The Hunt and the Kill by Holly Watt

‘Antibiotic resistance is the silent pandemic.’ Holly Watt’s powerful new thriller takes the reader on a spine-tingling journey into the secretive world of ‘big pharma’. Investigative journalist Casey tracks a mysterious billionaire across three continents in a bid to expose a suspected cover-up. Her quest leads her to stunning locations where she clashes with larger-than-life characters, some of whom try to kill her. My personal favourite is the chapter where Casey finds herself in close proximity to a lion on the loose, but everyone will find drama to suit their taste.

When undercover journalist Casey Benedict is asked to interview a young woman with a life-limiting genetic condition, the patient’s doctor alerts her to an alarming rise in antibiotic-resistant infections, tipping her off about a potential new wonder drug. If the rumours are true, this new antibiotic could save millions of lives, but no one seems to know whether the drug even exists.

The plot of The Hunt and the Kill is engaging on more than one level. The emotional focus of the book is Flora, a twenty year old cystic fibrosis sufferer with underlying health issues. Watt cleverly uses Flora’s engaging personality to show the massive influence of the pharmaceutical industry through the experiences of one vulnerable young woman. Personal tragedies suffered by Holly and a fellow whistle-blower are sensitively handled, while international calamities caused by the misuse of antibiotics are vividly brought to life. Watt, herself an acclaimed investigative journalist, describes the realities of an undercover investigation with humour and a command of intriguing detail. Casey and her colleague Miranda, who are both used to beginning the working day with the question ‘Who am I?’, remain convincingly in control of situations so threatening they would have most people running for the hills. Meanwhile, the behind-the-scenes machinations of colleagues in Casey’s London newspaper office, especially the two female interns, are as hilarious as they are effective.

I was given a copy of The Hunt and the Kill in return for an honest review, and I can honestly say I do not remember when I have enjoyed a thriller more. Watt’s revelations about the effects of drug dumping are eye-opening, and her contrasting descriptions of hospitals in the UK and the developing world will stay with me for a long time. Diligent research must have been carried out in preparation for writing this novel, but there is no sense of information overload. Skilful storytelling ensures that The Hunt and the Kill remains pacy and compelling throughout, while Casey’s courage, energy and determination drive the plot to a shocking but satisfying conclusion.