WOW. Once I'd started this booki couldn't put it down. It grabbed me from the first page to the last. This second book in Dr Olivia Winter series is brilliant. Thrilling, gory with snippets of humour, but there's also a heartbreaking situation which had me in floods of tears. A motorist is stopped by police they find a dismembered body in the boot of the car. I suspected so many characters in this crime thriller, obviously I was wrong. This is an outstanding 5 star read for me.

I really am enjoying this series. I love getting into a series of books that are police procedural adjacent but have that slight outside slant that means that we aren't always wrapped up in the finer legal aspects of law and order. And with Olivia Winter, a Forensic Psychologist who is often called upon by the police, we have the insider knowledge of investigations with the added bonus of being able to do it her way. And, with this latest investigation once again bringing the story quite close to home for Olivia, we see her exercising freedoms that could prove deadly.

I liked the opening to this book. It seems, on the surface, an innocuous enough situation. Man pulled over by police. In a bit of a rush. Trying to avoid appearing too suspicious. Failing abysmally ... And, this is a Michael Wood novel so you know there is going to be a sting in the tail. Or, in this case, a dismembered body in the boot of the car. Nothing too major then. And it's only the one body. Until it becomes clear that maybe it isn't. Queue police inviting Olivia Winter to help them out. To attempt to get into the mind of a man who may be one of the most heinous, and previously undetected, serial killers that they have met.

The beauty of this case is how the circumstances seem to mirror Olivia's own past to a degree. There is the killer's daughter, Eleanor, who is trying to come to terms with her father's actions. So far so Olivia. It is a slightly altered situation, but the parallels are clear and seeing how Eleanor is impacted by what happens is perhaps predictable, but also a touch infuriating. There is a mystery code that Olivia and her Detective, Linus Sutton, need to crack in order to help them not only identify the killer's other victims, but also locate their remains. This is actually a very clever bit of work on Michael Wood's part. Simple when you see it but perplexing enough to keep us, and Olivia guessing, and not distract us from the actual story itself.

The pacing and tension that build in the book are spot on - nothing less than I'd expect from the author to be fair. There is a mystery that extends beyond the potential additional victims, and this is the one part of the book where we are faced with a lot of red herrings and misdirection, and where the truth is hidden in plain sight. The risk and threat facing Olivia and the wider team grow the closer we move towards the finale. I lied how Michael Wood has developed the additional characters in the book, particularly Linus and his younger colleague, DC Ryan Sweetland. Ryan is a bit of an Olivia-esque character and the potential for the future there is actually quite exciting, so I'm intrigued to see where the author might take this.

The Devil's Code is a fabulously clever, superbly plotted, multiple-murder mystery that kept me completely glued to the page and guessing at the what whys and wherefores practically to the end. With Olivia's father still making his presence felt in her life, it feels like there is still a lot for the author to deliver in this series, and I, for one, am totally here for it. Definitely recommended.

Oh my Olivia is back with a bang and she’s on fire!

Michael Wood has done it again! Fast paced, twisty and plenty of drama! Second books normally bore me but this one DOES NOT disappoint! More drama, more suspense and MORE love for this series!

Dr Olivia Winter is a interesting and complicated character given her childhood experiences. The story line was well thought out and executed and I liked all the codes and the attention to breaking them. In some places it was a little wordy but the book held my interest until the end.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.

Forensic Psychologist Dr Oliva Winter is about to be involved in one of her most disturbing cases yet.
Isaac McFadden has been jailed for murdering a young man in the most horrific way. When his daughter finds a notebook hidden under the floorboards in his home, it appears to contain some sort of code.
Fearing the worst, DI Linus Sutton approaches Olivia to help him solve the code. What they uncover leads them to believe McFadden could have been a serial killer. But he is refusing to talk, so it’s down to Linus and Olivia to crack the code and find any more victims that may be out there.
This case will take Olivia to darker places than she thought possible, but if she can find the truth it will be a price she is willing to pay.
This dark, disturbing, at times heart-breaking, book will keep you guessing until the end. With twists and turns and an ending that took my breath away. It’s crime fiction at it’s best.

What a fantastic read this is, Michael Wood just gets better and better.

I really enjoy this new series and after reading about Dr Olivia Winter in the first book I just had to read more.

The storyline was extremely well written and I was involved in the storyline from the beginning until the end.

I think Dr Winter is a firm contender for Matilda Darker and I can't wait to read number three

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins OMC for this great ARC which I have no hesitation in recommending.

The Devil’s Code

Still suffering from the aftermath of the recent attack she survived by a killer sent by her father, Dr Olivia Winter receives a visit from DI Linus Sutton - he’s travelled down to London from Newcastle and is seeking her expertise on a case he’s working on. Isaac McFadden has been incarcerated for murder after police found him with the dismembered remains of a young man in the boot of his car. This was an open and shut case, or was it? Isaac’s daughter Eleanor found a notebook whilst cleaning out his house, and the contents could change everything - is Isaac a serial killer? The cryptic code within the notebook could lead them to more victims, and Linus needs Olivia to help piece together the complex jigsaw - together can they figure out the secrets hidden within it? With Olivia wresting with her own emotions after a new tv series is released based on her father’s murderous history and attack on her as a child, the spotlight once again is focused on her. Can Olivia put all this aside and discover the meaning of The Devils’ Code?

Wow ok, so Michael is literally one if not my favourite author, so anything that he writes I have to read, then listen to on audible just to make sure I haven’t missed anything! This new series is no different. The Dr Olivia Winter is a lovely fluffy story about a forensic psychologist - JUST KIDDING!! Nothing is fluffy and lovely about this story! It’s so twisty, so scary, so Michael! We got to know Olivia’s back story in the first book, so this one definitely adds another more depth to Olivia’s complex world. We as the reader start to see more of her struggles, as she constantly battles to keep her feelings and emotions at bay. Think about a swan swimming on a lake, lovely and calm on the surface, but paddling feet like mad beneath! She has worked so hard to build up her career and not live in the shadow of what her father did, but somehow, it keeps on following her. From the new TV show that’s being released - a true crime show based on Sebastian’s best selling book about her father, and everything in between. The whole thing with the code was very clever, I had no idea what any of it meant - and I’ve no idea how Michael even thought that up! Sheer brilliance! I liked Linus too, Olivia found a kind of kindred spirit in him, and I hope he comes back in future books!
So basically the book was excellent, really enjoyed it, a great lead in for the next book at the end…I’m sure there’s plenty more to come from Olivia!!
Thank you for letting me read this in exchange for my honest review! 5 stars!!

The Devils Code by author Michael Wood had me gripped and reading late into the night.

This is 2nd in the series of Dr Olivia Wood and is such a good read.

A body is found in Isaac's car boot and he is swiftly sentenced, but upon searching his house someone comes across a book that indicates that there may be more bodies that are hidden elsewhere.

I love Olivia as a character, she is head strong and knows how to get things completed and done.

I was literally hooked on reading The Devil's Code, Michael Wood seems to be very good at gripping the reader and taking them along on this very intense read.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and author for allowing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A blockbuster of a murder mystery and the second Dr Olivia Winter novel. Olivia is a forensic psychologist with a unique story. She is the surviving daughter of a serial killer father and built a business around her knowledge. She and best friend Sebastian run the Behavioural Science Administration. Olivia still has her demons, living with survivors guilt, and is concerned about the forthcoming TV drama about her father, but she has to put this to one side to deal with a new, dangerous and very complex case.

Briefly, in Newcastle Isaac McFadden has been stopped by the police who discover a dismembered body in the boot of his car. He has declined to speak and is sentenced to life for murder. Clearing out his house his daughter finds a coded book which suggests McFadden may have many more deaths to his name. The police call in Olivia for help.

In a dark gruesome book the clues are there, if you can spot them, in the coded handbook. Can you work them out and find the killer before Olivia? This book grabbed me from the start and hung on until the very last page. Fast paced, brutal, violent, with great twists, and absolutely brilliant!

Dr Olivia Winter is back baby!!
This is the second book in the Dr Olivia Winter series.
I loved the first book and the second book is as dark as the first.
The book is fast-paced and again full of twist and turns. I like how Michael uses red herrings to confuse the reader.
The characters are complex and I love how Dr Olivia Winter tries to get into the mind of serial killers especiallywith her background (you should read the first book).
I truly recommend this series, but I need to warn you…This series is very dark and disturbing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and HarperCollins UK for this copy.

Dr Olivia Winter is a forensic psychologist whose job is to understand the minds of serial killers.
This time around she’s brought in to help DI Linus Sutton of Northumbria Police, who believes they may have a serial killer on their hands.

Isaac McFadden was driving along the A1 near Newcastle when he was pulled in by the police, and when asked to open the boot of his car, he seemed awfully reluctant. The reason soon becomes evident, because Isaac has bags of body parts in there!

A search of his home reveals a journal that points to him being a serial killer. The journal shows pages of cryptic clues, alongside what appears to be trophies of his victims, and DI Sutton, Olivia, and assistant DC Ryan Sweetland, are really going to be tested by this horrific case.

This is a chilling read, with the tension becoming unbearable at times, but it’s deeply engaging and thought provoking, not to mention very clever. It goes without saying that it is well written (Well Michael Wood wrote it)! Highly recommended.

Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and Harper Collins uk.and the fantastic author Michael Wood for an early copy of his book to read.

This is book 2 in this fantastic series,one of my favourite authors. After a police stop they discover a dismembered body in the boot of the car.the killer arrested his daughter discovered a notebook in his home containing codes is there more victims?..A psychologist Dr Olivia Winter who father is a serial killer can she help solve the codes? Another brilliant crime read keeping you guessing.looking forward to reading the next instalment and more books from this brilliant author. A five star review from me.

This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon and waterstones.

Michael Wood did it again!! I am loving this Dr. Olivia Winter series. Isaac McFadden - Is he a serial killer? Did he have an accomplice? Who? Olivia is pulled in to find out while also dealing with the public finding out about her past and a series being made about her dad. Twisted and clever - this one kept me guessing and on my toes.

Thanks to Harper Collin’s UK and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

Oh my goodness!!! Michael Wood just gets better and better! I didn't think he could improve on his amazing Mathida Darke series but his Olivia Winter series is certainly giving it a run for it's money! I love my psychological murder thrillers dark and disturbing but clever, and this describes The Devil's Code perfectly. I'm sure Michael is a perfectly nice man but his brain can certainly come up with some very twisted, disturbing stories (for which I am very thankful). I dived straight in and didn't come up for air until I was finished. It's that good!! Definitely not one to be missed especially that brilliant ending. Can't wait for the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Oh my word! The Mind of a Murderer was my first Michael Wood book, and since then I have started his Matilda Drake series. I have eagerly been waiting for the second Olivia Winter book, and The Devils Code did not disappoint. This book is brilliant, just so clever and so addictive. I do enjoy a serial killer case and these books are just detailed and thought provoking.

Olivia is drawn into a case in Newcastle, when a journal is discovered in the home of Isaac McFadden by his daughter after his arrest and incarceration. Isaac was pulled over and bags of body parts were discovered in his boot. Now it seems that was not the first of his crimes. In the notebook is a cryptic code, that along with the box of trophies, have Olivia determined to find the truth.

I loved that Olivia was working with a different team this time. DI Sutton and DC Ryan Sweetland were both really interesting characters, and the 3 of them worked really well together. All of them have their demos, Olivia more than anyone, but they use them together to find the clues and try to crack the code.

Olivia is still and always will be dealing with her past, and a TV drama about her father about to air is hard for her to avoid. Losing herself in a new case is just what she needs. I love learning more about her and look forward to more in book 3. These books are intense and extremely dark and messy, just as I like them.

Another easy 5 star read from a new auto read author for me. Thank you so much to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for introducing me to Michael Wood. Publishes on March 28th

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.

Overall rating : 5*
Writing skill : 5*
Plot: 5*
Pace: 5*
Characters: 5*
All the body parts: 5*

I’ve just finished reading this book and oh boy what a rollercoaster. It’s second in a series but can absolutely be read as a stand alone. It’s got twists, it’s got turns, it’s got blood, it’s got body parts. What more could you possibly want?! I also gave book one 5 stars, so if you’re a thriller lover, crime procedural connoisseur or a serial killer binger, please pick up this series. 100% for fans of Chris carters Robert Hunter series.

Also, what a way to end the acknowledgments. When the hell is book 3?!?!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I first discovered this author in the summer of 2024 when I read the first book in the Olivia Winter series.
I was immediately taken by the writing style, characters and the depth of story telling.
As a result of this I searched out other books by this author and am working my way through the Maltida Darke series.

Back to this book however, The narrative continues from book 1 in the series and although it does contain a completely new case for Olivia to get involved in, there is still references to events from book 1 and as such I would recommend reading it first if you haven't already.

From the moment the first body is discovered by complete luck, you just know that the level of crime involved will grow legs and arms (no pun intended). Strap yourself in and read on, you're in for a treat. Here's to book three involved Olivia Winter.

Another excellent novel by Michael Wood. This brings the reader together with Dr Olivia Winter again who has had an extremely hard childhood with the fact her father is Richard Button serial killer. Olivia herself has obvious issues surrounding this trust being one of them.

The Devil's Code starts with Isaac McFadden being pulled over by the police where they find a body he is arrested and gives the police zero information. However the police find a book allegedly written by McFadden. Dr Winters is called in to try and piece together the evidence and speak to people closet to him his daughter and neighbour with the hope of finding out what happened to the victims.
Another great story that draws you in from the 1st page.

Thank you for advanced copy and looking forward to next installment.

When I read ‘The Mind of a Murderer’ the first book in the Dr Olivia Winter series it blew me away. So, I was so excited to receive a copy of ‘The Devils code’
When Isaac Mc Fadden is stopped by Tyne and Wear police. He thinks he has been stopped for speeding. But when they ask him to open the boot of his car. The Police find more than they have bargained for. When they find chopped is body parts in the boot of his car.
When D.I Linus Sutton interviews him, all Isaac can say is no comment. But later on, when his daughter Eleanor is going through his things, she finds a notebook regarding more bodies and trophies which belonged to the victims.
Dr Olivia Winter is asked to assist the investigation due to her expertise and the similarities between Issac and her father. But she has also got problems of her own as the details of her father’s life is gone viral and they are even making a TV true crime documentary about his killing spree.
Wow what can I say ‘The Devil’s code’ is another 5-star read from me for this very talented author. This is more of a slow burn. But I enjoyed this, nevertheless. It is dark, tense thriller and quite graphic, the author is good at visualizing what it is like to get into a killer’s mind. It also made me feel a bit uncomfortable at times so I would say this is not for the fainted hearted. But saying that, the author must be doing something right as I couldn’t get enough. I hope it’s not too long to wait for the next one…

A brilliant book with edge of your seat storyline. I love Michael Wood and this book did not disappoint. I would thoroughly recommend.