A review by gareindeedreads
The Naturalist by Andrew Mayne

5.0

This one starts of with a bang...deep in the woods late at night and boy is it eerie. The novel then jumps to our protagonist and Mayne wastes not one word getting right into the meat of the plot with this unique and interesting read. While it is at first, a slower read and generous with the pacing, Mayne does a great job of explaining the biology and scientific aspects of this read...even for someone like me who passed Biology by the skin of their teeth. While the pacing is questionable in the beginning of this novel as we focus on biology and forensics and really get to know our leader of this journey, Mayne quickly makes up for it and does not hold back on the violence and creep factor.

As Theo Cray and the reader get deeper into the mystery of this novel, the pace really speeds up and does not slow down. Our fearless leader is a complex, unique, and honest character who really seems to be unapologetic and seemingly brave. With an array of interesting and what I would assume to be challenging characters to write, this novel is full with well-written characters, each one serving a purpose to the plot and fantastically executed.

The action and scare factors to this novel not only blend together seamlessly, but create an adventure full of chilling scenes, explicit violence with adding a touch of what I would describe as an "urban legend" type presence. This novel is highly addictive, terrifying, and action-packed. With elements of mystery, thriller, and suspense, Mayne does an amazing job of adding in some older storylines that blend with the plot and adds in a great deal of science-fiction that is not only realistic, but plausible. The perfect read for anyone who is interested in a brave and unique thriller that I can guarantee is unlike anything you've ever read or ever will get the chance to read.