Wow this one was a wild ride and definitely a thriller (especially the last like 10 chapters or so)! There were so many things I enjoyed about this book. For starters I loved getting to hear and witness Nadine's thought process as a profiler and thought that was a cool detail. I also thought there was just enough detail regarding the crimes to add creepy vibes to the story without getting too gross and graphic to read. I also enjoyed (and was severely creeped out by) getting small glimpses from the perspective of the killer because it let you see Nadine's profile in action in a way. I also found the twist of him targeting women she knew super interesting and unexpected and appreciated that he didn't just immediately jump to one of her friends like Clint or Tina. I was definitely horrified about why he came to Nadine's mom's hunting grounds and wanted to lure in Nadine but it made for a compelling and unique twist to the trope of the killer interacting with and wanting to meet the detective. The ending scene was so sweet and definitely lightened up the heaviness of the last few chapters. There were a few things I didn't love as much. I could have done without the sex scenes personally but other people might enjoy them more than I did. I also thought sometimes the friendship and romance moments could be cheesy but in the end it was like a relief from the disturbing nature of the book

Agent Nadine Finch is fresh from her FBI training and sent straight away to investigate a serial killer in Ocala National Forest, Florida. She brings with her her team - partner, Detective Clint Demko, Tina and Juliette. 2 women are found dead, and appears to be subject to animal attacks until forensics discover arrow heads buried in their limbs. These ladies were hunted by a killer first. Nadine and the team rush to catch the killer, then discover the killer is targeting women close to Nadine. The need to find the killer heightens before he goes for his ultimate catch - Nadine.
This was a quick paced read which keeps you wanting to carry on to the next chapter, comparable to Chris Carter. Although this book is second in the series, reading the first book is not necessary and all background information on the characters is reiterated. Looking forward to reading the next book. 5 stars.

Really enjoyed reading this dark thriller, I am a big fan of this genre in general. This is the second book in a series but could also be read just fine as a stand alone. So many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fast paced books, and thrillers!

I was completely taken in by the first book in this series and then one sometimes wonders whether the author will be able to create a second book that is as good or even better. But no worries, she delivered and how!
You probably know the feeling: you can open a book and not be able to be dragged into the story. On the other hand there are books where you are sucked in so deeply, you hardly can get out of them. Well, this book belongs in the latter category without a doubt at all. I was so engrossed that I, even in the middle of this one, was already looking forward to the next book.
The killer created by the author is spine chilling creepy and very clever. He always seems to find his prey, no matter how hard they try to hide. In the beginning they kept their distance, but they are coming closer at a terrifying fast pace. It’s not looking good in the slightest.
Nadine, Clint, Tina and Juliette have their work cut out for them. Who is this ruthless unsub?
Racing against the clock to catch a killer takes all what you have to give, but Nadine also has a lot to deal with in her private life. Will she finally be able to take the plunge? That’s not the only thing that keeps her occupied though…
When people talk about a masterpiece, they often mean a painting, but this book deserves this title too. 5 stars

Thank you

The Hunted Girls by Jenna Kernan is the second entry in the Dr. Nadine Finch, profiler series. Fresh out of training to be an FBI agent, Nadine gets thrown into a new serial killer case. This one is in Ocala, near her serial killer mom’s old killing grounds. Woman who have been hiking go missing, only to be found later, dead from apparent animal attacks. Upon further examination, arrows are found embedded in the victim’s spines. This is the reason Nadine is called in. She insists on bringing her “team”—-Juliette the medical examiner, Tina her admin assistant, and last but not least, Clint the homicide detective and also her boyfriend. This was a great story and very fast paced. More is learned about Nadine’s past, her mom, and her brother. The story advanced all the characters and relationships quite nicely. I can’t wait for more! You should read this series and make sure to start with the first one.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.