I recently finished Hunted by Abir Mukherjee, and it was an exhilarating experience from start to finish.

The story opens with a devastating suicide bombing in a Los Angeles shopping mall, immediately plunging the reader into a high-stakes narrative. FBI agent Shreya Mistry is tasked with unraveling the complex web of terrorism that spans from the United States to the United Kingdom. Mukherjee masterfully intertwines the lives of diverse characters, including parents desperate to save their radicalized children and individuals grappling with the consequences of their actions.

What sets Hunted apart is its ability to balance relentless pacing with deep emotional resonance. The characters are richly developed, their motivations and struggles portrayed with authenticity and nuance. Mukherjee’s prose is sharp and evocative, painting vivid scenes that are both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Terrorism Thriller

Hunted by Abir Mukherjee is a high-octane thriller that kicks off with a devastating terrorist attack in an LA shopping mall, claiming numerous lives and setting off a frantic manhunt. The narrative follows multiple characters over a week, including FBI agents, radicalized individuals, and two parents on a desperate quest to find their missing children who have been caught up in the violence. The plot weaves through intense action sequences and emotional moments, reflecting the far-reaching impacts of terrorism on ordinary lives.

Hunted by Abir Mukherjee is a thought-provoking and intense thriller that offers both pulse-pounding action and profound social commentary. Its exploration of radicalization, political discontent, and the personal cost of terrorism makes it a standout in the genre. Despite some criticisms of its pacing, the novel's strengths in character development and thematic depth make it a highly recommended read.

A tense thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat for the entire story. Characters did not fall into stereotypes.

Different from my usual novel, but I actually enjoyed the premise! I like the main character and it took me a bit to get into the story, but once I was in it, I really enjoyed myself.

A fast paced political thriller involving a bomb at a mall and the subsequent investigation. Two families are brought together by the their children's involvement in the bombing, as the parents try to find their children before the FBI does. The FBI is certain they have something to do with a terrorist plot and the more they investigate, they find it may not be as they thought and more factions are involved. Overall, an interesting thriller with non-stop action. There are multiple POVs that are a little confusing at times, but there are twists and turns that will keep you reading.

I enjoyed this fresh take on the political thriller. Mukherjee rarely goes where the reader expects with this tale, resulting in a more emotional read than is typically seen in the sub-genre.

I would like to give this book more than 3 stars, because it’s got a very powerful message behind it. Unfortunately for me I can’t seem to bump it to a 4/5 star review.
This is a very political novel with a powerful narrative. Not my typical book. I honestly thought about putting it down a few times but I couldn’t. I had to see it thru.
A story of how life changes in an instant. It just takes one wrong decision, one mistake and it can send you into a spiral and you loose all control. This story gives me 9/11 vibes.
A girl who wants vindication for her family, A guy who becomes lost in the world, 2 parents who want to save their children. A mastermind who isn’t afraid of who she takes down in her plot for domination. And an FBI agent who wants to prove to everyone she has what it takes to figure it all out.
If you like hard hitting political story lines, you might want to give this book a read and see what you think.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback

Thanks to the Mulholland books and Netgalley for this eARC.

In a world saturated with terrorism thrillers, Abir Mukherjee emerges as the storyteller who breathes new life into the genre. His latest novel, “Hunted,” is a sweeping, emotional epic that defies expectations and delivers an unforgettable reading experience.

At the heart of Hunted lies a web of interconnected lives, each grappling with the aftermath of a devastating bombing at a Los Angeles shopping mall. Mukherjee masterfully weaves together disparate threads, creating a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and redemption.

🌟 The cast of characters is diverse and compelling. We follow an FBI agent relentlessly pursuing the extremists responsible for the attack, a former U.S. serviceman who has been radicalized, a young woman caught up in a movement she doesn’t fully understand, and two parents from opposite corners of the globe. These parents share a desperate mission: to save their children from the clutches of a terrorist plot that threatens the very fabric of society.

🔍 Summary: A Race Against Time
Over the course of roughly one week, the tension escalates as the narrative hurtles forward. Mukherjee’s prose is sharp, brisk, and propulsive. He expertly balances action with genuine emotional depth. While not all characters grip the reader equally, their collective struggle against a flawed system resonates. Regrets, retribution, and redemption intertwine, creating a rich emotional landscape.

🌎What sets Hunted apart is its ability to seamlessly blend the personal and the political. As the characters race against time, the stakes extend beyond individual lives—they encompass the fate of nations. Mukherjee’s attention to detail and insight into human nature elevate this thriller to a whole new level.

🔥 A Must-Read Thriller

Hunted isn’t just another terrorism thriller; it’s a symphony of suspense, emotion, and humanity. Mukherjee’s forensic skill and observation make this book an irresistible page-turner. As the plot unfolds, you’ll find yourself swept along on an epic adventure—one that resonates long after you’ve turned the final page.

the Author

Abir Mukherjee, known for his Sam Wyndham series set in Raj-era India, proves that the terrorism thriller genre is far from dead. His previous works, including A Rising Man and Smoke and Ashes, have garnered critical acclaim. With Hunted, he cements his place as a masterful storyteller who fearlessly tackles complex themes.

For fans of Lee Child, John le Carré, and those seeking a fresh take on the genre, Hunted is a must-read. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride that transcends borders and leaves an indelible mark on your literary journey. 📚🌎🔍

Hunted is absolutely loaded with action.
It starts in the opening chapter and goes literally to the last page.
Thank you to Hachette Books for my review copy of Abir Mukherjee's newest thriller.
He is a new-to-me author and I fully enjoyed his writing style. I could easily imagine the story playing out on screen.
Hunted takes place over the course of seven days, starting with the bombing of a Los Angeles shopping mall.
What follows is the investigation into who the bombers are and their motivations - political protestors, religious extremists, or something else entirely?
The story unravels the bombers' movements before and after the event. We meet the families of the perpetrators, and other players in the acts of terror.
What is yet to come, and where?
The novel is in multiple character POVs - the characters of FBI agent Shreya Mistry and father of an accused bomber, Sajid Khan, were standouts for me.
This would make a great summer travel book - it's non-stop action and ultimately a quick read.
Recommended!
Released on May 7.

DNF at 25%. The plot summary had me expecting a fast paced story that would have me on the edge of my seat. Instead this felt really slow and I’m not compelled to pick it back up after setting it down. Maybe this would have benefited from being told through less perspectives? Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free ebook to review.

I like it very much. Fast paced and full of twists and turns. Kids being caught up in terrorism and things they were trying to get out of. Two parents journey to save the kids. A twist I way didn't see at the end. The bad guy isn't who you think.

This political thriller had a "ripped from the headlines" quality. The story is told by the POV of three characters. First, two parents frantically trying to get to their adult children, whom they believe have been brainwashed and radicalized by a dangerous group of terrorists. The third narrator is a US Special Agent.

Sajid Khan is a dad from the UK searching of his daughter Aliyah. She told him she was teaching English in Japan, but she was seen on CCTV footage with a member of a group who just perpetuated a terrifying and deadly suicide bomb attack in a Los Angeles shopping mall.

Sajid is then contacted by Carrie, an American mother trying to find her military veteran son Greg, whom she thinks is on the run from the authorities with Aliyah.

US Special Agent Shreya Mistryis is trying to stop the terrorists' next move. Brilliant and willing to break rules, can she stop this

To me, a good political thriller has a fast pace and very high geopolitical stakes along with characters who also have personal stakes in what is happening. Hunted carries this out well, balancing the multiple POVs and keeping the pace fast and the tension high.

5.5 / 10 ✪

https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/2024/05/17/hunted-by-abir-mukherjee-review/

Hunted is a terrorism thriller, pure and simple. Though not exactly the most common kind, where some government agent or soldier or patriot foils a plot by an evil Islamic fundamentalist. There’s a lot more grey area, and the patriots don’t always wear the same colors.

That said, I’m less than a fan of terrorism thrillers, as they’re all pretty much the same. This one proved more interesting, as it was just different enough, though not different enough to escape the overall pattern.

Three main characters—Shreya, Sajid, and Greg—all of which I found fundamentally lacking. Weak and poorly constructed, hardly fleshed out at all. That said, Hunted’s characters are quite human—in the way that humans are flawed and conflicted and contradictory. Just not deep, nor bearing any sort of complexities. They’re cardboard cutouts, going through an admittedly well-constructed story, like some form of low-budget, stop-motion broadcast.

The story is an interesting one, full of twists and turns, and saves the book from a life of monotony. An interesting enough read, one that ends abruptly (albeit for obvious reasons), good enough for a layover or some such. Just don’t expect it to shatter any expectations. It’s not at the level of Wyndham and Banerjee, that’s for sure.

An action packed thriller that kept me up late so I could finish it. The plot is scarily real and the thought it could actually happen makes it more than just a thriller. This is a book to enjoy but also gave me food for thought. I highly recommended it.

I love when a suspense/thriller book builds like a roller coaster and really draws you in. I also love when you can't automatically tell what's going to happen right from the start (which is often why I stop reading thrillers). Hunted is one of those books that you have stick with - the beginning is a little slow, but once the action starts...watch out! It reminded me of a movie the way that it was written. Mukherjee does a great job with setting up the suspense.

The premise of the book is a parent's nightmare from different perspectives, they are both missing their children and one suspected to have terrorist ties. They band together to find their kids and as we follow them and the FBI agent who is also on the hunt, we find out that things aren't as they initially seemed...

Thanks so much to Random House UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Advance Read Copy of Hunted.

I've thoroughly enjoyed other books by this author and was excited to read his new one. It was very hard to put down, with lots of twists and turns to keep it interesting and surprising.

Abir Mukherjee did a remarkable job as a Scotsman writing a book based in the USA. A few terms may have missed the mark, but so many details were spot on!

Content warning: violence, cursing, brief mention of Roe vs. Wade

Well known for his series of mysteries set in 1920s colonial India, Abir Mukherjee has produced his first contemporary standalone thriller. Hunted is a fascinating exploration of what people will do when they think they have no choice, that sense of desperation which makes them feel vulnerable. It’s also a critique of unethical political leaders who have forgotten that they are meant to represent the needs of everyone in their electoral districts. This is quite an exciting new venture and a big departure from the historical Wyndham and Banerjee books.

The United Kingdom and various places in the United States are the setting for Hunted. The choice of these two countries is quite intentional. Mukherjee mentions in his notes the divisive impact of Brexit in the UK along with the rise of populism which is starting to make democracy appear fragile. What happens to those who feel betrayed and forgotten by the people in power? Does this make them susceptible to manipulation and radicalization?

It all starts with a bang. Yasmin and Jack are heading to a Starbucks in a Los Angeles mall. They plan to plant bombs by the radio station within the mall, but things don’t go according to plan. Mukherjee paints a vivid picture of the crime scene that will trigger all of your senses and you’ll feel like you are there in the midst of the nightmare as Yasmin’s suitcase explodes and kills 63 people.
Shreya Mistry is an FBI agent investigating the terrorist attack. It’s clear that she’s a bit of a rogue agent as she risks her life entering the structurally unstable building. Shreya goes in search of the mall security office to see if their cameras can provide information about the bombing. She flags Yasmin as the bomber and spots a potential lead. Her boldness pays off and the FBI are quickly able to identify the culprit by her fingerprints.

With Yasmin’s identity, they can track her movements and discover that she entered the country via the Portland airport nine weeks earlier. She was not alone. Yasmin travelled with Aliyah, another young British woman. Yusuf, a man with ties to a terrorist group picked them up at the airport. Given the number of people involved, more bombings are anticipated and the FBI is in a race against time which ramps the tension up. A great deal happens in the eight-day time span of the book.

The terrorists are living together in a remote house in Oregon. An American woman called Miriam is their leader – described as a soldier masquerading as a messiah. She recruited the men in the group for their military skills. In addition to Jack and Yusuf, there is Greg. He is a disillusioned vet with the skills to make explosives. We learn about the people in the terrorist group from his perspective.
Miriam lured Yasmin, Aliyah and an American woman called Rehana online. Mukherjee does a brilliant job in demonstrating why some people are vulnerable to terrorist groups as he shares the background of the characters. Miriam is able to manipulate the feelings of the team to get them to perform tasks related to her plans.

The third perspective in the thriller comes from Aliyah’s father, Sajid. He has joined forces with Greg’s mother, Carrie, to try and protect their children. Carrie is a force of nature. She actually travelled to the UK in order to convince Sajid to join her. They both feel responsible for their children’s involvement in the terrorist group. Out of all the things that happen in Hunted, these two parents suddenly becoming action heroes is the most unlikely.

Even if your instincts have you questioning the probability of this storyline, it’s worthwhile taking a leap of faith here. The scenes of the growing friendship between Sajid and Carrie strengthen the story. There are some touching moments between them and a strong underlying thread about racism. Carrie’s bravado and entitlement as a white woman never ceases to surprise Sajid. You will be cheering the two of them on.

Hunted is more than a thriller. The book will leave you with a better understanding of the frustration felt by individuals who believe they are treated differently because of their social class, skin colour or beliefs. Mukherjee offers some interesting insights into who people perceive as enemies and why. You’ll be thinking about this long after closing the covers. The author achieves just the right balance between building tension for an exciting thriller and social commentary.

Read if you like:
💨 Fast Paced Thrillers
💣 Terroist Plots
#️⃣ Multiple POV
🙏🏼 Discussions on race, religion, discrimination & much more

Overall, this is a fast paced thriller propelled by the changes in POV, mystery, and short chapters.

This book definitely feels heavy with its subject matter and the story opening with a mall bombing in America carried out by a character we were getting her reluctant pov before her death, before bouncing to several POV for the after math.

For those of us that lived through different terror attacks this book definitely is a heavy read, especially with the discussion of racism and religion.

My one struggle with this book was that the author clearly wrote America/americans from a perspective of someone that doesn’t really understand many of the nuances of America and often used wrong words/phrasings that pull me as American out of the story.

Thanks so much to the publisher for my ARC in exchange for my review!

This book opens with a bang, almost literally. To call Hunted fast-paced is doing it a disservice: This book is utterly furious in its pacing, relentless as time itself as it inexorably works for the antagonists in this book and against the protagonists.

The story engages you immediately, hooking you with a tension and terror-fueled scene that unfolds in a busy Los Angeles mall. After that the hits just keep on coming as we bounce from a female POC FBI agent who loves her work but faces discrimination at every turn, two parents of two different potential terrorists who are trying to get to their kids before the cops do, and one of those potential terrorists as he struggles with the ethics and morals of what he’s doing and where it’s all leading.

It’s eloquently written, with a lot of genuine emotion that’s sometimes lacking in thrillers. The plot is incredibly executed and the story is incredibly relevant to current times. There’s compassion here for everyone except the people who don’t deserve any of it: The actual terrorists.

It’s a terrific, compulsive, page-turning read.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley, the Novel Suspects Insider’s Club, and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: 5 Star Review/Conspiracy Thriller/Crime Thriller/Political Thriller/Suspense Thriller

Powerful thriller!

Abir Mukherjee has served up a fast paced thriller exploring many of the challenges of our society today. Racism, religious tensions, the everyday working class feeling disenfranchised, refugees in despair, ideological conservatism on the rise, Government organizations gone rogue. Citizens feeling their dreams and hope lost, the rise of populist demigods “peddling simple answers to complex situations.”
It takes talent to roll all those factors into your storytelling. Mukherjee does it with ease.
I was disturbed and yet enthralled by the determination of FBI agent Sheyra Mistry as she defied bosses and protocols in her hunt for terrorists who were multi racial, multi religious, and angry. Their actions are being steered by an unknown enemy with contacts at the highest levels.
What follows is a complex, gut wrenching chase that serendipitously is helped by the stubbornness and brilliance of Agent Mistry.
I found the author’s notes extremely enlightening.
Brilliant and heart stopping. I couldn’t put it down. I was enthralled and read into the wee small hours!

A Mullholland ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)