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Chapter One
From the bestselling author of the DCI Matilda Darke series and Dr Olivia Winter series, comes a standalone thriller to keep you up all night!
Since being left for dead in a brutal attack, crime writer Aidan Cullen hasn’t left his house. For five years his paranoia and fear have confined him to the walls of his rural home with just his dog for company. Not even his hugely successful, much-longed-for publishing career could tempt him from his self-imposed prison.
But when a murder happens so close to Aidan’s home that he can see the lights of the police cars and the white suits of the forensic team, even his elaborate security system and iron gates can’t keep the world out.
Aidan finds himself at the heart of DS Katherine Marshall’s investigation, as a string of seemingly unrelated murders start to show a terrifying pattern, a pattern that only he can see. As Aidan starts to feel his world closing in on him, his paranoia grows – is someone out to get him, or is it all in his mind?
Since being left for dead in a brutal attack, crime writer Aidan Cullen hasn’t left his house. For five years his paranoia and fear have confined him to the walls of his rural home with just his dog for company. Not even his hugely successful, much-longed-for publishing career could tempt him from his self-imposed prison.
But when a murder happens so close to Aidan’s home that he can see the lights of the police cars and the white suits of the forensic team, even his elaborate security system and iron gates can’t keep the world out.
Aidan finds himself at the heart of DS Katherine Marshall’s investigation, as a string of seemingly unrelated murders start to show a terrifying pattern, a pattern that only he can see. As Aidan starts to feel his world closing in on him, his paranoia grows – is someone out to get him, or is it all in his mind?
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 23, 2023
148 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
June 15, 2025
Successful author, Aidan Cullen, has been a virtual prisoner for the last 5 years. His self enforced isolation is the result of a vicious knife attack where he was left for dead. His paranoia means that he never leaves the house, and (mainly) has only his dog Nanook for company.
Luke, Aidan’s friend from his university days, stays with him as much as he can and is the only person who understands how badly the attack affected Aidan’s mental health, but he works away quite often, so it’s a lonely life for Aidan.
Though he lives in a beautiful house in a picturesque village in the Derbyshire countryside, Aidan’s only solace is his writing - his crime thrillers are a huge success. However, when a murder takes place very close to his home, so close that he can see the detectives and forensics team working at the murder site, he’s terrified that his highly secure home and huge iron gates may not be enough to keep determined intruders out.
Not surprisingly, the police are keen to interview Aidan, and when other murders follow, and a pattern begins to emerge, he begins to think that someone is out to get him, or is that just his paranoia?
This is a truly claustrophobic tale, with the tension building to ever increasing proportions. One can only imagine how the mind begins to play tricks in the dead of night, when you live in an isolated spot with a murderer at large!
*I was invited to read “Chapter One” by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Luke, Aidan’s friend from his university days, stays with him as much as he can and is the only person who understands how badly the attack affected Aidan’s mental health, but he works away quite often, so it’s a lonely life for Aidan.
Though he lives in a beautiful house in a picturesque village in the Derbyshire countryside, Aidan’s only solace is his writing - his crime thrillers are a huge success. However, when a murder takes place very close to his home, so close that he can see the detectives and forensics team working at the murder site, he’s terrified that his highly secure home and huge iron gates may not be enough to keep determined intruders out.
Not surprisingly, the police are keen to interview Aidan, and when other murders follow, and a pattern begins to emerge, he begins to think that someone is out to get him, or is that just his paranoia?
This is a truly claustrophobic tale, with the tension building to ever increasing proportions. One can only imagine how the mind begins to play tricks in the dead of night, when you live in an isolated spot with a murderer at large!
*I was invited to read “Chapter One” by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
June 10, 2025
Another terrific read from this author.. I read the e=book version only showing the audible version... Aiden is a writer of crime thrillers. He lives in the countryside with his dog and friend Luke, a loner as he was stabbed in the past. The culprit was never found...murders were happening near his home. The police were questioning the houses in the area, including Aiden did he know anything.. Will the police find the killer? I guessed the ending. Great writing, and I highly recommend reading his books.. Im looking forward to reading more of his books. ...
May 27, 2025
4.5
It should have been a night of celebration for about to be published author, Aiden Cullen as his novel Out of Darkness will shortly hit the shelves. Instead, he is stabbed and left for dead by three thugs on the floor of the car park of The Bucket of Blood pub in Liverpool. Six years later, he lives in Derbyshire with Nanook, his two year old German Shepherd in Gallows View House, an 18th century property, which is his safe haven, his forever home, purchased with his book sales. He has no close neighbours, he rarely goes out because if they don’t see him, he can’t be attacked. When he’s writing (and he’s very successful and onto his seventh novel now) the world ceases to exist and he's as secure as he can be in his house with its multiple safety features. One evening, blue flashing lights catch his eye and closer scrutiny reveals a forensic team and a white tent - it’s a murder and close to his home. As things worsen, Aiden finds himself at the heart of DS Katherine Marshall’s investigation. How will Aiden cope? One thing is for certain it will increase his already heightened sense of paranoia.
You know that feeling as an avid reader of being in safe hands? That’s how I regard Michael Wood who, in my opinion has done it again and produced an excellent psychological thriller. His portrayal of the damaged and troubled Aiden is outstanding. His panic, anxiety and paranoia are palpable. They’re so well conveyed. I can sense his tension and stress which is frequently off the scale as he unravels. It’s gripping and intense purely and simply because of the characterisation of Aiden. Not only does he seem to be very authentic so does his mental state which is described so well that it makes me root for him and worry about his increasing fragility.
As a consequence of the focus on Aiden, as events in Derbyshire go dramatically wrong with a consequently huge police investigation, so the claustrophobic sensation increases exponentially. Aiden feels trapped and snowed under and so does this reader. The novel starts in a dark way (it is Michael Wood after all!) It gets progressively blacker and bleaker as the situation barrels out of control. What is real and what is not? It’s brimful of suspense, it’s fast paced, exciting and shocking.
It’s a clever novel and although I do guess the outcome, it doesn’t in any way impact on my enjoyment of it, in fact, it’s satisfying to be right!! As for Nanook - he is the star of the show!
Although I read this as an e-book, I think it will work brilliantly as an audible.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
It should have been a night of celebration for about to be published author, Aiden Cullen as his novel Out of Darkness will shortly hit the shelves. Instead, he is stabbed and left for dead by three thugs on the floor of the car park of The Bucket of Blood pub in Liverpool. Six years later, he lives in Derbyshire with Nanook, his two year old German Shepherd in Gallows View House, an 18th century property, which is his safe haven, his forever home, purchased with his book sales. He has no close neighbours, he rarely goes out because if they don’t see him, he can’t be attacked. When he’s writing (and he’s very successful and onto his seventh novel now) the world ceases to exist and he's as secure as he can be in his house with its multiple safety features. One evening, blue flashing lights catch his eye and closer scrutiny reveals a forensic team and a white tent - it’s a murder and close to his home. As things worsen, Aiden finds himself at the heart of DS Katherine Marshall’s investigation. How will Aiden cope? One thing is for certain it will increase his already heightened sense of paranoia.
You know that feeling as an avid reader of being in safe hands? That’s how I regard Michael Wood who, in my opinion has done it again and produced an excellent psychological thriller. His portrayal of the damaged and troubled Aiden is outstanding. His panic, anxiety and paranoia are palpable. They’re so well conveyed. I can sense his tension and stress which is frequently off the scale as he unravels. It’s gripping and intense purely and simply because of the characterisation of Aiden. Not only does he seem to be very authentic so does his mental state which is described so well that it makes me root for him and worry about his increasing fragility.
As a consequence of the focus on Aiden, as events in Derbyshire go dramatically wrong with a consequently huge police investigation, so the claustrophobic sensation increases exponentially. Aiden feels trapped and snowed under and so does this reader. The novel starts in a dark way (it is Michael Wood after all!) It gets progressively blacker and bleaker as the situation barrels out of control. What is real and what is not? It’s brimful of suspense, it’s fast paced, exciting and shocking.
It’s a clever novel and although I do guess the outcome, it doesn’t in any way impact on my enjoyment of it, in fact, it’s satisfying to be right!! As for Nanook - he is the star of the show!
Although I read this as an e-book, I think it will work brilliantly as an audible.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
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June 25, 2025
1-Star DNF @ 8%
Michael Wood - Chapter One
Audible Original: 09:49 Hours - Narrators: Stephen Hogan, Lucy Paterson
Commenced: June 16, 2025
Heard: 00:49 Hours - Balance: 09:00 Hours
I heard only 14 minutes of this but I wasn't in the mood for a psychological 'thriller', so I swapped books. A later listen to another 20 or so minutes elicited a DNF @ 8%
Michael Wood - Chapter One
Audible Original: 09:49 Hours - Narrators: Stephen Hogan, Lucy Paterson
Commenced: June 16, 2025
Heard: 00:49 Hours - Balance: 09:00 Hours
I heard only 14 minutes of this but I wasn't in the mood for a psychological 'thriller', so I swapped books. A later listen to another 20 or so minutes elicited a DNF @ 8%
December 24, 2023
I do not give out 5 stars willy nilly. I'm picky. You've got to blow my socks off to earn them. Michael Wood blew my socks off. I loved every minute of Chapter One. Original, compelling, interesting characters....everything you want in a suspense thriller. Good luck to the next author I read who has to follow this winner.
November 16, 2024
I finished this audiobook yesterday, but had to think about it before rating.
Firstly, I believe that my enjoyment of this book was definitely elevated by the narrator of Aidan, the main character. He seemed to actually inhabit Aidan.
The writing is good, and I could see each character and setting clearly in my mind.
I was engaged with the story right away, a successful writer who is a recluse after being violently attacked one evening. He now lives in a secluded home in a picturesque village in Derbyshire with his dog (sounds idyllic to me). He sees nobody but his best friend, Luke, who lives there too, but works away a lot.
Then come the murders, and Aidan soon realises that each murder is perpetrated in exactly the same way as one of Aidan's books.
My dilemma is that the plot is not original, I knew the ending before being halfway through, and felt cheated!
HOWEVER, I really enjoyed listening almost to the last chapter.
BUT, would I have enjoyed the paperback as much?
Is three stars fair? 🤔
Firstly, I believe that my enjoyment of this book was definitely elevated by the narrator of Aidan, the main character. He seemed to actually inhabit Aidan.
The writing is good, and I could see each character and setting clearly in my mind.
I was engaged with the story right away, a successful writer who is a recluse after being violently attacked one evening. He now lives in a secluded home in a picturesque village in Derbyshire with his dog (sounds idyllic to me). He sees nobody but his best friend, Luke, who lives there too, but works away a lot.
Then come the murders, and Aidan soon realises that each murder is perpetrated in exactly the same way as one of Aidan's books.
My dilemma is that the plot is not original, I knew the ending before being halfway through, and felt cheated!
HOWEVER, I really enjoyed listening almost to the last chapter.
BUT, would I have enjoyed the paperback as much?
Is three stars fair? 🤔
March 19, 2025
That was very clever! Another great story from a new to me author
June 25, 2025
For the majority of Chapter One I was absolutely positive that I’d rate it as 4 🌟 I loved the narration, and the plot was excellent. Murders are being committed and they all match the plots from the first chapters of crime writer Aidan’s books. I was completely hooked and intrigued by our main character.
Toward the latter chapters. I had suspicions of one of two theories bringing an end to the story. Sadly I was correct in the one I really hoped it wouldn’t be. I won’t spoiler at all, but while it really was well written it was disappointing for me.
Included with audible until June 28th
Toward the latter chapters. I had suspicions of one of two theories bringing an end to the story. Sadly I was correct in the one I really hoped it wouldn’t be. I won’t spoiler at all, but while it really was well written it was disappointing for me.
Included with audible until June 28th
November 17, 2023
This was one hell of a well written perspective on a very serious subject from the eyes of first person; we are experiencing the anxiety and confusion this tormented soul is going through. Some might call it a bit predictable, and though I understand what they're getting at, that's not how I see it myself.
This is a story you can't reveal much information about as it will spoil stuff not meant to be spoiled ;)
And damn what a magnificent narration!
This is a story you can't reveal much information about as it will spoil stuff not meant to be spoiled ;)
And damn what a magnificent narration!
May 24, 2025
I read the book which is publishing soon rather than listening to the audio
Wow. Chapter One by Michael Wood is an absolute masterclass in psychological tension. I went in expecting a gripping thriller, but what I got was something far more immersive, emotional, and unsettling, in the best possible way.
The story centres on Aidan Cullen, a once-successful crime writer turned recluse after surviving a horrific attack. For five years, Aidan hasn’t stepped beyond the boundaries of his rural home. His only company: a loyal dog and a crushing sense of fear. Michael Wood paints this isolation so vividly that I could feel the walls closing in around me. It’s claustrophobic, intense, and profoundly disquieting.
Then, a murder occurs right outside Aidan’s sanctuary, and everything changes. DS Katherine Marshall leads the investigation and soon begins to uncover a terrifying pattern. Aidan’s brilliant but unraveling mind becomes the key to unlocking it all. The sense of paranoia builds with every chapter. I found myself questioning every character, every motive, right alongside him.
Wood’s writing is sharp, cinematic, and quietly emotional. He doesn’t just deliver twists and shocks (though there are plenty); he digs deep into trauma, mental illness, and the long shadows cast by violence. I was genuinely moved by Aidan’s struggle. It’s rare for a thriller to evoke this kind of empathy.
As I read, I cycled through fear, sympathy, and a fierce hope that Aidan would find some kind of peace. By the final chapters, I was literally holding my breath. Michael Wood is a genius at pacing, atmosphere, and emotional depth. I especially loved how the title ties into the story, how? No spoilers here… you’ll have to read the book to find out.
Would I recommend Chapter One? Without hesitation. If you love thrillers that combine page turning suspense with rich, character driven storytelling, this is a must-read. Just make sure your schedule is clear, because once you start, you won’t want to stop.
You can follow my reviews at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
Wow. Chapter One by Michael Wood is an absolute masterclass in psychological tension. I went in expecting a gripping thriller, but what I got was something far more immersive, emotional, and unsettling, in the best possible way.
The story centres on Aidan Cullen, a once-successful crime writer turned recluse after surviving a horrific attack. For five years, Aidan hasn’t stepped beyond the boundaries of his rural home. His only company: a loyal dog and a crushing sense of fear. Michael Wood paints this isolation so vividly that I could feel the walls closing in around me. It’s claustrophobic, intense, and profoundly disquieting.
Then, a murder occurs right outside Aidan’s sanctuary, and everything changes. DS Katherine Marshall leads the investigation and soon begins to uncover a terrifying pattern. Aidan’s brilliant but unraveling mind becomes the key to unlocking it all. The sense of paranoia builds with every chapter. I found myself questioning every character, every motive, right alongside him.
Wood’s writing is sharp, cinematic, and quietly emotional. He doesn’t just deliver twists and shocks (though there are plenty); he digs deep into trauma, mental illness, and the long shadows cast by violence. I was genuinely moved by Aidan’s struggle. It’s rare for a thriller to evoke this kind of empathy.
As I read, I cycled through fear, sympathy, and a fierce hope that Aidan would find some kind of peace. By the final chapters, I was literally holding my breath. Michael Wood is a genius at pacing, atmosphere, and emotional depth. I especially loved how the title ties into the story, how? No spoilers here… you’ll have to read the book to find out.
Would I recommend Chapter One? Without hesitation. If you love thrillers that combine page turning suspense with rich, character driven storytelling, this is a must-read. Just make sure your schedule is clear, because once you start, you won’t want to stop.
You can follow my reviews at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
May 2, 2024
I really did not like this production at all.
Aiden is awful- self pitying, whiny, and jarring. The only godsend is one character tells him that to his face, but sadly not until the end.
The main narrators Irish and Scouse accents are so bad, it distracts from the story (which probably isn't a bad thing)
The police officer who befriends Aiden was weak, and overly familiar, making the whole thing feel a bit ridiculous.
The "big reveal" was pretty obvious within the first few chapters, with "clues" being dropped in like terminal announcements- loud and hard to miss.
The ending was super disappointing, going out pretty softly when it could have been so much more powerful.
This story has been done before and better.
The only character I actually warmed to was Nynuk, and he was a German shepherd.......
Aiden is awful- self pitying, whiny, and jarring. The only godsend is one character tells him that to his face, but sadly not until the end.
The main narrators Irish and Scouse accents are so bad, it distracts from the story (which probably isn't a bad thing)
The police officer who befriends Aiden was weak, and overly familiar, making the whole thing feel a bit ridiculous.
The "big reveal" was pretty obvious within the first few chapters, with "clues" being dropped in like terminal announcements- loud and hard to miss.
The ending was super disappointing, going out pretty softly when it could have been so much more powerful.
This story has been done before and better.
The only character I actually warmed to was Nynuk, and he was a German shepherd.......
December 13, 2023
Really enjoyed this. Kept my attention right up until the end.
June 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, and it’s the first book I’ve read by this author. It’s centred around a writer, Aiden, his dog Nanook and his best friend Luke. Six years ago Aiden was stabbed and left for dead, but his friend Luke saved his life and they now live together in the Derbyshire countryside, with Luke staying away frequently for work, so he’s not home all of the time. Aiden is a recluse and very nervous and paranoid after what happened to him, so that really ramps up the tension when he’s home alone and leaves you wondering what is real and what is perhaps his imagination.
It’s a cleverly done story, with plenty of the aforementioned tension and twists and turns, and while I did guess one of the main twists, I’d had a few incorrect guesses throughout the story before that, so it definitely kept me on my toes.
I listened to the audiobook and it was excellently narrated by Stephen Hogan and Lucy Paterson. I thought Stephen Hogan really got under the skin of the character of Aiden brilliantly.
I’ll happily read more by this author.
It’s a cleverly done story, with plenty of the aforementioned tension and twists and turns, and while I did guess one of the main twists, I’d had a few incorrect guesses throughout the story before that, so it definitely kept me on my toes.
I listened to the audiobook and it was excellently narrated by Stephen Hogan and Lucy Paterson. I thought Stephen Hogan really got under the skin of the character of Aiden brilliantly.
I’ll happily read more by this author.
May 20, 2024
Nahhh I knew the ending was going to happen that way the moment that bloody kitchen scene happened and I still gasped. That poor policewoman I am so heartbroken at her fate. The book describing the fear in her eyes. The paranoia to only be your own worst enemy, literally. What an insane concept! The pub stab scene?? Luke’s fate??? That I did not see coming. Poor man. The last few scenes were an absolute whirlwind. The therapist being the MOM. I don’t know how much good this book does, it definitely villainises DID in some way… The chapters in between, the little snippets of the actually published books, were so well done and a good way to explain the murders. I would have given it 4 stars if it didn’t have such a slow pacing 60% of the book. And the endless paragraphs on securing the house were also a bit of a drag.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2023
It’s the contemporary trope equivalent of ‘I woke up and it was all a dream’. I feel bad giving this two stars because it was actually gripping, had a great pace, the narrator was brilliant (forgiving the Liverpudlian accent) and the setting was quite original. Ultimately though, I can’t look past the ending, it was frustrating, I called it early on but hoped the author would offer something more surprising and twisty.
July 27, 2025
this was a 4 star read for me up until the cliche ableist plot twist
Read
June 23, 2025Dnf more for my records. Not for me at the moment. But I can see it is a good book.
June 4, 2025
*Review is for the ebook. Kindle edition not available on Goodreads at this time*
Aidan is a reclusive who lives in a house in the countryside. It is very secluded which is just the way he likes it. He has his pure white German Shephard, Nanook, that lives with him as well as his long time friend, Justin, who uses the house as a stop gap between jobs.
I found myself drawn to Aidan. A crime writer who has cut himself off from civilisation. I mean how many times have we thought how nice it would be to be away from the hustle and bustle and live somewhere tranquil? I know I certainly have although I don’t think I could cut myself off totally. The house in some ways reminded me of a safe haven but at times it felt like a prison.
The pattern of the murders was something I found highly engrossing. I don’t want to say too much but it was very clever. You can feel everything closing in on Aidan with the sense of danger heightening to exhilarating levels. Being a dog lover, I adored Nanook who brings Aidan a sense of purpose and comfort. I also enjoyed the character of DS Katherine Marshall who is working on solving the murders.
Chapter One is the type of story that will mess with your head. I feel like I need therapy after reading it! The tension was hypnotic and there were plenty of shocks in store. The ending left me bereft and feeling quite sombre due to the revelations that I hadn’t seen coming. Dark, intense and so very thrilling, this was an excellent read!
Aidan is a reclusive who lives in a house in the countryside. It is very secluded which is just the way he likes it. He has his pure white German Shephard, Nanook, that lives with him as well as his long time friend, Justin, who uses the house as a stop gap between jobs.
I found myself drawn to Aidan. A crime writer who has cut himself off from civilisation. I mean how many times have we thought how nice it would be to be away from the hustle and bustle and live somewhere tranquil? I know I certainly have although I don’t think I could cut myself off totally. The house in some ways reminded me of a safe haven but at times it felt like a prison.
The pattern of the murders was something I found highly engrossing. I don’t want to say too much but it was very clever. You can feel everything closing in on Aidan with the sense of danger heightening to exhilarating levels. Being a dog lover, I adored Nanook who brings Aidan a sense of purpose and comfort. I also enjoyed the character of DS Katherine Marshall who is working on solving the murders.
Chapter One is the type of story that will mess with your head. I feel like I need therapy after reading it! The tension was hypnotic and there were plenty of shocks in store. The ending left me bereft and feeling quite sombre due to the revelations that I hadn’t seen coming. Dark, intense and so very thrilling, this was an excellent read!
July 3, 2023
I love this authors Matilda Darke police procedural series, and also enjoyed his last standalone. This psychological thriller is also excellent and I listened to it in one day. It is told on two timelines - present day and 10 years ago- mostly from the perspective of Aiden Cullen, a reclusive author, who hasn't left his secluded house for 5 years after being stabbed 10 years ago on the eve of the publication of his first book. Interspersed in the story are the first chapters of several of Aiden's books.
Michael Wood has done an excellent job creating Aiden's state of paranoia and panic and the whole book feels very oppressive. I couldn't stop listening. There were a few shocks along the way, and though I did eventually guess the final twist it didn't spoil my enjoyment.
The narrators (Stephen Hogan and Lucy Paterson) are both excellent, but Stephen Hogan was amazing at creating the character of Aiden.
Michael Wood has done an excellent job creating Aiden's state of paranoia and panic and the whole book feels very oppressive. I couldn't stop listening. There were a few shocks along the way, and though I did eventually guess the final twist it didn't spoil my enjoyment.
The narrators (Stephen Hogan and Lucy Paterson) are both excellent, but Stephen Hogan was amazing at creating the character of Aiden.
July 23, 2025
Aiden Cullen has finally achieved his goal of becoming a published writer. He gets his friends together for a surprise party to announce his news. When he leaves, Aiden is attacked and left for dead.
Six years later and Aiden lives his life as a recluse in Derbyshire. His only companions are his dog, Nanook, and his best friend, Luke, who comes and goes.
When DS Katherine Marshall interviews Aiden following some local murders, Aiden notices that there is a link to him. Living in fear, can Aiden discover what is happening and stop his life from spiralling?
Goodness me, what a clever plot this story has! I was sucked into the tale from the first page, it made for a riveting read.
I liked the characters in the story, and I had a soft spot for Nanook, who is a white German Shepherd. He helped to keep Aiden calm when he was struggling, and you could feel their love for each other.
This is a dark and gritty thriller, where we discover more about Aiden’s life from prior to his attack, and how he copes with life now.
I was surprised by the ending as I hadn’t seen that coming at all, the author weaved his magic and kept me in suspense right up to the end.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Six years later and Aiden lives his life as a recluse in Derbyshire. His only companions are his dog, Nanook, and his best friend, Luke, who comes and goes.
When DS Katherine Marshall interviews Aiden following some local murders, Aiden notices that there is a link to him. Living in fear, can Aiden discover what is happening and stop his life from spiralling?
Goodness me, what a clever plot this story has! I was sucked into the tale from the first page, it made for a riveting read.
I liked the characters in the story, and I had a soft spot for Nanook, who is a white German Shepherd. He helped to keep Aiden calm when he was struggling, and you could feel their love for each other.
This is a dark and gritty thriller, where we discover more about Aiden’s life from prior to his attack, and how he copes with life now.
I was surprised by the ending as I hadn’t seen that coming at all, the author weaved his magic and kept me in suspense right up to the end.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
June 13, 2025
Disappointingly predictable
The main character is depressingly dull, completely paranoid and irritatingly irrational. I listened to the whole book hoping that the very obvious twist that kept leaping out at us, wasn't actually going to be the final twist that we eventually get.....I should have known better, it's in the title....Chapter One. It is the obvious and predicted twist which is disappointing, thankfully I got this as a free download with my Audible membership - had I paid for this book I would have been more upset.
I listened to this on Audible.
The main character is depressingly dull, completely paranoid and irritatingly irrational. I listened to the whole book hoping that the very obvious twist that kept leaping out at us, wasn't actually going to be the final twist that we eventually get.....I should have known better, it's in the title....Chapter One. It is the obvious and predicted twist which is disappointing, thankfully I got this as a free download with my Audible membership - had I paid for this book I would have been more upset.
I listened to this on Audible.
June 15, 2025
Audio version of this book 📕- I wouldn’t recommend listening to this if you want a nice easy listen ! This audio had me so frustrated with the main character it began to stress me out as much as him !! And with being a dog lover, the fact that he never took nanook the puppy for a walk in over 2 years irritated the hell out of me !! 😩🤭 but saying that what a great storyline with a fantastic twist ! Just what I expected from this author 4.5 🌟
June 5, 2025
I am a massive fan of Michael Wood's books and this one is no exception.
Chapter One is about Aidan a reclusive author of crime fiction. Aidan arranges to meet up with his old uni friends to help him celebrate the publication of his first book unfortunately, it doesn't go well leaving Aidan devastated. What happens next is the start of the story which had me holding my breath whilst I was sat on the edge of my seat from the mounting tension. I felt I knew where this book was going, how wrong was I! I initially started listening to this book on Audible but had to stop due to my phobia of a certain animal.
Thanks to One More Chapter, Michael Wood and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Chapter One is about Aidan a reclusive author of crime fiction. Aidan arranges to meet up with his old uni friends to help him celebrate the publication of his first book unfortunately, it doesn't go well leaving Aidan devastated. What happens next is the start of the story which had me holding my breath whilst I was sat on the edge of my seat from the mounting tension. I felt I knew where this book was going, how wrong was I! I initially started listening to this book on Audible but had to stop due to my phobia of a certain animal.
Thanks to One More Chapter, Michael Wood and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
July 23, 2025
Chapter One is a thrilling standalone read. . Aidan Cullen is a successful best selling author, who lives in in isolation with his best friend, Luke, after being a victim of a knife attack several years earlier. I was engrossed in this book and couldn't fathom how it was going to turn out. A surprising finale.
October 9, 2024
Again, another audible banger.
Even tho I at times found it slow going finding out details and actually getting to the plot line. Overall it was good, a quality mystery, thriller that kept me entertained the whole time.
Did kind guess what the outcome would be but not to the extent it was.
Even tho I at times found it slow going finding out details and actually getting to the plot line. Overall it was good, a quality mystery, thriller that kept me entertained the whole time.
Did kind guess what the outcome would be but not to the extent it was.
June 10, 2025
So clever!
July 22, 2023
Struggled with this being audio as I definitely prefer reading!
August 2, 2025
I read this as an e-book. Brilliant!!!
July 25, 2025
Oh, oh, oh. He has only gone and done it again. Just when you think Michael Wood cannot get any more tricksy, he goes and one ups himself with a book that is gripping, entertaining, mysterious and overall just fluffing marvellous. And, if I can be honest here, leaves me just a little concerned about the prospect of ever meeting him in real life. I will not say why, not even for the review, but he knows and anyone who reads this book will understand too ...
This is Aidan's story. Aidan is a writer of crime fiction. In the lead up to the publication of his first novel Aidan is subjected to a violent attack and left for dead. The attack changes his whole life, understandably, turning him into somewhat of a recluse. He goes onto write a series of highly successful books, living in relative, if not a touch isolated, luxury in rural Derbyshire, shunning publicity for the quiet life with his dog Nanook and best friend, Luke. Quiet that is until a series of murders start happening close by to his home, plunging Aidan into unfamiliar territory and into the spotlight in a way he does not enjoy at all. Or maybe it's not so unfamiliar as Aidan has a niggling feeling that the murders are uncomfortably close to home. And I am not just talking literally here.
This is somewhat of a strange reading experience for me. Strange in that I was completely and utterly engrossed in this story, in the mystery, the suspense and the all too tangled web Michael Wood has woven. But, as a principal protagonist, Aidan is a hard character to like. I was completely invested in his narrative, in the detail and the complexities of the murders and the skilful and funway in which Michael Wood has dispatched his victims this time around, if fun is ever really the right word for a series of murders. Aidan is hard work and it's no wonder that Luke and Nanook are his only real friends. The author has done a brilliant job of highlighting his neuroses, understandable to a degree following such an attack, but lordy you'd need the patience of a saint to put up with him. And yet, I was completely intrigued and wanted to see which way this story would turn.
The author employs careful misdirection to try keep the relevant clues in the book hidden until the perfect moment for a reveal. There are a number of ways this could have gone, and with Aidan's paranoia making it hard to always tell fact from fiction, it would be natural for suspicions to hone in on one particular party. With obsessive fans, critics (used in the loosest sense of the word) of Aidan's stories, and an escalation of random acts that seem designed to unsettle Aidan, the mystery around what is really happening is maintained until the end, with a satisfying and smile inducing reveal after what can only be described as quite a shocking escalation of the campaign of terror against Aidan.
What I really liked, and you can tell from the acknowledgements the author really enjoyed writing, were the various first chapters from Aidan's novels that were fed into the main narrative. They go some way to explaining what is happening with the key investigation, without having to push the police outside of the realms of probability by declaring to a civilian the ins and outs of each crime. And as a house bound recluse, there was no cause for our narrator to know what was happening, so this was an ingenious way of bringing context to the mystery. And if Michael Wood ever felt like expanding on those stories himself, I reckon he'd have one or two winners on his hands there. It would be the world's weirdest twist of metafiction if he got sued by Aidan for plagiarism after all ...
If you love Michael Wood's Matilda Darke series and have been enjoying his stand alone thrillers, you will love this one too. If you've already listened to the audiobook, you know what I'm talking about and why this very clever book is one I am most definitely recommending. Suckered in from the very first chapter, I devoured it in record time. I cannot wait to see what this wonderful author's twisted mind cooks up next.
This is Aidan's story. Aidan is a writer of crime fiction. In the lead up to the publication of his first novel Aidan is subjected to a violent attack and left for dead. The attack changes his whole life, understandably, turning him into somewhat of a recluse. He goes onto write a series of highly successful books, living in relative, if not a touch isolated, luxury in rural Derbyshire, shunning publicity for the quiet life with his dog Nanook and best friend, Luke. Quiet that is until a series of murders start happening close by to his home, plunging Aidan into unfamiliar territory and into the spotlight in a way he does not enjoy at all. Or maybe it's not so unfamiliar as Aidan has a niggling feeling that the murders are uncomfortably close to home. And I am not just talking literally here.
This is somewhat of a strange reading experience for me. Strange in that I was completely and utterly engrossed in this story, in the mystery, the suspense and the all too tangled web Michael Wood has woven. But, as a principal protagonist, Aidan is a hard character to like. I was completely invested in his narrative, in the detail and the complexities of the murders and the skilful and funway in which Michael Wood has dispatched his victims this time around, if fun is ever really the right word for a series of murders. Aidan is hard work and it's no wonder that Luke and Nanook are his only real friends. The author has done a brilliant job of highlighting his neuroses, understandable to a degree following such an attack, but lordy you'd need the patience of a saint to put up with him. And yet, I was completely intrigued and wanted to see which way this story would turn.
The author employs careful misdirection to try keep the relevant clues in the book hidden until the perfect moment for a reveal. There are a number of ways this could have gone, and with Aidan's paranoia making it hard to always tell fact from fiction, it would be natural for suspicions to hone in on one particular party. With obsessive fans, critics (used in the loosest sense of the word) of Aidan's stories, and an escalation of random acts that seem designed to unsettle Aidan, the mystery around what is really happening is maintained until the end, with a satisfying and smile inducing reveal after what can only be described as quite a shocking escalation of the campaign of terror against Aidan.
What I really liked, and you can tell from the acknowledgements the author really enjoyed writing, were the various first chapters from Aidan's novels that were fed into the main narrative. They go some way to explaining what is happening with the key investigation, without having to push the police outside of the realms of probability by declaring to a civilian the ins and outs of each crime. And as a house bound recluse, there was no cause for our narrator to know what was happening, so this was an ingenious way of bringing context to the mystery. And if Michael Wood ever felt like expanding on those stories himself, I reckon he'd have one or two winners on his hands there. It would be the world's weirdest twist of metafiction if he got sued by Aidan for plagiarism after all ...
If you love Michael Wood's Matilda Darke series and have been enjoying his stand alone thrillers, you will love this one too. If you've already listened to the audiobook, you know what I'm talking about and why this very clever book is one I am most definitely recommending. Suckered in from the very first chapter, I devoured it in record time. I cannot wait to see what this wonderful author's twisted mind cooks up next.
January 24, 2025
The narration of this audiobook was excellent and elevated the story. Overall a decent plot but the twist was a little too obvious for me which was a shame as it needed something with a little more kick for the ending.
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