This book was recommended to me, and I'm so pleased it was especially as I've not read the Matilda Darke series. I like Dr Olivia Winter's character, and look forward to watching it grow in the next book. It was interesting to read the story from her point of view and her background. I found the characters very believable, and will be recommending this book to my book club.

The Mind of a Murderer asserts itself as a standout thriller of 2024, delivering a riveting, chilling, and utterly engrossing narrative that solidifies Michael Wood's position as a master storyteller. From the opening pages to the jaw-dropping conclusion, Wood's storytelling prowess captivates readers with its twists and turns, leaving them on the edge of their seats.

Wood expertly crafts a multi-layered narrative, seamlessly weaving together Olivia's professional endeavors with her personal struggles. As the tension escalates and the body count rises, Olivia finds herself confronting her own demons while racing against time to catch the killer. Along the way, unexpected twists and turns keep readers guessing until the final, shocking reveal.

In summary, The Mind of a Murderer by Michael Wood is a testament to the author's mastery of suspense and intrigue. With its gripping plot, intricately drawn characters, and surprising twists, this debut in the series has left me anxiously awaiting the next installment..

I thought this book was brilliant. It has so much tension and excitement that I couldn't stop reading!
Dr Olivia Winter is a forensic physiologist who interviews serial killers to try and understand what makes them kill.
The story was very well written, excellent twists, and strong characters.
I haven't read many Michael Wood books but will definitely be reading more.

Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and Netgalley for an advance copy to review.

This is the first in a new series, and it is an exciting one. Olivia Winter studies serial killers, driven by the desire to know why they kill. It isn't just out of curiosity or fascination, it is deeply personal. When she was 9 years old her father stabbed her multiple times. He was on the verge of being arrested for a string of serial murders and his final act, before facing justice, was to kill his wife and young daughters.
Now, Olivia is a world renowned expert on killers, though her past is a closely kept secret. Only very few close friends know. That includes DI Jessica Sheffield, her childhood friend. Jessica knows not to ask Olivia to work on an active case, but there have been three women murdered in London and Jessica knows it is the work of a new serial killer. Olivia says no, but when she looks at the files for the three victims she realizes these can't be the killer's first victims. Reluctantly, she decides to consult with the police on this killer.
I'm not going to go into story specifics, to avoid spoilers. It is an exciting read and I "almost" figured out who the killer was. Right logic wrong suspect 🤣.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to enjoy this series starter e-ARC

The Mind of a Murderer is a dark, gripping, psychological thriller that I found hard to put down.

The characters are very well written and the protagonist, Dr Olivia Winter, is extremely likeable, although I think she makes some very unwise decisions throughout the book, which irritated me as she is more intelligent and professional than she has been portrayed by making those silly mistakes. I deducted one star for that! 4*

There are plenty pf twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Some of the crimes are disturbing so TW for gore and violence.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

This one is tough for me. I enjoyed the overall concept and idea, but the execution wasn’t fully there. I couldn’t get myself really invested in it. It took far too long to get a true and detailed introduction to Olivia and her past, I felt like I should already know who she is, and felt dumb for not knowing her. There was a lot of sub-plots, making the book very long and tedious. I unfortunately wasn’t connected to the characters.

I’m sure others will enjoy it, as I said the overall concept and idea was good, but it just wasn’t for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this informative, thought-provoking, intense, and exciting book. Dr. Olivia Winter is a renowned specialist in forensic psychology. She travels the world interviewing incarcerated serial killers and teaches insights into their motivation, demeanour, appearance, background, home life, and education. She has divided serial killers into several categories. The one that is significant in this story is the 'thrill killer.' The 'thrill killer' kills out of boredom with his life and enjoys the thrill of frightening the victims and watching them die. There is no sex attack, and the killer often uses a knife. Olivia is famous for writing books explaining various categories and debating the old question of Nature versus Nurture. Although she insists she is not a criminal profiler, she often gets requests from police departments for help in identifying those committing ongoing killing sprees. She is highly successful in pinpointing their characteristics.

Olivia's father was a notorious serial killer and has been in prison for twenty-five years. When she was nine, he killed her mother and sister and was charged with the previous killings of six women. Olivia bears the physical scars from knife wounds he inflicted after stabbing her mother and sister to death. The emotional scars still disturb her. She has no social life and has one friend, Jessica, a police officer in whom she confides. Olivia has random, casual sex but no lasting relationships with men.

She lives alone and is very aware that solitary women are being attacked in their homes. They are victims of a new serial killer who seems to be copying her father's type of crimes. Her house is well fortified by locks, deadbolts, an alarm, and a high-end security system. Yet, she carelessly leaves her keys and alarm fob in plain sight and gives a copy of her keys and security password to a young man she barely knows. The latest woman killed was her friend Jessica, who was a detective in the local police department. The police have brought a man in for questioning. He is heavily tattooed with piercings and is of slovenly appearance. Olivia insists they have the wrong man. The killer often emerged from a noisy party or crowd to murder, and the accused would have been noticed. They implore Olivia to visit her father and interview him for his insights. The recent killer seems to be trying to surpass her father's total number of murders. Olivia is very reluctant to do so. She has not spoken to her father since he went to prison and destroys any mail or gifts he sends. Only Jessica's murder makes her agree to talk to him.

Her visit goes badly. Her father does nothing to endear himself to her. He taunts her and says he follows her career and is proud that his killings still haunt her. When it is reported that she is working with the police to find the serial killer, she becomes in grave danger herself. Unfortunately, her success in identifying the killer's mind, motives, background, and education is way off the mark this time. There are many possible suspects and many twists and turns before the killer is identified. The story contains disturbing descriptions and plenty of fear and action. Parts are exceptionally intense and troublesome.

It seems to be a trend in recent thrillers to give the lead investigator emotional problems or addictions. Olivia's emotional issues are well-understood, as she experienced severe trauma in childhood. Several years ago, I read a book where the detective was stable, likeable, and good-natured. There was no further book, so I guess that sort of leading character does not appeal to readers. Recommended. The publication date is set for March 28.

Strong but damaged heroine, great start to a new series😯🔪

I loved the way British heroine Dr. Olivia Spring's past as the survivor of a serial killer is so integrally incorporated into the present day string of graphic murders hitting London town. Olivia's murderous father is locked up but not out, taking inordinate amusement from manipulating her life and inspiring more killing. Dad is a really chilling character, morbidly fascinating in his amoral cruelty.

As for Olivia, she's a traumatized, complex and lonely character, which, in view of what happened to her at a tender nine years of age, is not surprising. She's driven to study serial killers and what makes them tick to try to head them off and save innocent lives. I liked her combination of driven crusader and rather cool, detached academic researcher with no family and barely any friends to unload on.

The serial killer plot is graphic but fascinating and well done, maintaining suspense through to the climax. Altogether a gripping story beginning to end.

I fell hard for the author's Matilda Darke series and this book promises a new heroine just as dedicated and strong-willed.

Thanks to HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

I have to wait until 2025 for another book?!! I was captivated from the start through the end. This crime thriller exceeded all expectations. I felt like I was reading an episode of Criminal Minds. I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment with Dr. Olivia Winter.

The concept of this one was great creating a unique plot. The characters were well written and fit their roles well. The story line kept me guessing till the end.
I did find this dragged out a lot and I found myself skimming at parts. It didn’t slow down enough for me to give up the read but it took me longer to get through than most as that desire to pick the book up was lacking due to the pace and some of the laggy spots.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This was my first book by this author, and I will definitely be looking into other writings. I have read other books about a surviving victim of a serial killer...this time our survivor is the daughter of the killer who murdered her mother and sister, leaving her alive with scars from his brutal attack. That dark spin on this storyline gave an even darker, ominous feel. Olivia is now a forensic psychologist who studies serial killers. Her father is in prison and sends her cards on holidays and her birthday. The whole twisty family dynamic is chilling especially when Olivia must reconnect with her father to help get a grasp of another serial killer's mind. This book is beyond dark. There is so much palpable tension that pulls you even deeper into the pages that it is suffocating. The reader can't help but be fully invested in Olivia and her heartbreaking backstory and present-day turmoil. And, oh, Amyas Foley...I really enjoyed the character development and the partnership (albeit reluctant on Olivia's part initially) between these two. I hope the next book doesn't turn into a love triangle situation with the two men who have showed interest...

The ending leaves a perfect beginning for the next book! Looking forward to where this series leads.
4 stars

A brilliant new series from Michael Wood, darker than his Matilda Darke series but equally gripping. The main character is Dr Olivia Winter, an expert on serial killers who has travelled extensively interviewing them across the world, gaining insight into their minds - and there is a killer operating in London. I was hooked from the first page throughout all the twists and turns to the final revelation, which I didn’t expect! Such good charactisation also so that you care about the characters and the pace and tension keep you reading. An excellent start to the series and one I. would recommend to all crime fans.

This was so good guys!! I've never read a book by this author and I'll definitely be picking up more of his after this one. It about Dr. Olivia Winter who is a forensic psychologist in London, whose job involves getting into the minds of serial killers to find out what makes them kill. But she was also a victim of a serial killer….her own father. She was intended to be his last victim, but she narrowly escaped. Now she must face the demons of her past to help police track down a serial killer who is on the loose in London, before he kills again.

This crime thriller was fantastic. I was completely sucked in right from the beginning. It's tense and fast paced which is exactly how I love my thrillers!

Out March 28.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own. My review will be posted on Instagram, Bookbub, Goodreads, and Amazon once it publishes.

I can't believe I haven't read anything by Michael Wood until now. I can't believe I didn't read this author's books before - this is one of the best books I've come across in 2024. I’m on a mission to find out more about the author.

“The Mind of a Murderer” was my kind of book. London is where Dr Olivia Winter practices as a forensic psychologist. She investigates the minds of serial killers to unravel their motivations. She is a survivor. When she was only nine, her mother and sister were killed by her own father, but she managed to get away. It's important for her to find out why he would behave in such a way.

London has a new serial killer on the loose. Dr. Olivia Winter is being called upon by the police for help in catching him. Despite her hesitation, she agrees to cooperate closely with DI Foley in order to apprehend the ruthless murderer. As Olivia tries to identify the killer, she will face the past that have haunted her for years.

This book was so good. Michael quickly grabbed readers' attention with this gripping and shocking book. I really enjoyed the constant activity. The pacing was spot on. Having family from the UK over for a few days was a bit of a nuisance I was so engrossed in this incredible book and couldn't find time to read (I hope they don’t read this review lol). I was completely engaged in the storyline. This book captivated me from the very beginning of its fast-paced plot. The action starts in the very first chapter! I enjoyed the characters. Olivia's father was devious, shrewd, and intelligent. He was a character that readers will love to hate and believe me I haven’t hated a character as much as him!

While I wait for the return of Olivia (coming 2025), I'll check out DCI Matilda Darke.

My thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Dr Olivia Winter is a forensic psychologist asked to help the police profile and find a killer before he kills again.

Gripping and fast paced

I loved it

I'm a huge fan of Michael Wood's writing and his Matilda Darke series is amongst the greatest police procedural series of this generation, so naturally I was a little hesitant at the prospect of a new protagonist, but Dr Olivia Winter didn't take long to steal my heart.

She is a warm, complicated and likeable character who you root for instantly. I loved her relationship to the case and how she worked alongside the police whilst giving her own personal insight into the psychology of the criminal. I loved it, such an interesting case and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read what Olivia gets up to next!

Welcome to the world of Dr Olivia Winter. Olivia is a Doctor of Forensic Phycology, single in her mid thirties and a serial murderer expert. She only works cold cases and despite DI Jessica Sheffield, Olivia’s best friend, asking for her help with a live serial killer investigation she says no. Olivia is also the daughter of a notorious serial killer who murdered her mother and sister and nearly killed her when she was 9 years old. He is now in prison. I really liked Olivia, she’s a great character and this promises to be another fabulous series from this author.

Briefly, when another murder takes place DI Amyas Foley is struggling to deal with what appears to be the latest killing in a series and Olivia is again asked to help to which she agrees. To get into the mind of the killer she reluctantly visits her father in hospital and allows him back into her mind!

The first in a new series and a superb thriller. Can Olivia discover who the killer is before they commit more murders? She does do some rather unwise things in her quest for justice. Real edge of the seat stuff as again Olivia has to come to terms with what happened to her and who her father is. It’s a brutal read, well written with a gripping plot, some fairly graphic scenes (murder and sex) but interspersed with some gentle humour, and a good lead character. I really enjoyed it.

Michael Wood does it again with a 5-star read.
Dr. Olivia Wood has become my new favorite forensic psychologist. This was fast-paced and I couldn't put it down. This was a thrilling read!

📚 The Mind of a Murderer
🖊 Michael Wood
Genre: Thriller
🗓 Publication Date 03/28/24

Thank you HarperCollins UK for the gifted eARC for review considerations. All opinions expressed here are mine alone.

What to Expect:
🔪 Serial killers
🔪 Criminal Psychologist
🔪 Police procedural

🫶 What worked for me...
I am a huge fan of true crime, and I'm also fascinated by the psychology, behavior, and genetic makeup behind what makes a human take the life of another. Considering some of these are major themes in this book, that is truly the reason why this book caught my attention. With that being said, "The Mind of a Murderer" by Michael Wood, although fictional and at times far-fetched, was highly entertaining. While venturing into this book, I became immersed in the narrative with the disturbing relationships between the killer and his victims. It was shocking, suspenseful, and thought-provoking too.

Although the ending was semi-predictable, I did enjoy the author's placement of red herrings throughout the story. Wood did a great job leading the reader on a wild goose chase with Olivia and DI Foley.

🤷‍♀️ What didn't work for me...
I did find a few minor issues with this book, nothing severe enough to warrant losing more than one star. Considering the enjoyment of this book outweighs the negatives.

Firstly, in the beginning of the book, the conversations with Olivia and other characters were unusual. My initial impression of Olivia was that she was somewhat of a loner who preferred her own company. In contrast, the way she would approach unfamiliar characters and ask deep-rooted questions was odd to me. However, those interactions seemed to level off as I got further into the story.

Secondly, I was slightly put off by Olivia's brazen attempt at preserving her own ego towards the end of the book. She is a criminal psychologist, and I would assume she would recognize this danger. In conclusion, I thought it was a slightly cheap attempt at ending the story.

🤔 Would I recommend it...
Yes, I would recommend this book! Especially to anyone who enjoys police procedurals, true crime, and/or a great mystery. Please check trigger warnings before reading, as there are quite a lot.

I have followed this author since reading his Matilda Darke series and he never lets me down

What can I say about this one, absolutely brilliant from the beginning until the end, definitely an edge of seater with great characters.

So looking forward to reading more in his Olivia Winter series which I am sure will be as brilliant as this.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK OMC for this ARC which I have no hesitation in recommending. Well done Michael Wood