The Crucifix Killer by Chris Carter

 

Robert Hunter is the star detective on a specialized unit of homicide detectives.  This unit only deals with serial killers or other high profile cases.  Hunter's nemesis had been what the newspapers named The Crucifix Killer who killed seven people before stopping two years ago.  His signature was a double cross carved on the victims' necks and his cruel methods of killing.  After the capture of the killer, Hunter had more stress when his partner and his partner's wife were killed in a boating accident.

Hunter arrives at work one morning to discover two things.  He has been assigned a new partner, Garcia.  Garcia is new to the unit and Hunter is the only man without a partner.  The other thing is that a new body has been discovered and has the distinctive double cross carved on the neck.  Does the Crucifix Killer have a copy cat or did the unit make a terrible mistake two years ago?

This is the first of thirteen Robert Hunter novels.  I've heard a lot about the author and was curious to read one of the series.  The deaths are imaginative and those who enjoy a police procedural will be interested.  I did have issues with Hunter as he is remote from everyone and his approach and treatment of women was pretty dismissive.  However, I enjoyed the book enough that I'll continue the series and see if Hunter grows on me.  This book is recommended for mystery readers.