Written in Blood
Author: Chris Carter
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781471179600
The plot for this thriller is simple. But as the story pans out, it gets complicated and scary. There’s a serial killer on the loose and he writes down details of what he has done. Unfortunately, his diary is stolen by a skilful pickpocket in a club. And the diary eventually ends up with the police.
Robert Hunter, a Criminal Behaviour Psychologist Homicide Detective and his sidekick Garcia are assigned to investigate the case. It soon becomes a battle of wills: Hunter versus the serial killer. The killer is good at what he does, while the police occasionally have the initial advantage.
The author takes some delight in ensuring that the police move ahead only when they think about things or do clever things in one of their many labs. But not when things are falling apart.
This book also explores what makes a serial killer and how to find their weak spot. As a psychologist himself, Chris Carter draws on that expertise where plot twists are given some context and explanation.
Although there is an inference that Hunter had a failed relationship in a previous book, he, the pickpocket and the killer are all on their own in the world. The latter two changed their identities in order to survive. We don’t learn the killer’s name until much later in the story.
The ending is clever too, taking on the idea of redemption in a way that is slightly unwelcome but probably necessary in this case.
Written in Blood is truly a compelling must-read crime novel that introduces the reader to some complex characters - some of them emotionally scared by the society, hence making it hard to detach from - while Carter’s writing style and his knowledge about criminal psychology shines throughout the entire story.