This emotive crime story starts with a stressful event at a school. Then it proceeds into what publishers are now calling a psychological chiller; this apparently translates as a serial killer stalking story. Now we know. I might not have picked up LAST TO DIE if I'd known, as I don't like serial killer books. Then again, I might, as Arlene Hunt is a very good writer.

Jessie Conway is an admirable young married woman who gets caught up in events beyond her control. She defends her pupils and attracts the attention of Caleb Switch, a psychopath who enjoys hunting and shooting women. Darla Levine, a bored reporter from the local paper, inadvertently makes Jessie interesting to him by calling the young sportswoman and teacher a hero. The location, between North Carolina and Tennessee, has plenty of rough country. Caleb plans to abduct Jessie and hunt her down for a real challenge.

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN and more recent mass shooting and kidnap events have clearly inspired parts of the book. With strong language, adult references and violence, this is definitely for adult crime readers. At the same time the portrayal of the small town atmosphere, under pressure from drug abuse and family neglect, is heartfelt and sobering. Not everyone in town is on Jessie's side; even teenaged maniacs have family. Darla is determined to dig up some dirt on Jessie. Oddly enough, Jessie hasn't told her husband Mike about the story Darla finds.

I like, in the final overlook, how the town unifies more than once in the face of tragedy, worry or danger. Dogs are also a recurring theme. The bond between people and dogs is an old one, and dogs, with heightened senses, make people stronger. The last third of the book is the best for me, with the inevitable abduction and chase. We come to know Mike a lot better and to understand the people living in these isolated areas. Arlene Hunt who is an Irish crime author, wrote LAST TO DIE in 2011 and won immediate praise for her evocation of the setting. Now the book has been re- released in e-book format to make it available to more readers. And unless they are particularly tender readers, it will reward their attention.