When an unidentified female body is discovered laid out on a slab in an abandoned butcher's shop, the cause of death is unclear. Her body bears no marks; except for the fact that her lips have been carefully stitched shut.
It is only when the full autopsy gets underway at the Los Angeles County morgue that the pathologist will reveal the true horror of the situation - a discovery so devastating that Detective Robert Hunter of the Los Angeles Homicide Special Section has to be pulled off a different case to take over the investigation
But when his inquiry collides with a missing persons' case being investigated by the razor-sharp Whitney Meyers, Hunter suspects the killer might be keeping several women hostage. Soon Robert finds himself on the hunt for a murderer with a warped obsession, a stalker for whom love has become hate.
I'm delighted to be taking part in the mammoth blogathon for Chris Carter's Robert Hunter series. This month it's the turn of the third book in the series, The Night Stalker. Many thanks to Tracy Fenton from Compulsive Readers for inviting me to take part, and Simon & Schuster for my digital copy of the book.
It's not necessary to have read the previous books in the Robert Hunter series as each novel features the search for another twisted serial killer but I'm enjoying seeing how the series develops. While it's clear that they adhere to a formula, there are plenty of red herrings and shocking revelations which mean each book is a fiendishly addictive read. The Night Stalker is perhaps the creepiest instalment so far, with a terrifying villain whose motive proves to be desperately tragic.
As part of the Los Angeles Homicide Special Section, Hunter and his partner, Carlos Garcia are called out to the most high profile murders; moreover, Hunter's background in criminal behaviour psychology means he specialises in cases where the perpetrators have used overwhelming brutality. The discovery of a young woman who has been cruelly sutured before her death is horrendous enough but it's only during the autopsy that the true extent of the killer's savagery becomes known. The tragic aftermath is genuinely shocking and sees Hunter and Garcia more determined than ever to ensure justice is administered.
The discovery of a second body confirms Hunter's worst fears but for all the obvious similarities, there is one gruesome difference. Chris Carter's books are definitely dark and gory but most of the violence occurs off the page – which is a blessing here as the manner in which the victim is killed is truly appalling. The Night Stalker is a gripping, plot-driven thriller but the ongoing development of Hunter's character in particular is noticeable. While his love of whisky is well-established by now, there are more intriguing glimpses into his past which help explain the man he has become. The introduction of Whitney Meyers, former cop turned private investigator adds another layer to proceedings and the scene in which Hunter questions her about the incident which led to her leaving the LAPD is illuminating as well as moving. Meanwhile, the visceral reactions of the characters to the horrors which confront them here reflect both the physical and emotional turmoil wrought upon those investigating such heinous crimes.
Los Angeles itself is almost a character in this series and I can't imagine it being set anywhere else; it makes more sense that almost everyone is strikingly attractive here! Hunter also briefly travels outside of the city, in scenes which are both chilling and heartbreaking. Chris Carter's own background in criminal psychology allows Hunter to explain his theories with believable authority, particularly regarding projection and transference. The high octane chapters which follow after the villain's identity and the motivation behind their crimes is finally revealed are breathtakingly tense – anybody with claustrophobia should consider themselves warned!
I raced through the pages of The Night Stalker, it's everything an entertaining serial killer thriller should be; dark, disturbing and nail-bitingly addictive – the best so far!
The Night Stalker is published by Simon & Schuster, purchasing links can be found here.
Check out more some more reviews by other bloggers taking part in the blogathon, details are below.
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