Why Chris Carter’s Robert Hunter series deserves a place on your Reading List
From crime solving to heart-pounding suspense—This series has it all
Everyone has their go-to genre when it comes to reading novels. So, what’s yours?
As for me, my favourite genres have shifted over the years as I’ve grown older. Back in my younger days, romance novels were my companions through teenage years into adulthood. But after marriage and becoming a parent, my interests took a sharp turn towards Horror, Mystery, and Thriller – specifically, Crime Thrillers with Detective Criminals at the forefront.
If you’re anything like me and enjoy the thrill of a good detective crime novel, I’ve got an author recommendation for you: Chris Carter. His Robert Hunter series is an absolute must for anyone who loves gripping, edge-of-your-seat crime thrillers. Robert Hunter, a ex-criminal psychologist (or profiler) turned Detective, takes you deep into the twisted minds of killers, and it’s not just about crime-solving. These books bring the characters to life, especially Hunter and his team, making you feel like you’re right there with them on the investigation.
Now, while most people might suggest starting from the first book in the series, I’m going to tell you why I think you shouldn’t. I didn’t start with the first one myself. My journey with Chris Carter’s Robert Hunter series began with The Death Sculptor, the fourth book in the series. I spotted it in a bookstore, and the title immediately drew me in. After reading the synopsis, I decided to dive in—and I’ve been hooked ever since! That one decision added not only to my TBR (To-Be-Read) list but also to my “Read” list as I kept picking up more books in the series.
After finishing The Death Sculptor, I backtracked and read the earlier novels. To be honest, while the first few books are still good, they don’t quite have the polish you might expect if you’re used to the later ones. Let’s admit it, we all have certain standards when it comes to what makes a book great 😅.
So, if you’re ready to dive into Chris Carter’s world, don’t feel pressured to start with book one. I’ll share my journey and the order I read them in—feel free to start with whichever one catches your eye. 😉
Note: This post is a bit lengthy, so it’s best enjoyed on a desktop browser or Substack app. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in for an engaging read!
The Death Sculptor - Robert Hunter Series #4
A promising student nurse stumbles upon a horrifying scene - renowned prosecutor Derek Nicholson, a man who was battling a terminal illness, brutally murdered in his bed. With no apparent connection between the killer and his victim, Detective Robert Hunter of the Los Angeles Robbery Homicide Division is left stumped. As more bodies turn up with baffling calling cards left behind, a pattern emerges - and it becomes clear that the killer is playing a twisted game. Together with his partner Garcia and an unconventional ally named Alice Beaumont, Hunter must decipher the killer's mind before he adds the finishing touches to his sinister masterpiece.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
First impression: Chris Carter loves to leave cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, leaving readers thirsting for more. Every detail is written comprehensively, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story, right down to the specifics of the murders, including the gory ones. I was captivated by the storytelling and how he conveyed the graphic details – it felt as if you were right there, living through it.
—
The Hunter - Robert Hunter Series #0.5
Meet Robert Hunter, the youngest Homicide Detective that the Los Angeles Police has hired in decades. He is thrown into his first day on the job, handed a simple suicide case to investigate. But when he arrives on the scene, his instincts scream that the situation is amiss, and something doesn't add up. This seemingly ordinary suicide becomes a twisted puzzle that pushes Hunter to the limits of his abilities. With a skeptical Captain doubting his every move, and other officers pressuring him to just close the case, Hunter must persist against all odds to uncover the truth and prove his worth as a promising new detective.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Quick Review: The 3-star rating isn’t because the story or the writing was bad—it’s because it was SHORT. This novel is the first book in Chris Carter’s Robert Hunter series, and I see it more as a pilot, a short introduction rather than a full-length novel. His writing style here cannot be compared to The Death Sculptor (his fourth book), where his writing had greatly improved by then. Still, it’s a good read nonetheless.
—
The Crucifix Killer - Robert Hunter Series #1
When Homicide Detective Robert Hunter investigates the murder of a young woman in a remote cottage, he finds the victim was tortured - naked, strung from two parallel wooden posts, the victim was sadistically tortured before meeting an excruciatingly painful death. All the skin has been ripped from her face - while she was still alive. On the nape of her neck has been carved a strange double-cross: the signature of a psychopath known as the Crucifix Killer. Hunter is plunged into a nightmare, as he realizes that the elusive Crucifix Killer may be back, two years after his execution. Hunter must race to stop the killer's vicious killing spree before he strikes again, while keeping his rookie partner from becoming the next victim.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quick Review: This is the ‘official’ starting point of the series, and in this first novel, a lot happens. A new partner is introduced, we learn more about Hunter as a person, and together they revisit an old case to solve the one at hand. As usual, Carter's writing contains violence and gore, pulling no punches when it comes to the gritty details of the crimes. Consistency is key, and the way he leaves cliffhangers - classic.
—
The Executioner - Robert Hunter Series #2
In a gruesome crime scene, a priest's decapitated body is discovered on the altar steps of a Los Angeles church, with his head replaced by a dog's. Detective Robert Hunter believes it to be a ritualistic killing. But as more bodies turn up, bearing the same horrific fate, Hunter begins to wonder if something more sinister is at work. The victims all died in their worst nightmares, as if someone had read their minds and turned their deepest fears into reality. Now it's up to Detective Hunter to track down this sadistic killer before more lives are lost.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quick Review: While reading this novel, I had chills all over and couldn’t help but wonder: what if my own deepest fears became reality? That would be horrendous and unimaginable. The Executioner is not for the faint-hearted, as the level of gore and violence may turn your stomach. After reading The Death Sculptor, The Executioner quickly became my next favourite (at that time).
—
The Night Stalker - Robert Hunter Series #3
The discovery of a female body with her most intimate parts stitched shut leaves the pathologist reeling. What kind of monster could commit such an atrocity? Detective Robert Hunter of the Los Angeles Homicide Special Section is pulled from a case to investigate, and soon uncovers that something has been left inside the victim. As a new body surfaces with the same gruesome details, Hunter races to uncover the truth behind the killer's monstrous methods.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quick Review: I’ve got to hand it to Chris Carter - his imagination knows no bounds, and I’m truly amazed by yet another marvellous work after The Death Sculptor and The Executioner. I’ve mentioned many times how he leaves cliffhangers between chapters and how detailed he is when describing the crime scenes and victims. This story is no different, but take extreme care with your heart when reading, as the way he elaborates on the murder, the scene, and how the killer carried out the acts can be too violent or gory for some readers.
—
One by One - Robert Hunter Series #5
A sadistic killer taunts Detective Robert Hunter with a twisted game of life and death. Forced to watch as his latest victim is brutalized on live video, Hunter must use his wits to outsmart the killer and track down the source of the transmission before it's too late. The LAPD and FBI join forces to track down the killer, but their efforts are thwarted by the killer's advanced cunning and careful planning. Hunter's investigation is just getting off the ground when he receives a new disturbing phone call. Another horrifying ordeal is about to begin, with the killer using social media and a live vote to control the fate of an innocent victim. With every dead-end, the killer's reign of terror grows more sinister, and the stakes become higher than ever. Will Detective Hunter be able to stop the killer before he claims another life?
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quick Review: The story reminded me a lot of the live videos or streams we often see on social media these days - except in this case, the consequences are fatal. Hunter, along with others, is left to live with the decisions they’ve made. If you enjoy the thrill of a cat-and-mouse chase between a cunning killer and the police, this is one story you won’t be able to put down once you’ve picked it up.
—
An Evil Mind - Robert Hunter Series #6
A freak accident leads to a possible double homicide in rural Wyoming, leaving the Sheriff's Department searching for answers. But the truth is far more terrifying than they could have imagined, as evidence points to a serial killer who has been operating discreetly for decades. The suspect claims to be a pawn in a web of lies and deception, leaving the FBI to call on the expertise of former criminal behavior psychologist, Robert Hunter. As Hunter dives into the mind of the arrested man, he uncovers a horrifying secret that could change everything.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quick Review: An Evil Mind completely blew my mind. This story is unlike any of the others he wrote in his earlier series, as it drills deeply into psychological effects - from the thought processes to the impact and consequences they carry. The mind of the killer in this story defies our usual expectations of serial killers, particularly regarding his motive. An Evil Mind has taken over from The Executioner and become my next favourite after The Death Sculptor.
—
As of today, Chris Carter has written thirteen novels in the Robert Hunter series, of which I have read six and a half (the half refers to The Hunter). I’ll be picking up his seventh book soon after finishing my current reads. This series is not for the faint-hearted, even for someone with a strong constitution like mine. Because of this, I don’t read them consecutively. To truly enjoy Chris Carter’s stories, I prefer to take a break between each read and come back to another novel in the series after exploring a few books by other authors. I recommend you do the same. The choice is entirely yours!
I’ll be sharing more great reads in the future, and they won’t just be limited to Crime Thrillers! If you’re on the lookout for recommendations from your favourite genre, just drop your request in the comments below, and I’ll dive into my Read Library for you!
If you enjoyed my recommendations and want to stay updated with more insightful and engaging content, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button if you haven’t already!
Before you close this post, please show some love by giving it a like if you enjoyed what you read. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and stay tuned for more!
Recent Post
Lessons from a Tale of Human and Animal Resilience - Project Silence
The Secret Sauce of Success: How to Harness the Power of Feedback Loops