The Blurb
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.
My Review
If you search the blog with the author's name you'll find the reviews for most of the previous books in this series, and Genesis follows the same kind of format. As the name suggests, the Ultra Violent Crimes Unit of Los Angeles Police's Robbery Homicide Division, made up of just Robert Hunter and his partner Carlos Garcia, deals with the very worst of the worst crimes. See the quote in the blurb from an officer at the first crime scene to get an idea of what they, and us as readers, are dealing with - horrific, awful crimes. This time, the murder victims seem unconnected, the killing style varies, but it becomes clear that the crimes have been carried out by the same perpetrator.
I have mentioned before that some of these books have been quite difficult reads for me - I can't read them last thing at night, or if I'm home alone in the evening. They are not for everyone - they are very violent, and very detailed. I found Genesis the hardest so far and there was one part I couldn't read at all and had to skip over - judging by the reaction of a seasoned police officer in the book to the same part, I think I made the right decision. I'm not sure that level of violence is necessary but, of course, the darkness is one of the things that this series is known for.
What brings me back each time is the protagonist, Robert Hunter. Twelve books in, I still find him fascinating. And full of information - he reads a lot - so every book feels like an education. But Hunter, and therefore the writing, is never stilted or preachy, and the knowledge he imparts just slots into the story. And he has a great sense of justice, and feels things very deeply. Carlos is a great partner for him, I've lived seeing their relationship develop. And Carlos has grown throughout the series.
As with so many of the books in this series, the reasons behind the twisted crimes in Genesis is complicated and tragic, and this one hit me hard. This is a great addition to the Robert Hunter series - it's tense and nerve wracking, heart stopping in moments. But go in prepared - it's very, very dark.
The Author
Born in Brazil of Italian origin, Chris Carter studied psychology and Criminal behaviour in the USA. As a member of the District Attorney's Criminal Psychology team, and working together with the Police Department in numerous cases, he interviewed and studied many criminals, including serial and multiple homicide offenders with life imprisonment convictions. He now lives in London, UK.
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