Jeffery Deaver doesn't just pull the rug out from under you. He keeps replacing the floor.
I finally made my way back to one of my favorite series and was reminded exactly why I enjoy Colter Shaw so much. Hunting Time is everything I want in a thriller: high stakes, constant tension, intelligent characters, and enough twists to keep me guessing until the very end.
One of Jeffery Deaver's greatest strengths is misdirection. Not the cheap kind where a random character suddenly turns out to be the villain in the final chapter. Deaver carefully constructs an entire reality for us, then gradually reveals that we've misunderstood it from the beginning. Throughout this book, I found myself questioning who the good guys were, who the bad guys were, and whether anyone was telling the truth.
Even the title is a clever piece of misdirection. When I first started the book, I interpreted Hunting Time as "it's time to go hunting." By the end, I realized Colter Shaw was actually hunting for time itself, trying to stay alive long enough to uncover the truth. Every decision, every clue, and every narrow escape becomes a battle to gain a few more precious minutes.
Colter Shaw remains one of my favorite protagonists because he isn't simply charging through obstacles. He approaches every situation like a puzzle that needs solving. He's smart, resourceful, and persistent, but he doesn't have all the answers. Readers get to unravel the mystery alongside him, which makes the journey even more satisfying.
As much as I enjoy the Colter Shaw books, I have to admit I enjoy them far more than the television adaptation. My imagination creates a much richer experience than anything Hollywood has managed to put on screen. Deaver's intricate plotting and constant twists simply work better on the page.
This was a masterfully constructed thriller from start to finish. The pacing never let up, the surprises felt earned, and the ending was incredibly satisfying. If you're looking for a thriller that will keep you guessing while still playing fair with the clues, Hunting Time is an easy recommendation.
Five stars all the way.
