The Last Hunt

Benny Griessel Mysteries Series, Book 7

By: Deon Meyer

Narrated by: Simon Vance

When a cold case dossier lands on Captain Benny Griessel's desk, he and his partner Vaughn Cupido, fellow member of the Hawks elite police unit in South Africa, reluctantly set to work reviewing the evidence of the disappearance - and possible murder - of ex-cop Johnson Johnson on the world's most luxurious train line.

Two fellow travelers might have the answers Griessel and Cupido need - but they too seem to have disappeared into thin air, and the few clues that exist suggest a cover-up. Meanwhile, Daniel Darret has settled into a new, quiet life in Bordeaux, far from his native South Africa and his revolutionary past. But when a man from that past reappears to commission his unique skills one more time, Daniel is forced to decide whether to remain anonymous or to strike a forceful blow against a corrupt government.

The two storylines eventually crash together in an ending as dramatic as it is unexpected, leaving Griessel and Cupido uncertain of their own future. With its rapid-fire plotting and beloved characters, The Last Hunt shows one of today's great crime writers operating at the peak of his powers and makes a brave and powerful statement about the pervasive corruption that has stolen so much from Meyer's native country.

©2019 Deon Meyer (P)2020 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Breathtaking

I don't know what I can say without a spoiler alert for every word. I was cringing all the way to the end thinking one of my heroes (and loves) might be killed, given the title. Perhaps it would be best to give listening advice rather than a review: get up early on a day when your calendar is clear, send the kids somewhere, get the spouse out of the house, and make sure you have a backup in case a battery dies. I found it difficult to even do mindless chores, but maybe that's just me.

This plot has roots in South African political events, so even a trip out to the news webs makes good reading. Not that we don't have our own corrupt politicians, but it's less painful to read about other nation's problems. As for backstory and characters, I firmly believe it's best to listen to these 12 books in chronological order rather than following any of the sublists suggested by Audible. (For instance, my man Thobela Mpayipheli has an important role in Dead Before Dying, but Audible's sub-list doesn't include it, and incorrectly shows Devil's Peak as unavailable.)

I must restrain myself from running on too long, but one last point: if you're a monolingual American like me, be sure you don't accidentally purchase any of the Afrikaans, German, or French versions unless you really mean to. I don't plan to learn any other languages at this stage of life.

Not his best work, but still good

I became a Deon Meyer fan because I was originally looking for mysteries narrated by Simon Vance. I have enjoyed all of Deon Meyer's Benny Griessel books. Mr. Meyer has created such vivid characters in the very capable hands and voice of Simon Vance, that you look forward to the latest installment ... like The Last Hunt.

The narration was A+, my disappointment was the ending.

A solid 4 star.

Thank you

Great story but start at the beginning of the series to fully appreciate it. I became so attached to the characters that I think if they were sitting around talking about the weather I’d tune in for company as I go about my day. Hate to say goodbye! Thanks to both Deon Meyer and the voice that brings South Africa to life, Simon Vance.

So very very good

I discovered Deon Meyer a few years ago and have enjoyed immensely his progress as a writer, story teller, advocate for South Africa, and his ability to transport me far far away from tactical or daily concerns. This is an utterly gripping book enhanced by Simon Vance’s narration. I cared immensely about the three protagonists and read on pins and needles. What a story - so happy if this becomes the final for Benny and Vaughan. Bravo!

Terrific!

Didn't care for Deon Meyer's last but this one is terrific! Simon Vance's narration is superb and Meyer's plots are ingenious and very, very interesting.