Los Angeles, December 4th - exactly three weeks until Christmas day. Angela Wood, a master in the art of pickpocket, has just finished for the day - six hundred and eighty-seven dollars – not bad for less than fifteen minutes work.

As she celebrates her profitable day with a cocktail, one of the patrons in the lounge she’s in catches her attention by being rude to an old man. Angela decides to teach him a lesson, and steals the man’s expensive-looking leather bag.

Inside is no money ... no laptop computer ... nothing of any value ... at least not to Angela. Just a black, leather-bound book, surprisingly heavy. Curiosity takes over and in the comfort of her apartment, Angela quickly leafs through the pages.

That is when the worst nightmare of her life begins.
This is no ordinary book.

Wow, wow, wow. That is all I can say. Chris Carter is the new face of crime thriller writing, overtaking Peter Robinson and Peter James fast. This book literally had me on the edge of my seat. It was a real rollercoaster ride trying to find the killer. The writing was so good, I felt like I was part of the book myself.

I wish that Chris Carter's books would be turned into a tv series

Easily a five star read.

Eagerly anticipating his next book!

Whenever I read a Chris Carter book, I always wonder how he’s going to be able to top the previous book in the series. But somehow he always does! And this one is no exception. Brutal, heart pounding and full of everything I’ve come to love about his Robert Hunter series, I was instantly drawn back into the world of serial killers and mayhem and, I must say, enjoyed every single blood soaked word of it!

This time Robert Hunter finds himself on the hunt for a serial killer after receiving a call from a colleague who has just taken delivery of a mysterious journal. But this isn’t just any old journal, this is a journal that’s full of the secrets of a depraved mind. And Robert, once again, finds himself in a race against time to uncover the identity of a serial killer before even more people die. This is a killer who will stop at nothing to get back what is rightfully his. And Robert Hunter will do everything in his power to catch him before he strikes again.

Chris Carter’s past experience as a member of the Michigan State District Attorney’s Criminal Psychology team stands him in good stead once again as he, or rather Robert Hunter, delves deep inside the mind of a serial killer. Can Hunter and his trusted partner Garcia solve the hidden clues within the journal before it’s too late?

Written in Blood is a fantastic addition to the series, keeping me on my toes from beginning to end. The tension ratchets up to breaking point as Hunter and Garcia get closer and closer to the truth, leading to a heart stopping conclusion that had me breathless and on the edge of my seat right up until the final page had been turned. Although part of a series, this instalment would read very well as a standalone and is a great introduction to the series that I’m sure will leave you gasping for more!

Chris Carter is a genius when it comes to writing about serial killers, his knowledge of criminal behaviour second to none. His writing draws you in from the outset, with a dark and disturbing storyline that is guaranteed to set your pulse racing. With twists, turns and surprises that will keep you turning the pages, Written in Blood is an outstanding book that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

I have read each and every book by Chris Carter, and just as soon as I think he can't improve on the previous book, he does it again. This was easily the best book I've read this year without any doubt. Highly recommended.
TB

I have now completely lost track of how many of Chris Carter’s books I have read and reviewed, and always look forward to my new dose of darkness, murder and sheer damned twistedness, that his killers possess in spades. So, bring on Written In Blood and let’s see what depths of depravity we will witness now…

I love the familiarity of this series, and the fact that no matter how long it is between books, I am immediately transported back into the world of the LA Ultra Violent Crimes Unit, (love the insertion of the word ultra here) and the welcoming embrace of detectives Robert Hunter and Carlos Garcia. The absolute lynchpin of the books for me is the strength of the professional relationship between these two very different men, united by a fierce determinedness to track the most heinous of killers, whilst endeavouring to keep a grip on their own moral compass in the face of extreme evil. The differing facets of their characters and aspects of their personal lives are polar opposites in every way, but somehow this just makes them into a highly effective and tight crime fighting duo- like Batman and Robin sans pantyhose.

Carter always succeeds in balancing the natural intuitive intelligence and inner torments of Hunter, with the easy, impulsive charm and slight naivety of his partner Garcia. That’s not to say that Garcia does not have his own moments of lightbulb realisation, but he proves to be an incredibly useful sounding board for Hunter. Garcia is always used effectively as a conduit between the reader and the finer aspects of their cases, asking the questions we would ask, and drawing us further into the mechanics of the investigation. As usual, the dialogue and interactions between the two are fluid, snappy and natural with the measured responses of Hunter balanced with the more fiery and reactionary passion of Garcia, that always adds a lively dynamic to the books. I also very much enjoyed the introduction of the streetwise pickpocket Angela into the mix, not only for the way she interrupts the more mechanical aspects of the case itself, but her mix of ballsiness and fragility was beautifully balanced.

Another aspect of this series that I am always impressed by is that at times Carter plays a game of smoke and mirrors with his readers, in the way he manipulates our responses to not only the victims, but oftentimes the killer themselves. This is particularly redolent in this book, and I found myself forming an uneasy empathy with the killer, with certain aspects of their motivation and drive bringing a sympathetic edge to my reading of this character. As much as Hunter and Garcia are honour bound to do the very best for their victims, and the author keeps the victims at the forefront, I do enjoy the way Carter messes slightly with our perceptions along the way. Carter has carved a real niche in the serial killer thriller genre, not just relying on overt shocks and violence to hook the reader, but also providing a fascinating insight into the compulsions and motivations of the perpetrators. He also perfectly measures the shocks and reveals, particularly in the closing lines of a chapter, driving the reader on to one more chapter, one more chapter, champing at the bit to know what happens next, until you find yourselves swiftly nearing the end of the book. Written In Blood is no exception, and definitely a recommended read.

Chris Carter's latest in his Detective Robert Hunter series of the LAPD's Ultra Violent Crimes Unit (LVCU) is a dark, intense, heart pounding, frantic adrenaline thrill ride from beginning to end. It will keep you glued to a thriller with what appears initially to be a mentally unstable serial killer, who has managed to remain below the radar for many years, completely undetected, a killer who cannot even remember just how many he has killed. The young Angela Wood, a gifted pickpocket, is sipping her cocktail, after successfully lifting some wallets, when she observes a man be incredibly rude to an older customer when she makes a decision she will live to regret. She decides to teach the man a lesson by stealing his leather bag, whose contents she is later disappointed to discover is only a journal.

However, on closer inspection, the journal turns out to document the names of people killed in the most barbaric, gruesome and sadistic ways, with details of each murder victim and the location of their remains. A shocked Angela hand delivers the journal to Dr Susan Slater, a LAPD forensic scientist, which leads to Hunter and his partner, Carlos Garcia, becoming involved. It soon becomes clear the journal is no hoax after the discovery of a body buried alive in a wedding dress at a location detailed in the journal. Angela finds her life spinning dangerously out of control, the killer is no ordinary guy, he wants his journal back. He has no qualms about threatening Hunter either, displaying a sense of confidence and self assurance that becomes a matter of deep concern to the police. Hunter and the LAPD are facing a level of horror and evil they could not have imagined as they find themselves outwitted at every turn.

Chris Carter is an accomplished thriller writer, his plotting makes great and expert use of the tropes commonly deployed in the genre. This is a fast paced, and hugely entertaining read with a raft of twists and turns that make the storylines utterly compelling and riveting. I can see many crime and thriller readers loving this, and it leaves me eagerly anticipating the next in this fabulous series. Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for an ARC

If you enjoy watching dark crime thriller shows like Luther or Criminal Minds this books created the same atmosphere for me as a reader. It was seriously dark but the suspense was real. The way in which the chapters jumped to another perspective as soon as something was revealed really made for a compelling read because you were left thinking ‘what just happened - I must keep reading’, and what more can you want from a thriller? The story follows Detective Hunter who has had the diary of a prolific serial killer wind up on his desk due to the unfortunate choice of marks made by pickpocket Angela. Now Angela is in danger and Detective Hunter has sixteen unsolved murders with no apparent motive or consistent M.O. Let the chase begin!

The Robert Hunter series is a class of its own, no one can touch it. Written in Blood continues this fabulous series with no drop in quality. Gruesome, inginious, Fast paced and full of action. A Perfect read that will keep you on your toes and then some.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK for an advance copy of Written in Blood, the eleventh novel to feature Detective Robert Hunter of the LAPD’s Ultra Violent Crimes Unit.

When Angela Wood decides to teach a very rude man a lesson by stealing his bag her nightmare begins because the bag contains only one thing, a diary listing the details of a series of murders. Frightened, she passes it on to LAPD where Robert and his partner, Carlos Garcia, soon realise that they are hunting a ruthless serial killer.

I thoroughly enjoyed Written in Blood which has a strong plot with plenty of twists and turns, tension and action. As ever with Mr Carter it should be noted that this novel is not for the faint hearted as it is graphic, cruel and sadistic. I felt, however, that as the murder descriptions were mostly in diary format they were not quite as immediate and it is easier to skip the gruesome details, although, for my sins, I didn’t than in other novels. The novel is non stop with developments so it held my attention from start to finish, although I was disappointed in this latter which veers sharply into conspiracy theory territory then implausibility. The journey to this point is great nonetheless and I was on tenterhooks, wondering what would come next.

I know I said the ending lacks plausibility and that sounds a little niggley when technically it could be argued that the whole novel does, a serial killer with almost unnatural prescience and preparedness who leaves no clues but somehow the ending stands out, probably because the rest of the novel never gives the reader time to breathe. I, for one, got caught up in the whirlwind. This mixture of continual forward momentum and realistic procedure, which seems to ground the novel, really appeals to me. I have been reading this series from the beginning, way back when, and Written in Blood is another fine addition so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.

Another fantastic book from Chris Carter.
I love this series so much that I jumped at the chance to read an advanced copy via NetGalley.
In this book Hunter and Garcia face yet another sick, twisted individual who gives them a real run for their money.
Firstly we meet Angela who is a highly skilled pick pocket, and while she’s relaxing in a bar she witnesses a man acting in a rude manner so decided to teach him a lesson. She spots a large leather bag and thinks it will contain something valuable so takes it from under his nose.
She’s surprised to not find a laptop or a tablet, but instead a leather bound notebook. When she looks inside her heart stops as it’s the man’s journal of people he’s killed.
Angela sends it to the authorities and soon Hunter and Garcia are faced with detailed accounts of murders this man has committed.
They find the first body so know this isn’t hoax and then the killer makes contact.
The race is then on to try and track this man down and stop him from torturing and murdering anyone else.
As always the banter between Hunter and Garcia is great and even Angela brings something to the dynamic in this book.
This is yet another great read in this fantastic series that I can highly recommend.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Complex thriller with lots of twists. Interesting,diverse characters and a complicated villain who always seems one step ahead.

Are we really at book 11! Wow, and with no signs of flagging at all. Every book released blows me away. Every time. Only downside of reading a new one is the wait til the next one...!
In this book pickpocket Angela gets more than she bargained for when she steals a leather bag from a guy in a bar. On opening it, she finds a scrapbook containing , well, something really rather nasty. Realising what she has, she knows what she has to do... But was she seen lifting it? With what the book contains, the owner won't want to be parted from it for long. And he definitely won't want it getting into the hands of the authorities...
And then Hunter gets involved...
I blooming love this series. Do yourself a favour and start from book one and read in order. They are all excellent books in themselves and you will be privy to the series characters' backstories and development along the way if you do.
This book is akin to other insofar as we have a cracking, intriguing, and exciting story, played out by some brilliantly crafted characters - both series and extras - all delivered in a no nonsense way with no superfluous padding or waffle. It really does get on with itself very well. In fact, the story held my attention so well that I really didn't want to put it down and it was a good job I read it on a Sunday cos I didn't get anything else done that day!
It's quite heavy on the gore and a bit gruesome but you'd expect that by now from this author but there are quieter times which I appreciated for a bit of respite along the way. Pacing matches the narrative throughout and ramps up nicely towards the end as we face the final showdown. Delivering a punchy ending that wholly satisfied.
All in all, a cracking addition to an already very impressive series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Now that my heart rate is back to normal I can finally give my review of this fantastic five star read. As I would expect from this author his attention to detail is exceptional. He knows how to set the atmosphere and has usually hooked the reader by the end of the first page. This book is no exception, a pickpocket gets more than they bargain for, when they lift a leather bag from a busy cocktail bar. Inside is a diary but like no other. This diary is an explicit and graphic account of a series of murders. It is upto mainly Hunter in this book to catch this ice cold killer. I have no nails left , endless cups of cold coffee by my side. Yes this book is that good. Another fantastic five star read from the Master of the psychological thriller and a bloody brilliant addition of the Hunter series. OMG WHAT A READ!!!
Thanks to Simon and Schuster UK and Netgalley for the ARC

I've reached the stage where I don't think it's possible for Chris Carter to write a bad book. Even if he tried, I just don't think he could do it. The skill he demonstrates in story-telling is innate and just when you think he can't come up with anything as good again, along he comes with another incredible feat of imagination.

If you've enjoyed Carter's previous books, then this one is going to be no exception. The attention to detail; the twisted killer; the heart-stopping pace: they're all there in this latest offering in the Detective Robert Hunter series, which is guaranteed to keep you up reading late into the night.

This time, Hunter and his partner Carlos Garcia are chasing a killer who has already murdered tens of people before he even comes to the attention of the LAPD's UVC Unit. He's methodical, he's skilful, he's deadly and, somehow, Robert and Carlos have to catch him.

In some ways 'Written In Blood' reminded me of 'An Evil Mind' and 'Hunting Evil', particularly in the fact that it felt like this was very much Robert's story -poor Carlos doesn't really get to do very much other than share a bit of the reading and the research and act as a human sat nav! This is a different type of killer to Lucien Folter, though, and requires a different skill set on the duo's part to be able to catch him.

If I have a minor criticism it's that the speed-switching of perspectives at the climax of the plot took the building of tension a little too far; I personally felt that it drew me out of the story a little rather than pulled me further in, the latter no doubt being the intention. That aside, there is plenty to love about this new story and I can't wait to see what Carter comes up with next.

Once again Chris Carter is winning! I've loved every one of his books so far since discorvering them a year ago, I read all of them one after the other in less than 2 weeks, I just couldn't put them down.
This one was no exception, gripped me from the start and wouldn't let go.
5* again! Now I am just sad that I need to wait for the next one...

Another 5 stars for Chris Carter.
Another absolute non-stop page turner of a novel by Chris Carter. He is one sick puppy and I love it!!!!! You are gripped from the first page to the last. Once again on the streets of LA , Hunter and Garcia are on the trail of one of the most sick, evil serial killers they have ever come across.
I would highly recommend this book. A cracking read.

I absolutely loved this book.I really like the main characters ,they are written in a way that made me care about them and want them to be okay.The killer was nasty but also written in a believable way, and the story kept me on the edge of my seat, or to be more accurate staying up way too late in bed to read it.The pace of the book was great, and I couldn't second guess the outcome.I can't fault it, really good book to read . Brilliant.

Wow, wow, wow, what a read! Not only a gripping, unputdownable detective mystery but a fascinating insight into a killer's mind and how the clues left along the way are used to glean information about the perpetrators. Absolutely loved this. It was my first by Carter but I am seriously impressed! Will definitely look out for him in future!

I used to read every book by Chris Carter and then, and I’m not sure why, a few years ago I stopped
After reading this book I have been bersting myself, this was truly superb
It was great to be back with Robert Hunter and Garcia and I was thrilled that the battleaxe Captain Blake was still very much in evidence, ‘seeing’ all 3 again was like welcoming old friends back
The story itself is, of course, gruesome and scary and reminiscent of ‘The Hostel’ in some ways with a touch of the ‘SAW’ ideas and a helping of 24 slung in, other than that I am not going into the plot other than to say I am not exaggerating when I say I shuddered, quite a few times, the killer is multi layered and cleverly you almost, almost understand what has driven them...other than that you are on your own to discover this story
A unique writing style that I think has got even better than I remembered and not once did I lose track or the momentum of the story, it literally never let up
Loved it and will be looking at reading the ones I missed out on
10/10
5 Stars

I was so excited to get an early copy of this as I’m a big Chris Carter fan. As usual I wasn’t disappointed.... until I’d finished , because I’ll have to wait for more now!

Another explosive race against time, this book was like being in an action film at times. Very very well written, I felt part of the story all the way through. Not many authors can do this! If you love gore and crime then Chris Carter is your man. Even had a few shockers in this one as well! Brilliant. Enjoyed thoroughly. And highly recommend!

Another brilliant installment of the Hunter series! Every chapter pretty much ended on a cliff hangar so I found myself racing through the book to find out what happened. As usual the crimes are gruesome but it's compelling reading.