In a church in Los Angeles, on the steps of the Holy Altar, lies the bloodied, decapitated body of a priest. It has been carefully placed, with legs outstretched and hands crossed over the chest, while its head has been replaced with that of a dog. Later, the medical examiner will discover that the number 3 has been written in blood on the victim's chest.

Initially, detective Robert Hunter believes it is a ritualistic murder. But as more bodies are discovered, he is forced to reconsider his views. All the victims died in the way they feared the most. Their worst nightmare has become a reality. How did the killer know? And what connects the seemingly random victims?

Hunter is faced with an elusive, sadistic murderer, someone who has the ability to read the minds of his victims. Someone who can sense what terrifies his victims to death. Someone who will not stop until he achieves his twisted purpose.

Following the #1 bestseller "The Cross Killer," Chris Carter returns with "The Executioner" - the second gripping case of detective Robert Hunter.