Title: THE DEATH WATCHER – Rober Hunter #13
Author: Chris Carter
ISBN: 9781471197628
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 400
Source: Private Copy
When a routine autopsy on what looked like a straightforward hit-and-run leads the LA Chief Medical Examiner, Dr Carolyn Hove, to discover some puzzling inconsistencies, she calls in Detective Robert Hunter of the LAPD Ultra Violent Crimes Unit. Not only did Dr Hove discover that the death wasn’t caused by a hit-and-run, but she also found indications that the victim had been severely tortured prior to death.
What no one realises is that what Dr Hove has stumbled upon is just the tip of the iceberg and it will lead Hunter and his partner, Carlos Garcia, on the trail of a twisted and clever killer who hides in plain sight. A serial killer no one even knew existed – a killer who has always operated under the radar, expertly disguising every gruesome murder as an accidental death.
But with no leads as to why the victim was targeted, the investigation comes to a standstill, until another body is discovered with an alternative cause of death.
What becomes clear is that this serial killer isn’t going to stop – unless Hunter and Garcia can get to him.
But how do you investigate a murder when you have no victims? How do you catch a killer who leaves behind no crime scene? How do you stop a ghost who no one can prove even exists?
Official Summary
27 January 2025
I have finally caught up. I have read all thirteen of the Robert Hunter books. Only to find myself a little sad that I do not have another book to slip to the top of my TBR. I have spent a lot of time with these characters in recent months and I am already missing them.
Chris Carter has once again delivered a pulse-pounding masterpiece in The Death Watcher. This thriller is everything fans of Detective Robert Hunter could hope for: dark, clever, and utterly gripping from start to finish. Carter’s ability to craft intricate and chilling plots shines brilliantly in this novel, making it a standout in the series.
The premise is chillingly unique—a serial killer who disguises their heinous crimes as accidental deaths. From the moment Dr Carolyn Hove discovers unsettling inconsistencies during a routine autopsy, the story plunges into a relentless pursuit of a killer who is as ingenious as they are sadistic. Detective Robert Hunter and his loyal partner, Carlos Garcia, are thrust into a case that challenges every rule of conventional investigation.
What makes this book exceptional is Carter’s meticulous attention to detail. The forensic elements are both fascinating and horrifying, immersing readers in the gritty reality of hunting a killer. The killer’s methods are diabolically clever, leaving behind no discernible crime scenes or motives, which raises the stakes and keeps the reader guessing.
Hunter’s character is as compelling as ever—his sharp intellect and unyielding determination are on full display, making him a protagonist worth rooting for. Garcia provides a grounded counterbalance, and their partnership continues to be one of the series’ strongest assets. Carter also introduces intriguing new characters, whose expertise and tenacity add another layer to the story.
The pacing is flawless, with each chapter ending in a way that demands you keep reading. The twists and turns are masterfully executed, leading to a climax that is both shocking and satisfying. Carter’s writing is as vivid as ever, painting scenes of Los Angeles that are both atmospheric and unsettling, while the psychological depth of the characters ensures that this is more than just a procedural thriller.
One of the most impressive aspects of The Death Watcher is how Carter delves into the psychology of the killer. The exploration of their motives and methods adds a chilling authenticity to the story, leaving readers both horrified and fascinated. The addition of a little humour in this story left me receiving a few raised eyebrows for laughing out loud while reading a Chris Carter book. (That has never happened before.)
This is a five-star read in every sense—a dark, twisty, and utterly compelling thriller that cements Chris Carter’s reputation as a master of the genre. If you’re a fan of gritty, high-stakes crime fiction with complex characters and razor-sharp plotting, The Death Watcher is an absolute must-read.
Also by Chris Carter
GENESIS
A killing like no other.
A killer more twisted than he’s ever seen before.
A case that will test him to the limit.
Has Robert Hunter finally met his match?
‘Do you believe the Devil exists, Detective?’ the officer at the end of the line asks. ‘Because if you don’t . . . I’m sure you will once you get here.’
Robert Hunter is called to the most vicious crime scene he has ever attended. It is made even more disturbing when the autopsy reveals a poem, left by the killer, inside the body of their victim.
Soon, another body is found. The methods and signature of the murder differs, but the level of violence used suggests that the same person is behind both crimes. Hunter’s fears are confirmed when a second part of the poem is found.
But this discovery does more than just link the two killings – it suggests that this is the work of a serial murderer.
With no forensic evidence to go on, Robert Hunter must catch the most disciplined and systematic killer that he has ever encountered, someone who thrives on the victims’ fear, and to whom death is a lesson that needs to be taught.
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.
I would like to say a big Thank You to Chris Carter for this amazing series. For the first time, I decided to read a series in order, and I raced through these books eager to catch up. I have spent the last few months slipping the Robert Hunter books to the top of my TBR pile which left me spending a lot of time with these characters. I find myself a little lost without them. I cannot wait for a new book to be released. I hope you enjoyed the reviews and that you decided to add this series to your TBR. Until next time… Happy Reading!
