The Hunt

In this impressive thriller, Ford (Real Bad Things) keeps readers guessing as to whether a serial killer has been tormenting the residents of Presley, Ark. In 2005, a Presley radio station launched an annual Easter egg hunt; immediately following the inaugural event, 19-year-old Garrett Holcomb went missing, only to be found dead after an apparently accidental drowning. In the years since, a total of 17 citizens have either died or disappeared under uncertain circumstances within seven days of the egg hunt. As the mysteries piled up, Presley residents divided into two camps: some believe the seasonal crimes are coincidences, while others are convinced a killer called the Hunter is responsible. In 2022, with the event scheduled to resume after a two-year break due to Covid-19, several citizens call for another suspension, and Garrett’s sister, Nell, scrambles to keep her nephew (Garrett’s teenage son) safe and conceal hunt-related secrets she’s been sitting on for years. Ford is particularly good at laying down subtle bread crumbs for readers to follow, utilizing fun devices such as a Google Doc moderated by amateur sleuths who are trying to identify the Hunter. This basket is stuffed with surprises. Agent: Chris Bucci, Aevitas Creative Management. (July)