The Book Behind ‘Tracker’: How Justin Hartley’s Series Found Its Inspiration
Television adaptations of books have long been a staple of entertainment, but many fans of Tracker, the hit CBS drama starring Justin Hartley, may not realize that the show is actually based on a novel. The gripping action series, which follows Colter Shaw, a survivalist and expert tracker, draws its foundation from The Never Game, a bestselling novel by acclaimed author Jeffery Deaver. The transition from page to screen has introduced a wider audience to this thrilling story, but how closely does the series follow the book? Let’s dive into the literary origins of Tracker and what makes it such a compelling adaptation.
The Novel That Started It All: The Never Game
Jeffery Deaver, known for his expertise in crafting intricate crime thrillers, first introduced Colter Shaw in The Never Game, published in 2019. The book follows Shaw, a lone-wolf investigator who earns a living by tracking missing persons and solving dangerous cases. His nomadic lifestyle, shaped by his survivalist upbringing, makes him a unique protagonist in the crime-thriller genre.
The plot of The Never Game kicks off with Shaw being hired to find a missing young man in Silicon Valley, only to uncover a web of deadly secrets tied to a mysterious video game. With Deaver’s signature plot twists and intense pacing, the novel quickly became a favorite among thriller fans, setting the stage for what would later become the TV adaptation.
How Tracker Adapts the Novel
Bringing a book to the small screen often requires changes, and Tracker is no exception. While the essence of Colter Shaw’s character remains intact—his survivalist skills, keen instincts, and moral compass—the show introduces original cases and a slightly different narrative structure to better fit episodic storytelling.
Unlike the book, which centers around a single mystery, Tracker follows a procedural format, allowing Shaw to take on different cases in each episode. This change helps keep the series dynamic, ensuring that audiences stay engaged with new mysteries while still exploring Shaw’s personal backstory. Justin Hartley, who not only stars in the show but also serves as an executive producer, has been vocal about his admiration for Deaver’s work and his desire to honor the character’s roots while making him accessible to a broad TV audience.
Colter Shaw: A Unique Detective in the Crime Thriller Genre
One of the standout elements of Tracker—and The Never Game—is its protagonist. Colter Shaw is not a traditional detective or law enforcement officer. Instead, he is a professional “reward seeker,” taking on cases for monetary compensation but often finding himself morally compelled to pursue justice beyond financial incentives.
His background as the son of survivalist parents adds an extra layer of depth to his skills and personality. Unlike conventional private investigators, Shaw relies heavily on wilderness survival techniques, intuition, and strategic thinking rather than high-tech gadgets or traditional police resources. This makes for an exciting and fresh take on the investigative genre, setting him apart from other crime-show protagonists.
The Future of Tracker and the Colter Shaw Series
With Tracker gaining traction, many fans are curious about whether future seasons will continue adapting Deaver’s books. Shaw’s adventures extend beyond The Never Game, as Deaver has since written additional novels featuring the character, including The Goodbye Man and The Final Twist. If the series remains popular, it’s likely that these sequels could provide inspiration for upcoming storylines.
Additionally, given the show’s ability to balance standalone episodes with overarching character development, there’s room for Tracker to expand Shaw’s universe even further, introducing deeper layers to his past and more complex cases.
Final Thoughts: A Worthy Adaptation?
While book-to-screen adaptations always come with creative liberties, Tracker has managed to retain the heart of Deaver’s storytelling while making it accessible to a broader television audience. Justin Hartley’s portrayal of Colter Shaw has brought the character to life in a way that resonates with viewers, making Tracker not just a compelling crime procedural, but a testament to the strength of its literary source material.
For those who have enjoyed the show, diving into The Never Game and its sequels is a great way to experience even more of Shaw’s thrilling adventures. Whether you’re a long-time Deaver fan or new to the character, one thing is certain—Colter Shaw’s journey is far from over, and his story continues to captivate audiences on both the page and the screen.
