The Hunted

It’s six weeks since Stevie Erickson’s grandmother Nattie died without a will in Anchorite Bay, Maine, and down-in-the-dumps Stevie, who was running Nattie’s pub, is jobless and homeless, in this gripping tale of misadventure abroad from Nay (Hurry Home). Meanwhile, Jacob Jones, Stevie’s longtime boyfriend, lands a job as a diver for a camp for eco-tourists on beautiful, secluded Rafiki Island off the coast of Tanzania, which lacks electricity and running water. Jacob insists this adventure will heal their malaise, especially Stevie’s. But the long trip begins badly as Stevie feels threatened at their hostel in Nairobi, Kenya, where they strike up an instant friendship with the charming Leo and the glamorous Tamsin, both of whom also happen to be headed to Rafiki. Friendships gives way to flirtations, then to obsessions as Stevie and Jacob’s relationship frays and they each become suspicious of Leo and Tamsin. A murder on the normally peaceful island ratchets up tensions. Clever twists and vivid scenery elevate the plot. Nay reliably entertains. Agent: Joe Gersh, Gersh Agency. (July)