t_higgsreviews's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.5
4.5 Stars
CAWPILE = 8.32
CAWPILE = 8.32
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infertility, Medical content, Blood, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Sexual assault, and Vomit
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Excrement, Murder, Pregnancy, Emotional abuse, Grief, Kidnapping, Abortion, Body shaming, Bullying, Animal cruelty, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
fictionmajorette's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Full thoughts: https://fictionmajorette.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-executioner-chris-carter.html
Just a few weeks ago, I gave the first book in this series a 2 star rating and did as close to a rant review as I think I've ever gotten. It felt like every issue I had with the first book was addressed and fixed to my liking in this second book. It was such a phenomenal story and reading experience that I just went and bought the rest of the series because if it only gets better in each book, I'm 100% on board now.
Robert Hunter is so much more likeable in this book but I don't think his character changed at all. My difference of opinion comes down to the narration choices which I think were much less heavy handed than in the first book. In this book, Carter actually lets the other characters who should be the experts speak first and Hunter may add on additional knowledge that he has after the fact which is so much more realistic and satisfying to read.
I loved the rapport between Hunter and Garcia and how they felt much more like partners instead of their rookie vs detective dynamic from the first book. Their banter and the way they bounced theories between each other was fantastic and there were times where they even finished each other's sentences that I thought really highlighted their relationship dynamic.
The killings reminded me so much of the movie Se7en (one of my all-time favorites) with their incredible brutality. The descriptions of the victims were so clinical but also vivid that they just make your stomach turn if you think about them for too long.
The pacing was phenomenal and super tight. The frequency of the kills and the more active investigation from the police really helped to move the plot along at an extremely easy to read pace. Also, I love how short the chapters are - most only a few pages - which really lends to the 'potato chip' quality of the writing.
The investigation aspects were also done well with the leads and interviews were done quickly and we got the information we needed and then left. It was quick and snappy and while most of those leads ended up as dead ends, we did double back on a few points later in the book which was so satisfying.
Overall, this was more what I was looking for in this series and I'm absolutely blown away with the differences between the first and second book, especially considering they were published only a year apart. Based on reviews, I'm really hoping this trend continues and we keep getting more and more intriguing killers to go up against Hunter and his team.
Just a few weeks ago, I gave the first book in this series a 2 star rating and did as close to a rant review as I think I've ever gotten. It felt like every issue I had with the first book was addressed and fixed to my liking in this second book. It was such a phenomenal story and reading experience that I just went and bought the rest of the series because if it only gets better in each book, I'm 100% on board now.
Robert Hunter is so much more likeable in this book but I don't think his character changed at all. My difference of opinion comes down to the narration choices which I think were much less heavy handed than in the first book. In this book, Carter actually lets the other characters who should be the experts speak first and Hunter may add on additional knowledge that he has after the fact which is so much more realistic and satisfying to read.
I loved the rapport between Hunter and Garcia and how they felt much more like partners instead of their rookie vs detective dynamic from the first book. Their banter and the way they bounced theories between each other was fantastic and there were times where they even finished each other's sentences that I thought really highlighted their relationship dynamic.
The killings reminded me so much of the movie Se7en (one of my all-time favorites) with their incredible brutality. The descriptions of the victims were so clinical but also vivid that they just make your stomach turn if you think about them for too long.
The pacing was phenomenal and super tight. The frequency of the kills and the more active investigation from the police really helped to move the plot along at an extremely easy to read pace. Also, I love how short the chapters are - most only a few pages - which really lends to the 'potato chip' quality of the writing.
The investigation aspects were also done well with the leads and interviews were done quickly and we got the information we needed and then left. It was quick and snappy and while most of those leads ended up as dead ends, we did double back on a few points later in the book which was so satisfying.
Overall, this was more what I was looking for in this series and I'm absolutely blown away with the differences between the first and second book, especially considering they were published only a year apart. Based on reviews, I'm really hoping this trend continues and we keep getting more and more intriguing killers to go up against Hunter and his team.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Animal cruelty, and Torture
Moderate: Suicide
saartjeinwonderbookland's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Incest, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, and Violence
danni_taylor's review
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved this book! It honestly felt like you were playing detective alongside Hunter and his partner, Garcia.
The characters were all great in their own way, they each added something to the story. I liked the relationship between Hunter and Garcia and I think they worked really well together.
I did have my suspicions as to who the killer might be which turned out to be right, and I was super excited. Although, I didn't have an idea until a couple of chapters before it was revealed. Once you know who it is though, you remember the subtle hints throughout the book which I thought was really clever and well done.
Chris Carter is a great author, his writing and descriptions captivate you and you're left wanting more. If you love crime fiction I highly suggest giving this a go. I know I will definitely be reading more of this series!
The characters were all great in their own way, they each added something to the story. I liked the relationship between Hunter and Garcia and I think they worked really well together.
I did have my suspicions as to who the killer might be which turned out to be right, and I was super excited. Although, I didn't have an idea until a couple of chapters before it was revealed. Once you know who it is though, you remember the subtle hints throughout the book which I thought was really clever and well done.
Chris Carter is a great author, his writing and descriptions captivate you and you're left wanting more. If you love crime fiction I highly suggest giving this a go. I know I will definitely be reading more of this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Minor: Violence, Torture, Sexual assault, and Kidnapping
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