Title: THE CALLER – Robert Hunter #8
Author: Chris Carter
ISBN: 9781471156328
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 496
Source: Private Copy
Be careful before answering your next call. It could be the beginning of your worst nightmare. After a tough week, Tanya Kaitlin is looking forward to a relaxing night in, but as she steps out of her shower, she hears her phone ring. The video call request comes from her best friend, Karen Ward. Tanya takes the call and the nightmare begins. Detectives Robert Hunter and Carlos Garcia are thrown into a rollercoaster of evil, chasing a predator who scouts the streets and social media networks for victims, taunting them with secret messages and feeding on their fear.
Official Summary
10 December 2024
It has been a while, but I cannot resist adding a Chris Carter book or two to my to-be-read pile. With some luck, I am hoping to catch up on his backlist before the end of the year. There are only five more books to read.
The Caller is a masterclass in psychological suspense and unrelenting terror, earning every bit of its 5-star rating. This chilling tale grips you from the opening scene and refuses to let go until the final, jaw-dropping twist. The premise is as horrifying as it is realistic. The idea of a predator using social media and video calls to torment victims is disturbingly plausible, making the fear hit closer to home. Tanya Kaitlin’s opening ordeal sets the tone for the entire book—gripping, gut-wrenching, and deeply unsettling.
Detectives Robert Hunter and Carlos Garcia are, as always, phenomenal protagonists. Carter has a knack for creating characters with depth, and their dynamic is both compelling and authentic. Hunter’s sharp intellect and Garcia’s grounded pragmatism make them a formidable duo, but Carter doesn’t shy away from showing the emotional toll their cases take on them. This balance of brilliance and vulnerability makes them feel human, even as they pursue a predator of almost inhuman cunning.
The villain in The Caller is one of Carter’s most terrifying creations. Their methodical approach, psychological manipulation, and sheer cruelty make every encounter pulse-pounding. Carter builds tension masterfully, keeping you guessing about the killer’s next move while revealing just enough to maintain a definite sense of dread.
What sets The Caller apart is Carter’s ability to weave fear into the ordinary. The killer’s use of everyday technology like video calls and social media makes you question the safety of the tools we rely on daily. This grounding in reality amplifies the horror, making the story not just a thriller but a deeply unsettling commentary on modern vulnerabilities.
The writing is razor-sharp, the pacing relentless. Carter alternates between intense action scenes and quieter, emotionally charged moments that provide depth without slowing the story. The twists are expertly crafted, with each revelation more shocking than the last. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, Carter pulls the rug out from under you.
The Caller is everything you want in a thriller—intense, intelligent, and downright terrifying. Chris Carter has once again proven why he’s a master of the genre. This is a book that will keep you on edge long after you’ve turned the final page. If you love dark, twisty thrillers that challenge your nerves and your wits, The Caller is an absolute must-read.
Also by Chris Carter
I AM DEATH
Seven days after being abducted, the body of a twenty-year-old woman is found on a green patch of grass by the Los Angeles International Airport. She has been left with her limbs stretched out and spread apart, placing her in a five-point human star. The autopsy reveals that she had been tortured and murdered in a most bizarre way. But the surprises don’t end there. This killer likes to play, and he left a note lodged inside his victim’s throat.
Detective Robert Hunter, who leads LAPD’s Special Section, Ultra Violent Unit, is assigned the case. But almost immediately a second body turns up. Hunter knows he has to be quick. Surrounded by new challenges as every day passes, Detective Hunter finds himself chasing a monster. A predator whose past hides a terrible secret, whose desire to hurt people and thirst for murder can never be quenched – for he is DEATH.
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.
Thank you to my regular visitor, your continued support means the world to me. If my obsession with Chris Carter’s books have been a little dark for your taste, I apologise – there are only five more books for me to read. I am going to miss them once I reach the final page. But that’s a concern for another day. Until next time….. Happy Reading!
