Scan barcode
beckyyreadss's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I wanted to read this book as the first book was recommended to me by a friend and I instantly loved the series. The first and third book still makes my skin crawl to this day. So, I was looking forward to reading this book and this book is really creepy.
The main character in this book and series is a detective named Robert Hunter. He has a got a new case. After a rough week, Tanya Kaitlin is looking forward to a relaxing night in but as she steps out of her shower, she hears her phone ring. The video call request comes from her best friend, Karen Ward. Tanya takes the call and the nightmare begins. Karen is gagged and bound to a chair in her own living room. If Tanya disconnects from the call, if she looks away from the camera, he will come after her, the deep, raspy and demonic voice at the other end of line promises her. As Hunter and Garcia investigates the threats, they are thrown into a rollercoaster of evil, chasing a predator who scouts the street and social media networks for victims, taunting them with secret messages and feeding on their fear.
The thing that gets me every time is Chris Carter manages to freak me the fuck out every time, within every single book. Enough to the point where I can’t sleep. Thie mystery and the suspense is brilliant and enough to keep you hooked and you shouldn’t be because it is disturbing but I couldn’t put it down. I was on edge and as frustrated as Robert Hunter to get this case closed. The way that both of these detectives were close to giving up hurt my heart. Also, is it too much to ask for Robert to be happy though? He kept trying to go on one date and the killer kept interrupting it. All I want is for him to have a life partner that keeps him in check and makes sure he sleeps and eats instead of staying at the office. The plot twist of this book when we found out who the Caller was had me kicking my feet because I was annoyed that I didn’t manage to guess who it was. I love Robert and Garcia’s friendship and how Garcia was pissed that Robert went after the bad guy alone.
Only thing I would say is a weakness, for me personally, is the short chapters. I just prefer bigger chapters. However, in this book it did fit well with Chris Carter’s writing style where it doesn’t work for me usually. I was hooked that after a while the short chapters didn’t bother me as they usually work with other authors.
Overall, the book was an easy and quick read and because the writing was amazing, the storyline gives me the creeps and it was overall brilliant I gave it four stars. I cannot wait for the next book in the series and see how much the next bad guy creeps me out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, and Murder
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, and Stalking
Minor: Rape, Vomit, and Grief
snowwhitehatesapples's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Also on Snow White Hates Apples.
It’s been a loooong while since the last Chris Carter book I read (6 years!) but I’m glad I returned to Robert Hunter’s world because The Caller is as impressive as I remember of the other books.
What makes this (and the other Robert Hunter books) a stunning psychological thriller would undoubtedly be the author’s familiarity with how criminals work and his attention-catching writing. Carter fearlessly brings to life some of the most realistic and unflinchingly brutal, twisted criminals I’ve ever read. Paired with this is writing that rarely (if ever) drags and well-timed red herrings — which is perfect for hooking one’s attention. I couldn’t guess who the killer was despite actively searching for clues and coming up with various theories.
Nevertheless, for some, The Caller may be too gruesome. Carter doesn’t shy away from details so if you’re unused to gore and violence being described explicitly then this book could make you queasy. Moreover, the portrayal of females here is weak. I’m not against weak females because as there are strong females, there will be weak ones too and this applies to other genders. But, after reading so many Robert Hunter books, I think that it’s a bit dated that if the female characters here aren’t victims or married, they’re potential romantic interests for the protagonist.
Anyway, I still think Carter’s one of the best when it comes to writing for this genre. I genuinely enjoy the complexity of the crimes, the unflinching writing, and the perspective on how societal issues can contribute to the birth of such criminals.
It’s been a loooong while since the last Chris Carter book I read (6 years!) but I’m glad I returned to Robert Hunter’s world because The Caller is as impressive as I remember of the other books.
What makes this (and the other Robert Hunter books) a stunning psychological thriller would undoubtedly be the author’s familiarity with how criminals work and his attention-catching writing. Carter fearlessly brings to life some of the most realistic and unflinchingly brutal, twisted criminals I’ve ever read. Paired with this is writing that rarely (if ever) drags and well-timed red herrings — which is perfect for hooking one’s attention. I couldn’t guess who the killer was despite actively searching for clues and coming up with various theories.
Nevertheless, for some, The Caller may be too gruesome. Carter doesn’t shy away from details so if you’re unused to gore and violence being described explicitly then this book could make you queasy. Moreover, the portrayal of females here is weak. I’m not against weak females because as there are strong females, there will be weak ones too and this applies to other genders. But, after reading so many Robert Hunter books, I think that it’s a bit dated that if the female characters here aren’t victims or married, they’re potential romantic interests for the protagonist.
Anyway, I still think Carter’s one of the best when it comes to writing for this genre. I genuinely enjoy the complexity of the crimes, the unflinching writing, and the perspective on how societal issues can contribute to the birth of such criminals.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Torture, Blood, and Stalking
Minor: Vomit
More...