Gwen Hunter Books In Order

Publication Order of DeLande Books

Publication Order of Garrick Travis Books

Publication Order of Jane Yellowrock Books

Publication Order of Junkyard Cats Books

Publication Order of Rhea Lynch, M.D. Books

Publication Order of Soulwood Books

Publication Order of Thorn St. Croix Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Walker Papers Books

Chronological Order of Walker Papers Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Gwendolyn Faith Hunter is an American author of mystery and thriller books. She also writes under the penname Faith Hunter in the fantasy genre. Hunter has also engaged in collaborative work in the thriller genre, often partnering with Gary Leeville, and they publish together under the name Gary Hunter. Beyond her writing pursuits, Hunter is a co-founder of the writer assistance blog MagicalWords.net. She has expanded her creative endeavors into the realm of gaming by developing a role-playing game that draws inspiration from her Rogue Mage series.
Hunter’s upbringing took place in the unique surroundings of Louisiana Bayou County, where her early passion for writing ignited during her high school years. Her educational journey led her to college, where she earned a degree in Allied Health Technology. In the past, she had a full-time career working in a rural hospital.

The reception of Hunter’s literary works has been notably positive. For instance, “Bloodring,” one of her works, garnered favorable reviews. Monsters and Critics described it as “an entertaining first volume in a promising new series,” even though it had some rough edges. Notably, Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews also reviewed it positively, with Publishers Weekly particularly impressed by its “strong, cliffhanger ending.”

In 1997, Gwen Hunter began the publication of the Dr. Rhea Lynch series. The series lasted five books, concluding in 2008. Sleep Softly is the last installment in the series, and a gripping mystery is primarily narrated in the first person by Ashlee Davenport, a forensic nurse who becomes deeply involved in the case, with occasional insights into the chilling mind of the murderer.

Ashlee, a recent graduate of a forensic nursing program, is confronted by a disturbing discovery when her dogs bring her a child’s shoe containing a part of a foot. Her retired tracking dog helps her locate the rest of the body, leading to connections with another recent body discovery and a series of missing children. The lead FBI agent on the case suspects that either Ashlee or someone in her extensive family might be involved in the disappearances and murders. Though Ashlee is offended by the accusation, she eventually collaborates with the FBI to unravel her family’s connection to these events.

Adding to the complexity of the situation is Ashlee’s “sort of” boyfriend, Jim Ramsey, an FBI agent. Ashlee hesitates to deepen their relationship due to their significant age difference, but they must work together when Ashlee becomes a potential target. Meanwhile, Ashlee’s 20-year-old daughter, Jasmine, and her friend, Topaz, uncover crucial information about the case. As the investigation deepens, Ashlee and her family must grapple with the emerging revelations, and Ashlee must confront her growing feelings for Jim.

Gwen Hunter is a skilled suspense author known for her engaging storytelling. While her plots may not be flawless, and her heroines occasionally make questionable decisions, her narratives are real page-turners.

Tackling a sensitive and heart-wrenching subject, Gwen Hunter displays great courage as she delves into the disturbing realm of kidnapped and murdered children. “Sleep Softly” addresses this challenging topic with sensitivity and compassion, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally stirring read.

Shadow Valley is Gwen Hunter’s standalone novel, published in 2006. Mackenzie Morgan believes she’s making the right decision when she takes her teenage daughter, Bella, into the Appalachian Mountains for a photography expedition. She’s trying to escape a failing marriage and hopes this trip will help her connect with Bella and heal the wounds of her recent betrayal. However, their journey takes a terrifying turn when a drifter kidnaps Bella and disappears deep into the forest on horseback.

As Mackenzie’s husband enters the picture, old wounds resurface, but she finds support in a local ranger who keeps her focused on the urgent mission of finding Bella. Shocking revelations emerge, suggesting that the abduction may not have been as random as they initially thought. With each passing hour, Mackenzie must hold onto hope and fight to keep her terrified daughter safe.

In this book, Gwen Hunter demonstrates a mastery of narrative pacing. The story unfolds with a perfect balance, never dragging or rushing, maintaining a consistently engaging and exciting momentum. The pauses and action sequences are impeccably timed, creating a sense of realism and keeping the reader immersed in the unfolding drama.

Gwen Hunter also excels at depicting the natural beauty of the Appalachian backwoods. Her descriptions of the landscape are vivid and immersive, making it a treat for readers who appreciate the Southeastern hills and mountains. She has a deep appreciation for and understanding of the setting.
Throughout the chase, the narrator’s personal growth and self-awareness are skillfully portrayed. The introduction of other characters is well-handled, allowing the reader to perceive them through the narrator’s interactions, avoiding the intrusion of third-person omniscience. This approach keeps the focus on the action, which is central to the narrative.

The strengths of this novel lie in its vivid portrayal of the landscape, expert narrative pacing, and the narrator’s evolving self-awareness. Readers who enjoyed the novelized account of an 18th-century frontier event in “Follow the River” will find a similar sense of excitement in these modern backwoods chase narratives.

Ashes to Ashes is Gwen Hunter’s standalone book, published in 1996. Ashlee Chadwick Davenport is in the early stages of grieving her husband’s death, a man who appeared to be a model citizen, a respected church deacon, and an upstanding businessman. However, within a month of his passing, Ashlee stumbles upon unsettling evidence that suggests her late husband, Jack, may not have been as virtuous as he seemed. She discovers anonymous phone call recordings implicating Jack in questionable business dealings, records of suspicious land transactions, and letters hinting at even darker secrets.

To make matters even more emotionally distressing, Ashlee comes across provocative photos of her late husband with her best friend, shattering her perception of her life and marriage. She feels as though her entire existence has been constructed on a foundation of deceit.
Now, Ashlee’s world narrows down to her daughter and the family farm that holds generations of history. However, these remaining pieces of her life are suddenly at risk. Jack’s death has left her with something that someone desperately desires, and they are willing to go to great lengths to obtain it.

In the face of these mounting challenges, Ashlee must summon her growing anger and determination to confront an unseen adversary determined to protect Jack’s final secret.