“Hunts is one of the most phenomenal crime novels I’ve read. Not only is the truth behind it incredible in itself, but it’s a masterclass in intricate, grounded characters being thrown into a twisting world of moral ambiguity and corruption.
It’s a truly character-driven affair from start to finish. The moment you think you finally understand someone, Durnie reveals yet another layer to their motivations - and I believe TV audiences will love and hate these characters just as much as I did on the page.”
Tom Kerevan, Screenwriter
"I love a gritty police crime/thriller read, and with its plotline featuring simmering racial tensions, police corruption, vigiliantism, turf wars, drugs gangs, rape, violence, retribution, revenge and a brilliantly executed and unexpected twist at the end. Hunts certainly fits the bill!
If you like books/programmes like Line of Duty, Better and The Shield etc... this fabulous debut deserves a place on your tbr. No question!
I loved J.L's writing style and can't wait to read the rest of the series. 'Skins' and 'Kills'. He's definitely an author to watch going forward."
Rebecca Scammell, Book Reviewer
"Well! What an absolute page turner!
I don't often compare books to TV but this one absolutely gave me Line Of Duty vibes and I was so there for it! I loved the series and I just know that I'm going to love the whole of this new trilogy!
The setting and characters were just perfect! So realistic and believable.
I see that the author used to work in the Met and this absolutely shines through in the writing.
The setting, characters and nostalgia just jumps off the page and I was so immersed that I couldn't put this down at all!"
Book-A-Holic Reviews
Wow! This is the most original book I’ve read in a while. This is one hell of an explosive debut.
It’s extremely well paced, and the action shows massive amounts of insight. The author shows his understanding and emotion, as well as empathy for the characters.
This takes us back to a different era in policing and from the beginning I found myself invested in the characters and the story. I wanted to know how things turned out and what was going to be the end result in this first instalment of a trilogy that will blow the socks off the crime writing world!
Angi Plant @ Books'N'Banter
I was really intrigued to read this book as I had heard so much buzz around it on Twitter. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed!
One of the things I loved about this book is that just when you think you know exactly where you are, JL Durnie has the courage to flip all of your expectations, turn them on their head and boom! you are in a completely different situation than you expected. He skilfully provides the reader with the perfect blend of engaging and credible characters alongside intelligent and credible dialogue and I was definitely at his mercy as I zipped through this book. Without a doubt, he’s a deft and highly-skilled plotter and as readers, we are definitely given lots to think about as there is SO much going on throughout this gripping and twisty read.
17 Degrees Magazine
I'm a notoriously slow reader. I read in bed and get in a few pages and then drop off and need to recover my tracks the next night. Not with this book. Two sittings over one weekend.
The writer was a policeman in London and it's clear from the text - it just 'stinks' of Hackney in the 1980s. Not going to reveal plot details and ruin it for you but this is a superb crime thriller - and it's only the first part of a trilogy - I can't wait for the next instalment. Surely it's going to end up on the screen too - just perfect for film or TV.
Amazon Review
I loved this book, it had me gripped from the off and I couldn't stop reading!
When we got to the very end I was like 'Oh My God!' After everything that had happened I just couldn't believe it!! I am definitely glad that I know there is another one on the way as had it have been a stand alone, one-off book I wouldn't have been able to rest as I need to find out what happens next!
Hales, Book Reviewer
Couldn't put it down!
Started off a bit of a slow burner but its worth investing in these characters because once the story develops it becomes a real page turner.
It got me through some long night feeds with my newborn 🤣 kept me gripped, wanting to know what happened next with each and every character that was introduced. Really looking forward to the next instalment to see how the story develops even more.
Brilliant work and 100% recommend.
Elizabeth Mason, Amazon
What a story!
This page turner was a huge surprise! I couldn't put it down. Also, when is the next book coming out? I need it!
Alison J, Amazon
This is an incredibly engaging story. And the writing is superb. I started it Sunday afternoon and finished it Monday at 3am. 5 stars!
If you're a fan of honesty that shows life is not black and white but several messy shades of grey. I definitely recommend this novel.
Andrew P, Canada
