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Maxine (Booklover Catlady)'s Reviews > The Crucifix Killer
The Crucifix Killer (Robert Hunter, #1)
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Maxine (Booklover Catlady)'s review
bookshelves: crime-books-read, favourite-authors-read
Jan 08, 2014
bookshelves: crime-books-read, favourite-authors-read
As many of my friends know I am a massive fan of Chris Carter and have kind of read the Robert Hunter series all a bit back to front, which in this case really highlighted for me that this was his first debut novel, it shows. Chris Carter has obviously grown massively as a writer as the books further down this series are a lot stronger and better written than this one. Despite that, this is still a very entertaining read with the usual grotesque killing style of a serial killer that Chris is known for.
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 parallel 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?
A big aspect of Chris's books that I like is he is not scared to get a bit gory and graphic with his torture and kill scenes, you also can't go wrong with Robert Hunter, kind of a psychological profiler genius come tough cop that is a highly likeable character all around. I have absolutely loved him through this series. The weaknesses in this book I believe just come from lack of experience and I would not let it put you off at all, but promise me you will keep reading the rest of the series to grow with the characters and the writing.
Actual rating is 3.5 stars. The beginning point of the journey of Robert Hunter and his never-ending quest to capture the most heinous of killers ever.
Thanks so much for taking a little time to read my review. Do check out more of Chris Carter!
If you’d like to follow me or be my book loving friend just send me a request! 😺
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 parallel 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?
A big aspect of Chris's books that I like is he is not scared to get a bit gory and graphic with his torture and kill scenes, you also can't go wrong with Robert Hunter, kind of a psychological profiler genius come tough cop that is a highly likeable character all around. I have absolutely loved him through this series. The weaknesses in this book I believe just come from lack of experience and I would not let it put you off at all, but promise me you will keep reading the rest of the series to grow with the characters and the writing.
Actual rating is 3.5 stars. The beginning point of the journey of Robert Hunter and his never-ending quest to capture the most heinous of killers ever.
Thanks so much for taking a little time to read my review. Do check out more of Chris Carter!
If you’d like to follow me or be my book loving friend just send me a request! 😺
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Reading Progress
January 8, 2014
– Shelved
January 8, 2014
– Shelved as:
to-read
August 6, 2015
–
22.32%
"I've read this series backwards, literally - started with the latest and went backwards. Can't say it's hindered enjoyment at all."
page
100
September 17, 2015
–
72.0%
December 13, 2015
–
Started Reading
December 13, 2015
– Shelved as:
crime-books-read
December 13, 2015
– Shelved as:
favourite-authors-read
December 13, 2015
–
Finished Reading
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Emma
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rated it 4 stars
Dec 13, 2015 06:10AM
Agreed. I read these in order and loved them from the start but when i recently went to reread, the improvements in writing style were clear. Still, as you say, a brilliant series worth reading!
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Emma wrote: "Agreed. I read these in order and loved them from the start but when i recently went to reread, the improvements in writing style were clear. Still, as you say, a brilliant series worth reading!"Absolutely worth it, but he SO improved his writing.
Where do you find all these good books that you read?
Love the GIF - that cat genuinely does look brainy with his/her glasses on.
Oh, and before I forget - your review is excellent too (sorry! Couldn't resist that). I have picked up some of this author's books from the shelves in bookshops and then put them back again. However, after reading (and enjoying) your review, I finally decided to take the plunge. I'm now a little worried that if I like it, I will then want to read all of the others in the series - and there just aren't enough hours in the day for that!
Oh, and before I forget - your review is excellent too (sorry! Couldn't resist that). I have picked up some of this author's books from the shelves in bookshops and then put them back again. However, after reading (and enjoying) your review, I finally decided to take the plunge. I'm now a little worried that if I like it, I will then want to read all of the others in the series - and there just aren't enough hours in the day for that!
Without a doubt, his writing style has improved. The first book I read by him was The Caller and I then decided to start from the beginning, so I am currently reading The Crucifix Killer. When you read one of his newer books and then read one of his older ones, it's obvious that he has improved over time and that the thing that makes his older books less well written is simply a lack of experience. It definitely won't put me off reading all his other books though
So glad I came across this review. I have just started the series and was about to DNF this book. I then wondered if it was his debut book and am trying really hard to finish it
