The Hook

A Novel

By: Victoria Helen Stone

Narrated by: Jennifer Jill Araya, Jordan Cobb, Victoria Villarreal, Allyson Johnson

Three betrayed women with revenge in common channel their fury in a twisting novel of psychological suspense by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Jane Doe and False Step.

A women’s boxing class is the perfect place for betrayed wife Katherine to work out her aggressions. Ideal too for Geneva, a teacher disgraced and ruined by a vengeful ex, and Luz, a software engineer battling an unjust system. Maggie, their instructor and mentor, guarantees she can right the wrongs they’ve endured. And if Katherine, Geneva, and Luz really want to unleash their rage, they must do what Maggie says.

Each woman’s secret task has its risks. Call it justice. Call it revenge. It’s bound to be worth it—if no missteps are made. As they take the leap to reclaim what they’re owed, their lives are turned upside down. Because no one could have guessed that it would all end in murder.

Now, coming together to harness their power, Katherine, Geneva, and Luz fear that the game they’ve been playing is playing them.

©2023 Victoria Helen Stone (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Stone gradually reveals her multifaceted characters’ secrets as the intricate, fast-paced plot builds to a surprising conclusion.”—Publishers Weekly

“This beautifully balanced thriller will keep readers tense, surprised, pleased, and surprised again as a master manipulator unfolds her plan of revenge.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Stone skillfully, deviously, and gleefully leads the reader down a garden path to a knockout WHAM-O of an ending.”—New York Journal of Books

Apropos to current times.

I have a feeling I will be doing a marathon of books written by Victoria Helen Stone. i love an author who I was current and aware of at the difficulties of being a women in a patriarchy.

Interesting

Interesting. Maggie’s character was so mysterious the entire time. Not trusting her at all. So secretive. But learning her story at the end was satisfying. I wanted more of a “omg” moment when the reveal happened with the ladies and how they intertwined. Catherine deserved better.

another great story!

very entertaining and fun! another awesome book by vhs! can't wait to see more releases!

Enjoyable read!

There's a reason why rules must be followed, as our leading ladies will soon discover. What started out as nicely laid plans takes a deadly turn when a certain someone doesn't follow the rules, lies about it, and subsequently jeopardizes everyone involved in the secret circle of women.

A bit strange.

I found the Catholicism difficult to wrap my head around. Kept asking myself: really?! (Answering: nah.) The revenge angle kept me interested, but honestly I knew who the killer was immediately. So, worth a listen but not a credit.