Author: Chris Carter
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781471197604
Year Published: 2023
Chris Carter’s Genesis marks a chilling return to the dark psychological terrain that has defined his bestselling Robert Hunter series. With its relentless pace, forensic detail and unnerving exploration of evil, Genesis reaffirms Carter’s reputation as one of the most uncompromising voices in contemporary crime fiction.
The novel opens with a murder that is as symbolic as it is horrifying. A young woman is found crucified inside a deserted church, her body posed in a way that suggests ritual rather than rage.
From the outset, Carter signals that this will not be a conventional serial-killer narrative. The crime is steeped in biblical imagery, philosophical undertones and a disturbing sense of purpose. This is not a killer acting on impulse, but one driven by belief.
Detective Robert Hunter of the LAPD’s Ultra Violent Crimes Unit is once again at the centre of the investigation. Hunter remains one of Carter’s strongest creations: intellectually formidable, emotionally guarded and psychologically scarred by years of confronting humanity’s worst instincts. His background in criminal psychology allows the novel to delve deeply into the killer’s mindset, turning the investigation into a battle of ideologies as much as a pursuit of justice.
What sets Genesis apart from many crime thrillers is its thematic ambition. Carter weaves questions of morality, faith, free will and punishment into the narrative, forcing both Hunter and the reader to confront uncomfortable ideas. The killer’s crimes are framed as “tests” or “lessons,” challenging society’s definitions of guilt and innocence. This philosophical edge adds weight to the brutality, making the violence feel purposeful rather than gratuitous—even when it is deeply unsettling.
That said, Carter does not shy away from graphic detail. His descriptions of crime scenes are vivid and often stomach-churning, a hallmark of his style that will satisfy fans but may deter more sensitive readers. The violence serves a narrative function, however, underscoring the killer’s twisted logic and heightening the stakes as the body count rises. Each murder escalates in complexity and symbolism, pushing Hunter closer to a psychological breaking point.
The pacing is one of the novel’s greatest attractions. Chapters are short, sharp and frequently end on cliffhangers, creating a compulsive reading experience. Carter balances procedural realism—autopsies, interrogations, forensic analysis—with moments of intense action and introspection. The investigation unfolds methodically, yet the sense of urgency never wanes.
Supporting characters, including Hunter’s partner Carlos Garcia, provide grounding and contrast, offering moments of humanity amid the darkness. Their interactions help humanise the story, reminding readers of the emotional toll exacted by constant exposure to violence.
In Genesis, Chris Carter delivers a crime thriller that is brutal, intelligent and deeply unsettling. It is not merely a hunt for a killer, but an examination of belief systems taken to monstrous extremes. For fans of hard-edged psychological thrillers and the Robert Hunter series, Genesis is a powerful and memorable entry—one that lingers long after the final page.
Review copy courtesy of BookXcess.