Genesis – Robert Hunter Series #12

Author: Chris Carter
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction
544 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2022

Synopsis
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?

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
Genesis by Chris Carter is the 12th installment in the Robert Hunter series. I reach for these novels when I’m in the mood for a dark, intense, and graphically detailed serial killer story—one that’s oddly comforting thanks to Carter’s distinctive style. While the narrative structure tends to follow a familiar pattern, it’s always engaging to watch the case unfold through a blend of police procedural and psychological thriller elements. Detective Robert Hunter returns for another gripping investigation, diving deep into the twisted mind of a psychotic killer whose motives only surface after meticulous analysis. This is a compelling thriller that stays true to the series’ strengths, reaffirming Carter’s talent for crafting captivating and chilling tales. If you’re new to Carter’s work, consider yourself warned—these novels are not for the faint of heart, as they vividly and graphically depict shocking and deeply disturbing murders.

Carter pulls no punches, and I was hooked from the very first pages. While the series doesn’t offer much in terms of character progression, Carter consistently delivers intricate puzzles and chillingly gruesome cases. The first half of this novel is outstanding, but the second half felt a bit too repetitive, especially as it neared the conclusion, which influenced my 3.5-star rating. I’ve also noticed that I tend not to read Carter’s books back-to-back due to their predictable structure, yet I always return for the complex, inventive plots and undeniable entertainment value they provide.

Genesis is a dark and gripping serial killer thriller. While the story’s structure may adhere to a familiar formula, Carter’s talent shines in his ability to create murders that are disturbingly inventive, shockingly creative, and vividly graphic. His novels never fail to deliver a thrilling read, and the next installation, The Death Watcher, is waiting for me on my shelf!

My recommendation: read it!