Inside a Los Angeles church, on the altar steps, lies the blood-soaked body of a priest. 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.
I'm delighted to be taking part in the blogathon celebrating Chris Carter's books and to be sharing my review of The Executioner today. Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and Tracy Fenton from Compulsive Readers for inviting me.
Chris Carter's books are renowned for their gruesome descriptions of horrific murders and The Executioner definitely doesn't disappoint on that score, however, this second book in his Robert Hunter series is also a masterclass in cliffhanger chapter endings which means it's a very easy thriller to read in one sitting. It isn't necessary to have read the previous book and there are only brief mentions of the Crucifix Killer case but it is always satisfying to follow the development of a character and of the writer themselves, and while I thoroughly enjoyed The Crucifix Killer when I read it last month, The Executioner is even better and it's safe to say I'm officially hooked.
When a priest is horrifically killed in his church, the nightmarish murder scene immediately suggests this may be some sort of ritualistic killing. As such, Robert Hunter and his partner, Carlos Garcia from the Homicide Special Section of the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division are called to investigate. This specialised branch deals with serial killers and high profile cases, and it looks almost certain that the murderer will strike again. However, when the inevitable happens, the killer's M.O. is very different – although no less sickening – and it's only because they leave key evidence at the scene that the detectives realise this is the second murder... or is it?
The priest had number 3 scrawled on her chest in blood and this victim is similarly denoted as number 4; Hunter and Garcia quickly realise they need to discover the identities of bodies one and two in order to figure out the link which may lead them to the killer's identity. Of course, nothing is straightforward and the detectives also have to contend with a new boss, an interfering reporter, a resentful mayor and a young woman who claims to be experiencing terrifying visions. Chris Carter introduces some new characters in The Executioner and it works well, allowing Hunter's character in particular to develop in response to his interactions with them. The retirement of Captain Bolter means a new face is leading the team and it's a woman – Barbara Blake. She's an excellent addition to the cast and I enjoyed her believable reactions to the challenges she encounters here. Meanwhile, young Mollie's story is heartrending and allows a more tender side of Hunter to emerge.
Of course, it's the search for a ruthless serial killer which really propels this addictive thriller and the nauseating death toll rises as the murderer mercilessly preys on their victims deepest fears. The apparent motive behind such a personal vendetta adds another layer of nuance to the storyline and in a book which explores themes such as morals and revenge, it's fascinating to consider what instigated the killer's vicious spree. As a forensic psychologist, Detective Hunter has an innate understanding of how the criminal mind works; this is a dark, shocking read but his almost Sherlockian insights into the behaviour of others, including witnesses and colleagues also bring a little brevity to proceedings. The intense conclusion brings yet more twists and turns and although some chapters point towards some of the revelations, the eventual outcome is never obvious.
The Executioner is a compulsive, hugely entertaining read from start to finish. I raced through the pages and look forward to reading The Night Stalker very soon. Highly recommended.
The Executioner is published by Simon & Schuster, purchasing links can be found here.
About the Author
Comments
Post a Comment