The Rabbit Hunter by Lars Kepler – a Review

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Description:
Joona Linna has spent two years in a high security prison when he is taken off to attend a secret meeting. The police need his help to stop a mysterious killer who goes by the name of the Rabbit Hunter. The only connection between the victims is that they all hear a child chanting a rhyme about rabbits before the killer strikes. A quirk of fate unexpectedly places celebrity chef Rex Müller at the centre of events. He is about to spend time with his son Sammy for the first time, but instead of three relaxing weeks, he finds himself in a terrifying fight for survival. Joona Linna and Saga Bauer are forced to work together in secret to put a stop to the Rabbit Hunter before it’s too late. You never know what fate has in store for you, or what might catch up with you if you don’t start running right now.

Review:

The Rabbit Hunter by Lars Kepler is the 6^th book in the Joona Linna series.  This is the first time I have read this author, and The Rabbit Hunter was a psychological thriller that was extremely violent and dark.  It is not for everyone, especially with so much violence. However, that being said it was very well written by Lars Keplar, and though it was difficult at times, I pushed to finish the book and find out how it ended.

The Rabbit Hunter immediately starts with a creepy violent murder of Sweden’s Foreign Minister, who mysteriously left a witness at the scene; though that witness could not identify the murderer, who wore a mask.  Thinking this may be a terrorist attack, the Security Police ask Joona Linna for his help to see if the Prime Minister’s life was in danger, since the only name they get from the witness is in jail, where Joona happens to be.  For another case, Joona was imprisoned for two years, and now the government is willing to free Joona, if he can help.  He will work closely with his friend and former coworker on the Security Police, Saga Bauer.  But things will go wrong, as another murder happens that has nothing to do with the politics and the government, Joona, much to Saga anger, is sent back to prison. 

What follows is with Saga’s help, Joona is released and promised full pardon, to help find a serial killer, on a case that goes back 30 years.  The main evidence is a child’s nursery rhyme about rabbits that prelude each murder.  Joona discovers that those being murdered were involved in a brutal rape during their college years, and the murderer has some kind of connection.

I do not want to give spoilers, so not to ruin the story for you.  The Rabbit Hunter was an intense, dark gripping story with brutal shocking murder scenes.  The story was well written and flowed well, and was non-stop action from start to finish; though I did think at times I found myself a bit confused.   The Rabbit Hunter is a thriller all the way, but be warned it is a dark gruesome story that may not be for everyone. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher