Title: One by One (Robert Hunter #5)
Author: Chris Carter
ISBN: 9780857203090
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 512
Source: Private Copy
‘I need your help, Detective. Fire or water?’ Detective Robert Hunter of the LAPD’s Homicide Special Section receives an anonymous call asking him to go to a specific web address – a private broadcast. Hunter logs on and a show devised for his eyes only immediately begins. But the caller doesn’t want Detective Hunter to just watch, he wants him to participate, and refusal is simply not an option. Forced to make a sickening choice, Hunter must sit and watch as an unidentified victim is tortured and murdered live over the Internet. The LAPD, together with the FBI, use everything at their disposal to electronically trace the transmission down, but this killer is no amateur, and he has covered his tracks from start to finish. And before Hunter and his partner Garcia are even able to get their investigation going, Hunter receives a new phone call. A new website address. A new victim. But this time the killer has upgraded his game into a live murder reality show, where anyone can cast the deciding vote.
Official Summary
21 October 2024
I never managed to read a series in order, I always seem to jump around between books as I happen to find them. This time, I am determined to read the series in order of publication, I have copies of all of them waiting on my TBR shelf – so no excuses. (I cannot wait to read the latest one…..)
One by One, the fifth book in the Robert Hunter Series delivers a pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat thriller that pushes Detective Robert Hunter to his mental and emotional limits. From the very first anonymous call, you’re plunged into a nightmarish scenario where a sadistic killer forces Hunter to participate in his twisted game of life or death. The psychological tension is relentless as Hunter is given horrifying choices, with each decision having catastrophic consequences.
The concept of a live-streamed murder, where the killer manipulates not just the detective but the audience at large, is both chilling and disturbingly relevant. Carter expertly explores how modern technology can be weaponized, adding an unsettling layer to the narrative. The anonymity of the internet allows the killer to stay one step ahead, creating a frustrating game of cat and mouse for Hunter and his team. The stakes are high, the clock is ticking, and the helplessness Hunter feels is evident.
Detective Hunter’s character is as compelling as ever—his intelligence and grit are tested, but so is his morality. You feel his inner conflict with every torturous decision he is forced to make. His partnership with Garcia adds a touch of camaraderie and humour amidst the grim subject matter, making their dynamic a solid emotional anchor in the story.
What makes One by One stand out is not just the brutality of the crimes, but the psychological depth Carter weaves into the narrative. It’s not just about the “whodunit” but the “why” behind the killer’s actions. The killer is methodical, calculating and thrives on manipulating others, which makes for a deeply unsettling antagonist.
This book is not for the faint-hearted. It’s dark, intense and will leave you questioning the nature of choice and morality long after you’ve turned the last page. For fans of psychological thrillers and crime novels, this is a gripping read that showcases Carter’s mastery in crafting suspense and complex, disturbing villains.
Also by Chris Carter
THE HUNTER
Meet Robert Hunter, the youngest Homicide Detective the Los Angeles Police has ever recruited, on his first day. As a rookie, he is given a simple suicide investigation to cut his teeth on. But when he arrives at the scene, he swiftly begins to suspect that something is not quite right.
Despite the fact that the door was locked from the inside, and there is no other way out of the apartment, Hunter has a hunch that the victim did not commit suicide. But with a new Captain to impress and the evidence stacked against him, Hunter has a lot to prove if he is to solve the case and keep his place on the team.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
I was born in Brasilia, Brazil where I spent my childhood and teenage years. After graduating from high school, I moved to the USA where I studied psychology with specialization in criminal behaviour. During my University years, I held a variety of odd jobs, ranging from flipping burgers to being part of an all male exotic dancing group.
I worked as a criminal psychologist for several years before moving to Los Angeles, where I swapped the suits and briefcases for ripped jeans, bandanas and an electric guitar. After a spell playing for several well-known glam rock bands, I decided to try my luck in London, where I was fortunate enough to have played for a number of famous artists. I toured the world several times as a professional musician.
A few years ago I gave it all up to become a full time writer.
A big thank you for visiting the blog and reading my review. I look forward to reading and reviewing the next book in the series. Keep an eye out, my review of An Evil Mind will be here soon. Have you read all the Robert Hunter books? Which is your favourite so far? I would love to hear from you, please leave a comment below. Until next time…. Happy reading!
.
Pingback: An Evil Mind Book Review – Featz Reviews