The Devil’s Anvil by Matt Hilton
Accepting the task of protecting Billie Womack is a no-brainer for ex-counterterrorist soldier Joe Hunter, but it comes with its own set of complications.
Billie’s husband, Richard, stole thirty million dollars from some violent people. He apparently died in a car crash with Billie’s daughter, Nicola, during a desperate attempt to elude his pursuers. But his enemies don’t believe him dead. They think he escaped the plunge into the icy river that killed Nicola and has now decided to come back for the money. If he’s alive, they believe he’ll contact Billie.
It doesn’t take long for the bad guys to arrive at her remote farmhouse. Soon she and Joe are fugitives. Dead or alive, Richard’s fate means nothing to Hunter, but he promises to do everything in his power to protect the grieving mother. Even if it means taking a bullet for her, it’s a price he’ll pay.
It’s a pledge he will come to regret, as he learns that killers are forged on the Devil’s anvil.
When you pick up a Matt Hilton book you know exactly what to expect, it’s as simple as that. A high octane action thriller, a few dead bodies, a good storyline and entertaining characters full of personality. The Devil’s Anvil is no exception. Fast paced, entertaining and very readable the story moves along at a frenetic pace and at one point even Hunter’s life is on the line but we have a fair idea he’s going to survive – but then where would we be without our hero?!!
The book is formulaic – as is expected – but having just read it now the weather has become distinctly autumnal the book wraps around you like a favourite winter blanket, all that’s missing is a cup of hot chocolate! It may be stormy outside but there’s no fear of a cold chill while reading Hunter’s latest predicament. The boy can certainly find himself in an infinite number of scrapes, more than enough for one man!
The storyline is good and there are a couple of turns that were slightly unexpected and Matt deals with the twists well. Characterisation is again strong with enough emphasis given to the leading man, the supporting femme fatale and the obligatory bad guys.
The only man missing is Joe Hunter’s partner in crime and fellow hero Rink. Ok so Rink does make an appearance but for me, not enough! Having read all of Hilton’s books I have grown to love Rink and Hunter’s connection, they both go hand in hand with each other. The series is a boys own kind of read, it’s a club and without the full membership it does lose a little something. Don’t get me wrong, Hunter carries the book effortlessly but when you add Rink it becomes fuller flavoured. Think cooking, adding a little seasoning always helps with the flavour, for me Rink is the seasoning, and I’d like to see more of him.
You’ll never satisfy everyone and it’s all about getting that right balance. The Hunter series is full of action, camaraderie and gripping situations. You can get this in most books but this series does have that certain something that makes me want to return time and time again to see what predicament the boys find themselves in next. Keep going Matt, another great read.
- Hardcover: 336 pages
- Publisher:Hodder & Stoughton (4 Jun. 2015)
- Language:English
- ISBN-10:1473610036
- ISBN-13:978-1473610033
