Title: The Crucifix Killer

Author: Chris Carter

Genre: Crime/Thriller

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Rating: 4/5

Cover:

Summary:

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.

Review:

I love a good and dramatic crime series and this is one I’ve heard some really great things about, so I was excited to read the first instalment. It definitely didn’t disappoint – The Crucifix Killer is a fast paced, gruesome, snappy and thrilling hunt for a truly terrifying serial killer, who returns after being dormant for a while and grabs the attention of his old adversary, Detective Robert Hunter. Hunter is a compelling lead character, with many of the typical traits and undeniable flaws of a talented fictional police detective. I was intrigued by what we find out about his backstory and look forward to learning more as the series progresses. I also loved the LA setting which shows the glamour and the grit of this famously dramatic location. The chapters are all pretty short and snappy which keeps the action propelling forward and makes the book feel much shorter than it is. I devoured it in just a few sittings, totally gripped and keen to get the bottom of the mystery of the Crucifix Killer. I loved the melodrama of it all! This is the thoroughly entertaining first book in a series I think I’m going to really enjoy, though I would warn that it’s fairly brutal and perhaps not for those of a sensitive disposition! A fast and furious crime thriller that I found fantastically addictive. 

★★★★

Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton of Compulsive Readers for having me on this Blogathon. My review is entirely my own honest opinion.

Buy the book:

Waterstones | Amazon