“Something Wicked” by Kerry Wilkinson is the first book in the Andrew Hunter series, a gripping and atmospheric crime thriller that delves into the darker side of human nature. This novel introduces Andrew Hunter, a private investigator with a reputation for tackling cases that others may find too difficult or too obscure. Hunter is not your typical detective—he’s thoughtful, determined, and often drawn into complex, morally ambiguous situations. The story blends mystery, suspense, and psychological tension, keeping readers hooked as they follow Hunter on his latest investigation.
The novel begins with the mysterious disappearance of a teenager named Nicholas Carr. On the surface, Nicholas seems like an ordinary boy from a typical suburban family, but his sudden vanishing sends shockwaves through his community. His parents are desperate for answers, but as time passes with no leads from the police, they turn to Andrew Hunter for help. Hunter, who is no stranger to dealing with missing persons cases, takes on the investigation, though he quickly realizes that this case may be more complicated than it initially appears.
As Hunter digs into Nicholas’s life, he uncovers unsettling truths about the boy and his relationships. Nicholas wasn’t the innocent, well-behaved teenager his parents believed him to be. Instead, he was involved in activities that might have put him in danger, and his disappearance may be connected to a series of strange occurrences in the town. The deeper Hunter delves, the more he begins to suspect that there is something much more sinister lurking beneath the surface.
Adding to the complexity of the case is Hunter’s assistant, Jenny. Jenny has her own troubled past, and she provides a gritty, street-smart counterpoint to Hunter’s more methodical approach. Together, they form a strong team, though their partnership is not without its challenges. Jenny’s history and impulsive nature sometimes clash with Hunter’s more restrained personality, but their dynamic adds depth to the story.
As the investigation progresses, Hunter and Jenny face a series of increasingly disturbing revelations. It becomes clear that Nicholas’s disappearance is tied to something far darker and more malevolent than they initially thought. The town holds secrets that some are willing to kill to keep hidden. Suspicion falls on various characters, from Nicholas’s friends and family to seemingly unrelated individuals, each with their own motives and secrets.
Hunter’s relentless pursuit of the truth puts him and those around him in danger. The tension builds as he uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and criminal activities. Wilkinson crafts a narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end, with twists and turns that challenge Hunter at every step. Despite the risks, Hunter remains determined to find Nicholas and bring the truth to light, even if it means confronting the darker sides of the people involved, and of himself.
“Something Wicked” also delves into Hunter’s personal life, giving readers a glimpse of the man behind the investigator. He is a character marked by his own struggles and past experiences, which influence how he approaches his work and the world around him. His internal conflicts, particularly concerning his estranged wife and the moral dilemmas he faces, add an emotional layer to the story.
In conclusion, “Something Wicked” is a compelling start to the Andrew Hunter series, offering a well-crafted blend of mystery, suspense, and character-driven drama. Kerry Wilkinson creates a tense atmosphere and a gripping plot that explores the darker aspects of human nature, making it a must-read for fans of crime fiction. With Andrew Hunter as a strong and complex protagonist, the novel sets the stage for future instalments, promising more thrilling investigations to come.
3 Comments
Kathryn Hoey · September 10, 2024 at 1:58 pm
Andrew Hunter is a private detective working from an office in Manchester. He is hardworking, likeable and his relationship with his assistant Jenny, works well considering they have completely different personalities, with Andrew being the sensible, logical one and Jenny the more impulsive and unconventional.
When Ricard Carr walks into the office asking if they would look into the disappearance of his son, Nicholas, who vanished on his 18th birthday over nine months prior, Andrew was just glad it was not another domestic investigation as the last one didn’t go too well. During the investigation the police had found three of Nicholas’ fingers but his body was never found.
Andrew accepts the case, with no idea that the strange world he is about to enter, will put him and Jenny, in serious danger. As they begin to delve into Nicholas’ life and his girlfriend Lara, they realise that these young people were getting involved into something really wicked with people far more dangerous that what they could have imagined.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was an easy read with lots of humour – off the cuff kind and one liners.
What first appeared to be a run of the mill missing persons case, soon turns dark, intense and fast paced. There are so many twists and turns with a shocking surprise ending, all of which served to keep the suspense building until the climatic conclusion.
Joyce Beadnall · September 10, 2024 at 5:19 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from start to finish . Kerry’s language was colourful and humorous; she skilfully led the reader to understand more about her characters and their motives . There were many unexpected twists and surprises. I fully intend to read more books in this series .
Lynne Amos · September 12, 2024 at 7:52 am
I do like a good ‘murder mystery’ and the twists and turns in this plot didn’t disappoint. However I felt the style of writing was aimed at a younger reader, in that it was quite simplistic in language.
The relationship between detective and assistant was refreshing but with the undertone of ‘will they won’t they’ until you realise that Andrew Hunter still has deep feelings for his ex-wife.
Overall a good read and I would be interested to read further novels in the series
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