Twelve years ago, Miranda Moore survived the horrific attack of a serial killer. After two years of putting her life back to some semblance of normal with the help and support of FBI agent Quincy Peterson, she joined Quantico with the intention of becoming a field agent. On the eve of graduation, her dreams are shattered when it's recommended she stay another year and is not allowed to graduate. Hurt and bitter at Quinn's betrayal, she returns to Montana to lead a search-and-rescue squad.

When yet another victim of The Butcher turns up, Sheriff Nick Thomas requests FBI help with the investigation. Quinn heads the investigation, and Miranda finds herself reluctantly working with the man she hasn't seen in years, the man she once loved.

Clues to the identity of the killer are few as Nick, Quinn and Miranda slowly begin piecing together the final moments of the latest victim. Quinn agonizes as their investigation forces Miranda to relive her own attack again, and he marvels at the strength and determination of the woman he still loves. Miranda tries to keep Quinn at an emotional distance, focusing all of her time and energy on the search for the killer. When another university student disappears, a race against time begins.

Allison Brennan has a winner in THE HUNT, her follow- up to THE PREY (January 2006). This stark thriller terrifies as it allows the reader inside the mind of a madman. Miranda displays vulnerability in her strength that's touching, and Quinn is her perfect foil. I felt the characters' sense of urgency as the victims disappeared and enjoyed the many twists and turns of the plot. This book will have readers eagerly anticipating Brennan's next book, THE KILL, coming in March.