Every story has a beginning . . .
They met for the first time in college. Two of the brightest minds ever to graduate from the prestigious Stanford University. They met again in Quantico, Virginia. Robert Hunter has become the head of the LAPD’s Ultra Violent Crimes Unit. Lucien Folter has become the most prolific and dangerous serial killer in FBI history.
The FBI caught Lucien. He's been in prison for years. But Lucien has just escaped. And he’s angry. He's going to make the person who put him away suffer.
That person . . . is Robert Hunter.
And every story must come to an end . . .
It's such a pleasure to be taking part in the epic Chris Carter blogathon. This month it's the turn of Hunting Evil. Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for my digital copy of the novel and to Tracy Fenton from Compulsive Readers for inviting me to take part.
Although most books in the Robert Hunter series can be read as standalones, this is the only one where I would strongly recommend reading An Evil Mind first as events in that book are directly related to the nerve-shredding drama that unfolds here. I have enjoyed every book I've read by Chris Carter but up until now, An Evil Mind has probably been my favourite; Hunting Evil, however, might just be even better.
Lucien Folter's escape was revealed at the end of Gallery of the Dead but the shocking scenes are disclosed again at the start of Hunting Evil. Lucien is one of the most terrifying antagonists in crime fiction – he is a cold-hearted killer with potentially hundreds of victims behind him and a master of disguise. Now though, he is arguably even more dangerous because rather than killing in the name of his twisted research, he wants revenge.
Hunting Evil is a battle of wits between two immensely intelligent men who both excel in their chosen professions. As head of LAPD's Ultra Violent Crime Unit, Robert Hunter has solved cases involving the most chilling psychopaths. Meanwhile, his old roommate at Stanford University has diligently recorded the scores of different murders he has committed over many years. In An Evil Mind, Hunter finally caught Folter but the psychological torment he endured during that case was considerable. Therefore, the escape of his nemesis hits him hard and there are moments during this book where he seems almost broken. Folter brazenly contacts Hunter, secure in the knowledge that he is able to remain invisible and challenges him with a fiendishly sinister riddle but this is only the start of his evil plan – he has far worse planned for his old friend.
Hunter is, understandably, furious that Lucien was ever in a position where escape was ever a possibility but much of his wrath is turned inwards as he blames himself for the terrible consequences of this elusive psychopath being free again. In spite of the US Marshalls, FBI and LAPD being on his tail, Folter seems to be one step ahead and takes great pleasure in taunting Hunter. However, while Hunter had to work without his partner in An Evil Mind, here he has Carlos Garcia's support once again and his importance really can't be understated. He lifts Hunter when he needs it most and even manages to elicit a smile from his tortured friend. The relationship between the pair is such a highlight of this series and it really is at its best in Hunting Evil.
The alliance between the different law divisions is fascinating too and adds an intriguing dimension to this breathlessly tense thriller. As events reach their dramatic conclusion, the awful truth behind Lucien Folter's sick plans for revenge eventually come to light but even then there are still more twists and turns. However, for all the intense action scenes and even as the tension reaches fever-pitch, what also leaves a lasting impression here are the quieter moments of loss and despair. Hunting Evil is a heartbreaking exploration of loss and guilt; Chris Carter melds his high octane plot with a perceptive, empathetic character study superbly throughout. Very highly recommended.
Hunting Evil is published by Simon & Schuster, purchasing links can be found here.
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