Instinct

By: Jason M. Hough, George Newbern

Narrated by: Nancy Wu

New York Times bestselling author Jason M. Hough dives headfirst into the world of thrillers with this “gripping…timely, and entertaining” (Kevin Hearne, New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Druid Chronicles) new tale.

Welcome to Silvertown, Washington. Population 602 (for now).

Despite its size, the small mountain town is home to more conspiracy theories than any other place in America. Officer Mary Whittaker is slowly acclimating to the daily weirdness of life here, but when the chief of police takes a leave of absence, she is left alone to confront a series of abnormal incidents—strange even by Silvertown standards.

An “indoor kid” who abhors nature dies on a random midnight walkabout with no explanation.

A hiker is found dead on a trail, smiling serenely after being mauled by a bear.

A woman known for being a helicopter parent abandons her toddler twins without a second thought.

It’s almost as if the townsfolk are losing their survival instinct, one by one…

As Whittaker digs deeper into her investigation, she uncovers a larger conspiracy with more twists and turns than a mountain road and danger around every corner. To save Silvertown, she must distinguish the truth from paranoia-fueled lies before she ends up losing her own instincts…and her life.

Critic reviews

"These odd and at times devastating incidents are recounted by Officer Mary Whittaker, who is portrayed by narrator Nancy Wu. Mary's voice sounds clear, confident, and mercifully sane despite the madness around her."

Enjoyable

I was hesitant to purchase this book because the "Publisher's Summary" mentioned conspiracy theories. I wasn't sure I wanted to go there but was glad I did. The novel was primarily down-to-earth and believable. I found this novel to be delightful, engaging, entertaining, and thrilling. It was a good bedtime story, and I thought the characters were well developed and substantial. I enjoyed the narration by Nancy Wu. Her voice matched her role as "Officer Mary Whittaker" in the novel perfectly. "Instinct" was my first book by Jason M. Hough, and I will be checking out more of his books.