Title: THE EXECUTIONER – Robert Hunt #2
Author: Chris Carter
ISBN: 9781847375391
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 472
Source: Private Copy
Imagine your worst fear – and then meet your worst nightmare…
Inside a Los Angeles church, on the altar steps, lies the blood-soaked, decapitated body of a priest. Carefully positioned, legs stretched out, arms crossed over the chest, the most horrifying thing of all is that the priest’s head has been replaced by that of a dog. Later, the forensic team discover that, on the victim’s chest, the figure ‘3’ has been scrawled in blood.
At first, Detective Robert Hunter believes that this is a ritualistic killing. But as more bodies surface, he is forced to reassess. All the victims died in the way they feared the most. Their worst nightmares have literally come true. But how could the killer have known? And what links these apparently random victims?
Hunter finds himself on the trail of an elusive and sadistic killer, someone who apparently has the power to read his victims’ minds. Someone who can sense what scares his victims the most. Someone who will stop at nothing to achieve his twisted aim.
Official Summary
06 September 2024
Book Two in the Robert Hunt Series – *The Executioner* by Chris Carter is a heart-pounding, nerve-wracking thrill ride that cements Carter as a master of psychological horror. After reading only two of his books – he has become my new favourite author.
From the very first page, the book grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go, plunging you into a nightmarish world where the boundaries between fear and reality are terrifyingly blurred.
The opening scene is nothing short of chilling—inside a Los Angeles church, the gruesome discovery of a decapitated priest, whose head has been replaced by that of a dog, sets the tone for the macabre events that follow. The image alone is enough to send shivers down your spine, but it’s the deeper implications of this ritualistic killing that make it truly horrifying. The figure ‘3’ scrawled in blood on the victim’s chest hints at something even more sinister lurking beneath the surface.
Detective Robert Hunter, the protagonist, is once again thrust into a case that challenges not only his investigative skills but also his understanding of human depravity. What makes *The Executioner* stand out in the crowded field of crime thrillers is Carter’s ability to craft a villain who is as enigmatic as he is terrifying. The killer doesn’t just murder his victims—he makes them face their worst fears, turning their most private nightmares into a gruesome reality. The psychological depth of this approach adds a layer of dread that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.
Hunter’s journey to uncover the truth is fraught with tension and unexpected twists. The pacing is relentless, with each discovery raising the stakes higher. Carter’s writing is sharp and evocative, pulling you into the dark and twisted world of a killer who seems almost supernatural in his ability to anticipate his victims’ fears. The sense of urgency is definite, and as more bodies are found, each death more horrifying than the last, you can’t help but feel a sense of impending doom.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how Carter delves into the psychology of fear. The idea that the killer can somehow tap into his victims’ deepest anxieties and use them as a weapon is as fascinating as it is terrifying. It’s a concept that is executed with precision, making you question how well you truly know your own fears.
*The Executioner* is not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy a well-crafted, deeply unsettling thriller, it’s an absolute must-read. Chris Carter has delivered a novel that is both nail-biting in suspense and a dark exploration of the human psyche. This is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it, its chilling imagery and relentless pace make it impossible to forget.
*The Executioner* is a five-star thriller that pushes the boundaries of fear and suspense. Chris Carter has once again proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of crime fiction, delivering a story that is as captivating as it is terrifying. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you up at night, this is it!
Also by Chris Carter
THE CRUCIFIX KILLER – ROBERT HUNT #1
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 parallel 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.
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 for visiting my blog and reading my review! I’m hooked on the Robert Hunter books and can’t wait to dive into the next one. I have a few blog tours scheduled for September, but as soon as those are done, I’ll be reaching for the third Robert Hunter book – The Night Stalker.
Which book in the series is your favourite? Have you read them all? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment below.
Until next time… happy reading!
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