Hunter's Revenge, page 1
Table of Contents
Cover
Synopsis
Bella Books Social Media
Praise for the works of Gerri Hill
Other Bella Books by Gerri Hill
About the Author
Title Page
Copyright
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-five
Chapter Twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-seven
Chapter Twenty-eight
Chapter Twenty-nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-one
Chapter Thirty-two
Chapter Thirty-three
Chapter Thirty-four
Chapter Thirty-five
Chapter Thirty-six
Chapter Thirty-seven
Chapter Thirty-eight
Chapter Thirty-nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-one
Chapter Forty-two
Chapter Forty-three
Chapter Forty-four
Chapter Forty-five
Chapter Forty-six
Chapter Forty-seven
Chapter Forty-eight
Chapter Forty-nine
Chapter Fifty
Chapter Fifty-one
Chapter Fifty-two
Chapter Fifty-three
Chapter Fifty-four
Chapter Fifty-five
Chapter Fifty-six
Chapter Fifty-seven
Bella Books
Synopsis
When a seventy-one-year-old man is shot dead in his home, it seems like a random act of violence. But the hundreds of photos of Detective Tori Hunter found at the scene seem to say otherwise. And when the gun that proves to be the murder weapon in the brutal murder of Tori’s family some thirty-something years earlier is found, Tori is not only facing her past, but a massive conflict of interest.
Booted from the case, Tori finds herself going it alone, searching for answers about the long-ago murder of her family. Tori doesn’t just want justice. She wants revenge. With the help of an FBI hacker, her partner Casey O’Connor, and her wife Sam Kennedy, Hunter may finally get the revenge she’s been searching for.
Don’t miss this final chapter in the acclaimed Tori Hunter series.
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Praise for the works of Gerri Hill
Timber Falls
Another great crime story by Hill with a lovely romance as well. These are the things I love.
-Sam D., NetGalley
This is my first Gerri Hill book and I really enjoyed it. For me it was the perfect romance... sweet, and it moved at a nice pace for me. Hill can write a wonderful mystery/romance story! Her characters are well written and developed. The writing was great and kept me intrigued throughout the entire novel. The story was phenomenal and honestly, I already have her backlist books saved. The mystery was a favorite of mine. I was hooked and didn’t want it to end so soon.
Rubie C., NetGalley
The Great Charade
One of the big loves I had for this book, among other things, was it is so full of rich dialogue. I am a sucker for running dialogue that fills a story, it gets me to relate to the characters even more because you just have their voices and direct interaction running in your mind’s eye throughout the story and Ms. Hill does this brilliantly. There isn’t much angst in regard to the MCs, just a heartwarming holiday story, which can be read anytime of the year, of Nic just trying to make it through the holiday (again no spoilers, but me wiping away a few tears) and Abby slowly falling for Nic.
-Carol C., NetGalley
The Great Charade really is a heartwarming, romantic holiday book that I’m really glad I was able to read this season. If you’re looking for a great novel to read this holiday, this may be the one you are looking for.
-Betty H., NetGalley
Red Tide at Heron Bay
One of the best things I love about Ms. Hill’s writing is she takes the time to describe the environment and surroundings within the story, not so much as to stall the storyline but more to enhance the feeling of really being there with the characters…Ms. Hill does a wonderful job of blending mystery with a love story (reminds me of Devil’s Rock and Hell’s Highway) and she did it justice again in this book.
-Carol C., NetGalley
Love the Hawaiian shirts and the person wearing them. This romantic intrigue had my attention from the beginning. Detective Harley Shepherd, upbeat yet sad as she deals with the loss of someone close to her. Lauren Voss, resort manager, shying away from relationships as she continues to deal with a relationship that went off the rails. Both women “ran” to Heron Bay to heal. Little did they know that tragedy would be waiting for them right around the corner. I enjoyed the flirting and teasing. Some of the comments had me chuckling and laughing out loud.
-Kennedy O., NetGalley
The Stars at Night
The Stars at Night is a beautiful mountain romance that will transport you to a paradise. It’s a story of self-discovery, family, and rural living. This romance was a budding romance that snuck-up and on two unsuspecting women who found themselves falling in love under the stars and while gazing at birds. It’s a feel-good slow-burn romance that will make your heart melt.
-Les Rêveur
Hill is such a strong writer. She’s able to move the plot along through the characters’ dialogue and actions like a true boss. It’s a masterclass in showing, not telling. The story unfolds at a languid pace which mirrors life in a small, mountain town, and her descriptions of the environment bring the world of the book alive.
-The Lesbian Review
Gillette Park
This book was just what I was hoping for and wickedly entertaining. The premise of this book is really well done. Parts are hard to read of course. This book is about a serial killer who targets mostly young teenagers. The book isn’t very graphic, but it still breaks your heart in places. But there is also a sweet romance that helps to give the book a sense of hope. Mix that with some strong women, the creepiness of the paranormal factors, and the book balances out really well. There is a lot of potential with these characters and I’d love to see their stories continue. If you are a Hill fan, grab this.
-Lex Kent’s Reviews, goodreads
Hill is a master writer, and this one is done in a way that I think will appeal to many readers. Don’t just discount this one because it has a paranormal theme to it! I think that the majority of readers who love mystery novels with a romantic side twist will love this story.
-Bethany K., goodreads
After the Summer Rain
…is a heartwarming, slow-burn romance that features two awesome women who are learning what it really means to live and love fully. They’re also learning to let go of their turbulent pasts so that it doesn’t ruin their future happiness. Gerri Hill has never failed to give me endearing characters who are struggling with heartbreaking issues, and beautiful descriptions of the landscapes that surround them.
-The Lesbian Review
Gerri Hill is simply one of the best romance writers in the genre. This is an archetypal Hill, slightly unusual characters in a slightly unusual setting. The slow-burn romance, however, is a classic, trying not to fall in love, but unable to fight the pull.
-Lesbian Reading Room
After the Summer Rain is a wonderfully heartfelt romance that avoids all the angsty drama-filled tropes you often find in romances.
-C-Spot Reviews
Moonlight Avenue
Moonlight Avenue by Gerri Hill is a riveting, literary tapestry of mystery, suspense, thriller and romance. It is also a story about forgiveness, moving on with your life and opening your heart to love despite how daunting it may seem at first.
-The Lesbian Review
…is an excellent mystery novel, sheer class. Gerri Hill’s writing is flawless, her story compelling and much more than a notch above others writing in this genre.
-Kitty Kat’s Book Review Blog
The Locket
This became a real page-turner as the tension racked up. I couldn’t put it down. Hill has a knack for combining strong characters, vulnerable and complex, with a situation that allows them to grow, while keeping us on our toes as the mystery unfolds. Definitely one of my favorite Gerri Hill thrillers, highly recommended.
-Lesbian Reading Room
The Neighbor
It’s funny…Normally in the bo
-Les Rêveur
This is classic Gerri Hill at her very best, top of the pile of so many excellent books she has written, I genuinely loved this story and these two women. The growing friendship and hidden attraction between them is skillfully written and totally engaging…This was a joy to read.
-Lesbian Reading Room
I have always found Hill’s writing to be intriguing and stimulating. Whether she’s writing a mystery or a sweet romance, she allows the reader to discover something about themselves along with her characters. This story has all the fun antics you would expect for a quality, low-stress, romantic comedy. Hill is wonderful in giving us characters that are intriguing and delightful that you never want to put the book down until the end.
-The Lesbian Review
Other Bella Books by Gerri Hill
After the Summer Rain
Angel Fire
Artist’s Dream
At Seventeen
Behind the Pine Curtain
Chasing a Brighter Blue
The Cottage
Coyote Sky
Dawn of Change
Devil’s Rock
Gillette Park
The Great Charade
Gulf Breeze
Hell’s Highway
Hunter’s Way
In the Name of the Father
Keepers of the Cave
The Killing Room
The Locket
Love Waits
The Midnight Moon
Moonlight Avenue
The Neighbor
No Strings
One Summer Night
Paradox Valley
Partners
Pelican’s Landing
The Rainbow Cedar
Red Tide at Heron Bay
The Roundabout
Sawmill Springs
The Scorpion
The Secret Pond
Sierra City
Snow Falls
The Stars at Night
Storms
The Target
Timber Falls
Weeping Walls
About the Author
Gerri Hill has over forty-two published works, including the 2021 GCLS winner for Gillette Park, the 2020 GCLS winner After the Summer Rain, the 2017 GCLS winner Paradox Valley, 2014 GCLS winner The Midnight Moon, 2011, 2012 and 2013 winners Devil’s Rock, Hell’s Highway and Snow Falls, and the 2009 GCLS winner Partners, the last book in the popular Hunter Series, as well as the 2013 Lambda finalist At Seventeen. Gerri lives in south-central Texas, only a few hours from the Gulf Coast, a place that has inspired many of her books. With her partner, Diane, they share their life with two Australian shepherds—Rylee and Mason—and a couple of furry felines. For more, visit her website at gerrihill.com.
Copyright © 2023 by Gerri Hill
Bella Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 10543
Tallahassee, FL 32302
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.
First Edition - 2023
Editor: Medora MacDougall
Cover Designer: Kayla Mancuso
ISBN: 978-1-64247-447-3
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
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Chapter One
“Hunter, O’Connor…about time you two get here. The ME beat you to the scene. Again.”
“We were downtown,” Casey supplied. “Eight o’clock traffic kinda hinders a quick buzz through the city, you know.”
Casey looked at Tori and gave a subtle wink. They’d been sitting in a line at a drive thru, waiting on breakfast.
Tori paused at the front door, turning around to survey the street. It was an older neighborhood with equally older homes, all showing their age. For the most part, the yards were well kept and tidy with large shade trees blocking out the April sun. This yard, in particular, seemed to have been meticulously maintained. The lawn, with its bright green grass of spring, looked—and smelled—freshly mowed.
“Hunter?”
Tori turned, nodding at Casey, who was following the officer inside. There were several others there, talking among themselves. Conversation ceased when they walked in. She stopped and looked around, meeting curious eyes. They all seemed to be looking at her, not Casey. She shrugged it off and went into the kitchen, finding Rita Spencer bent over the body.
“Time of death seven-forty-eight,” Rita said without looking up.
“Wow. You’re getting damn good at that, Spencer,” Casey drawled. “Right down to the very minute. Next thing you know, you’ll be adding seconds to your reports.”
Rita looked up then. “The neighbor heard the shots. Found him. Seven-forty-eight this morning.” She arched an eyebrow. “What happened to your hair?”
Casey’s hand automatically went to the hair in question. “Chopped it off. Trying to look like Hunter here.”
“I see. Quit coloring it blond then.”
“Mousey blond is my natural color, thank you very much.”
Tori sighed. “The body?”
“Single shot to the head,” Rita said.
“Where’s Mac and his team?” Casey asked.
“They were finishing up at another scene. Must be a full moon—the crazies are out.”
“What’s with the trash?” Tori asked, pointing at the white plastic bag that had spilled out onto the kitchen floor. An egg carton, a can advertising seasoned black beans, and some soiled paper towels were sprawled across the floor.
“It’s trash day,” Officer Garza supplied. “Looks like he was taking it out when he was hit.” He pointed to the window, which was shattered. “Neighbor heard two shots. One shot to break the glass, another for the hit, I guess.”
Tori nodded. “You talk to the neighbor? The one who found him?”
“Rogers did. Mr. Alton. Steve Alton is his name.”
Casey nudged her. “Come on, Hunter. Let’s chat with him. See what he saw.”
Rita rolled the body over then and Tori found herself staring at it. The man was late sixties, maybe early seventies. His hair appeared thick—an attractive shade of gray. The bullet hole to his temple had done little damage. At least on the outside. As she stared, she felt an odd sense of déjà vu come over her. Casey nudged her again.
“You know him, Hunter?”
Tori blinked several times, then shook her head. “No, I don’t think so.”
“You’re white as a ghost,” Casey said quietly.
“Detectives…you want to take a look at the pictures we found first?” Officer Garza asked. “The neighbor was pretty shook up. Maybe give him time to settle down before you talk to him.”
Tori arched an eyebrow, but it was Casey who spoke.
“Yeah, we kinda like to talk to the witnesses as soon as possible, make sure they don’t forget something, you know.”
It wasn’t Casey he looked at, though. It was her. “I think you’re going to want to see these pictures. They cover a whole wall.”
She glanced at Casey, who shrugged.
“I guess it’s okay with me. Okay with you, Hunter? I don’t suppose the neighbor is going anywhere. We’re parked in his driveway. He’s kinda blocked in.”
