This thriller novel is his best one yet. There's no doubt about that. No doubt whatsoever. Chris Carter delivers what only rare thriller writers can deliver to their avid readers, a truly powerful and truly intelligent protagonist who knows how to solve the most brutal of crimes with the power of his mind and all of the knowledge that his mind possesses. In this novel he deals with a very serious problem of our age that comes into light only when all the pieces of the puzzle finally fit together. The kind of a very serious problem we are all aware of and is a byproduct of our own selfish actions, of our own arrogance and of our own ignorance. Have no more words to say, this thriller novel's a real deal and comes highly recommendable to those who love to read thriller novels and especially to those who are fond of truly excellent and brilliantly executed killer twists. I can promise that you won't be sorry and that you shall enjoy this crazy Roller-Coaster Ride. ( )

Detective Robert Hunter wird angerufen und der Anrufer fordert ihn auf, im Browser eine bestimmte IP-Adresse aufzurufen. Erst denkt Hunter an einen Scherz, aber bald wird ihm klar, dass er nicht nur Zeuge eines Mordes werden soll, nein, er soll entscheiden, wie der gezeigte Mensch sterben soll. Er hat die Wahl zwischen Verbrennen oder Ertrinken. Seine Hinhalte-Versuche scheitern, er muss zusehen, wie das Opfer stirbt.
Aber es geht weiter. Hunter ist beim nächsten Mord nicht mehr alleine dabei, sondern über soziale Netzwerke wird alles öffentlich. Jeder kann über die Tötungsmethode mit abstimmen.
Wie auch schon bei den vorherigen Bänden, geht es bei Chris Carter wieder sehr brutal zu. Nicht nur die Methoden sind grausam, es ist unmenschlich, entscheiden zu müssen wie ein Mensch stirbt. Das Buch ist nichts für schwache Nerven. Außerdem erhält man einen Überblick über die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen des Internets in einer Form, in der auch Menschen, die nicht Technik-Freaks, verstehen. Es ist beängstigend zu sehen, wie Menschen sich verhalten, die sich durch die Anonymität des Internets sicher sind, ihr Handeln nicht verantworten zu müssen und per Knopfdruck ohne Skrupel über das Leben eines anderen entscheiden.
Für die, die Hunter noch nicht kennen, eine kurze Beschreibung: Er ist intelligent, hat ein fotografischen Gedächtnis und Probleme mit dem Schlafen. Für seinen Kollege Garcia ist die Familie wichtig. Beide sind engagiert und haben ein gutes kollegiales Verhältnis. Dieses Mal erhält Robert Hunter Unterstützung von einer FBI-Agentin, der Hacker-Methoden schon ungewöhnlich sind. Auch diese sympathische Person ist sehr engagiert.
Die Geschichte ist brutal, beängstigend und spannend. Man hat Bilder im Kopf, die man eigentlich lieber nicht sehen würde. Bis zum Ende bliebt der Mörder für mich unbekannt, da er sehr geschickt vorgeht und seine Hinweise recht kryptisch sind.
Gute Unterhaltung, für Leser, die diese Brutalität wegstecken können. ( )

I am now an addicted Chris Carter fan. This is the fifth in the Robert Hunter series. In this one he goes after another sadistic serial killer - one who allows the public to vote on how his victim will die. This is all done online. Then the public actually views the murder. Of course, there are always reasons behind why the killer does what he does, and that is what makes Carter's books so addictive. His killers seem to be real people pushed beyond endurance and lash back at an unfair world to get revenge for what was done to them and/or their loved ones. Carter is an excellent writer, constantly keeping you guessing as to what will happen next, as well as being able to develop realistic characters. Keep them coming! ( )

Detectives Robert Hunter and Carlos Garcia find themselves in an exceptionally terrifying situation...facing a killer that is not only determined but extremely smart and creative. He's always one step ahead of them laying his traps. I have read several of his other books and know that they are not for the faint of heart or the weak of stomach...but this one is a ten on the "gore scale". Like all of Carter's books the killers reasoning is always neatly explained at the end but until it is revealed...most of us are kept guessing. There is also a great deal of insight inserted into the story that cleverly shows the mind set of today's society. You'll look behind you often but you won't be able to stop reading. ( )

I consider myself a bit on an expert when it comes to anything horror. I love horror films and devour horror books. However, there were times in this book where I had to put it down and walk away. Sold as a detective novel this is so much more. The descriptions of the horror that befalls the victims in this book leaves you having to move away and think of something else. This is how good the writing is. I have always been a fan of this author and have followed his novels throughout. This one does not disappoint in anyway.

The violence is just as good as previous novels. The familiar lovable characters of Hunter and Garcia are back as well as a new supporting characters being introduced. I have to say there are a few of the characters that I hope will make an appearance in later novels. The story is quick flowing and keeps you guessing throughout. I never guessed the twist and I defy anyone to say they did. This can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series.

This is a thoroughly amazing horror, detective novel. I can't wait to read the next. ( )