Midnight Jones analyses data for organisations as part of their employment process. When Midnight comes across a disturbing set of data hinting at sociopathic or psychopathic tendencies her employer tries to persuade her that it's just a glitch in the system. A brutal murder nearby convinces Midnight that the data and the murderer are linked. It becomes a cat-and-mouse race as Midnight tries to identify the murderer before he tracks her down.

The opening chapter of Profile K by Helen Fields is dark and disturbing, it sets the tone for this chilling thriller that has a dystopian element. I became a fan of the author back in 2022 when I read One For Sorrow, book 7 in the Luc Callanach and Ava Turner series. While this series features some dark and twisted elements it's the books that feature Dr Connie Woolwine, the psychological profiler, that are the darkest. Woolwine only plays a small part in Profile K but you know that her involvement points to something sinister.

At times it almost feels as if you are reading two different books as the story switches between the point of view of the killer and that of Midnight Jones. Seeing into the mind of the killer is chilling. As I was reading my brain was asking me if I'd locked the door and did I have enough lights on. It certainly makes you realise how vulnerable we all are, even in our own homes.

We have a less disturbing story when we switch to Midnight's point of view. Midnight is a likeable character. Frustrated by the constraints of her job at Necto but forced to comply as she's reliant on the above-average salary. Midnight has a twin sister, Dawn, who has severe special needs. Their parents have abandoned them to travel the world and Midnight is determined that her sister will not end up in residential care, hence her need for a well-paying job.

Necto, the company Midnight works for, is almost as disturbing as the killer. Initially, it sounds as if it is an ideal place to work with its stunning buildings, beautiful environment and enhanced pay. However, working for Necto isn't all fun and games, there are strict policies in place to ensure time isn't wasted and secrets aren't stolen. NDA's and the threat of litigation hang over everyone's head.

When Midnight comes across the disturbing profile Necto tries to downplay the data, passing it off as an anomaly and promoting Midnight in an attempt to buy her off. The idea of psychometric testing and it's results raises some interesting questions. Will someone who displays sociopathic or psychopathic tendencies always act on them? Should you incarcerate someone simply because of a psychological profile?

A game of cat and mouse ensues, with Midnight and the killer spiraling closer and closer. Everyone comes under suspicion, particularly with Necto playing a "Big Brother" role. You'll find yourself holding your breath as Midnight fights to protect those she loves. And when you're finished, you'll probably double-check you've locked the door.

Midnight Jones works as a psychological profiler for sinister company, Necto.
But when she stumbles across a Profile K applicant - someone whose psychopathy is so worrying it’s off the scale - a chilling tale unfolds.
This is the first Fields novel I’ve read, and I found it really enjoyable.
Midnight Jones - a career for her twin sister Dawn who has learning disabilities- is such a believable character.
This novel kept me gripped.
Thoroughly recommended: I’ve subsequently bought two other Fields novels…

Thank you, NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the copy of Profile K by Helen Fields. Don’t start this book alone at night because the first chapter is chilling and scary. This is a dark book and if you’re looking for a book that has a killer’s POV, this one is right up your alley, but be warned that some chapters contain graphic passages. It was too much for me so I started skipping those paragraphs and concentrating more on Midnight’s story. This was a really good premise, but the reliance on offensive scenes ruined it for me. I think I could have loved it, but it was not for me. Luckily for the author, there are lots of readers who will! 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

Profile K by Helen Fields is another terrifying addition to her current body of work. With a 1st chapter that will either have you gripped or running to make sure your locks are secure! Don’t miss it. Helen is an author whose books I read without fail.

Deliciously chilling - although perhaps a book for daytime reading only! Helen Fields has a remarkable imagination and a strong stomach for writing such gruesome scenes; but the graphic description of violence never felt gratuitous, rather an essential part of building the character of the profile K. She did such a brilliant job that there were moments when I even felt sorry for profile K, as the story developed and we discovered what was happening at Necto. This is the best sort of futuristic novel, where there’s enough familiarity to make what happens seem all too possible - a terrifying thought! It was great to see Connie Woolwine make an appearance too and I hope this is the start of an ongoing series with Connie and Midnight. Definitely recommended, but don’t read it after dark!

Helen does it again.
This book kept me thoroughly engaged reading it.
It followed me around all weekend.
Even though it was a very busy one!
Every chance I got, I read it.

Gripping and scary and quite twisted!

I read The Institution by Helen Field previously and that was fantastic.
So I was looking forward to reading this.
It didn’t disappoint.
I thoroughly recommend.

I have loved all of Helen’s previous books and didn’t actually think they could get any better but… wrong. This one certainly seems to have taken my expectations to the next level. The usual elements are all present in generous measures, the gore fest and the psychological element for starters but this has so much more. The ingenious premise, based on reality as it is progressing and a natural fear of the speed of the futuristic becoming the now is stunningly harnessed. At times I was getting an almost John Marrs feel (another of my favourite authors and meant as praise indeed). The versatility of the writing and plot line was indescribably good as was the ability to build up the characters identities and engage and empathise with them. This makes the story beyond compelling and the shock factor of anything bad happening to them all the more intense. I loved Midnight and friends and the ending was brilliant, even though I never wanted the book to end. Not sure what I can find to read now that will even remotely live up to this. Sorry, I’ll stop gushing now, I loved the book, can you tell?

When Midnight Jones begins assessing her latest applicant profile, she assumes it must contain a system error because the readings are beyond anything she has ever seen, beyond what she thought was possible. But it soon becomes clear that Midnight has indeed uncovered a 'Profile K' - an applicant who displays such clear signs of psychopathy that they are labelled with a K for killer. And Midnight can't just forget about it, even when it jeopardises her career and thus the welfare of the twin sister Midnight cares for, not when one young woman turns up brutally murdered not far from where Midnight lives, and then another...

I loved The Institution so I perhaps set my expectations a little high for Profile K. While this one deals with some similarly dark themes, and tackles them more from a profiling standpoint than the perspective of the police, Profile K didn't fully hold my attention until the final third. The story is told from the third-person perspective, and the chapters alternate between Midnight, as she works out how to deal with her 'Profile K', and 'The Applicant', as he considers his victims past, present, and future. This structure meant that the tension didn't really build, for me, until the final third, which is fairly typical for crime fiction, but I had expected something a little more intense from both Helen Fields' previous book and the opening chapter of this one. However, I did enjoy the story from the very beginning, and I particularly loved the scenes set in and about Necto, the technological behemoth where Midnight works.

Readers should be aware that Profile K is quite a dark read, and while it does an excellent job of avoiding gratuitous violence, it includes plenty of gory details, and it doesn't shy away from the realities of violence towards women. Fans of The Institution may also be interested to know that Profile K features a cameo appearance from Dr Connie Woolwine, and I am intrigued to see how this plays out in future books. I liked the character of Midnight a lot, and I hope this isn't the end for her character.

I think Profile K will satisfy most fans of the genre, and the fact that I found it a little disappointing speaks more to how much I loved The Institution than anything else.

Just wow!! I started Profile K at 10am this morning and haven’t been able to put it down. Full disclosure, I am a big Helen Fields fan and this one is definitely her
best yet…

From the opening pages, we are introduced to a sadistic killer who loves to torture and inflict as much damage to his victim as possible. Can he be stopped?

Midnight, is a twin looking after her high needs sister and working as an analyst for Necto, a rapidly growing, global biotech corporation. When Midnight notices an anomaly in one of her profiles, a Profile K, she immediately raises her concern.

Profile K is a term given to only the most extreme cases. Total apathetic, sociopathic and psychopathic.

When the murders increase, Midnight has a growing fear of being watched.

Told from multiple perspectives (including victims and the attacker) this was a fast paced, gripping novel that pulsed with trepidation and suspense as the killer comes closer. What sets this book apart though is the idea of what makes a killer and how the mind can be manipulated. It also highlights the fear and risks that women face just going about their daily lives.

Absolutely brilliant and a day well spent! Thank you to Netgalley, publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review.

This is another excellent book by Helen Fields! This is a dark, compelling story and a page turner. No spoilers. Recommend this book!

Wow! That's all I can really say about this. Its one of those books that gets under your skin and gives you absolute chills! I loved the writing style and the characters if Midnight. The premise was original and so relatable because what would you do?! What can you do?! There supporting characters were all also well written and fleshed out which was also a nice change, these were all actual people woth dimension. It is quite dark and most definitely chilling but in the best possible way! Absolute outstanding

Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this pre published work. Yes a definite must read for fans of Helen Fields, has the hallmark that defines her style with this standalone thriller. What does Profile K stand for, sorry you will have to read it and work it out. Easy to read and follow, a roller coaster journey keeping you on the edge of your seat. Slow build up which soon develops into who might be killing those around her. Interesting plot and story line.

'Profile K' is a scintillating, electric read. Yes it is also very gruesome and disturbing but my goodness did it make for thrilling reading. If you can put the gore to one side then you are in for a treat.
Midnight is a fantastic main character, likeable and strong, she carries the plot very well and I enjoyed learning about her and those around her. The other characters are equally as strong and really help to make this read the exciting read that it is.
I cannot say too much as I do not want to give this away but my goodness, this is punchy, fast-paced and adrenaline fuelled. I absolutely loved my time reading this and highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy.

Another fantastic novel from Helen fields. Really liked getting to know midnight and hoping she becomes a regular character in the Connie woolwine series. Tense and exciting I devoured it in a day

Wow wow! What did I just read! What a rollercoaster ride! Midnight Jones fears she has stumbled onto the profile of a serial killer, while on her job at a biotech company. Horrific violent murders take place in Midnight’s neighborhood. She is sworn to secrecy by confidentiality at her workplace. I was almost holding my breath at times wondering who the serial killer was and when he was going to strike next. I could not put this book down. 5 ⭐️s !

He's going to kill you. He just doesn't know it yet. What a start to a book. Midnight Jones is a carer for her twin sister, but also assess applicant profiles for a biotech company. Profile K comes to her attention for all the wrong reasons. What a roller coaster of a story not your usual thriller. As always Helen Fields does not disappoint. Such great characters, We get to briefly meet Dr Connie Woodwine again and meet the 70 year old Doris for the first time who is just amazing. I would wholeheartedly encourage you to read this book!!!

I do love Helen Fields books even if they do make me feel very uneasy and stop me sleeping for a few days. This one is one of her best and a roller coaster of a ride it it too.

Amazing serial killer thriller combined with Technology and creativity! Helen Fields at her best.

A data analyst at her regular work day comes across a strange profile that shows abnormal psychological signs that could only match the profile of a psychopathic killer. Profile K doesn't exist, only it does!

Coincidentally, women are getting brutally murdered around her neighbourhood and living with her twin alone at her home, is suddenly a terrific notion to conceive. Could she be in danger too? She must do everything in her power to stop the killer, even if it means losing her job, without the police support and taking things into her own hands!

Profile K is a brilliant character driven, women centric psychological thriller featuring a serial killer whose character development you'll be amazed to learn. Helen Fields does this with ease and I'll continue to read and enjoy whatever she writes in future.

I thought this was a very good book which also raised some interesting questions about accountability and ethics, but my enjoyment of the story was tempered somewhat by how relentlessly bleak and violent it is. (However this might just have been my current state of mind as usually with a thriller, for me it's the gorier the better.)

Profile K is Helen Field’s latest standalone creepy, psychological thriller and my thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book prior to publication.

Midnight Jones works at the London office of Necto, a biotech specialising in the human brain. Her job is to analyse the psychological profiles of applicants for university or job interviews. Her boss is a grade 1 twat, a real jobsworth who tries to make her life as difficult as possible, which isn’t that difficult because she’s also the primary carer for her twin sister, Dawn, who has severe special needs.

Midnight needs this job to pay for Dawn’s carers and to keep her at home, and despite having a first class degree in social sciences and a master’s degree in psychology and neuroscience, she needs this job due to the above average salary.

One of the profiles Midnight is analysing appears to have malfunctioned as it displays alarming personality traits, so she runs the programme again to check and discovers something horrific. The system generates a “Profile K” result which was as far as the Necto employees knew an urban myth as K stands for Killer, but unfortunately this is no urban myth and a killer is on the loose and now knows who Midnight is.

With some horrific, violent and gruesome murders, Profile K is a gripping and dark story. The Killer is really disturbed and this book is definitely not for the faint-hearted. It’s pacy and gripping and kept me turning those pages from the opening chapter to the end. As well as being dark and disturbing, it’s also thought-provoking, especially as the reader learns more about Necto and what the company does.

As well as the crime and murder themes, the story examines Midnight’s relationship with her twin sister Dawn, their absent parents and the responsibility she has undertaken for most of their lives. It’s difficult not to be emotionally affected by their situation and thankfully Doris brings the much needed light relief into the story when she befriends Midnight and Dawn.

Overall, it’s a gripping and original thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend and for those of you who have read The Institution and/or The Shadow Man, you will be delighted to know that Dr Connie Woolwine has a cameo role in Profile K.

⭐⭐⭐⭐