"PRIDE SUPERBIA"
THIS HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS
AVAILABLE
AT BARNES & NOBLE
AND AMAZON.COM
When Chief Inspector Lara Stone receives a chilling phone call, she is thrust into a web of gruesome murders. Each crime scene is a piece of a larger puzzle, leading her through the dark streets of Antwerp. Lara faces a deadly game with a ruthless serial killer known as "The Rose Catcher."
Jonah Hunter, haunted by his past, has crafted a series of chilling masterpieces that terrify the city. His cryptic messages and macabre clues push Lara to her limits. Just when she seems to be getting closer, the murderer changes the rules, escalating the situation.
It becomes a race against time as Lara finds herself at the center of the killer's twisted game. Can she unmask him and free Antwerp from its most ruthless serial killer? Or will he execute his master plan to perfection?
"Pride" is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Every turn of the page brings you closer to the chilling truth in this first installment of the Mortalia Pecata series. Don't miss out—grab your copy in stores this holiday season!
THIS HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS
AVAILABLE
AT BARNES & NOBLE
AND AMAZON.COM
Breaking News: "Pride Superbia" by D.V. Hunter Hits U.S. stores this Christmas
Saturday, July, 6 2024, Literair natuurlandschap
© Dennis Verhulst. The cover of Pride Superbia exudes a dark and intriguing atmosphere, with a bloody rose that perfectly captures the suspense and complexity of the thriller.
Just in time for the holiday season, D.V. Hunter's highly anticipated thriller, Pride Superbia, is set to hit U.S. stores this Christmas. Thriller fans can look forward to an exciting new read filled with intrigue and suspense.
A Masterpiece of Modern Thriller
Pride Superbia is the first installment in the Mortalia Pecata series, a collection of thrillers that explore the darker sides of human nature. Verhulst’s latest work has already captivated Dutch and Flemish audiences with its complex storyline and intriguing characters. The story follows Jonah Hunter, whose journey is marked by intense personal struggles and a relentless quest for justice, making Pride Superbia a must-read for thriller enthusiasts.
U.S. Launch Details
The U.S. edition of Pride Superbia will be available starting this Christmas, published by Uitgeverij Verhulst. Featuring a stunning cover designed by Dennis Verhulst (D.V. Hunter) and interior illustrations by Ilse Walschaerts (Luunn), the book will be available in paperback at major retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
For the American market, the book will be released under the pseudonym D.V. Hunter. Dennis expressed his excitement about the U.S. release: "Bringing Pride Superbia to an American audience is a dream come true. I hope readers here find the story as thrilling and engaging as those in Belgium. Writing this book has been a journey, and I am thrilled to share it with a broader audience."
Available this Christmas at Barnes & Noble & amazon.com: a breathtaking thriller you can't miss.
A Deep Dive into Jonah Hunter
Jonah Hunter, the complex protagonist of Pride Superbia, is a man driven by demons from his past and an insatiable thirst for vengeance. As a former soldier, Jonah has honed his skills in the most hostile environments. This experience has hardened him both physically and mentally, but also filled him with deep inner turmoil.
Under the alias "John," he infiltrates criminal organizations and navigates the shadows of the underworld. His dual identity allows him to gather information and destroy enemies from within, but this comes at a cost. Jonah constantly struggles with the boundary between his true self and the persona he has created. His work forces him into moral compromises that push his soul further into darkness.
Jonah’s relationship with his alter ego, John, is complex and fraught. While John is cold and calculating, part of Jonah longs for redemption and a way out of the spiral of violence when he meets Alexis. This internal conflict makes him a fascinating and compelling character, ensuring that readers feel both drawn to and repelled by his actions.
Introducing Lara Stone
Alongside Jonah Hunter, Lara Stone plays a crucial role in Pride Superbia. Lara is a brilliant and driven chief inspector. Her intellect and determination make her an indispensable ally for Jonah. With a sharp analytical mind and unwavering morals, she often contrasts with Jonah’s more pragmatic and sometimes ruthless approach.
Lara's background in criminology and her personal experiences with loss and justice give her a unique perspective on the cases she investigates. Her emotional intelligence and empathy provide a necessary balance to Jonah’s hard exterior. This dynamic makes their collaboration both exciting and complex.
Lara’s role in the story offers deeper insight into human psychology and the moral dilemmas central to Pride Superbia. Her interactions with Jonah reveal not only her own vulnerabilities but also the hidden layers of Jonah’s character. Together, they navigate a world of intrigue and danger, complementing and challenging each other in ways that transform them both.
The book will also be available in e-book format.
Critical Acclaim
Critics have praised Pride Superbia for its complex plot and profound psychological insights. The novel’s foreword, dedicated to Verhulst’s fiancée Ilse and his children, reflects the personal passion and commitment that went into its creation. As Verhulst mentioned in his foreword: "Writing this story has given me great satisfaction. Like any writer, I did not go through each chapter without doubts, often rewriting to get the best result on paper."
The book is not only a thriller but also a reflection on human nature, pride, and the consequences of our actions. This thematic depth, combined with edge-of-your-seat suspense, makes Pride Superbia a standout in its genre.
About the Author
Dennis Verhulst is a Belgian author who has quickly made a name for himself in the world of thriller novels. His works are characterized by intense psychological narratives and complex characters. Verhulst’s unique voice and storytelling prowess have earned him a loyal following both in Belgium and The Netherlands and now, with the release of Pride Superbia, in the United States.
A short interview with D.V. Hunter
Dennis, congratulations on the upcoming U.S. release of Pride Superbia. What does this milestone mean for you as an author?
Dennis Verhulst: Thank you! It’s truly a dream come true. The American market is hugely important, and it’s fantastic to share my work with a broader audience. I’m excited to see how American readers will react to Jonah Hunter and his story.
Interviewer: Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the character Jonah Hunter?
D.V. Hunter: Jonah Hunter is a blend of various influences. His background as a former soldier stems from my interest in military history. His internal struggles and the moral dilemmas he faces are aspects I’ve always found fascinating in literature and film. Jonah’s alias "John" allows him to combat his enemies from within, but it also brings a lot of personal conflicts.
Interviewer: Lara Stone also plays a significant role in the book. What can you tell us about her?
D.V. Hunter: Lara Stone is an incredibly compelling character. She is a brilliant chief inspector with her own challenges and demons. Her sharp analytical skills and empathy make her a perfect counterpart to Jonah. While Jonah can be pragmatic and hard, Lara offers a moral compass and a human perspective that is essential for their collaboration. Their dynamic is one of the core elements of the story, and I think readers will really enjoy seeing how their relationship develops.
Interviewer: What do you hope readers take away from Pride Superbia?
D.V. Hunter: I hope readers are not only captivated by the suspense and action but also think about the themes of pride, justice, and the complexity of human morality. Pride Superbia is about more than just the hunt for criminals; it’s a deep look into what drives us and the price we pay for our choices.
Interviewer: Will the English edition of the book also be available in Belgium and the Netherlands? I imagine there are readers here eager to get their hands on an English copy.
D.V. Hunter: Absolutely! The English edition of Pride Superbia will be available in Belgium and the Netherlands. I know there are many readers who enjoy reading in English, and I'm excited to make it accessible to them. It will be available through major online retailers, so everyone can enjoy the book regardless of their location.
Book Review: “Pride Superbia" by D.V. Hunter
Concept and Structure:
D.V. Hunter’s debut, Pride Superbia, introduces readers to a uniquely dark narrative where much of the story is seen through the eyes of the killer, John. This intriguing perspective allows readers to delve deeply into John's psyche, exploring his motives and thoughts, which adds a distinct and chilling dimension to the book.
Characters and Plot:
The main character, John, terrorizes Antwerp with his meticulously planned crimes. His nemesis, Chief Inspector Lara Stone, along with her team, races against time to decipher his riddles and stop his killing spree. The dynamic between John's calculated chaos and Lara's determined pursuit creates a gripping cat-and-mouse game that keeps readers on edge.
Reader Reactions:
“A real page-turner”: Readers have reported finishing the book in just a few sittings, captivated by its suspenseful and fast-paced plot.
“Well thought-out characters”: The depth and complexity of the characters, particularly John and Lara, have been highlighted as a significant strength.
“Very interesting concept”: The narrative structure, shifting between the perspectives of the killer and the investigator, provides a refreshing and engaging reading experience.
“Looking forward to the sequel”: The book has left readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Mortalia Pecata series.
Inspiration and Themes:
The novel is part of a conceptual seven-part series inspired by the seven deadly sins, with Pride Superbia focusing on "Pride." This thematic approach adds layers of moral and psychological depth, making it more than just a thriller.
Conclusion:
D.V. Hunter’s Pride Superbia is a masterfully crafted thriller that stands out in the genre. Its unique perspective, well-developed characters, and intense plot make it a must-read. For fans of M.J. Arlidge and J.D. Barker, this book is highly recommended.
Available This Christmas:
The book will be available this Christmas at Barnes & Noble and amazon.com, in both paperback and e-book formats. Don't miss this breathtaking thriller that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last.
Congratulations to D.V. Hunter on this compelling debut!
WHAT MY DUTCH READERS THINK
"Super thrilling"
“A whirlpool of suspense”
“Vividly described”
"Congratulations on this top story"
I find the cover beautiful and fitting for the book.
Wow, Dennis, what a book! It pulls you into a whirlpool of suspense and doesn’t let go. From the first to the last page, your attention stays with the story. You almost literally get under the skin of the killer. It’s very well developed and vividly described. You read the story from different characters' perspectives, which makes it an enjoyable read. This gives you a breather before stepping into the next character. The setting is also very detailed. The suspense builds throughout the story, with moments where you want to shout at the characters, "Watch out!"
Congratulations on this great story.
I’m a fan and am very curious about the sequel!
I give it 5 big stars.
Wijna Pronk
"A strong debut"
“Well developed”
"The story reads beautifully”
“Sometimes a bit macabre”
"The ending is thrilling and has a slightly open ending, allowing for a possible sequel. All in all, a strong debut.”
What I found particularly interesting is that, unlike many other books, this one is written from the perspective of the killer in many chapters. You essentially get into the mind of the killer: what are his motives, what is his thought process. Well done and sometimes quite creepy. Slowly, you also learn more about the killer's background and, without giving too much away: why does he keep contacting Lara?
The chapters from the killer's perspective are interspersed with chapters written from the point of view of the other main character, Chief Inspector Lara, and other characters. This gives you a moment to catch your breath before diving back into the killer's mind.
Valky1974
"Very good debut"
“Very interesting concept”
“Well thought-out characters”
"Finished it in 3 evenings, so it’s a real page-turner”
“I’m already looking forward to the sequel”
For fans of thrillers in the vein of M.J. Arlidge and J.D. Barker, this book is highly recommended!
This is the debut of Dennis Verhulst, featuring a very interesting concept: much of the story is written from the killer's perspective. Additionally, it is part of a conceptual seven-part series under the title "Mortalia Pecata," a reference to the seven deadly sins as described by Dante. The first book is aptly named "Superbia," or "Pride."
The main character is the serial killer, John, who terrorizes Antwerp and shares his world with the reader. Chief Inspector Lara Stone and her team try to solve his riddles, puzzles, and tasks to prevent the murders and capture him. However, John has his own rules and always stays one step ahead. The more murders he commits and the closer Lara gets, the more unpredictable John becomes. It turns into a real race against time, making you want to read the book in one sitting. It’s very well put together, with well-thought-out characters and descriptions. At one moment you sympathize with John, and the next you realize how dangerous he is. I finished it in three evenings, so it’s a real page-turner! I’m so looking forward to the sequel!
Sheila W.
Hi! I’m D.V. Hunter
D.V. Hunter, a pseudonym for Dennis Verhulst. Dennis is an author from Belgium, his books will be published internationally under the name D.V. Hunter. He unveiled his literary talents rooted in the idyllic landscape of Beveren, East-Flanders, where he spent his youth. Recently, he has settled in the province of Antwerp. From a young age, just nine years old, Dennis already won awards, including the grand prize for best story at a Flemish Publisher. This early recognition ignited his fascination for creating captivating stories.
His debut thriller, “Pride," takes readers on a nail-biting journey through each chapter. The crafted character comes to life in the reader's imagination, with every development increasing the allure to follow the story to the last page.
In a cinematic style, D.V. Hunter guides you through the unsettling world of the serial killer John, who terrorizes Antwerp and shares his dark psyche with the reader. Through his book, he attempts to expose the painful truths we all face, while simultaneously providing the exhilarating adrenaline that flows from John's gripping narrative. In short, a book that won't let you go and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page.
D.V. Hunter draws inspiration from an impressive array of literary greats, including James Patterson, J.D. Barker, Dan Brown, Isa Maron, and Álex Pina. His writing style reflects the essence of these renowned authors, resulting in an undeniably captivating reading experience.
Synopsis
When Chief Inspector Lara Stone receives a chilling phone call, she is thrust into a web of gruesome murders. Each crime scene is a piece of a larger puzzle, leading her through the dark streets of Antwerp. Lara faces a deadly game with a ruthless serial killer known as "The Rose Catcher."
Jonah Hunter, haunted by his past, has crafted a series of chilling masterpieces that terrify the city. His cryptic messages and macabre clues push Lara to her limits. Just when she seems to be getting closer, the murderer changes the rules, escalating the situation.
It becomes a race against time as Lara finds herself at the center of the killer's twisted game. Can she unmask him and free Antwerp from its most ruthless serial killer? Or will he execute his master plan to perfection?
"Pride" is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Every turn of the page brings you closer to the chilling truth in this first installment of the Mortalia Pecata series. Don't miss out—grab your copy in stores this holiday season!
What about the e-book in the USA?
The e-book will be available for purchase through the author's shop, kobo and amazon listed below.
ePub version
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