I so wanted to like The Mind of a Murderer by Michael Wood, but something about it had me struggling to get through it. I love his Matilda Darke series, but this new one left me feeling kind of irritated and icky.

As another reviewer stated, Olivia came across as whiny, and the information about her was repetitive (i.e., riding a scooter because she hated London traffic). This really pulls me out of a story when I’m hit over the head with information already mentioned about a character. I don’t need to be reminded all the time throughout the book.

Also, there are some raunchy sex scenes that I felt did not need to be included in the book. You can allude to that but it doesn’t need to be so graphic in a mystery thriller book.

I won’t be reading any more from this series. I rate this a 2.5 out of 5 stars (rounded to 3).

#NetGalley @OneMoreChapter_

PHENOMENAL!!! Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

ADDICTIVE!! Buckle up for an exhilarating journey through an intense, profoundly compelling crime thriller that promises to grip your senses and keep you breathlessly guessing until the very last moment, leaving your heart pounding with excitement!! The Mind of a Murderer is the first book in the "Dr. Olivia Winter" series, is unequivocally a MASTERPIECE!! With its lightning-fast pacing, riveting suspense, adrenaline-fueled action, palpable tension, jaw-dropping twists, multi-dimensional layers, skillfully placed red herrings, spine-tingling and unsettling moments, and a genuinely shocking conclusion all contribute to an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page!! Another thriller to add to my favorites for 2024!!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Dr. Olivia Winter, a forensic psychologist, specializing in understanding the minds of serial killers, faces an unprecedented challenge: understanding the one monster she cannot fathom-her own father. Infamous for his brutality, he unleashed a reign of terror until his capture, with Olivia narrowly escaping as his intended final victim. Now, with a new serial killer terrorizing London, Olivia's expertise is urgently sought by the police to profile the perpetrator before more lives are claimed. But to confront this new threat, Olivia must first confront her own deepest fears, navigating a perilous journey through the shadows of her past.

In summary, it's a deeply twisted and psychological unsettling crime thriller that captivated me from beginning to end! This is my first read by this author, and I am already a devoted fan, eagerly anticipating delving into more of his literary works! I cannot recommend this book enough and it deserves ALL the stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Mind of a Murderer and oh boy it really was I’m at a loss to describe how absolutely brilliant this book was but one thing I know is that it’s far too good to miss!
The story was so compulsive and try as I might to guess the perpetrator I got it wrong and more than once I have to say !
It’s a clever and well thought out read and goes at a fair old pace keeping you on your toes as what the heck was going to happen next. The characters are all so well written and believable and I suspected them all at one time and another o y to be foiled, and I loved that.
So please don’t miss this one especially if you are lover of serial killer thrillers this is up there with the best and as I said one that is far too good to miss and I’m looking forward to more to come from Michael Wood in the future.
My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m not going to say too much because I might give things away!!

There’s been a number of stabbings and the police need someone with specialist skills to help consult on the case - bring in Olivia Winter.

Olivia holds her own secrets… can she keep her demons to one side in order to catch a killer?

I was HOOKED from the first chapter… I absolutely LOVED this book. The book was fast paced, full of twists and twists you didn’t see coming. I thought I had it worked out then I didn’t! Having never read anything by this author before I am now off to find something else of his to read! I will patiently await for another book!!!!

Thank you to Michael Wood, the publisher One More Chapter/Harper Collins and NetGalley.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of The Mind of a Murderer by Michael Wood due to be published March 28, 2024.
A serial killer is loose in London. Who better than to help capture him than someone who survived a brutal attack from a serial killer when she was only nine years old – Dr. Olivia Winter. The strange thing is Olivia’s attempted killer was her own father who had already murdered the rest of her family.
Can Olivia and DI Foley catch the killer before he strikes again?
I have always loved true crime shows (don’t judge!) so this book sounded intriguing, and it didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed the characters in the book. Olivia was so obviously hesitant to trust anyone, which was perfectly normal understanding what happened to her when she was a child.
DI Foley was a thoughtful man, good at his job, but always open for suggestions from Olivia or any of his teammates. Olivia’s neighbor, Sam, was creepy to say the least. The author gave good insights into a serial killer’s mind and why he might commit the killings. I enjoyed the parallels of the current killings and the workings of Olivia’s father’s additions to solving the cases. And I didn’t guess who the serial killer was!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book – my first from author Michael Wood.
.#NetGalley #MichaelWood #HarperCollinsUKOneMoreChapter #TheMindofaMurderer

𝑰𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒔. 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆.

I've never read this author before, and when I got in bed last night, I intended to read a few chapters to lull myself to sleep. I was at 70% before I knew it and made myself stop to save the rest. This was the very definition of a deftly paced, high stakes thriller with a strong female protagonist who was easy to admire.

As a true crime junkie, the premise of the book grabbed me. Dr. Olivia Winter, a forensic psychologist, works to understand the minds of serial killers. However, there is one who has eluded her and defied understanding for years, and that's her father. Her mother and sister, along with several other women, fell victim to him, but Olivia managed to escape. The only problem is, she's still running.

When a string of violent stabbings take over London, the police are desperate for Olivia's help. The killer is targeting single women alone in their homes, but there is no sign of forced entry. What links these killings together? Olivia reluctantly agrees but in doing so, will she make herself a target?

There was no down time in this book, and every piece of information was important. I was so glad to see the author's backlist, which I'll now be rooting through. Thank you to Harper Collins and One More Chapter for this early read. This title will publish March 29, 2024.

I am blown away. “The Mind of a Murderer" by Michael Wood is a gripping exploration of the psychology behind some of the most notorious criminals. This book delves deep into the minds of murderers, offering insightful analysis and shedding light on the factors that drive individuals to commit such heinous acts. His writing is engaging and well-researched, making this book both informative and compelling for readers interested in the intricacies of criminal behavior and forensic psychology.

“The Mind of a Murderer” is a captivating journey into the intricate workings of the criminal mind. Wood provides a fascinating exploration of the psychological underpinnings of some of history's most infamous murderers. With meticulous attention to detail, he dissects case studies, delves into forensic evidence, and offers profound insights into the complex interplay of factors that culminate in acts of extreme violence.

One of the book's most compelling aspects is Wood's ability to humanize the individuals behind the crimes. Through careful analysis and empathy, he portrays murderers not as monstrous caricatures, but as multifaceted individuals shaped by their experiences, upbringing, and psychological vulnerabilities. By shining a light on the human side of these individuals, Wood challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable reality that anyone could be capable of committing such atrocities under the right circumstances.
Throughout the book, Wood maintains a delicate balance between academic rigor and narrative storytelling, ensuring that readers remain engaged from start to finish. Each chapter unfolds like a gripping detective story, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the final revelations. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or simply curious about the complexities of human behavior, "The Mind of a Murderer" is a must-read that will leave you pondering the depths of the human psyche long after you've turned the last page.

This book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat! Just when I thought I’d figured it out, I was wrong. And then wrong again! I’ve never read anything by this author and now I’m interested in seeing what else they have written. Full of suspense and intrigue, a definite recommendation from me.

The Mind of a Murderer by Michael Wood is an exhilarating journey into the darkest corners of human nature that will leave readers breathless. Right from the onset, Phoebe Harper's discovery sets a chilling tone for the narrative that unfolds with relentless pace and intensity. The plot thickens as a serial killer, with a history as dark as the night, roams the streets, leaving the Metropolitan Police desperate for answers. Enter Dr. Olivia Winter, a forensic psychologist with a troubled past and a keen intellect, whose involvement in the case is as reluctant as it is critical. Her personal demons, intertwined with the investigation, add a compelling depth to the narrative that is both haunting and riveting.

Michael Wood has outdone himself, not only sustaining the brilliance of his previous works but elevating it to new heights in this gripping series debut. The narrative is a masterclass in suspense, weaving a complex web of twists, turns, and red herrings that ensnares the reader from start to finish. The meticulous plotting, akin to the layers of a matryoshka doll, reveals surprises at every turn, making it impossible to put down.

The character development is superb, particularly that of Olivia, whose backstory is as heart-wrenching as it is fascinating. Her resilience and determination shine through, offering a nuanced portrayal that is both admirable and deeply human. The dynamics between Olivia and DI Amyas Foley add an additional layer of intrigue, promising exciting developments in future installments.

Wood's exploration of the mind of a serial killer is both chilling and meticulously researched, striking a fine balance between horror and fascination. The narrative's pace, akin to a high-speed rollercoaster, coupled with its intricately crafted plot, ensures a reading experience that is as intense as it is satisfying. The finale, true to Wood's style, is both shocking and brilliantly executed, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this compelling series.

Loving the new genre of women trained as forensic psychologists, criminologists, etc who work with, sometimes reluctantly, various law enforcement depts to assist in usually a serial murder case. These woman are brilliant, and often beautiful at top of their game, outsiders, with fascinating backgrounds that bring them into this dedicated field. Here’s a new series I’m going to love and can’t wait for the next one. Olivia Winters is all of the above with the added kicker of a serial killer for her dad, who killed her mother and sister. Now, Olivia is working on a current serial killer and needs to know the mind of a murderer. So who can she turn to. Yep, she keeps it in the family. Kept me reading all night.

Forensic psychologist Olivia Winter agrees to help a police detective friend identify a serial killer. I fell for the misdirection and kept second guessing every theory. I have to give credit to the author for keeping me on my toes like that. I enjoyed trying to figure out who the killer was.

I was disappointed with the two-dimensional way in which the author wrote Olivia. She was supposed to be an educated, independent, capable, sorta paranoid woman, but Olivia’s entire personality was her job and her past (and those are closely related, too). Tragically, her only non-murder dialogue is a vapid exchange with a friend about recent dates and some salacious whispering during multiple, unbelievable sexual encounters with a complete stranger. (Nobody is banging in the locker room at the swimming pool, and someone as concerned as Olivia about personal security is not going to summon a stranger to her house for a booty call.)

The worst part, however, is when she says she feels “sad” for her would-be rapist because he’s “just lonely and confused” and wants to help keep him out of prison. Hard pass on that.

This is going to be a series, so I hope they get an actual woman to read the next one before it gets published. The author could benefit from a little more understanding of real, live women.

Another brilliant book by Michael Wood. I was very pleased to note in the acknowledgements he's making Olivia Winter into a series. I'm sure she'll be as successful and popular as Matilda Darke who I love. If you love gruesome murders and clever characters with intelligent twists Michael Wood is the go to author and this is a very good book for you to begin with. I was in a bit of a reading slump after finishing an exceptionally good book and The Mind of a Murderer has thankfully got me out of it. Recommended for all crime fans!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely love books by Michael Wood and this was no exception. This author really has a way of telling a story that is totally captivating. Doctor Olivia Winter has built a career dealing with investigating the minds of serial killers to see what makes them carry out the actions they do and mainly why they do it, this is a subject very close to Olivia's heart as her whole life has been transported into this world due to the family she is related to. Another serial killer is now on the loose and Olivia is requested by the police to help delve into this and try to stop future deaths from occurring. This is the beginning of another powerful story from this author.

I did wonder how this new character would be presented to us after such a strong previous character in Matilda Darke but I am happy to say Michael Wood has really provided the reader with another strong female lead and I am eager to see where he takes her in future books, I am very keen to see how she is developed moving forward. A strong plot that moves at a fast pace with lots of tension and suspence that keep you engaged and wanting more. I really cannot recommend these books highly enough.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

A good story with great characters.
But there’s a but.
If, like me you are a crime fiction junkie, you are going to find this story familiar.
Dr Olivia Winter, the main character is brilliantly written. Slightly flawed, a little bit introvert, but with steely determination.
A world renowned expert on serial killers who will not get involved in active investigations.
Until one hits very close to home.

Just when you thought this wonderful writer couldn't get any better....! I have often remarked that Michael Wood is one of the most underrated writers in contemporary crime fiction, and this superb novel confirms it. His Matilda Darke series is brilliant and this new strand promises to be even better. Great writing, excellent plotting and fascinating characters, this novel has it all. Dr Olivia Winter is the daughter of a serial killer and an expert in forensic psychology and her personal life is as fsacinating as her professional preoccupations. More please!

The prestigious Dr. Olivia Winter has spent her life digging into the mind of serial killers. She refuses to work on active cases, only closed cases where the killer has been apprehended. There's only one she will not discuss... her father, Richard who is serving a life sentence for killing 6 people including Olivia's mother and sister. Even though she escaped, she was not left untouched and she still has the scars to prove it.
Now there's a new killer terrorizing London and the police are adamant that Olivia is the only one who can help them. As the killer escalates, will she be able to help the police find him before she becomes his latest victim?

Olivia Winter another strong character from this author makes what one hopes is her debut in this fascinating brutal thr.iller. A serial killer on the loose and the police need help so who better than a doctor who specialises in the study of killers and there motives in an attempt to recognise signs that may prevent their actions. Initially reluctant to be involved due to her own secret past the murder of her best friend who was a detective on the case forces her hand. What follows is a twisty blood soaked tale with shock revelations throughout. All building to the super climax.

I absolutely love this book. I must admit I was worried before. I started it that I would miss Matilda but I was wrong very wrong. As soon as I started it, I was completely absorbed. The character of Olivia is very genuine and very likable and I love love Stanley the dog. From a shocking starting (usual of Michael) all the way through to the last. Paragraph I was completely and utterly hooked. I think I have read all of Michaels books and the characters just come to life it’s like they are in front of you. The story twist and turns, and I’ll be honest I didn’t guess the culprit! I’ll be surprised if I read a better book this year, that’s how much I enjoyed it more Olivia please, just don’t forget Matilda! Thanks to the publisher for an early copy.

Oh, I liked this book. I liked it a lot. It's one of those books that just has a brilliant, blend of character, story and pacing which means that I just ate it up. And although I know the author has a legion of fans who demand more and more Matilda, I really thing that with Olivia Winter he has hit on another winner and I, for one, am loving it.

The Mind of a Murderer, introduces readers to Dr Olivia Winter, a Forensic Psychologist who specialises in getting into the minds of serial killers. But rather than chasing glory on the back of live cases, Olivia prefers life a step away from the limelight, researching and interviewing those already caught, looking for patterns in behaviour to help identify potential serial killers before they find their calling. At least until a childhood friend approaches her for help on an active case which turns Olivia's whole world upside down. There is a killer on the loose in London, a sadistic individual who subjects their victims to vicious and prolonged attacks before going on to murder them. With no forensic evidence, understanding the killer's psychology is the key to uncovering their identity and, unfortunately for Olivia, she is uniquely positioned to understand them.

Unfortunate for Olivia, fabulous for us as readers. Olivia has a difficult past, to say the least, one which informs the woman she has become. Somewhat of an introvert, she keeps her cards close to her chest, with a very small but trusted circle of friends. She is not a recluse, but she is as close to a loner as someone who interviews killers for a living can be. I actually liked her a lot, and Michael Wood has done a great job in establishing her history without allowing it to take over the narrative, making her sympathetic but also very determined and astute. She is troubled, and her past is set to continue to haunt her to an extent that I'm really excited to see play out over the course of the series. The characters that inhabit her world are varied and add texture and suspicion to her life. There is a lot of misdirection and perhaps even misinformation to a degree, so it is hard to know who, if anyone, to trust. With perhaps one notable exception, DI Foley, there were times when I was left questioning everyone that Olivia knew. There was only one person who really showed their true colours from the start, and even they pulled the odd trick or two along the way.

This is an intense read at times. As readers we are present as the killer meets their victim, can feel the panic and fear that grows as they begin to understand the trouble they are in. It is not necessarily gratuitous in they way it is portrayed on the page - it doesn't need to be. Fear, and the torturous wait for the inevitable is what really drives the tension in this book and whilst it is violent, it is the psychological aspects of each attack that matter more. I like the way the author subverts expectations at times, throws what people think they might know on its head, and is not afraid to throw in the odd shock or surprise in order to really make us sit up and take note. There is a constant feeling or urgency and threat that feeds through the book, that sense that things are escalating and building towards some kind of ultimate showdown, that had me turning the pages at pace.

If you like a dark, edgy thriller, with brilliant characters and more than the odd shock or surprise, then this is a book you really ought to take a look at. Fans of the author will love it as it has all of his trademark tension and willingness to take the book in directions you really rather it wouldn't go. I'm really looking forward to seeing what might come next. Knowing Mr Wood it could be absolutely anything, but I am totally here for it.

This is the first book in a new series by Michael Wood one of my favourite authors. Olivia Winter is a renowned forensic psychologist who has met and interviewed notorious serial killers but she has a secret that makes her interest in these people astonishing. One thing Olivia hadn’t been involved in before is a live case, until now. Her best friend Jessica is a detective working on a case in London and she asks for Olivia’s help. Olivia turns Jessica down as she sees involvement in live cases as that of a profiler which she is not. Olivia soon regrets her decision and is approached by DI Foley Jessica’s colleague also asking for her help. I had enormous expectations of this book and it didn’t disappoint. My heart was in my mouth at one point as I hardly dare turn the page. Thank you to net galley and One More Chapter for an advanced copy.