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Robert Hunter #7
A nevem: halál
Hét nappal az elrablása után egy huszonkét éves nő holttestét találják meg a Los Angeles-i Nemzetközi Repülőtér melletti elhagyatott területen. Az áldozat a kinyújtott végtagjaival egy ötágú csillagot formáz. Vajon rituális gyilkosság történt? A boncolás során kiderül, hogy a nőt a halála előtt kegyetlenül megkínozták. Ezenkívül azonban a gyilkos egy meglepetést is szánt a rendőrség számára… Alighogy Robert Hunter, a Los Angeles-i rendőrség különleges egységének a vezetője megkapja az esetet, egy újabb holttest kerül elő. Hunter tudja, hogy nincs sok ideje, mielőtt a szörny lecsap a következő áldozatára. Egy igazi ragadozót üldöz ugyanis, akinek a múltja sötét titkot rejt, és aki nem tudja leküzdeni a brutalitás és a gyilkolás iránti vágyát.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2015
488 people are currently reading
8555 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,343 reviews
May 7, 2022
Long time childhood trauma and its ultimate consequences
Incredible plot twists
An extremely cool final plot twist lets the reader have a big wtf moment, showing that Carter has evolved into one of the best hardcore psychothriller writers of our generation, leaving the reader stunned by altogether the motivations, who the killer is, and how the reader was misled regarding the time period of a whole subplot.
It should be used much more often
It´s the only time Carter used such a plot idea and using different is extremely satisfying for the readers who laugh about the funny trick, even if it´s inappropriate. It feels a bit like real life time travel, because by mixing and combining it, maybe with 3 generations and never knowing what the current present time is, the reader is permanently questioning what finally might come out.
Nobody can go through such a hell without becoming a devil
The monster suffered so much hardly anyone could stand and, duh, became one of the worst, inner dead, and ultra cold killers in Carters´ series. Someone who isn´t motivated by revenge, madness, or the pleasure of pain of others, but by being made a torturing beast. Again, the psychopathological question of what makes victims perpetrators is one of the many irritating questions that stay in mind after finishing reading.
A wiki walk can be as refreshing to the mind as a walk through nature in this completely overrated real life outside books: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_...
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_C...
Incredible plot twists
An extremely cool final plot twist lets the reader have a big wtf moment, showing that Carter has evolved into one of the best hardcore psychothriller writers of our generation, leaving the reader stunned by altogether the motivations, who the killer is, and how the reader was misled regarding the time period of a whole subplot.
It should be used much more often
It´s the only time Carter used such a plot idea and using different is extremely satisfying for the readers who laugh about the funny trick, even if it´s inappropriate. It feels a bit like real life time travel, because by mixing and combining it, maybe with 3 generations and never knowing what the current present time is, the reader is permanently questioning what finally might come out.
Nobody can go through such a hell without becoming a devil
The monster suffered so much hardly anyone could stand and, duh, became one of the worst, inner dead, and ultra cold killers in Carters´ series. Someone who isn´t motivated by revenge, madness, or the pleasure of pain of others, but by being made a torturing beast. Again, the psychopathological question of what makes victims perpetrators is one of the many irritating questions that stay in mind after finishing reading.
A wiki walk can be as refreshing to the mind as a walk through nature in this completely overrated real life outside books: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_...
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_C...
July 9, 2019
My thoughts in a nutshell
I love Chris Carter. He is my absolute favorite crime writer. This was the first time when I was able to figure out how his book will end. I’m very disappointed with it.
What impressed me
The series' strongest point is the characters. The two main detectives Robert Hunter and Carlos Garcia.
I adored Hunter. He is the love of my life. :D I love the dynamic between the two cops. They worked together perfectly.
They analyzed the whole situation and thought about it. We are (as a reader) able to take part in the investigation.
I always enjoy the research behind Carter’s book. It is so exciting when during the autopsy he describes the progress. He tells us every little medical detail, and I am here for it. I felt comfortable because he explained it easily so that everyone can understand.
The writing style is very gruesome and includes a lot of gore. It isn't for everyone, but it doesn't bother me.
I admired the fact that we always meet the killer. I don't like it when the perpetrator only shows up at the end of the book.
I always read Carter’s book very quickly because all of them are real page-turners.
What I don't like
I don’t like the ending. It was far fetched and easy to predict.
Make a conclusion
Overall, this one was the worst of his books so far. Although I still enjoyed it, I'm very disappointed.
I gave it 3.5 stars and rounded up for 4.
I highly recommend the series!
July 28, 2025
MIND-BLOWING! That's the only way to describe the latest piece of brilliance from the pen of Chris Carter. I Am Death features the same two popular Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit, Hunter and Garcia BUT this is pitched as a stand alone novel.The two come back together to seek out one of the most sadistic and lethal serial killers they have come up against yet.
All of Chris's books are VERY graphic on the torture, sadism, abduction and kill scenes. So if you are not up for that, walk away. However mingled in with his graphic work is brilliant plot, outstanding character development and edge of your seat, page flicking excitement.
I believe this is my favourite of his seven books written to date featuring the brilliant mind of Det. Robert Hunter - a man who can get into the head of any serial killer and start to think like they think and stay sane at the same time. He's so darn good.
The detail in this book around the investigation of numerous women who are first abducted confidently then found dead, horribly mutilated and obviously tortured is excellent. Chris does not leave details out from forensics, dialogue or background. He paints such a clear picture it's like watching a movie.
This is one of the most sadistic, confident serial killers I can recall from many crime books read, very cleverly written, terrifying with his coldness and total lack of human emotion. Fascinating in his ability to dodge detection.
The twist in this book at the end blew me away, I was already hooked, thought it could not get ANY better then WHAM! I was hit with reveals and a twist that had me re-read the paragraph numerous times to get it right in my buzzed out head.
If you have never read Chris Carter's books featuring Det. Hunter and his partner Det. Garcia, don't worry too much about having to read the six books in the series, you can happily start with this as a stand-alone and if hooked, like me, you can go back. I am a huge fan, I don't think anybody writes like Carter, certainly his level of detail is phenomenal.
If you not afraid of graphic and difficult scenes, this book is just brilliant and to be honest it's a six star read for me. So I will have to settle on five. But it deserves six. One of my most memorable of his books. Get it, borrow it, buy it, read it. Trust me.
Thanks so much to the publisher via NetGalley for my review copy of this book. And thanks SO much to Chris Carter for keeping on keeping on with his writing.
All of Chris's books are VERY graphic on the torture, sadism, abduction and kill scenes. So if you are not up for that, walk away. However mingled in with his graphic work is brilliant plot, outstanding character development and edge of your seat, page flicking excitement.
I believe this is my favourite of his seven books written to date featuring the brilliant mind of Det. Robert Hunter - a man who can get into the head of any serial killer and start to think like they think and stay sane at the same time. He's so darn good.
The detail in this book around the investigation of numerous women who are first abducted confidently then found dead, horribly mutilated and obviously tortured is excellent. Chris does not leave details out from forensics, dialogue or background. He paints such a clear picture it's like watching a movie.
This is one of the most sadistic, confident serial killers I can recall from many crime books read, very cleverly written, terrifying with his coldness and total lack of human emotion. Fascinating in his ability to dodge detection.
The twist in this book at the end blew me away, I was already hooked, thought it could not get ANY better then WHAM! I was hit with reveals and a twist that had me re-read the paragraph numerous times to get it right in my buzzed out head.
If you have never read Chris Carter's books featuring Det. Hunter and his partner Det. Garcia, don't worry too much about having to read the six books in the series, you can happily start with this as a stand-alone and if hooked, like me, you can go back. I am a huge fan, I don't think anybody writes like Carter, certainly his level of detail is phenomenal.
If you not afraid of graphic and difficult scenes, this book is just brilliant and to be honest it's a six star read for me. So I will have to settle on five. But it deserves six. One of my most memorable of his books. Get it, borrow it, buy it, read it. Trust me.
Thanks so much to the publisher via NetGalley for my review copy of this book. And thanks SO much to Chris Carter for keeping on keeping on with his writing.
August 24, 2022
Odejmuję 1 gwiazdkę za głupie gadanie głównego bohatera na temat terapii w przypadku zaburzeń lękowych/lękiem wobec ludzi – ze wystarczy wyjść na dwór i walczyć ze strachem, a nie chodzić do terapeuty, bo to nAciĄGaCze. A podobno Robert Hunter to doktor psychologii:))) a Carter też ma wykształcenie w tym kierunku…. Także dla mnie żenada
November 18, 2016
LAPD’s Ultra Violent Crimes Unit lead detective, Robert Hunter, races to stop a serial killer whose past secrets rival those of Hunter’s himself.
WOW! DOUBLE WOW! This author scares me! I have read every one of the Robert Hunter series, and it seems that each serial killer tops the last. Each is brutal, sadistic, fiendish, cold-blooded, vicious, cruel, barbarous.. but the serial killer in this book is even worse.
If blood and guts, torture bother you, or the sadistic treatment of a child or woman is not your thing, then skip this book. On the other hand, if you really dig serial killers and the harm they can do, you will like this one, and you will like all the others in the series.
This is a grand stand-alone, it repeats a little about Hunter and Gracia from the beginning of the series, but no spoilers for his other books. I highly recommend starting from the first and have a marathon reading event to read them all.
There are surprises along the way, but none so surprising at what comes in the end. This killer likes to play games and he wants Robert and his partner, Carlos, to play with him. Only the best to take down the best. The ending will absolutely blow your mind.
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars ... YES! it is THAT good!
Many thanks to the author / Atria/Emily Bestler Books / Netgalley for the advance, uncorrected reader's proof. The opinion expressed is unbiased and entirely my own.
WOW! DOUBLE WOW! This author scares me! I have read every one of the Robert Hunter series, and it seems that each serial killer tops the last. Each is brutal, sadistic, fiendish, cold-blooded, vicious, cruel, barbarous.. but the serial killer in this book is even worse.
If blood and guts, torture bother you, or the sadistic treatment of a child or woman is not your thing, then skip this book. On the other hand, if you really dig serial killers and the harm they can do, you will like this one, and you will like all the others in the series.
This is a grand stand-alone, it repeats a little about Hunter and Gracia from the beginning of the series, but no spoilers for his other books. I highly recommend starting from the first and have a marathon reading event to read them all.
There are surprises along the way, but none so surprising at what comes in the end. This killer likes to play games and he wants Robert and his partner, Carlos, to play with him. Only the best to take down the best. The ending will absolutely blow your mind.
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars ... YES! it is THAT good!
Many thanks to the author / Atria/Emily Bestler Books / Netgalley for the advance, uncorrected reader's proof. The opinion expressed is unbiased and entirely my own.
August 24, 2023
Holy Fuck that was the most daring, twisted, graphic psychological crime thriller I’ve read in a long, long, long time !!
My head is still spinning !! I knew several things along the way. I picked up clues and knew I couldn’t put it together - and Carter has this incredible way of giving just enough information to keep you reading the next chapter and then the next chapter !!!
My heart was in my throat so many times. He humanizes the victims and it is crushing to read about the violent depravity the killer used on them.
🚨 THIS BOOK IS EXTREMELY GRAPHIC 🚨
I read this book like this 🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣 and I needed to take breaks to process it all.
It’s that GOOD 💥
I cannot wait to delve into this entire series. I’m excited to discover and new author (to me) whose books I want to devour.
⛔️ Warnings ⛔️
Extremely graphic content
Stalking
Rape
Abuse
& more
My head is still spinning !! I knew several things along the way. I picked up clues and knew I couldn’t put it together - and Carter has this incredible way of giving just enough information to keep you reading the next chapter and then the next chapter !!!
My heart was in my throat so many times. He humanizes the victims and it is crushing to read about the violent depravity the killer used on them.
🚨 THIS BOOK IS EXTREMELY GRAPHIC 🚨
I read this book like this 🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣 and I needed to take breaks to process it all.
It’s that GOOD 💥
I cannot wait to delve into this entire series. I’m excited to discover and new author (to me) whose books I want to devour.
⛔️ Warnings ⛔️
Extremely graphic content
Stalking
Rape
Abuse
& more
November 24, 2015
My review:
Damn that was unexpected.
Damn that inappropriate use of a certain power tool.
My complaints:
Do we need the repetition about the characters' backgrounds/abilities etc etc? I know new readers need a bit of that, but can we at least have new ways of describing them? Plus, since the perfection of Robert Hunter grates on me a little (nobody is that brilliant at bloody everything), I prefer not to be reminded, and therefore annoyed, in every book.
Still, these are such minor things and I love this series. It continues to get more violent with each book and i'm wondering, with sincere trepidation, where it's going to go next...
Damn that was unexpected.
Damn that inappropriate use of a certain power tool.
My complaints:
Do we need the repetition about the characters' backgrounds/abilities etc etc? I know new readers need a bit of that, but can we at least have new ways of describing them? Plus, since the perfection of Robert Hunter grates on me a little (nobody is that brilliant at bloody everything), I prefer not to be reminded, and therefore annoyed, in every book.
Still, these are such minor things and I love this series. It continues to get more violent with each book and i'm wondering, with sincere trepidation, where it's going to go next...
May 8, 2017
5 STARS
I didn’t know anything about Chris Carter – don’t ask me how this happened – and got I Am Death as a birthday present. The “About the author” part tickled me – he does sound like an interesting character.
The chapters are short, which makes it a fast and easy read.
The opening chapter was excellent!
About a hundred pages into the book, my wife asked what my thoughts were so far and, to be totally honest, I told her that it feels like he drags some things out a little too much. There was something I’d figured out and it took more than two chapters for him to get there.
As I neared the end, there was something that just didn’t make any sense to me, and I was ready to dislike the book enough to call it a waste of time.
But…if you’ve checked the top of this review, you will see that I gave it five stars.
Why?
Well, what I didn’t know was that Mr. Carter had disguised this mind-blowingly superb twist so well that it knocked me right on my ass!
I want to apologize to Mr. Carter for doubting him, because what he did with this story was fucking brilliant! So much so, when he revealed the killer, it paled in comparison to the twist…but you have to read this book yourself to find out what it is.
I didn’t know anything about Chris Carter – don’t ask me how this happened – and got I Am Death as a birthday present. The “About the author” part tickled me – he does sound like an interesting character.
The chapters are short, which makes it a fast and easy read.
The opening chapter was excellent!
About a hundred pages into the book, my wife asked what my thoughts were so far and, to be totally honest, I told her that it feels like he drags some things out a little too much. There was something I’d figured out and it took more than two chapters for him to get there.
As I neared the end, there was something that just didn’t make any sense to me, and I was ready to dislike the book enough to call it a waste of time.
But…if you’ve checked the top of this review, you will see that I gave it five stars.
Why?
Well, what I didn’t know was that Mr. Carter had disguised this mind-blowingly superb twist so well that it knocked me right on my ass!
I want to apologize to Mr. Carter for doubting him, because what he did with this story was fucking brilliant! So much so, when he revealed the killer, it paled in comparison to the twist…but you have to read this book yourself to find out what it is.
May 23, 2018
E, pa nije mi bilo ni na kraj pameti! ;-) Opet dobro odrađena cijela priča! Od mene preporuka ljubiteljima žanra!
P.S. Brutala je ovdje na jednoj višoj razini! (da ne bi bilo nisam upozorila!)
P.S. Brutala je ovdje na jednoj višoj razini! (da ne bi bilo nisam upozorila!)
June 2, 2024
That ending was mind-blowing!!!
I really feel bad for him.
I really feel bad for him.
October 1, 2020
To be honest I was kinda annoyed when I reached the last chapters for two reasons...
1. As it resulted I was agonizing over the wrong thing. (and it's not my fault)
2. I'm tired that Hunter with his high IQ makes the same mistake over and over again. Yes I understand he is the main character and must have his hero moments but it isn't necessary to happen in every book and most of the times with disastrous outcome that brings him near to death.
In this installment the presence of Captain Blake was a bit reduced but even though I didn't miss Garcia in the previous installment I was glad he was back. And speaking of Garcia his prank in one of he early chapters wasn't amusing.
The case goes on as most of the previous ones and I wish it wouldn't since I wasn't surprised in the least except when the thing that annoyed me got revealed.
I had two suspects in my mind and for the first one I thought it can't be that easy but apparently it was.
Actually I think that it's easy to detect where the story is going if you think of how previous cases have been solved.
I hope in the next installments that something is going to change in how the case is solved since if I might be honest to follow the leads alongside the detectives and then usually Hunter discovers something that I don't know what it is until he decides to reveal it and alongside with it the killer and his motive is kind of predictable and tiring since it's the 7th installment of the series.
And as usual I have to say that Robert Hunter quickly became one of my favorite detectives and I love his personality and his relationships with those around him. Chris Carter's writing shows just how amazing a human being can be despite the tragedies in his life. Hope at some point he gives him a break and a second chance to be happy and have a balanced life because I believe that won't chance his character much or affect his work but maybe it would be more fitting closer to the end of the series.
1. As it resulted I was agonizing over the wrong thing. (and it's not my fault)
2. I'm tired that Hunter with his high IQ makes the same mistake over and over again. Yes I understand he is the main character and must have his hero moments but it isn't necessary to happen in every book and most of the times with disastrous outcome that brings him near to death.
In this installment the presence of Captain Blake was a bit reduced but even though I didn't miss Garcia in the previous installment I was glad he was back. And speaking of Garcia his prank in one of he early chapters wasn't amusing.
The case goes on as most of the previous ones and I wish it wouldn't since I wasn't surprised in the least except when the thing that annoyed me got revealed.
I had two suspects in my mind and for the first one I thought it can't be that easy but apparently it was.
Actually I think that it's easy to detect where the story is going if you think of how previous cases have been solved.
I hope in the next installments that something is going to change in how the case is solved since if I might be honest to follow the leads alongside the detectives and then usually Hunter discovers something that I don't know what it is until he decides to reveal it and alongside with it the killer and his motive is kind of predictable and tiring since it's the 7th installment of the series.
And as usual I have to say that Robert Hunter quickly became one of my favorite detectives and I love his personality and his relationships with those around him. Chris Carter's writing shows just how amazing a human being can be despite the tragedies in his life. Hope at some point he gives him a break and a second chance to be happy and have a balanced life because I believe that won't chance his character much or affect his work but maybe it would be more fitting closer to the end of the series.
September 13, 2016
Prema "maštovitosti" kojom Carterovi psycho killeri ubijaju svoje žrtve, ostali ubojice (koji "samo" vješaju, truju, režu svoje žrtve...) su "male bebe"... Uvijek mislim da ne može bolesnije, ali Carter, eto može... Sa svakim romanom.. .. I kao što sam već napominjala, samo za osobe sa dobrim želucem..
August 5, 2025
This is an addictive series - an excellent character in Robert Hunter (and his partner Garcia), intriguing plots & strong procedures. The crimes are gruesome, but I have been navigating that quite well so far (far better than I expected).
Audrey & James Bennett are to go out to a party. Audrey calls Nicole to take care of her 3-yr old son Josh in the night, which she has been doing on & off. Nicole suddenly finds another man in the house – who claims to be Audrey's cousin Mark. Audrey coincidentally calls just then to check on how things are going. Audrey is alarmed as she has no cousin by that name and calls the police after this call. Nicole is kidnapped and brutally murdered; her body left in an empty field after a few days. The murderer leaves a note saying “I am Death”. Captain Blake gives the case to Robert and his partner Garcia. More brutal murders are to follow. It is a race against time to stop the murderer.
As with all the books in the series, the story is very engrossing and unravels gradually. The procedures as always are top-notch. There is an sad & interesting backstory which is revealed towards the end. I found the character building & reasoning in this one to be less impactful than the other books in the series which I read though.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
Very shortly, I expect to move to another book in the series!
Audrey & James Bennett are to go out to a party. Audrey calls Nicole to take care of her 3-yr old son Josh in the night, which she has been doing on & off. Nicole suddenly finds another man in the house – who claims to be Audrey's cousin Mark. Audrey coincidentally calls just then to check on how things are going. Audrey is alarmed as she has no cousin by that name and calls the police after this call. Nicole is kidnapped and brutally murdered; her body left in an empty field after a few days. The murderer leaves a note saying “I am Death”. Captain Blake gives the case to Robert and his partner Garcia. More brutal murders are to follow. It is a race against time to stop the murderer.
As with all the books in the series, the story is very engrossing and unravels gradually. The procedures as always are top-notch. There is an sad & interesting backstory which is revealed towards the end. I found the character building & reasoning in this one to be less impactful than the other books in the series which I read though.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
Very shortly, I expect to move to another book in the series!
January 9, 2018
Wow!! This series just keeps getting better!! Gruesome deaths and clever stories.. gotta love it.
October 17, 2019
Mais uma grande leitura! Adoro os livros do Chris Carter, nunca nada é o que parece e não há palha!
Já estou cheia de vontade de ler o 8° 😊
Já estou cheia de vontade de ler o 8° 😊
February 7, 2017
Dieser Carter ist mal wieder nichts für schwache Nerven. Da denkt man mit jedem neuen Buch schlimmer und heftiger kann es nicht mehr werden, und dann schafft es Chris Carter immer wieder den Leser zu schocken. Bei den Bücher von Chris Carter gefällt es mir aber auch, dass sehr viel Psycholgie einfließt und menschliche Abgründe analysiert und aufgezeigt werden.
Es gibt in diesem Buch auch wieder so einige Szenen, die eher psychologisch als blutig schocken, welche ich persönlich ja oft schlimmer als die blutigen finde.
Das Spannungslevel wird auf konstant hohem Niveau gehalten und die Theorien in meinem Kopf haben sich überschlagen, nur dass es dann am Ende wieder ganz anders kam als ich erwartet oder jemals vermutet habe.
Der Schreibstil ist wie immer flüssig zu lesen, so dass man durch die Seiten fliegt.
Es gibt in diesem Buch auch wieder so einige Szenen, die eher psychologisch als blutig schocken, welche ich persönlich ja oft schlimmer als die blutigen finde.
Das Spannungslevel wird auf konstant hohem Niveau gehalten und die Theorien in meinem Kopf haben sich überschlagen, nur dass es dann am Ende wieder ganz anders kam als ich erwartet oder jemals vermutet habe.
Der Schreibstil ist wie immer flüssig zu lesen, so dass man durch die Seiten fliegt.
May 30, 2017
Mastermind Chris Carter returns following An Evil Mind with I AM DEATH –a terrifying, dark, intense, and twisted psychological crime thriller, featuring Robert Hunter front and center in a suspense cat-and-mouse "mind-blowing" chase.
For those who enjoy twisty, smart, edgy, intelligent, gruesome, and very dark psycho-thrillers!
Detective Robert Hunter of the LAPD Robbery Homicide Division grew up as an only child to working class parents in an underprivileged neighborhood of South Los Angeles. His mother lost her battle with cancer when he was only seven and his father never remarried and had to take on two jobs to cope with the demands of raising a child.
He was different. He got bored easily and made his way quickly through school- At the age of twelve Hunter was given a scholarship to the Mirman School for Highly Gifted Children. Only the beginning, making his way to Stanford University. At nineteen he had graduated with a degree in psychology and at twenty-three received his Ph.D. in criminal behavior analysis and biopsychology.
For years the FBI had made attempts to recruit Hunter. Hunter would rather be a detective with the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division than join the most advanced serial killer—tracking force in the US, and even, the world. however, Hunter would rather be a detective with the local police force than join the most advanced serial-killer tracking task force in the USA. He had continued to decline every offer by Kennedy.
In other words, he is brilliant!
Hunter did not have a family and was not married. No kids. An insomniac. His partner of six years, Detective Carlos Garcia was also his best friend. They headed up a specialized group where all the homicides were overwhelming brutality and or sadism had been used by the perpetrator and tagged by the department as UV crimes.
A young woman about to start her second year of law school at Cal State was found by the LA airport and left in a position of a five-point human star. (A protection against evil)? A symbol that has been associated with evil and devil worshipping.
Nichole Wilson from Indiana and was abducted while babysitting for a wealthy couple. Grisly details. A tube of paper. Lacerations; no two the exact same size. Tortured. Violated. Whipped. Two different instruments. Like cutting brushstrokes onto a canvas. Blood inside the brain. A sadistic killer. A note from the killer in blood, I AM DEATH.
The killer had tortured her for almost six days. They had never come across a killer with this level of confidence.
Hunter knew this meant one thing. He did it for one reason. To let everyone know that this wouldn’t end here. A huge ego. Confident. Intelligent. Knowledgeable. Meticulous. He wanted the body found and the note.
Perpetrators who place their victims’ bodies in specific positions or shapes, with the intention of them being found that way are very particular about every detail.
The abduction, the torturing, the killing, the positioning and disposal of the body and the note. Tremendous detail. He wants them to know how good he is. Did the killer make the call?
Nichole Wilson was only the beginning.
From a flight attendant’s corpse to a kidnapped eleven-year-old boy renamed Squirm. A system that failed him. A serial killer. From taunting notes, photographs, to messages from a monster, a fast-paced action-fueled—terrifying sadistic game. A clue to a double meaning.
Gross, dark, gruesome, bloody, chilling, and brilliantly crafted. As always Chris Carter draws on his personal experience and a pro at creating the most heinous and intelligent of evil psychological crime thrillers. He knows monsters.
An unpredictable twist at the end wraps up another winner by Carter!
A special thank you to Atria and NetGalley for an early reading copy.
JDCMustReadBooks
For those who enjoy twisty, smart, edgy, intelligent, gruesome, and very dark psycho-thrillers!
Detective Robert Hunter of the LAPD Robbery Homicide Division grew up as an only child to working class parents in an underprivileged neighborhood of South Los Angeles. His mother lost her battle with cancer when he was only seven and his father never remarried and had to take on two jobs to cope with the demands of raising a child.
He was different. He got bored easily and made his way quickly through school- At the age of twelve Hunter was given a scholarship to the Mirman School for Highly Gifted Children. Only the beginning, making his way to Stanford University. At nineteen he had graduated with a degree in psychology and at twenty-three received his Ph.D. in criminal behavior analysis and biopsychology.
For years the FBI had made attempts to recruit Hunter. Hunter would rather be a detective with the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division than join the most advanced serial killer—tracking force in the US, and even, the world. however, Hunter would rather be a detective with the local police force than join the most advanced serial-killer tracking task force in the USA. He had continued to decline every offer by Kennedy.
In other words, he is brilliant!
Hunter did not have a family and was not married. No kids. An insomniac. His partner of six years, Detective Carlos Garcia was also his best friend. They headed up a specialized group where all the homicides were overwhelming brutality and or sadism had been used by the perpetrator and tagged by the department as UV crimes.
A young woman about to start her second year of law school at Cal State was found by the LA airport and left in a position of a five-point human star. (A protection against evil)? A symbol that has been associated with evil and devil worshipping.
Nichole Wilson from Indiana and was abducted while babysitting for a wealthy couple. Grisly details. A tube of paper. Lacerations; no two the exact same size. Tortured. Violated. Whipped. Two different instruments. Like cutting brushstrokes onto a canvas. Blood inside the brain. A sadistic killer. A note from the killer in blood, I AM DEATH.
The killer had tortured her for almost six days. They had never come across a killer with this level of confidence.
Hunter knew this meant one thing. He did it for one reason. To let everyone know that this wouldn’t end here. A huge ego. Confident. Intelligent. Knowledgeable. Meticulous. He wanted the body found and the note.
Perpetrators who place their victims’ bodies in specific positions or shapes, with the intention of them being found that way are very particular about every detail.
The abduction, the torturing, the killing, the positioning and disposal of the body and the note. Tremendous detail. He wants them to know how good he is. Did the killer make the call?
Nichole Wilson was only the beginning.
From a flight attendant’s corpse to a kidnapped eleven-year-old boy renamed Squirm. A system that failed him. A serial killer. From taunting notes, photographs, to messages from a monster, a fast-paced action-fueled—terrifying sadistic game. A clue to a double meaning.
Gross, dark, gruesome, bloody, chilling, and brilliantly crafted. As always Chris Carter draws on his personal experience and a pro at creating the most heinous and intelligent of evil psychological crime thrillers. He knows monsters.
An unpredictable twist at the end wraps up another winner by Carter!
A special thank you to Atria and NetGalley for an early reading copy.
JDCMustReadBooks
March 1, 2016
Carter offers readers another chance to see Detective Robert Hunter at work, crossing paths with the most sadistic killers LA has to offer. When a mutilated body turns up next to LAX, Hunter and his partner, Carlos Garcia, are sent to investigate. Little do they realise, but the signs of torture and sexual assault are the least intriguing pieces of the puzzle. A note lodged in the woman's throat introduces the Ultra Violent Crimes detectives to their latest serial killer, who refers to himself as 'I AM DEATH'. When another body turns up, the only similarity is another note from I AM DEATH, leaving Hunter to wonder what kind of killer changes his MO and killing style so radically. In a parallel sub-plot, an eleven-year-old is kidnapped and severely abused, to the point of breaking down, and given the moniker SQUIRM. Degraded and with no hope of escape, Squirm is forced to live alongside the killer and witness unspeakable horrors. As clues slowly trickle in, Hunter does his best to analyse the notes to find something that ties them all together, hoping to stop this killer before the bodies continue piling up. As sadistic as any novel in the series, Carter leaves nothing out of bounds and pulls the reader in from the outset, begging them to try walking away before the final turn of the page.
As with all Carter novels, this one pulls the reader into the core of a psychological mystery and will not let go. Be it the strong connection to Robert Hunter, the graphic details of crimes and criminal behaviour, or the short chapters that leave the reader wanting more, something keeps the novel pushing onwards without losing any momentum. Carter is at the height of the genre and knows how to navigate the nuances that keep the reader from straying. The gory details may not be for some, nor will the highly disturbing description of some situations, but for those who can stomach this, the story comes to life and makes for a sensational read. Carter stands alone with his gift for fluid storytelling, even if he does enjoy living outside the reader's comfort zone.
Kudos, Mr. Carter for such a riveting piece of work, tapping into the darkest corners of the genre.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
As with all Carter novels, this one pulls the reader into the core of a psychological mystery and will not let go. Be it the strong connection to Robert Hunter, the graphic details of crimes and criminal behaviour, or the short chapters that leave the reader wanting more, something keeps the novel pushing onwards without losing any momentum. Carter is at the height of the genre and knows how to navigate the nuances that keep the reader from straying. The gory details may not be for some, nor will the highly disturbing description of some situations, but for those who can stomach this, the story comes to life and makes for a sensational read. Carter stands alone with his gift for fluid storytelling, even if he does enjoy living outside the reader's comfort zone.
Kudos, Mr. Carter for such a riveting piece of work, tapping into the darkest corners of the genre.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
July 29, 2015
Anyone who reads my blog will probably know that I am a huge Chris Carter fan. I Am Death was one of my most anticipated reads of 2015. I finished I Am Death at 3 a.m. one Saturday morning and it left me reeling. I would have to say that Chris is probably now my favourite crime fiction author of all time, and I firmly believe that he is just in a league of his own. If anybody can recommend me similar authors with books released in the last ten years, please do!
At the time of writing this review I can't see an official blurb, or at least, not one that hints at what the story is about and so I went into I Am Death with no idea of what to expect, which is unusual for me because I almost always read the blurb. For that reason it's difficult to know where to begin and how much to give away. Detective Robert Hunter has barely returned to work after his vacation (which wasn't exactly a vacation, read An Evil Mind to find out why) when he is called into his Captain's office to be given his next case. The most I can say about the case is that women are being abducted in LA before their mutilated bodies are left, arranged in various ways for the police to find and with the words I AM DEATH being left behind whether in the victim's blood or inside the victim. Once the mayor gets involved the pressure is really on for Hunter to shut this case down.
For new readers Hunter works for the Homicide Special Section of the LAPD, dealing with Ultra-Violent crimes. He is an extremely clever and gifted individual who uses his ability to step into the killer's shoes to give him that edge when trying to solve a case. He is easily my favourite fictional detective to read about. He is somewhat of a 'Supercop' but not in that sickly Alex Cross way, more in a 'Holy shit, this guy is f***ing amazing way'. He also likes chilli-flavoured beef jerky and cold pizza. Pretty much a faultless character! Also part of the UV unit is his partner Garcia who makes a welcome return in I Am Death, after a humorous opening that fooled both me and Hunter!
The twists that are delivered in I Am Death really are incredible, and they come when you least expect them. I finished this book feeling like I'd been put through the wringer, and the term book hangover has never applied more than when I finished this. I found I Am Death to be a really thought-provoking read in terms of how our killer thinks. The reasonings behind the killings giving real pause for thought, and it had me coming up with numerous scenarios as I read. Because of not wanting to step into spoiler territory I am wary about how much I should reveal (but I want to talk about this book!) but Hunter and Garcia soon realise that they aren't dealing with your dictionary definition sociopath, but rather somebody unlike anyone they have ever hunted before. Somebody who is in complete control, and who kills not because he feels the need to, but because he wants to. And aren't those characters always the more scary to read about?
Once those revelations start coming out towards the end of I Am Death, everything just slots into place perfectly. Chris's characters are always killed in the most brutal and sadistic of ways, so wonderfully violent. But no matter how violent the crime, and no matter who the killer is they are always haunting reads. Focusing on real and genuine evil. Once again this is a real study of a damaged mind, so very believable that even without knowing the history of Chris Carter, you can tell he's somebody with real knowledge of everything that he writes about. Also, Chris's murders are always more impactful because he spends a little time building up his victims, really humanising them so readers feel real empathy towards them and so when they eventually fall victim to the killer, the reader really feels it, making this a very powerful and tense read.
You know when you watch a scary film and your hearts beating and you kind of lose all sense of everything around you (except for those noises that make you nervous)? I had all of that and more with I Am Death and it was more scary, gripping and intense than any film I have watched recently. The last third especially, my heart was pounding so fast I was afraid for my health. I even shouted at somebody for interrupting me as I was reading it and nearing that final section. The overall ending was nothing short of perfection, a true crime fiction masterpiece. I had a few ideas in my head of how things might play out and I was kind of right but the great thing about Chris's books is that you will never work out the full story, meaning that most readers should be left surprised.
I get annoyed when somebody posts a negative review, of any book and somehow it is considered more 'honest'. Well Chris Carter might be my favourite crime author but my review is completely honest and in actual fact, this is probably a toned down version of just how much I enjoyed this book! Chris Carter is in a league of his own and his Robert Hunter series should be looked at as a true masterclass in how to write crime fiction, how to truly enthrall a reader and leave them desperate for more. Crime fiction is one of the busiest and biggest genres and I like to think that my list of favourites are amongst the best, and sitting pretty at number one is Chris Carter and Robert Hunter, so please pick up his books if you haven't already. I can almost guarantee that you will love them. And I'm sure Northern Crime, Grab This Book and I Love Reading would tell you I am right on that last part!
At the time of writing this review I can't see an official blurb, or at least, not one that hints at what the story is about and so I went into I Am Death with no idea of what to expect, which is unusual for me because I almost always read the blurb. For that reason it's difficult to know where to begin and how much to give away. Detective Robert Hunter has barely returned to work after his vacation (which wasn't exactly a vacation, read An Evil Mind to find out why) when he is called into his Captain's office to be given his next case. The most I can say about the case is that women are being abducted in LA before their mutilated bodies are left, arranged in various ways for the police to find and with the words I AM DEATH being left behind whether in the victim's blood or inside the victim. Once the mayor gets involved the pressure is really on for Hunter to shut this case down.
For new readers Hunter works for the Homicide Special Section of the LAPD, dealing with Ultra-Violent crimes. He is an extremely clever and gifted individual who uses his ability to step into the killer's shoes to give him that edge when trying to solve a case. He is easily my favourite fictional detective to read about. He is somewhat of a 'Supercop' but not in that sickly Alex Cross way, more in a 'Holy shit, this guy is f***ing amazing way'. He also likes chilli-flavoured beef jerky and cold pizza. Pretty much a faultless character! Also part of the UV unit is his partner Garcia who makes a welcome return in I Am Death, after a humorous opening that fooled both me and Hunter!
The twists that are delivered in I Am Death really are incredible, and they come when you least expect them. I finished this book feeling like I'd been put through the wringer, and the term book hangover has never applied more than when I finished this. I found I Am Death to be a really thought-provoking read in terms of how our killer thinks. The reasonings behind the killings giving real pause for thought, and it had me coming up with numerous scenarios as I read. Because of not wanting to step into spoiler territory I am wary about how much I should reveal (but I want to talk about this book!) but Hunter and Garcia soon realise that they aren't dealing with your dictionary definition sociopath, but rather somebody unlike anyone they have ever hunted before. Somebody who is in complete control, and who kills not because he feels the need to, but because he wants to. And aren't those characters always the more scary to read about?
Once those revelations start coming out towards the end of I Am Death, everything just slots into place perfectly. Chris's characters are always killed in the most brutal and sadistic of ways, so wonderfully violent. But no matter how violent the crime, and no matter who the killer is they are always haunting reads. Focusing on real and genuine evil. Once again this is a real study of a damaged mind, so very believable that even without knowing the history of Chris Carter, you can tell he's somebody with real knowledge of everything that he writes about. Also, Chris's murders are always more impactful because he spends a little time building up his victims, really humanising them so readers feel real empathy towards them and so when they eventually fall victim to the killer, the reader really feels it, making this a very powerful and tense read.
You know when you watch a scary film and your hearts beating and you kind of lose all sense of everything around you (except for those noises that make you nervous)? I had all of that and more with I Am Death and it was more scary, gripping and intense than any film I have watched recently. The last third especially, my heart was pounding so fast I was afraid for my health. I even shouted at somebody for interrupting me as I was reading it and nearing that final section. The overall ending was nothing short of perfection, a true crime fiction masterpiece. I had a few ideas in my head of how things might play out and I was kind of right but the great thing about Chris's books is that you will never work out the full story, meaning that most readers should be left surprised.
I get annoyed when somebody posts a negative review, of any book and somehow it is considered more 'honest'. Well Chris Carter might be my favourite crime author but my review is completely honest and in actual fact, this is probably a toned down version of just how much I enjoyed this book! Chris Carter is in a league of his own and his Robert Hunter series should be looked at as a true masterclass in how to write crime fiction, how to truly enthrall a reader and leave them desperate for more. Crime fiction is one of the busiest and biggest genres and I like to think that my list of favourites are amongst the best, and sitting pretty at number one is Chris Carter and Robert Hunter, so please pick up his books if you haven't already. I can almost guarantee that you will love them. And I'm sure Northern Crime, Grab This Book and I Love Reading would tell you I am right on that last part!
August 21, 2015
3.5 stars
First thing first ... Chris Carter has become one my auto-read mystery/suspense authors for the past few years. His works entertain me. Period. Carter writes his chapter with a bait to open the next one immediately, keeps the pace fast, throws red herrings here and there, and lets our detectives struggle to find clues before the next body comes. They're not for the squeamish though; his description of the crime is vivid. His murder scenes are of often very bloody, the victims suffered from gruesome form of torture or killing method.
"I Am Death" offers the same formula. I was happy that Garcia was back as Hunter's partner in this book, he made me worried in book #4, and in book #5 he wasn't even around (though that book was good in a different way -- it was more 'personal' in terms of Hunter's background).
So those are the good things.
BUT, just as I finished this -- my initial reaction towards it was that I felt depressed. Yep, this was depressing :(
The answer is inside the spoiler-tag -- it's MAJOR SPOILER, as in I will mention the murderer's name, so avoid it at all cost except if you actually want to be spoiled.
On another note, I did wish that I got to know Hunter's mind a little bit more, because Carter doesn't really let readers know about Hunter's thinking process... he just lets the explanation comes from Hunter's mouth later on. It is probably like reading Holmes' investigation process, where you just end up baffled (or annoyed) at the way he solves the cases. Which means the ending also feels rushed when Hunter is able to connect all the dots (but it happens inside his head!).
All in all, while it was still as enjoyable, I have to deduct the star-rating because of the uncomfortable feeling I had to endure. So sorry for this, book.
First thing first ... Chris Carter has become one my auto-read mystery/suspense authors for the past few years. His works entertain me. Period. Carter writes his chapter with a bait to open the next one immediately, keeps the pace fast, throws red herrings here and there, and lets our detectives struggle to find clues before the next body comes. They're not for the squeamish though; his description of the crime is vivid. His murder scenes are of often very bloody, the victims suffered from gruesome form of torture or killing method.
"I Am Death" offers the same formula. I was happy that Garcia was back as Hunter's partner in this book, he made me worried in book #4, and in book #5 he wasn't even around (though that book was good in a different way -- it was more 'personal' in terms of Hunter's background).
So those are the good things.
BUT, just as I finished this -- my initial reaction towards it was that I felt depressed. Yep, this was depressing :(
The answer is inside the spoiler-tag -- it's MAJOR SPOILER, as in I will mention the murderer's name, so avoid it at all cost except if you actually want to be spoiled.
On another note, I did wish that I got to know Hunter's mind a little bit more, because Carter doesn't really let readers know about Hunter's thinking process... he just lets the explanation comes from Hunter's mouth later on. It is probably like reading Holmes' investigation process, where you just end up baffled (or annoyed) at the way he solves the cases. Which means the ending also feels rushed when Hunter is able to connect all the dots (but it happens inside his head!).
All in all, while it was still as enjoyable, I have to deduct the star-rating because of the uncomfortable feeling I had to endure. So sorry for this, book.
November 2, 2024
4,0 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
November 23, 2021
Visada visada spirgu iš nekantrumo kaip laukiu kuomet pasirodys naujoji Carterio knyga. O tuomet nieko nelaukdama imu ją.. Ir tiesiog suskaitau 🤭 Taip jau yra, jog jo istorijos be galo įtraukia, o įtampa visuomet išlaikoma iki paskutinių istorijos puslapių.
Pagrobiama jauna moteris, kuri po septynių dienų yra randama netoli apleisto Los Andželo tarptautinio oro uosto. Paaiškėja, jog mergina buvo žiauriai kankinta.. Šią bylą tirti imasi Los Andželo policijos departamento žiaurių nusikaltimų padalinio detektyvas Robertas Hanteris.
Jau kitą dieną yra aptinkamas ir antrasis aukos kūnas.. Pasirodo, jog žudikas mėgsta "žaisti" ir net neketina sustoti.. Nebent jį sustabdys. Ši užduotis tampa svarbiausiu Roberto tikslu..
"Jei kuris nors iš ekspertų atsistotų priešais ir pažvelgtų tiesiai man į akis, ar pamatytų tikrąją mano esybę? Pamatytų, kuo aš tapau? ".
Nemanau, jog verta daugžodžiauto, o tie, kurie skaitėte nors vieną šio autoriaus knygą žinote, jog jis yra tikrai GENIALUS. Paimdama į rankas naują jo knygą, nei nenumanau ko galima tikėtis toje istorijoje, bet žinau, jog bus gerai! Net labai gerai! 🖤
Taip nutiko ir šį kartą. Autorius nuo pat pirmųjų knygos puslapių įtraukė į mane į tyrimą ir sunkiai galėjau nuo šios knygos atsiplėšti. Turėjau keletą spėjimų kodėl vyksta visa tai, bet deja jie buvo klaidingi. Kaip ir kitose savo knygose taip ir šitoje, autorius iki pat istorijos pabaigos mus meistriškai vedžioja už nosies. Galų gale, viskam paaiškėjus viskas stoja į savo vietas ir išsisprendžia tikrai logiškai bei įtikinamai. Nieko naujo nepasakysiu, bet detektyvinių istorijų gerbėjams perskaityti - tiesiog must! 🤭 Aš jau dabar laukiu naujos knygos 😍
Pagrobiama jauna moteris, kuri po septynių dienų yra randama netoli apleisto Los Andželo tarptautinio oro uosto. Paaiškėja, jog mergina buvo žiauriai kankinta.. Šią bylą tirti imasi Los Andželo policijos departamento žiaurių nusikaltimų padalinio detektyvas Robertas Hanteris.
Jau kitą dieną yra aptinkamas ir antrasis aukos kūnas.. Pasirodo, jog žudikas mėgsta "žaisti" ir net neketina sustoti.. Nebent jį sustabdys. Ši užduotis tampa svarbiausiu Roberto tikslu..
"Jei kuris nors iš ekspertų atsistotų priešais ir pažvelgtų tiesiai man į akis, ar pamatytų tikrąją mano esybę? Pamatytų, kuo aš tapau? ".
Nemanau, jog verta daugžodžiauto, o tie, kurie skaitėte nors vieną šio autoriaus knygą žinote, jog jis yra tikrai GENIALUS. Paimdama į rankas naują jo knygą, nei nenumanau ko galima tikėtis toje istorijoje, bet žinau, jog bus gerai! Net labai gerai! 🖤
Taip nutiko ir šį kartą. Autorius nuo pat pirmųjų knygos puslapių įtraukė į mane į tyrimą ir sunkiai galėjau nuo šios knygos atsiplėšti. Turėjau keletą spėjimų kodėl vyksta visa tai, bet deja jie buvo klaidingi. Kaip ir kitose savo knygose taip ir šitoje, autorius iki pat istorijos pabaigos mus meistriškai vedžioja už nosies. Galų gale, viskam paaiškėjus viskas stoja į savo vietas ir išsisprendžia tikrai logiškai bei įtikinamai. Nieko naujo nepasakysiu, bet detektyvinių istorijų gerbėjams perskaityti - tiesiog must! 🤭 Aš jau dabar laukiu naujos knygos 😍
August 17, 2015
WOW! What a book, I actually feel exhausted from all the suspense! I can't believe I have never read a book by Chris Carter before and this is the seventh book in the Detective Robert Hunter series.
'I Am Death' begins with Hunter and his partner, Detective Carlos Garcia, returning from a two week break. They are immediately thrown into investigating a horrendous case; a serial killer is abducting women and murdering them in horrific ways. Complicating the investigation is how the serial killer murders; he changes his MO each time.
The story unravels at a really fast pace and grabbed me right from the start. I was literally holding my breath in parts of this story; the suspense was so high. It was creepy, frightening and unpredictable. Parts of it reminded me of scenes in the movie adaptation of 'The silence of the Lambs'. The book is definitely not for the faint hearted as there is a lot of graphic detail about the murders, and I must admit at times it was a bit much for me. It didn't stop me from enjoying the story and towards the end I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good serial killer book and can stomach a lot of gruesome detail. I will definitely be reading more of Chris Carter.
Thank you to the publisher via net galley for my copy to read and review.
'I Am Death' begins with Hunter and his partner, Detective Carlos Garcia, returning from a two week break. They are immediately thrown into investigating a horrendous case; a serial killer is abducting women and murdering them in horrific ways. Complicating the investigation is how the serial killer murders; he changes his MO each time.
The story unravels at a really fast pace and grabbed me right from the start. I was literally holding my breath in parts of this story; the suspense was so high. It was creepy, frightening and unpredictable. Parts of it reminded me of scenes in the movie adaptation of 'The silence of the Lambs'. The book is definitely not for the faint hearted as there is a lot of graphic detail about the murders, and I must admit at times it was a bit much for me. It didn't stop me from enjoying the story and towards the end I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good serial killer book and can stomach a lot of gruesome detail. I will definitely be reading more of Chris Carter.
Thank you to the publisher via net galley for my copy to read and review.
August 16, 2015
I like Chris Carter books. I've discovered them last year and read all of them in two weaks time. Mind-blowing, I thought. Even though the murders were described in all bloody detail, often extreme and butcherly, there was intriguing plot and Robert Hunter trying to get into someone else's mind.
I was hooked.
And I was waiting for this one impatiently. I've just finished it and, well, I'm rather disappointed. There's a lot of gore, the plot and final twist is similar to his earlier books. I start to have an impression that Carter has just one idea for the book: the story changes, sure, but basically it's always the same scheme. It didn't work for me this time.
Too much cruelty, not enough depth.
I was hooked.
And I was waiting for this one impatiently. I've just finished it and, well, I'm rather disappointed. There's a lot of gore, the plot and final twist is similar to his earlier books. I start to have an impression that Carter has just one idea for the book: the story changes, sure, but basically it's always the same scheme. It didn't work for me this time.
Too much cruelty, not enough depth.
September 3, 2018
Very Good Crime Novel by Chris Carter. The only book, which I have completed in very short span of time.
November 10, 2021
Denn ich bin der Tod!
4.5 🌟
Wieder einmal ein spannender Fall für Robert Hunter und Carlos Garcia. Ich liebe diese dunklen und blutigen Thriller, muss aber in der richtigen Stimmung dafür sein. Dieser hier scheint mir noch heftiger, zumindest schlug er mir auch mehr auf den Magen als sonst - vielleicht auch, weil es um ein Kind geht oder die Art und Weise der Taten teils sehr übelkeiterregend waren. Mir macht Blut in Büchern eigentlich überhaupt nichts aus, aber hier waren Passagen dabei, die ich nur mal schnell grob überflogen habe, meinem Magen zuliebe.
Schreibstile und Charaktere wieder top und das Buch als Ganzes absolut nicht vorhersagbar. Ich glaube allerdings fast, dass ich das Buch schon kannte, denn vieles kam mir irgendwie bekannt vor... Sicher bin ich mir da aber bis heute nicht.
January 25, 2019
Obožavam anagrame, pogodila! Tko je zloća, skužila. Bravo ja! I tu prestaje moja genijalnost, a počinje Carterova. :D Majstore, skidam kapu, po ne znam koji put. Što više reći, nego gimme more, Mister!
August 10, 2015
This is the first book I have read of Chris Carter's but it certainly won't be my last. This is No.7 in the Robert Hunter series but it is released as a stand alone novel.
Interestingly, at college the author Carter studied Psychology specialising in Criminal Behaviour, which in turn led to him working as a Criminal Psychologist for several years. His writing certainly reflects his experience in this field.
The story surrounds the intellectually gifted Detective Robert Hunter who heads up the LAPD's specialised Ultra Violent Unit with his partner of six years Carlos Garcia. The relationship between the detectives is something to behold, they just bounce off each other as you can imagine they would working that long as partners.
Hunter and Garcia are given a case of a serial killer that possibly is the most sadistic and at the same time the most intelligent that they have ever come across in their careers.
We are taken through all steps of a criminal investigation from the crime scenes, autopsies, the victims etc. The author's writing expertly switches from the killer and his thoughts, to the victims and their terrified thoughts then back to Hunter and Garcia without any confusion to the reader. There is no place for boredom in this novel!
Just when you think you have worked out who the killer is and his motives, you are pulled into another direction. As the body count rises and the crime scenes become even more gruesome, you can feel Hunter's frustration whilst being given insight into his brilliant mind. Every time it looks like they have a clue, there are more questions than answers. It becomes clear that the killer is of high intelligence and appears to be the "perfect predator".
Is this sadist "toying" with Hunter? Has Hunter at last met his match?
This novel is fast paced with lots of twist and turns but I still wasn't prepared for the biggest one of them all. I never saw it coming, it didn't even cross my mind! All I can say is WOW!
To make it clear this book is not for the faint hearted or for those who do not like novels of a grisly nature. If you enjoy the crime and thriller genre then this one is not to be missed!
I may be late to the game but I am now officially a Chris Carter fan! I can't wait to sink my teeth into another one of his novels.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy in return for an honest and fair review.
Interestingly, at college the author Carter studied Psychology specialising in Criminal Behaviour, which in turn led to him working as a Criminal Psychologist for several years. His writing certainly reflects his experience in this field.
The story surrounds the intellectually gifted Detective Robert Hunter who heads up the LAPD's specialised Ultra Violent Unit with his partner of six years Carlos Garcia. The relationship between the detectives is something to behold, they just bounce off each other as you can imagine they would working that long as partners.
Hunter and Garcia are given a case of a serial killer that possibly is the most sadistic and at the same time the most intelligent that they have ever come across in their careers.
We are taken through all steps of a criminal investigation from the crime scenes, autopsies, the victims etc. The author's writing expertly switches from the killer and his thoughts, to the victims and their terrified thoughts then back to Hunter and Garcia without any confusion to the reader. There is no place for boredom in this novel!
Just when you think you have worked out who the killer is and his motives, you are pulled into another direction. As the body count rises and the crime scenes become even more gruesome, you can feel Hunter's frustration whilst being given insight into his brilliant mind. Every time it looks like they have a clue, there are more questions than answers. It becomes clear that the killer is of high intelligence and appears to be the "perfect predator".
Is this sadist "toying" with Hunter? Has Hunter at last met his match?
This novel is fast paced with lots of twist and turns but I still wasn't prepared for the biggest one of them all. I never saw it coming, it didn't even cross my mind! All I can say is WOW!
To make it clear this book is not for the faint hearted or for those who do not like novels of a grisly nature. If you enjoy the crime and thriller genre then this one is not to be missed!
I may be late to the game but I am now officially a Chris Carter fan! I can't wait to sink my teeth into another one of his novels.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy in return for an honest and fair review.
July 18, 2023
In pain (a torn tendon), I found myself unable to read anything that required deep thinking. So, I chose this dark serial killer thriller in hopes that it would, for a brief period, help me forget my physical discomfort. It did, but that’s all I remember about I AM DEATH. Seldom do I forget the plot and characters of a novel—even an uncomplicated beach book—as quickly as I forgot this one.
The one thing I do recall is that while reading, I enjoyed the experience, even though I knew I wasn’t reading anything profound. I had to read other reviews to refresh my memory, and then remembered that ‘yes’ the killer was fairly predictable about halfway through the story, and that neither of the two detectives stood out from the pack of others who investigate psychologically disturbed killers.
Yet, when you need a quick beach read, it fits the requirement. 3.5 stars.
The one thing I do recall is that while reading, I enjoyed the experience, even though I knew I wasn’t reading anything profound. I had to read other reviews to refresh my memory, and then remembered that ‘yes’ the killer was fairly predictable about halfway through the story, and that neither of the two detectives stood out from the pack of others who investigate psychologically disturbed killers.
Yet, when you need a quick beach read, it fits the requirement. 3.5 stars.
February 7, 2017
Robert Hunter and his partner are in search of a killer who has left no clues and can pass thru life as virtually invisible. He can disguise himself and think quickly on his feet to remain free. He is a gruesome killer and each murder is different. Then the killer starts sending letters and goes to Robert Hunter's apartment and leaves Robert a letter addressed to him. Each is signed with " I Am Death". Now it is almost as if the killer is taunting Hunter and he may be closing in on his real identity. Great read. I would like to thank the publisher and net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
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