The Crucifix Killer

This first book in a new-to-me series is a tense thriller with an interesting main character and a sinister feel. Not for the faint of heart but is a good pick for fans who don't mind gruesome and very graphic crime scenes (a la Karen Slaughter or Jeffery Deaver).

LAPD Homicide Detective Robert Hunter is used to working tough cases and has a knack for getting inside the heads of killers. Now with a new partner in Garcia, their new case may involve a copycat crime based on a violent murder spree years prior. The only other option is that the justice system caught, tried and executed the wrong man for those crimes and the original killer is back. Neither is good news.

This thriller has a good blend of crime, police procedural, and just enough personal details about Hunter and his new partner, Garcia to give it that extra layer. Carter provides readers with a believable backstory for Hunter's emotional baggage and his unique experience/skills make him an interesting main character that I can easily get behind in a series. 

I guessed the identity of the sadistic murderer midway through (and wish there was stronger motivation for their crimes), but I enjoyed the twists, the sinister vibe and how easily this debut hooked me from the first pages and taunted me with chapter endings that had me reading 'just one more chapter'. 

The Crucifix Killer is a fast-paced, enjoyable (as enjoyable as it gets with ghastly gruesome murder scenes) nail biter of a ride. I eagerly look forward to reading more in this series.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Author: Chris Carter

Genre: Thriller

Series: #1 in the Robert Hunter series

Type and Source: Trade Paperback from public library

Publisher: Simon and Schuster UK

First Published: January 31, 2013

Recommended by: Charlotte from Morbidmamareads on IG 

Book Description from GoodReads: When the body of a young woman is discovered in a derelict cottage in the middle of Los Angeles National Forest, Homicide Detective Robert Hunter finds himself entering a horrific and recurring nightmare. Naked, strung from two wooden posts, the victim was sadistically tortured before meeting an excruciatingly painful death. All the skin has been ripped from her face - while she was still alive. On the nape of her neck has been carved a strange double-cross: the signature of a psychopath known as the Crucifix Killer.

But that's impossible. Because two years ago, the Crucifix Killer was caught and executed. Could this therefore be a copycat killer? Or could the unthinkable be true? Is the real killer still out there, ready to embark once again on a vicious and violent killing spree, selecting his victims seemingly at random, taunting Robert Hunter with his inability to catch him?

Hunter and his rookie partner are about to enter a nightmare beyond imagining.