Step into the high-octane world of Joe Hunter, where pulse-pounding action and gritty heroism collide! Matt Hilton’s Joe Hunter series is a thrilling ride through the underbelly of crime, following a Manchester-born ex-military operative turned vigilante-for-hire. With his sharp skills and unshakable moral code, Joe tackles dangerous missions across the USA, captivating thriller fans with every twist.
Perfect for readers who love Lee Child’s Jack Reacher or Robert Crais’ Joe Pike, this series blends cinematic fight scenes with personal stakes. Ready to meet a tough guy with a heart? Let’s dive into Joe Hunter’s world!
How Joe Hunter Began
British author Matt Hilton, a former police officer and private security specialist, created Joe Hunter after years of writing short stories and unpublished novels. Inspired by pulp thrillers and authors like Dean Koontz and John Connolly, Hilton debuted the series in 2009 with Dead Men’s Dust. His real-world experience in law enforcement and martial arts (he’s a 4th Dan blackbelt!) infuses the books with authentic action. After securing a five-book deal in 2008, Hilton’s creation skyrocketed, earning a Sunday Times bestseller spot and international translations.
The Heart of Joe Hunter
The Joe Hunter series, spanning 13 novels and counting, follows Joe, a former counterterrorism operative, as he solves problems for clients who need a lethal edge. In Dead Men’s Dust (2009), Joe hunts for his estranged brother, who’s tangled with a knife-obsessed killer, Tubal Cain, in a desert wasteland. Judgment and Wrath (2010) pits Joe against a relentless assassin, while Slash and Burn (2010) sees him rescuing a friend’s sister from a sadistic millionaire. Cut and Run (2011) raises the stakes when a doppelgänger steals Joe’s identity for a murder spree.
Hilton’s stories thrive on themes of justice, loyalty, and redemption. Joe’s moral code—protect the innocent, punish the guilty—drives his vigilante missions, often clashing with legal boundaries. The USA settings, from dusty deserts to urban sprawls, amplify the noir vibe, while Hilton’s crisp prose and vivid fight scenes keep pages turning. Fans praise the series for its relentless pace and complex villains, like the chilling Luke Rickard in Cut and Run.
Joe’s humanity sets him apart. Haunted by his past and fiercely loyal to friends like Rink and Harvey, he’s not just a killing machine. This blend of toughness and vulnerability makes every book a thrilling character study as much as an action fest.
Why Joe Hunter Resonates
The Joe Hunter series has carved a niche in the thriller genre, often compared to Jack Reacher for its gritty hero and breakneck plots. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about its escapist fun, with Dead Men’s Dust earning 148 five-star reviews for its unforgettable action hero. Hilton’s ability to craft vile yet compelling villains, like the sadistic Bolan twins in Slash and Burn, keeps readers hooked.
Despite some criticism for clichéd dialogue or simplistic writing, the series’ raw energy and authentic action—rooted in Hilton’s real-world expertise—have built a loyal following. Its influence lies in delivering pure, unpretentious thrills, proving a lesser-known series can still pack a punch. With a 13th book on the way, Joe Hunter’s legacy is far from over.
- First Book: Dead Men’s Dust (2009)
- Total Books: 13 (as of 2025)
- Awards: Dead Men’s Dust shortlisted for ITW Debut Thriller Award 2009
- Author: Matt Hilton, ex-cop and martial artist
Grab Dead Men’s Dust and dive into Joe Hunter’s thrilling world of justice and jaw-dropping action!