I’ve had a lot of other commitments lately so not had the time, or more accurately – the headspace – to do much reading and writing.

Books like this one by Arlene Hunt are reminders however, of how much nourishment I get from inhaling works of fiction.

Last to Die
by Arlene Hunt
Published by Bookouture
on June 24th 2016
Source: NetGalley
Genres: Thriller / Suspense
ISBN: 9781910751992
Pages: 307

Goodreads

When Jessie Conway survives a horrific mass high school shooting, in the aftermath she finds herself thrust into the media spotlight, drawing all kinds of attention. But some of it is the wrong kind.

Caleb Switch, a sadistic serial killer has been watching her every move. A skilled hunter, he likes his victims to be a challenge to him. Jessie is strong, fearless, a survivor, and now…she is his ultimate prey.

As Caleb picks off his current victims one by one, chasing, killing and butchering them with his crossbow, he’s closing in on Jessie... But will Jessie defy the odds and escape with her life? Or will she be Caleb’s final sacrifice …

Jessie Conway’s heroic deed brings her unwanted attention while she’s struggling to cope with the after-effects of the school shooting.

Her PTSD isn’t helped by an over-enthusiastic local reporter keen to hit the big time who thinks Jessie’s hiding something and digs into her background.

As it happens there IS something Jessie’s kept from her husband and friends and she’s reeling from its fallout when Caleb enters the scene.

This isn’t a whodunnit or mystery as such, rather a case of us waiting for the inevitable.

It’s well paced and there’s a sense of a ticking time bomb in the background.

Ultimately the book reminded me a little of JM Peace’s A Time to Run as it (also) featured a very literal cat and mouse game – favoured by Caleb.

There were a few extraneous elements introduced – including reference to Jessie’s brother (who I kept thinking was going to be Caleb), the introduction but little information about Caleb’s own family, Caleb’s volunteer work and a few other bits and pieces that I expected to play a more significant role.

However… it’s an enjoyable read and I easily raced through it in a couple of hours.

Last to Die by Arlene Hunt is published by Bookouture and now available.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher for review purposes.

Do you mind knowing the whodunnit; or prefer to have to work it out?