The Trail by M. A. Hunter

Release: 8th September 2023
Format:Ebook
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Source: Rachels Random Resources
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, AppleBooks,

Sometimes it’s best to let the past stay buried…

Thirty years ago, Jess’s mother, Nora, disappeared while on a charity hike in the US. The devastating loss has afflicted Jess well into her adult life. And it even inspired her decision to become an investigative journalist.

Jess receives an anonymous tip telling her that there are remains in the spot her mother disappeared. As such, she wastes no time in jumping on a plane.

They say the Appalachian Mountains have secrets. However, as she begins to ask around, she learns that the locals do too. But no matter how much they lie, she determines to find the truth and even if it will irrevocably change her future.

Someone wants to keep the past buried. And they will stop at nothing to keep Jess as quiet as the tranquil mountain trail itself…

About the Author:

M. A. Hunter has been a huge fan of crime fiction series since a young age. He always fancied the idea of trying to write one. That dream became a reality with The Missing Children Case Files. Born in Darlington in the north-east of England, Hunter grew up in West London, and moved to Southampton to study law at university. When not writing, Hunter will be binge-watching favourite shows or reading the latest story from Angela Marsons, Simon Kernick, or Ann Cleeves.

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The Trail Review:

I found Jess’s storyline engaging as she delves into the mystery surrounding her mother’s disappearance. The dynamic between Jess and Bruce as they navigate the enigma in Rockston is well-crafted, offering a pleasant narrative synergy. Jess’s determination to unearth the truth is palpable as she gears up to take action, adding an element of suspense to the plot.

Nora’s storyline, on the other hand, was my personal favorite. Nora’s role as a protagonist embarking on a journey along the Appalachian Trail is compelling. The author adeptly portrays the group’s struggles, allowing Nora’s tenacity and commitment to shine through, driving her to embrace the path ahead despite adversities. The undercurrent of unease in Nora’s journey effectively heightens the story’s tension, lending an intriguing layer to her adventures.

Moreover, the author excels in delivering impactful atmospheric moments that resonate. Instances such as the girl offering a bracelet to Jess, Nora’s eerie encounter with a staring mask figure, and Jess’s unsettling observation of someone consuming an animal, all contribute to a spine-tingling atmosphere. Even secondary characters like Greta and Chester enhance this atmospheric quality, contributing to Jess’s sense of being watched and her discovery of the Mountain people.

Skillfully toggling between past and present, the author seamlessly weaves Nora and Jess’s storylines. This narrative technique effectively builds momentum and maintains reader engagement. The pacing of events leading to the climax is well-executed, capturing the reader’s attention and propelling the story forward.

However, the climax left me somewhat underwhelmed. While different from what I anticipated, it veered into slightly illogical territory. Nonetheless, its unexpected nature surprised me in a way.

Overall, “The Trail” emerges as a well-crafted mystery thriller survival tale that the author skillfully crafted, keeping readers gripped throughout the narrative.