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: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Violence, Body horror, and Gore
Moderate: Blood, Death, Stalking, and Torture
Minor: Vomit
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