It’s not the typical thriller but it’s rather a story told through flashbacks with little happening in the present day. With most of the action conveyed in narration rather than situations, it’s a blend of historical fiction with cool tidbits thrown in to gather your interest and have you researching the surreal events to add to the experience of the book.

While I enjoyed how Shockley subtly peaks your interest into researching some specks of truth in the sea of fiction, the story could have been more interesting and the twists less predictable.

I knew when I saw that Jim Shockey had written a book, that I would have to read it. And luckily I got an early copy through NetGalley. I definitely did not expect this novel. The title deceives you a little, assuming you are going to read a completely different style of book. But. This is a great book. The level of thought that he puts into his writing is almost unmatched. The amount of research that must have been done is Dan Brown-esque. It It could reasonably be compared to Da Vince Code or Angels and Demons with the thought and effort put into the artwork throughout the book.
There is not a lot of detail on the settings, or even the characters. You are given enough to know about them, but beyond the basics, the writing focuses on the story.
You are able to figure out where the story will end up fairly early in the book, but the way Shockey ties it all together is great. The ending is a little open-ended, but closed enough that you can tell what will happen next. I was not disappointed in the ending as I feared I would be as it approached.
Shockey ties in enough real-life events, people, items to make you want to do your own research to verify.

Despite not being what I thought when I opened this book, I found I could not put it down and raced to finish as soon as possible. I hope for more to come from Jim Shockey.

Whoa! What an unbelievable debut! Every now and then a child is born with innate gifts that have no explanation. And rarer still, a child will be born who can "feel" inconceivable beauty. A secret society, Our World (doesn't sound like an evil cabal), hundreds of years old controls the art market. They vacuum up the worlds most priceless artifacts then has a secret auction never to be seen again. If a special child is discovered, Our World takes the kid and trains them to find and procure priceless artifacts through any means necessary. Two of these former child trainees are tasked with finding the most beautiful piece of art the world has ever known. One a psychopath of biblical proportions and will do anything to acquire what he seeks. And there isn't anything the other won't do to keep it out of his hands and destroy Our World.

What an original, thought-provoking thriller that will make you question everything you thought you knew.. Shockey employs the premise a fact can be true if you can't disprove it. It's a unique way of looking at the truth and is a major player in Call Me Hunter. I've used Google less for research papers than I did for Call Me Hunter.

I do have a suggestion for the publisher. I would rewrite the blurb and leave out any mention of "daughter". Probably too late but I somehow missed that nugget and was legitimately a shocked . For me, it added a facet I might not have had had I known.

Anywho, Shockey wrote a helluva thriller you do not want to miss!

My sincere thanks to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to an advanced copy of Call Me Hunter!

Call Me Hunter by Jim Shockey
Rating: Epic 5 stars

Summary: A manuscript arrives in the mail of a very inquisitive investigative journalist. When she begins to read the story her instincts kick into high gear. Meanwhile we turn back to the early 60’s and a young boy who his parents find out is a rare gifted genius with an eye for finding extremely rare art at garage sales with his father. When people around this boy begin to die, the manuscript will decode why.

Comments: An epic thriller unlike any story I have read in quite some time. Certainly the most original. We get deep state, conspiracy, and a chase across Canada to unravel this quite original novel. Fans of Brad Thor, Jack Carr, and Brad Meltzer will devour this action filled thriller. Highly recommended.