Hunt by Leona Deakin is the third Dr Augusta Bloom thriller I have read and loved. I finished this one last week and deliberately waited to review. I found myself referencing it constantly since then which speaks volumes to the storyline’s impact. Leona deals well with vulnerability, charisma, and cult strategy. Seeing it from Augusta’s intelligent, experienced and strong perspective gives great insight into the efficacy of the subtle, and not so subtle, methods used to rewire our reasoning and motivations. This brought me right into recent observations of the current societal waves of Trumpism, Conspiracy theories, anti-gay, anti-vax, anti-establishment and the crowd mentality used to bully and isolate those who speak out or question false or skewed “evidence”. The storyline is gripping, tense and heartbreaking in equal measure but most of all it’s terrifying. We constantly refer to Nazi Germany and Hitler’s influence asking why the world allowed it yet here we see, albeit through a fictional example, how such things have and could happen again through these cult leaders, the isolation and subjugation of members and the mass suicides that have happened in the fairly recent past. Thanks Leona for dealing with such a difficult and frightening subject. Very serious food for thought within a great storyline. Five stars from me

Another absolute belter from Leona. She has got to be one of my favourite authors and I can't get enough of Bloom and Jameson as a partnership. Add Seraphine into the mix and I don't think this series will ever end!

Dr Augusta Bloom, clinical psychologist, works with her partner, Martin Jamieson (ex MI5), as a freelance consultant detective, often at the behest of the police. However, her latest call takes her not to a police station or hospital, but to a secure room in the sub-basement of the MOD Headquarters. The client she has been called to see is the Foreign Secretary, Gerald Porter, being held in secret by the police on suspicion of espionage or treason – or terrorism! He is refusing to discuss anything unless Augusta can trace and ‘rescue’ his niece, Scarlet, who has become enmeshed in an organisation called Artemis. On the face of it, it is merely a campaigning group promoting and supporting women in the workplace and the wider world. If she is successful within the fifteen days which the Terrorism Act allows him to be held before charging, he will confess all, otherwise he will provide no co-operation to the police.
Although this seems a very strange commission, Augusta agrees to take it. However, this apparently simple situation turns out to be much more complex because Artemis, run by a charismatic American called Paula Kunis, is clearly some sort of cult. A cult in which people disappear.
A potentially even greater problem is the involvement of her nemesis Seraphine Walker, a psychopath who leads a group of other psychopaths who, in turn, maintain a coterie of acolytes distributed worldwide and at all levels of society. Augusta has contended against her in two previous novels, but she appears rarely in this one, which can be read perfectly well with only the included background. Nevertheless, her appearance creates an underlying tension – will she reappear, will she do something drastic, is she connected with Artemis? Is she behind Porter’s strange request to Augusta?
There is a particularly strong section in which characters meets with psychological techniques akin to brainwashing. Readers who are disposed to identify with characters may find themselves drawn in by the power of the writing,
The actual plot is not very complicated, although there are a number of twists so that interest is maintained to the final reveal.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

When Dr Augusta Bloom is summoned to speak to the Foreign Secretary, she is intrigued. He is being held under the Terrorism Act and needs Bloom’s help to track down his niece, Scarlett, who he has not seen for a decade. She appears to have links to Artemis, a feminist group led by the charismatic Paula Kunis, but why has she distanced herself from her family? In order to find out, Bloom must go undercover, infiltrating the ranks at Artemis to find out exactly what their agenda is.


Hunt is the third in the Augusta Bloom series and, in my opinion, is the best so far. Augusta’s skills are put to the test as she finds herself deep undercover, trying to find out the true motives behind Artemis, an organisation who claim to be empowering women. While on the surface, this does appear to be the case, it does not taks Augusta long to realise that this is more like a cult, and one that it seems impossible to escape from. The tension became palpable as we begin to realise just how much danger Augusta has placed herself in and this kept me turning the pages as I tried to discover how she was going to get out of this terrifying situation.


We also get to understand a bit more about Augusta’s business partner, Marcus Jameson in this book, and it was good to see more of his investigative work, drawing upon his previous career to help him. The spectre of Seraphineis always hanging over Marcus and I enjoyed seeing this odd relationship rear its head again, albeit in a different way from the previous books.


The cult aspect of this book was fascinating to read and it was easy to understand how the women might be coerced into becoming part of it, parallels beind drawn to the likes of Waco and Jonestown. I think the most terrifying part was how easy it was for these women to become indoctrinated, their families desperately trying and failing to make contact with them.


Hunt is a fast-past read that has left me eagerly awaiting the next installment.

I never repeat the blurb. Thoroughly enjoyed this latest cerebral outing with Dr Augusta Bloom and Jameson, her ex MI6 colleague. Up against foes new and old, a nemesis and beautifully poised for another episode to follow, a great read.

Hunt is the third in the series about Dr Augusta Bloom and her partner, Marcus Jameson . This series just gets better and better! Marcus seems to have forgiven Augusta and their relationship is back on an even keel although he is still not quite sure he can trust her. Augusta goes under cover and is very much alone in this tense, gripping tale. I cannot believe I missed this title on my list until now - once started I could not put it down.
4.5 stars!!
Many thanks to Netgalley/Leona Deakin/Random House UK for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Loved this new instalment of the Boom series, although it can be read as a,standalone, I have read the first two in the series.
The story is that Bloom is asked to investigate an organisation called Artemis by the foreign Secretary who is being held under the terrorism act. His niece Scarlett joined this group about 10 years previously and hasn't had Contact with her family since. But why has he chosen Bloom to do this and why now? What is in it for him? The only way for Bloom to investigate is to go undercover and infiltrate the group, but once she gets in will she be able to resist the powers of persuasion and get out? Jameson helps her of course telling her to stay as close to the truth as she can whilst being undercover.

Just love the style with which Leona writes these books. These would be fantastic made into a film franchise, I would definitely be in the queue to watch them!!

Thank you Net galley for giving me the opportunity to read this book have already recommended to friends and family. Can't wait for the next instalment!!!

I read this book as a standalone without realising it is part of a series. Although incidents are mentioned which must have been from previous books, this did not detract or affect my reading of this one. It was a good book with an unusual storyline and it made me interested in reading the rest of the series.

Thanks to author, publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I will start saying that I am totally biased with this series, I started from the beginning and I am a big fan of the series!
This is the third book of the series, there’s a lot of background following the main characters, so I would recommend reading the previous books, as well as reading my review at your own discretion…
Dr Augusta Bloom is not the typical main character we are used to, her cases are always seen in a different perspective, maybe colder or in the “psychopath” perspective, but that’s what makes these cases interesting and different, you never know what to expect from her!
In this case we will meet Artemis, a feminist movement organization, with a very dangerous leader, Paula Kunis, that will give you creeps from the beginning. Augusta and Marcus will start investigating as a result of a personal petition, they will be searching a young missing woman involved in Artemis and as soon as they start investigating things will start to become dangerous…
I really like the Dr Bloom series, you never know what to expect or who to trust, there are twists and surprises at every corner and the intelligence and bravery of the main characters always makes the case more interesting.
I don’t want to make any spoilers, just expect the unexpected, always with a human touch and different perspectives from the characters, that’s what makes this series special, the point of view.
Are you ready for the “Hunt”?

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Hunt by Leona Deakin is another instalment in the Dr Bloom series. The Foreign Secretary, being held under the Terrorism Act asks Dr Bloom to seek out his niece Scarlett who hasn't been in contact with her family for 10 years. Bloom sets out to investigate Artemis, where Scarlett was last believed to be involved. When Bloom enters a weekend retreat with Artemis, she starts to second guess everything she has been told and everything she believes.

I really enjoy the Dr Bloom series and this was another great book. I enjoyed the twists and turns and found it hard to put down. Although it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone . If you love thrillers or detective style novels then you will enjoy this one too!

Book #3 in this series, but I have read it as a standalone. I’d be intrigued to go back and read the first two.

The book follows Bloom, a psychologist, and her business partner Jameson, a former secret agent turned detective.

The author makes plenty of references to previous cases the two have worked on, and I’m assuming these are references to previous books - but it wasn’t necessary for me to have read them to understand the references.

Bloom is asked to research the Artemis group and find the Foreign Secretary’s niece - in the process she finds herself being drawn deeper and deeper into the company in order to find out what is really going on.

The whole book is filled with suspense of what could happen next, the author challenges the psyche through constantly raising the question of how easily we humans can be manipulated, even when we’re aware of the risk! Dr Bloom is a professional, she knows the science and the expectation - does she succumb?

Deakin’s writing is clever, and exciting! There was danger throughout and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Bloom and Jameson are flawed and loveable but the real star of the book, and perhaps reason to go back and read the first two - is Seraphine. She is a psychopath. She is brilliant, she is terrifyingly cold and calculated but God yes I want more of her!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House publishers for a gifted copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I love this unusual pairing of a psychologist and an agent. Great plot and believeable characters. Looking forward to the next one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I beleive this is the third in a series of books featuring the lead character but it is the first I've read. I can honestly say, that I wasn't even aware of that fact until after finding out post reading it, so definitely didn't impact upon my enjoyment. Decent story which certainly kept me hooked right to the end. If this book is your typical genre, then go for it.

Dr. Augusta Bloom is back in action!

Foreign Secretary Gerald Porter is held on suspicion under the Terrorism Act. He is not willing to talk to the police, and he will only talk to Augusta Bloom.

Bloom is tasked with finding Scarlett, Gerald’s long-lost niece. The last time anyone heard from almost 9-10 years back. Her family has lost contact with her. Her family and friends remember she was trying to get into a women’s rights group called Artemis.

On paper, the group seems to do the right and trying is bring about a change in society. But Bloom has questions. What is this group? What happened to Scarlett? Bloom is divided about her opinion about the Artemis group. She goes undercover, and her partner Jameson helps her from outside the group.

Dr. Bloom and Marcus Jameson come together yet again with an enthralling thriller.

This is the third book in the series of Bloom and Jameson private detective cases. Dr. Bloom is a psychologist, and Jameson is an ex MI6. They often work with the police to solve complicated cases.
Scarlett’s disappearance and her mixing up with Artemis, on the surface, seems like a simple matter to figure out. But as Bloom asks more questions, she feels confused.

The book also brings back Bloom’s nemesis. Seraphine Walker’s appearance is always troublesome and brings fears in the heart of the readers, who read her in earlier books. She is a master manipulator and brings in terror wrapped in charm. Even though she is a recurring character, first-time readers will feel her Machiavellian nature.
Quite like her earlier books, this one is also an engaging read, but a notch higher in its thrill part. The book ends hinting at another one in the series.

Hunt by Leona Deakin is a psychological thriller that will keep me engrossed until the last page (and wanting more of it).

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House for the copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Although this is the third instalment in the Dr Augusta Bloom series with the storyline picking up where the second one left off, this books can be read as a stand-alone.

Personally, I really enjoy cult settings, so the fact that the protagonist had to go under cover inside a cult and resist their manipulations made the book so much more enjoyable for me. An intriguing premise and a storyline that delivers earn this a solid 4-star rating, Only four stars, because a few things niggled at me as too unbelievable, but overall a very good book.

Enjoyed this addition to the series.

I have read the previous books and although I wouldn’t say this one is as good, it’s still an enjoyable thriller and the cult storyline makes it stand out.

Hunt is a rollercoaster of a book, the third of Leona Deakin’s novels to follow Dr Augusta Bloom, psychologist and private detective. In this instalment, Bloom investigates the mysterious and slightly suspicious women’s feminist movement group Artemis as women and their money are disappearing with alarming efficacy.

I wish I had read the previous Detective Bloom novels before starting Hunt, but I don’t think that necessarily detracted from the enthralling story which drew you in so effectively. There were characters and actions where it was evident that there was backstory, but nothing which actively harmed my reading flow, my enjoyment of the story or indeed required further explanation.

However, Hunt was an excellent read, with layers of twists which only underpin the psychological element of the plot…. I am wary of saying too much as I don’t want to give any spoilers! The writing style was easy to read and I enjoyed Bloom’s no nonsense approach to a problem which swiftly proves to be more complex than expected. I love competent women!

A good read, although would likely be tagged as a 15A for filmgoers – the climax of the book is perfect for a thriller and is very well written. Just when you think it’s all going to be okay….

My thanks to NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and Leona Deakin for this e-ARC!

Although this book is the third installment with the main character, Augusta Bloom, it can easily be read as a standalone, which in turn was ideal as I have not read the first two books.

This book gives you a rare insight on how cults can operate as this is not a usual topic you would find in a fictional novel. It was clever, intriguing and thought provoking as to how easy cults could go about recruiting new members.

Very easy to read, thoroughly enjoyable. I will be looking to read more by this author.

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for giving me the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy.

4.5/5

This book is the third in the crime/thriller series featuring Dr Augusta Bloom, an organisational physiologist turned private eye. As this was a Netgalley ARC, I hadn't read the first two before diving straight into this. While I could tell there were elements that might hold more significance for those who've read the others, I was still easily able to follow the story as a standalone.

In this one, Dr Bloom must investigate a women's rights organisation called Artemis that may not be quite what it appears. Why do the women who become involved with it seem to lose contact with their families and disappear without a trace?? Dr Bloom is well placed to infiltrate the organisation and find out... but is she in over her head??

I really enjoyed this book! I don't want to say much about the plot because I think it's a book you're better off starting fairly blind, but I found the direction it took really intriguing and the atmosphere excellent. I could barely put it down from beginning to end, which is always a good sign! The writing is clear and easy, and the chapters short and snappy which I always enjoy.

This book also employed one of my favourite thriller tropes - a bit of a twist in the falling action (after the climax, when you think it's all just wrapping up). In fact, I enjoy this so much, I tend to feel let down when it doesn't happen haha!

If you enjoy crime/thriller type stories, this author is definitely worth a look, especially if you prefer it on the "lighter" side - nothing too gory or disturbing (nonetheless TW for death, violence, things you'd expect in this genre), but still plenty to keep you on the edge of your seat. I will definitely go back and read the first two books, and look forward to any more in future!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, I really enjoyed this book. This is the 3rd in the Augusta Bloom series and I really hope it isn’t going to be the last. I have now read all 3 and this was just as good as the others. The story is well paced and a great read. It was nice - do I really mean that? - the have Seraphine back even thought it was only a small part of the story, I don’t like giving anything away so all I will say is this was another great book by Leona and pleas keep writing, I now need no 4 please