Name: The Crucifix Killer
Rating: 3.5625 (24 reviews)
ISBN: 9781847399083

Chris Carter

In a derelict cottage in L.A, a young woman is found savagely murdered. Naked, strung from two wooden posts, the skin has been ripped from her face - while she was still alive. On the nape of her neck is carved a strange double-cross: the signature of a psychopath known as the Crucifix Killer. But that's not possible. Because, two years ago, the Crucifix Killer was caught and executed. Could this be the work of a copycat? Or is Homicide Detective Robert Hunter forced to face the unthinkable? Is the real Crucifix Killer still out there, taunting Hunter with his inability to catch him? Robert Hunter and his rookie partner are about to enter a nightmare beyond imagining ...

The Crucifix Killer

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.

Greg Brewer

The book starts with a horrifying scene – a murder scene, which was a good start. Even though the investigation caused some stressful moments for the two detectives, Robert Hunter could take it easy and his attitude was very likeable. His distant relationship with his young colleague, Carlos Garcia became warmer later and the two detectives made a perfect match. The focus on Garcia as a supporting character and Hunter as the leading character was very well distributed. However, Robert Hunter was not the only interesting character for me. On the dark side, there were some gangsters from the underworld like D-King and JJ whose characters were entertaining. And here is the problem: I could have enjoyed reading more about these interesting people because they were also likeable – even though they were negative characters. I just wanted to know a bit more about their backgrounds or their everyday things. Furthermore, their roles could have had a stronger connection to the investigation of the two detectives. While I was getting to half of the book, I expected these gangsters eventually to work together with the detectives but this was not the case. I am not saying that the writer’s way was bad but stronger cooperation could have led to an intriguing storyline. Of course, I understand that it is the main character who has to solve the conflict, so I can turn a blind eye to it. The story had two aspects: a past and a present aspect. The murders and crimes took place in the present but they were also connected to some murders in the past. I interpreted these past crimes as a background story which were explained through dialogues – a very smart technique. This background story also gave a wide picture of Robert Hunter, making a good basis for his character – this introduction was needed because this is the first book of the series about Robert Hunter. The scenes gave me a quite good picture of the nightlife and underworld of Los Angeles. I could also get a picture of police work and the investigative process of murder cases. These descriptive elements came to me both through the descriptions and the dialogues – in a proper balance. There were some scenes, however, which did not seem to be connected to the plot, they felt too separated and did not add much to the storyline. The side story of D-King also felt unfinished, I was waiting for a more complete ending concerning his role. To be honest, I was waiting for something more from their conversations, which were not too special for me. I mean, when the detectives and these gangsters finally met, there should have been a bit more entertaining dialogue. But this is only my personal observation; to me, it still does not take anything away from the value of the story or the characters. Actions in the background were also well written, I was wondering who would do what, how they would react or what their next step would be: the dynamics between the characters were working very well, it did not leave any boring moments behind. Nonetheless, the plot was exciting from the beginning to the end: everything made sense at the end of the story with a surprising twist. The pace of the story was normal, the dialogues were entertaining, the descriptions were just enough and there was nothing wrong with them. I would recommend it to those who like crime or detective stories. They will probably love it, just like I did.

*Don't miss WRITTEN IN BLOOD, the next instalment in the compulsive Robert Hunter series from Sunday Times number one bestselling author of HUNTING EVIL - available to pre-order now!* 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. 'A gripping debut ... Not for the squeamish' Heat 'A page turner' Express

Joana da Silva

I'll just say this: nothing makes me happier than guessing who the killer is and getting it right on the first hunch. Amazing book, incredible world-building, descriptions, and believable characters. Robert Hunter is like a Dr. Reid meets Hotch and I was here for it. Yes, this is a book for Criminal Minds' lovers.

The Crucifix Killer

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