THE ACCIDENTAL HUNTER - Nelson George
Simon & Schuster/Touchstone
February 2005
SYNOPSIS: Nelson George takes the contemporary noir novel to dazzling new heights in his latest offering featuring the title character from "Night Work" and introducing another hauntingly original protagonist.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: (4) Wayne Jordan
REVIEW: THE ACCIDENTAL HUNTER begins with the kidnapping of pop singer Night, the protagonist of Nelson George’s earlier work,
NIGHT LIFE. Dervin “D” Hunter who heads his own security firm is hired by music manager Ivy Greenwich to deliver the ransom to retrieve Night.
The task completed successfully, Greenwich hires him to protect, Bridgette Haze, a white singer trying to make it in the hip-hop world.
Hunter’s attraction to Bridgette and the threats to them by a mysterious motorcycle gang only serve to complicate his already troubled life.
The mystery elements of the story provide for a tense read, but what I found most interesting about THE ACCIDENTAL HUNTER, is the
insight into the complex main character, D. Hunter. HIV positive and brooding, D. Hunter, is not the typical hero, and one with whom some
readers may find difficulty connecting. I, however, found myself fascinated with a man who exemplified the characteristics Nelson George
believes are essential for his male protagonists.
“My leading men are media savvy and ambitious. None is rich and material success always seems a bit out of reach. They are products of working class families. They are sometimes made foolish by beauty.”
There are no better words to describe Hunter. A flawed leading man, Hunter must deal with his relationship with his British-Nigerian
girlfriend, the murders of his brothers, the death of his father and his mother’s upcoming wedding. Despite his current state of
disillusionment, Hunter is still the noble hero, controlled by his sense of duty and honor.
THE ACCIDENTAL HUNTER reflects the urban grittiness of New York City and resonates with the strident bold music that flows from the
radio and clubs creating a realistic sense of time and place. Though the pace at the beginning of the story seems a bit leisurely, it quickly
picks up; taking readers on an absorbing read that will leave them emotionally drained.
Nelson George must be lauded for telling a story that is not only entertaining, but gives the reader a glimpse into an intriguing hero whose
journey of discovery is not an easy one, but one that continues to shape the man he is slowly becoming.
THE ACCIDENTAL HUNTER, however, may not be the story for everyone. If you’re interested in a story that not only entertains but leaves
you disturbed by its boldness and stark realism, then this story is the one for you.
I look forward with anticipation to reading the next story in the truly original series.
waj@romanceincolor.com (1st February 2005)