When the body of a young woman is discovered in a derelict cottage in Los Angeles, Robert Hunter is thrown into a nightmare case. The victim suffered a terrible death, and 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, Garcia, need to solve this case and fast.

The Crucifix Killer (Robert Hunter Book 1)

by Chris Carter

My review

Now, I know I am late to the party but what a start to new series!! New to me anyway. According to Amazon I purchased this book on 13^th July 2015, so I think it’s about time I got around to reading it and I’m so glad I did!

I love Hunter. He’s an easy character to warm to. After the devastating loss of his partner, he’s back with a new one, Garcia. They don’t have long to get to know one another before they’re faced with the murder of a young woman who has been subjected to the most horrific death. Signs point towards the Crucifix Killer, but he had already been caught and executed.

There is some quite graphic violence in this book, but it is absolutely essential to the story. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have the impact it does. I wanted to cover my eyes at times. Some of the scenes are brutal. I was completely engrossed though and found myself as desperate as Hunter to find this killer.

As the body count increases, the case seems to raise more questions than answers and I had no idea what to expect, but thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

When the penny dropped, I was gobsmacked! A jaw dropping conclusion to a very cleverly written police procedural crime thriller.

Book two is on my TBR list and I hope it isn’t too long before I catch up with Hunter again.