Hunting Adeline

In "Hunting Adeline," the second book of H.D. Carlton's Cat & Mouse Duet, the narrative picks up immediately after the events of "Haunting Adeline." Adeline Reilly, a novelist, has been abducted by a clandestine human trafficking organization known as The Society. Held captive in a decaying mansion, she endures physical and psychological torment as she clings to fragments of her identity and sanity. During her captivity, Adeline discovers a journal written by a previous captive, Molly, which becomes a source of hope and insight, inspiring her resilience.

Meanwhile, Zade Meadows, a morally complex hacker and vigilante, is consumed by the need to rescue Adeline. Utilizing his hacking empire and private army, he hunts for leads across dark web networks, corrupt political circles, and trafficking routes. His obsession with finding Adeline pushes him into darker moral territory, blurring the line between justice and vengeance. As Zade closes in, Adeline begins to resist her captors from within, secretly plotting her escape after uncovering evidence of The Society's larger operations and a hidden network of victims.

The novel delves into themes of trauma, survival, and the complexities of human relationships. The evolving bond between Adeline and Zade challenges traditional romance narratives, intertwining elements of suspense and psychological depth. Set against a backdrop of darkness and moral ambiguity, the story explores the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for recovery amid perilous circumstances.