Matt's Reviews > The Crucifix Killer

In Carter’s debut novel, the reader meets veteran LAPD Homicide Detective Robert Hunter and his new partner, Carlos Garcia. After being called to a murder scene, Hunter and Garcia discover the Crucifix Killer, thought to have been caught years before, is back and will stop at nothing to continue a gruesome rampage. By marking victims with a double crucifix, Hunter knows that this is no copycat, as he did not release this to the press when investigating years before. The Crucifix Killer is one case Hunter will not soon forget, having worked on the original file, when a suspect confessed to the crime. How will the new victims’ crime scenes help Hunter and Garcia crack this case wide open before the Killer continues a spree that leaves no one safe? A wonderful, edge-of-your-seat thriller that uses realistic dialogue, characters, and teasing language that leaves the reader wanting more.

Carter’s work should be commended, especially as this is his first published novel. He hooks the reader at the beginning and works through some of the old case info, while peppering the story with new and interesting facts. Creating a back story for the main character can be tough, though Carter does so very successfully and makes Hunter appear complex enough to have secrets worth learning about. The reader cannot help but speculate what will happen next, though Carter is smart enough to toss in a few storylines that leave the reader wondering what to expect next. Fabulous work and sure to be an interesting series, as I continue through it.

Kudos, Mr. Carter for your wonderful work. I am eager to see what else Robert Hunter has in store for you, for readers, and for the Homicide Division.